The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a fresh summons to West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh, directing him to appear for interrogation on 6 May at its office in the Central Government Office complex at Salt Lake, Kolkata, in connection with the multi-crore municipalities recruitment corruption case. The notice, served on Tuesday, 1 May, comes days after the conclusion of the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections — and notably, just two days after results are due to be declared.

Background: A Pattern of Avoidance

Ghosh, a senior All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, had previously received ED summons on at least two occasions before the elections but reportedly avoided appearing at the agency's office, citing a busy poll campaigning schedule. He is re-contesting from the Madhyamgram Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district. The ED had first questioned Ghosh in this case in October 2023, with the most recent interrogation session taking place in January 2024, during which investigators also conducted a search at his residence.

Sujit Bose Appears After Three Deferrals

In a related development, West Bengal Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose appeared before the ED at its Salt Lake office last Friday for questioning in the same municipalities recruitment case — after having avoided appearance on three prior occasions. The ED had conducted raids at Bose's office and residence in both January 2024 and October 2025, and had also searched addresses linked to some of his close associates.

How the Case Unfolded

The municipalities job scam first came to the ED's attention during raids on the residence of Trinamool Congress-linked promoter Ayan Shil, who was being investigated in a separate money laundering case tied to the cash-for-school jobs scam in West Bengal. As investigators dug deeper, a parallel probe was launched by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following an order of the Calcutta High Court. The investigation has since surfaced the names of several politically influential figures, including state ministers and ruling party leaders, according to officials.

What the Probe Reveals

The municipalities recruitment case involves alleged large-scale financial irregularities in the hiring process for civic body positions across West Bengal. The convergence of ED and CBI investigations — both central agencies — signals the case's scale and complexity. This is the Nth time a sitting TMC minister has been called in for federal agency questioning, reflecting a broader pattern of scrutiny over West Bengal's governance under the ruling party. Critics argue that the timing of summons — coinciding with elections and their aftermath — adds a political dimension that both sides are likely to contest.

What Happens Next

With the Assembly election results set to be declared on 4 May, Ghosh's appearance before the ED on 6 May will be closely watched. Should he fail to appear again, the agency retains the option of issuing a more coercive notice or approaching a court for directions. The CBI's parallel probe is also ongoing, and further disclosures from either agency could implicate additional individuals in the weeks ahead.