Mamata Banerjee Confronts ED During Kolkata Raid, Calls It Political Espionage Ahead of Polls

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Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee triggered a major political flashpoint on Thursday after she personally reached the site of an Enforcement Directorate (ED) operation in Kolkata and accused the central agency of crossing constitutional limits. The raid was conducted at the residence of political strategist and I-PAC head Prateek Jain in connection with an alleged fake recruitment-linked financial probe.

Emerging visibly agitated from the premises, Banerjee alleged that the ED’s focus went far beyond the stated investigation. She claimed that officers were attempting to access confidential Trinamool Congress (TMC) material, including digital storage devices, organisational data, and election-related planning documents. According to the Chief Minister, the move amounted to an attempt to harvest political intelligence rather than enforce the law.

Calling the operation “state-sponsored intimidation,” Banerjee accused the BJP-led Union government of misusing central agencies to interfere in the democratic process. She questioned the legality of seizing party-related data and warned that such actions could invite strong political and legal retaliation. The Chief Minister also linked the raid to broader allegations of voter list manipulation, suggesting a coordinated effort to weaken the ruling party ahead of upcoming elections.

The BJP hit back sharply. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari criticised Banerjee’s presence at the raid location, accusing her of obstructing an ongoing central investigation. He described her conduct as inappropriate for a constitutional authority and alleged a pattern of interference whenever agencies investigate individuals linked to the TMC. Adhikari asserted that central agencies must be allowed to function independently and hinted at possible legal consequences for obstruction.

The ED has not yet issued an official statement detailing the scope of the raid or responding to the Chief Minister’s allegations.

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