Exit polls an attempt to manipulate stocks, we'll win 200+ seats: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday dismissed exit polls as an attempt to manipulate the stock market, asserting that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is set to win more than 200 seats in the recently-concluded Assembly elections.

Addressing party workers virtually ahead of counting day, Banerjee congratulated them for what she described as a relentless fight on the ground. She reiterated her confidence in a sweeping victory, telling party members that the TMC would "win and win by 200+ seats".

Banerjee also alleged that exit polls were being used as a tool to influence market behaviour. "Exit polls are nothing but an attempt to manipulate the stock market. They did it in 2021, 2024 and now," party sources quoted Banerjee as saying.

During the meeting, TMC leaders also raised concerns over the conduct of central forces deployed during the elections. Banerjee flagged what she termed as 'brutality' against party workers.

Echoing her claims, TMC general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the BJP was using central forces to intimidate voters, particularly women. "They went into every village and lane, assaulted women and didn't spare even children. A certain section of the media is also helping them," he said.

Earlier, Abhishek Banerjee reached Mamata Banerjee's residence to participate in the crucial virtual meeting with TMC counting agents and key party stakeholders two days ahead of the counting of votes polled in the Assembly elections. The meeting concluded at around 5 pm, followed by a detailed discussion between Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek.

According to a senior TMC leader, today's briefing also covered key aspects of the counting process, including the number of rounds and protocols to be followed once the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are brought out of strongrooms and unsealed.

Yesterday, Mamata Banerjee held a prolonged closed-door meeting with Abhishek Banerjee at her south Kolkata residence, a day before convening a virtual session with counting agents to fine-tune the party’s strategy ahead of the May 4 results.

Meanwhile, repolling is underway at 15 booths in the Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour constituencies after the Election Commission ordered fresh voting following reports of irregularities during the second phase.

The two-phase polling for the 294 Assembly seats in Bengal took place on April 23 and April 29.