The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly denied recent reports suggesting that political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has paused its operations in West Bengal. Calling the claims “completely baseless,” the ruling party asserted that such narratives are being deliberately spread to create confusion and weaken its campaign momentum ahead of the upcoming elections.
The controversy began after certain media reports claimed that I-PAC, which has played a significant role in shaping TMC’s election strategies since 2021, had allegedly instructed its employees in West Bengal to temporarily halt work and take a 20-day break. The reports quickly gained attention, leading to speculation about possible disruptions in the party’s campaign machinery.
However, the TMC issued an official clarification dismissing these reports outright. According to the party, I-PAC continues to function actively and remains fully involved in ongoing campaign activities across the state. The leadership emphasized that there has been no withdrawal or suspension of services and that all election-related operations are proceeding as planned.
In its statement, the party suggested that such rumours are not accidental but part of a broader attempt to mislead voters. It accused political opponents, particularly those aligned with the central government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of trying to disrupt the TMC’s campaign through fear and misinformation. The party maintained that the people of West Bengal are politically aware and capable of recognizing such tactics.
The issue took on a more serious tone when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a public rally in Tarakeswar. Without directly naming I-PAC, she spoke about alleged attempts to pressure individuals working with her party. Banerjee claimed that central agencies were being used to intimidate not only TMC leaders but also those associated with its campaign efforts.
She stated that if any individuals were forced to leave their roles due to such pressure, her party would ensure they are provided with alternative employment. In a firm message, she said that she would not allow anyone to lose their livelihood due to political targeting. Banerjee also mentioned that she had discussed the matter with Abhishek Banerjee, highlighting the seriousness with which the party is treating the issue.
The Chief Minister further alleged that a “deep-rooted conspiracy” is underway to interfere with the TMC’s election preparations at a crucial time. She criticized what she described as the misuse of investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), claiming that frequent raids and investigations are being timed strategically during the election period to create pressure.
Banerjee also raised broader political concerns, suggesting that such actions are part of a pattern aimed at undermining democratic processes. She warned that attempts to influence elections through intimidation or misinformation would not succeed, and that voters would ultimately deliver their verdict through the ballot box.
The background to this controversy includes ongoing legal scrutiny involving I-PAC and some of its key officials. The ED had previously conducted searches at the firm’s office in Kolkata as well as at the residence of its founder, Prateek Jain, in connection with a coal smuggling investigation. During one such operation, Banerjee had personally visited the location and later accused authorities of trying to access sensitive campaign-related information.
The matter has since reached the Supreme Court of India, where it remains under consideration. In a related development, I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel was recently arrested in New Delhi and is currently in ED custody, further intensifying the political debate around the issue.
Reacting to the arrest, Abhishek Banerjee described the move as an act of intimidation rather than a legitimate legal action. He argued that such steps are aimed at weakening the opposition rather than ensuring accountability.
As West Bengal heads into a crucial electoral phase, the clash of narratives between the TMC and the BJP continues to shape the political landscape. While the TMC insists that its campaign remains strong and unaffected, opposition voices continue to question developments surrounding I-PAC. Ultimately, the impact of these allegations and counter-allegations will become clear as voters head to the polls and make their choice in the coming days.
