Akhilesh Yadav's Visit to Kolkata: Strengthening the INDIA Alliance
Akhilesh Yadav's Kolkata Visit
Akhilesh Yadav, the national president of the Samajwadi Party, is set to arrive in Kolkata on Wednesday, shortly after the results of the West Bengal Assembly elections. He will meet with Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister and leader of the Trinamool Congress. This visit marks the first trip to Bengal by a prominent opposition leader following the election results. During a press conference in Kolkata on Tuesday, Mamata confirmed the meeting, stating that Akhilesh had requested to come that day, but she suggested he arrive the next day instead.
Mamata indicated that her goal is to further strengthen the INDIA alliance. During the West Bengal elections, instead of campaigning in person, Akhilesh actively supported Mamata through social media. Following the results, he made several posts on social media platform X, where he labeled the BJP's victory as deceptive, stating, 'Every deception has an expiration date; this is the foundation of truth.' In another post, he referenced the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections and the Farrukhabad Lok Sabha elections, alleging misuse of central forces during the counting process.
He also shared an old video of Mamata Banerjee. In a third post, he sarcastically commented on women's reservation, suggesting that if results can be manipulated, then the Chief Minister can also be chosen arbitrarily. In January 2025, Akhilesh had previously visited Kolkata with his wife, Dimple Yadav, where he announced his support for Mamata Banerjee in the elections.
Significant Step Towards Strengthening the INDIA Alliance
The meeting between Akhilesh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee is not merely a courtesy call. Political analysts view it as a crucial step towards reinforcing the INDIA alliance in light of the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Senior journalist Rajendra Kumar suggests that this meeting will likely involve detailed discussions on the Bengal election results, the alleged misuse of central agencies, and future strategies. Akhilesh is well aware of the challenges of facing the BJP alone. After observing Mamata's solo campaign and its outcomes, he has come to appreciate the importance of alliances.
This visit also serves as a message to party workers and supporters that the opposition is uniting to challenge the BJP. The meeting is considered vital for maintaining and strengthening the unity of the INDIA alliance ahead of the 2027 elections. Political experts believe that Akhilesh shares a close relationship with both Mamata Banerjee and Stalin. Having been out of power for the past nine years, Akhilesh has received support from Mamata on several occasions.
Close Ties with Mamata and Stalin
It is believed that Akhilesh has received ideological support from both Stalin and Mamata. Notably, Mamata traveled to Lucknow from Kolkata on February 7, 2022, to support Akhilesh and held a rally for the Samajwadi Party. Additionally, Akhilesh allocated a Lok Sabha seat to the TMC in Uttar Pradesh at Mamata's request, where Lalitesh Tripathi contested after leaving Congress.
Now that Mamata is out of power, Akhilesh's visit aims to reassure her of their continued relationship. Political analysts also suggest that Akhilesh, like Mamata, values maintaining relationships. During times when Mamata needs support for the INDIA bloc, Akhilesh is expected to stand by her side.