The West Bengal unit of the CPI(M) today alleged that a huge amount of cash has been deposited in the bank account of the state unit of the BJP. The deposits were made immediately before the Prime Minister demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes late in the evening on November 8.

An article in Bengali and appearing in the CPI(M) party mouthpiece, Ganashakti, today claimed that around Rs 1 crore worth of cash was deposited in the Chittaranjan Avenue branch of Indian Bank here in Kolkata. Money was deposited in savings account no 554510034, which is in the name of the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

It claimed that cash deposits with Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes for Rs 60 lakh and Rs 40 lakh respectively were made on November 8 immediately before demonetisation was announced. The article further raises the question as to whether people close to the BJP were aware of the demonetisation move and, accordingly, took advantage.

Incidentally, CPI(M) spokespersons were asked as to whether this deposit of Rs 1 crore in cash was an aberration or if it was a spike when compared to the regular amount of transactions or deposits made in this account. It is yet to comment on the same or get back with the details.

BJP denies

Meanwhile, Dilip Ghosh, President, West Bengal unit of BJP, has denied the allegations. He claimed that there were no irregularities.

Ghosh maintains that the money will be used mostly for by-elections due in Bengal. “This is money that is accounted for and if required we can give details of these transactions to any investigating authority,” he told BusinessLine.

By-polls will be held on November 19 across Cooch Behar and Tamluk Parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal and in the Monteswar legislative assembly seat (in Burdwan district).

Asked specifically why there was such a high-value cash transaction, Ghosh pointed out that these were mostly donations received by the party from various quarters.

“Normally, party funding is through donations and a part of this is in cash. We issue receipts against the cash received. Copies of such receipts are also available with the party for verification,” he added.

A party spokesperson, on the other hand, questioned the authenticity of the news sources.