Opposition Backs Mamata Banerjee’s Refusal to Resign After Bengal Poll Defeat, BJP Calls It Against Constitutional Norms

Opposition parties on Wednesday supported West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to resign after her party’s defeat in the Assembly elections, while BJP leaders criticised the move as disrespectful to constitutional norms.

Sanjay Raut said Mamata Banerjee’s decision was part of her protest against the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha said refusing to resign after electoral defeat amounted to disregarding constitutional traditions and norms.

BJP Wins 207 Seats, TMC Reduced to 80

The BJP secured a landslide victory in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly by winning 207 seats, ending the uninterrupted 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The TMC managed to win only 80 seats in the election.

On Tuesday, Mamata Banerjee alleged that the poll verdict was “not a people’s mandate but a conspiracy” and refused to resign as Chief Minister.

She also claimed that the TMC was fighting against the Election Commission and not the BJP.

Sanjay Raut Alleges Election Commission Acting Like ‘Slave’ of Centre

Speaking to reporters, Sanjay Raut alleged that the Election Commission had become a “slave” of the Centre.

He said:

“Mamata Banerjee not resigning is part of her agitation against the government (Centre), the Election Commission (EC) and a series of acts against democracy.”

Raut further said:

“We have to come together if we have to unite against the dictatorship of the Centre and the partisan behaviour of the EC or the way the poll body has become slaves of the government.”

He also claimed that many people within the government did not agree with the alleged “degradation of democracy.”

Raut Draws Parallel With Maharashtra Political Crisis

In a Facebook post, Sanjay Raut said Mamata Banerjee’s decision not to resign was fully justified.

He referred to the 2022 Maharashtra political crisis and said the then Chief Justice of India had observed during hearings on petitions related to the disqualification of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs that Uddhav Thackeray could have been reinstated as Chief Minister had he not resigned.

Raut said Uddhav Thackeray had called Mamata Banerjee after the recently concluded polls and extended support to her.

According to him, almost all INDIA bloc leaders had also contacted Banerjee and expressed support.

NCP (SP) Raises Concerns Over Electoral Process

Mahesh Tapase alleged that democratic processes were undermined during the Bengal elections.

He claimed that central agencies and administrative machinery were used to influence the poll outcome.

According to Tapase, institutions and agencies including:

• Election Commission
• CBI
• Income Tax Department
• Enforcement Directorate
• CRPF (Central Reserve Protection Force)

were allegedly used in a manner that pressured the electoral process.

Tapase also alleged that voters were prevented from exercising their franchise freely due to the presence and actions of central forces and agencies.

BJP Hits Back at Opposition Allegations

Mangal Prabhat Lodha strongly rejected the Opposition’s criticism of the electoral process.

He said:

“The nationalist people of Bengal have taught Mamata Didi a strong lesson.”

Lodha further alleged that Mamata Banerjee remained silent on alleged atrocities against Hindus and treated infiltration as a “vote bank issue.”

He claimed:

“Despite holding a constitutional position, she witnessed these incidents without action.”

According to Lodha, anger among voters resulted in the TMC government being “overthrown through the ballot.”

BJP Says Bengal Mandate Reflects Faith in Nationalism

Lodha stated that the elections were fought under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on issues of development and nationalism.

He said the election mandate reflected strong public faith in the BJP.

Lodha also stated:

“Atrocities against Hindus will not be tolerated in the country.”

He added that nationalism and the protection of Hindu interests must be upheld and claimed the Bengal election results had conveyed this message across the country.

Political reactions intensified after Mamata Banerjee refused to resign following the TMC’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections where BJP won 207 seats and TMC secured 80 seats. Opposition leaders including Sanjay Raut and Mahesh Tapase backed Banerjee and alleged misuse of central agencies and the Election Commission, while BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha accused her of disrespecting constitutional norms and claimed Bengal voters had delivered a strong verdict in favour of nationalism and BJP leadership.

Follow MunsifNews24x7 for latest updates.