West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday expressed confidence that the All India Trinamool Congress will secure a decisive victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, claiming the party would win “200+ seats”, even as exit polls projected a tight contest with the BJP.
Addressing counting agents via video conferencing, Banerjee rejected exit poll forecasts, alleging they were aimed at influencing financial markets. “We are winning and winning by 200+ seats. Exit polls are nothing but an attempt to manipulate the stock market. They did in 2021, 2024, and now,” she said.
Her remarks came amid repolling in parts of South 24 Parganas district following allegations of voter intimidation. The repoll covered 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency and four booths in Diamond Harbour Assembly constituency, where polling was conducted under heightened security.
According to official data, voter turnout during the repolling reached 72.5 per cent in Magrahat Paschim and 72.36 per cent in Diamond Harbour, taking the combined turnout to 72.43 per cent till 3 pm.
Security arrangements were tightened across affected areas, with personnel from the Rapid Action Force deployed near polling stations to prevent disruptions. Micro-observers monitored proceedings closely, while oversight was maintained from the Election Commission office in Kolkata.
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Banerjee also accused Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of excesses against party workers during polling. “The party in the coming days will reward those who faced the brutality of the CAPF,” she said.
The repoll followed allegations by BJP leader Amit Malviya that voters were prevented from casting ballots in favour of his party at several booths in Falta constituency during the second phase of polling.
Exit polls have projected varied outcomes, with several indicating an advantage for the BJP in the 294-member Assembly. Chanakya Strategies forecast 150–160 seats for the BJP, while placing the Trinamool Congress at 30–40 seats. Matrize projected 146–161 seats for the BJP and 125–140 for the TMC, while other agencies indicated a closer contest.
The elections have witnessed high participation, with the first two phases recording a turnout of 92.67 per cent across 142 constituencies.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, when the outcome of the closely watched contest will be determined.
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