The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is questioning West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's actions during a recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid, specifically why she felt the need to personally retrieve files from the premises. The ED conducted raids at multiple locations in Kolkata, including those connected to the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) Chief Pratik Jain, prompting Banerjee's intervention.

The BJP has heavily criticized Banerjee's conduct, with leaders suggesting her actions indicate an attempt to obstruct justice and potentially tamper with evidence. BJP leaders are asking what Banerjee was trying to hide and why she felt it necessary to "scramble" to secure files from what they describe as an official investigation site, particularly one belonging to a private organization. The BJP argues that a Chief Minister rushing to a raid spot raises "disturbing" questions and indicates a "deeper conspiracy".

Samik Bhattacharya, West Bengal BJP President, accused Banerjee of undermining constitutional values and interfering with the ED raid. Bhattacharya claimed Banerjee went to Jain's residence to "steal files" and alleged that she was "snatching files from government officials". He further alleged that the state government is being run by an "individual or private agency outside the constitutional framework".

The BJP is basing its criticism on the premise that Banerjee's actions may constitute obstruction of a lawful search and could involve potential evidence tampering. They are raising suspicions about the contents of the retrieved files, questioning whether they contain links to coal scams, hawala transactions, or money trails. The party is calling for accountability, with some leaders suggesting that Banerjee should be made an accused for intimidating ED officials and taking documents during the raids.

In response to the accusations, Banerjee has defended her actions, stating that she intervened in her capacity as the chairperson of the Trinamool Congress and not as the Chief Minister. She accused the ED of acting as a political tool of the BJP to steal her party's internal strategy, alleging that the agency confiscated sensitive documents, including data linked to electoral rolls. Banerjee also asserted that I-PAC is not a private organization but an authorized team working for the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has clarified its position, stating that the searches are evidence-based and not targeted at any political establishment. The agency maintains that no party office was searched and that the operation is not linked to any elections but is part of a regular crackdown on money laundering. The ED added that the searches were conducted in accordance with legal procedures and safeguards.

The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of upcoming assembly elections in 2026, leading to heightened political tensions between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP. The BJP is alleging a complete breakdown of constitutional governance in West Bengal, accusing state officials of acting as party cadres and aiding unconstitutional acts.