Mamata refuses to resign, political crisis deepens in West Bengal

Political tensions escalated in India’s West Bengal after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to resign following a disputed assembly election result that has triggered a constitutional and political deadlock in the state.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata on Tuesday, Banerjee rejected calls to step down, alleging large-scale electoral manipulation, bias by the Election Commission, and “vote theft” in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

She claimed her party was deprived of around 100 seats through what she described as a “planned conspiracy,” and said she saw no justification for submitting her resignation to the governor.

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Banerjee also accused the Election Commission of acting as a “biased player” and alleged irregularities during vote counting, including manipulation of electronic systems and restricted access for party agents.

The Chief Minister further made controversial claims that she was physically assaulted at a counting centre, describing the incident as humiliating and politically motivated.

While refusing to step down, she said she would continue her political struggle as a “freed leader” outside administrative responsibilities.

The situation has created uncertainty over the constitutional transition of power, as the state legislature’s term is set to end on May 7. Legal experts say that even without a resignation, a new government can be formed if a party proves majority support, but the standoff could lead to prolonged legal and institutional disputes.