NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday extended his support to Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating that he had expressed 'complete solidarity and support' during a phone conversation with her.
In a post on social media platform X, Kejriwal said, 'Just spoke to Mamata didi on phone. Expressed complete solidarity and support. She is fighting one of the most difficult battles, which is also one of the most important battles for Indian democracy. Modi ji will lose, in spite of misusing all institutions including CEC.'
Kejriwal's remarks come amid an ongoing political contest in West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress has been engaged in a fierce battle against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His statement followed a decision by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to deny permission for a proposed rally by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhawanipore, triggering a sharp reaction from the TMC. The decision was made just days before the first phase of polling, scheduled for April 23, with Bhawanipore among the constituencies going to vote.
Reacting to the development, Banerjee questioned the ECI's decision, stating that as a sitting Chief Minister, she was denied permission to hold a rally in her own constituency. 'How can the EC deny me permission in my own constituency? There are no other rallies scheduled there,' Banerjee said, alleging discriminatory treatment. She further claimed that while permissions were granted swiftly for rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, her request was rejected. 'Even you allow the Prime Minister's rally within six hours, but as a Chief Minister, my rally is denied,' she said.
Banerjee added that despite the denial, she would still visit the area. 'I will go and sit there and have tea,' she remarked, referring to her planned visit at Collin Street under the Bhawanipore constituency. The polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will be held in two phases. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. As per the Election Commission of India, the first phase covers 152 Assembly constituencies, while the second phase includes 142 seats.
The state is set to witness a high-voltage contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress, which is seeking a fourth consecutive term, and the BJP, which is aiming to form the government after a strong showing in the previous elections. Kejriwal's support for Banerjee underscores the opposition's unity against the BJP ahead of the crucial state elections.
