At INDIA bloc rally, Mamata extends support to CJP, Gen Z; says Bengal victim of SIR

Former West Bengal chief minister and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Mamata Banerjee speaks on stage during a "Save Democracy" march towards Ramlila Maidan on November 1, 2026 | Photo Credit: Reuters Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Sunday (November 1, 2026) extended her support to the CJP leadership and Gen Z activists at the INDIA bloc rally, as she accused the BJP of manipulating elections and using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise to target opposition-ruled states.Addressing the gathering at Ramlila Maidan, Ms. Banerjee said all Opposition parties and sections of society must come together to fight the BJP and protect democracy.Keep track: ‘Chalo Dilli’ protests: Rahul Gandhi assures ‘legal action against PM Modi’; Kharge says ‘we’re not afraid to fight’ | LIVE"I am expressing solidarity with the CJP leadership and Gen Z, for their solidarity, support and fighting spirit," she said."West Bengal is a victim of the circumstances created by this SIR. We will not spare them. We will fight with our lives. They looted Bengal, but we will save democracy and bring it back," she said.Taking a swipe at the SIR exercise, Ms. Banerjee described it as "Special Intensive Relief to a party like the BJP"."We did not lose, we were made to lose. We will fight this democratically. You looted jobs, lives and the respect of women. You hijacked the election," she alleged.Targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, she asked, "Vanish Kumar ji, when will you vanish? We are waiting."She used a popular nursery rhyme and modified it into a song against the poll panel: "Vote chori, yes papa; loktantra chori, yes papa; loot kiya BJP papa; who is behind the curtain, BJP papa."Alleging that the police had become the BJP's "comrades", Ms. Banerjee said the ruling party was relying on agencies and institutions to carry out its political agenda.Ms. Banerjee called upon people across communities and political affiliations to unite against the BJP. "The BJP will go, will go, will go. They are going to go," she added."Save India, save democracy. Gen Z, youth and CJP, we are telling you there is no colour, no creed. All castes, all communities, all communists, let us fight together to defeat the BJP," she said. Published - November 01, 2026 06:13 pm IST