KOLKATA — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday refused to resign from her post despite her Trinamool Congress (TMC) losing the state assembly elections to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Addressing the media, Banerjee claimed her party had secured a 'moral victory' and alleged that the BJP and the Election Commission collaborated to manipulate the results. The BJP won 207 seats in the assembly, crossing the majority mark, while the TMC, which governed for 15 years, secured 81 seats.

Banerjee stated she would not visit the Raj Bhavan to tender her resignation, alleging that central agencies and the Election Commission were used to loot democratic rights. She further claimed that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were compromised and that TMC counting agents were forcibly removed by security forces and BJP supporters. Banerjee also lost her individual seat in the Bhabanipur constituency, where she alleged she was physically assaulted during the process.

Under Article 164(1) of the Indian Constitution, a Chief Minister must resign once they lose the majority in the state assembly. If a CM refuses to step down, the Governor holds the authority to withdraw pleasure from the council of ministers and dismiss the government. Constitutional norms dictate that the Governor must then invite the leader of the party holding the majority to form the new administration.

The Governor is expected to review the official election notification from the Election Commission before initiating constitutional proceedings. Should the impasse continue, a formal dismissal of the TMC government is anticipated to facilitate the transition of power to the BJP.