Scheduled to start at 2 pm from the 8B Bus Stand and ending at Hazra More, the protest was announced by Banerjee, according to News18.
This follows the ED’s raid at the office of political consultancy I-PAC on January 8 related to an alleged fake government job scheme.
Banerjee claims unlawful seizure of party data
In light of the situation, Banerjee accused the central agency of overreach, alleging that sensitive party materials were confiscated during the operation.
“They arrived at 6:00 am and seized our party’s data, laptops, strategies, and mobile phones. Their forensic experts copied all the information. I deem this an offense,” she stated.
She further asserted that I-PAC operates as an authorized team of the TMC, not as an independent entity. Banerjee also claimed that documents related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were taken, even though the TMC is a registered political party that consistently files its income tax returns. She challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to compete democratically in the state.
ED denies political targeting claims
The Enforcement Directorate refuted the allegations, stating that its actions were legally justified.
“Banerjee entered Prateek Jain’s residence and removed crucial evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices,” the agency noted in a statement.
Read more: High drama in Kolkata | ED raids I-PAC office, Mamata slams ‘nasty, naughty’ Amit Shah
Additionally, it accused the Chief Minister, along with aides and state police personnel, of hampering an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by removing evidence from I-PAC’s office.
The ED clarified, “No party office has been searched. The investigation is unrelated to any elections and is part of a routine crackdown on money laundering,” emphasizing that operations adhered to established legal protocols.
This inquiry is based on a CBI FIR from November 27, 2020, concerning coal smuggling from areas of Eastern Coalfields Limited. The Shakambhari Group has been identified as a major beneficiary, and the agency alleges that the funds were funneled through a hawala network to I-PAC. Raids on January 8 targeted ten locations across West Bengal and Delhi, according to News18.
Court battle and police cases escalate standoff
In retaliation, the TMC has filed a case against the ED, with a hearing set for Friday, January 9.
The ED has also moved to the Calcutta High Court, claiming illegal interference during its searches.
This matter is expected to be reviewed by Justice Suvra Ghosh. In the meantime, Kolkata Police have initiated two separate cases against ED officials, further escalating the institutional conflict, as reported by News18.
BJP criticizes Banerjee’s actions
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded by accusing Banerjee of trying to obstruct justice.
“If there’s nothing to conceal in West Bengal, why would a Chief Minister rush to secure files from an investigation site? The truth will eventually surface, and Bengal will support the BJP,” the party stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Read more: Mamata dares BJP to fight TMC politically to win West Bengal polls; protest across state
The BJP reaffirmed that investigative bodies should operate independently, free from political influence.
Political mobilization continues amid probe
In the midst of the controversy, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee is scheduled to visit Bongaon, a stronghold of the Matua community, indicating ongoing electoral engagement.
BJP president JP Nadda is also in the state, conducting organizational meetings and visiting Tata Cancer Centre and AIIMS Kalyani.
