Mamata vs ED: Amazing Twist in Epic Case

Feb 04, 2026 - By Ashutosh Roy Current AffairsPolitics

Key Highlights:

• Mamata vs ED case deferred, giving the Chief Minister crucial political and legal breathing space.
• The delay helps Mamata control the narrative, strengthening claims of Centre’s overreach.
• ED–CBI cases revive Saradha–Narada fears, deepening public distrust in delayed justice.
• CPI(M) and Congress allege a BJP–TMC “setting,” fuelling intense political debate.
• The SIR issue takes center stage, with Mamata positioning herself as a defender of voter rights.
• Big question remains: Does Bengal gain anything, or is the rule of law once again the casualty?

Mamata vs ED case Adjourned

This looks like a complete reversal of events.  Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) repeatedly pushed for an early hearing in the Mamata vs ED case.

On January 9, it pressed the Calcutta High Court. Then, on January 15, it urged the Supreme Court to hear the matter quickly.

However, in a surprising turn, the same ED sought more time on February 3, 2026. Finally it has been adjourned. The Next hearing is scheduled on February 10, 2026.

There is surely a legal reason behind this move. After all, the Supreme Court had earlier remarked on January 15 that the allegations were “extremely serious.” It also warned that such interference could lead to “lawlessness.” Therefore, cases of this nature demand a swift and decisive resolution.

ED Arguments:

Let us take a closer look at the ED’s arguments:

1. First, the ED needs time to respond after reviewing the state government’s affidavit. Just before the hearing, the West Bengal government filed a counter-affidavit. Therefore, the ED has sought time to submit a rejoinder.
2. Second, the state has raised a legal objection on maintainability. According to the state, parallel proceedings should not continue simultaneously in the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court.
3. Third, the state has defended its position strongly. It has alleged that the ED violated the right to privacy during the search at the I-PAC office. It also argued that the ED has no fundamental right to directly file a writ petition before the apex court. Moreover, the state claimed that the ED, being a statutory authority, must follow proper legal procedure.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has also submitted a separate affidavit. In it, she stated that she did not forcibly seize any hard disk, files, or phones. Instead, she claimed that she had taken those items after requesting the ED officials.

 

Political Gain of Mamata Banerjee

What advantage did Mamata Banerjee gain from the case being deferred?

1. First, she can now control the political narrative herself. The Centre’s aggressive actions help her project a strong victim narrative. At the same time, the earlier charge of lawlessness against the state gets temporary relief.
2. Second, she can speak more forcefully on the SIR issue. She can position herself as a defender of voter rights. More importantly, she can highlight the problems faced by the people of Bengal. Through this, she can build a powerful political optics of empathy and concern.
3. Third, the delay allows her to buy time. This extra time helps her prepare more strongly for the legal battle ahead.
4. Fourth, she does not have to hand over I-PAC files or strategy documents for now.
5. Finally, she can intensify her attack on the BJP. She can raise the pitch on allegations of political vendetta and retaliation.

In political terms, Mamata Banerjee has gained some breathing space. However, the bitter experience of West Bengal residents with ED–CBI cases raises a serious concern. Many fear that this case could turn into another Saradha or Narada episode.

BJP-TMC Setting theory in Mamata vs ED case Adjournment?

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) and Congress have already labeled the situation as a BJP–TMC setting. As a result, political mudslinging has intensified.

Television debates during prime-time hours are heating up. This noise will continue, at least until another major event pushes it aside.

On February 4, Mamata Banerjee herself will take the lead on the SIR issue. Therefore, the chain of political developments is far from over.

But the real question remains: What did the people of Bengal gain? Doesn’t Bengal deserve the rule of law?

Does BJP really want to win Bengal Election 2026?

Another uncomfortable question follows.

• Does the state BJP truly want to capture power in Bengal? More importantly, does the central BJP leadership genuinely want that outcome?
• Or do they prefer Mamata Banerjee to remain in power in Bengal so that she can be useful in Delhi when needed?
• Or even be used to create cracks within the opposition alliance?

This leads to a larger puzzle. Is there any convincing answer to the BJP–TMC setting theory in state politics? Does the ED agree adjourn the Mamata vs ED case due to such setting?  And why should ordinary people, or even grassroots BJP workers, believe otherwise?

Notably, the BJP has never enjoyed such favorable political winds in Bengal before. The 2026 Bengal Election may be their excellent opportunity. So is the central leadership merely waiting? Waiting for Bengal to turn into another Nepal or Bangladesh?

Today, Bengal stands before a serious challenge.

Latest Update

10 February, 2026

The I-PACK has been adjourned today due to the sickness of the lawyer, Kapil Sibal. The Next hearing is scheduled on February 18, 2026. Are we again falling in the loop of “Tarikh pe Tarikh”? As Enforcement Directorate (DE) works under the center Government, the TMC-BJP Setting theory is back in the air: rumor has started circulating.

 

Key takeaways

1. With full respect for the Hon’ble Court, a crucial question arises: Should such an important case be delayed due to the illness of a single lawyer?
2. Why do major cases and investigations in West Bengal repeatedly face indefinite delays, raising serious concerns about judicial efficiency and accountability? Why should we suffer from such Supreme Court case delay?
3. A direct question to the BJP-led Central government: Why did you seek additional time to “study the affidavit before arguing” when the same party earlier pushed aggressively for an urgent hearing? Do they really want a BJP vs TMC fight in West Bengal Election 2026?
4. A pointed question to the West Bengal government: Was there no other senior advocate available apart from Kapil Sibal to represent the state in such a critical legal battle?
5. A final question to the West Bengal BJP: After these developments, can you still expect people to believe that the “BJP–TMC setting theory” is completely baseless?  What will be its impact in West Bengal Politics?