Mamata Banerjee Refuses to Resign After Defeat
TMC chief alleges “loot”, challenges mandate as Governor likely to step in
- Mamata Banerjee refuses to resign after poll defeat
- C. V. Ananda Bose likely to decide next step
- BJP expected to stake claim before Assembly term ends on May 7
- Rahul Gandhi backs TMC’s allegations
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 5th May: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday refused to resign despite her party’s defeat in the Assembly elections, setting the stage for a potential constitutional confrontation in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Banerjee asserted that she had not accepted the electoral outcome, alleging that the mandate in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party was the result of “loot”.
“I have not lost, so I will not go to Raj Bhavan. I will not tender resignation,” she said.
The development places the onus on C. V. Ananda Bose to determine the next course of action, as the term of the current Assembly is set to end on May 7.
Officials indicated that a constitutional crisis could be averted if the BJP stakes claim to form the government and is invited by the Governor before the expiry of the Assembly’s term.
Banerjee reiterated allegations of large-scale irregularities, accusing the Election Commission and central authorities of influencing the outcome. She also claimed misconduct during polling and counting processes.
The Trinamool Congress chief said her party would form a fact-finding team to visit areas affected by post-poll violence and assess ground realities.
In a notable development, Rahul Gandhi extended support to Banerjee’s claims, alleging that the electoral process in states like Bengal and Assam had been compromised.
The BJP, which has emerged victorious in the state, is expected to move quickly to stake claim and form the next government.
The situation has intensified political tensions, with the coming days likely to determine whether the transition of power proceeds smoothly or escalates into a larger constitutional dispute.
