On Thursday, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee commented that Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections revealed a “gender bias” among American citizens. The seasoned politician, however, expressed his respect for the mandate that has gone in favour of Trump.
Speaking to the media, Banerjee was asked about his thoughts on the US election results. He noted that as a TMC leader, it would not be right for him to comment on any “international and sensitive” matters. Instead, he shared two “personal observations.”
Banerjee said, “America may be the most progressive country in the world. America speaks about women empowerment, women’s rights and freedom. But it seems America is having gender bias (towards women).”
“Whenever Donald Trump contested against a woman candidate, he has won. The only time he contested against a male candidate, he lost. We the Bengalis are not biased against any gender. But Americans are having gender bias,” he added.
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To prove his claim, the parliamentarian from Serampore constituency pointed out that 54 per cent of American males voted for Trump while only 44 per cent female voters backed him.
Banerjee’s second observation was rather interesting as he argued that age is irrelevant in politics as Trump has demonstrated. Notably, there is speculation about a strong debate within the TMC regarding the age factor, with some advocating for younger leaders.
“In politics, age is not a factor. If one is capable of working for the people of his country, if he is capable of discharging all his functions, if he is popular among people, then as in the case of Donald Trump, he can win elections at the age of 78,” the 67-year-old politician said.
Regarding the age debate within the TMC, Banerjee said if the party ever informs him he is no longer needed, he would step down immediately.