ED–I-PAC Face-Off Intensifies Political Tensions Ahead of 2026 Bengal Elections

War of words escalates after enforcement agency raids, with sharp allegations, legal notices and counter-claims dominating the political discourse

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, January 10, 2026: The political landscape in West Bengal has entered a phase of heightened tension ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with a growing cold war between rival camps now taking a dramatic turn following the Enforcement Directorate’s raid on the office of I-PAC, the political consultancy firm affiliated with the Trinamool Congress. The development has pushed the I-PAC–ED confrontation to the centre of political attention, sharply intensifying the atmosphere in the state.

The situation escalated after the ED conducted raids at the residence and office of Prateek Jain, head of I-PAC, triggering a fierce exchange of allegations and counter-allegations. In an unprecedented scene that drew national attention, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was seen leaving the premises with files during the central agency’s operation. Addressing the issue publicly, the Chief Minister alleged that the raids were politically motivated and aimed at accessing her party’s election strategy and candidate list ahead of the polls.

In a strongly worded statement, Ms. Banerjee alleged irregularities linked to coal money and directly targeted senior BJP leaders. “They are talking about coal money. Who takes it? Amit Shah takes it. The money is given through a traitor. Jagannath is also involved — not the Jagannath of Puri, but Jagannath’s government. The money goes to Suvendu through him. Then that money goes to Amit Shah,” she said, making explosive claims that further inflamed the political atmosphere.

Reacting to these allegations, the lawyer representing Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari issued a legal letter demanding proof to substantiate the Chief Minister’s statements. The situation was further aggravated when Ms. Banerjee referred to Mr. Adhikari as an “adopted son”, a remark that his legal counsel described as insulting and objectionable. With legal notices now entering the fray, the political contest has clearly moved beyond rhetoric into a more confrontational phase.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate sought to clarify its position, stating that the raids were conducted strictly in connection with the coal scam investigation. According to the agency, coordinated searches were carried out at 10 locations across the country, including six in West Bengal and four in Delhi. The ED said its investigation had uncovered links to a hawala network, during which the name of I-PAC surfaced.

The agency claimed that a transaction amounting to ₹10 crore was routed through hawala channels via Indian Political Action Committee Private Limited. It further stated that the name of Prateek Jain had emerged in the statements of several accused persons connected to the case, prompting the raids as part of the ongoing probe.

As the political narrative continues to evolve, the episode has added a new dimension to the pre-election battle in West Bengal, intertwining investigative agencies, political strategists and top leadership in a high-stakes confrontation. Political observers and experts are closely watching how the situation unfolds and what impact it may have on the broader electoral dynamics in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly elections.