Concerns Rise Among TMC Leaders Amid Corruption Investigations in West Bengal

In West Bengal, ongoing corruption investigations have prompted TMC leaders to return money to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Allegations of soliciting cash payments in exchange for housing benefits have surfaced, leading to public outcry and protests. Villagers are actively reminding local leaders of their commitments to refund the collected amounts, with warnings of renewed protests if promises are not fulfilled. This situation has intensified following the recent assembly elections, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 16:02 IST

Corruption Investigations Spark Worry in TMC

In West Bengal, ongoing investigations into corruption and subsequent arrests have kept the issue in the spotlight, leading to growing concerns among grassroots leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). A recent incident from South 24 Parganas revealed a local TMC leader allegedly returning money to residents after accusations surfaced that cash payments were solicited from beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in exchange for housing benefits.

The situation unfolded in Namkhana, where it was alleged that around 45 beneficiaries were asked to pay ₹5,000 each to facilitate the approval of homes under the PMAY scheme. Following public complaints and increased scrutiny over corruption, a local TMC leader was seen returning the money to the beneficiaries. In West Bengal, the term "cut money" typically refers to the informal payments or commissions demanded by local political operatives or intermediaries in exchange for access to government welfare schemes and benefits.

A similar controversy is brewing in Cooch Behar district, where villagers have adopted a unique approach to ensure the return of funds. They are making announcements throughout the village using loudspeakers, repeatedly reminding the local TMC leader of their commitment to refund the "cut money" collected from PMAY beneficiaries.

These announcements are being made across all areas under the Ghughumari Gram Panchayat, effectively transforming the village's public address system into a daily accountability campaign. The protests began when villagers demonstrated outside the residence of TMC Panchayat member Jyotsna Barman. Residents allege that beneficiaries were coerced into paying commissions ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 to avoid delays in receiving housing benefits or future installments under the scheme. Many villagers claimed they felt compelled to pay this money out of fear that their applications or payments would be delayed otherwise.

According to local sources, the protests were temporarily halted after assurances were made that the total amount collected from beneficiaries would be returned by June 4. Since then, villagers have been consistently marching and conducting loudspeaker campaigns to remind local leaders of the deadline. Residents have warned that if the promised funds are not returned on time, renewed protests may ensue. This issue has gained traction following the recent assembly elections, where the BJP ended TMC's 15-year rule in the state.