The Bengal BJP released a list indicating that numerous properties in Kolkata are owned or co-owned by the TMC leader, his relatives, and close associates. This situation arises soon after the BJP took power in West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule.
Since assuming office, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has consistently alleged significant corruption and irregularities during the prior TMC governance.
43 properties reportedly associated with Abhishek Banerjee
The Bengal BJP revealed a roster of 43 properties reportedly tied to Abhishek Banerjee, derived from the KMC database. These properties are said to be either registered directly in his name or co-owned with family or associates.
However, the document fails to clarify whether all the properties are indeed owned by the Diamond Harbour MP. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has rejected these allegations as unfounded and lacking credibility.
“We have seen media reports and posts about a KMC notice that was ‘unofficially’ leaked by the BJP – drawing attention to various properties allegedly associated with AITC National General Secretary and Hon’ble MP Shri Abhishek Banerjee, while also trying to link other leaders to the issue. The notice and the media coverage in recent days are entirely false, fabricated, and devoid of any credibility,” stated a TMC declaration.
TMC leader Saket Gokhale remarked that the list was simply produced through a name-based search. “Is there just one individual named Abhishek Banerjee in all of Kolkata?” Gokhale questioned. This action followed a day after the Kolkata civic body issued notices on 17 properties related to Mamata Banerjee’s nephew.
KMC notices spark controversy
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has issued notices for 17 properties purportedly linked to Abhishek Banerjee. Among these is ‘Shantiniketan,’ a residence on Harish Mukherjee Road linked to the TMC leader. Officials indicated that notices were issued under Section 400(1) of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980.
According to a ToI report, KMC’s assessment department initially identified around 42 properties before narrowing it down to 17.
“We issued notices on properties owned by Abhishek Banerjee or related to him. Some notices were pasted on the buildings, while others were delivered to individuals present. The owners have been requested to appear before the special officer (building) at the KMC headquarters. They may also send representatives,” stated an official from the KMC, as quoted by The New Indian Express.
BJP government hints at in-depth investigation
During a public address, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged that several individuals associated with the prior government have amassed extensive properties through corrupt means.
Directly naming Abhishek Banerjee, Adhikari asserted that the TMC leader holds multiple properties registered under his company, Leaps and Bounds, along with additional properties allegedly in his own name and that of family members.
The Chief Minister cautioned that the BJP government would pursue stringent legal action against those found guilty of corruption and irregularities.
“I have informed the municipal affairs secretary and KMC commissioner about four names: Raju Naskar from Beleghata, who possesses 18 properties; Sona Pappu from Kasba, who has 24 properties; Nephew Abhishek Banerjee, who has 24 properties; and Javed Khan’s son, who has 90 properties. These individuals have looted… in the near future, the BJP government will legally ensure these corrupt individuals are imprisoned,” he continued, while addressing supporters in Bhabanipur.
Banerjee’s response
Abhishek Banerjee confronted the controversy head-on during a press conference. Declaring his refusal to ‘succumb,’ the TMC MP affirmed his commitment to continue his political battle against the BJP.
“Let them do whatever they wish… demolish my home, issue notices. I won’t yield to such tactics. No matter what, I will persist in my fight against the BJP,” he stated.
Saayoni Ghosh disclaims property linkage
The controversy quickly involved Saayoni Ghosh after social media users speculated that a jointly owned property listed under the name ‘Sayani Ghosh’ was linked to the Jadavpur MP. The address noted in the document reportedly referred to a property on Seven Tanks Lane in Kolkata.
However, Saayoni Ghosh swiftly denied any association with the property, asserting she had no connection to it.
“I can’t say who it is, but it’s certainly not the Saayoni Ghosh who comes from a humble background and hasn’t profited from politics. For those who attempt to defame me without any proof – stop now!” Ghosh declared.
