All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday, 2 May held a virtual meeting with the party's counting agents ahead of the West Bengal Assembly election results, projecting a victory of more than 200 seats and issuing detailed instructions for the day of counting. The meeting, which began at 4:30 pm, was also attended by all Trinamool candidates and senior party leaders.

Key Claims at the Meeting

According to Trinamool insiders, both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee dismissed exit poll projections that placed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead, alleging that such surveys were designed to artificially boost the stock market. They claimed the same tactic was deployed during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Mamata reportedly described the exit polls as a form of financial fraud through fake surveys, according to party sources.

Abhishek went further, claiming that the BJP itself does not expect to form the government in West Bengal. He predicted that Trinamool would secure more seats than its 215-seat tally in 2021, which would represent the party's best-ever performance in a state assembly election.

Allegations Against Central Forces and Election Commission

Mamata reportedly opened the meeting by congratulating party workers for their 'uncompromising fight' and spoke about what she described as 'atrocities' by central forces on Trinamool workers and supporters. She assured the gathering that the party would reward those who endured such treatment, according to Trinamool sources.

Abhishek echoed these allegations, accusing the BJP of using central forces to intimidate voters and further alleging that central forces beat and abused women and children — claims that have not been independently verified. He also targeted the Election Commission of India (ECI), warning that Trinamool would pursue legal action against ECI-appointed observers who, in the party's view, committed 'unconstitutional' acts.

Instructions Issued to Counting Agents

According to Trinamool sources, the meeting served as an operational briefing for counting day. Agents were instructed to arrive at counting centres early on Monday, remain inside until counting is fully complete, and travel to and from centres only in groups. They were directed to keep the party's top leadership updated on developments at every counting centre in real time.

In centres where the BJP leads by a very small margin, agents were specifically asked to request a recount. Trinamool has also appointed district observers to independently monitor the counting process across the state.

What to Watch on Counting Day

The West Bengal Assembly election results are scheduled to be declared on Monday. Trinamool's extensive pre-counting briefing signals the party is preparing for a closely contested count in at least some constituencies, even as its leadership publicly projects a comfortable majority. The BJP has not yet responded to the specific allegations made in the meeting. All claims attributed to Trinamool leaders in this report are sourced from party insiders and have not been independently corroborated.