Mafia Politics allegations dominate West Bengal politics as Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP and allied forces of influencing the Assembly elections during his meeting with Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata.
SP Chief Claims Multi-Layered “Mafia Politics” Influenced West Bengal Assembly Polls
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | May 7, 2026
Mafia Politics became the centerpiece of sharp political criticism on Thursday after Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee at Kalighat in Kolkata. Following the meeting, Akhilesh alleged that the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections were manipulated through what he described as a “multi-layered system of mafia politics” involving political influence, administrative pressure, and intimidation.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Akhilesh claimed that several forces worked together to influence the election outcome. According to him, the BJP, sections of the Election Commission machinery, underground networks, and their political allies collectively orchestrated what he termed a “complete hijacking” of the democratic process. He further alleged that bureaucrats were transferred strategically and instructed to ensure the defeat of the Trinamool Congress.
During his interaction at Mamata Banerjee’s residence, Akhilesh praised Abhishek Banerjee for putting up a strong fight despite the adverse circumstances. When Mamata remarked that her party had suffered defeat, Akhilesh immediately disagreed, insisting that the people’s mandate had been distorted under pressure and fear. He alleged that voting in several regions was conducted under an atmosphere resembling coercion and violence.
Akhilesh Raises Questions Over Election Transparency
The issue of Mafia Politics resurfaced again when Akhilesh demanded greater transparency in the vote-counting process. Echoing Abhishek Banerjee’s earlier concerns, he called for the release of CCTV footage from counting centres to ensure public trust in the electoral system. The Samajwadi Party leader also expressed concern about the security of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, claiming that the present political climate posed serious threats to opposition leaders.
Addressing the media, Akhilesh also referred to alleged incidents of intimidation during elections in Uttar Pradesh, saying democratic norms across the country were increasingly under pressure. He argued that electoral systems were being altered in ways that weakened public confidence in democracy.
The SP chief additionally commented on the killing of Chandranath Rath, an associate of West Bengal Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari. Akhilesh stated that the Union Home Ministry should clarify how such incidents were taking place despite heavy security arrangements.
Hope for TMC Revival Despite Electoral Setback
Even while criticizing the political atmosphere, Akhilesh expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress could recover from its electoral setback. He described Mamata Banerjee as a determined political fighter who would continue resisting what he called “authoritarian politics.” He also accused the BJP of targeting Mamata because she is a strong female leader challenging the ruling establishment.
Interestingly, Akhilesh’s visit came just a day after he reportedly ended his party’s agreement with political consultancy firm I-PAC ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The move has drawn political attention because the same consultancy had earlier worked with Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and DMK in Tamil Nadu, where both ruling parties recently faced difficult electoral battles.
