West Bengal elections: Abhishek Banerjee questions Vinesh Chandel arrest and agency neutrality

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee said the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), raises concerns about fairness in the West Bengal elections. He alleged selective action by central agencies and warned that institutional pressure during the campaign period could weaken public trust in the electoral process.

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said the arrest of I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel raised questions over election fairness in West Bengal. Banerjee linked the timing to the upcoming Bengal elections. Banerjee argued the move could affect confidence in a level playing field during the electoral period.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Vinesh Chandel, a director and co-founder of political consultancy firm I-PAC, in a money-laundering case. The case is linked to an alleged coal scam in poll-bound West Bengal. An official said Chandel was taken into custody in Delhi late evening under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Vinesh Chandel arrest and Bengal elections

Banerjee wrote on X that the action came close to voting and was alarming. "The arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, barely 10 days before the Bengal elections, is not just alarming - it shakes the very idea of a level playing field,\" Banerjee said. Banerjee also framed the arrest as a warning to opposition workers.

\"At a time when West Bengal should be moving towards free and fair elections, this kind of action sends a chilling message: If you work with the opposition, you could be next. Thats not democracy - thats intimidation,\" Banerjee added. Banerjee said such actions can create fear. Banerjee said the effect goes beyond one person.

Central agencies, Election Commission and Bengal elections

Banerjee alleged uneven treatment by central agencies during political contests. \"Those facing serious corruption allegations seem to find protection the moment they switch sides, while others are swiftly targeted at politically convenient moments. People are not blind to this anymore,\" Banerjee said. Banerjee claimed timing often matches political needs.

Banerjee also questioned institutional roles during elections in the state. \"When institutions meant to protect democracy start feeling like tools of pressure, trust begins to erode. On one side, the Election Commission. On the other, agencies like the ED, NIA, CBI stepping in at the most sensitive time. It creates an atmosphere of fear, not fairness,\" Banerjee said.

Democracy concerns after Vinesh Chandel arrest and Bengal elections

Banerjee said the episode fed wider doubts about democratic norms in India. \"India has always taken pride in its democracy - loud, messy but free. But today, many are beginning to ask: are we still that country? This is bigger than one arrest. It is about whether our institutions remain independent and whether every citizen, no matter their political belief, can participate without fear. Because once fear replaces freedom, democracy becomes just a word,\" Banerjee added.

Banerjee also issued a message aimed at Union government leaders in the same post. \"To Amit Shah and the BJPs power structure - be in Bengal on the 4th and 5th of May. Come with Gyanesh Kumar and every agency you deploy.Bengal will not be bullied, will not be silenced and will not bow. This is a land that answers pressure with resistance and it will show you exactly what that means.\" Banerjee did not name other details.

The arrest and the political response added to the charged atmosphere ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls. The ED said the case related to a money-laundering probe tied to an alleged coal scam. Banerjee maintained the timing risked undermining trust in the process. The matter remained part of the larger election debate.

With inputs from PTI