Mamata Banerjee questioned the timing of the searches (Img: Internet)
Kolkata: The Income Tax Department conducted searches at multiple premises linked to leaders of the Trinamool Congress ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, intensifying the political atmosphere in the state.
Among those covered were MLA Debashish Kumar, who is contesting from the Rashbehari assembly seat, and Miraj Shah, who proposed the candidature of Mamata Banerjee from the Bhabanipur constituency.
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Officials carried out searches at Kumar’s residence on Padmapukur Road in south Kolkata, his office in Ballygunge, and other related locations. Shah’s residence in Bhabanipur was also searched for several hours.
While there has been no official statement from the tax authorities, sources indicated that the searches are linked to alleged irregularities, including a land-related matter. The Enforcement Directorate had earlier questioned Kumar in connection with a separate investigation.
Reacting strongly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the timing of the searches, noting that they took place just days before polling in key constituencies.
Addressing a public rally, she alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders, claiming that such actions would not affect her party’s electoral prospects.
Leaders of the party echoed similar concerns, calling the searches politically motivated. TMC spokesperson Jay Prakash Majumdar said the actions coincided with the election schedule and accused the Centre of misusing institutions.
Supporters of the party staged protests outside some of the searched locations, raising slogans against the central government and expressing solidarity with the leaders.
Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the allegations, stating that investigative agencies function independently and act based on evidence.
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BJP leader Rahul Sinha accused the TMC of corruption and said the action was part of a lawful process. Party spokesperson Debjit Sarkar added that those aggrieved by the searches could approach the courts.
The searches come close to the polling schedule, with Rashbehari and Bhabanipur among the constituencies set to vote on April 29.
With campaigning entering a crucial phase, the developments have added to the ongoing political confrontation, with both sides trading allegations as the election approaches.
