West Bengal Governor Dissolves Assembly After BJP’s Landslide Victory

Bengal governor RN Ravi on Thursday dissolved the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, formally paving the way for the formation of a new government after the BJP’s sweeping victory in the state elections.

The Governor’s order came into effect immediately on May 7, marking the end of the outgoing Assembly and triggering preparations for the swearing-in of Bengal’s first BJP-led government.

The move follows an intense and politically charged post-election atmosphere in the state, with the BJP accelerating internal discussions over government formation while outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to resign and alleged large-scale electoral irregularities.

BJP Begins Government Formation Process

The BJP, which secured a landslide mandate in the Assembly elections, has begun preparations for the transition of power in the state.

Party sources said Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to arrive in Kolkata later on Thursday. A meeting of newly-elected BJP MLAs is also likely to be held on Friday to elect the legislative party leader, who will subsequently stake claim to form the government.

The dissolution of the Assembly is a routine constitutional step before a new government takes office, but this transition has become unusually contentious because of the political developments following the results.

Mamata Banerjee Refuses To Resign

A dramatic twist emerged after Mamata Banerjee reportedly told newly-elected MLAs of her party that she would not resign despite the election outcome.

According to Trinamool Congress sources, Banerjee alleged that the BJP had not won fairly and claimed her party had suffered “forceful defeats” in multiple constituencies.

“After the Bengal INDIA team is united now. I won't resign. Let them dismiss me. I want this to be a black day. We have to be strong. On the first day of the Assembly, wear black clothes. Those who betrayed will be removed from the party. I am laughing. I defeated them morally. I am a free bird. I worked for all. We might have lost, but we will fight. HM and PM are directly involved,” Mamata Banerjee said, according to Trinamool Congress sources.

Her remarks signalled a confrontational political stance even after the electoral setback and indicated that the Trinamool Congress plans to aggressively challenge the BJP politically inside and outside the Assembly.

Trinamool Levels Serious Allegations

The Trinamool Congress chief also accused state and central agencies of colluding against her party during the elections.

“Those who lost were forcefully defeated. I condemn West Bengal Police, CRPF, BJP-minded Chief Electoral Officer and ECI. More than 1500 party offices were hijacked. I was heckled and pushed. I was having chest pain. This was not an election but an atrocity,” she said, according to AITC sources.

Banerjee further claimed that despite the electoral defeat, the Trinamool Congress had achieved a “moral victory” over the BJP and asserted that opposition unity within the INDIA bloc had strengthened after the Bengal polls.

She also alleged that the elections were marked by intimidation and violence, describing the exercise as “not an election but an atrocity.”

Why Mamata’s Stand Triggered A Constitutional Debate

Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to resign after the election verdict created an unprecedented constitutional situation in the state.

Conventionally, an incumbent Chief Minister steps down after losing the mandate, allowing the Governor to invite the winning party to form the government. Her decision to stay on despite the results sparked debate over constitutional propriety and governance continuity.

The Governor’s decision to dissolve the Assembly has now effectively cleared the path for the transition process and the installation of the new BJP government.

Bengal Set For Historic Political Transition

The BJP’s victory marks a historic shift in West Bengal politics, ending decades of dominance by regional parties and the Left ecosystem in the state.

As the state prepares for a new administration, the political atmosphere remains tense, with the Trinamool Congress alleging electoral misconduct while the BJP celebrates what it calls a landmark democratic mandate.

The coming days are expected to witness heightened political activity in Kolkata as the BJP finalises its leadership choice and prepares for the oath-taking ceremony.

(With inputs from ANI)