TMC cries foul as BJP surges in Bengal vote count
As early trends show saffron sweep, TMC alleges delays, mismanagement at counting centres, calling the situation “fishy”
As West Bengal looked set for a saffron sweep and several TMC candidates trailed as counting of votes in the fiercely contested West Bengal Assembly polls progressed on Monday (May 4), Mamata Banerjee’s party leaders termed the situation “fishy”.
The trend triggered concern among TMC supporters, prompting party leaders to exercise caution in making claims of a landslide victory.
Very fishy: Maniktala candidate
TMC candidate in north Kolkata’s Maniktala, Shrreya Pande, exuded confidence about winning the seat, even as she trailed the BJP’s Tapas Roy.
“It is very fishy, but this is only the first round. I am confident of winning,” Pande said while alleging the Election Commission was not cooperating with the TMC candidates and counting agents.
Also read: BJP confident of Bengal victory, claims people voted for change
“Of the 20 rounds, only one has been completed. Wait for the rest. The TMC will form the government in the state again,” she added.
Shashi Panja’s allegation
Earlier in the day, TMC candidate and incumbent minister Shashi Panja alleged that poll personnel were delaying the entry of political parties’ authorised agents to the counting centres in the city.
She claimed that the personnel were not fully conversant with the arrangements at the counting centres.
Panja said, “The poll personnel are delaying the counting process as there is confusion at the entry gates of the centres. They are delaying the entry of counting agents as they seem to be at a loss about the arrangements.”
TMC leader complains about counting delay
A similar allegation was made by the party’s Kakdwip candidate Manturam Pakhira. He claimed that the counting of votes was delayed by an hour at the centre.
Follow our LIVE story on vote counting in the 2026 Assembly elections
Pakhira told PTI Videos that many counting officials are “yet to reach their respective tables, showing total mismanagement of the Election Commission”.
The counting is being held for 293 of 294 assembly segments in 77 centres across 23 districts of the state under a multi-layered security cordon, deciding the fate of 2,926 candidates. A repolling will be held for the entire constituency of Falta on May 21.
(With agency inputs)