West Bengal politics has become highly tense after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged a “civilian coup” following her party’s defeat in the Assembly elections. The BJP, however, dismissed her claims and called them baseless.
Speaking to the media, Banerjee said she would not resign despite the election loss and claimed that the public mandate had been manipulated. She accused the Election Commission of India and the BJP of misleading the democratic process.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), which ruled the state for more than a decade, won only 80 seats this time, while the BJP secured a strong majority by winning 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly.
Banerjee also raised questions over EVMs, claiming that many machines showed “80–90% battery charge” even after long hours of polling. She alleged irregularities during vote counting as well, including CCTV disruptions and attacks on TMC polling agents.
“We were manhandled and kicked in the belly during counting. Even women were not spared,” she said.
She further accused the Election Commission of working under political pressure and claimed that people linked to the BJP were involved in handling the election process.
BJP leaders strongly denied these allegations. Party leader Soumitra Khan said the TMC was making excuses after a major defeat.
“They lost in two-thirds of the seats. The people have given their verdict,” he said.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee supported Mamata Banerjee’s claims and alleged that party workers were attacked during counting and that the process lacked transparency.
Meanwhile, the BJP has started preparations to form the new government. Senior leaders J. P. Nadda and Amit Shah are expected to play an important role in choosing the party’s legislative leader.
According to sources, the swearing-in ceremony may take place on May 9, which is also the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore.
As political tensions continue, attention is now on the transfer of power in West Bengal while both parties continue trading allegations.