Kalyan Banerjee

From his humble beginnings in Asansol, West Bengal, to his current position as a two-term Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Serampore constituency, Banerjee's journey is a testament to his sharp legal acumen.

Born in 1957, Banerjee's life has been intricately woven with the fabric of West Bengal politics. He honed his legal skills at the Bankura Sammilani College and Ranchi Law College, eventually establishing himself as a prominent advocate in the Calcutta High Court since 1981. His courtroom prowess wasn't confined to personal cases; Banerjee actively took up numerous causes close to the hearts of the people, particularly those related to land acquisition, human rights, and social injustices. Notable among these were the Rizwanur Rahman case, the Nandigram land acquisition issue, and the Bhikari Paswan case.

Banerjee's political calling bloomed in the early 2000s. He joined the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and soon rose through the ranks, becoming the party's General Secretary in 1998. His political acumen and legal expertise proved invaluable to the TMC, propelling him to electoral success in the 2001 West Bengal Assembly elections. He served as an MLA for five years, further solidifying his reputation as a vocal advocate for the underprivileged.

The year 2009 marked a pivotal turning point in Banerjee's career. He contested and won the Serampore Lok Sabha seat, making his foray into national politics. His maiden term in Parliament was marked by active participation in debates, astute questioning of the government, and a relentless pursuit of issues concerning his constituency and beyond. His legal background proved instrumental in scrutinizing legislation and advocating for policy changes that resonated with the common people.

Recognizing his leadership qualities and unwavering commitment, the TMC entrusted Banerjee with the crucial role of Chief Whip of the party's Lok Sabha contingent in 2011.

Banerjee's second term as MP (2014-2019) witnessed him continuing his dedicated service. He served on various parliamentary committees, including the House Committee and the Joint Committee on the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015. His contributions to these committees were instrumental in shaping legislation that protected the rights of vulnerable communities.

In the 2019 general elections, Banerjee once again emerged victorious from Serampore, reiterating the faith his constituents placed in his leadership. He retained his seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, assisting the INDIA alliance in its impressive performance.