NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) treasurer Aroop Biswas has formally requested the party's bank to immediately freeze all transactions from its accounts, citing a leadership crisis triggered by a large-scale rebellion within the organization. In his letter, Biswas claimed that rival groups are now asserting themselves as the legitimate representatives and office-bearers of the party, creating uncertainty over who is authorized to operate the party's accounts and manage its financial assets.
Dispute Over Authority
Biswas, in his capacity as the treasurer of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), wrote to the bank highlighting a serious dispute concerning the authority and control of the party's affairs. He stated that rival groups are claiming to be the legitimate representatives, leading to confusion about who can operate the bank accounts maintained in the name of AITC. The letter, posted by IANS, read: "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."
Risk to Party Funds
According to Biswas, these developments have 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 utilized by individuals whose authority is under challenge. He requested the bank to maintain status quo and refrain from permitting any debit transactions or changes in operational mandates until the dispute is resolved. The letter added: "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."
Concerns Over Signed Cheques
Biswas also raised concerns about previously signed cheques issued during his tenure as treasurer. He noted that 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. He expressed a strong and bona fide apprehension that these signed cheques might be misused or presented for encashment without proper authorization. The letter warned of a "real and imminent risk" of unauthorized transactions, arguing that any financial activity during the pendency of the dispute could expose both the organization and him, as former treasurer, to legal and financial liabilities.
Urgent Precautionary Measures
Biswas 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 a twin revolt at the national and state levels. The party witnessed its first major rebellion 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 the first major split in the party since its formation in 1998.
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