Poll panel conducting NRC in garb of SIR, says Akhilesh

Earlier in the day, Yadav met Banerjee in Kolkata, and asserted that the TMC leader was the only political figure in the country taking a firm stand against the BJP. He also praised her “resilience” in the face of political and administrative pressures.

The former SP chief also accused the Election Commission and the BJP of using the SIR process to “delete as many voters as possible”, forcing many citizens to prove their nationality and harassing the West Bengal CM under the guise of administrative action.

“We are confident that the people of Bengal, who share a deep emotional bond with their CM, will ensure she remains at the helm,” Yadav said, calling the BJP’s efforts a battle that it (BJP) is destined to lose.

Highlighting Bengal’s cultural richness, the former UP Chief Minister said, “Bengal is a cultural unit, not just a political unit. People here listen to Rabindra Sangeet, not songs of hatred. Those who try to divide will not succeed; those who spread sweetness will win.”

He also commended Banerjee for her courage for fighting for the people. He added that agencies like the ED and the CBI had often been used by the BJP as political tools, citing Maharashtra as an example. “I am happy that Didi has defeated the ED,” Akhilesh added.