Kolkata erupted in political fervor as Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers took to the streets in a massive show of defiance against the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) recent raids. The raids targeted the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office and the residence of its key figure, Prateek Jain, sparking immediate backlash from the ruling party in West Bengal.
The demonstrations, marked by vibrant banners and resounding slogans, saw hundreds of TMC supporters converging near key locations in the city. Party leaders accused the central agencies of political vendetta, aimed at crippling the state’s governance ahead of crucial electoral battles. ‘This is nothing but a desperate attempt by the BJP to silence our voices,’ thundered a senior TMC spokesperson during the rally.
Eyewitnesses described tense scenes as protesters clashed verbally with security personnel deployed to maintain order. The ED’s operation, which began early morning, involved thorough searches and seizure of documents from I-PAC’s premises—a firm credited with TMC’s stellar digital campaigns in recent elections. Prateek Jain, a strategist closely associated with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s inner circle, was questioned at length, fueling speculation of deeper political motives.
TMC’s top brass, including MPs and MLAs, joined the protest, framing it as a broader fight against ‘federal overreach.’ They highlighted how such actions undermine democratic processes and target opposition voices selectively. As the sun set on the protests, party workers vowed to intensify their agitation, demanding an immediate halt to what they call ‘misuse of central power.’
This episode adds to the growing list of ED probes involving TMC leaders, intensifying the state’s tussle with the Centre. Political analysts warn that such confrontations could polarize voters further, setting the stage for high-stakes political drama in the coming months. TMC remains undeterred, rallying its base with cries of ‘Jai Bangla’ echoing through Kolkata’s streets.