Exit polls ‘conspiracy’: Mamata claims landslide for TMC

Mamata Banerjee alleged BJP influence behind exit polls and termed them a conspiracy to demoralise TMC workers. Expressing confidence of winning over 226 seats, she urged vigilance over EVMs and appealed for calm ahead of the May 4 counting

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday alleged that exit poll projections were aired at the “instruction of the BJP” to demoralise her party workers, even as she asserted that the ruling party would win more than 226 seats in the Assembly polls.

In a video message shared on social media ahead of counting on May 4, Banerjee claimed television channels ran projections circulated from the BJP office.

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Her remarks came a day after most exit polls predicted a majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 294-member Assembly, where the halfway mark is 148, projections the TMC chief sought to blunt with an aggressive counter-narrative.

“What was shown on television was circulated from the BJP office at 1.08 pm. Money was paid to ensure it was aired. I have specific information. They are saying forcefully that this has to be done,” Banerjee alleged, describing the exit polls as part of a “larger conspiracy” to influence perception before the results are out.

Exuding confidence about her party’s prospects, she said the TMC would comfortably cross the two-thirds mark.

“We will cross 226 seats in 2026. We might cross even 230 seats. I have complete faith in the massive mandate given by the people,” she said, thanking voters for turning out in large numbers “despite heat and alleged intimidation”.

In a mix of political messaging and emotional outreach, Banerjee struck a combative yet grateful tone, saying, “Those who tried to subdue Bengal have been subdued by the ballot,” while expressing gratitude to party workers who, she claimed, “fought relentlessly and endured attacks”.

She also trained her guns on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that central forces acted as “agents of the BJP” during the entire polling process.

The TMC chief also reiterated her party’s long-standing allegations of bias by central agencies and forces deployed in the State.

Banerjee alleged that women, children, journalists and TMC workers were assaulted in several areas during polling, and that many party workers were deliberately arrested to prevent them from acting as polling agents.

She cited incidents from pockets such as Bhatpara, Naihati, Jagaddal and even her political turf Bhabanipur, where she alleged late-night searches and intimidation.

Referring to the reported death of an elderly voter in Udaynarayanpur in a polling booth, she expressed condolences to the family and said her party would stand by them, while claiming that TMC workers “faced one-sided violence but did not leave the field”.

Banerjee also alleged that the exit poll narrative was aimed at stabilising market sentiment and breaking the morale of TMC cadres.

“They are playing their last game through sections of the media to psychologically weaken our workers and reassure the share market,” she said, invoking discrepancies between exit polls and results in 2016 and 2021.

In a pointed organisational directive, Banerjee urged party leaders, candidates and workers to remain on high alert and guard strong rooms housing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), alleging possible attempts at tampering during their movement to counting centres.

“They have planned that when EVMs are moved from strong rooms to counting halls, attempts could be made to change the machines. Do not be negligent,” she warned.

In an unusual call that blended vigilance with symbolism, Banerjee asked workers to stay awake in shifts and personally monitor counting.

“Stay awake through the night. In the morning, hand over charge to another team and only then go to sleep. If I can stand guard, you can also stand guard,” she said, adding that candidates must remain present at counting centres and ensure no “unverified person” replaces them even briefly.

She went further, advising workers not to leave counting tables unattended even for basic breaks, unless replaced by “trusted people who cannot be bought”.

Despite the barrage of allegations, Banerjee appealed for restraint, asking supporters not to resort to violence even if provoked.

“Remain calm and disciplined. Have faith in the people of Bengal and have faith in Didi (Banerjee). Wait till the evening of May 4, you will get your answer,” she said, projecting certainty that the electorate would deliver what she called a “decisive and corrective mandate”.

The high-pitched rhetoric from the TMC camp sets the stage for an intense results day, with both narrative and numbers under sharp contest in a politically charged Bengal verdict.