State revenue diverted to TMC offices and sent abroad

West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has made serious allegations that instead of being deposited in the government treasury, the state's revenue has been diverted to Trinamool Congress (TMC) party offices and this amount has also been sent abroad. Adhikari made this statement following reports that crores of rupees were found at a TMC office in Diamond Harbour.

According to a report by India Today, the Chief Minister claimed that the police have collected evidence regarding these allegations of misuse of revenue. He warned that strict action will be taken against the persons responsible at the appropriate time. Presenting revenue figures, he stated that between 1 April and 31 October, 2024, a collection of ₹37,281 crore was made in the state, which is approximately ₹4,000 crore more than the normal collection for the same period.

Questioning this additional collection, Adhikari said that since not a single new stone or sand mine has been auctioned in the state, how was this additional revenue collected? He further added that if such a large amount has been collected in just six months, this additional amount could reach ₹7,000-8,000 crore over a 12-month period. According to this calculation, there was also an additional collection of approximately ₹4,000 crore last year.

Questioning where these additional funds went, Adhikari alleged that this amount reached the person entrusted with the responsibility of raising funds for the former Chief Minister's family and their associates. He alleged that this stolen revenue has been sent abroad.

In addition, Shubhendu Adhikari appealed to Humayun Kabir not to build a mosque in the name of Mughal Emperor Babur. He warned that planning approval or construction permission will not be granted to a mosque bearing Babur's name. The Chief Minister also cautioned Kabir against his reported plan to block the National Highway on 6 December and warned that the consequences of any attempt to create an obstruction in traffic would have to be faced.

Shubhendu Adhikari is the Chief Minister of West Bengal. He has raised serious questions regarding the state's financial transactions and the use of revenue on this subject.