Governor ‘dissolves’ West Bengal assembly after post-poll political standoff, claims report

Reports in a section of media have claimed that West Bengal Governor R N Ravi has dissolved the state Legislative Assembly following a political standoff after the recent election results and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to step down.

According to the reported communication cited by Raj Bhavan, the Governor allegedly invoked Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution of India to dissolve the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal with effect from May 7, 2026. The assembly’s five-year term was otherwise due to expire around midnight on Thursday.

The report claims that the political situation in the state became tense after Mamata Banerjee publicly refused to resign following the election outcome, stating that she did not accept defeat. The move reportedly triggered political controversy and demands from opposition parties for her removal.

It is further claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), having secured a strong mandate in the election, is preparing to form a new government, with a cabinet swearing-in ceremony expected in the coming days.

Legal and constitutional experts, however, note that under normal constitutional practice, a state assembly completes its tenure automatically unless dissolved under specific constitutional provisions, and any transition of power follows established Election Commission procedures.

The Trinamool Congress, according to the report, is also planning to challenge the election results in court.

Source: NDTV