By Khabar Rojana 
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on political consultancy firm I-PAC in Kolkata have intensified political tensions in West Bengal. Opposition parties allege selective targeting by central agencies under the Narendra Modi government. This is the first time a private election management company has been raided, raising concerns about the timing ahead of Assembly elections.
I-PAC works closely with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal and also advises the DMK in Tamil Nadu. Opposition leaders compared the ED action to a “raid on a party office,” warning it could disrupt election preparations, including candidate screening and campaign strategy.
On Thursday, ED officials searched 10 I-PAC-linked locations — six in Kolkata and four in Delhi, including the residence of Director Pratik Jain. Authorities said the raids are connected to an alleged coal smuggling case.
Founded by Prashant Kishor, I-PAC first gained attention managing the BJP’s 2014 Lok Sabha campaign. Since then, the firm has assisted several parties, including JD(U), Congress, YSRCP, Shiv Sena, AAP, DMK, and TMC. Its longest association has been with TMC since 2021, helping shape major electoral victories.
Congress leaders questioned the timing, saying if wrongdoing existed, why act now? CPI(M) also called the raids “stage-managed,” while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed the action shows BJP’s electoral anxiety. Many opposition voices argue that central agencies have increasingly been used against political rivals, particularly near elections.
The raids on I-PAC have reignited debates over alleged misuse of investigative powers. Critics say such actions create an uneven playing field and raise questions about the neutrality of central agencies during election seasons.
Shalu Shalu