TMC Asserts Dominance in Peaceful West Bengal Polls

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) voiced confidence in its performance in the Lok Sabha elections, declaring that West Bengal's electorate rejected the BJP. TMC leaders highlighted largely peaceful polling, despite a few incidents. They accused BJP of attempting to create unrest through false narratives, but claimed that these efforts were unsuccessful.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) displayed confidence on Saturday regarding their performance in the Lok Sabha elections, asserting that the people of West Bengal have decisively voted against the BJP.

Speaking at a press conference at the party headquarters in Kolkata, senior TMC leader Shashi Panja affirmed that the polling process was mostly peaceful across the state, with only minor incidents reported. She noted that the Election Commission conducted the polls over seven phases, with substantial deployment of central forces at the BJP's behest.

Panja highlighted that despite the BJP's grievances against central forces and the Election Commission, the largely peaceful polling indicated that the BJP's plans did not unfold as intended. She stated, "People have given a befitting reply to the BJP's false narratives," referring to how the party allegedly incited unrest.

Panja, the state minister for women and child development, asserted that the BJP's attempts to create discord in Sandeshkhali through misinformation on sexual abuse of women and religious polarisation were decisively rejected by the electorate. Senior TMC leader Bratya Basu mentioned widespread protests against BJP candidates, who faced public resentment over the central government's withholding of funds for West Bengal's social welfare schemes.

Basu added that the vivid memory of senior TMC leaders being mishandled by police during a peaceful protest in Delhi fuelled the public's indignation towards BJP candidates. Panja pointed out that BJP's Basirhat candidate Rekha Patra faced spontaneous protests from women in Sandeshkhali due to her party's alleged defamation.

Regarding allegations of TMC leaders intimidating BJP and CPIM candidates, Panja deflected, suggesting that the Election Commission should examine all complaints thoroughly. Reflecting on the TMC's anticipated performance, Panja recalled party leader Abhishek Banerjee's prediction of securing more than 23 seats by the sixth phase, expressing confidence while urging to wait for the results on June 4. She also commented on West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose's request for a report on various scams, hinting at possible changes after election results.