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Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee issued her first statement on social media as vote counting got underway in the West Bengal assembly election, urging party workers not to lose hope despite early trends showing the BJP in the lead.
In a video message, she alleged that BJP was following a “plan” to influence perception during the initial rounds of counting. Trends at the time showed the BJP leading in around 193 seats, while the Trinamool Congress was ahead in about 95 seats in the 294-member assembly.
“I request all counting agents and candidates not to leave the counting area. This is BJP’s plan,” Banerjee said. She claimed that the early leads being shown were part of a strategy and that results from Trinamool-leaning constituencies were being delayed.
Banerjee also alleged irregularities in the counting process. She said counting had been halted after two or three rounds in nearly 100 locations and raised concerns about EVMs.
“Seven machines were found in Kalyani where there was no match,” she claimed, without providing further details.
The Trinamool chief further accused central forces of misusing their authority and targeting her party’s workers.
She alleged that party offices were being attacked and occupied. “It’s a total forceful use of central forces to oppress the Trinamool Congress everywhere,” she said.
She alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which reportedly removed around 89 lakh voters, had been used to influence the outcome of the election. “You have seen how they looted votes in the name of SIR,” she said.
Despite the early trends, Banerjee expressed confidence that her party would perform better as counting progressed. She claimed there were still several seats where the Trinamool was leading but those figures were not being reflected.
“I said you would win after sunset. Even if three or four rounds have been counted, there are 14 to 18 rounds in total,” she told party workers. Urging them to stay calm, she added, “Don’t be afraid. We are with you. Wait and watch. We will fight like the cubs of a tiger.”
As counting continues, Banerjee’s remarks highlight the rising political tensions in the state, with both sides closely watching the outcome of what remains a closely contested election.
In a video message, she alleged that BJP was following a “plan” to influence perception during the initial rounds of counting. Trends at the time showed the BJP leading in around 193 seats, while the Trinamool Congress was ahead in about 95 seats in the 294-member assembly.
জরুরি বার্তা pic.twitter.com/Uc82oihwEL
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 4, 2026
“I request all counting agents and candidates not to leave the counting area. This is BJP’s plan,” Banerjee said. She claimed that the early leads being shown were part of a strategy and that results from Trinamool-leaning constituencies were being delayed.
Banerjee also alleged irregularities in the counting process. She said counting had been halted after two or three rounds in nearly 100 locations and raised concerns about EVMs.
“Seven machines were found in Kalyani where there was no match,” she claimed, without providing further details.
The Trinamool chief further accused central forces of misusing their authority and targeting her party’s workers.
She alleged that party offices were being attacked and occupied. “It’s a total forceful use of central forces to oppress the Trinamool Congress everywhere,” she said.
She alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which reportedly removed around 89 lakh voters, had been used to influence the outcome of the election. “You have seen how they looted votes in the name of SIR,” she said.
Despite the early trends, Banerjee expressed confidence that her party would perform better as counting progressed. She claimed there were still several seats where the Trinamool was leading but those figures were not being reflected.
“I said you would win after sunset. Even if three or four rounds have been counted, there are 14 to 18 rounds in total,” she told party workers. Urging them to stay calm, she added, “Don’t be afraid. We are with you. Wait and watch. We will fight like the cubs of a tiger.”
As counting continues, Banerjee’s remarks highlight the rising political tensions in the state, with both sides closely watching the outcome of what remains a closely contested election.
