Amid rebellion, TMC leader asks bank to freeze party accounts; cites 'serious dispute'

NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress leader Aroop Biswas has written to the party's bank seeking an immediate freeze on transactions from its accounts, citing a leadership crisis following a large-scale rebellion within the organisation. Biswas claimed that rival groups were now asserting themselves as the legitimate representatives and office-bearers of the party, creating uncertainty over who was authorised to operate AITC's accounts and financial assets. "I, Aroop Biswas, acting in my capacity as the Treasurer of the All India Trinamool Congress (hereinafter referred to as "AITC"), write to bring to your attention a serious dispute presently prevailing concerning the authority and control of the affairs of AITC. 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 posted by IANS read. According to the leader, the developments had triggered a serious dispute over the authority, control and management of the party's affairs and assets, creating a risk that party funds could be accessed or utilised by individuals whose authority was under challenge. "In order to safeguard the funds of the organization and prevent any unauthorized withdrawals, transfers, encumbrances or other transactions, I request your good office to maintain status quo and refrain from permitting any debit transactions or changes in operational mandates in respect of the following account maintained with your branch until the dispute is duly resolved or appropriate directions are issued by the competent authority," it added. Biswas also raised concerns about previously signed cheques issued during his tenure as treasurer. He said cheques signed for operational and administrative purposes were often retained at the party office for urgent financial requirements and could now be vulnerable to misuse. "In view of the present dispute regarding the authority and control of the organization, I have a strong and bona fide apprehension that the aforesaid signed cheques... may be misused or presented for encashment without proper authorization," the letter stated. Warning of a "real and imminent risk" of unauthorised transactions, Biswas argued that any financial activity during the pendency of the dispute could expose both the organisation and him, as former treasurer, to legal and financial liabilities. He urged the bank to take "urgent and immediate precautionary measures" and refrain from allowing any transactions in the account until the dispute over the party's leadership and control is settled. This adds to the woes of the TMC after twin revolt in the party at national and state level. TMC witnessed a massive rebellion, its first ever, when 20 out of 28 Lok Sabha MPs and 58 out of 60 MLAs, openly revolted against the existing leadership and formed a separate faction. The rebel Lok Sabha TMC MPs decided to merge with the National Citizens Party of India and expressed their aspirations to align with the ruling NDA. This marks first major split in the party since its formation in 1998.