Mamata fires back at exit polls: ‘TMC will win 226+ seats’ in Bengal | WATCH

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday rejected multiple exit poll projections that predicted a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) victory in the state Assembly elections, alleging that the surveys were influenced and circulated under external pressure.

In a video message posted on social media, Banerjee claimed she had received information that exit poll figures were shared with media organisations at 1:08 pm on Wednesday. She alleged that certain media houses published favourable projections for the BJP in exchange for money and under pressure from the “ruling party” in the country.

“The BJP did this using the media. I have got specific information that the exit poll projections that were shown by media houses were actually circulated to the media houses at 1.08 p.m. on Wednesday. This they did because they understood that in reality Trinamool Congress’s tally will reach 226 or even cross 230, thereby making all their oppressive tactics futile," Banerjee said in her address.

She further claimed that the intent behind the alleged strategy was twofold to prevent a fall in stock market indices and to influence public perception ahead of counting day. According to her, the actual performance of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) would be significantly stronger than projected, with the party expected to win more than 226 seats and potentially cross 230 in the 294-member Assembly.

Banerjee also thanked TMC workers and supporters for their participation in the polls, saying they had voted in large numbers despite extreme weather conditions and what she described as pressure and intimidation. She alleged that party workers faced difficulties during polling, but continued to support the electoral process.

Expressing confidence ahead of the counting of votes scheduled for May 4, the Chief Minister urged TMC counting agents to remain vigilant. She instructed them to stay at counting centres until the process concludes and to ensure proper replacements if they step away temporarily.

“Remain at the counting tables unless I address the press conference after the counting is over. If you have to leave the counting table temporarily to go to the washroom or to have your food, ensure your replacement before that. Replace with only those individuals who are trustworthy and cannot be purchased,” she said, adding that vigilance at strong rooms where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are stored was important.

Banerjee also said she would personally monitor developments on counting day and encouraged party workers to remain confident and alert.

The counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections is expected to take place on May 4 amid tight security arrangements.

With IANS inputs