“Even if BJP leads early, TMC will win”: Mamata alleges ‘slow polling and counting’ plan

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Saturday issued a series of sharp and direct instructions to party workers regarding polling and counting, while launching a strong political attack on the BJP. Addressing a rally at Pachla Netaji Sangha ground in Uluberia, Howrah, she said, “EVM machines must be checked from 1 to 1000. Every button of the machine should be pressed to see whether the vote is being recorded correctly. EVMs must not be checked without VVPAT. On polling day, they may deliberately damage machines. Until a new machine is brought, do not allow voting on a faulty one. Otherwise, chips could be inserted into the machine.”

Speaking about counting on May 4, she said, “From polling to counting, they will try slow polling and slow counting. At first, they will spread rumours that Trinamool is losing. But if the sunrise is with BJP, the sunset will be with Trinamool. In the end, you will see Trinamool has won. We will win more seats than before.” She added again, “Do not be afraid. Even if the day starts with BJP, it will end with Trinamool. In the end, Trinamool will win and with more seats than before. Cast your own vote yourself.”

On the role of central agencies, she said, “They do not conduct raids at BJP, Congress, or CPM leaders’ houses. All blame is put on Trinamool. I believe my party members do not bow before money. They fight. This is our fight for justice. If I am a fighter, the women are my co-fighters.” She also urged workers repeatedly, “Press every button and check whether votes are going to the correct place. If any machine is faulty, do not allow voting on it until it is replaced. Otherwise, chips could be inserted. Cast your own vote yourself.”

Launching a direct attack on the BJP, she said, “You are looting the country and destroying it. When you go to Saudi Arabia and hug leaders there, you don’t see Hindu-Muslim differences! Beef is exported in Oman, yet you want to stop fish and meat in Bengal.” She added, “You have been defeated in the Lok Sabha. Now you must be defeated on the ground. Bengal will show the way.”

She also raised the issue of alleged harassment of Bengalis outside the state, saying, “People from Bengal face harassment when they go to other states. If we are outsiders there, why won’t you be outsiders in Bengal?” Speaking about her political journey, she said, “They wanted delimitation. They wanted to divide the country. We don’t need a bill to give women representation. In the Lok Sabha, 36% MPs are women; in the Rajya Sabha, 46%. There is no such example elsewhere. BJP should learn from this. I have been fighting for women’s reservation since 1998.”

Issuing a warning, she said, “To those working for BJP, I am telling you—BJP will not remain tomorrow. People will take revenge.” Criticising the Women’s Reservation Bill, she added, “BJP’s downfall has begun. We have defeated BJP. They no longer have a majority and are in power with others’ support. Everything will collapse.” The rally also saw her campaign in support of candidates Gulshan Mallik, Ritabrata Banerjee, Bimal Das, and Pulak Ray.