Desk Correspondent , Kolkata - In a phone call between the two leaders AAP Kejriwal has officially extended his "complete solidarity and support" to Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee as West Bengal prepares for its upcoming assembly elections. In a significant political development on Wednesday, the Delhi Chief Minister held a telephonic conversation with Banerjee, later taking to social media platform X to describe her current electoral campaign as one of the most difficult yet crucial battles for the future of Indian democracy. Kejriwal expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP would face defeat in the state despite what he alleged was the systemic misuse of various national institutions, including the Election Commission, to influence the electoral outcome.

The display of unity comes amid heightened tensions between the TMC and the Election Commission of India (ECI) following the denial of permission for Banerjee to hold a major rally in her own constituency of Bhawanipore. The Chief Minister sharply criticized the decision, labeling it discriminatory by pointing out that while her requests were rejected, the Prime Minister’s rallies were reportedly granted clearance within hours. Faced with the ECI's restrictions just days before the first phase of polling scheduled for April 23, Banerjee announced she would bypass the ban by visiting the area to "sit and have tea" with residents, maintaining her presence in the high-stakes constituency despite the formal administrative hurdle.

The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections are set to be conducted in two phases, with the first covering 152 seats and the second covering 142, leading to the final counting of votes on May 4. This high-voltage contest pits the incumbent Trinamool Congress, which is aggressively seeking a fourth consecutive term in power, against a determined BJP aiming to capitalize on its previous gains. As the political rhetoric intensifies, Kejriwal’s public backing reinforces a broader opposition front against the central government. Both leaders have consistently alleged that federal agencies are being utilized to stifle regional parties, setting the stage for a dramatic and closely watched democratic confrontation in the coming weeks across the 294-member assembly.