Hooghly, 25 April (H.S.):

Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee addressed a public rally in Uttarpara of Hooghly district on Saturday in support of party candidate Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay, intensifying the poll campaign in the constituency.

The TMC has fielded Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay, son of Serampore MP Kalyan Banerjee, from the Uttarpara seat. The BJP has nominated Dipanjan Chakraborty, while the CPI(M) has fielded Minakshi Mukhopadhyay, making it a triangular contest.

Addressing the gathering at Jorapukur ground, Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging misuse of central agencies and forces during the elections. She also raised concerns over law and order and questioned the role of the police during polling.

The TMC chief further targeted the Centre over issues such as unemployment, rising fuel prices and inflation, claiming that promises made by the government have not been fulfilled. She also highlighted industrial development and job creation in West Bengal.

Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to influence the elections by bringing in outsiders and engaging in divisive politics. Urging voters to support TMC candidates, she said development work in the state would continue.

Political observers believe that such high-voltage campaigning and sharp exchanges are set to intensify the electoral battle in Uttarpara.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey