Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday described the election result as a “black day” and signalled that she would not step down quietly following the Trinamool Congress’ heavy defeat in the Assembly polls. The party also termed her refusal to resign a symbolic act of protest against what it called manipulation of the counting process.
Speaking at a closed door meeting with newly elected MLAs and senior leaders at her Kalighat residence, Banerjee reportedly said she was prepared for any action from the Centre, including dismissal or the imposition of President’s Rule. She urged party workers to remember the day as a dark chapter in the state’s political history.
The gathering, which included TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and other key leaders, focused on the party’s response after suffering its first major electoral setback since coming to power in 2011. Leaders present at the meeting said Banerjee accused the BJP of effectively “looting” the election and indicated that the party plans to move the Supreme Court over alleged irregularities during vote counting.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh defended Banerjee’s decision not to resign, calling it a democratic form of dissent rather than a constitutional standoff. According to him, the move was meant to highlight the party’s allegation that the Election Commission of India manipulated results in over 100 constituencies. He further claimed that the TMC had been unfairly defeated and accused the poll body of favouring the BJP.
Banerjee has continued to reject the outcome publicly, insisting that the defeat was the result of a conspiracy rather than the will of the electorate. She has accused the Election Commission and central security forces of working in favour of the BJP during both polling and counting. The Election Commission has dismissed these allegations, stating that the process followed established rules and was conducted under strict supervision. The BJP has also rejected the accusations.
Constitutionally, however, the situation leaves little room for manoeuvre. The current Assembly term ends on May 7, after which Banerjee’s government cannot continue without majority support in the House. With the BJP winning 207 seats in the 294 member Assembly and the TMC reduced to 80, the ruling party no longer commands the numbers needed to stay in power.
The Governor is now expected to invite the BJP to form the next government in the state. The party has already announced plans for a swearing in ceremony on May 9 at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds, with state president Samik Bhattacharya confirming preparations are underway.
Amid concerns over internal unrest after the defeat, the TMC has also announced the formation of a disciplinary committee. Party leaders said all key organisational decisions will continue to be taken under Banerjee’s leadership.
