Kolkata, Feb. 2 -- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday strongly condemned the arrest of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Describing it as "unjust", Banerjee said, "I strongly condemn the unjust arrest of Shri Hemant Soren, a powerful tribal leader."

"The vindictive act by BJP-backed central agencies reeks of a planned conspiracy to undermine a popularly elected government," she asserted.

"He is a close friend of mine," the Chief Minister said and vowed to stand unwaveringly by his side, "dedicated to protecting democracy in these trying times".

The resilient people of Jharkhand will deliver a resounding response and emerge victorious in this crucial battle, Mamata iterated. UNI SJC CS1537

Published by HT D...