High political drama unfolded in Kolkata on Thursday after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the residence of Pratik Jain, national head of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), amid ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to a money laundering investigation.
The chief minister alleged that ED officials attempted to seize Trinamool Congress (TMC) party documents, hard disks, and sensitive election-related data, calling the action “politically motivated and unconstitutional.”
What Triggered the Drama?
The ED conducted simultaneous searches at 10 locations—six in West Bengal and four in Delhi—including Pratik Jain’s residence and I-PAC offices. According to the agency, the searches are part of an ongoing probe into illegal coal smuggling and money laundering, and are evidence-based, not politically targeted.
I-PAC currently manages IT operations, media strategy, and campaign support for the ruling TMC in West Bengal.
Mamata’s Allegations: “ED Loot of Party Data”
Visibly agitated, Banerjee reached Jain’s residence amid tight security and chaotic scenes, avoiding media questions. Videos of her visit quickly went viral.
“They raided the residence of our IT chief and were confiscating my party’s documents and hard disks, which contain details of our Assembly election candidates. I have brought those back,” Banerjee said, as quoted by PTI.
She directly questioned the Centre’s intent:
“Is it the duty of the Home Minister and ED to take away all my party documents just because elections are near?”
The chief minister also linked the raids to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming around 5 lakh voter names were deleted, suggesting a larger plan to influence the electoral process.
In a sharp warning, Banerjee said:
“What will happen if we reciprocate by raiding BJP offices in Bengal? We are exercising restraint.”
She announced statewide TMC protests against what she described as the “ED loot” of party data.
BJP Hits Back: “Direct Interference in ED Probe”
The BJP launched a strong counterattack, accusing Mamata Banerjee of interfering in a central agency investigation.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari called her visit “unethical, unconstitutional, and direct interference”, demanding action against the chief minister.
“The chief minister and the Kolkata Police Commissioner’s presence during an ED raid is unprecedented and unlawful,” Adhikari said.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged that TMC used I-PAC as a front to camouflage illegal money trails, claiming the ED probe has now exposed the nexus.
“Illegal money cannot be used to fund elections, manipulate voters, or hijack democracy,” he posted on X.
Interesting Read
What ED Says
In an official statement, the ED clarified that the searches are part of a money laundering investigation linked to illegal coal smuggling, and stressed that the action is not aimed at any political party.
“The searches are evidence-based and ongoing,” the agency said.
Why This Matters
With Assembly elections approaching, the confrontation has intensified the Centre vs State political battle in West Bengal. The episode raises serious questions around:
- Use of central agencies during election season
- Protection of political party data
- Limits of executive authority during investigations
As raids continue and protests escalate, the issue is expected to remain at the center of national political discourse in the days ahead.
