'Market manipulation attempt': Mamata Banerjee trashes Bengal exit polls, predicts over 200 seats for TMC

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday expressed confidence that her party Trinamool Congress (TMC) will emerge victorious in the assembly elections by securing more than 200 seats in the state.

Addressing the counting agents via video conferencing, she dismissed the exit poll projections and recognised them as an attempt to 'manipulate the stock market.'



"We are winning and winning by 200+ seats. Exit polls are nothing but an attempt to manipulate the stock market. They did in 2021, 2024, and now," she said according to ANI.

She further accused the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of committing brutality against TMC workers and affirmed that those affected would be rewarded by the party.

"The party in the coming days will reward those who faced the brutality of the CAPF," she said.

Her remarks come amid repolling across two constituencies in South 24 Parganas district after BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya alleged that voters were prevented from choosing the party candidate at several polling booths in Falta under the Diamond Harbour constituency during phase two of the assembly elections in the state.

Also Read | Bengal repolling: BJP, TMC supporters clash in South 24 Parganas; heavy security deployed - video

The repolling, being held under tight security arrangements, has witnessed significant voter participation. According to officials, turnout across 11 polling booths in Magrahat Paschim assembly reached 72.5 per cent, while four booths in Diamond Harbour recorded 72.36 per cent, taking the combined turnout to 72.43 per cent till 3 PM on Saturday.

Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed near polling booths to prevent any disruptions, while micro-observers are maintaining close surveillance.

Monitoring of the process is also being carried out from the Kolkata Election Commission office to ensure transparency and adherence to guidelines.

Meanwhile, exit poll projections have suggested an intense electoral contest in West Bengal, with several agencies projecting an advantage for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), even as others indicate a tighter race

West Bengal assembly elections was conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The results of the high-stakes election will be declared on May 4.