Akhilesh Yadav Backs Mamata Banerjee for 2026 Elections Amidst Political Tensions

Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, has voiced his support for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, predicting a significant victory for her while asserting that the BJP's schemes will fail. As political tensions escalate in West Bengal, Union Minister Amit Shah has rallied BJP workers, criticizing the state's governance. Banerjee has responded defiantly, reaffirming her commitment to the people. Yadav has also raised concerns about potential manipulation of voter data in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the contentious atmosphere leading up to the elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 15:35 IST

Akhilesh Yadav's Support for Mamata Banerjee

On Thursday, Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, expressed his support for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming 2026 assembly elections, asserting that the BJP's "conspiracy" will fail. Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav claimed that the BJP would lose both the West Bengal elections in 2026 and the Uttar Pradesh elections in 2027. He confidently stated that Banerjee would secure a significant victory in West Bengal, emphasizing that the BJP is known for plotting schemes everywhere, but this time they will not succeed. He reiterated that they would first face defeat in Bengal and subsequently in Uttar Pradesh.

Political Climate in West Bengal Heats Up

As the assembly elections approach next year, the political atmosphere in West Bengal is intensifying. During a visit to Kolkata, Union Minister Amit Shah rallied BJP workers, urging them to prepare for the elections. In his press conference, Shah remarked that West Bengal has become synonymous with fear and corruption over the past 14 years. He questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the alleged infiltration of illegal immigrants and accused her government of refusing to provide land for border fencing. Shah also chaired a meeting with BJP legislators and MPs in Kolkata.

Mamata Banerjee's Response to Amit Shah

In response, Mamata Banerjee referred to Shah as Dushasana, a character from the Mahabharata. During the TMC's foundation day, she reaffirmed her party's commitment to the principles of 'Maa, Mati, Manush' and vowed to continue fighting for the common people. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav also targeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, accusing him of inciting election commission officials to manipulate the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) data.

Concerns Over Voter List Manipulation

While addressing journalists in Lucknow, Yadav stated, "When the Chief Minister claimed that four crore votes had been deducted from their count, he was essentially instructing officials to engage in manipulation... The data emerging now indicates that the election commission and its officials must prove their credibility. If discrepancies are found between the state government and the SIR data, the election commission will need to reconsider the purpose of the SIR and the entire revision process." The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list has been a contentious issue in the state, with the Samajwadi Party alleging electoral fraud.