Mamata Banerjee Refuses to Resign Amidst Poll Defeat: Claims Conspiracy at Play

In a bold statement following her party's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee has rejected calls for her resignation, claiming the results were influenced by a conspiracy rather than a genuine public mandate. She accused the Election Commission of bias and announced a fact-finding committee to investigate post-poll violence. Banerjee also revealed that leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc have shown their support. With the BJP winning a decisive majority, Banerjee's focus now shifts to strengthening the opposition alliance nationally. Read on to learn more about her allegations and future plans.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 5, 2026, 17:14 IST

Mamata Banerjee's Stance on Election Results

Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), firmly stated on Tuesday that she will not resign following her party's defeat in the recent assembly elections. She argued that the election results do not reflect a true public mandate but rather stem from a conspiracy against her party.

Banerjee contended that the TMC's battle was not solely against the BJP but also against the Election Commission, which she accused of acting in favor of the BJP.

"The issue of my resignation is not relevant, as our defeat was orchestrated through conspiracy... I did not lose; I will not be going to Lok Bhavan. They can proceed with actions as per constitutional guidelines," she expressed during a press conference.

She claimed there were significant irregularities during the counting process, alleging that the mandate in approximately 100 constituencies was 'stolen' and that the counting was intentionally delayed to demoralize her supporters.

"A dark chapter in history has been written," she declared.

Banerjee criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar for compromising the democratic rights of the populace.

In response to the post-election violence, she announced the establishment of a 10-member fact-finding committee tasked with visiting areas impacted by such violence to evaluate the situation on the ground.

She dismissed the allegations regarding post-poll violence in 2021 as unfounded.

Banerjee mentioned that several leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc had reached out to her to express their support following the election results.

"Leaders from the INDIA bloc have called to show solidarity. Sonia ji and Rahul Gandhi have been in touch with me," she noted.

Looking ahead, Banerjee indicated her intention to focus on fortifying the opposition alliance at the national level.

The BJP achieved a significant victory in the 294-member assembly, securing 207 seats and bringing an end to the TMC's 15-year governance in West Bengal.