The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday (January 9, 2026) accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of “interference” in an Enforcement Directorate search, describing her actions as “unethical, irresponsible and unconstitutional”, and alleging that they amounted to “serious penal offences”.
At a press conference, former Union Minister and BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Chief Minister had entered a private property where an ED search was under way and had allegedly “snatched” papers from officials. He said the agency was taking action in connection with an alleged coal smuggling scam involving “hawala” transactions. According to him, a complaint had been received against a consultancy firm involving transactions running into crores of rupees, following which the search was conducted.
Stating that the ED had explained the entire linkage in its official statement, Mr. Prasad said West Bengal was a major “hotspot” for coal smuggling and alleged that several people from the ruling party were involved.
“This raid was neither at Mamata ji’s house nor at her office, nor at the Trinamool office, nor at the residence of any Trinamool leader, MLA, MP or office bearer. It was conducted at a private consultancy firm against which a complaint of money laundering worth crores of rupees had been received for allegedly facilitating the coal scam,” he said.
“In this situation, the Chief Minister goes there along with her Police Commissioner. Police officers intimidate ED officials, she argues with them, snatches papers and takes them away. This action is not only unethical, irresponsible, and unconstitutional, but has brought democratic processes and governance to shame,” he said, adding that such an incident had never occurred in independent India.
Referring to the land for jobs scam allegedly involving former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, his wife and others, Mr. Prasad said, “Neither Lalu ji nor Rabri ji ever thought of raiding the CBI office.”
The senior BJP leader questioned whether Ms. Banerjee had any “connection” with the consultancy firm. “Why are you so nervous? That firm works for many people. But if scams are being investigated, then why are you worried?” he asked. “Mamata ji is a senior leader. If she has torn apart all rules, laws and democratic norms, then there must have been something very sensitive that needed to be removed. What other inference can be drawn?” Mr. Prasad said.
Alleging that this was not the first such instance, he referred to the Saradha scam case, in which the CBI had sought to record the statement of then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, but Ms. Banerjee had staged a dharna in protest. He also alleged that she had obstructed investigations in other cases, including the Sandeshkhali violence case and a rape incident at a medical college.
“Has Mamata Banerjee taken a contract to ensure that no fair investigation takes place in West Bengal? That no CBI or ED probe into corruption is allowed?” he asked, adding that she should be prosecuted under criminal law.
Curated by James Chen
