West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray at 'Matoshree' on Friday, marking their first encounter since the Lok Sabha elections. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress are allies within the INDIA bloc. Banerjee announced she will actively campaign for Thackeray in the Maharashtra elections, describing him as a 'lion' who has fought valiantly despite the challenges.
Banerjee remarked that an air of emergency prevails under Modi's rule with new and opaque criminal statutes creating a climate of fear. She projected that Modi's government is unstable and would not endure for an extended period. This was discussed during a joint press conference held at Thackeray's residence in Mumbai, where both leaders exchanged greetings heralding West Bengal, Maharashtra, and India.
Banerjee's visit to Mumbai, her first since the Lok Sabha election results, coincided with a notable Ambani family wedding. Emphasizing the familial over the political in their meeting, Thackeray mentioned their sibling-like bond. Alluding to their shared goal of unity in diversity, Banerjee signaled a commitment to inclusivity within her party's core values.
PM Modi Brings a State of Emergency: Mamata
Banerjee criticized the unnecessary legislation introduced under Modi's government, fostering an atmosphere of dread. She shared her plans to meet with Sharad Pawar during her Mumbai visit, recalling the times she met with Murli Deora. Emphasizing the instability of the current government, she hinted at a political shift, suggesting 'the game has begun'. Her conversation also highlighted Bengal's promising prospects, referring to upcoming investments in the region by Sajjan Jindal.
