‘Mandate Of People Is Clear’: Akhilesh Yadav Predicts ‘Respectable Defeat’ For BJP In West Bengal

Last Updated:March 16, 2026, 12:24 IST

The SP leader further criticised the government over the ongoing LPG crisis, saying the term LPG now stands for “lapata gas.”

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is heading for what he described as a “respectable defeat" in West Bengal, claiming the party has failed to mount a serious challenge against the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Speaking to the media in Mumbai after attending the Vision India programme, Yadav said the political mood in West Bengal indicated that Mamata Banerjee will return as Chief Minister. “The mandate of the people is clear," he said.

The SP leader further criticised the government over the ongoing LPG crisis, saying the term LPG now stands for “lapata gas," suggesting that the government has disappeared from addressing people’s daily concerns. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the prime minister had missed an opportunity to show leadership on the global stage. “If the PM had acted, he could have stopped the situation and stood as ‘Vishwa Guru’," he said.

Commenting on the announcement of polling dates in four states and one Union Territory by the Election Commission of India, Yadav said the poll body must work to rebuild public trust. “My message to the Election Commission is to conduct fair elections and not become a puppet of the BJP. It should prove its credibility this time," he said.

The Samajwadi Party leader also reaffirmed his party’s support for the opposition INDIA alliance, saying it would back the coalition in all poll-bound states except Assam. He said the party could contest one seat in Assam while supporting the alliance.

Responding to recent remarks by Raj Thackeray on migrants from Uttar Pradesh, Yadav said such comments are often made to stir emotions during elections. He added that he shares cordial relations with Thackeray.

Yadav also criticised the SIR process in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that it had affected ordinary voters. He claimed even supporters of the ruling party faced difficulties due to the system.

He further raised concerns about technical problems affecting LPG cylinder bookings, saying people were facing errors while filling forms online and questioning the government’s preparedness.

On the Maharashtra government’s decision to make the Marathi language compulsory in schools, Yadav said he supports all Indian languages and noted that technology has made learning and communication easier.

News politics ‘Mandate Of People Is Clear’: Akhilesh Yadav Predicts ‘Respectable Defeat’ For BJP In West Bengal

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