ed-summons-tmc-candidates-ahead-of-wb-polls-political-heat-rises

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its activities in West Bengal ahead of the state’s Assembly elections, summoning multiple Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidates in separate cases, triggering fresh political debate.

 

On Friday morning, Debasish Kumar, the outgoing MLA from Rashbehari and a TMC candidate, appeared at the CGO Complex in Kolkata in response to a fresh summons issued in connection with an alleged land encroachment case. He arrived at the scheduled time and cooperated with investigators, officials of the central agency said.

 

The agency has also summoned two other TMC leaders—outgoing ministers Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh—in connection with a municipal recruitment corruption case. They have been asked to appear before the ED on April 6 and April 8, respectively. Both Bose and Ghosh are contesting on the TMC ticket in the upcoming polls.

 

The back-to-back summons to three candidates in the run-up to the elections has stirred political circles, with political observers noting a rise in central agency activity during the campaign period.

 

According to investigative sources, the land encroachment probe involves at least 16 to 17 complaints, based on which the ED has conducted multiple search operations in Kolkata and adjoining areas in recent days. Raids were also carried out at several offices linked to an organisation under scrutiny, with officials examining documents and financial records.

 

Kumar had appeared before the agency earlier this week after receiving the initial summons. Speaking briefly at the time, he had said he was cooperating with the investigation and would appear again if required. On Friday, however, he declined to comment while leaving the ED office.

 

The developments have led to political reactions, with questions being raised over the timing of the summons and whether candidates from the ruling party are being disproportionately targeted. At the same time, officials maintain that the agency’s actions are part of ongoing efforts to investigate alleged financial irregularities and recover illicit funds.

 

With elections approaching, the heightened activity of the ED, coupled with political interpretations of its actions, has added another layer of intensity to the state’s already charged electoral atmosphere.