Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Monday refused to concede defeat after trends gave a clear edge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently held assembly elections in West Bengal. Banerjee, who was seeking a fourth straight term, also asked party workers and her supporters to "wait and watch" as counting of votes is still underway. 

In a one-and-a-half minute that she posted on micro-blogging platform X (previously Twitter), the three-time chief minister said 14 to 18 rounds of voting will be held, as she urged TMC supporters not to lose hope. She also criticised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged that genuine voters were removed from the voter list.  

"I request all counting agents and candidates to remain in strong rooms and not leave their centres. I am saying this since yesterday that the BJP votes will be shown first. In fact, counting in many centres has been paused. They are trying to manipulate the election... I want to request TMC candidates to not be disappointed. I had told you that you all will win after sunset. Just wait and watch," Banerjee said in Bengali. 

"They are not telling us about the seats where we are leading. Election Commission is doing what it wants, along with the central forces. I urge TMC workers not to lose hopes. We will surely win. I am standing with them, they don't need to be afraid; fight like a tiger," the incumbent chief minister added.