The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 207 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Legislative Assembly in the 2026 state elections, unseating the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which was reduced to 80 seats. With the results finalised, the BJP has claimed a majority, paving the way for a new government in the eastern state.

Incumbent Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has led West Bengal for three consecutive terms, refused to resign Tuesday evening, stating, "Why should I step down? We have not lost. The mandate has been looted." Her remarks came despite the Election Commission confirming the BJP's majority, sparking a constitutional impasse over the transfer of power.

Legal experts say the Governor, RN Ravi, holds the authority to ask Banerjee to prove her government's majority if she refuses to vacate office. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani stated that if Banerjee continues to occupy the Chief Minister's residence without a mandate, the Governor may invoke executive powers to remove her.

The Election Commission has formally notified the results, and the BJP is expected to submit a list of legislators to the Governor for the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister. The Governor's office is expected to issue a statement on the transition process by Wednesday morning.