Mamata Banerjee Alleges ‘Paid Exit Polls’, Claims TMC Will Cross 226 Seats in West Bengal Elections 2026

In a strongly worded video message following the conclusion of polling in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed gratitude to voters while launching a sharp attack on the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

আমরা মা-মাটি-মানুষের সরকার গঠন করছি।

জয় বাংলা! pic.twitter.com/igVP0FlM9G

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 30, 2026

Mamata Banerjee thanked the people of Bengal for their resilience, stating that despite “scorching heat and alleged atrocities,” voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights. She also praised party workers of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), claiming they “fought with their lives” against what she described as coordinated pressure from central leadership and multiple BJP-ruled states. Sharp Attack on BJP and Central Leadership The TMC supremo accused top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, of attempting to influence the election using “money, power, and firearms.” She further alleged that central forces were used with “direct interference” to impact the electoral process, claiming BJP lacked sufficient grassroots agents. Exit Polls ‘Paid and Forced’ Dismissing early projections, Banerjee termed the exit polls as “paid and forced,” alleging they were influenced by directives from BJP offices. She expressed confidence that TMC would secure a decisive victory, predicting the party would cross 226 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections. Call for Vigilance During Counting Raising concerns over electoral integrity, Banerjee urged candidates and party workers to remain vigilant during the counting process. She alleged possible attempts to tamper with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during transportation to counting centres. “Do not leave the counting cabins until I say so… guard your respective seats,” she said, while also appealing for peace and discipline. Appeal for Calm and Trust Despite the strong allegations, Banerjee called for maintaining peace across the state. She urged the administration not to use force against party workers and reassured supporters of TMC’s return to power. She also referenced alleged distribution of money to voters, stating that while accepting such inducements may be wrong, it should not lead to misunderstanding or division among the electorate.