Amid ongoing election campaigning in West Bengal, reports surfaced on Sunday claiming that political consultancy firm I-PAC had temporarily halted its operations in the state and sent employees on 20 days' leave. The development triggered speculation about a possible impact on the Trinamool Congress's campaign. However, the ruling party dismissed the claims, calling them "completely baseless".
The reports suggested that an internal email was sent on Saturday night to I-PAC employees in Kolkata and other districts. It allegedly stated that staff had been placed on temporary leave for 20 days and would be contacted again after May 11. The reason cited in those reports was "legal obligations".
Trinamool rejects claims, calls it misinformation
Responding to the reports, the Trinamool Congress issued a statement denying any disruption in campaign activities. The party said, "A news report has come to our attention claiming that I-PAC has suspended its operations in West Bengal for the next 20 days. This claim is completely baseless and appears to be a well-planned attempt to create confusion at the party level."
The party further clarified that I-PAC continues to function normally. "I-PAC's team continues to work with AITC, and electoral campaign activities are continuing as planned across the state," the statement added.
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The reports had led to speculation that Trinamool's election strategy and ground-level programmes could face disruption ahead of polling. Party sources, however, indicated that there could be a "political conspiracy" behind the spread of such information.
ED action and past developments
The controversy comes in the backdrop of recent action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) involving individuals linked to I-PAC. Last week in Delhi, I-PAC co-founder Binesh Chandel was arrested by the ED. He was later produced before Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon at Patiala House Court, which remanded him to ED custody till April 23.
Earlier, on January 8, the ED had conducted search operations at the residence of I-PAC chief Prateek Jain in Kolkata and at the organisation's Salt Lake office. During that operation, allegations of obstruction were raised by the central agency. The ED subsequently approached the Supreme Court over the matter.
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Despite these developments, the Trinamool Congress asserted that its campaign remains unaffected. The party said, "West Bengal will not bow down to misinformation or any kind of fear. People will respond firmly on the 23rd and 29th, and their verdict will be reflected in the results announced on May 4."
With elections approaching, the exchange highlights rising political tensions and competing narratives around campaign activities in the state.
