“Former Tadipar Amit Shah Deployed His Filthy Tactic Again”: Saket Gokhale on ED Action in Bengal

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale on Thursday launched a blistering attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah following a tense confrontation between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Kolkata.

The political storm erupted after Mamata Banerjee entered the residence of political strategist and I-PAC chief Pratik Jain during an ongoing ED search and emerged with documents and electronic devices. The Chief Minister alleged that the central probe agency was attempting to seize sensitive Trinamool Congress data, including internal documents, hard disks, and materials linked to the party’s election planning.

Reacting sharply, Gokhale accused the Centre of repeatedly misusing investigative agencies to intimidate Opposition-ruled states. Taking to social media platform X, the TMC MP said, “Today, former tadipar Amit Shah deployed his filthy tactic again of using the ED to target Bengal.”

He went on to question the credibility and intent of the agency, claiming that the ED overwhelmingly targets Opposition leaders. “Ninety-eight percent of ED cases against politicians are against the Opposition,” Gokhale alleged, while citing figures to underline what he described as selective action.

According to him, the agency’s track record raises serious concerns. “Out of 5,297 cases registered by the ED in the last 11 years, only 47 have gone to trial. The conviction rate is barely 0.7 percent,” he claimed. Emphasising further, Gokhale added, “Out of every 100 cases filed against politicians, only one reaches court, and out of 1,000 people jailed, only seven are found guilty.”

Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of turning the ED into a political weapon, Gokhale alleged that the agency’s real objective was to gain access to the TMC’s electoral preparations. “They tried to steal potential candidate lists, strategy documents and campaign notes,” he said.

Calling the episode a sign of panic within the BJP, Gokhale concluded with a warning, “Imagine the desperation—using a central agency to commit theft. But stealing documents will not save the BJP in Bengal.”