Mamata Banerjee tells TMC agents to demand recount where BJP leads by 500–700 votes
Synopsis
Mamata Banerjee's pre-counting virtual briefing to TMC agents — ordering recounts wherever BJP leads by even 500 votes and barring agents from leaving centres until she speaks — signals a high-stakes, tightly managed counting day strategy ahead of West Bengal's verdict on 5 May 2025.
Key Takeaways
Mamata Banerjee instructed TMC counting agents on Saturday to demand recounts in booths where BJP leads by 500–1,000 votes .
Agents must arrive at counting centres by 6 a.m. , two hours before counting begins at 8 a.m. on 5 May 2025 .
No TMC agent is to leave the counting centre until Banerjee addresses the media on 4 May .
Abhishek Banerjee alleged exit polls were aimed at influencing the stock market and accused the BJP of
West Bengal Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday, 3 May 2025, instructed party counting agents to immediately demand a recount in booths where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds a lead of 500 to 700 votes — and even up to 1,000 votes — ahead of the West Bengal Assembly election counting scheduled for Monday, 5 May 2025. The directives were issued during a virtual meeting with party leaders and counting agents across all 294 Assembly constituencies.
Key Directives from the Chief Minister
During the one-and-a-half-hour meeting, Banerjee emphasised coordination and vigilance at counting centres. She instructed party workers to arrive at counting centres by 6 a.m. — well ahead of the 8 a.m. commencement of counting — and to function in a united and organised manner. She also asked agents to carry notebooks and pens to record proceedings as counting progresses.
Notably, Banerjee directed that no party agent should leave the counting centre until she addresses the media on 4 May. She also advised agents in constituencies with counting centres in rural or remote areas — including parts of West Midnapore and Bankura — to reach their locations on Sunday itself and arrange overnight accommodation in nearby hotels or lodges.
Mamata's Confidence on Seat Tally
The TMC chief expressed confidence that her party would win more than 200 seats in the Assembly, while cautioning that vigilance must not be relaxed during the counting process. TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who was also present at the meeting, predicted the party would win more seats than in 2021, when it secured 215 seats.
Abhishek Banerjee's Allegations Against BJP and Election Commission
According to party sources, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that exit polls projecting a BJP lead were designed to influence the stock market, claiming similar patterns were observed during the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He further alleged that the BJP had resorted to what he described as
Point of View
Rather than inform voters, is a serious charge that deserves scrutiny; no evidence has been publicly presented. Historically, TMC has been adept at ground-level mobilisation during counting, and this briefing follows that playbook. But the instruction to keep agents stationed until Banerjee herself speaks raises questions about the chain of command on counting day — and whether such centralised control over agents is standard democratic practice or an attempt to manage optics in real time.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mamata Banerjee instruct TMC counting agents to do?
Mamata Banerjee instructed TMC counting agents to immediately demand a recount in booths where the BJP holds a lead of 500 to 1,000 votes. She also asked agents to arrive at counting centres by 6 a.m. and not leave until she addresses the media.
When is West Bengal Assembly election counting scheduled?
Counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for Monday, 5 May 2025, with the process set to begin at 8 a.m.
How many seats does TMC expect to win?
Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence that TMC would win more than 200 seats. Abhishek Banerjee predicted the party would surpass its 2021 tally of 215 seats.
What allegations did Abhishek Banerjee make against the BJP and Election Commission?
Abhishek Banerjee alleged that exit polls showing BJP ahead were aimed at influencing the stock market, and accused the BJP of financial manipulation through misleading surveys. He also alleged that TMC workers faced difficulties from central forces and warned of legal action against Election Commission observers accused of unconstitutional conduct.
Which districts have TMC candidates already arranged overnight stays near counting centres?
According to party sources, several TMC candidates from West Midnapore and Bankura have already arranged accommodation near counting centres for Sunday night, ahead of Monday's count.
