Kolkata: Amid mounting allegations following Trinamool's electoral setback, Swarup Biswas clarified on Wednesday that his tenure as the head of the Federation of Cine Technicians & Workers of Eastern India concluded in December 2025. The clarification comes as accusations surface against both Biswas and Piyaa Sengupta, president of the Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA).
Allegations and Complaints
Several producers have raised concerns over Sengupta allowing Biswas to attend EIMPA meetings, which are typically restricted to members only. A complaint was lodged at the Bowbazar police station on May 5 against EIMPA, demanding protection for the office to prevent tampering of official documents. Additionally, money laundering allegations have been leveled against the EIMPA president.
Sengupta previously stated that no written Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exists mandating producers to hire Federation technicians. Biswal declined to comment on this matter.
Biswas Responds to Critics
Biswas asserted that those questioning him within Tollywood are aware of his election as Federation president in June-July. He noted that the previous Annual General Meeting was delayed until November due to ongoing litigation. Addressing the so-called apology videos shared by directors who have since distanced themselves, Biswas told TOI, "I cannot explain why they made those videos. They must answer that themselves. If people change with the times, I have nothing to say. Technicians fought for their rights, and cases were filed in the high court to reclaim those rights. None of those who made the videos apologized; they merely acknowledged that their decision to take technicians to court was wrong and that stripping technicians of their rights was a mistake."
Biswas dismissed the notion of a threat-and-ban culture in Tollywood, labeling it as mere advocacy. He stated, "There was no threat or ban culture in Tollywood, and it will not exist in the future. Technicians protested against those who attempted to take away their rights. Is that protest a threat or a ban? Shouldn't they discuss wages and rights? In an upcoming meeting, the guilds will decide the way forward."
Future of Working with Challengers
Although Trinamool MP Dev has cast Anirban Bhattacharya—who was previously sidelined—in his next project, Biswas reiterated that the technicians' guild will have the final say on collaborating with those who legally challenged them. "Technicians will decide whether they want to work with individuals who tried to take away their jobs. I merely voice the opinions of all technicians," Biswas said.
Industry Shifts and Dissent
Biswas acknowledged the changing dynamics within the industry. Director Pavel, once seen alongside Biswas at press conferences, recently celebrated the end of clandestine shoots and harassment. Pavel told TOI, "I never made an apology video to show allegiance to him. I have never sought any favor from Trinamool. I disagreed with the Federation's insistence on mandating a specific number of crew members for film shoots but remained silent to protect my ability to work. Directors are finally free to shoot on their own terms."
Biswas responded to such dissent with stoic indifference: "The issue is that human beings change with time. If people alter their stance with changing circumstances, I have nothing to say."
