IT Raid on TMC Candidate Ignites Campaign Momentum in Kolkata
A 15-hour-long Income Tax raid on the residence of seasoned Trinamool Congress politician Debashis Kumar in Kolkata has unexpectedly energized his election campaign, with party activists asserting that the prolonged interrogation has generated a wave of public sympathy. The raid, conducted on Friday, targeted Kumar's home in the Rashbehari constituency, leading to speculation about political motives as assembly polls approach.
Candidate Rushes to Capitalize on Sympathy Wave
Within half an hour of his release, Debashis Kumar swiftly compensated for lost campaign hours by heading to KP Roy Lane, a neighborhood off Tollygunge Circular Road, to address voters. He emphasized that engaging with the electorate in Ward 89 could be crucial for securing a lead in the upcoming assembly elections. On Saturday, Kumar embarked on a whirlwind tour of five Kolkata Municipal Corporation wards under the Rashbehari constituency, covering areas such as Sadananda Road, Hazra, Rajani Sen Road, Bowali Mondal Road, Pratapaditya Road, Lake View Road, and Garcha Road.
Party Activists See Blessing in Disguise
According to Kesto Manna, a Trinamool Congress election campaigner, the ordeal faced by Kumar has turned into a strategic advantage. Manna noted that voters are increasingly questioning the raid's intent, especially since the outcome remains undisclosed by central government officials. "If an incumbent MLA is held hostage at his own home for 15 hours under the guise of questioning or searching, and then officials fail to clarify the raid's results, voters have every right to be skeptical. Our candidate is gaining sympathy among a section of voters, which will benefit him in the coming days," Manna explained.
Residents Express Doubts Over Raid Timing
Arijit Mitra, a resident of Monoharpukur Road, echoed sentiments that the Trinamool Congress might benefit from the simultaneous IT raids on party offices. "The IT department has the authority to raid individuals involved in financial scams, but we question the timing and motive of these actions. With elections imminent, such raids could be perceived as tools to intimidate ruling party candidates," Mitra stated.
Kumar Remains Focused on Door-to-Door Outreach
Debashis Kumar appeared undeterred as he continued his door-to-door campaign, expressing determination to connect with more voters. "I don't need to condemn the raid on my house and party offices; the motive is clear for everyone to see. However, this incident has strengthened my resolve to reach out to the people who will help me win this battle. In some areas, I am now being received with greater warmth. I have covered nearly 75% of my constituency's electorate and will complete the rest soon," Kumar affirmed.
Additional Raid on Key Figure Highlights Transparency Commitment
In a related development, Miraj Shah, a prominent chartered accountant and vice-chairman of The Bhawanipur Education Society College, who proposed Mamata Banerjee's poll nomination, also faced an IT raid at his residence on Friday. Shah communicated to his colleagues that the officers visited his home and reaffirmed his commitment to full transparency and compliance with all regulations.
