Mamata Banerjee Dismisses Exit Polls as “Manufactured,” Questions Their Credibility

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 3rd June. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has dismissed recent exit poll predictions as inconsistent with ground realities, asserting that they were “manufactured at home” two months prior for media consumption. Speaking to TV9-Bangla on Sunday, Banerjee expressed her skepticism about the value of such exit polls, referencing their historical inaccuracies in 2016, 2019, and 2021.

“These exit polls have no value,” she stated. “We have seen how the exit polls were conducted in previous years, and none of the predictions turned out to be true.”

Banerjee contended that the public response at her rallies did not align with the exit poll forecasts, which have generally favored the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over her Trinamool Congress (TMC). She accused the BJP of using polarizing tactics and spreading misinformation, specifically allegations that Muslims were taking away quotas meant for SC, ST, and OBC communities. She also suggested that the CPI(M) and Congress were aiding the BJP in West Bengal.

Despite most exit polls predicting a stronger performance by the BJP in the state, Banerjee remained confident about her party’s prospects and the strength of the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties. She expressed optimism about the performance of regional leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, M.K. Stalin, and Uddhav Thackeray.

Regarding potential future collaborations at the national level, Banerjee downplayed any concerns about her ties with the CPI(M) and Congress affecting her chances of joining a central government if the INDIA bloc came to power. “I don’t think there will be any hurdle at the all-India level unless the CPI(M) interferes,” she said. Banerjee emphasized the importance of unity among regional parties and expressed her willingness to collaborate if invited, but stressed that the poll results must be awaited first.

On the other hand, state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar predicted a significant victory for his party, claiming they would win at least 25 seats in West Bengal, though he aimed for 30. He noted a shift in belief within his party and among the public towards achieving this target.

Meanwhile, CPIM central committee member Sujan Chakraborty echoed Banerjee’s sentiments about the unreliability of exit polls. He suggested that widespread public discontent with the TMC would prevent it from performing well in the Lok Sabha elections, assuming free and fair elections are conducted.

As the political landscape in West Bengal remains contentious, the final results of the upcoming elections will ultimately reveal the true public sentiment.