Mamata asks Trinamool agents to stay overnight near counting centres
text_fields
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has instructed party counting agents to immediately seek a recount in booths where the BJP leads by a margin of 500 to 700 votes, and in some cases even up to about 1,000 votes.
Speaking during a one and a half hour virtual meeting with leaders and counting agents from all 294 Assembly constituencies, Banerjee stressed close monitoring and coordination. She urged agents to reach counting centres early, stay united, and remain vigilant throughout the process.
The Chief Minister also advised counting agents to stay overnight near counting centres on Sunday so they can reach the venues by 6 a.m. on Monday, well ahead of the 8 a.m. start of counting. She asked them to carry notebooks and pens to record proceedings as votes are tallied, and to ensure they move in an organised manner inside the centres.
In constituencies with centres in rural or remote areas, Banerjee directed candidates, their agents and counting team members to reach the locations on Sunday itself and arrange accommodation in nearby hotels or lodges to avoid delays.
She expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress would win more than 200 seats but warned that vigilance must not slacken during counting. Banerjee told agents not to leave the counting centres until she addresses the media on May 4.
Trinamool sources said several candidates from West Midnapore and Bankura have already booked accommodation near counting centres for Sunday night.
National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who also addressed the meeting, alleged that exit polls showing the BJP ahead were aimed at influencing the stock market, echoing what he claimed had happened during the 2021 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
He claimed the BJP does not itself expect to form the government in West Bengal and accused the party of resorting to “financial manipulation” through misleading surveys. He further alleged that Trinamool workers faced difficulties from central forces at the local level, but maintained that the BJP would still not be able to secure victory.
In a strong warning, Abhishek Banerjee said the party would pursue legal action against Election Commission appointed observers accused of “unconstitutional” conduct. He also alleged bias and irregularities in the implementation of poll related measures, reiterating concerns about the fairness of the process.
(Inputs from IANS)