Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee is no longer the Chief Minister of West Bengal after the Governor formally dissolved the state cabinet following the end of the tenure of the outgoing Assembly.
The development marks the end of the Trinamool Congress government’s 15-year rule in the state after the party suffered a major defeat in the recently concluded Assembly elections. The dissolution of the cabinet clears the way for the formation of a new government in the state under the leadership of the victorious alliance.
The constitutional process moved forward after the Election Commission completed the formalities related to the Assembly polls and submitted the list of newly elected legislators to the Governor. With the expiry of the Assembly’s term, the outgoing government automatically ceased to hold office.
The political transition comes amid days of controversy after Mamata Banerjee publicly stated that she would not resign from the post of Chief Minister, alleging irregularities in the election process and claiming that the mandate had been “stolen”. However, constitutional experts maintained that once the Assembly’s tenure ended and the election process was completed, the Governor was empowered to dissolve the cabinet and facilitate the formation of a new government. (The Times of India)
Sources indicated that the Governor is expected to invite the leader of the majority party or alliance to stake claim to form the next government in West Bengal. Preparations are already underway for the swearing-in ceremony of the new administration.
Meanwhile, political activity intensified across Kolkata with senior BJP leaders holding consultations over the selection of the next Chief Minister. Several party leaders and newly elected legislators have reached the state capital for discussions ahead of the formation of the new cabinet.
Security arrangements have also been tightened across key government establishments in Kolkata amid the ongoing political transition. Officials said administrative departments have been instructed to ensure smooth continuity of governance during the interim period.
The end of Mamata Banerjee’s tenure marks a major political shift in West Bengal politics and opens a new chapter in the state’s administration after more than a decade of Trinamool Congress rule.
