WEST BENGAL: In a remarkable victory for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her gratitude to the people of West Bengal for their overwhelming support in the panchayat elections. The ongoing counting process for the three-tier panchayat system, consisting of zilla parishad, panchayat samiti, and gram panchayat, has showcased the TMC's impressive performance.

Taking to Facebook, Banerjee conveyed, "Rural Bengal has overwhelmingly chosen TMC. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the people for their unwavering love and support towards our party. This election is a testament to the fact that TMC truly resides in the hearts of the people of our state."

The counting of votes for the 63,229 Gram Panchayat seats in West Bengal commenced at 8 am on Tuesday, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) consistently leading the tally since the beginning.

As of 8 am on Wednesday, the TMC has emerged victorious in 34,359 gram panchayat seats and is also leading in 752 seats, according to the State Election Commission (SEC). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the closest rival, has secured 9,545 seats and is leading in 180 seats. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has won 2,885 seats and is leading in 96 seats. The Indian National Congress has claimed victory in 2,498 seats and is leading in 72 seats.

While the counting process remained largely peaceful, there were some sporadic incidents, including the hurling of bombs in Bhangar, a region that witnessed fatalities in the lead-up to the elections. In response, central forces and state police took action, resorting to firing to control the unruly mob. This unfortunate incident resulted in injuries, including those to supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) and police personnel, including an IPS officer.

In the realm of Panchayat samiti seats, the ruling TMC has secured 6,134 seats and is leading in 61 seats. The BJP has won 939 seats and is leading in 149 seats. The CPI(M) has claimed victory in 165 seats and is leading in 14 others, while the Congress has emerged victorious in 244 seats and is leading in 7 seats. The elections were held for a total of 9,728 Panchayat Samiti seats.

To summarize, the TMC's resounding success in the Bengal Panchayat Polls is a testament to the party's strong support base in rural Bengal. The election results showcase the people's trust in the TMC and their appreciation for the party's efforts in serving the state.

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