In the aftermath of the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in West Bengal, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, criticized the central enforcement agency as “an idiot.” The incident occurred two days ago when the ED team was attacked in Sandeshkhali village during a raid related to an alleged ration scam.
Chowdhury accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in Bengal of protecting their functionaries, referring to them as a ‘look after’ government. He questioned the efficacy of the ED, stating, “What will ED do? ED is itself an idiot.”
The ED team was attacked in connection with the raid on the house of TMC functionaries Shahjahan Sheikh and Shankar Adhya, close aides of state minister Jyotipriyo Mallick. The raid was part of the investigation into the alleged ration distribution scam.
Chowdhury criticized both the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that there is no law and order in the state under TMC rule. He accused the TMC of protecting dangerous individuals within the party.
The lookout notice issued against Shahjahan Sheikh prompted Chowdhury to comment, “The ruling party in Bengal will look after him. The ruling party works to protect dangerous people in the party. This is a ‘look after’ government.”
He also questioned the BJP’s stance on porous borders, linking it to issues such as Rohingyas. The Congress leader emphasized the need for action against those being protected by political parties.
Chowdhury had previously criticized the TMC, stating that the attack on ED officials indicated a lack of law and order in the state.
In response to the situation, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose expressed concern over Sheikh possibly crossing the border and instructed authorities to arrest him immediately.