Congress Leaders Split Over ED Raids on I-PAC in Kolkata

Divergent Reactions from Congress Leaders

Kolkata, Jan 9: The Indian National Congress (INC) is witnessing a split in opinions regarding the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) recent simultaneous raids at the India Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office and the residence of co-founder Pratik Jain in Kolkata's Loudon Street.

This division is particularly highlighted by contrasting responses from a national leader and a state leader within West Bengal.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a prominent Congress figure and Supreme Court advocate, criticized the ED's actions, stating, "The ED now targets political consultants because it has failed to uncover facts, truth, or credibility. The raid on I-PAC in Kolkata exemplifies the BJP's tactics of coercion. When democracy is challenged, agencies are misused." Singhvi has previously represented the Mamata Banerjee government in significant legal cases.

In stark contrast, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the former state Congress president and a five-time Lok Sabha member, questioned the Chief Minister's concerns regarding the ED's operations against I-PAC. He remarked, "What is causing the Chief Minister's distress over I-PAC? There must be some underlying mystery here."

Similarly, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, echoed this sentiment, questioning why the Chief Minister was so preoccupied with the ED's actions at a private corporate entity. This inquiry arose after Banerjee visited Jain's residence and the I-PAC office during the raids, reportedly leaving with various files and electronic documents.

I-PAC has been instrumental in strategizing votes for the Trinamool Congress since 2020.