The financial landscape of West Bengal's political sphere has been illuminated by a recent audit report concerning the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Following a significant tenure of 15 years in power under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, the party's financial standing has come under the spotlight. The transition of power in West Bengal, which now sees a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the helm, has been accompanied by the release of detailed financial disclosures for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
Detailed Breakdown of Bank Assets
According to the audit asset report, which covers the period up to March 31, 2025, the Trinamool Congress maintains a substantial presence in various banking institutions. The report specifies that the total amount held within the party's bank accounts stands at 6,25,79,87,264 rupees. This figure represents the liquid capital available to the party for its various operations and political activities across the state and beyond.
In addition to the standard bank account balances, the TMC has also invested heavily in fixed deposits. The audit reveals that the party holds 2,50,77,28,322 rupees in fixed deposits across different banks. When these fixed deposits are combined with the existing bank balances, the total financial strength of the Trinamool Congress in the banking sector reaches a staggering 8,76,57,15,586 rupees. This total reflects the cumulative wealth amassed by the party during its long period of governance.
Cash Holdings and Cheques
The audit report doesn't limit itself to banking figures alone; it also provides insights into the physical currency and cheques held by the party. A notable mention in the report is the existence of 50,00,00,000 rupees in the form of cheques, which are described as being at home or within the party's immediate possession. This 50 crore rupee figure adds a significant layer to the party's overall asset valuation.
On top of that, the report details the cash available at the party's various administrative levels. In the Central and Regional offices of the Trinamool Congress, the total cash on hand is recorded as 31,28,028 rupees. This amount is utilized for the day-to-day expenses and operational requirements of the party's offices throughout West Bengal. The meticulous recording of these figures provides a clear picture of how the party manages its finances at both the macro and micro levels.
Context of the Audit and Political Shift
It's important to note the timeline of this financial disclosure. The audit asset report for the financial year 2024-2025 is current only up to March 31, 2025. Consequently, it doesn't include any financial data or figures from after March 2026. This distinction is crucial as it marks the period leading up to the West Bengal Assembly elections, where Mamata Banerjee and the TMC faced a defeat after a decade and a half of rule.
The report highlights the financial trajectory of a party that governed West Bengal for 15 years. During this time, the TMC established a solid financial foundation, as evidenced by the hundreds of crores now documented in the audit. The shift to a BJP government in the state marks a new chapter in Bengal's political history, making these financial revelations particularly significant for public discourse and political transparency.