Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed strong condemnation on Friday over the arrest of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, describing him as a "powerful tribal leader" and revealing that he is a "close friend." In a post on social media, Mamata Banerjee criticized the arrest as an unjust and vindictive act by BJP-backed central agencies, alleging a planned conspiracy to undermine a popularly elected government. She vowed unwavering support for Soren and pledged to stand by his side in defense of democracy.

Trinamool Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien echoed Mamata Banerjee's sentiments, announcing a walkout by the Trinamool Congress from both Houses of Parliament in protest against what they perceive as the brazen misuse of agencies to undermine elected representatives. The arrest of Hemant Soren, who was taken into custody on January 31 in a money laundering case related to alleged illegal possession of large land parcels and association with the land mafia, has sparked political reactions and walkouts in Parliament.

Soren's arrest has intensified opposition allegations of central agencies being misused, leading to protests and walkouts. The Congress, along with other opposition parties, walked out of the Rajya Sabha, criticizing the Jharkhand Governor for not making interim arrangements for governance in the state after Soren's resignation as Chief Minister. In the latest development, Soren has been remanded to five-day custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a land fraud case. The Supreme Court has refused to hear Soren's petition challenging his arrest, directing him to approach the Jharkhand High Court.

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