West Bengal Elections: Suvendu's father Sisir Adhikari joins BJP, chants 'Jai Siya Ram'

Veteran Trinamool Congress MP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's father Sisir Adhikari on Sunday followed his son's footsteps and joined the saffron party at Home Minister Amit Shah's rally at Egra in the poll-bound state of West Bengal.

Adhikari said, "Save Bengal from atrocities, we are with you, our family is with you. Jai Siya Ram, Jai Bharat."

Speaking exclusively to Republic TV on Friday, Sisir Adhikari had confirmed his intention to join BJP. Maintaining that he is "howling" for the victory of BJP, the former TMC MP stressed the need to help out his son.

Suvendu, the protege-turned-foe of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee joined the BJP at a rally of Amit Shah in December last year. His other younger brother Soumendu left TMC to join the BJP shortly afterward. Following the development, Septuagenarian Sisir Adhikari was removed as chairman of the prestigious Digha-Shankarpur Development Council and president of the TMC's district unit.

West Bengal elections 2021

The West Bengal Assembly with 294 seats will also go to the polls from March 27 to April 29, 2021, in eight phases and votes will be counted on May 2. CM Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress holds 222 seats at present. However, BJP has made major inroads in the State in the Lok Sabha elections winning 18 seats out of 42 and establishing itself as the major opposition force in the State. The BJP is using its booth-level strategy and has regularly top leaders including Amit Shah and JP Nadda are actively campaigning in the State, with the Prime Minister also addressing mega-rallies in different districts. The party has also been inducting a number of top TMC leaders and has plans to hold at least 1,500 rallies and assorted road-shows in total. 

Elections to the 294 seats in West Bengal will be held in eight phases across 1,01,916 polling stations, announced the EC. The counting of votes will take place on May 2. 

• 1st phase- 30 constituencies. Date of polling- March 27
• 2nd phase- 30 constituencies. Date of polling- April 1
• 3rd phase- 31 constituencies. Date of polling- April 6
• 4th phase- 44 constituencies. Date of polling- April 10
• 5th phase- 45 constituencies. Date of polling- April 17
• 6th phase- 43 constituencies. Date of polling- April 22
• 7th phase- 36 constituencies. Date of polling- April 26
• 8th phase- 35 constituencies. Date of polling- April 29