A major political confrontation has erupted in West Bengal as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the BJP-led central government of misusing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for political purposes ahead of upcoming elections. TMC leaders alleged that the ED has been turned into a tool of “political loot,” claiming raids are being conducted selectively just before elections to intimidate opponents. Referring to an old coal-related case, TMC leaders questioned why action was taken suddenly after several years, just a month before elections. Protests were held across the state, including in Hooghly and Kolkata, with party workers and supporters taking to the streets against ED raids. Senior leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, joined demonstrations, accusing the Centre of undermining democracy. The political temperature in Bengal continues to rise as election announcements draw closer.

