Mamata Banerjee: "Attack on me in Varanasi means..."

In a message to right-wing workers on her arrival in Varanasi, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that there is a clear indication that the BJP is on its way out of power in the state. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was by her side.

Ms Banerjee stated this during a political rally in Varanasi on Saturday, a rally that has drawn attention as polls close in Uttar Pradesh. "I have been beaten with sticks, and shot at numerous times in the past, but I have not bowed down," Ms Banerjee said.

In Varanasi, at the Samajwadi Party rally, Trinamool chief said, "the attack on me by BJP workers indicates they are going out of power."

On her arrival to campaign for Mr Yadav's Samajwadi Party, Ms Banerjee was confronted by the right-wing group Hindu Yuva Vahini.

When Ms Banerjee was traveling to Dashashwamedh Ghat on Wednesday to attend the Ganga Aarti, members of the right-wing group founded by Yogi Adityanath waved black flags and shouted slogans.

Ms Banerjee stepped out of her vehicle and stood on the road as the right wing members shouted slogans in front of her convoy.

Later, in protest, she sat on the steps of Dashashwamedh Ghat to watch "Ganga Aarti" without taking the chairs she arranged.

Since defeating the BJP in Bengal last year, Trinamool chief , who has been promoting a pan-India appeal, has extended support to Mr Yadav, who is a strong regional chief and, therefore, represents the opposition.

She stated simply: If Bengal can (trounce the BJP), so can UP.