Mamata Banerjee Refuses to Resign After Election Defeat, Claims Conspiracy
Mamata Banerjee's Response to Election Results
Banerjee, flanked by Abhishek Banerjee, addresses a press conference, at her Kalighat residence in Kolkata. (Photo:PTI)
Guwahati, May 5: Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has firmly stated that she will not resign following her party's loss in the recent Assembly elections. She described the election results as a product of a “conspiracy” rather than a true reflection of the people's will.
During a press conference, Banerjee claimed that the election outcome was marred by irregularities, asserting that her party faced challenges not only from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but also from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
“The notion of my resignation is out of the question. We were not defeated by the people's choice but by a conspiracy. I refuse to accept defeat and will not step down. They may proceed according to constitutional rules, but I will persist in my fight,” she declared.
Banerjee further alleged significant irregularities in the counting process, stating that results in approximately 100 constituencies had been “manipulated” or “taken away.”
“The counting was intentionally delayed to demoralize our candidates and supporters. This incident marks a dark chapter in our democratic history,” she remarked.
She also criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the election authority of failing to maintain democratic standards.
“This election raises critical concerns regarding transparency and fairness. The democratic rights of the people have been compromised,” she added.
In response to the post-election situation, Banerjee announced the establishment of a 10-member fact-finding committee to investigate areas reportedly affected by post-poll incidents.
She dismissed claims of post-poll violence, particularly those associated with the 2021 elections, labeling them as “baseless and politically motivated.”
Banerjee mentioned that she had received supportive calls from various leaders within the opposition INDIA bloc following the election results.
“Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have reached out to me, along with other leaders. There is a sense of solidarity among opposition parties,” she stated.
Looking forward, she expressed a desire to shift her focus towards national politics and fostering unity among opposition forces. “We will strive to strengthen the INDIA alliance and continue our battle to safeguard democracy,” Banerjee concluded.
The BJP achieved a significant victory in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, securing 207 seats and bringing an end to the TMC's 15-year governance in the state.