'Killer of Democracy, Most Nasty Home Minister…’: CM Banerjee Slams Govt Over ED Raid On I-PAC Office, Watch

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the central government after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee) office in Kolkata. The chief minister accused the BJP-led central government of using central agencies to target her party, calling the move an "attack on democracy."

Speaking to the media, Banerjee said, "I am sorry, Mr. Prime Minister, please control your Home Minister. If the BJP cannot fight us politically, why are you using agencies to attack Bengal? Win through democracy, not through raids."

She claimed that the ED officials entered the I-PAC office and took away important documents, including data related to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party's campaign strategy, voter lists, and internal planning details. Mamata alleged that this was a deliberate attempt to steal her party's confidential data ahead of the upcoming elections.

"Killers of Democracy,": Mamata Banerjee

In her fiery speech, Mamata Banerjee described the BJP as the "killers of democracy" and accused the Union Home Minister of interfering in state politics. "The nasty and arrogant Home Minister who cannot even protect the country is taking away my party's documents," she said.

The chief minister questioned whether the ED's role included collecting political information, hard disks, or party candidate lists. She also criticized the alleged deletion of voter names in West Bengal, claiming that over 1.5 crore voters, including women and youth, were removed from the electoral roll under the guise of an investigation called "SIR."

Mamata alleged that the BJP is using technology and artificial intelligence to spread misinformation online. "They are running hundreds of fake accounts and platforms funded by the BJP to mislead people. If this continues, we will take this fight to the ground," she warned.

ED Responds to Allegations

Following Mamata Banerjee's accusations, the ED issued a statement denying any political motive behind the raids. The agency clarified that the searches were part of an investigation into illegal coal smuggling and money laundering. Officials said the operation was conducted simultaneously at 10 locations - six in West Bengal and four in Delhi - and that no political party office was targeted.

The ED also alleged that some individuals, including "constitutional functionaries," entered the raid sites without authorization and seized documents illegally.

As tensions rise between the TMC and BJP, the incident has once again ignited a political storm in Bengal, with both parties accusing each other of misuse of power. The situation continues to draw national attention as the state prepares for the upcoming elections.