Who Is Pratik Jain, the Political Strategist Now Under ED Lens

Jain is a co-founder and director of Indian Political Action Committee, better known as I-PAC, a political consultancy that works with parties and leaders across the country on election strategy, data analytics, and grassroots outreach. Trained as an engineer, Jain is an alumnus of IIT Bombay and transitioned into political consulting over a decade ago, becoming a key figure in modern campaign management.

In West Bengal, Jain plays a significant role within the Trinamool Congress ecosystem and is believed to head the party’s IT and data strategy operations. I-PAC has been closely associated with the TMC since the 2019 general elections and was widely credited for its organisational and campaign support during the party’s decisive victory in the 2021 Assembly polls. The consultancy has continued to work with the party through subsequent electoral exercises.

The Enforcement Directorate searches were carried out at Jain’s residence and offices, including I-PAC’s premises in Salt Lake. Officials said the action is part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation linked to alleged financial irregularities connected to a coal-related case that has been under probe for several years. The agency maintained that the searches were evidence-based and unrelated to the electoral calendar.

The raids triggered strong political reactions. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Jain’s residence during the searches and accused central agencies of targeting her party and attempting to access sensitive political documents. She alleged that the action was aimed at disrupting the party’s internal functioning and election preparations.

Opposition leaders, however, criticised the chief minister’s move, calling it interference in a constitutional process. They said investigative agencies must be allowed to function independently and complete their inquiry without political pressure.

As the investigation continues, the episode has brought an otherwise low-profile political strategist into the public eye, highlighting the intersection of politics, strategy, and investigative scrutiny in a state already marked by intense political rivalry.