In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the state secretariat, Nabanna, in Kolkata on Tuesday. The meeting, which lasted approximately an hour, saw Yadav extend his party's full support to Banerjee in her political battle against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre.
'Only One Taking On BJP Nationally': Akhilesh's Strong Endorsement
Akhilesh Yadav, who was visiting Kolkata to attend a wedding ceremony along with his wife Dimple Yadav, offered a powerful endorsement of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo's political stance. "If anyone in the entire country is taking on the BJP, it is Mamata Banerjee," declared the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister in his post-meeting remarks.
He further elaborated on his support, stating, "We are confident that the people of Bengal have a deep emotional bond with their chief minister, and that she will become chief minister again." Yadav characterized the BJP's position in West Bengal as "fighting a battle to lose with dignity" while predicting that the state's electorate would "defeat them decisively."
Allegations of Voter Suppression Through SIR Mechanism
The SP leader launched a sharp critique against what he described as systematic harassment targeting Mamata Banerjee's administration. "CM Mamata Banerjee is being harassed under the pretext of SIR [Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls]," Yadav alleged, connecting the electoral revision process to broader political motives.
He expanded on this accusation with specific claims: "SIR has been brought in only to target West Bengal. For the first time, it has been seen that the Election Commission and the BJP are carrying out NRC [National Register of Citizens] in the name of SIR. Their objective is to delete as many voters as possible."
Drawing parallels with his home state, Yadav noted, "In Uttar Pradesh, more votes were deleted than in Bengal," suggesting a pattern of voter suppression tactics allegedly employed by the ruling party.
Cultural Unity Versus Political Division
Akhilesh Yadav framed West Bengal's political landscape within its rich cultural context, emphasizing: "Bengal is a cultural unit, not just a political unit. People here listen to Rabindra Sangeet, not songs of hatred." This statement appeared to contrast Bengal's artistic heritage with what he implied were divisive political narratives promoted by opponents.
He added a philosophical dimension to his political commentary: "Those who try to divide will not succeed; those who spread sweetness will win." This remark seemed to reference both Bengal's famous sweet-making tradition and a metaphorical approach to inclusive politics.
Accusations Against Central Agencies and Secularism
The Samajwadi Party chief didn't limit his criticism to electoral processes alone. He referenced recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches on premises linked to political consultancy firm I-PAC, including the residence of its director Prateek Jain, as evidence of what he called institutional bias.
"The agencies are an organisation of the BJP," Yadav asserted, adding, "Maharashtra was won using the ED and CBI. I am happy that Didi has defeated ED." He used the affectionate term "Didi" (elder sister) to refer to Mamata Banerjee while congratulating her for what he characterized as courageous resistance against central investigative agencies.
Yadav also accused the BJP of "playing with secularism," suggesting the party was undermining India's pluralistic traditions for political gain.
Mamata Banerjee's Reciprocal Praise
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reciprocated the warm sentiments during the meeting. She acknowledged the visit from Akhilesh Yadav and senior SP leader Kiranmoy Nanda, stating: "Akhilesh and Kiran da met me. He (Akhilesh) is doing very good work. My best wishes are with him."
The meeting followed traditional protocols, with Akhilesh Yadav first offering prayers at the historic Kalighat temple before proceeding to Nabanna. Mamata Banerjee welcomed her political ally with the traditional Bengali 'Uttoriyo' (stole), symbolizing hospitality and respect.
This Kolkata meeting represents a significant moment in opposition unity efforts ahead of crucial state elections, with regional party leaders presenting a united front against what they characterize as overreach by central authorities and the ruling party at the national level.
