Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has raised a storm of controversy by questioning the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) selective actions in high-profile cases. Speaking at a press conference, Banerjee highlighted the arrest of former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee in a corruption case while contrasting it with the alleged inaction against Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the NEET scam.
“If the ED can arrest Partha Chatterjee, why not Dharmendra Pradhan in the NEET case?” Banerjee asked pointedly. His comments have sparked a debate on the impartiality of investigative agencies and their role in India’s political landscape.
Banerjee’s remarks come amid growing criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the central government of using agencies like the ED and the CBI to target political adversaries. Chatterjee, a senior TMC leader, was arrested last year in connection with a teacher recruitment scam, which rocked the West Bengal government and led to widespread protests.
In contrast, Banerjee argues, no substantial action has been taken against Pradhan, despite allegations linking him to irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam process. “There cannot be two sets of rules for different people. Justice should be uniform and impartial,” Banerjee insisted.
The NEET exam, a crucial gateway for medical admissions in India, has been mired in controversy with multiple reports of exam paper leaks, impersonation, and bribery surfacing over the years. Critics allege that these malpractices compromise the integrity of the examination and the future of aspiring medical students.
Banerjee’s allegations have intensified the political tussle between the TMC and the BJP, with the former accusing the central government of shielding its leaders from legal scrutiny. “The people of India deserve to know why there is such selective action. Is the ED only meant for targeting opposition leaders?” Banerjee questioned.
As the political temperature rises, all eyes are now on the ED and other investigative agencies. Will they address the concerns raised by Banerjee and take a balanced approach in their investigations? The coming days will be crucial in determining the course of this escalating political battle.