Days After the Mimicry Row, Dhankhar Says Happy Birthday to TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee and Asks Him to Dinner

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee expressed gratitude to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for his birthday greetings in an uncommon display of political camaraderie. The leader of the TMC alleged that the chairman of the Rajya Sabha had invited him and his spouse to supper at his Delhi home.

Banerjee remarked on X, “I appreciate the Vice President’s kind birthday wishes. I’m overjoyed that he personally spoke with my wife over the phone and gave my family his blessings. He also extended an invitation to my spouse and me to supper at his Delhi home with his family.

This occurred a few days after the TMC chief sparked controversy by imitating the Rajya Sabha Chairman, and Congressman Rahul Gandhi recorded the performance on his phone during an MPs’ protest at the Makar Dwar complex that was halted during the winter session of Parliament.

Banerjee said at the time that his imitation of Dhankhar was a “art form”, that he had a “fundamental right to do so”, and that he would go on doing so for a “thousand times”.

Later, Dhankhar referred to himself as a “sufferer” and said that one must always stay on the road of service, even in the face of insults and affronts, perhaps alluding to the mimicking episode.

Additionally, he said that although it is important to respect other people’s viewpoints, when such viewpoints are intended to divert others from their intended course, individuals need to demonstrate their “spinal strength.”

When Dhankhar was West Bengal’s governor before becoming Vice President, ties between him and the leaders of the Trinamool Congress party broke down.