West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday claimed that her party, Trinamool Congress, has bagged more than 100 seats in the first phase of the ongoing Assembly elections, and expressed confidence in a two-thirds majority.
Her statements came amid record voter participation of more than 93% in the eastern state.
“Elections were held on 152 seats in the first phase. We have already crossed 100 seats in the first phase. Elections will be held on the remaining 142 seats next week. If you all vote for us, we will get a two-thirds majority,” Banerjee said at an election rally in Bhabanipur.
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The Prime Minister held four rallies and roadshows during the day, including a roadshow and a rally in Bhabanipur where she is contesting. The BJP has filed Suvendu Adhikari against it. In 2021, he defeated Adhikari Banerjee in Nandigram.
Banerjee accused the BJP of using excessive resources. “Have you seen how the BJP has gone crazy? They are under tremendous pressure. Today, they reportedly clashed with 50 helicopters in the sky. We are finding it difficult to arrange even three helicopters. They have brought 19 chief ministers and union ministers. They have deployed civilian police forces and engaged all investigative agencies. They will not be able to do anything to me in Bhabanipur,” she said at a rally in Hooghly district.
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Banerjee also took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s warning against “hanging upside down” directed at TMC workers after the elections on Friday. “What kind of language is the Home Minister using? We will file a lawsuit against Amit Shah.”
Bhabanipur also witnessed high-octane political drama on Saturday evening when Banerjee stopped her election campaign midway and left the stage alleging that the noise from a BJP rally in the nearby area was causing disturbance.
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She said: “They are shouting in the immediate area so that I cannot hold the meeting. I will hold a rally in this area tomorrow. I cannot act in this shameful way.”
Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT cell, wrote on X: “Chakrapriya Road, Bhabanipur. Mamata Banerjee walked out of the stage, citing the noise coming from the BJP’s loudspeaker. When leaders start losing their composure, it often reflects a deeper anxiety. Is this the sound of impending defeat?”
