West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee instructed Trinamool Congress counting agents to request recounts in booths where the BJP leads by 500 to 700 votes. She urged agents to stay near counting centers overnight to ensure early arrival on Monday. Banerjee gave these directives during a virtual meeting with party leaders and agents from all 294 Assembly constituencies.
During the meeting, Banerjee stressed coordination and vigilance, emphasizing the need for early arrival at counting centers and unified action. She also briefed them on essential aspects to consider during the counting process. Banerjee particularly highlighted the importance of close monitoring during the counting, emphasizing immediate recount demands in booths where the BJP leads by 500–1,000 votes.
Expressing confidence in winning over 200 seats, Banerjee cautioned against relaxing vigilance during counting. She instructed that no party agent should leave until she addresses the media on May 4. Banerjee advised candidates, agents, and counting agents in rural areas to reach counting centers on Sunday and arrange nearby accommodations to prevent delays.
Banerjee emphasized readiness by 6 a.m. at the counting centers, well before the 8 a.m. start, and organized movement. She advised agents to carry notebooks and pens for recording. Party candidates from West Midnapore and Bankura have already secured accommodation near counting centers. Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, present at the meeting, criticized exit polls influencing the stock market and alleged financial manipulation by the BJP through misleading surveys.
