'Khela Shesh' message from BJP as counting trends show party heading for historic win

The political temperature in West Bengal has soared as vote counting for the state assembly election progresses, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) surging ahead of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) by a significant margin.

Of the 293 constituencies where counting is underway, the BJP is leading in approximately 192 seats, while the TMC is ahead in 94 seats, as per latest Election Commission data . The saffron party has already crossed the halfway mark of 148 seats, putting it on course to form its first-ever government in the state, ending Mamata Banerjee's 15-year rule.

Amid the counting trends, the BJP's West Bengal unit posted a decisive message on social media platform X: "Khela Shesh" (The game is over) . The phrase is widely seen as a counter to TMC leader Anubrata Mondal's famous "Khela Hobe" slogan from the 2021 election campaign, which was later adopted by Mamata Banerjee herself. Social media has since been flooded with memes and jibes, with phrases like "Bye Bye Didi" and "4 May Didi Gayi" trending across platforms.

Despite trailing in the overall count, outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has maintained a defiant posture and is leading in her own Bhabanipur constituency by over 15,000 votes against BJP challenger and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.

In a video message issued during the counting, Banerjee alleged irregularities in the process and instructed TMC candidates and counting agents not to leave the centres . "We are still ahead in 170 seats, but I request everyone not to lose hope," she said, claiming that leads from TMC strongholds were not being shared and that a "false narrative" was being spread.

She further alleged that central forces were being used to harass TMC workers and that party offices were being vandalised . "With the help of central forces, they are harassing and torturing AITC workers. Our offices have been vandalised," she claimed .

Banerjee urged her party cadres to stay firm, saying, "Fourteen to eighteen rounds of counting will happen. You will surely emerge victorious. Don't be afraid; fight like tigers" .

Analysts attribute the BJP's strong performance to high anti-incumbency against the TMC, a record voter turnout of 92.47 per cent, and an aggressive campaign focused on development and the removal of alleged "illegal infiltrators" from electoral rolls . The party's manifesto promise of Rs 3,000 monthly to women, doubling the TMC's proposed hike, is also seen as a game-changer .

With counting for several rounds still to be completed, final results are expected later in the day. However, the current trends indicate a historic political shift in West Bengal.