KOLKATA, West Bengal – Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has recently become a focal point of political contention in West Bengal, marked by police raids, the detention and arrest of its personnel, and discussions surrounding an alleged "green file." These developments unfold against the backdrop of an intense political climate and upcoming electoral contests in the state.

The incidents have drawn attention to I-PAC's operational methods and its role in West Bengal's political landscape. The organization, known for its expertise in election campaigning and strategic consulting, has previously collaborated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the ruling party in the state. The current scrutiny involves multiple incidents across various districts, raising questions from both the ruling party and the opposition regarding the nature of I-PAC's activities.

Recent police actions have targeted I-PAC teams working in districts such as Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and Hooghly. Reports indicate that several I-PAC members have been detained or arrested by local authorities. These actions have been reported by various local news outlets and confirmed by political sources.

  • In one reported incident, police in Purba Medinipur allegedly detained members of an I-PAC team citing violations of local regulations or permissions for their field activities.
  • Another instance involved arrests linked to alleged efforts to gather specific voter data or influence local political dynamics. Details regarding specific charges, such as disturbing public order or violating electoral codes, have been reported by local news outlets.
  • These actions have prompted statements from I-PAC, asserting that its teams operate within legal frameworks and are engaged in legitimate survey work and data collection, which forms the basis of political strategy development. The organization has maintained that its activities are professional and non-partisan.

Central to the heightened scrutiny is the alleged existence and content of a "green file." This file is reportedly a document or dossier containing detailed information related to political strategies, candidate assessments, and potentially sensitive data concerning opposition figures or electoral weaknesses. While the exact contents and veracity of the "green file" remain unconfirmed by independent sources, its mention has fueled speculation and accusations among political factions. Opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have reportedly cited the "green file" as evidence of alleged unethical practices or surveillance activities.

The Trinamool Congress has acknowledged I-PAC's previous engagement with the party for electoral strategies but has also maintained that the organization operates independently. Statements from TMC leaders have varied, with some defending I-PAC's professional role and others asserting that legal actions against individuals or organizations must follow due process. Conversely, opposition parties have utilized these incidents to criticize the state government and question the transparency of electoral processes, demanding further investigations into I-PAC's operations.

The ongoing police investigations and political debates surrounding I-PAC's activities are expected to continue. The outcomes of these inquiries and the legal proceedings involving arrested personnel could have implications for I-PAC's future operations and potentially influence public perception ahead of forthcoming elections in West Bengal. The incidents underscore the complex interplay between political consulting firms, state law enforcement, and party politics in India's electoral democracy.