As vote counting progresses in West Bengal, Humayun Kabir, the president of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would surpass the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Kabir stated that the BJP is expected to secure one more seat than the TMC, emphasizing the need to remove those in power who have been involved in wrongdoing and corruption. These remarks were made amidst intense political competition and evolving trends in the state.
Earlier in the day, Kabir expressed satisfaction with the counting arrangements and process, highlighting the Election Commission’s positive decisions in ensuring a smooth process at polling stations. The ongoing counting trends are providing a clearer view of the electoral competition in West Bengal, with both major parties closely monitoring the developments. It is noted that early leads may fluctuate as multiple rounds of counting progress throughout the day.
Initial data after a few hours of counting show the BJP leading in a significantly higher number of constituencies compared to the TMC. Trends up to around 1:15 p.m. for 232 out of 293 seats indicate that BJP candidates are ahead in 189 constituencies, while the TMC leads in 92 seats. The Left Front-All India Secular Front alliance and AJUP are each leading in two seats.
Humayun Kabir himself is leading in the Rejinagar constituency in Murshidabad district. In another significant contest, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is leading against BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur, while Adhikari is ahead in Nandigram. The Election Commission has advised political parties to show restraint and obtain prior permission before conducting victory processions to prevent post-result violence.
