Political activist Yogendra Yadav, who, in his X handle introduces himself as lapsed academic and being part of Swaraj India, Swaraj Abhiyan, Jai Kisan Andolan, was in city to be with chief minister Mamata Banerjee at the dharna manch on Saturday. He was there to lend his support to the Trinamul Congress chairperson, who is trying to get funds due for state from the Centre. “We are part of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan and various non-political parties, NGOs and like-minded organisations are with us. We are all working for the defence of democracy.

As part of Abhiyan, I was there with Mamata ji to extend all support to her. Her cause to secure the MGNREGA from the Centre is worth supporting,” said Mr Yadav. CM Mamata has promised money in the bank account of 21 lakh workers by 21 February. The money will be paid by the state government, she announced on Saturday. “She has promised funds to the workers from the state coffers if the Centre does not pay. This is a great gesture. I have seen no other state commit such a promise. It is no mean feat that 21 lakh workers will get their dues because of her,” commended Mr Yadav. The political analyst who was also with Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, said, there has been great interest in the people with the Yatra. “I was with the Yatra from the very beginning when it started from Manipur.

I was also with it when it entered Bengal and will again go back to it. I have seen the Yatra getting great public reception wherever it has gone, from the northeast till Bengal. People who are at the bottom of the social pyramid were greatly touched by his gesture. They have been welcoming him with open arms,” said he. On the INDIA bloc and its unity, Mr Yadav said, “This is a battle to save the constitution, its maryada. That is what the Abhiyan is, supporting the cause of saving the Republic. We have seen what is happening in West Bengal, Jharkhand, with Arvind Kejriwal.

It is an assault on the constitution. Every Indian needs to come and support the bloc.” The man, who had also played a key role in the farmers’ protest in Delhi in 2021, is also aware of the problems faced by the Yatra in Bengal. He said, “In the last 4-5 days we have seen sharp words being exchanged. It is very unfortunate. It is not for me to blame anyone but I’m confident that political maturity will prevail. The issues will be resolved soon and people will move on.”