In a dramatic escalation of her confrontation with the central government, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday staunchly defended her decision to personally intervene during Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the offices of political consultancy I-PAC. She accused the central agency of attempting to "steal" sensitive data belonging to her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Direct Allegations Against BJP Leadership in Delhi
Addressing a rally in Kolkata, Banerjee launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She made a serious claim that "senior BJP leaders in Delhi" had received proceeds from the coal scam. The TMC supremo asserted that she was prepared to "furnish proof before the public" if such a need arose. She framed her direct involvement during Thursday's searches as a necessary step to protect her party's information from being confiscated ahead of the crucial 2026 Assembly elections.
Street Power Display and Accusations of Political Vendetta
The Chief Minister's strong remarks came after she spearheaded a large protest march in south Kolkata against the ED's actions. This show of street power is seen as a strategic move by the TMC to mobilise its base early in the run-up to the state polls. Banerjee further accused the Delhi Police of "assaulting" TMC MPs and MLAs who were protesting in the national capital. She contrasted this treatment with the "red carpet welcome" she claimed the BJP receives in Bengal.
Expanding her critique to other states, Banerjee alleged that the BJP had won the Maharashtra elections by "stealing the mandate" with the help of the Election Commission. She warned that the saffron party was now attempting to "repeat it in Bengal." The ED's searches, which targeted the residence of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain and the firm's offices, triggered high-voltage political drama after Banerjee made an unannounced appearance at the raid locations.
Political Repercussions and the Road to 2026
By taking the political fight to the streets and directly confronting central agencies, Mamata Banerjee has significantly intensified her face-off with the BJP-led Centre. The I-PAC raid episode and the subsequent allegations have provided the TMC with a potent mobilising issue. Analysts suggest this marks the beginning of a highly charged and aggressive campaign season in West Bengal, setting the stage for a bitter electoral battle in 2026 where accusations of central agency misuse and corruption are likely to be central themes.
