Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Apr 19: Uncertainty surrounding the operations of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in West Bengal deepened on Sunday after reports emerged of a temporary suspension of its Kolkata office activities, followed by strong political reactions from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The controversy began when an internal email reportedly circulated among I-PAC employees, stating that its West Bengal operations would be paused for 20 days and staff were advised to proceed on short leave during this period. The development quickly triggered confusion, with media outlets reporting a possible halt in the organisation’s political consultancy work in the state.
Shortly afterwards, clarifications attributed to the Trinamool Congress denied any shutdown of operations, adding another layer of ambiguity to the situation.
Amid the unfolding confusion, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed an election rally in Tarakeswar, where she stated that if required, employees associated with the Kolkata-based consultancy would be absorbed into the Trinamool Congress structure and provided with employment opportunities. She also said she had discussed the matter with the party’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
The Chief Minister strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of pressuring and intimidating organisations working with her party ahead of the upcoming state elections. She alleged that central investigative agencies were being misused to target individuals and groups associated with the Trinamool Congress.
Banerjee claimed that repeated raids were being carried out on people linked to her party while opposition leaders remained untouched. She also alleged attempts to disrupt election campaigning through enforcement actions and accused political opponents of using coercive tactics.
Referring to ongoing investigations and search operations, she questioned the selective targeting of individuals, including those associated with her office and security team. She further stated that such actions would be legally challenged.
Without naming anyone directly, she also launched a sharp attack on a senior opposition leader, questioning why certain individuals and their families were not being investigated despite allegations against them.
The I-PAC, which has been associated with election strategy planning for the Trinamool Congress in recent years, now finds itself at the centre of a political controversy that has intensified the already heated atmosphere ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal.