Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her actions during recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids in Kolkata. Speaking to the press in Guwahati, Sarma alleged that Banerjee’s behaviour amounted to undue interference in an ongoing investigation linked to the political consultancy firm I-PAC. He expressed concern that her conduct could damage public respect for law enforcement and set a dangerous precedent for constitutional authorities.
Allegations of Interference and Obstruction
Sarma accused Mamata Banerjee of entering the premises under ED scrutiny, removing documents, and using inappropriate language against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “The way Mamata Banerjee entered the crime scene, took away files, and used foul language against the Home Minister is deeply disturbing,” he said. According to Sarma, such actions by an elected leader undermine institutional processes and risk weakening public confidence in governance. He emphasized that investigative agencies must be allowed to work independently without political interference or obstruction.
Background of the ED Raids and Political Reactions
The ED raids in Kolkata were conducted earlier this week as part of an investigation into I-PAC, a political consultancy firm involved with several parties nationwide. Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), reacted strongly to the raids, accusing the central government of using agencies like the ED to target opposition-ruled states. Banerjee had visited one of the search locations and publicly condemned the agency’s actions, calling it a political vendetta. However, the Centre has denied these allegations of misuse.
Impact on BJP-TMC Political Tensions
Sarma rejected Mamata Banerjee’s claims, stating that no individual, regardless of their political stature, should be above the law. “Such actions do not strengthen democracy; they weaken it,” he asserted. This episode adds fuel to the escalating verbal clash between BJP and TMC leaders, especially as political battles intensify ahead of upcoming elections. The scrutiny of opposition figures by central investigative agencies has become a flashpoint in the ongoing rivalry between the two parties.
