NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the Election Commission of colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the West Bengal assembly elections, which resulted in a sweeping mandate for the saffron party. The BJP won 207 seats, ending the TMC's 15-year rule and dramatically altering the state's political landscape.
Allegations of Voter List Manipulation
Speaking to the media, Banerjee claimed that 90 lakh names were deleted from the voter list. She stated that when the matter was taken to court, 32 lakh names were restored. However, she alleged that an additional seven lakh names were added without proper verification. "This shows how such dirty, nasty, and mischievous games were played," she said.
Accusations Against Central Forces
Banerjee accused central forces of behaving like "goons" and physically assaulting her during the vote counting process on May 4. She claimed that after the first round of counting, the BJP began projecting a win of 195-200 seats without waiting for the final result. She alleged that BJP candidates entered polling stations with CRPF personnel and goons, beating counting agents and snatching forms.
"When I went there, CRPF told me I was not allowed to go. I said I am a candidate... They kicked me in my belly, backside, and manhandled me. That time CCTV was off," she added.
Strengthening the INDIA Bloc
Banerjee stated that she would now focus on strengthening the INDIA bloc, noting that opposition leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, and Hemant Soren have expressed their support. "Our solidarity will be united and strong for the next days," she said.
She added, "My target is very clear. I will strengthen the INDIA team. I don't have any chair now, so I am a commoner. I gave my entire life in service to the people. Now I am a free bird."
Election Outcome
The BJP won 207 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, securing a historic mandate after clinching the Rajarhat–New Town constituency through a recount. The result ended the TMC's 15-year rule and paved the way for the BJP's first government in the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost the high-profile Bhabanipur seat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
