KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL — Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shashi Panja has criticised the BJP and the central government following the reported raid on political consultancy firm IPAC, alleging misuse of agencies for political purposes.
Speaking in Kolkata, Panja said that IPAC (Indian Political Action Committee) is the official political strategist working with the TMC and has been carrying out its responsibilities smoothly. She подчеркнул that the agency plays a key role in campaign planning and election strategy for the party.
Reacting to the raid, Panja alleged that the BJP and the central government have been systematically targeting TMC leaders and workers through various agencies, and claimed that the action against IPAC is part of the same pattern.
She said that this reflects a lack of political direction and developmental agenda on the part of the BJP, accusing the party of relying on investigative actions instead of focusing on governance and policy issues in West Bengal.
Panja further stated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has previously raised concerns about such actions, suggesting that central agencies are being used as tools to put pressure on opposition parties.
According to her, the raid on IPAC is an extension of these tactics, aimed at disrupting the functioning of the party’s campaign machinery ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.
She also argued that instead of engaging in constructive political dialogue or presenting a vision for development, the BJP is resorting to such measures, which she described as politically motivated.
The remarks come at a time of heightened political tensions in the state, with both ruling and opposition parties exchanging sharp allegations as the election approaches.
Political observers note that the use of investigative agencies has become a recurring point of contention in Indian politics, often leading to accusations and counter-accusations between parties.
Shashi Panja’s statement reflects the TMC’s position that the IPAC raid is politically driven, while highlighting the broader narrative of alleged misuse of central agencies in the run-up to elections.
