W Bengal Assembly Election-2026: ED versus Didi confrontation kicks off 2026 elections in W Bengal
The political atmosphere in West Bengal has heated up following an unprecedented confrontation between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). What began as an investigation into money laundering in a coal pilferage scam has rapidly escalated into a high-stakes street battle, potentially reshaping the 2026 assembly election campaign.
The drama reached its peak on January 8, when the Chief Minister unexpectedly intervened during ED raids on the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its head, Pratik Jain.
In a move that has stunned political observers, Mamata Banerjee is alleged to have obstructed the search, physically removing "sensitive party documents," hard drives, and laptops.
While the ED has sought a CBI investigation and moved the Calcutta High Court for her "obstruction of justice," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has retaliated by filing multiple FIRs against ED and CRPF officials for alleged theft and intimidation.
Political booster shot
For the TMC, this confrontation has provided a "political booster shot." By portraying the raids as a direct attack on "Bengal's pride" (Bangla Nijer Meyekei Chai), Mamata has successfully shifted the narrative from corruption allegations to a battle for the state's identity.
Her revived slogan 'Maa Mati Manush' aims to mobilize public sentiment against the BJP-led central government's "politics of revenge."
BJP is treading cautiously
On the other hand, the BJP is treading cautiously. While the party has termed the Chief Minister's conduct "unconstitutional" and "mafia-like," its strategists are wary of the fight devolving into an emotional duel.
The BJP is now attempting to bring the discussion back to governance and corruption, trying to dismantle the TMC's victim narrative by highlighting legal evidence of financial irregularities. As Kolkata is gripped by protests and legal battles, this "ED versus Didi" confrontation has officially kicked off the 2026 election war, polarizing voters and leaving the state's political future hanging in a delicate balance.
Prakash Kumar Pandey