TMC Denies I-PAC Suspension Amid Ongoing Election Preparations

Kolkata: The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly refuted reports suggesting that the India Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has suspended its activities in West Bengal for the next 20 days. The party, in an official statement, declared that the I-PAC team in the region continues to actively participate in its campaign strategies for the upcoming 2026 State Assembly elections.

The TMC statement addressed a media report asserting that I-PAC would halt operations, labelling the claim as entirely unfounded and likely a deliberate attempt to cause confusion. "The I-PAC team remains fully engaged alongside the All India Trinamool Congress, and all campaign efforts are proceeding as scheduled across West Bengal," the statement read.

The assertion from TMC came in the wake of the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, the Director of I-PAC, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, connected to a coal pilferage case. Chandel, one of the organisation's founders and a notable shareholder, was taken into custody following an investigative action initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), based on an FIR filed by Delhi Police.

In a press conference held in Kolkata, TMC Member of Parliament Derek O’Brien demanded the prompt and unconditional release of Vinesh Chandel, urging for the removal of central agencies from West Bengal prior to the elections. O’Brien remarked, "We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Vinesh Chandel. We seek that central agencies be withdrawn from Bengal ahead of the elections."

He expressed concerns that the actions taken by the ED appear to be politically motivated, suggesting that the timing coincides with upcoming polls and could be seen as electoral interference. O’Brien accused the agency of functioning as a political instrument, insinuating that its undertakings could be classified as attempts at "electoral sabotage."

The context of these statements underscores the volatile political atmosphere in West Bengal, where the TMC is gearing up for significant elections. With the vote set to take place on the 23rd and 29th of this month, the party aims to counter any narratives perceived as misinformation. The TMC expressed confidence in the electorate’s ability to discern the truth and assured that the public's democratic response would be clear when the results are announced on May 4.

As the political scenario evolves, both the TMC and its opponents will be watching closely to gauge public sentiment and the impact of ongoing investigations on the electoral process.