The exit polls for Bengal are portraying a grim picture for the incumbent Mamata Banerjee. Most of the polls are saying that she will be dethroned by the BJP. This has led to panic among the TMC top brass, including in Mamata Banerjee’s office.
Mamata Banerjee has now alleged that exit polls predicting outcomes in the state are “rigged” and has urged her party workers to remain vigilant through the night to guard Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Addressing party cadre, Banerjee called on members of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) to stay alert and physically monitor strong rooms where EVMs are stored. “Do not trust these exit polls. They are designed to influence perception. Stay up all night if needed and ensure that the EVMs are safe,” she reportedly told party workers, reflecting deep skepticism about the credibility of poll projections.
Exit polls, conducted after voting concludes, aim to predict electoral outcomes based on voter feedback. However, Banerjee has long maintained that such polls can be manipulated to create a narrative that benefits certain political interests. Her latest comments suggest concerns not only about perception management but also about the integrity of the electoral process itself.
The opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has strongly criticized Banerjee’s remarks, accusing her of undermining democratic institutions and preemptively casting doubt on the election results. BJP leaders argue that such statements could erode public trust in the Election Commission and the voting process. They maintain that the EVM system in India is robust, secure, and has been repeatedly validated by the Election Commission of India.
Political analysts view Banerjee’s call as both a defensive and strategic move. By mobilizing her cadre, she aims to maintain ground-level vigilance while also signaling to her supporters that the party is prepared to challenge any irregularities. At the same time, her rejection of exit polls could help manage expectations within the party ranks in case of unfavorable projections.
West Bengal has a long history of fiercely contested elections, often accompanied by high political drama. With the stakes particularly high in this election cycle, Banerjee’s comments have added another layer of tension. As the state awaits the official results, all eyes remain on the counting process, with both major parties gearing up for a decisive political showdown.
