Election – Mamata Banerjee Urges Vigilance Ahead of Bengal Vote Count
Election – Just hours before vote counting began for the two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal on Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a late-night appeal asking party workers to remain watchful throughout the process.
In a message shared on social media shortly after midnight, Banerjee called on her supporters to stay alert, monitor developments closely, and immediately report any irregularities. Her statement came amid rising concerns within her party regarding the security of votes stored in strong rooms.
Concerns Raised Over Power Disruptions
The Chief Minister claimed that reports had reached her suggesting deliberate power outages in several locations across the state. According to her, such incidents were being observed in areas including Sreerampore in Hooghly district, Krishnanagar in Nadia, Aushgram in Purba Bardhaman, and a counting-related facility in Kolkata.
She alleged that these disruptions were not random but part of a pattern, raising questions about their timing ahead of the counting process. Banerjee further stated that such power cuts could potentially affect surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras installed at strong rooms where voting machines are secured.
Allegations of Suspicious Activities
In her statement, Banerjee expressed concern that CCTV cameras were being turned off during these outages. She also referred to reports of vehicle movements near strong room locations, suggesting that such activity warranted immediate attention.
She urged party workers to remain present near counting centers and strong rooms, particularly during the night, to ensure that the votes remained secure. Her message emphasized the importance of vigilance, encouraging workers to surround any suspicious individuals or activities and promptly demand access to CCTV footage where needed.
Banerjee also attributed these alleged developments to the opposition, specifically pointing fingers at Bharatiya Janata Party, though no independent confirmation of these claims was immediately available.
Preparations for Counting Day
A day before the counting, Banerjee held a strategy meeting with counting agents from the All India Trinamool Congress for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency. This seat holds particular importance as Banerjee herself is contesting from there.
According to party insiders, the meeting focused on ensuring that counting agents remained attentive and followed procedures carefully inside counting halls. Detailed instructions were reportedly shared on how to handle various stages of the counting process and respond to any discrepancies.
Confidence in Electoral Outcome
During the meeting, Banerjee expressed strong confidence in her party’s performance. She reportedly told party members that both her victory in Bhabanipur and the overall success of the Trinamool Congress in the state were certain.
However, she also cautioned that early trends during counting might not reflect the final outcome. Party sources indicated that she advised workers not to be discouraged if initial rounds showed the opposition leading, asserting that the final results would favor her party.
Political Context and Stakes
The Bhabanipur contest has drawn significant attention as Banerjee faces Suvendu Adhikari, a prominent leader of the opposition. The outcome of this seat is being closely watched, given its political significance and the rivalry between the two leaders.
As counting day unfolds, administrative authorities have reiterated that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and transparent process. Security has been heightened around counting centers, and officials have assured that protocols are being strictly followed.
Banerjee’s late-night message reflects the tense atmosphere ahead of the results, highlighting concerns from her party while also underscoring the importance of vigilance during a crucial phase of the electoral process.