Mamata Banerjee Challenges Exit Polls: Claims TMC Will Secure Over 226 Seats

Mamata Banerjee's Bold Predictions Amid Exit Poll Controversy

Kolkata: On Thursday, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rejected the validity of exit poll forecasts, asserting they were disseminated under the 'direction of the BJP' to undermine her party's morale. She confidently predicted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) would secure over 226 seats in the upcoming assembly elections.

Banerjee also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that central forces acted as 'BJP agents' during the elections. She questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments made the previous day, which suggested that the election results would bolster India's development, expressing disbelief that he could make such statements while voting was still ongoing.

In a social media video message released before the May 4 counting, Banerjee accused television networks of broadcasting projections sourced from the BJP office, alleging a coordinated effort to manipulate public opinion.

She stated, 'I want to assure you that the figures being shown on TV were circulated from the BJP office at 1:08 PM yesterday. Payments were made to present those numbers, and the media was compelled to air them.'

Her comments followed a series of exit polls that indicated a majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 294-member Assembly, where the halfway mark stands at 148, with many forecasts suggesting the BJP could secure over 150 seats—a narrative Banerjee vehemently opposed.

Expressing optimism about her party's chances, Banerjee declared, 'We will surpass 226. We might even reach 230. I have complete faith in the voters' choices.'

She expressed gratitude to voters for their participation, stating, 'Even in this intense heat and despite significant oppression, your determination to vote is commendable. I am also thankful to my workers who fought valiantly despite facing numerous challenges. Those who attempted to suppress Bengal have been defeated at the ballot box.'

Banerjee alleged that her party members faced severe intimidation during the polling process, claiming that TMC workers experienced 'joint oppression' from central forces and certain police factions.

'The BJP intimidates everyone through agencies like the ED and CBI. The behavior of central forces yesterday, along with some newly appointed police officers who were not under my authority, was unacceptable—they assaulted women and children,' she asserted.

The Chief Minister further accused Amit Shah of directing central forces to act as 'BJP agents' throughout the polling process.

She also criticized Modi for his remarks made on the last day of polling in Uttar Pradesh, where he claimed that voters in West Bengal were casting their ballots in a 'fearless atmosphere,' which she deemed unimaginable over the past several decades.

Banerjee expressed her condolences regarding the reported death of a voter in Udaynarayanpur, stating, 'I have no words to console the grieving family of the individual who passed away while attempting to vote. We will support that family.'

She claimed that her party members were 'unilaterally attacked' but did not back down, noting that many were intentionally arrested to hinder their roles as polling agents. She referenced incidents in areas such as Bhatpara, Noapara, Jagaddal, and her own constituency, Bhabanipur.

'Our workers were assaulted to prevent them from functioning as agents. Even in Bhabanipur, raids occurred throughout the night. I have not slept for two days,' she revealed.

Labeling the exit poll forecasts a 'BJP conspiracy,' Banerjee alleged that they were intended to sway economic sentiment and demoralize her supporters.

'I have information that this was orchestrated to stabilize the stock market. If the truth emerges, the market will plummet. Thus, the BJP manipulated the media for this final maneuver to demoralize our workers,' she stated, recalling discrepancies between exit poll predictions and actual outcomes in 2016 and 2021.

In a strong organizational directive, Banerjee urged party leaders, candidates, and workers to remain vigilant during the counting process and to safeguard the strong rooms containing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

'You must protect the counting centers. If necessary, I will also come to guard my area. Candidates must ensure their own safety. Stay alert. If I can do it, so can you. There is a plan to tamper with the machines during EVM transportation. Do not take this lightly,' she warned.

'Until I officially announce otherwise in a press conference, no one should leave the counting table,' Banerjee added.

The TMC leader cautioned her workers against leaving counting tables unattended, even for brief moments.

'During counting, remain firmly at the centers. Even if someone needs to step away for a moment, it should not exceed two minutes. Leave someone trustworthy in your place, someone who cannot be bribed,' she advised.

Despite her strong accusations, Banerjee called for restraint.

'Even if they attack you, do not retaliate immediately. There has been significant violence. Our workers were beaten and injured in Bhangar. They will be held accountable—but no one should take the law into their own hands. We will take action,' the Chief Minister stated.

Banerjee expressed her '100 percent confidence' in a victory and urged all TMC candidates to stay alert until the final results are announced.

In response, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya dismissed her claims as a sign of anxiety.

'She is fully aware that she is losing the elections, which is why she is making such statements to motivate her party workers,' he remarked, labeling her comments a 'panic reaction' to an 'imminent defeat.'

This intense exchange highlights the high-stakes nature of the Bengal elections, with both narratives and numbers fiercely contested as counting day approaches.