Exit polls were ‘paid and pressured’, claims Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: The different exit poll predictions showing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s victory in the Assembly polls in West Bengal this time were, according to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, actually broadcast by different media houses under pressure and in exchange for money allegedly paid by the “ruling party” in the country.

She made the claim in a video message that she posted on her social media handle on Thursday.

According to the Chief Minister, the dual motive behind this alleged strategy was to prevent a crash in the stock market indices as well as to weaken the morale of Trinamool Congress workers before the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

“The BJP did this using the media. I have got specific information that the exit poll projections that were shown by media houses were actually circulated to the media houses at 1.08 p.m. on Wednesday. This they did because they understood that in reality Trinamool Congress’s tally will reach 226 or even cross 230, thereby making all their oppressive tactics futile,” the Chief Minister said.

In her video message, the West Bengal CM also thanked Trinamool Congress workers for being on the streets on Wednesday to ensure free and fair polls despite what she described as atrocities on them as well as on the common people, allegedly carried out jointly by the central forces as well as the state police forces.

“We are grateful to the common people because of the manner in which they voted in large numbers, ignoring the scorching heat of summer and despite enduring so much oppression. I am also grateful to my party workers. They fought hard. They endured so much oppression. Those who wanted to seize Bengal, their fate has been sealed in the ballot box,” Mamata Banerjee said.

She also instructed Trinamool Congress workers, especially the counting agents, to keep their morale high and guard the strong rooms where the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are kept till the counting begins.

“Even I will personally be on the streets to guard the strong rooms. If I can, you will surely be able to do the same,” the Chief Minister said.

She also issued an appeal to her party’s counting agents to remain at the counting tables on May 4 till the end of the counting process.

“Remain at the counting tables unless I address the press conference after the counting is over. If you have to leave the counting table temporarily to go to the washroom or to have your food, ensure your replacement before that. Replace with only those individuals who are trustworthy and cannot be purchased,” the Chief Minister said.

IANS