The political landscape in West Bengal was jolted on Thursday as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the Kolkata office of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC). The action, part of an ongoing investigation, immediately drew sharp condemnation from opposition parties who accused the ruling BJP of misusing central agencies for political gains.
Opposition Unites in Condemnation
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav was among the first to react, framing the ED's move as a sign of the BJP's desperation. Posting on social media, Yadav stated, "It is the first proof that BJP is losing badly in Bengal." His comment set the tone for a day of intense political sparring, with the raid becoming a focal point for anti-BJP sentiment.
In Bengal itself, the reaction was multifaceted. While the BJP's rivals were critical of the central agency's actions, they also turned their fire on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Both the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Congress questioned the legality of her direct involvement during the search operation.
Questions Over CM's Intervention and Agency Motives
CPM state secretary Md Salim raised serious concerns about the Chief Minister's conduct. "The role of CM Mamata Banerjee on Thursday raises questions about its legality," Salim said. He detailed witnessing the CM removing files and laptops, and police loading documents into a politician's car. The CPM leader demanded that cases be registered against the officials involved and the Chief Minister herself.
Pradesh Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar questioned the timing and intent behind the ED's sudden focus on I-PAC, which has been operational in the state for a considerable period. "Why did the agencies attack it all of a sudden? Are they trying to intimidate Pratik Jain? Are they trying to get hold of documents that Jain has?" Sarkar asked, hinting at possible ulterior motives behind the investigation.
A Binary Political Battle Overshadows Core Issues
Subhankar Sarkar further alleged that the entire episode was a manufactured conflict between the two dominant forces in the state. He argued that the media spotlight on such cases deliberately shifts public attention away from pressing concerns like unemployment, inflation, and livelihood security. Sarkar also pointed to the harassment of Bengali-speaking people in other states, claiming that neither the Trinamool Congress nor the BJP wishes to address these substantive issues. He compared the current situation to the political pattern observed earlier in Samsherganj.
The ED raid on I-PAC has thus successfully ignited a multi-pronged political controversy. It has united opposition parties against the BJP's alleged use of investigative agencies while simultaneously exposing the fissures within the anti-BJP camp in Bengal, particularly regarding the TMC's handling of the situation. The event underscores the intense and complex political rivalry defining the state's current climate.
