Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav met Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee at her Kalighat residence in Kolkata on Thursday, May 7, 2026, following the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Yadav, who was received by Abhishek Banerjee, told him, "You fought very well," as Mamata Banerjee acknowledged the loss, saying, "We have lost."

After the meeting, Yadav told reporters that votes in the West Bengal election had been "stolen" by the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Election Commission of India, and other agencies. He asserted the opposition must defend democracy and the Constitution, claiming the BJP targeted Mamata Banerjee due to her gender and called the party "patriarchal and feudal." The SP leader vowed continued resistance ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

The visit underscores ongoing efforts by the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc to regroup after electoral setbacks in key states. Senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal, and Hemant Soren, had previously campaigned for the TMC. Both parties posted photos of the meeting on social media, emphasizing unity.

The BJP won 207 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, securing a two-thirds majority, while the TMC was reduced to 80 seats. The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.