Kolkata, April 19 (NationPress) The uncertainty surrounding the operations of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in West Bengal, which emerged on Sunday, intensified later in the day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pledged to offer employment to I-PAC's staff in Kolkata.

Earlier, it was revealed that I-PAC had emailed its Kolkata office employees, stating a 20-day suspension of operations and advising them to take a "short leave" during this period.

Shortly thereafter, various media outlets reported that the Trinamool Congress had issued a statement refuting claims regarding the temporary cessation of I-PAC's operations.

However, while campaigning in Tarakeswar in the Hooghly district on Sunday afternoon, the Chief Minister indicated that if necessary, the I-PAC's Kolkata employees would be integrated into the Trinamool Congress, with job offers extended to them.

She mentioned having already discussed this matter with the party's General Secretary and Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee.

Furthermore, she criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for targeting the consultancy firm, accusing them of using coercive tactics to sway the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for later this month.

I-PAC has been functioning as the vote strategy agency for the Trinamool Congress for several years.

"The Enforcement Directorate is carrying out daily raids, particularly during election season. Those associated with us are being intimidated into leaving the state. You may have numerous agencies working for you, but why can't we? If you threaten them, they will join my party, and we will ensure they receive jobs. I assure you, no young person will be left without employment. I spoke with Abhishek Banerjee this morning about this... This is a conspiracy. How much more lawlessness will you unleash? How many more votes will you attempt to manipulate? Then what’s next—implementing NRC?" the Chief Minister asserted.

She also accused the BJP-led Union government of targeting her security personnel and legal representatives through federal investigative agencies.

"Raids are occurring at the homes of Trinamool leaders. But why is there not a single raid at any BJP leader's residence? The ED has raided the property of my income tax caretaker. Debashish Kumar's (Trinamool Congress candidate) residence was subjected to hours of raiding, disrupting an entire day of his campaigning. We are documenting everything and will pursue legal actions. The individual responsible for my security is also facing raids. Do you intend to harm me to secure victory in Bengal? Attempt it once. The CPI-M tried and failed. Now, all the failed CPI-M figures have joined your party," the Chief Minister stated.

She also indirectly targeted BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, questioning why there hadn't been any raids on his home.

"The biggest thief is a traitor. Why haven’t authorities raided his (referring to Suvendu Adhikari) house? Why is his brother's residence untouched? Why is his father's home not being investigated?" Chief Minister Banerjee queried.