Elections are over in West Bengal, but the political drama in the state is far from over. A day after losing the election, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee held an angry press conference in Kolkata and accused the BJP and the Election Commission of “forcefully seizing” the elections in Bengal.
Mamata refused to accept defeat and said the BJP “stole” the election, claiming that its victory was the result of a “conspiracy” against the people’s mandate.
The outgoing Prime Minister also criticized the CRPF and the EC, accusing them of supporting the BJP and ensuring the defeat of the TMC. She claimed that she and her workers were prevented from entering counting centers, even though the law allows them to do so. She further alleged that her workers were beaten up by security forces and BJP workers during the elections. Mamata added that she would take action against the European Commission but did not reveal the nature of the action.
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However, amid all the allegations and accusations, Mamata said something that indicates that the Bangladesh election drama may not end anytime soon. She has refused to step down as prime minister, and has questioned why she resigned when she was unfairly defeated.
She said: “There is no doubt about my resignation; we were defeated not by a general mandate but by a conspiracy.”
Can the Prime Minister refuse to resign after losing the elections? What do the rules say?
Mamata said she would hold discussions with other India bloc leaders after the defeat on what to do. It seems that it is determined to challenge the election results, and it is possible that it will sue the European Commission. She and other India bloc leaders may join her in a nationwide protest against the European Commission. These are just some scenarios and there has been no official word from them or from TMC.
However, Mamata not tendering her resignation does not prevent West Bengal from getting a new chief minister.
Read also | ‘Loot 100 seats’: Mamata vows to fight from the streets, says victory ‘morally ours’
The BJP got a clear majority in the West Bengal Assembly, while the TMC lost. Mamata cannot continue as Prime Minister merely by refusing to resign. Under Article 164 of the Constitution of India, the Prime Minister holds office as long as he enjoys the confidence of the Assembly.
Once this majority is lost, its government becomes constitutionally unsustainable. The West Bengal governor could then dismiss Mamata and her cabinet and invite the BJP to form the government. Refusing to resign does not allow her to remain in power indefinitely; Without majority support, she will be removed.
