Addressing Trinamool Congress cadres amid early counting trends, Banerjee urged patience and resilience. “Wait for sunset. We will win. We will fight like tiger cubs,” she declared, emphasizing that only four of the 14 counting rounds had been completed. Alleging irregularities, she claimed that the developments were part of a “BJP plan,” accusing disruptions in counting processes in areas such as Kalyani. She further alleged that party workers were being assaulted and offices vandalised.
According to sources within the Election Commission, approximately 39 percent of votes had been counted by around 2 pm.
Banerjee’s political journey has been marked by both collaboration and confrontation. Once among the youngest Members of Parliament and a minister in the government led by P. V. Narasimha Rao, she also served in Vajpayee’s cabinet. However, since 2014, she has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.
Her criticism extended to the Election Commission following the announcement of delimitation and the special revision of voter lists. She accused the poll body of acting in favour of the BJP, intensifying political tensions.
At 71, Banerjee faces significant challenges, including three consecutive terms of anti-incumbency and persistent allegations of widespread corruption within her administration. Reports of large sums of cash recovered from ministers’ residences and claims of systemic bribery—from clerical staff to senior officials—have damaged the government’s image. Additionally, her international outreach efforts to attract investment reportedly yielded limited success, while concerns over deteriorating law and order and repeated incidents of crimes against women have drawn criticism.
The administration has also been under scrutiny following revelations of large-scale corruption in teachers’ recruitment, which reportedly deprived thousands of candidates of employment opportunities.
Simultaneously, the BJP’s rise in West Bengal has been accompanied by increasing political polarisation. Banerjee has faced accusations of minority appeasement, particularly over decisions such as prioritising Muharram observances during Durga Puja. Her controversial remarks regarding the RG Kar rape-murder case further alienated sections of women voters, traditionally a strong support base for her party.
As the election approached, the revision of voter lists added another layer of complexity. Approximately 9.1 million voters were reportedly removed, disrupting established electoral calculations and creating confusion among grassroots party workers.
The unfolding electoral contest reflects a critical moment in West Bengal’s political landscape, with Banerjee’s long-standing dominance facing one of its most formidable challenges. The outcome is set to redefine the state’s political trajectory after decades of her influence.
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