Supriya Sule Condemns ED Raids on Political Consulting Firm in Kolkata

In a recent political uproar, Supriya Sule of the NCP condemned the Enforcement Directorate's raid on the I-PAC consulting firm in Kolkata, deeming it undemocratic. This incident, linked to an alleged coal smuggling case, has sparked significant backlash from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who accused the ED of attempting to seize sensitive TMC documents. As tensions escalate, Banerjee has led protests against the ED's actions, questioning their legitimacy and alleging a conspiracy to undermine her party. The unfolding events highlight the growing political strife in West Bengal, raising questions about the implications for the state's governance and electoral integrity.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 10, 2026, 13:37 IST

Political Fallout from ED Raids

Supriya Sule, a member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar, expressed strong disapproval of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) raid on the political consulting firm I-PAC in Kolkata on Saturday, labeling the action as entirely undemocratic. Speaking to reporters, Sule raised concerns about the nature of the raid, suggesting it was aimed at seizing files related to the internal affairs of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). She stated, "What happened in Kolkata is extremely unfortunate. The raid on I-PAC resulted in the confiscation of all files pertaining to TMC's internal matters. This is completely undemocratic, and we condemn such actions."

Context of the ED's Actions

This incident follows a raid conducted by the ED on I-PAC's Kolkata office on Thursday, linked to an alleged coal smuggling case. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly intervened during the raid, entering the I-PAC office with police and taking some documents with her. Banerjee questioned the legitimacy of the raid and accused the ED of orchestrating a deep conspiracy to 'steal' TMC's electoral data. The day after the raid, she led a protest in Kolkata against the ED's actions, while several TMC MPs demonstrated outside the Home Ministry in Delhi.

Mamata Banerjee's Response

Addressing a gathering, Chief Minister Banerjee remarked, "I usually do not react, but if someone hurts me, I do not let it go. They are targeting locals under the guise of SIR. They have harassed elderly individuals and pregnant women. Those who criticize TMC do not realize how dedicated TMC workers are. Locals are being troubled in the name of SIR, with their documents taken without receipts. During the vote count, we went door-to-door with booth-level agents. They will be present at polling stations and booths." She further stated that she has never encountered a party like the BJP before.

Allegations Against the BJP

Banerjee continued, "If you speak in Bengali, they label you as Bangladeshi. They claim that Rohingyas are present in Bengal, but where are they? If Rohingyas exist, why hasn't SIR been initiated in Assam? Rohingyas come from Myanmar and must first cross Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam. This is all being done because they want to gain power in Bengal, just like in Maharashtra and Haryana. They steal votes through the Election Commission; the Commission cannot harm me."