• Source:JND

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday arrived in Kolkata to meet outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a display of solidarity after her party, Trinamool Congress, suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP.

The meeting was held in the presence of TMC MP and Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee at her residence. Akhilesh praised Abhishek, saying, "You have fought well," while consoling Mamata, saying, "Didi, you have not lost.

Akhilesh corners Home Minister Amit Shah

After the meeting, Yadav spoke to the media. On the murder of Suvendu Adhikari's PA, Chandranath Rath, Akhilesh questioned Home Minister Amit Shah over his responsibility.

"Union Home Minister Amit Shah is responsible; he should explain how this happened," he said, adding that the question should be asked of Shah, not him.

SP chief alleged BJP-EC collusion

Akhilesh also raised concerns over the alleged irregularities in the poll process, an issue flagged by Mamata while rejecting to resign from the CM post.

Akhilesh said, "Under the BJP government, it feels as though, in collusion with the Election Commission, the result is declared first, then the certificate is issued, followed by counting, and only later the voter list is reviewed. They have completely altered the electoral process. Respected 'Didi' (Mamata) is an eyesore for them because she is someone who struggles and fights. She is not going to lose hope. She troubles the BJP because she represents half the population, women. The BJP leaders, who have a patriarchal and feudal mindset, cannot tolerate seeing a woman rise."

INDIA bloc to unite against BJP?

Speaking about the future course of action, Akhilesh indicated a unified fight under the banners of INDIA alliance. He said, "The effort will be to ensure that everyone (INDIA alliance) works together, because democracy needs to be protected. They (BJP) want to destroy democracy itself and take away people’s voting rights."


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