Why is I-PAC in the news?

On January 8 and 9, 2026, the ED conducted raids at multiple locations in Kolkata and Delhi linked to I-PAC. The key points of the controversy include:

• The Coal Smuggling Link: The ED claims the raids are part of an investigation into a money laundering case involving illegal coal smuggling and hawala transactions. They allege that proceeds from this crime were used to fund political activities (specifically citing the 2022 Goa Assembly elections).

• Mamata Banerjee’s Intervention: In an unprecedented move, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee personally arrived at the home of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain and the I-PAC office during the raids.

• The “Data Loot” Allegation: The CM accused the ED of “stealing” the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party’s election strategy, candidate lists for the 2026 polls, and confidential data under the guise of an investigation.

• Legal Face-off: Both I-PAC/TMC and the ED have moved the Calcutta High Court. The ED is seeking a probe against the CM for “obstructing” their work and allegedly removing evidence (hard disks and files), while the TMC is challenging the legality of the raids.

What is I-PAC?

I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee) is India’s most prominent political consultancy firm.

• Purpose: It functions as a professional bridge between citizens and political parties. Instead of being a formal part of a party, it provides “election management” services.

• Core Services: Strategic planning, data analytics, social media management, on-ground voter outreach, and narrative building.

• Famous Campaigns: Founded by Prashant Kishor (who exited in 2021), the group is known for successful campaigns like Abki Baar Modi Sarkar (2014), Nitish ke Saat Nishchay (Bihar), and notably, the TMC’s Didi Ke Bolo in West Bengal.

• Current Role: It serves as the primary “war room” and IT cell for the TMC in West Bengal, helping them prepare for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

Other similar cells/firms:

Sunil Kanugolu (Mindshare Analytics / Inclusive Minds):

Sunil Kanugolu is often considered the most direct rival to I-PAC. He was a co-founder of the original group (CAG) with Prashant Kishor but later split to form his own teams.

• Key Clients: Primarily the Indian National Congress (INC).
• Claim to Fame: He is credited as the mastermind behind the Congress party’s massive victories in Karnataka (2023) and Telangana (2024).
• Strategy: Known for being extremely low-profile compared to PK. His firm, Inclusive Minds, handles the Congress’s national strategy and digital war rooms.

DesignBoxed:

Founded by Naresh Arora, this firm is known for its high-end creative campaigns and “image makeover” strategies.

• Key Clients: Has worked extensively with the Congress (notably for D.K. Shivakumar and Bhupinder Singh Hooda) and recently with Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena.
• Specialty: They focus heavily on the “personal branding” of a leader, using cinematic videos and aggressive social media narratives.

Showtime Consulting:

Founded by Robbin Sharrma (another former founding member of I-PAC/CAG).

• Key Clients: Most recently famous for helping N. Chandrababu Naidu (TDP) win the 2024 Andhra Pradesh elections. They also work with Eknath Shinde in Maharashtra.
• Specialty: Ground-level mobilization and “super-app” development for booth-level workers.

Nation with Namo (NwN):

This is effectively the BJP’s primary professional consultancy “cell,” though it often presents itself as a volunteer network.

• Key Client: BJP.
• Specialty: Micro-targeting and digital narrative building. They specialize in “WhatsApp marketing” and ensuring the central government’s schemes (Labharthiya) reach the right voters’ screens.

Jarvis Consulting:

A tech-heavy firm that focuses on data analytics rather than just branding.

• Key Clients: Mostly BJP-aligned projects or state governments (like Maharashtra or Uttar Pradesh).
• Specialty: They build “War Room” software that tracks voter sentiment in real-time across thousands of booths.