West Bengal CM Mamata Likely to Attend Lalu’s “BJP Bhagao” Rally

The possibility of Mamata attending Lalu’s rally is being seen as a mark of solidarity with the anti-BJP movement.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 

(Photo: Reuters) 

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ‘BJP bhagao, desh bachao’ rally on 27 August is likely to see West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in attendance.

A source related to Banerjee claimed that the latter’s attendance would be a gesture of solidarity with the anti-BJP movement, following Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s unsettling of the “grand alliance” and aligning with the BJP, as per an Indian Express report.

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Lalu’s rally was declared close on the heels of Income Tax raids at 22 locations in Delhi, linked with the alleged ‘benami property’ case, in which the RJD chief and six members of his family are embroiled.

As per reports, the Bengal CM has claimed that she will attend Lalu’s rally along with Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Also Read: BJP Wins, But Nitish Has Much to Lose: Editorials on Bihar Crisis

The West Bengal CM said, as per a report by the Indian Express:

Now, there is all the more reason for Opposition parties to stand together. This BJP is not the party of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This BJP is vindictive and does not tolerate Opposition. Today, it is the RJD or the TMC. Tomorrow, it could be anyone else, any other party. The Opposition parties need to stand together

Also Read: Timeline: Tracing Nitish & Lalu’s Love-Hate Relationship

A parliamentary leader was quoted by the Indian Express as saying:

The BJP cares only about complete and utter domination over the country by any method. This kind of arm-twisting, which led to Nitish Kumar’s resignation, is unprecedented

The parliamentary leader also added:

Mamata Banerjee knows that hers is the only party in the Opposition… which can actually act as a glue to bring the (other) parties together.

Also Read: Mamata Pledges to “Oust BJP” At Shahid Diwas Rally in Kolkata

(With inputs from the Indian Express)

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