TMC's Derek O’Brien Critiques Exit Polls Ahead of West Bengal Elections
After ‘resign if...’ dare to Modi, TMC's Derek O’Brien throws a jibe at exit polls, cites 2021
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
As the second phase of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections concluded, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O’Brien criticized exit polls predicting the end of TMC's rule. He highlighted inaccuracies from the 2021 elections and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign if the TMC wins.
- 01Derek O’Brien criticized exit polls predicting TMC's defeat, referencing inaccuracies from 2021.
- 02He challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign if the TMC wins the elections.
- 03The recent phase of voting saw a high turnout of approximately 92%.
- 04Mamata Banerjee accused central forces of voter intimidation during the polling.
- 05BJP leaders expressed confidence in their chances, citing a surge in silent voters.
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Derek O’Brien, a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), launched a pointed critique against exit polls predicting the end of the TMC's leadership in West Bengal. He shared an infographic on social media illustrating the inaccuracies of exit polls from the 2021 elections, which had misjudged the TMC's performance. In a bold challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, O’Brien dared him to resign if the TMC secures victory in the ongoing elections. The second phase of polling recorded a significant voter turnout of nearly 92%, indicating strong public engagement. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, contesting from Bhabanipur, alleged that central forces were intimidating voters, while BJP leaders remained optimistic about their prospects, suggesting that a hidden majority was ready to vote against the TMC. The political atmosphere remains charged as the election progresses, with both parties actively campaigning and addressing voter concerns.
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The ongoing election has significant implications for governance in West Bengal, affecting policies and local administration.
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