Mamata Banerjee Urges Vigilance, Calls for Recounts in Close Contests Ahead of Vote Counting

Kolkata, May 2026 : West Bengal Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee has issued detailed instructions to party counting agents, urging heightened vigilance and coordination ahead of the crucial vote counting process scheduled for May 4.

Addressing party leaders and counting agents from all 294 Assembly constituencies through a virtual meeting on Saturday, Banerjee emphasised the importance of being proactive, particularly in closely contested booths. She directed agents to immediately demand recounting in booths where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading by margins ranging from 500 to 700 votes, and even up to 1,000 votes in certain cases.

The nearly 90-minute meeting focused on preparing party workers for the counting day, with Banerjee stressing discipline, unity, and meticulous monitoring of the process. She instructed that all counting agents should reach the centres well in advance—preferably by 6 a.m.—ahead of the official start of counting at 8 a.m., and remain present until the process concludes.

Highlighting the need for thorough documentation, she advised agents to carry notebooks and pens to record every stage of counting. She also made it clear that no party representative should leave the counting centres until she addresses the media after the counting process concludes on May 4.

Banerjee expressed confidence in her party’s electoral prospects, stating that the TMC is likely to secure more than 200 seats. However, she cautioned against complacency, underlining that even minor lapses during counting could impact the final outcome.

To avoid logistical challenges, particularly in remote or rural constituencies, Banerjee suggested that candidates, counting agents, and their teams reach the vicinity of counting centres a day in advance. She advised them to arrange accommodation in nearby hotels or lodges and stay overnight on Sunday to ensure timely presence on Monday morning. According to party sources, several candidates from districts like West Midnapore and Bankura have already made such arrangements.

The meeting was also attended by TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who raised concerns over exit polls projecting a lead for the BJP. He alleged that such surveys were designed to influence financial markets and public perception, drawing parallels with similar trends observed during the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Abhishek Banerjee also criticised the BJP, claiming that the party itself lacks confidence in forming the government in West Bengal. He further alleged that misleading surveys were part of a broader attempt at “financial manipulation.”

In addition, he took aim at the Election Commission of India, alleging that TMC workers faced difficulties due to the conduct of central forces deployed during the elections. Despite these challenges, he asserted that the BJP would not succeed in securing victory in the state.

Issuing a stern warning, Abhishek Banerjee said the party would consider legal action against Election Commission-appointed observers if found guilty of unconstitutional behaviour.

As the state prepares for counting day, the TMC leadership’s emphasis on vigilance, preparedness, and unity reflects the high stakes involved in the electoral outcome.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)