In a dramatic turn of events, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to remain in office despite her party’s decisive loss culminated in the dissolution of the state legislature. The move came on the final day of the Assembly’s tenure.

Governor R. N. Ravi issued an official notification dissolving the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, invoking constitutional authority under Article 174(2)(b). The brief order stated that the Assembly would stand dissolved with effect from May 7, 2026. The communication was released publicly by Raj Bhavan a day after it was signed.

The development followed Banerjee’s remarks earlier this week, made shortly after her party suffered a heavy defeat in the state elections. Her refusal to submit her resignation triggered sharp reactions from opposition leaders, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party, who demanded her immediate removal.

Addressing the media, Banerjee maintained that she personally had not been defeated and alleged irregularities in the electoral process. She asserted that the victory claimed by the BJP was achieved through unfair means. Declaring that she would neither visit the Raj Bhavan nor offer her resignation, she stood firm on her position.

The constitutional step taken by the Governor effectively brought the Assembly’s term to a close, drawing the curtain on a tense political chapter in the state.