Kolkata, India – West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee on Saturday, June 1, 2024, publicly rejected exit poll projections that indicated a significant lead for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state for the Lok Sabha elections. Addressing reporters, Banerjee asserted that her party, the TMC, would secure "over 226 seats," expressing confidence in forming "the government of Maa-Mati-Manush."

The Chief Minister’s statements came hours after various media outlets released their exit poll findings for the 2024 general elections. Multiple surveys suggested that the BJP could gain a substantial number of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, potentially surpassing the TMC’s performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2019, the TMC secured 22 seats, while the BJP won 18.

Banerjee characterized the exit polls as "manufactured" and an attempt to create a "perception" ahead of the official vote counting. She reiterated her belief that the opposition INDIA bloc would perform strongly nationwide. Her remarks set a defiant tone for the TMC as the state awaits the declaration of results.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal were highly contested, with both the TMC and BJP conducting extensive campaigns across the state. Key issues during the election cycle included allegations of corruption, socio-economic development, and political violence. West Bengal holds significant electoral importance due to its large number of parliamentary constituencies.

  • Exit Poll Release: Exit polls for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were released on June 1, 2024, following the conclusion of the seventh and final phase of voting.
  • TMC's Projection: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated the Trinamool Congress would win "over 226 seats," a figure considerably higher than the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, likely referring to a broad display of confidence or perhaps electoral influence across different levels.
  • BJP's Outlook: Exit poll aggregates generally projected the BJP to improve its seat share in West Bengal compared to the 2019 general elections.
  • Vote Counting Date: The official counting of votes and declaration of results for all 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, including those in West Bengal, is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

The definitive outcome, which will confirm or contradict both the exit poll predictions and the Trinamool Congress's confident assertions, will be determined on June 4, 2024, when the Election Commission of India announces the final results.