Mamata, Abhishek to Brief TMC Counting Agents Ahead of Crucial West Bengal Vote Count

Kolkata, May 2026 : With just 48 hours remaining for the counting of votes in the recently concluded two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee are set to address a virtual meeting with the party’s counting agents later on Saturday.

According to party insiders, the meeting assumes critical importance as both leaders are expected to provide detailed, last-minute instructions to counting agents who will be stationed at counting centres on May 4. The guidance will cover procedures to be followed from the commencement of counting at 8 a.m. until the final stage, when winning candidates are formally handed their certificates.

The virtual interaction comes a day after a closed-door, one-on-one meeting between Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee on Friday night. While the agenda of that discussion has not been disclosed, it is widely believed within party circles that the leadership reviewed electoral preparedness and strategies for counting day.

A senior TMC leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the initial plan was for Abhishek Banerjee alone to address the counting agents. “Later, it was decided that the Chief Minister would also join the virtual session and speak directly to the agents,” the leader said, indicating the heightened significance the party is attaching to the final phase of the electoral process.

Earlier, on April 30, Mamata Banerjee had already reached out to party workers through a video message on social media, outlining key instructions for counting day. She urged counting agents to remain vigilant, disciplined, and present at their designated tables throughout the process.

“Remain at the counting tables until I address the press after the counting concludes,” she had said, stressing the importance of continuous monitoring. She also advised that if any agent needs to leave temporarily—for food or other necessities—they must ensure a reliable replacement is present. “The replacement should be someone trustworthy who cannot be influenced or bought,” she emphasised.

In addition to procedural guidance, the Chief Minister also sought to boost morale within party ranks. She cautioned workers against being discouraged by exit poll predictions, many of which have forecast a potential end to the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in the state and suggested gains for the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Party leaders believe that maintaining a strong presence at counting centres and ensuring strict adherence to protocols will be crucial in safeguarding votes and preventing discrepancies. The Election Commission has already announced a multi-layered verification system and heightened security arrangements at counting venues across the state.

The upcoming vote count is expected to be closely contested, making the role of counting agents particularly significant. As political tensions remain high, the TMC leadership’s direct engagement with ground-level workers reflects its focus on ensuring preparedness and confidence ahead of what could be a defining moment in West Bengal’s political landscape.