The internal rift within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Thursday as leaders of a rival faction demanded an immediate freeze on the party’s bank account, citing concerns over potential misuse of funds.
Ritabrata Banerjee, Leader of the Opposition representing the ‘Real Trinamool’ faction in the Assembly, alleged that crores of rupees of illicit “cut money” could be funneled into the party’s account amid the ongoing turmoil. Acting on these concerns, 10 MLAs aligned with his faction filed a formal complaint at the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate seeking urgent intervention.
According to sources, the complaint calls for a complete freeze on the party’s bank account to ensure transparency and prevent any unauthorised financial transactions during the current phase of political uncertainty.
The controversy gained further momentum following a move by Aroop Biswas, a former minister and claimant to the post of party treasurer. Biswas wrote to the Central Plaza branch of HDFC Bank, urging authorities to halt all transactions linked to the party account.
In his letter, he argued that the TMC is currently facing severe internal conflict, with several MPs having defected and a section of MLAs declaring rebellion.
He stated that under such uncertain circumstances — where the question of leadership and party symbol remains unresolved — it is necessary to suspend all financial transactions to avoid misuse and potential legal complications.
However, this move has triggered fresh controversy within the party over the legitimacy of the treasurer’s position. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh asserted that Biswas no longer holds the post of treasurer. He pointed out that in the reconstituted organisational committee formed by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after the elections, Subhashish Chakraborty was appointed as the new treasurer during the executive committee meeting on June 5.
As a result, the faction aligned with Ghosh maintains that the letter sent by Biswas has no legal standing. However, Biswas referring to himself as “treasurer” in his communication has raised questions in political circles about whether he recognises the newly formed committee or is aligning with the rebel camp.
The dispute over control of party funds marks a new phase in the ongoing power struggle within the TMC. While the party’s parliamentary and legislative wings have already witnessed fractures after the elections, the leadership is now facing challenges in maintaining control over its organisational and financial structure.
Sources indicate that Mamata is making efforts to reorganise the party and assert control by sidelining rebel leaders. Until now, control over the party’s funds had remained firmly with the central leadership based in Kalighat, with no formal claim from dissenting factions.
With rival groups now staking claims and raising legal questions over financial authority, the battle over the party’s resources is likely to further intensify in the coming days.
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