Kolkata: What began as an Enforcement Directorate (ED) search linked to a money laundering probe quickly turned into a political flashpoint on Wednesday,
as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the central agency of targeting her party’s internal documents.
ED action snowballs into a political showdown in Kolkata
The ED carried out searches at two locations in Kolkata — the residence of Pratik Jain, a senior functionary associated with political consultancy firm I-PAC, and the firm’s office at the Godrej Waterside complex in Sector V, Salt Lake. Jain is widely regarded as part of Banerjee’s election planning team.
As news of the searches spread through the day, Trinamool Congress leaders and supporters gathered outside the Sector V office, questioning the timing of the action and raising slogans against the Centre. Police presence was stepped up as the crowd grew, with senior officers, including the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, reaching the spot.
Banerjee, who was initially present at one of the searched premises, later travelled to the Salt Lake office herself.
‘Why is ED taking political documents?’
Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister alleged that the agency was more interested in her party’s political material than in financial records. She claimed that documents related to candidate selection, campaign planning and internal strategy were taken during the searches.
Banerjee accused the BJP-led Centre of misusing central agencies to harass political opponents, naming Union Home Minister Amit Shah in her attack. She questioned whether it was within the ED’s powers to seize party documents and election-related material.
“If documents belonging to the BJP were taken this way, there would be an uproar,” she said, alleging that papers were removed without proper safeguards.
BJP hits back
The BJP rejected the allegations, accusing Banerjee of attempting to obstruct an ongoing investigation. Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said central agencies must be allowed to carry out their duties and called for action if interference was established.
Who is Pratik Jain?
Pratik Jain is a co-founder of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and is also linked to the Trinamool Congress’s information technology operations. I-PAC was set up ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections by political strategist Prashant Kishor and has since worked with several political parties, including the TMC, particularly after the 2019 general elections.
The Enforcement Directorate has not yet issued a detailed statement on the searches.
