Campaign – I-PAC Suspends Field Work in Bengal Ahead of Polls
Campaign – The Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), a political consultancy firm known for its role in election campaigns, has temporarily halted its ground-level operations in West Bengal for a period of 20 days. The development comes at a sensitive juncture, as the state prepares for upcoming voting phases.
Internal Communication Confirms Temporary Halt
According to an internal email circulated among staff on Sunday night, the decision to pause operations was taken due to certain legal concerns. The message, issued by the human resources department, stated that all on-ground activities would be stopped with immediate effect. Sources within the organization later confirmed that the email currently being shared on social media platforms is genuine.
The communication also indicated that the firm is cooperating with ongoing legal procedures and expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved through due process.
Employees Directed to Take Short Leave
As part of the temporary suspension, employees and field workers have been instructed to take a leave of absence for 20 days. The organization has tentatively set May 11 as the date to reassess the situation and determine future actions.
This pause primarily affects mid-level and associate staff who were actively deployed across various constituencies. These individuals were responsible for tasks such as booth management, voter engagement, and data collection. While a portion of the workforce has remained in West Bengal, several others have returned to their hometowns following the announcement.
Senior Team Continues Strategic Role
Despite the suspension of field operations, senior members of the consultancy are reportedly continuing their work. Sources indicate that experienced personnel are still engaged in overseeing campaign strategies, coordination, and messaging for the Trinamool Congress.
These senior staff members are working closely with party leaders to ensure that campaign planning and execution proceed without disruption. Their involvement is said to be crucial in maintaining continuity during this period.
Trinamool Denies Any Impact on Campaign
The Trinamool Congress has dismissed reports suggesting any disruption to its election campaign. Party representatives have described such claims as unfounded and misleading, asserting that all campaign activities are continuing as scheduled across the state.
According to party insiders, coordination between campaign teams and strategic advisors remains intact, and the temporary pause in certain operations has not affected the overall election preparedness.
Concerns Among Workforce
The sudden halt has raised concerns among employees, particularly those working on short-term assignments. Reports suggest that around 500 individuals were engaged by the consultancy for election-related work in West Bengal. Many of these workers were also involved in assisting with government outreach programs and schemes.
The uncertainty surrounding the pause has led to anxiety among staff about job security and future assignments, especially given the timing close to polling dates.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
I-PAC has been closely associated with the Trinamool Congress since the 2021 assembly elections, where it played a significant role in shaping the party’s campaign strategy. Since then, it has continued to support various political initiatives in the state.
The recent developments coincide with increased attention from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has been conducting an investigation linked to alleged financial irregularities. The agency recently carried out searches at locations connected to the firm’s leadership, seized documents, and questioned several individuals as part of its probe. One director has also been taken into custody.
The consultancy has not yet issued an official public statement regarding the situation. Efforts to seek a response are ongoing.