In a significant political development ahead of the second phase of polling in West Bengal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal joined the campaign trail of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress, adding fresh momentum to the high-stakes electoral battle.
Kejriwal’s appearance alongside Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has drawn attention across political circles, as it signals a broader attempt by opposition forces to consolidate support against the BJP in the state. Addressing rallies, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader praised Banerjee’s governance model and urged voters to back her leadership, describing her as a “fighter” who stands up to central pressure.
The move comes at a crucial juncture, with the second phase of voting seen as decisive in shaping the overall outcome of the Assembly elections. Several key constituencies are set to vote in this phase, and both the BJP and TMC have intensified their campaigns, deploying star campaigners and ramping up voter outreach.
Kejriwal, who has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the BJP at the national level, framed the Bengal election as part of a larger political contest. He highlighted issues such as governance, welfare schemes, and federal autonomy, aligning his message closely with that of the Trinamool Congress. His participation is being viewed as an effort to strengthen opposition unity and send a broader political signal beyond Bengal.
For the TMC, Kejriwal’s entry into the campaign provides an additional boost, especially in urban and semi-urban areas where his governance model in Delhi has found resonance among sections of voters. Party leaders expressed confidence that such support would help consolidate anti-BJP votes and reinforce their position in the upcoming phases.
However, the BJP was quick to criticise the development, accusing opposition parties of forming what it termed an “opportunistic alliance.” BJP leaders argued that external endorsements would not influence the electorate, asserting that voters in Bengal are focused on local issues and governance performance.
As campaigning gathers pace, the entry of leaders like Kejriwal has added another layer to an already intense electoral contest. With the second phase approaching, all eyes are now on how such political alignments and narratives play out at the ballot box in one of the most closely watched elections in the country.
