The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the financial affairs of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) by summoning Subhasish Chakraborty, treasurer of the Mamata Banerjee-led Kalighat faction and former Rajya Sabha MP. He has been directed to appear before the agency later this week with documents related to the party's bank accounts as investigators examine an alleged ₹164 crore discrepancy.

According to ED sources, Chakraborty was served the summons because he is the authorised signatory for the Kalighat faction's three official bank accounts. Investigators are seeking financial records and transaction details as part of a wider probe into the management and movement of party funds.

The ED action comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is embroiled in a legal dispute before the Calcutta High Court over the ownership of the party's election symbol and control of its bank accounts following the political split within the organisation.

₹164 Crore Discrepancy Under Scanner

The investigation gained momentum after proceedings in the Calcutta High Court reportedly brought to light an alleged discrepancy of nearly ₹164 crore in the party's financial records. The issue prompted the central agency to widen its inquiry and seek additional documentation from those responsible for managing the accounts.

Officials believe Chakraborty's role as the authorised signatory makes him a key witness in understanding the transactions and operation of the accounts under investigation.

Reacting to the summons, Chakraborty said he would first consult senior party leaders before deciding his next course of action. Sources indicated that he has also sought additional time from the ED before appearing for questioning.

High Court Battle Over Party Accounts

The financial probe is closely linked to the ongoing legal battle arising from the split within the Trinamool Congress after the Assembly election defeat.

The Mamata Banerjee-led Kalighat faction and the Ritobrata Banerjee-led faction are both claiming to be the legitimate Trinamool Congress. The dispute extends beyond political leadership to the ownership of the party's election symbol and its financial assets.

Before Chakraborty's appointment, senior leader Aroop Biswas served as the party's treasurer. After joining the Ritobrata Banerjee-led faction, Biswas reportedly moved to freeze the party's three bank accounts. The Kalighat faction subsequently appointed Chakraborty as treasurer and challenged the move before the Calcutta High Court.

At present, Chakraborty continues to remain the authorised signatory for all three disputed bank accounts.

Factional Split Deepens Political Crisis

The internal division has significantly altered the political landscape within the party. According to claims made during the legal proceedings, the Ritobrata Banerjee faction enjoys the support of 68 MLAs, while the remaining legislators continue to back Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat camp.

The High Court is currently examining the competing claims over the party's organisational control, election symbol and financial assets. Meanwhile, the ED is conducting a separate investigation into the alleged financial irregularities.

Earlier ED Visit Also Drew Attention

The latest summons follows an incident last month when ED officials visited Mamata Banerjee's residence during the course of the investigation. According to agency sources, Chakraborty allegedly prevented officials from entering the residence in the absence of the Chief Minister.

That incident further heightened tensions between the agency and the party leadership, while the financial investigation continued independently.

Investigation Continues

The ED is expected to examine banking records, financial transactions and related documents after Chakraborty's appearance. Investigators are attempting to determine whether the alleged discrepancy involves procedural lapses or financial irregularities requiring further legal action.

The outcome of both the High Court proceedings and the ED investigation is likely to have significant implications for the ongoing dispute over the Trinamool Congress's organisational and financial control.