Kolkata, May 2: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed strong confidence on Saturday that her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), would secure a decisive win in the ongoing assembly elections.
Speaking to party counting agents via video conference, Banerjee dismissed the recent exit poll predictions, calling them an attempt to "manipulate the stock market." She boldly asserted, "We are winning, and we will win by over 200 seats. These exit polls are nothing but an effort to manipulate the stock market, just like in 2021, 2024, and now."
Banerjee also accused the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of mistreating TMC workers and vowed that those affected would be rewarded. "In the coming days, the party will reward those who endured the brutality of the CAPF," she added.
Her comments come as repolling continues in two constituencies of South 24 Paraganas district. The repolling was prompted by allegations from Amit Malviya, the BJP's West Bengal co-incharge, who claimed that voters were blocked from casting their ballots for BJP candidates at several booths in Falta, part of the Diamond Harbour constituency, during phase two of the assembly elections.
As of 3 PM on Saturday, voter turnout in the repolling was recorded at 72.43%. Specifically, 72.5% turnout was observed in 11 booths of Magrahat Paschim, and 72.36% in four booths in Diamond Harbour. To ensure a smooth process, Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were stationed near polling booths, and micro-observers monitored the voting closely from the Kolkata Election Commission office.
Meanwhile, the exit polls have sparked intense speculation about the election results, with most projections showing a tight race. Chanakya Strategies predicted a major victory for BJP with 150-160 seats, while TMC was forecasted to secure only 30-40 seats. Other polls, such as Matrize, JVC, and P-Marq, projected varying outcomes, with BJP and TMC battling for control of the 294-member assembly.
Notably, a previous record high voter turnout of 92.67% was observed in the first two phases of the election. The counting of votes is set to take place on May 4, when the final results will determine the fate of the West Bengal Assembly.
