Kolkata, May 5
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday ruled out stepping down after the Trinamool Congress lost the Legislative Assembly elections, stating that the results were not a genuine public mandate but the outcome of a conspiracy. She alleged irregularities in the electoral process and accused authorities of bias, even as the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a decisive majority in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Banerjee said there was no question of her resignation, asserting that her party had not been defeated by the people. She claimed that the Trinamool Congress was effectively fighting not just the BJP but also the Election Commission of India, which she alleged favored the BJP.
She raised concerns over the counting process, alleging that results in several constituencies were manipulated and that counting was deliberately slowed down to weaken her party’s morale. Describing the outcome as a setback to democratic principles, she termed it a dark phase in electoral history.
Banerjee also announced the formation of a 10 member committee to assess the situation in areas reportedly affected after the elections. She rejected claims of widespread violence similar to previous elections and said the panel would present an on ground assessment.
The Trinamool Congress chief further stated that leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc had reached out to her following the results. She said leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, expressed their support. Banerjee added that her focus would now shift towards strengthening opposition unity at the national level.
The BJP won 207 seats in the 294 member assembly, ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15 year rule in West Bengal. The political developments are expected to reshape the state’s governance while also influencing opposition strategy ahead of future national contests.
