TMC MP Derek O’Brien Dares PM Modi to Resign Over Bengal Polls

Amid the second and final phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly elections on Wednesday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, challenging him to resign if the ruling party retains power in the state.

In a post on X, O’Brien said, “Narendra, you had announced that you are the candidate for all 294 seats in Bengal. Drop the big talk. Accept this challenge.” He further added, “On 4 May, when Mamata Banerjee and TMC win Bengal, RESIGN FROM THE PRIME MINISTER’S POST. Got the guts?”

The remarks come as polling continues in a high-stakes election, with the TMC aiming for a fourth consecutive term under Banerjee. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has mounted an aggressive campaign in an attempt to unseat the incumbent government.

The election has seen significant voter participation. The first phase held on April 23 recorded a turnout of 91.78 per cent. Wednesday’s phase will determine the fate of 1,448 candidates, including 1,228 men and 220 women.

Narendra, aapne announce kiya tha, Bangal ki sabhi 294 seats par aap hi candidate hain

Badi-badi baat chhodiye. Ye challenge sweekar kijiye

4 May ko jab Mamata Banerjee aur TMC Bangal jeetenge, PRADHAN MANTRI PAD SE RESIGNATION DIJIYE

Hain dum? pic.twitter.com/0i81SHyhOf

— Derek O'Brien | ডেরেক ও'ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) April 29, 2026

According to official figures, the electorate includes over 3.22 crore voters, of which 3.21 crore are general electors and nearly 40,000 are service voters. The voter base comprises 1.64 crore men and 1.57 crore women, along with 792 individuals identified as third gender voters.

The demographic spread also includes more than 4.12 lakh first-time voters aged 18-19, and over 3,200 voters aged above 100. Additionally, more than 57,000 persons with disabilities (PWD) are registered to vote.

To facilitate the electoral process, the Election Commission has set up 41,001 polling stations, including 39,301 main stations and 1,700 auxiliary stations. Among these are 8,845 all-women-managed polling stations, 13 PWD-managed booths, and 258 model polling stations. Webcasting arrangements have been made across all polling locations.

The results of the election are scheduled to be announced on May 4.