In a sharp political escalation following West Bengal’s विधानसभा election results, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday alleged that the polls were “hijacked by a multi-layered mafia network,” directly accusing the BJP, Election Commission, and “underground operators” of orchestrating electoral manipulation. Speaking after meeting Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee at Kalighat, Yadav’s remarks add fuel to an already volatile post-election atmosphere.
Arriving at Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kalighat, Yadav was seen extending solidarity to the Trinamool leadership. As he greeted Abhishek Banerjee, he remarked, “You fought exceptionally well,” while Mamata responded with a note of disappointment, saying, “We have lost.” Yadav, however, firmly countered that narrative, asserting, “No, you haven’t lost.”
Addressing the media soon after, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the electoral process in Bengal. He alleged that voters were intimidated and that the elections were conducted “at gunpoint.” According to him, bureaucratic reshuffles were strategically executed to influence the outcome, with certain officials allegedly promised favorable postings if they ensured Trinamool’s defeat.
Echoing concerns raised by opposition leaders across the country, Yadav demanded transparency in the counting process, specifically calling for the release of CCTV footage from counting centres. He also raised serious concerns about the security of both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, claiming that they are currently under threat.
Referring to the recent killing of Chandranath Rath, an aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Yadav questioned the role of the Union Home Ministry. “The Home Minister must answer how such an incident took place,” he said, linking the violence to a broader breakdown of law and order.
Drawing parallels with Uttar Pradesh, Yadav claimed that similar patterns of electoral malpractice and intimidation have been witnessed there as well. “The entire voting process has been altered,” he stated, hinting at systemic erosion of democratic norms.
Despite the electoral setback faced by the Trinamool Congress, Yadav expressed confidence in Mamata Banerjee’s resilience. “Didi is not someone who gives up. She is a fighter,” he said, while also accusing the BJP of targeting her due to “patriarchal and feudal mindsets.”
Interestingly, Yadav’s remarks come just a day after he terminated his party’s agreement with political consultancy firm I-PAC, which had been roped in earlier this year to strategize for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections. Notably, I-PAC has also faced criticism following its inability to deliver favorable outcomes for ruling parties in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
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