Refusing to step down after the Trinamool Congress’ defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that the verdict did not reflect the will of the people, but was the result of a “conspiracy”.
Addressing a press conference in Kalighat today, the outgoing chief minister questioned the fairness of the electoral process and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of influencing the outcome. She claimed that central forces were deployed in a manner that enabled the elections to be “captured” “forcefully”, adding that her party would challenge the results and continue its political battle.
“No question of me resigning, we were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy,” said Mamata.
She struck a combative note while speaking about the party’s future, asserting that the TMC would regroup despite the setback. “We fought like tigers and will bounce back, but this government’s direct interference is deeply concerning,” said Mamata Banerjee after the assembly poll loss.
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Action against EC on cards
The TMC chief indicated that her party is preparing to take action against the Election Commission of India, although she did not elaborate on the nature of the move.
“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.
Banerjee also spoke about reports of party workers shifting allegiance to the BJP, suggesting that fear and pressure were factors behind such decisions. “I don’t mind if, for their safety, my party’s workers join the BJP,” she said, alleging threats and intimidation.
Also Read | Bengal’s public trust in TMC erodes after repeated legal defeats
কালীঘাটে সাংবাদিক সম্মেলনে | Addressing the Press from Kalighat. https://t.co/pgpnNECkpV
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 5, 2026
Outreach to INDIA bloc leaders
Banerjee said she had received calls from several leaders of the opposition alliance and expressed gratitude for their support. Among those she named were Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Hemant Soren and Tejashwi Yadav.
“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 am a free bird. I had made it clear what will I do with other INDIA bloc leaders,” said Mamata.
