With just days remaining for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections on April 23, the Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) election strategy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has temporarily suspended its operations in the state, citing “legal obligations,” according to party sources. An internal email reportedly sent to employees around midnight on Saturday informed them that work in West Bengal would be halted for 20 days.
Staff members have been placed on temporary leave, with assurances that further decisions regarding their roles will be communicated after May 11. The agency, however, has not issued any official public statement on the development.
“We respect the law and are cooperating fully with the entire process. We are confident that justice will be served in due course,” the email stated.
The TMC, however, dismissed the news of I-PAC’s decision to suspend their work for 20 days. In a statement, the party said, “We have come across a media report claiming that IPAC has halted its operations in West Bengal for the next 20 days. This claim is completely baseless and appears to be a deliberate attempt to create confusion on the ground. IPAC WB team remains fully engaged with AITC, and campaign operations are continuing as planned across the state. These narratives are a deliberate attempt to distract from the clear mood on the ground. The people of Bengal are fully capable of seeing through these attempts and will respond democratically. West Bengal will not be swayed by misinformation or intimidation. They will respond decisively on the 23rd and 29th, and the results on May 4 will reflect their verdict.”
Sources within I-PAC indicated that the decision to suspend physical operations was taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard the agency’s database. According to insiders, concerns over data security prompted the firm to avoid functioning from its office premises. However, the halt is not absolute — a section of employees has reportedly been instructed to continue their responsibilities remotely, ensuring that some level of campaign-related work continues despite the temporary shutdown.
The timing of the move has raised eyebrows across political and analytical circles. By the end of this 20-day period, the state’s election process will conclude, potentially leaving the ruling party without its key campaign strategist during a crucial phase. Observers suggest that the absence of I-PAC’s on-ground operations could significantly affect the TMC’s election machinery.
Sources indicate that recent actions by central investigative agencies may have played a role in the decision. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently arrested Vinesh Chandel, a director and co-founder of I-PAC, in New Delhi in connection with a coal scam case. Earlier, ED raids at the Loudon Street residence of Pratik Jain—head of the agency—and at I-PAC’s Kolkata office had triggered political controversy. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had visited the office and accused central agencies of “stealing documents.” The matter is currently under consideration before the Supreme Court of India.
The suspension has also led to confusion among employees and party workers. While some insiders claim that a section of staff may continue limited work remotely, uncertainty looms over field-level operations across all 294 Assembly constituencies in the state.
On Saturday, employees were reportedly called to the agency’s office in Salt Lake Sector V, where many expected final instructions. However, the late-night email announcing the suspension took many by surprise.
Meanwhile, senior TMC leaders are continuing with their campaign schedule. Mamata Banerjee is slated to address a rally in Tarakeswar, while Abhishek Banerjee is expected to hold a public meeting in Sagar, South 24 Parganas. All eyes are now on the party’s top leadership to see whether they address I-PAC’s sudden withdrawal and outline alternative strategies ahead of the high-stakes electoral battle.
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