The Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has scaled back key parts of its operations in election-bound West Bengal following the ED’s recent actions, even as the political consulting firm continues to provide services to its client, the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Sources indicate that field-level operations have been suspended, while multiple verticals have shifted to a work-from-home (WFH) model. The move comes after ED raids led to the arrest of I-PAC director Vinesh Chandel, repeated summons from I-PAC leaders and emerging legal concerns, prompting the consultancy to reassess its operational structure in the state.
The Trinamool Congress on Sunday alleged that the BJP-led Center was orchestrating a conspiracy to paralyze its campaign machinery through intimidation, even as it dismissed reports of the I-PAC halting its operations in West Bengal as “completely baseless”. The event occurred days before the state voted in two phases: April 23 and April 29. The results will be declared on May 4.
LEGAL PRESSURE AND INTERNAL RESET
According to sources, I-PAC officials have also worked closely with certain government departments in West Bengal, making the developments more sensitive. The situation escalated after Chandel’s arrest, with expectations of more legal obstacles emerging.
On April 18, I-PAC management issued an operational cessation to its employees in an initial conversation, citing “legal reasons” for the change. Employees were instructed to limit external communication and refrain from using official email IDs for interactions with stakeholders.
A notable sign of disruption has been the sudden inactivity of IPAC’s WhatsApp media coordination groups, which have remained silent since Saturday, despite the ongoing election cycle.
WHAT DID THE TRINAMOOL CONGRESS SAY?
The TMC, whose election campaigns have been clearly associated with the I-PAC since 2021, initially dismissed reports of any disruption. However, after reports emerged about the closure of its offices, party leaders adopted a more measured tone.
“We are the second largest opposition party in Parliament, with 40 MPs. We work with various agencies. We are doing well and everything is fine. The young professionals in these agencies are in their 20s and 30s. We will not do anything to jeopardize their careers. We are a responsible political party. Our Chief Minister has assured that everyone will be taken care of,” Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien said.
I-PAC OPERATIONS CONTINUE DESPITE REDUCTION
Despite the operational withdrawal, I-PAC has not completely stopped its work in West Bengal. Campaign results for TMC continue, with party sources confirming continued communication with I-PAC teams even after the changes were implemented.
Sources also noted that such recalibration is not entirely unusual in the political consulting space. After major elections, companies like I-PAC often resize teams and scale operations based on customer requirements and future contracts.
So far, sources India Today spoke to suggest that field operations in West Bengal have been completely suspended but other teams have moved into work-from-home mode. The arrest of I-PAC director Chandel added to the uncertainty leading up to this development.
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(with input from PTI)
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