Raj Bhavan released the official order dissolving the West Bengal Legislative Assembly ahead of the term expiry
Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to step down after her party’s crushing defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections ended in a dramatic political development on Thursday, with Governor RN Ravi dissolving the state legislative assembly ahead of the expiry of its term.
The Raj Bhavan made public an official order issued on Wednesday evening stating that the Assembly stood dissolved with effect from May 7, 2026, under Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution of India.
The order read: “In exercise of the power conferred on me by sub-clause (b) of Clause (2) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, I hereby dissolve the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal with effect from 07th of May 2026.”
Under constitutional provisions, an Assembly automatically ceases to exist after the completion of its five-year term, while the outgoing Council of Ministers can continue in a caretaker capacity until a new government is sworn in.
The development comes after Banerjee declared on Tuesday that she would not resign despite the Trinamool Congress losing power in the state after three consecutive terms in office.
“I have not lost, so I will not go to Raj Bhavan. I will not tender resignation,” Banerjee had told reporters, alleging that the BJP’s electoral victory was the result of “loot” rather than a genuine mandate.
Her remarks triggered sharp political reactions, with BJP leaders demanding immediate action and accusing the chief minister of disregarding democratic norms. Opposition bloc parties, however, rallied behind Banerjee and backed her allegations regarding the conduct of the elections.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress announced that it would move court to challenge the election results, setting the stage for a prolonged political and legal battle in the state.
The dissolution of the Assembly formally closes the chapter on the outgoing government’s tenure while Bengal now awaits the formation of a new administration following the BJP’s decisive electoral victory.
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