Bengal trends: Mamata Banerjee alleges foul play by ECI amid BJP wave

In a video message, Banerjee said, “I urge all our party agents not to leave the counting centres. This appears to be a strategy by the BJP to project an early lead. Counting at nearly 100 centres has been stalled after two to three rounds.”

She further alleged, “BJP workers, with the backing of central forces, are attacking our party offices. We are still leading in around 70 seats, the trends of which have not yet been disclosed. Misinformation is being spread.”

“The Election Commission of India, supported by central forces, seems to be part of this process. I appeal to all our workers to remain calm and optimistic—the trends will turn in the final rounds of counting. Wait and watch,” she added.

According to the latest trends, the BJP is leading in over 190 seats, while the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is trailing below the 100 mark.

In key contests, Mamata Banerjee is leading from Bhabanipur against Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who, however, is maintaining a comfortable lead in Nandigram.

Former state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh is heading for a decisive win in Kharagpur, while several senior TMC ministers are facing tough contests.

If the trends hold, the BJP is poised to form its maiden government in West Bengal, ending the TMC’s rule since 2011.

Polling for the Assembly elections was conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29.