NEW DELHI, July 9, 2026 (Alliance News): India’s opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday accused federal investigators of carrying out a politically motivated action after authorities froze about $46 million in the party’s bank accounts as part of a money-laundering investigation.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), India’s financial crimes agency, said it is investigating alleged illegal financial transactions involving the TMC, which governed West Bengal for 15 years before losing power to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
According to the agency, approximately $16.8 million was transferred from TMC-linked bank accounts to an aviation company and its associated firms between April 2023 and June 2026. Investigators alleged the funds were used to purchase a private jet and a helicopter that were later leased back to the party.
The TMC rejected the allegations, maintaining that all financial transactions had been fully disclosed to the relevant authorities.
In a statement, the party described the freezing of its bank accounts as a politically motivated move and condemned what it called the misuse of investigative agencies against opposition parties.
The TMC further alleged that such actions undermine democratic institutions and the principle of fair political competition.
The development comes amid continued criticism by opposition parties and rights groups, which have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of using federal agencies to target political rivals. The BJP has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that corruption investigations are conducted independently and in accordance with the law.
Several opposition leaders, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, have faced corruption investigations in recent years. Both leaders have denied wrongdoing.
