West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declined to step down a day after her party’s electoral loss to the BJP, setting the stage for a potential constitutional impasse that may require the intervention of Governor RN Ravi.

The Trinamool Congress chief, who was seeking a fourth straight term, asserted that she does not accept the verdict as legitimate and therefore sees no reason to submit her resignation. Addressing the media, she maintained that the BJP’s victory was the result of large-scale “loot” rather than a genuine public mandate.

Banerjee argued that the outcome did not reflect the will of the people and accused authorities of manipulating the process. She alleged that key institutions, including the Election Commission, had acted in a biased manner. According to her, the real contest was not between her party and the BJP, but between the Trinamool and what she described as a compromised system.

The Chief Minister also claimed that irregularities had taken place at the constituency level. Referring to her loss in Bhabanipur to former associate-turned-BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, she alleged widespread electoral malpractice. She further accused central forces of misconduct at a polling station, stating she was physically pushed and prevented from functioning freely.

With the term of the current Assembly nearing its end, attention has now shifted to the constitutional procedure ahead. Sources familiar with election rules indicate that if the BJP formally stakes claim and demonstrates majority support before the expiry of the Assembly’s tenure, the Governor can invite it to form the next government without the need for President’s Rule.

Banerjee, however, signalled that her party is preparing to challenge the developments politically. She said the Trinamool would constitute a fact-finding panel to examine alleged incidents of violence and vandalism targeting its workers after the results. She stopped short of revealing her immediate political strategy but indicated that discussions were underway with allies.

In a significant development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi publicly supported Banerjee’s allegations, warning that the situation in Bengal represented a broader threat to democratic institutions. He urged opposition parties to look beyond regional rivalries and treat the matter as a national concern.

The BJP, which secured a comfortable majority in the Assembly, has rejected all charges of manipulation and has begun preparations to form the government.

As political rhetoric intensifies, the coming days are expected to determine whether the transition of power proceeds smoothly or moves into a legal and constitutional battle.