The political landscape in West Bengal witnessed a fresh escalation on Friday, January 9, 2026, as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at the offices of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC). The development triggered a sharp reaction from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who launched a counter-offensive by alleging that the proceeds from the coal scam were funneled to leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
ED's Raid and Mamata's Fiery Allegations
Officials from the central probe agency conducted raids at the Kolkata offices of I-PAC, the political consultancy known for its association with various parties and its past work for Banerjee's Trinamool Congress. The precise reason for the searches, linked to an ongoing money laundering investigation, was not immediately disclosed in detail by the ED.
Reacting strongly to the action, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not hold back. She accused the central agency of acting under political pressure and fired a major salvo. Banerjee claimed that the money trail from the coal scam actually leads to top BJP leaders. Her statement, made amid visible anger, framed the ED's action as a diversionary tactic to target the opposition while shielding the ruling party at the Centre.
Legal Countermove: ED Seeks CBI Probe Against CM
In a parallel and significant legal development, the Enforcement Directorate moved the Calcutta High Court. The agency filed a petition seeking an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself. The nature of the allegations in this petition, reported by journalist Anirban Bhaumik, adds another layer of complexity to the already tense standoff between the state government and central agencies.
This move indicates a strategic escalation by the central probe agency, attempting to bring a separate central investigating body into the fray against the sitting chief minister. The court's decision on this plea will be closely watched, as it has the potential to open a new front in the legal and political battle.
Political Fallout and Deepening Confrontation
The events of January 9, 2026, mark a significant intensification of the conflict between the Trinamool Congress-led state government and the central establishment. The raid on I-PAC, a key political strategy hub, is viewed by Banerjee's supporters as a direct attack on her party's operational machinery. Her immediate and bold allegation linking the coal scam to the BJP is seen as a classic political counter-punch, aiming to shift the narrative and put the ruling party on the defensive.
The situation underscores the deeply polarized political environment, where law enforcement actions are frequently interpreted through a partisan lens. With the ED seeking a CBI probe against the CM, the legal proceedings are now poised to become a central battleground. The outcome of these developments could have serious implications for the political dynamics in West Bengal and the ongoing power struggle at the national level.
