‘Did you remember suddenly?’ Mamata Banerjee Alleges ‘conspiracy’ after consecutive ED, IT raids ahead of Bengal Polls

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday hit out strongly at what she described as a “conspiracy” surrounding poll strategist I-PAC, accusing rivals of attempting to intimidate those associated with her party ahead of the Assembly elections.

Addressing the controversy, Banerjee alleged that individuals working with her party were being pressured to leave the state. She warned that such efforts would not be tolerated, questioning how long political opponents would continue what she termed “oppression” and attempts to influence voting patterns. She also raised concerns about the possible implementation of measures like NRC, framing it as part of a broader political agenda.

“There are ED raids happening every day. Why during the elections, brother? Did you suddenly remember?’ CM Banerjee said from a public meeting during her ongoing campaigns across Bengal. 

In a show of support, Banerjee said that anyone being threatened would be welcomed into the Trinamool Congress and assured employment opportunities for them. “You are asking the agencies, which work for us, to leave Bengal. Why? You have 50 agencies. We do not have that support. We have only one. If you threaten them, they will join with my party. We will give them jobs. I will not let them suffer,’ she added. 

She emphasised that no worker associated with her party would be left without a job, adding that she had discussed the issue with party leader Abhishek Banerjee.“I’ve spoken with Abhishek in the morning. Let me very clear. How much torture is enough for you? What is this anarchy? You will do NRC after this. How many voters you want to delete?’ Mamata Banerjee asked. 

The controversy erupted after reports claimed that I-PAC had suspended its operations in West Bengal for 20 days, triggering speculation ahead of the polls. However, the Trinamool Congress dismissed these reports as “baseless” and “motivated,” asserting that the organisation continues to work closely with the party across the state.

In an official statement, the party said campaign activities—from strategic planning to booth-level mobilisation—are proceeding as scheduled. It accused opponents of spreading misinformation to mislead voters, claiming such narratives reflect anxiety over the prevailing public mood in Bengal.

The party further expressed confidence that voters would reject what it called “false propaganda” in the upcoming polling phases.
Meanwhile, the political temperature has risen with enforcement actions in Kolkata. The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at multiple locations, including the residence of a senior Kolkata Police officer in Ballygunge, in connection with an alleged extortion-linked case involving a figure known as “Sona Pappu.”

Authorities also detained individuals for questioning, while legal representatives raised concerns over procedural lapses, including the absence of prior notice. Separate raids were carried out at the residence of a businessman in Behala linked to the same case.