In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) unveiled its official campaign anthem for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections on Saturday. This strategic move came within 48 hours of a major confrontation between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over raids conducted at the offices of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain.
Election Anthem Born from Protest
The newly released campaign song, titled "Jotoi koro hamla, abar jitbe Bangla", directly channels the party's defiance following the federal agency's actions. The 3-minute and 12-second video features prominent TMC leaders Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, showcasing a montage of the party's programmes, public meetings, and notably, scenes of protest. The party has explicitly incorporated the Chief Minister's stand against the ED raids into its electoral messaging, asserting its confidence in securing a fourth consecutive term in power.
The ED Raids and Mamata's Direct Challenge
The genesis of this political storm lies in the searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate on January 11, 2026. The ED raided 10 locations connected to I-PAC, the political consultancy firm managing the TMC's election campaign. The raids were part of an investigation into an alleged coal smuggling and money laundering case.
In an unprecedented move, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally arrived at the residence of I-PAC director Pratik Jain while the searches were underway. She later emerged from the apartment carrying a laptop and a green folder. The CM also proceeded to I-PAC's office, from where she took out several files, physically positioning herself against the federal probe.
Legal Battleheads to Supreme Court
The conflict is now set to reach the country's highest judicial forum. The Enforcement Directorate is likely to move the Supreme Court, alleging interference by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her administration during its searches in Kolkata. This development follows both the ED and the Trinamool Congress having already filed petitions in the Calcutta High Court.
The hearing at the Calcutta High Court before Justice Suvra Ghosh witnessed chaos, leading to an adjournment. The matter has now been posted for hearing on January 14. Anticipating legal action, the West Bengal government has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court. A caveat is a legal precaution ensuring that no ex-parte order is passed without the state being heard.
The rapid sequence of events—from raids to political anthem launch to impending Supreme Court litigation—marks a significant intensification in the run-up to the 2026 state polls. The TMC has successfully transformed a legal enforcement action into a central rallying cry for its campaign, setting the stage for a fiercely contested election.
