After the completion of the voting process for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, all eyes are now fixed on the results. The exit poll results have been released ahead of the official election results, showing a likely third consecutive victory for the NDA government under BJP leadership. If these predictions hold true, the BJP will be able to form the government on its own.

This election saw West Bengal becoming a focal point of discussion. Senior BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda campaigned extensively across the state. Additionally, senior Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari campaigned vigorously in every Lok Sabha constituency. The Sandeshkhali incident also played a significant role in the political discourse, potentially influencing the exit poll outcomes.

Impact of Suvendu Adhikari's Campaigning

The exit poll results released by various media organizations suggest that Suvendu Adhikari's efforts are bearing fruit. On average, every exit poll indicates a gain for the BJP in West Bengal. In the last Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 18 seats, while Mamata Banerjee's TMC won 22 seats, and Congress won 2 seats. According to the latest exit polls, the BJP could increase its tally from 18 to 26 seats, while TMC might secure between 17 to 21 seats. This indicates a potential setback for Mamata's Maa-Mati-Manush slogan.

Suvendu Adhikari and the Sandeshkhali Issue

Two major factors dominated the political landscape in West Bengal this time: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and the Sandeshkhali issue. Allegations of exploitation of women and land grabbing by a Trinamool leader in Sandeshkhali gained national attention. Suvendu Adhikari consistently attacked the Mamata government on this issue, turning it into a national concern. The Mamata government eventually had to take action against its leader, but the damage was done. The impact of this controversy is reflected in the exit poll results, showing a significant effect on Mamata Banerjee's political standing.

The Future of Abhishek Banerjee

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, is once again contesting in the Lok Sabha elections from the Diamond Harbor seat. He faces BJP's Abhijit Das in this election. Abhishek Banerjee won this seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, defeating BJP's Nilanjan Roy, who secured about 4 lakh votes. This time, the BJP has fielded a new candidate, making it interesting to see whether Abhishek Banerjee can retain his seat.