Kolkata: Tamil superstar and TVK chief Vijay, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, and RJD chief Tejashwi Yadav converged in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday, applauding her fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission ahead of the second phase of Bengal assembly elections.
Vijay's Video Message
Vijay posted a video message hailing Banerjee as "an inspiration for the fight" against what he called the Election Commission's "atrocities and manipulations." "In Tamil Nadu, we all need to unite and fight like Mamata," he said — a remark that signaled growing cross-regional resonance for Banerjee's campaign narrative.
Soren's Rallies
Hemant Soren, who had campaigned in Jangalmahal during the first phase, addressed rallies in Bhadreshwar and Wellington Maidan in the Chandannagar-Serampore belt on Saturday. He called for a unified front against "external forces" attempting to destabilize Bengal.
Kejriwal's Arrival
Arvind Kejriwal arrived in Kolkata late Saturday night for a campaign spanning April 26 and 27. He addressed a rally at Guru Ravidas Park in support of veteran leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay in Ballygunge. A meeting between Kejriwal and Banerjee is also expected.
Tejashwi's Campaign
Tejashwi Yadav has been campaigning since Friday, attending rallies in Jorasanko, Rashbehari, Jagaddal, Bhatpara, and Khardaha. "Those who have roots in Bihar are standing firmly with Didi. The BJP might keep threatening and creating fake narratives, but it will be Mamatadi who triumphs in the end," he said. He called the Bengal contest a fight for "democratic survival" and said the public mood clearly pointed to a fourth consecutive term for Banerjee.
