Mamata Banerjee alleges ‘fake numbers’ as BJP takes early lead in Bengal polls

Mamata Banerjee on Monday alleged irregularities in early counting trends as the Bharatiya Janata Party surged ahead in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

In a video message released around noon, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief appealed to party workers and supporters to remain at counting centres, asserting that the figures being reported were inaccurate and incomplete.

“Do not leave the counting centres. The numbers being shown are fake,” Banerjee said, expressing confidence that the results would shift in favor of the Trinamool Congress as more rounds of counting conclude.

According to the latest available data, the BJP was leading in 181 seats, well past the majority mark, while the TMC trailed at around 90 seats.

Banerjee claimed that her party was ahead in nearly 100 constituencies but alleged that such trends were not being disclosed. She further accused authorities of selectively reporting figures where the BJP was leading.

“The numbers being fed are not correct. Wait until 14 to 18 rounds of counting are completed; the situation will change,” she said.

The chief minister also raised concerns about the role of the Election Commission of India, alleging it was functioning independently without transparency. She claimed that central forces and local police were acting in coordination in a manner unfavorable to her party.

Additionally, Banerjee revisited allegations related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, accusing the central government and the BJP of manipulating votes. She said the TMC was facing pressure “from all directions.”

Meanwhile, key constituencies witnessed fluctuating trends. In Bhabanipur, Banerjee initially led before falling behind and then regaining ground in subsequent rounds. In contrast, Suvendu Adhikari, contesting from Nandigram, maintained a lead despite trailing in Bhabanipur.

As counting progressed, the BJP crossed the halfway mark, positioning itself for a potential historic victory in a state it has never governed.