West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday, alleging that the central agency's true purpose in the state was to steal the election strategy of her ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party. Her accusations came on the same day it was revealed that the ED has formally requested a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the Chief Minister herself.
Mamata's Allegations Against the Enforcement Directorate
Addressing a public distribution program in the Purulia district, Mamata Banerjee claimed that ED officials were not genuinely investigating but were instead gathering political intelligence. She asserted that the agency's personnel were visiting various districts under the guise of probes but were actually compiling reports on the TMC's campaign plans, public sentiment, and organizational strength.
"They are not here for any investigation. They are here to steal the election strategy of Trinamool Congress," the Chief Minister declared. She framed the ED's actions as a politically motivated assault by the central government, aimed at destabilizing her party ahead of crucial electoral battles.
ED Seeks CBI Probe Against the Chief Minister
In a significant parallel development, the Enforcement Directorate has written to the CBI, urging it to investigate Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's alleged involvement in a multi-crore coal pilferage case. This case pertains to the illegal mining and theft of coal from Eastern Coalfields Limited mines in the state's Kunustoria and Kajora areas.
The ED's request is based on statements recorded from two individuals already arrested in the case. The agency's move marks a major escalation, seeking to bring the CBI, another central probe agency, directly into a case involving the sitting Chief Minister. The TMC has consistently labeled all such investigations as "vendetta politics" orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre.
Political Repercussions and TMC's Stance
The twin developments have intensified the ongoing political warfare in West Bengal. The TMC leadership has rallied behind Mamata Banerjee, condemning the ED's actions as a desperate attempt to undermine the state's democratically elected government. Party spokespersons have reiterated that the people of Bengal see through these tactics and will continue to support Mamata Banerjee's leadership.
Conversely, the opposition BJP in the state has seized upon the ED's request for a CBI probe. They have demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the coal scam, alleging high-level corruption and protection of the illegal mining racket by the state administration.
The situation underscores the deep-seated tensions between the Centre and the West Bengal government, with investigative agencies frequently at the center of the conflict. As the ED's letter to the CBI sets the stage for a potential new legal front, Mamata Banerjee's allegations highlight the acute trust deficit and the fiercely contested political landscape of the state, where every administrative action is viewed through a partisan lens.
