Banerjee said meditation is a personal practice beneficial for body, mind, and soul but cautioned against making it a public show. “You (journalists), me and everybody can meditate. No issue. It is good for one’s body, mind and soul. But please don’t make it a media spectacle, don’t sit for meditation in full glare of the camera,” Banerjee told reporters after casting his vote.

On Modi’s decision to contest from Varanasi, he said, “He can contest from anywhere. But there have been allegations of nominations of many other candidates being rejected by the Election Commission. If he is so confident about victory, then why such a move?”

“In the Diamond Harbour constituency where I am contesting, the BJP, CPI(M), SUCI all are contenders along with TMC. If you have people’s support, you should not be scared of opponents,” he further added.

He expressed confidence in TMC’s electoral prospects, stating that the party is expected to improve its performance compared to the 2019 elections, both in terms of seats and vote share.

Banerjee criticised BJP’s overconfident predictions of winning over 30 seats in West Bengal, reminding them of their previous performance. “In the last six phases of Lok Sabha elections, TMC has already surpassed 22 seats out of the 35 seats in West Bengal where voting has been conducted,” he said.

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