Kolkata, January 27: The Samajwadi Party (SP) national president Akhilesh Yadav met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Tuesday.
Following the meeting, Akhilesh Yadav claimed that only Mamata Banerjee has the ability to effectively challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the country.
He also expressed confidence that Mamata Banerjee will become the Chief Minister of West Bengal for the fourth time after the upcoming assembly elections.
Following the meeting at Nabanna, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav jointly appeared before the media. Speaking to reporters on the occasion, Mamata Banerjee stated that it was a brief courtesy call between the two leaders.
Akhilesh Yadav said, “The ED has lost to Didi, and now the BJP’s defeat is certain. Only Didi can challenge the BJP across the country.”
Akhilesh Yadav also raised the issue of the ED raids on the IPAC office and the residence of its chief, Prateek Jain. He questioned the pen drive controversy and the role of central investigating agencies, saying the BJP still hasn’t forgotten this issue. He alleged that the BJP is unable to accept the truth of Mamata Banerjee’s evasion of the ED in Bengal.
The Samajwadi Party chief also strongly opposed the Special Intensive Review (SIR) and targeted both the BJP and the Election Commission. He alleged that, fearing defeat in Bengal, the BJP is resorting to the SIR to divide votes. Akhilesh Yadav said, “The BJP is using the Election Commission as a weapon.”
Akhilesh Yadav reiterated that the BJP’s future in West Bengal is not bright and that the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, will return to power once again.