New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her conduct during recent Enforcement Directorate searches linked to the Indian Political Action Committee in Kolkata. Describing the episode as deeply disturbing, Sarma warned that such actions could damage public confidence in constitutional authority.
Addressing the issue in Guwahati, Sarma expressed concern over Banerjee’s presence and actions at the raid locations. He remarked that a serving chief minister stepping into an active investigation site, taking possession of official documents and using harsh language against senior constitutional authorities reflected conduct that went beyond acceptable limits. According to him, such behaviour risks diminishing the dignity associated with high public office and may erode public respect over time.
Sarma noted that it was unfortunate to witness a chief minister allegedly confiscating files and interfering during a lawful probe. He indicated that restraint and adherence to institutional processes are essential, particularly for those holding the highest executive positions in a state.
The remarks followed dramatic scenes in Kolkata a day earlier, when Banerjee arrived at locations being searched by central agencies in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged coal pilferage case. The West Bengal Chief Minister accused the agency of attempting to seize sensitive political and organisational data ahead of crucial assembly elections, leading to a tense standoff at the sites.
The Enforcement Directorate has maintained that the searches were conducted as part of an ongoing financial probe and alleged that its officials faced obstruction during the operation. The agency has claimed that key documents and electronic materials were removed during the episode, an allegation that further intensified the political confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Beyond the raid controversy, Sarma also broadened his criticism to the overall governance situation in West Bengal. He asserted that the state has failed to address the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh effectively and argued that stronger administrative measures are required. Drawing comparisons with Assam and Tripura, he claimed that firm governance in those states had yielded results, while West Bengal continued to lag on development and internal security.
Sarma concluded by stating that a change in leadership was necessary for West Bengal to tackle long-standing challenges, adding that his party was organisationally prepared and only awaited an opportunity to bring about that change.
