BJP files dual complaints against Abhishek Banerjee over Amphan funds, threats
Synopsis
Two BJP leaders in South 24 Parganas filed police complaints against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on the same day — one alleging ₹250 crore in Cyclone Amphan relief fraud through fake documents, and another over remarks that critics say amount to a political threat. The dual complaints signal an escalating BJP offensive against West Bengal's ruling party ahead of future elections.
Key Takeaways
BJP leader Abhijit Das (Bobby) filed a complaint at Nodakhali police station on 19 July alleging ₹30 crore was embezzled in Budge Budge-II block from Cyclone Amphan relief funds.
The complaint names TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee and alleges total Amphan-linked corruption of ₹250 crore ; the then-BDO and other officials are also named.
A second complaint was filed at Bishnupur police station by BJP leader Abhijit Sardar , alleging Banerjee issued threats regarding demolition of party offices.
Banerjee allegedly stated that 'not a single BJP party office will remain in West Bengal' if the state government changes — remarks Sardar says could instil fear among political workers.
Police confirmed both complaints have been registered and are under investigation; no arrests reported.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in South 24 Parganas district filed two separate police complaints on Sunday, 19 July against All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee — one alleging embezzlement of ₹30 crore in Cyclone Amphan relief funds, and another accusing the Diamond Harbour MP of issuing threats to political workers and officials.
The Amphan Corruption Allegation
BJP leader Abhijit Das, also known as Bobby, lodged a complaint at Nodakhali police station in South 24 Parganas, alleging that approximately ₹30 crore was embezzled in the Budge Budge-II block during the distribution of financial compensation to victims of Cyclone Amphan in 2020. He alleged that applications were submitted under different names using the same phone numbers or addresses, and that money was routed into fake accounts on Abhishek Banerjee's alleged 'recommendation.'
Das further claimed that the broader corruption in Amphan relief distribution attributed to Banerjee amounts to ₹250 crore. A complaint was also filed against the then-Block Development Officer (BDO) of Budge Budge-II and several other administrative officials. He alleged that most of the central government funds meant for Amphan victims never reached the intended recipients.
The Threat Complaint at Bishnupur
Separately, Bishnupur BJP leader Abhijit Sardar — who contested the 2026 Assembly elections as the BJP candidate from that constituency — filed a complaint at Bishnupur police station, also in South 24 Parganas, alleging that Banerjee made threatening remarks on Saturday.
The remarks were made in the context of the demolition of a TMC party office in Amtala. Banerjee, while addressing the incident, allegedly said: 'Under the same law, under the same section, under which the Trinamool party office is being demolished today, when the government changes in the state, not a single BJP party office will remain in West Bengal.'
Sardar argued that such statements by a sitting MP could instil fear among political workers and administrative officials, and requested police to investigate and take necessary legal action.
Police Response
According to police sources, both complaints have been formally registered and are under investigation. No arrests or immediate action have been reported as of the time of filing.
Context and Background
Cyclone Amphan, which struck West Bengal in May 2020, was one of the most destructive storms to hit the state in decades, displacing lakhs of families and prompting a large-scale central government relief operation. Allegations of irregularities in the distribution of Amphan compensation have surfaced periodically since then, with opposition parties — particularly the BJP — repeatedly targeting the TMC leadership over the issue.
The latest complaints come at a time of heightened political friction in West Bengal, with the BJP and TMC locked in a sustained confrontation ahead of future electoral cycles. How the West Bengal police, which operates under the state government, proceeds with these complaints will be closely watched by both parties.
Point of View
At two different stations, on two distinct charges, they signal a coordinated BJP effort to keep Abhishek Banerjee on the defensive. The Amphan corruption allegations are not new; they have circulated since 2020 without producing a single conviction, partly because West Bengal police reports to the state government. The threat complaint, meanwhile, rests on remarks that Banerjee's camp will almost certainly frame as political hyperbole rather than criminal intimidation. The real test is whether any of this moves beyond the FIR stage — historically, cross-complaints between Bengal's ruling party and the BJP have rarely resulted in meaningful judicial outcomes.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the BJP complaints against Abhishek Banerjee about?
Two separate complaints were filed against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on 19 July in South 24 Parganas. The first alleges embezzlement of ₹30 crore — and broader corruption of ₹250 crore — in Cyclone Amphan relief funds distributed in 2020. The second alleges he made threatening remarks about demolishing BJP party offices if the state government changes.
Who filed the complaints and where?
BJP leader Abhijit Das (Bobby) filed the corruption complaint at Nodakhali police station, while Bishnupur BJP leader Abhijit Sardar filed the threat complaint at Bishnupur police station — both in South 24 Parganas district.
What was Cyclone Amphan and why does it matter here?
Cyclone Amphan struck West Bengal in May 2020 and was one of the deadliest storms to hit the state in decades. The central government released substantial relief funds for victims, and allegations of irregularities in their distribution have been a recurring flashpoint between the BJP and the TMC since then.
What exactly did Abhishek Banerjee allegedly say that prompted the threat complaint?
According to the complaint, Banerjee said: 'Under the same law, under the same section, under which the Trinamool party office is being demolished today, when the government changes in the state, not a single BJP party office will remain in West Bengal.' The BJP leader who filed the complaint argued these remarks could instil fear among political workers and officials.
What action has the police taken so far?
Police sources confirmed that both complaints have been formally registered and are under investigation. No arrests or further action have been reported as of 19 July.
