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I-PAC Emails Staff To Pause Bengal Ops, Trinamool Says No Impact On Campaign
An internal I-PAC HR email confirmed a 20-day pause of ground operations in West Bengal, affecting associate-level staff as the campaign continues with senior staff. The Trinamool Congress denied any disruption to campaigns, while ED investigations into I-PAC proceedings were highlighted in the reporting.
Why It Matters
The pause interrupts on-ground campaigning ahead of a two-phase election, occurring amid ongoing legal scrutiny of I-PAC, which could influence campaign strategy and voter outreach.
Timeline
5 Events
I-PAC expects regrouping by May 11 to review situation
April 20, 2026
The HR note circulated to employees stated that the organization hopes to regroup by May 11 to review the situation and decide the next steps.
About 500 I-PAC staff deployed for Bengal election work
April 20, 2026
I-PAC has deployed around 500 staff for election work in Bengal, with many of them closely working with ministries to implement schemes.
Enforcement Directorate actions linked to I-PAC probe
April 20, 2026
The developments coincide with intensified scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate, which recently searched premises linked to I-PAC's directors as part of an ongoing money laundering probe; authorities arrested a director, seized documents and electronic records, and questioned individuals connected to the organization.
Trinamool denies any disruption; campaign work continues
April 20, 2026
The Trinamool Congress rejected claims of disruption to campaign operations, stating that campaign work is continuing across the state as planned.
I-PAC pauses Bengal operations following HR email
April 19, 2026
An internal HR email circulated on Sunday night (April 19, 2026) said I-PAC would pause its ground operations in West Bengal for 20 days with immediate effect, citing 'certain legal issues' and stating the organization is cooperating with the legal process. The email noted staff should take a 20-day leave and that regrouping would be reviewed by May 11. It indicated the pause primarily affects associate-level staff deployed across constituencies, while some senior staff would continue to work with the Trinamool campaign; some employees have returned home, and around 500 staff are deployed for election work in Bengal. The authenticity of the HR email was affirmed by sources within I-PAC.