TMC Internal Conflict Deepens as Ex-Treasurer Seeks Freeze on Party Funds

The internal strife within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has escalated to a new level, with the party's former treasurer demanding a freeze on its bank accounts amid fears of fund misuse. Arup Biswas, who served as treasurer until early June, sent a letter to HDFC Bank's central plaza branch in Kolkata, urging the institution to halt all debit transactions from the party's accounts. In his communication, Biswas cited a deep crisis and division within the party, noting that a significant number of elected representatives—including 20 out of 28 Members of Parliament and 58 out of 60 Members of the Legislative Assembly—have either left the party or openly rebelled. He expressed concern that cheques bearing the signatures of rebel leaders currently in circulation could be misused, given the disputed authority over party assets and management.

Biswas's letter, written on his former letterhead, argued that a serious legal and practical dispute has arisen over the control and management of party funds and properties. He appealed to the bank to maintain the status quo on the account until the situation is clarified, requesting that no withdrawal or operational changes be permitted. The move comes after the TMC suffered a decisive defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections, which has triggered widespread infighting and a wave of defections.

TMC sources, however, have dismissed Biswas's demand, stating that he was removed from his post on June 5—a week before he sent the letter. The party claims that Subhasish Chakravarty was appointed as the new treasurer on the same day, rendering Biswas's request invalid. Sources have accused Biswas of misusing his former title to create confusion and further destabilize the party.

The dispute over party funds and properties has emerged as a flashpoint in the broader internal conflict rocking Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's party. With a large number of MPs and MLAs either defecting or rebelling, questions over who controls the party's financial and physical assets have become legally contentious. Biswas's letter underscores the deep rift within the TMC, as factions vie for control in the aftermath of the electoral setback. The bank has not yet publicly responded to the request, and legal experts suggest that any freeze would likely require a court order unless the party's authorized signatories intervene.