Mamata Banerjee Warns of Coal Scam Revelations, Claims She Has Evidence Against Amit Shah

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday issued a sharp warning to central agencies, claiming she possesses documentary evidence that could allegedly expose the involvement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the alleged coal scam. Her remarks came a day after the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids linked to the Trinamool Congress’s political consultancy firm, I-PAC, triggering a major political confrontation in the state.

Addressing a large gathering in Kolkata protesting the ED action, Banerjee said she had refrained from making allegations public out of respect for the constitutional position she holds. However, she cautioned that continued pressure from central agencies could force her to disclose what she described as explosive information. Claiming to possess pen drives containing details of the alleged scam, she said any revelation would shock the country.

The ED raids targeted the office of I-PAC and the premises of its head, Pratik Jain, as part of an investigation into illegal coal mining and money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The agency has alleged that an organisation involved in concealing proceeds of crime had financial dealings worth several crores with I-PAC.

Tensions escalated when Banerjee visited the raid locations accompanied by senior police officers and party leaders. She later emerged with files and electronic devices, alleging that they contained sensitive electoral strategies of her party. Defending her actions, Banerjee said she intervened in her role as the Trinamool Congress chief to safeguard party data ahead of upcoming elections, denying any obstruction of the probe.

Her move, however, drew criticism from opposition parties, who questioned the presence of senior IAS and IPS officers during what Banerjee claimed was a party-related intervention rather than an official one. The episode further deepened the political standoff between the state government and central investigative agencies.

Escalating her attack, Banerjee alleged that the proceeds of the coal scam ultimately benefited Amit Shah. She claimed the funds were routed through BJP MP from West Bengal Jagannath Sarkar and the Leader of Opposition in the Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari. Using strong language, she accused both leaders of acting as conduits for the alleged flow of money.

Banerjee also questioned the role of central security forces, including the Border Security Force and Central Industrial Security Force, alleging they failed to curb illegal coal smuggling in the state. According to her, the repeated use of central agencies against opposition-ruled states reflects political vendetta rather than genuine enforcement.

Warning of consequences if pressure continues, Banerjee said she has deliberately exercised restraint in the national interest. However, she made it clear that such restraint has limits and that she would not hesitate to present evidence publicly if provoked further.

The allegations have intensified political tensions in West Bengal, with the BJP strongly rejecting the claims and accusing the Chief Minister of deflecting attention from corruption probes. As central investigations continue and the political rhetoric sharpens, the controversy is set to dominate the state’s political landscape in the run-up to crucial elections.