West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri on Monday afternoon for a two-day visit to Darjeeling. She is scheduled to take part in various programs in the region during her visit.
The CM told reporters, “…I have some programs there. We are going to Darjeeling for two days… By-elections are being held on 6 seats here… We work for the people. We will continue to work like this in the future as well …”
Voters will cast their ballots in the by-elections on November 13 for six assembly seats in West Bengal: Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai, and Madarihat. The counting will take place on November 23.
On social media, All India Trinamool Congress shouted the party’s strength before by-polls. A tweet on X had read: “With bypolls just round the corner, Mamata Banerjee spoke of all-time steadfast support of Ma, Mati, Manush for our candidates.” It also urged the people to extend support to the “Joraphool” candidates. Or the leaders who always worked in the interest of their people and would continue to do so. The post quoted as saying, “This is not a vote for any candidate but for progress, development and welfare of the people.”
AITMC also tweeted a video where CM Banerjee appealed to the voters for support in favor of the party in the upcoming elections.
On its part, the Trinamool Congress said that the BJP is indulging in divisive speeches ahead of the by-elections. TMC leaders claimed such rhetoric by the BJP is “dividing the country” and called upon the Election Commission to intervene. West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja said the TMC has raised the issue with the state Chief Electoral Officer. She also highlighted a controversial speech by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in Bankura, which she claimed aimed at fomenting religious and caste divisions.
The by-elections became necessary after MLAs from these constituencies won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
ANI
