Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday reportedly told newly-elected MLAs of the All India Trinamool Congress that she would not resign from the post of Chief Minister despite the party’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. According to party sources, Banerjee said the Centre could dismiss her government if it wished, but she would continue her political fight.
The development comes a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a historic victory in West Bengal, winning 207 seats and paving the way to form its first-ever government in the state.
Addressing party legislators, Banerjee allegedly claimed that Trinamool Congress candidates were “forcefully defeated” during the elections and accused authorities of failing to ensure a fair democratic process. She also alleged that more than 1,500 Trinamool Congress party offices had been “hijacked” following the declaration of results.
According to sources within the party, Banerjee described the election as “not an election but an atrocity,” while asserting that the Trinamool Congress had achieved a “moral victory” despite the electoral setback.
She reportedly urged party workers and MLAs to remain united and continue resisting politically. “I won’t resign. Let them dismiss me,” Banerjee was quoted as saying during the meeting. She also appealed to MLAs to wear black clothes on the first day of the new Assembly session as a mark of protest.
The Trinamool Congress chief further alleged that she faced physical intimidation during the election period. Sources claimed she said she was “heckled and pushed” and experienced chest pain amid the tense political atmosphere.
Banerjee also accused the Election Commission of India, sections of the police, and the CRPF of acting in a partisan manner during the polls. She reportedly criticised the role of the state administration and alleged bias in the conduct of the election process.
At the same time, Banerjee claimed that the results had strengthened unity within the INDIA opposition bloc and said the alliance would continue its fight against the BJP at the national level.
Political observers say Banerjee’s refusal to resign despite the election outcome could trigger a major constitutional and political debate in West Bengal. Conventionally, a Chief Minister resigns after losing the Assembly mandate, allowing the Governor to invite the winning party to form the government.
Meanwhile, the BJP leadership has already begun preparations for government formation in the state. The party’s decisive victory marks a major shift in West Bengal’s political landscape, ending years of dominance by the Trinamool Congress and earlier Left governments.
The situation is now being closely watched as constitutional procedures surrounding government transition in West Bengal are expected to unfold over the coming days.
