Bank Action on TMC Accounts
TMC is currently facing significant internal pressure following a major financial setback. HDFC Bank has moved to freeze three bank accounts belonging to the party, which collectively hold a balance of 440 crore. The bank acted after receiving a formal request from Arup Biswas, who claimed to be the party treasurer, asking for a halt to all financial operations. Simultaneously, a group of dissident MLAs had approached the Cyber Cell of the Bidhannagar Police, requesting that these accounts be frozen.
The Core Dispute
The controversy centers on a leadership dispute within the party. According to official statements from TMC, Arup Biswas was removed from his position as treasurer on June 5, with former MP Subhashish Chakraborty being appointed as his successor. Despite this, Arup Biswas signed a letter to the bank on June 12, still identifying himself as the legitimate treasurer. The conflicting communication led the bank to freeze the accounts pending further clarity.
Political Fallout
Opposition leader Rittabrata Bandyopadhyay has seized on the development, suggesting that the 440 crore in the accounts could include proceeds from graft or 'cut money' and demanded a thorough investigation into the source of the funds. Dissident leader Sandipan Saha supported the bank's decision, emphasizing that no transactions should occur while the legitimacy of the money is being probed. TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh responded sharply, questioning whether the dissident MLAs were prepared to return any campaign funds they had received from those same accounts. He argued that if the funds were indeed illicit, the election victories of those relying on that money would also come under scrutiny.
