West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday backed Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's claims on the electronic voting machines after the Bharatiya Janata Party swept the Uttar Pradesh elections with its allies bagging 273 out of 403 assembly seats.
"The party (BJP) should not raise its voice much just because they have won in a few states. This victory is not a true reflection of the people’s mandate. This verdict is because of the blatant use of the election machinery to loot votes. “Akhilesh Yadav (of the Samajwadi Party) has lost not because of people's mandate but due to loot of votes," Banerjee said.
Mamata's statements echo Akhilesh's allegations days before the poll results were announced. Addressing a press conference, the Samajwadi Party chief had alleged that the EVM machines were being transported on directions of the Varanasi district authorities. In fact, the SP had roped in party workers to stand outside the EVM strong rooms to prevent what it calls an ‘attempt to influence votes’.
This is not the first time when the Trinamool Congress chief has stood with her Samajwadi Party counterpart. Both the leaders share a cordial bond since Akhilesh became the chief minister in 2012.
In 2016, both Mamata and Akhilesh had held a joint public meeting in Lucknow against demonetisation. The Samajwadi Party leader had hosted her and also provided logistical support for the rally. Akhilesh had also supported Mamata during the 2016 Bengal polls which she had won to retain power for the second time.
This is not the first time when the Trinamool Congress chief has stood with her Samajwadi Party counterpart. Both the leaders share a cordial bond since Akhilesh became the chief minister in 2012.
In 2016, both Mamata and Akhilesh had held a joint public meeting in Lucknow against demonetisation. The Samajwadi Party leader had hosted her and also provided logistical support for the rally. Akhilesh had also supported Mamata during the 2016 Bengal polls which she had won to retain power for the second time.
Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Mamata had addressed a joint opposition rally at Kolkata's Brigade Ground. Akhilesh was among the opposition leaders who had attended the rally to strengthen unity against the BJP.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party national vice-president Kiranmay Nanda and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan had campaigned for Trinamool Congress.
Mamata too campaigned for Akhilesh Yadav in Varanasi in the just concluded Assembly elections in Varanasi, which happens to be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency.