“INDIA bloc is with Mamata ji”: Sanjay Raut backs “rigging” claims, calls it “moral victory”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has asserted that the INDIA alliance stands firmly with Mamata Banerjee following the West Bengal Assembly election results, backing her allegations of large-scale irregularities and describing her position as a “moral victory.” His remarks come amid escalating political tensions after the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a decisive mandate in the state.

Raut endorsed Mamata Banerjee’s claims that the electoral process was compromised, stating that concerns regarding rigging and deletion of voter names were valid. He also echoed her criticism of the Election Commission, suggesting that the integrity of the process had been called into question. According to him, Banerjee’s refusal to resign reflects her belief that the outcome does not represent the true will of the people.

Highlighting broader opposition unity, Raut said that leaders across the INDIA bloc, including Uddhav Thackeray and Rahul Gandhi, have extended their support to Banerjee following the results. He emphasised that the alliance views the development not merely as a regional political loss but as a matter concerning the health of democratic institutions in the country.

Mamata Banerjee has maintained that despite the official results, her party has achieved a “moral victory,” alleging that over 100 seats were affected by irregularities. She has also raised concerns over electronic voting machines and the role of the Election Commission, intensifying the political confrontation as the state prepares for a transition of power.