Akhilesh Yadav Backs Mamata Banerjee After BJP’s Bengal Election Win

Yadav Praises TMC’s Election Fight

The meeting was cordial according to the party's official sources, in which TMC National general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was also present. According to party sources, the three leaders exchanged pleasantries. 

According to sources, the conversation held at the meeting was constructive with Akhilesh Yadav telling Abhishek Banerjee, "What a commendable battle you all have fought." He also told Mamata Banerjee, "Didi, you have not lost."

SP Chief Alleges Election Manipulation

Talking to the reporters after meeting Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav claimed that elections were manipulated with what he called 'multi-layered mafiagiri'.

“Today, all Opposition leaders must stand together against election fraud. When elections were held honestly, Didi won. This time, no one could have imagined such manipulation involving the BJP, the Election Commission and others working together,” Yadav said.

BJP Accused Of Misusing Agencies

Yadav also blamed BJP for weakening democratic institutions. He also questioned the political violence taking place in the state, citing attacks on workers and damages caused to offices as examples and asking, who would be held accountable for the security lapse during polls?

Further allegations of an 'excessive presence' of central forces made a "parallel structure" during polls were also cited by Akhilesh, who alleged personnel from many states like Uttar Pradesh were brought to organize polling.

Akhilesh Demands Answers From Amit Shah

On the killing of Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant Chandranath Rath , Yadav alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was responsible and demanded that his statement be recorded.

“How did Suvendu Adhikari’s PA get murdered? The Home Minister must answer how this happened,” he said.

Mamata Refuses To Resign After Defeat

On May 5th, Mamata refused to resign as chief minister saying her party had won but the elections were manipulated by the EC, Central forces and BJP. She also said that TMC voters were assaulted and driven out of count centres and she herself was pushed when she entered the count centre for Bhabanipur constituency.

BJP Registers Massive Victory In Bengal

This meeting comes after BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal, securing 207 seats on Monday, while the TMC, in power for 15 years won 80. Akhilesh Yadav had earlier in the day claimed that democracy in West Bengal had been subverted and alleged that voters were pressured during elections not exercising their franchise freely.