Abhishek Banerjee owns 43 Kolkata properties? BJP puts out list, TMC calls it fake

The Bengal BJP has circulated a list of 43 properties allegedly linked to Abhishek Banerjee, prompting a fresh political row. What has drawn particular scrutiny is a jointly owned property linked to Sayani Ghosh. However, TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh has denied any connection to it.

In Short

• BJP releases list of properties allegedly linked to Abhishek Banerjee
• Move comes day after KMC notices to 17 associated properties
• A joint property linked to one Sayani Ghosh triggers speculation

The Bengal BJP has released a list of 43 properties allegedly linked to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, including several said to be jointly owned with his aides and family members. Sources said that the Suvendu Adhikari-led government would conduct a detailed probe into the ownership details. The development comes a day after the TMC-controlled Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) issued notices to 17 properties associated with Mamata Banerjee's nephew.

The Trinamool Congress, however, dismissed the list as false and not credible. What has drawn particular scrutiny is a jointly owned property linked to one "Sayani Ghosh". Several social media users speculated it to be Jadavpur MP, Saayoni Ghosh. The address of the property mentioned in the document was 19D, Seven Tanks Lane.

However, the Lok Sabha MP nipped the controversy in the bud, denying any connection to it. "I can't say who it is, but it's definitely not the Saayoni Ghosh who started from a humble background with no windfall profits made from politics to date. For those trying to defame me without any evidence - stop now!" Ghosh tweeted.

"Please know, I won't budge an inch, I won't let it pass. Legal action will be taken for spreading fake news. This 'Ghosh' won't be bullied," she further said.

ABHISHEK BANERJEE'S PROPERTIES UNDER LENS

According to the list, the 43 properties, located across posh areas in Kolkata, are either under joint ownership or in the name of Abhishek Banerjee. However, it must be noted here that it doesn't specify whether it is the Diamond Harbour MP. The mobile numbers of the owners are also listed.

The list was taken from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation database. Interestingly, KMC is still under the TMC, and party MLA Firhad Hakim remains the Kolkata mayor.

Sources said the BJP government would investigate to determine the actual owners of these properties, the source of funds used for the purchase and whether any irregularities were involved.

The Trinamool Congress, which has been targeted by the BJP after its historic poll win, alleged that the document being circulated was part of a political campaign.

"Any journalist with a basic sense of ethics and understanding can visit the mentioned addresses or call the numbers cited in the said notice to verify the facts rather than merely propagating narratives being fed by the BJP," the party said in a statement.

The TMC further warned of legal action against what it described as misleading reporting and promoting "fabricated posts".

Former TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale claimed the document was a "complete hoax" and "inaccurate". "It's merely a name-based search from the website. Is there only one person with the name Abhishek Banerjee in all of Kolkata?" Gokhale tweeted.

BJP TIGHTENS NOOSE AROUND TMC NO.2

The fresh controversy comes a day after the KMC sent notices to 17 addresses associated with Abhishek over alleged unauthorised construction.

In its notice, the TMC-controlled Kolkata civic body has sought documents related to building plan approvals. It has also sought details regarding installations such as lifts and escalators. The KMC directed that unauthorised construction must be demolished within seven days.

Targeting Abhishek, CM Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday asserted that the government would send "all corrupt individuals" to jail. Adhikari claimed that 14 properties of Abhishek were registered in the name of his company, Leaps and Bounds.

"Abhishek Banerjee has 14 properties in the name of Leaps and Bounds, four in his name and six in his father's name," Adhikari claimed.

Hours later, Abhishek held a press conference, brazenly claiming he would not "bow down" even if the government razed down his house.

"Let them do whatever they want... raze down my home, send notice. I won't bow down over these things. Come what may, my fight will continue against the BJP," he said.

- Ends