Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has decided to contest the outcome of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election in the Supreme Court, according to party sources present at a meeting held at her Kalighat residence.

Addressing newly elected and outgoing party legislators, Banerjee reportedly alleged large-scale irregularities in the electoral process and accused both the BJP and the Election Commission of failing to ensure a fair contest. The BJP has secured a decisive majority of over 200 seats in the 294-member Assembly.

Signalling a legal battle ahead, Banerjee said she would approach the apex court to challenge what she described as a compromised mandate. She also indicated that she and former Minister of State for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya, who was defeated in the election, would return to legal practice and pursue the matter through judicial channels.

Despite the electoral setback, Banerjee made it clear that she would not tender her resignation. She characterised her decision as a protest against what she termed an unjust verdict and reiterated her stand that the mandate did not reflect the will of the people.

Her nephew and senior party leader Abhishek Banerjee supported the position, urging party representatives not to relinquish their organisational roles. He also stated that the party would seek judicial remedies regarding incidents of violence reported after the results.

Banerjee further remarked that the Centre was free to impose President’s Rule if it deemed necessary, but said such a move would have to be formally recorded.

In a symbolic directive, she asked party offices across the state to play Rabindra Sangeet on May 9, the day scheduled for the new government’s swearing-in ceremony at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground. She also instructed victorious candidates to remain active in their constituencies and maintain close contact with grassroots supporters.

The developments signal a phase of political and legal confrontation in West Bengal following the change in power.