‘Stand with Mamata Banerjee’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren woos tribals for TMC

By: Tanuja Singh Deo

PURULIA: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, campaigning for Trinamool in Purulia on Saturday, delivered a sharp attack on the Election Commission, alleging it was acting as BJP's instrument in Bengal.

"Everywhere else, elections are happening in a single phase. In Bengal, they are in two phases. Do you know why? BJP is not contesting these elections — this battle is being fought by the EC. Forces from across the country have been sent here to intimidate the poor and destitute," he said.




"No matter how many obstacles they create with sticks, guns and batons, the voting cannot be stopped," he added.

Addressing largely tribal-dominated assembly segments bordering Jharkhand — where all three rallies drew large crowds carrying dhamsa-madol drums and bows and arrows — Soren invoked the legacy of tribal icons.

He praised Banerjee's work for adivasi, dalit, backward and minority communities, saying Bengal's model for education within adivasi and Santhal communities was one Jharkhand was seeking to replicate.

Attacking BJP directly, Soren said the party was "simply anti-Adivasi" and urged voters to reflect on the exploitation the community faces in BJP-governed states.

At a second rally in Purulia, he said: "Attempts are underway across the country to weaken democratic institutions and divide society. The people of Bengal must send a strong message that politics here will be one of development, brotherhood and dignity — not fear and division."Get real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.