Mamata Banerjee, other TMC leaders receive legal notice from rebel MP Kakoli’s son amid Barasat ticket row
The Statesman | 15 June 2026
A fresh political flashpoint has gripped the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar, son of rebel TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, has moved a legal notice against former West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and senior party leaders, rejecting claims that he sought a Barasat Assembly Constituency ticket.
The notice has been sent to TMC leaders, including Mahua Moitra, Kalyan Banerjee, Sougata Roy, and Sonali Guha, demanding a public clarification and apology within 15 days.
The development comes at a time when the TMC is facing internal tensions following its performance in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with differences reportedly emerging between party leaders and the leadership of Mamata Banerjee and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
In a post on X, Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar alleged that Mahua Moitra had made false claims about his mother seeking an MLA ticket for him.
“Mahua Moitra has falsely claimed that my mother was crying for an MLA ticket for me. 100 % lies. Disagreements should be fought politically, not by dragging private individuals and family members into the dispute. I reserve my legal rights,” he posted.
In another post, Baidyanath stated, “I categorically deny claims that I or my mother, Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, sought a Barasat Assembly ticket. I also deny statements allegedly made that my mother and I consume alcohol.”
The legal notice called Baidyanath “a distinguished psychiatrist and medical professional” and stated that he “enjoys a reputation for academic excellence, professional integrity, and public respect.”
The notice said allegations suggesting that he wanted a political nomination from Barasat were incorrect.
He categorically denied these assertions. He stated that he neither sought nor desired any nomination for the Barasat Assembly Constituency and had no political ambition in that regard.
The legal notice also claimed that representatives linked with the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) had approached Baidyanath multiple times and encouraged him to contest from the Barasat Assembly segment.
“My client further states that i-PAC representatives associated with political consultancy and organisational activities repeatedly approached him and requested that he consider contesting from the Barasat Assembly segment,” it added.
The notice further mentioned TMCP functionary Sohom Pal, alleging that he contacted Baidyanath through WhatsApp and encouraged him to contest elections while inviting him to attend health camps in Barasat.
“Every week, representatives from the Indian Political Action Committee, TMCP President Suhom Pal would call Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar to attend health camps in Barasat,” the notice stated.
Baidyanath has maintained that claims linking him to a Barasat ticket demand are “false and defamatory” and has sought a public apology within the given period.