Who Owns TMC’s Money? After Leaders’ Exit, Battle Over Funds Begins
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TMC faces fresh turmoil as former treasurer Arup Biswas requests HDFC Bank to freeze the party’s account amid divisions.
By Ajay Haldar
New Delhi, June 19: Amid growing internal divisions within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which have reportedly led to the emergence of multiple factions, party founder Mamata Banerjee has suffered a setback on the financial front. Arup Biswas, the party's former treasurer and a former minister, has written to HDFC Bank requesting that the TMC's bank account be frozen. This move is being seen as a direct challenge to the party leadership and could have significant implications for the party's finances.
In the letter sent to the bank on June 12, Arup Biswas identified himself as the Trinamool Congress Treasurer. The letter mentioned a rift within the parliamentary and legislative wings of the party.
Confusion had arisen regarding who would hold custody of the party funds; citing this, he requested the account freeze to ensure the safety of the party's account amidst the situation.
Earlier, during a meeting at the TMC office in Kalighat, a heated exchange—bordering on an argument—reportedly took place involving Arup Biswas. Furthermore, it was observed that he was failing to attend meetings at Kalighat whenever he was summoned.
Arup Biswas faced several allegations, including those related to financial transactions in the 'Messi case,' leading to internal questioning regarding his conduct. It is said that he failed to provide satisfactory answers to the party. Speculation mounted at Kalighat that Arup Biswas was in contact with Ritabrata Banerjee.
He was summoned for questioning but failed to provide a response. Consequently, the party relieved Arup Biswas of his duties as Treasurer and handed the responsibility to Subhashish.
Arup Biswas had sent a letter to the bank on June 12. At that time, he was evading the police at the Bidhannagar South Police Station and his whereabouts were unknown; however, the letter was not accepted.
This could be considered a major move by Mamata! Through a resolution and official minutes, the party declared that Subhashish Chakraborty would henceforth serve as the Treasurer, and the bank was informed of this change. The question remains, however: why did Arup suddenly write that letter on June 12? Is he trying to pressure Mamata by maintaining contact with Ritabrata?
Meanwhile, Ritabrata is also demanding access to the Trinamool account. On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court clarified that Ritabrata Banerjee is the Leader of the Opposition. Regarding the account, Sandipan Saha stated, "Arup Biswas issued the letter. He was the treasurer. He felt that if he did not issue this letter, there could be irregularities concerning the Trinamool account."
On the other hand, TMC MP Saugata Roy expressed apprehension that, given the nature of the rebellion within the party, party funds and pre-signed cheques could be misused.
Separately, Saugata Roy noted that the International Yoga Day event is scheduled for June 21 in Kolkata, and Red Road has been closed a week in advance for it. The Calcutta High Court also questioned today whether the event could have been held at the Parade Ground instead, thereby minimizing public inconvenience.
Meanwhile, Mahua Moitra tweeted, "They have closed the road a week in advance—the very same road where people used to face inconvenience for just one hour during Eid prayers. Can Yusuf Pathan, Khalil-ur-Rahman, or Abu Tahir ask this question?"
