West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has dismissed the exit poll predictions for the 2026 assembly elections, asserting that her party will return to power with a strong mandate of more than 226 seats.

Speaking after voting concluded, Banerjee urged people not to rely on exit poll projections, expressing full confidence in the electoral support for her party. She maintained that the All India Trinamool Congress would secure a decisive victory despite several surveys suggesting a close contest or advantage for the opposition.

Her remarks come at a time when multiple exit polls have indicated a tight race between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, with some projections even pointing towards a potential shift in power.

Confidence vs projections as Bengal awaits results

Banerjee reiterated that exit polls have historically failed to capture the actual mood of voters in West Bengal. She said the final results would reflect the trust people have placed in her government.

The chief minister’s confidence echoes her earlier stance during the campaign, where she repeatedly claimed that her party would secure a comfortable majority and continue its governance in the state.

Meanwhile, exit poll trends released after voting suggested mixed outcomes. Some surveys projected a lead for the BJP, while others indicated a close fight or even a possible hung assembly.

High-stakes battle in West Bengal elections

The 2026 West Bengal assembly elections have been one of the most closely watched political contests in India, with intense campaigning by both the ruling TMC and the BJP.

High voter turnout and strong political mobilisation from both sides have added to the uncertainty surrounding the final outcome. Leaders from both parties have expressed confidence in forming the government once results are declared.

The official results are expected to determine whether Banerjee secures another term or if the state witnesses a political shift.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Telangana on May 10, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects worth around Rs8,000 crore, according to official information.

The visit marks his first trip to the state after beginning his third term in office.

Among the key projects scheduled for launch are new facilities at AIIMS Bibinagar, along with the expansion of the MMTS Phase 2. Several national highway and railway infrastructure works are also part of the development package.

Officials indicated that the visit will also include a major public gathering at Secunderabad’s Parade Ground under the banner of “Janagraha Sabha”, reflecting both developmental and political outreach efforts.

The planned projects are expected to strengthen connectivity, healthcare infrastructure, and overall development in the region, aligning with the Centre’s broader focus on infrastructure-led growth.

West Bengal has registered a historic voter turnout of 92.47% in the 2026 Assembly elections, marking the highest participation since Independence, according to official data from the Election Commission.

The record-breaking turnout comes after voting was conducted in two phases, with both phases witnessing exceptionally high public participation.

Phase-wise turnout reflects strong voter engagement

Polling in the second and final phase recorded around 91.66% turnout, while the first phase saw an even higher participation of 93.19%.

When combined, the overall turnout reached 92.47%, surpassing the previous record of 84.72% in the 2011 Assembly elections.

This sharp increase highlights a significant rise in voter awareness and engagement across the state.

Women voters lead participation

Data released by the Election Commission shows that women voters slightly outnumbered men in turnout, reflecting a strong gender participation trend in the elections.

The high turnout across demographics indicates broad-based involvement in the democratic process.

One of the highest turnouts in the country

The turnout in West Bengal is among the highest recorded in any Indian state election, underscoring the intensity and importance of the 2026 polls.

Officials have described the participation as a strong indicator of public trust in the electoral process and democratic institutions.

Counting scheduled next month

Votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be counted next month, along with results from other states that went to polls during the same period.

With such high voter participation, the election outcome is expected to be closely watched.