A probe by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation into properties allegedly linked to Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee has become a significant test for the party. Notices were issued under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, with officials inspecting various premises, including “Shantiniketan” in Kolkata. Despite denials from the party, critics have long raised concerns about numerous properties registered under Abhishek Banerjee’s name and a company named “Leaps and Bounds.”
The KMC officials have demanded approved building plans and related documents for the properties associated with Abhishek Banerjee to verify compliance with regulations and tax payments. This development has provided some party leaders with an opportunity to engage with Abhishek Banerjee independently. While some leaders view the situation defensively, others are more cautious in their responses, given Abhishek Banerjee’s prominent roles within the party.
The scrutiny from the civic body, which is under Trinamool’s administration, poses a communication challenge for party leaders. They must defend the party’s governance in Kolkata while asserting that the probe does not indicate any wrongdoing. Mayor Firhad Hakim distanced himself from the probe, emphasizing that such matters fall under the civic body’s executive jurisdiction. The resignation of Trinamool Congress Councillor Debalina Biswas following the issuance of notices added another layer of complexity to the situation.
Even if the investigation does not yield formal outcomes, the public scrutiny on assets, ownership, and tax compliance can be detrimental. Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh refuted the allegations in a Facebook post, urging people to verify Abhishek Banerjee’s declared wealth and assets as per his nomination documents. In his 2024 declaration, Abhishek Banerjee reported assets exceeding Rs 2.32 crores with liabilities around Rs 36 lakh, showing a decline in personal income compared to previous years.
