Mamata on exit polls: ‘BJP’s final game to reassure share market; keep calm’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday (April 30) rejected exit poll projections for the Assembly elections, accusing the BJP of influencing media coverage. She claimed that her party would secure more than 226 seats in the 294-member House.

Speaking through a video message and posts on social media a day after the second phase of voting concluded, Banerjee rejected the projections that placed the BJP above the majority mark in the 294-seat Assembly.

Most exit polls suggested the saffron party had crossed 150 seats, comfortably above the 148 required to form a government. Banerjee, however, countered, claiming that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) would secure a decisive mandate.

Slams BJP, media

“I want to assure you that what is being shown on television, yesterday at 1:08 pm, a circular was issued from the BJP office. Media houses were paid to show this. They were forced to do so. We will cross 226. We may even reach 230. I have full faith in the way people have voted,” Banerjee said.

Also Read: Exit polls reflect Bengal uncertainty; most give BJP the edge

“Despite the intense heat and the oppression you endured, the way you stood in line and voted, we are grateful,” she said, addressing voters directly. “I am also grateful to my workers. They fought with all their might and endured a lot of hardship. Those who tried to suppress Bengal have been suppressed in the ballot box,” she added.

Frames exit polls as conspiracy

The Chief Minister framed the exit polls as part of a broader attempt to influence public perception ahead of counting day.

She described them as a “BJP conspiracy,” suggesting their release was timed to shape sentiment beyond the political sphere.

Also Read: Major exit polls predict DMK return in Tamil Nadu; One predicts TVK win

“Despite everything, the BJP could not deprive people of their rights. So they used the media for their final move, to demoralise our workers with misleading claims. I have information that this was done to reassure the stock market,” she said, adding that similar patterns had emerged in previous election cycles.

Claims of intimidation and violence

Alongside her criticism of the exit polls, Banerjee alleged widespread intimidation during the voting process. She claimed TMC workers faced “joint oppression” from central forces and sections of the police, and accused agencies such as the ED and CBI of being used to pressure opponents.

“The BJP intimidates everyone, the ED and the CBI. Look at the behaviour of the central forces yesterday, and the newly appointed police officers who were not under my control, they beat women and children,” she said.

Also Read: Exit polls predict BJP win in Assam, edge in Bengal; DMK to return in TN, UDF to take Kerala

She also referenced violence in specific constituencies, naming Bhatpara, Noapara, Jagaddal and Bhabanipur as areas where party workers were targeted. “Our workers were beaten so they could not act as agents… I have not slept for two days,” she added.

Banerjee accused the central forces of acting as “agents” of the BJP under the direction of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. She also lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his familiarity with the state. “How can he claim Bengal as his during elections? Does he know Bengal? Its soil? He knows nothing,” she said.

Instructions ahead of counting day

The TMC supremo issued detailed instructions to party workers ahead of counting day, urging vigilance at the counting centres. “You must guard the counting centers… Stay awake at night. If I can do it, so can you,” she said, warning of possible attempts to tamper with EVMs during transport.

Also Read: Bengal, Assam exit polls spark fierce debate as experts question BJP-sweep predictions

At the same time, she called for restraint. “Even if they attack, do not retaliate immediately… no one should take the law into their own hands. We will take action,” she said, urging the administration to ensure safety for workers across parties.

Banerjee ended her message with an unambiguous assertion: she is “100 per cent confident” the final results will defy the exit polls.

Today's Chanakya projects BJP victory

Meanwhile, during the day, Today's Chanakya predicted that the BJP is estimated to secure a clear lead in both vote share and seats. The forecast places the BJP at 48 per cent of the vote, with a margin of error of three percentage points, translating to around 192 seats with a possible variation of 11. The figures suggest a comfortable position above the majority mark in the 294-member Assembly.

The TMC is projected to secure 38 per cent of the vote, also within a three-point margin, resulting in an estimated 100 seats with a similar range of variation.

All other parties combined are expected to account for 14 per cent of the vote share, which would convert into roughly two seats, with limited fluctuation in either direction.

According to a News18, report, around 6.31 crore people voted this time, up from 5.98 crore in 2021, marking an increase of roughly 34 lakh voters. The jump points to a wider electorate rather than a marginal shift in turnout patterns.