Bengal Assembly Dissolved After Mamata Refuses to Step Down

This current assembly was formed in May 2021 after Mamata Banerjee-led TMC won assembly elections, and the dissolution marks the end of the current assembly following the recently-held two phases of elections. 

Notification issued under Article 174

A government order from Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, has said that the Governor has used the powers vested under sub-clause (b) of Clause(2) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, to dissolve the Assembly with effect from May 7. 

“In exercise of the power conferred on me by sub-clause (b) of Clause (2) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, I hereby dissolve the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal with effect from 07th of May, 2026,” the official notification said.

Banerjee Refuses to Resign

TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee met newly-elected MLAs on Wednesday, and said she will continue as the Chief Minister of West Bengal even after poll results. 

“If we have not lost the election, then why should I go to Raj Bhavan? I am not taking oath. And, why do I have to resign? We didn’t lose. It is their forceful attempt to defeat us. Our fight was not against BIP but against the EC,” she said.

Mamata attacks BJP and EC

Banerjee has accused the ruling BJP government of booth rigging, ballot stuffing, and EVM manipulation during the state assembly elections. She further accused the Election Commission of collusion with the BJP for overthrowing her government and described the win as "immoral". 

Banerjee also said that the TMC has "morally defeated" the BJP. Banerjee's refusal to step down had led to an unprecedented political scenario in the state, thus raising concerns over a possible constitutional crisis in West Bengal.