Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday refused to step down following her party’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, alleging that the outcome was not a reflection of public mandate but the result of a “conspiracy”.
Addressing a press conference, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief claimed the electoral process was compromised, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of interference and misuse of central forces during polling. “No question of me resigning, we were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy,” she said.
Alleging “direct interference” by the Central government, she said, “This is how they stole elections from Maharashtra, Haryana, Bihar and now Bengal.”
She questioned the integrity of the democratic process, stating, “This is not how democracy works. When the judiciary is not there, when Election Commission is biased and the government wants one-party rule, a wrong message is going to the world.”
The 71-year-old leader also claimed she was physically assaulted at a polling station, which she said prevented her from addressing the media earlier. “I was kicked in the belly and back. The CCTV was off. I was pushed out of the counting station. As a woman I was misbehaved with,” she alleged.
Expressing concern over the conduct of security forces, she added, “If Central forces can behave like this. I have nothing to say. I have seen former BJP governments at the Centre. But nothing like this.”
Banerjee asserted that her party would continue its political fight despite the setback. “We fought like tigers and will bounce back, but this government’s direct interference is deeply concerning,” she added, indicating that the TMC would challenge the outcome through appropriate channels.
She also signalled possible action against the Election Commission of India, alleging bias in the conduct of the elections.
“We are taking action, we will fight back. But the strategy is confidential,” she said, without disclosing specific steps.
Raising concerns over the safety of her party workers, Banerjee claimed that some members were joining the BJP under pressure. “I don’t mind if, for their safety, my party’s workers join the BJP,” she remarked.
The TMC leader thanked leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and others, for their support following the results, and indicated that she would continue coordination with opposition parties.
Warning the BJP against complacency, Banerjee said political power is not permanent and expressed confidence that her party would recover from the defeat.
