Kolkata: TMC rebel camp MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar’s son Baidyanath announced on X that he would return all gifts received from TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, including a gold necklace gifted to his wife on their wedding two years ago and a panjabi-pyjama set he got on Durga Puja, triggering trolling on social media. He said the move was a matter of personal conscience and that he had also initiated legal action against Mamata and several TMC seniors, seeking public apology over statements against him and his mother. Reacting to Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar’s X post, netizens questioned the “timing” of the return of gifts. Some called the move “ridiculous”, while others said it was politically motivated. “I am grateful for the gesture (of Mamata), but in view of recent events and as a matter of personal conscience, I feel it is appropriate to return these gifts,” the post read.“The necklace is kept in a bank locker. I will return all these gifts along with an amount equivalent to the interest accrued on the value of the gold necklace over the last two years. I will send them to her Kalighat residence as soon as possible,” he later told reporters.Baidyanath accused Mamata and some TMC netas — including Sougata Ray, Kalyan Banerjee, Mahua Moitra and Sonali Guha — of making defamatory remarks against him and his family. Reacting to the controversy, Sougata said, “All these comments made by Kakoli’s son are unnecessary, childish and baseless. His decision to return the gifts to Mamata Banerjee is ridiculous. If I receive any legal notice, I will respond appropriately .”
