Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress faction headed by Mamata Banerjee hit a procedural snag in its effort to access cash trapped in the party’s frozen bank accounts. The Calcutta High Court declined to entertain an emergency hearing, meaning the matter will be listed only after the court’s Puja vacation.
Why the party is pressing for the money
The TMC petitioned the bench to allow withdrawal of the blocked balances for routine organisational outlays – staff wages, office rent and other essential costs. The appeal follows a deadlock with a committee chaired by retired Justice Subrata Talukdar, which was appointed to oversee the accounts and has so far refused to release the requested sum.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya turned down the request for an immediate hearing, directing that the application be placed on the regular docket once the court resumes after the festive break.
Bank accounts remain under freeze
The financial standoff began when three TMC accounts were sealed after allegations of irregularities in transactions. The case was taken to the Calcutta High Court, where the Mamata‑led faction sought permission to draw on the funds needed to keep its operations running.
Earlier, the Supreme Court declined to intervene directly, urging the High Court to expedite its review. The apex court did not comment on the substantive issues, leaving the dispute entirely in the hands of the lower court.
The state government has opposed the TMC’s demand, citing doubts about the source of the deposits. In earlier hearings, officials highlighted a large cash infusion under investigation, reinforcing the state’s stance against releasing the money.
Party faces financial uncertainty
The TMC contends that the ongoing freeze hampers its ability to meet day‑to‑day 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 is raging 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 determine whether the disputed funds can be accessed, even as larger legal and organisational challenges loom on the horizon.
