TMC faces fresh concerns over control of its bank accounts

Already reeling from a factional split after its electoral setback in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress now faces fresh anxiety over control of its bank accounts.

Aroop sent the letter to the manager of HDFC Bank in Kolkata on Jun 12, reports The Economic Times.

Also a former minister, Aroop identified himself as the “treasurer” of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in the letter and cited the ongoing dispute over the authority and control of the AITC.

He, according to the report, requested the bank to maintain the status quo and decline any debit transactions or changes in operational mandates related to accounts “until the dispute is resolved by the competent authority”.

"At present, rival groups are claiming to be the legitimate representatives and office bearers of AITC, resulting in uncertainty regarding the authority of persons who may seek to operate the bank accounts maintained in the name of AITC," the letter quoted Aroop as saying.

Meanwhile, TMC lawmaker Kunal Ghosh, who still backs the party chief and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee despite the turmoil, said they were not aware of the development.

"We don't know anything about this. We haven't spoken to anyone, Aroop Biswas or the bank," he said.

Aroop also mentioned of a serious dispute regarding the “authority, control and management of the party's affairs and assets”, expressing concerns over signed cheques allegedly already in circulation.

“There existed a real and imminent risk of unauthorised transactions being carried out through the account,” he wrote.

The Deccan Herald citing a 2024-25 audit report said the party has assets worth Rs 10.81 billion.

Of that amount, Rs 6.25 billion is in bank accounts, Rs 2.50 billion is in investments and Rs 0.50 billion is in cheques.