Mamata Banerjee claimed to possess pen drives containing "explosive" evidence

 In January 2026, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed to possess pen drives containing "explosive" evidence against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of involvement in a coal smuggling operation. 

Key Aspects of the Threat:

• The Claim: Banerjee stated she has evidence of a money trail linking the proceeds of an alleged coal scam to Amit Shah, allegedly routed through Bengal BJP leaders.
• Context: The statement was made following Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the offices of I-PAC (a political consultancy) and the residence of Pratik Jan.
• The Warning: She warned Amit Shah not to "cross the Laxman Rekha" or push her too far, threatening to make the contents of the pen drives public if central agencies continue to target her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
• Allegations of Theft: Banerjee alleged that the ED officers were acting as "thieves" trying to steal internal TMC political documents, files, and electronic devices during the raid. 

Reactions and Counter-Allegations:

• TMC Protests: TMC MPs staged protests outside Amit Shah's office in New Delhi against the alleged misuse of central agencies.
• BJP Response: BJP leaders accused Mamata Banerjee of interfering in the investigation, with some suggesting she was trying to protect damaging information and that her actions were an attempt to intimidate central agencies.
• Legal Action: The ED reportedly approached the Calcutta High Court, accusing Mamata Banerjee of interfering with an ongoing raid and removing files and electronic devices. 

The situation has significantly intensified the political confrontation between the TMC and the BJP in West Bengal ahead of the anticipated 2026 Assembly elections.