Political Tensions Rise in Delhi as TMC Protests Against ED Raids
Tensions flared in Delhi as Trinamool Congress MPs protested outside Amit Shah's office against ED raids related to I-PAC. The TMC accused the central government of using investigative agencies to intimidate opposition parties and disrupt elections. The protest escalated with police detaining several MPs, leading to strong condemnation from TMC leadership, including Mamata Banerjee. The government defended its actions as lawful, while TMC leaders questioned the motives behind the raids. This incident highlights the ongoing political strife in the region, raising concerns about the state of democracy.
Jan 9, 2026, 13:07 IST
TMC MPs Stage Protest in Delhi
Political tensions escalated in the capital city of Delhi when several MPs from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) staged a vigorous protest outside the office of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Prominent figures in the demonstration included TMC MP Mahua Moitra, Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien, and Kirti Azad. The protest was triggered by Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to the political strategy organization I-PAC and its associates. The TMC has accused central agencies of being used to intimidate the opposition and disrupt electoral preparations.
Demonstration Escalates
During the protest, the MPs chanted slogans against the central government, alleging attempts to undermine democracy. The situation intensified when Delhi police began detaining the protesting MPs, who were subsequently taken to the Parliament Street police station. TMC leadership condemned this action as an abuse of power. Party chief Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the government, claiming that it is using investigative agencies as political tools to suppress opposition voices through fear and oppression.
Government's Defense
On the other hand, the central government maintains that the ED's actions are entirely legal and devoid of any political motives. Police stated that the protest was conducted without permission, necessitating their intervention to maintain law and order. After being released from custody, TMC MPs launched a fierce critique against the central government. TMC MP Kirti Azad remarked on the ED's raid at the I-PAC office, questioning why such actions are specifically targeted and forceful. He highlighted previous statements made by Amit Shah regarding political opponents and questioned whether the ED is only acting against those the BJP cannot defeat in elections.
Continued Opposition
Additionally, TMC MP Mahua Moitra stated, "We were peacefully protesting outside Amit Shah's office when we were dragged to the Parliament Street police station. The ED, referred to as the 'Recovery Directorate,' was sent to loot our party's resources, spy politically, and steal our electoral data and documents. Why is the ED only targeting the opposition? No other opposition leader has the courage that Didi (Mamata Banerjee) showed yesterday to protect our party's documents."