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Let them dismiss me, impose President's Rule': Mamata refuses to resign amid BJP sweep in Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to resign after the BJP secured a clear majority in the state. She described the defeat as a 'black day' and a 'conspiracy', signaling possible legal challenges and guiding a closed-door strategy session with newly elected TMC MLAs. The BJP plans to form the next government with a swearing-in set for May 9, while the TMC forms a disciplinary committee and remains defiant on the resignation question.
Why It Matters
The events expose the immediate constitutional and political maneuvering in West Bengal following a sweeping election result, including potential challenges to counting irregularities, government formation processes, and party discipline strategies.
Timeline
7 Events
Constitutional note: term end and automatic cessation
May 6, 2026
The article notes that the current West Bengal Assembly's term ends on May 7, after which Banerjee would automatically cease to hold office.
TMC disciplinary committee announced
May 6, 2026
The TMC announced the formation of a disciplinary committee to address internal dissent, with Banerjee overseeing organisational decisions.
BJP to form next government; swearing-in announced
May 6, 2026
The Governor can remove the outgoing government and invite the BJP to form the next government. Samik Bhattacharya announced a swearing-in ceremony for May 9 at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds.
BJP majority declared; TMC defeat context
May 6, 2026
The BJP secured a clear majority in the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly with 207 seats; the TMC was reduced to 80 seats. The TMC and its leaders asserted irregularities in counting and accused the EC and central forces.
Ghosh: resignation is symbolic protest; EC manipulation claim
May 6, 2026
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh described Banerjee's refusal to resign as a democratic form of dissent and claimed the Election Commission manipulated results in counting across more than 100 constituencies.
Kalighat closed-door meeting with newly elected TMC MLAs
May 6, 2026
Banerjee met with newly elected TMC MLAs and senior leaders at her Kalighat residence. She stated, 'Let them impose President's Rule if they want' and described the outcome as a 'black day' while discussing party strategy and a potential Supreme Court challenge over counting irregularities.
Banerjee's Tuesday statements rejecting resignation and alleging conspiracy
May 5, 2026
Mamata Banerjee publicly refused to resign, calling the defeat a conspiracy and alleging that the Election Commission and central forces favoured the BJP.