New Delhi, May 06 : The Election Commission of India on Tuesday formally issued the notification for the constitution of a new legislative assembly in West Bengal after the completion of the recently concluded state elections. The development marks a major constitutional step towards the formation of a new government in the state following the declaration of results.
The notification has been forwarded to the Governor of West Bengal, paving the way for the swearing-in of newly elected legislators and the commencement of the next assembly term. Officials said the process from the Commission’s side now stands completed in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The election witnessed a major political shift in the eastern state, with the Bharatiya Janata Party securing a sweeping victory by crossing the 200-seat mark in the 294-member assembly. The outcome places the BJP in a position to form its first-ever government in West Bengal since Independence.
BJP Set to Form Government in Historic Political Shift
The election results have dramatically altered the political landscape of West Bengal, a state long dominated by regional parties. The BJP’s emphatic victory is being viewed as one of the party’s most significant electoral breakthroughs in eastern India.
Party leaders described the mandate as a decisive endorsement of the BJP’s governance model and development agenda. Senior BJP functionaries are expected to hold discussions regarding the selection of the legislative party leader before the oath-taking ceremony.
Political analysts believe the result could reshape regional politics and strengthen the BJP’s influence in states where it previously struggled to establish a strong electoral base.
EC Says Polling Process Conducted Fairly
A senior Election Commission official stated that the constitutional requirement for constituting the new assembly had been fulfilled following the issuance of the notification.
“With this, the process of constituting the new assembly in West Bengal is complete from the Commission’s end. It enables the next steps in government formation as per laid-down procedures,” the official said.
The official further asserted that the entire election process — from polling to counting — was conducted in a transparent and impartial manner under existing legal provisions.
“The exercise was carried out in a free, fair and transparent manner in line with the statutory framework,” the official added.
The Commission’s remarks came amid allegations raised by the outgoing ruling party regarding irregularities during counting.
Mamata Banerjee Refuses to Resign
Even as the constitutional process moved ahead, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to step down from office, claiming that the election outcome did not reflect the genuine will of the people.
Addressing party workers and media representatives, the Trinamool Congress chief alleged that the verdict was the result of a “conspiracy” and accused the Election Commission of favouring the BJP during the electoral process.
“The question of my resignation does not arise, as we were defeated not by a public mandate but by a conspiracy,” Banerjee said.
She further claimed that her party was effectively fighting not only against the BJP but also against the Election Commission.
“We were not contesting against the BJP alone. We were contesting against the Election Commission which worked for the BJP,” she alleged.
TMC Raises Questions Over Counting Process
The outgoing chief minister alleged large-scale irregularities during vote counting and claimed that the mandate in nearly 100 constituencies had been “looted”.
According to Banerjee, the counting process was intentionally slowed down in several areas to demoralise Trinamool Congress candidates and supporters.
“Why should I resign? We have not lost. Votes have been looted. Where does the question of resignation arise?” she asserted.
The TMC leadership is reportedly reviewing legal and constitutional options following the results. However, the party has not yet formally announced any court challenge regarding the election outcome.
Constitutional Transition Nears Completion
The term of the 17th West Bengal Legislative Assembly is scheduled to end on 7 May 2026. With the completion of the assembly’s tenure, Mamata Banerjee’s current term as chief minister will automatically conclude unless constitutional developments alter the situation.
Officials indicated that the Governor is expected to initiate the next phase of the government formation process shortly by inviting the majority party to stake claim.
The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is likely to take place within the next few days as preparations begin for the transition of power in the state.