“Let President’s Rule be imposed, let them dismiss me”: Mamata Banerjee dares Centre

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday reiterated that she would not resign from office despite her party’s defeat in the Assembly elections and said she wanted any removal from office to happen through constitutional action. Speaking amid the ongoing political developments in the state, Banerjee said, “I will not go and resign. Let President’s Rule be imposed if they want. Let it remain on record. Let them dismiss me. I want that day to be remembered as a black day.”

The Trinamool Congress suffered major electoral losses in the Assembly elections, including defeat in Bhabanipur, considered one of Banerjee’s strongest political bases. Banerjee lost the constituency to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari by more than 15,000 votes. Referring to the post-election atmosphere, Banerjee alleged that both she and Firhad Hakim were targeted. She said, “They attacked me, they attacked Bobby as well. Even if we have been defeated here, Delhi is our next target. The entire INDIA alliance team will fight together.”

Banerjee also raised allegations regarding the conduct of the election process and targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with the central leadership. She said, “I trust the people. Gyanesh Kumar is the real villain. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister are directly involved in this situation. Today, I feel like laughing. Morally, I have defeated them.” Her remarks came amid continuing political tensions in the state following the declaration of the Assembly election results.