The bank accounts of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) holding approximately Rs 440 crore have been frozen after complaints from rebel MLAs prompted a request for an investigation into the origins of the funds. This decision significantly escalates the ongoing dispute within the party regarding its financial management. A senior official from the police confirmed to PTI that the accounts, held by a private bank, have undergone a “debit freeze,” prohibiting any withdrawals or outward transactions while allowing incoming deposits.

This action is set against a backdrop of escalating tensions within the TMC, particularly between factions led by former minister Aroop Biswas and the Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, vying for dominance following a setback in the recent Assembly elections.

Allegations of Misappropriation and Illegal Activities

In one of the complaints, the legislators highlighted suspicions regarding potentially unlawful sources of income. They called for inquiries into possible connections to serious allegations, including the diversion of public funds, collection of illegal payments, and other financial misconduct. The complaint suggests that funds may have been acquired through dubious dealings and illicit influence.

A TMC MLA who remains loyal to party leader Mamata Banerjee acknowledged the police action and indicated they are awaiting formal confirmation. “We have heard that the three accounts have been frozen, and we expect to receive exact details shortly,” the MLA remarked to PTI.

Conflict Over Financial Management Intensifies

This latest development arrives shortly after Aroop Biswas, a senior TMC figure, wrote to the bank requesting safeguards for the accounts and the suspension of transactions. In his correspondence, he suggested that the party’s deposits, estimated to exceed Rs 500 crore, be preserved until the current leadership disputes are resolved. While Biswas called for the freezing of the accounts over concerns regarding their administration, the rebel MLAs have escalated the situation by insisting on a criminal investigation regarding the funds’ sources.

The complaints submitted by the rebel faction fall under the jurisdiction of the same cyber crime unit that is investigating a separate FIR against Biswas related to incidents that occurred during Argentine football icon Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata.

Kunal Ghosh, an MLA loyal to Mamata Banerjee, stated that Biswas no longer holds the title of treasurer and, consequently, lacks the authority to represent the party’s financial matters. “To clarify, Aroop Biswas was previously the party treasurer, but an executive committee meeting on June 5 unanimously appointed Subhasish Chakraborty as the new treasurer. He has been fulfilling that role since,” Ghosh asserted.

As the accounts remain under a debit freeze, the internal conflict within the TMC evolves from a simple matter of control to a broader confrontation, involving not only questions about financial governance but also police inquiries and competing claims regarding authority over the party’s financial affairs.

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