1. With the 2026 elections approaching, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown in West Bengal. Since Friday morning, a massive search operation has been underway at 15 locations, including Kolkata, Howrah, and Murshidabad, in connection with a fresh twist in the ration distribution scam—illegal wheat smuggling to Bangladesh.

According to ED sources, over 12 exporters are under the scanner for allegedly diverting 5,100 tonnes of government-allotted wheat to the neighboring country via the Ghojadanga border in 2020. The scam, valued at approximately ₹16 crore, involved stealing wheat sacks from government flour mills. Central forces are currently guarding offices at Poddar Court and Minto Park as investigators sift through financial records.

The raids have sparked a fierce political slugfest. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of using central agencies to intimidate Bengal’s businessmen, stating, “Fight us democratically if you have the courage.” Meanwhile, BJP leader Rahul Sinha dismissed the allegations, claiming that the public no longer trusts the TMC. The timing of the raids is crucial, as former Food Minister Jyotipriya Mallick, a key accused in the previous ration case, is currently out on bail and contesting from the Habra assembly seat.