A major political controversy unfolded in Kolkata, West Bengal, on Thursday after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hurried to the residence of Pratik Jain, head of the political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), amid ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids. The visit sparked intense political debate, with Banerjee alleging that officials attempted to seize Trinamool Congress (TMC) party hard disks, internal documents, and sensitive data during the operation.
ED Searches at I-PAC Locations
The ED conducted search operations at multiple locations, including Jain’s residence and the I-PAC office, as part of a money laundering investigation. According to the agency, I-PAC provides political consultancy services to the ruling TMC and manages its IT and media operations. Videos circulating on social media showed Mamata Banerjee navigating through chaotic scenes while avoiding media interactions during her visit, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the raids.
Mamata Banerjee Alleges Political Motivation
Addressing the media, the chief minister described the raid as “politically motivated and unconstitutional.” She claimed that officials were confiscating party documents and hard disks containing crucial details related to upcoming assembly elections. Banerjee stated that she personally ensured the return of those materials, questioning whether central agencies had the authority to seize party-related data during an election period. She further alleged that such actions were aimed at intimidating her party and interfering with democratic processes.
Sharp Remarks Against Central Leadership
Escalating her criticism, Mamata Banerjee questioned the role of the Union Home Minister and the ED, asking whether it was their duty to take away political party documents. She warned that similar actions against opposition party offices could provoke retaliation, adding that her government was currently exercising restraint. She also announced statewide protests by the TMC, condemning what she termed as “ED loot” of party documents.
BJP Accuses CM of Interfering With Probe
The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly criticized Banerjee’s actions. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari labeled her visit as unconstitutional interference in a central agency’s investigation and urged the ED to take action against her. He stated that the presence of the chief minister and senior police officials during the raid undermined the independence of the probe. BJP leaders also drew parallels to earlier instances where Banerjee allegedly intervened during central agency actions.
BJP Claims Money Trail Exposed
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Mamata Banerjee of panicking after an alleged illegal money trail linked to the TMC was exposed. In a social media post, he claimed that I-PAC was being used as a front to camouflage illicit funds and asserted that illegal money cannot be used to influence elections or manipulate democracy.
ED Clarifies Its Stand
In an official statement, the ED clarified that the searches were evidence-based and part of an ongoing investigation into illegal coal smuggling and money laundering. The agency emphasized that the raids were conducted at ten locations across West Bengal and Delhi and were not connected to any elections or political targeting. The ED also stated that no political party offices were searched and that the operation followed established legal procedures, while alleging that certain individuals misused their positions to obstruct the investigation and seize documents unlawfully.
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