West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly refuted the exit poll predictions for the 2026 Assembly elections, alleging that they are being broadcast on the instructions of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with the sole aim of demoralising Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and supporters.
Mamata Dismisses Exit Polls as BJP Propaganda
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee expressed full confidence in her party's electoral performance. She asserted that the TMC would comfortably cross the two-thirds majority mark in the state assembly. The chief minister accused the BJP of manipulating media narratives to create a false sense of defeat among TMC ranks.
Allegations of Media Manipulation
Mamata claimed that several news channels are airing exit polls that do not reflect the ground reality. She stated, "These exit polls are being telecast as per BJP instructions to demoralise our workers. But our party workers are strong and will not be misled by such tactics." She further added that the actual results would prove the TMC's overwhelming mandate.
TMC's Confidence in Victory
The chief minister highlighted the developmental work done by her government over the past years, including infrastructure projects, social welfare schemes, and women's empowerment initiatives. She said that the people of West Bengal have always supported the TMC and will continue to do so in this election as well.
Opposition's Response
Meanwhile, the BJP has dismissed Mamata's allegations as baseless. State BJP leaders stated that the exit polls are conducted independently and reflect the public mood. They claimed that the people of West Bengal are disillusioned with the TMC's governance and are ready for a change.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political analysts have noted that exit polls in West Bengal have often been inaccurate in the past. They suggest that while the TMC remains a strong contender, the BJP has made significant inroads in certain regions. However, the final outcome will only be known after the official counting of votes.
Mamata Banerjee urged her party workers to remain vigilant and not be swayed by what she termed as "fake narratives." She called upon them to work tirelessly until the last vote is counted, ensuring a resounding victory for the TMC.
