Governor Dissolves West Bengal Assembly as Mamata Banerjee Refuses to Resign
Kolkata, May 7, 2026 — In a dramatic turn of events marking the end of Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in West Bengal, Governor R.N. Ravi has dissolved the state Legislative Assembly with immediate effect. The move comes after incumbent Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to tender her resignation despite the BJP’s decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
The BJP secured a landslide win, clinching 207 seats out of 294, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 148. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) was reduced to just 80 seats, a sharp decline from its 215 seats in 2021. This historic result paves the way for the BJP to form its first government in the state.
Refusal and Constitutional Standoff
Mamata Banerjee, who also lost her Bhabanipur seat to former aide Suvendu Adhikari, rejected the election outcome outright. She alleged large-scale irregularities, EVM tampering, and a “conspiracy” to “loot” the mandate. In a strong public statement, she declared she would not visit Raj Bhavan to resign and claimed a “moral victory” for her party.
The five-year term of the current Assembly, elected in 2021, expired on May 7, 2026, in line with Article 172 of the Indian Constitution. This automatic dissolution cleared the path for Governor Ravi to issue a formal order under Article 174(2)(b), ending the tenure of the existing House and its government.
Path Ahead for Government Formation
With the Assembly dissolved and the old government’s mandate expired, the Governor is expected to invite the BJP — the single largest party with a clear majority — to form the new government. Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, widely seen as the frontrunner, is likely to be sworn in as Chief Minister, possibly as early as May 9.
The TMC has indicated it will challenge the results in court, raising questions about potential legal battles. However, constitutional experts note that ministers hold office “during the pleasure of the Governor” under Article 164, giving the Governor authority to facilitate a smooth transition.
This development represents a seismic shift in West Bengal’s political landscape. The BJP’s triumph ends Mamata Banerjee’s long dominance and opens a new chapter under saffron rule in the eastern state. As the dust settles, all eyes remain on the swearing-in and the handling of any post-poll tensions.
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