West Bengal CM Suvendu Orders Probe into Rs 635 Crore WS L Advertising Scam

In a move that has set the political tone in Kolkata, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday instructed senior officials to launch a fresh investigation into a purported Rs 635 crore irregularity involving the ad‑agency WS L. The agency, according to opposition sources, is closely linked to the Mamata Banerjee faction, which has added a fresh layer of intrigue to the already heated state politics.

According to the brief released by the CM’s office, the probe will be carried out by the state’s vigilance department, with a request to coordinate with the Enforcement Directorate if necessary. "Any misuse of public funds will be dealt with severely," Suvendu was quoted as saying, his tone firm yet measured, as if warning both the party insiders and the wider bureaucracy.

The alleged scam centers on a series of advertising contracts awarded to WS L over the past few years. Critics argue that the contracts were inflated, with the agency allegedly charging amounts far above market rates, while delivering sub‑standard output. Some insiders claim that the firm’s ties to close relatives of Mamata Banerjee helped smooth the way for these deals.

Opposition parties have seized on the development, branding the probe as a “long‑overdue” attempt to expose nepotism and corruption. Meanwhile, representatives of WS L have categorically denied any wrongdoing, stating that all their contracts were granted following due process and that the agency is fully prepared to cooperate with investigators.

The timing of the order is interesting, coming just months before the next state assembly elections. Political analysts suggest that the move could be a strategic effort by the Trinamool‑backed administration to demonstrate accountability, or perhaps a pre‑emptive strike to curb any potential fallout.

Regardless of the motivations, the investigation is expected to cast a spotlight on the opaque mechanisms of government advertising spend. As the state’s financial watchdog begins its work, the public will be watching closely—especially in a climate where every dollar of public money is under intense scrutiny.