ममता बनर्जी के साथ हेमंत सोरेन (फाइल फोटो).
Jharkhand chief minister (CM) and JMM president Hemant Soren campaigned in support of Mamata Banerjee-led TMC on Saturday, ahead of the two-phase West Bengal assembly polls scheduled on April 23 and 29.The southern parts of Bengal bordering Jharkhand, which has a high number of tribal community members, is under CM Hemant’s focus, JMM sources said.
Addressing a rally held in favour of TMC candidate Sandhya Rani Tudu for Manbazar assembly seat under Purulia district, Hemant said, “You all are aware of the oppression and exploitation Adivasi community faces in BJP-ruled states.”Appealing to voters to strengthen Mamata Banerjee, Hemant said, “Mamata ‘didi’ is single-handedly fighting against a communal party like BJP.”Calling Bengal polls ‘decisive’, he added, “The support extended to TMC by entire Bengal shows that the people are firmly with Mamata didi, who has been working for the people belonging to the Adivasi, Dalit, backward, and minority communities. We (Jharkhand) are working to implement Bengal’s education model for the Adivasi and Santhal communities.”Addressing rallies for Somesh Beltharia in Kashipur assembly constituency under Purulia district, the Jharkhand CM said, “The ensuing polls is more than just electing a govt. It is about safeguarding our identity, rights, and future. This is why I am standing in support of ‘didi’. TMC, like JMM, has always pursued the politics of public welfare, social justice, and inclusive development.”JMM is running an alliance govt with Congress and RJD in Jharkhand, but has dumped the grand old party both in Assam and Bengal. In Assam, which had voted on April 9, JMM went solo following failed seat sharing talks with Congress. In Bengal, it has decided to back TMC.