Mamata Banerjee accuses the Enforcement Directorate of political vendetta after raids linked to I-PAC, triggering protests and legal escalation ahead of elections.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee locked horns with the Enforcement Directorate following a series of searches carried out on January 8 at multiple locations connected to political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC). Among the premises searched were the residence and office of I-PAC director Pratik Jain, as part of a probe linked to an alleged coal smuggling and money-laundering network.

Banerjee alleged that investigators seized sensitive data related to Trinamool Congress (TMC) voters and accused the agency of overstepping its mandate with elections on the horizon. She also claimed the search was obstructed by her intervention, prompting the ED to approach the Calcutta High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the incident.

The standoff quickly spilled onto the streets and Parliament. TMC lawmakers staged protests in Delhi and were briefly detained, while Banerjee led a demonstration in Kolkata, signalling she would counter the allegations with evidence against political rivals.

Analysis:
The confrontation highlights the growing friction between federal agencies and opposition-ruled states, especially as major elections draw closer. For voters, the episode reinforces concerns about institutional neutrality and political trust. Whether the legal route clarifies facts or deepens polarization may shape the political narrative well beyond West Bengal.