Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress faction led by Mamata Banerjee encountered a hurdle in its attempt to free money trapped in the party’s blocked bank accounts. The Calcutta High Court turned down an emergency hearing, so the petition will only be considered once the court reconvenes after the Puja holidays.
Why the party wants the money
The TMC approached the bench requesting permission to draw on the frozen balances for routine organisational outlays – staff salaries, office rent and other indispensable expenses. The appeal came after a stalemate with a committee chaired by retired Justice Subrata Talukdar, which was tasked with overseeing the accounts and had refused to release the requested sum.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya dismissed the demand for an immediate hearing, ordering that the matter be placed on the regular docket when the court resumes after the festive break.
Bank accounts stay under freeze
The financial deadlock began when three TMC accounts were sealed following allegations of irregular transactions. The dispute escalated to the Calcutta High Court, where the Mamata‑led wing asked for access to the funds required to keep its operations running.
Earlier, the Supreme Court declined to step in directly, urging the High Court to expedite its review. The apex court did not comment on the substantive merits, leaving the entire controversy in the hands of the lower court.
The state government has opposed the TMC’s demand, raising questions about the source of the deposits. In earlier hearings, officials highlighted a large cash infusion under investigation, reinforcing the state’s reluctance to release the money.
Party faces financial uncertainty
The TMC argues that the ongoing freeze hampers its ability to meet daily expenses and jeopardises its preparedness for upcoming electoral activities in West Bengal.
At the same time, a separate tussle over the party’s name and election symbol continues between rival TMC factions. The Election Commission has temporarily barred the use of the original party name and emblem while it deliberates on the broader dispute.
With the High Court refusing an expedited hearing, the Mamata‑led faction must now wait until after the Puja holidays for its application to be heard. The eventual ruling will decide whether the disputed funds can be accessed, even as larger legal and organisational challenges loom on the horizon.
