‘Now, I am a free bird’: Mamata Banerjee vows to fight BJP ‘anywhere, everywhere’, promises comeback

TMC chief and outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday made it clear she will not step down following her party’s defeat in the Assembly elections, claiming the results do not reflect the people’s mandate.

Addressing a press conference today, Banerjee alleged that the electoral process was compromised and accused the BJP of interference, including the use of central forces to influence voting. She maintained that the outcome was not a fair reflection of public opinion.

“No question of me resigning. We were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy,” said Mamata.

She added that despite the setback, her party would regroup and return stronger. “We fought like tigers and will bounce back, but this government’s direct interference is deeply concerning,” she said.

Action against Election Commission on cards

Banerjee also signalled a confrontation with the Election Commission of India, stating that her party is preparing to take action, though specifics have not yet been disclosed.

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“We are taking action, we will fight back. But the strategy is confidential. we are not going to disclose. Taking action against EC, yet to decide what action,” she said.

She further claimed that some party workers are switching sides due to fear and pressure, suggesting that safety concerns are influencing political decisions at the grassroots level.

“I don’t mind if, for their safety, my party’s workers join the BJP,” she said.

Thanks INDIA bloc leaders, hints at plans

The TMC leader acknowledged support from key figures within the opposition alliance, naming Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Hemant Soren and Tejashwi Yadav for reaching out after the results.

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She said she intends to work closely with them, but did not elaborate on the next steps.

“I am thankful to all INDIA bloc leaders. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Hemant Soren, Tejaswi Yadav and other leaders called me. Akhilesh will come to meet me tomorrow. Now my target is clear.I was earlier in the chair, so I tolerated all atrocities of BJP. But now, I am a free bird, can fight anywhere and everywhere,” said Mamata.

‘Power is not permanent,’ warns BJP

Banerjee also issued a warning to the BJP, saying that political power is temporary and can shift with time. Drawing from her experience, she referred to past governments led by Rajiv Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, stating that she had not seen such “atrocities” before.

Her remarks come at a time when the state’s political landscape is set for a major shift, with the TMC preparing to challenge the results while repositioning itself in opposition.