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No moral right: Who said what as resignations pour in after TMC's poll upset
Following a poll upset in Bengal, resignations began pouring in from Mamata Banerjee's appointees and advisers. Key figures such as Alapan Bandyopadhyay, HK Dwivedi, Manoj Pant, and economist Abhirup Sarkar announced their departures as the BJP prepared to form its first government in the state, with an oath ceremony planned for May 9.
Why It Matters
The resignations signal a major shift in Bengal's political leadership after the opposition's major electoral breakthrough, potentially impacting governance and policy direction ahead of a BJP government.
Timeline
7 Events
Oath ceremony for the new government likely on May 9
May 6, 2026
An oath ceremony for the new government is likely to take place on May 9, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Former chief secretary Manoj Pant resigns
May 6, 2026
Former chief secretary Manoj Pant tendered his resignation as part of the resignations reported after the election defeat.
Former chief secretary HK Dwivedi resigns
May 6, 2026
Former chief secretary HK Dwivedi tendered his resignation amid the wave of resignations following the election defeat.
Economist Abhirup Sarkar resigns; says 'no moral right to continue'
May 6, 2026
Economist Abhirup Sarkar said: 'Even though I am not a political person, the appointments were political appointments. As she has lost, I have no moral right to continue.'
Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee security slashed
May 6, 2026
Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee's security was slashed on Wednesday, as the election aftermath continued to unfold.
Alapan Bandyopadhyay resigns; says he sent resignation on Tuesday
May 5, 2026
Alapan Bandyopadhyay, former chief secretary, said he sent his resignation to the state’s chief secretary on Tuesday. He was recalled by the Centre and appointed by Mamata Banerjee as chief adviser; he later chose to retire on May 31 rather than take an extension offered by the government.
BJP wins Bengal Assembly: 207 seats to 80 for TMC
May 4, 2026
The BJP swept the Bengal Assembly elections, winning 207 of 294 seats, while the Trinamool Congress (TMC) secured 80 seats.