Puja, prep and poise mark candidates’ final Sunday before high-stakes verdict day

Kolkata: From offering pujas to spending hours with their counting agents and dropping in for a quick adda with party workers, candidates tried to keep their calm ahead of Monday's poll verdicts. Debasish Kumar, Trinamool's Rash Behari candidate, spent the entire Sunday with party workers. "I was with my fellow party workers, discussing the preparations for Monday's counting and getting their files ready," he said.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari performed rituals at Kali and Shiva temples in his home district, Purba Medinipur. Adhikari is seeking re-election from Nandigram while leading the party's campaign against CM Mamata Banerjee in Bhowanipore.



In Bidhannagar, incumbent candidate Sujit Bose — who is seeking a fourth consecutive victory — opted for a day rooted in his usual habits. "I offered my prayers in the morning, which is my daily ritual. There was a meeting with party workers regarding the counting in the afternoon, followed by an adda session in my locality," Bose said.

Kharagpur Sadar candidate Dilip Ghosh said he offered prayers at the Thakdari Kali Temple. He stated that he also performed ‘jalabhishek'.

Sajal Ghosh, BJP candidate from Baranagar constituency, was seen chatting with his party workers on Sunday morning. Sayantika Banerjee, Trinamool candidate for Baranagar, said, "I spent a relaxed weekend. On Monday, the exam results will be announced, but I am under no pressure. I have been preparing throughout the year, and the answer sheet has already been submitted. Students who study consistently never panic before the results."

Shreeya Pande, TMC candidate from Maniktala constituency, visited a temple, spent time with party workers and her family on Sunday. "I am confident about my win because this area is very close to my heart. I spoke to the counting agents to keep vigil because on the election day, I caught some BJP workers trying to tamper with a sealed EVM," she said.

Tapas Roy, BJP candidate from Maniktala constituency, offered puja at Thanthania Kali Mandir and said, "This time, the BJP will form the govt. Change is absolutely necessary" He also visited Khudiram Anushilan Kendra to oversee security arrangements.

Bratya Basu, TMC candidate from Dum Dum constituency, went to a fish market on Saturday. On Sunday, he enjoyed a hearty lunch and rested in the afternoon, while in the evening he met his counting agents to give them last-minute instructions.

Tapash Chatterjee, TMC face for Rajarhat New Town combined civic duty with camaraderie. He said, "I attended a blood donation camp in the morning and spent the eve with my party workers."