Bengal Governor Has Dissolved The Assembly, Does Mamata Banerjee’s Resignation Still Matter?

Last Updated:May 08, 2026, 14:50 IST

Mamata Banerjee has called the Bengal election results a "conspiracy" and a "loot" of votes. Does her resignation matter after the Governor dissolved the assembly? News18 explains

Governor RN Ravi officially dissolved the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on May 7, even as outgoing chief minister of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government Mamata Banerjee refused to tender her resignation.

So does her resignation matter now? News18 explains.

What happened after Bengal assembly election results were announced?

The BJP won a historic majority with 207 seats, ending 15 years of TMC rule. Banerjee has called the results a “conspiracy" and a “loot" of votes, signaling that the TMC may challenge the outcome in the Supreme Court.

To ensure a stable transition, the Chief Secretary has issued orders barring the removal of any files from the state secretariat

Does Mamata’s resignation matter now?

No. Her refusal to resign has become a symbolic gesture rather than a legal hurdle.

The term of the 17th Assembly expired at midnight on May 7. Upon dissolution, her tenure as Chief Minister effectively ended by law.

Mamata Banerjee Won’t Resign, Can TMC Still Claim The Post Of Opposition Leader In Bengal Assembly?

While she may technically remain in a transitional “caretaker" capacity to prevent an administrative vacuum, she no longer has the constitutional authority to make major policy decisions or govern as a regular CM.

Legal experts note that since there is no longer a House for the government to be responsible to, her personal refusal to visit the Raj Bhavan does not stop the constitutional process from moving forward.

Can she be dismissed?

Yes, and it has already effectively happened.

Under Article 164 of the Constitution, the Chief Minister holds office “during the pleasure of the Governor". Since her party lost the majority (securing only 80 seats against the BJP’s 207), the Governor has the authority to formally dismiss the cabinet.

Governor R.N. Ravi has already issued a notification dissolving the cabinet along with the Assembly, clearing the path for a new government.

The Governor is expected to invite the leader of the majority party (BJP) to form the next government. A new Chief Minister—with Suvendu Adhikari currently considered the frontrunner—is scheduled to take the oath of office on May 9, 2026.

KEY FAQs

Does Mamata Banerjee’s resignation matter if the assembly is dissolved?

Banerjee would still normally submit her resignation, even after dissolution, until alternative arrangements are made.

Can a chief minister be dismissed after dissolution?

The governor can dismiss a chief minister if they lose constitutional legitimacy or refuse to resign, even when the assembly stands dissolved.

Who runs the state after dissolution?

Usually the outgoing chief minister and council of ministers continue in a caretaker role until a new government is formed or President’s Rule is imposed.

With agency inputs

News explainers Bengal Governor Has Dissolved The Assembly, Does Mamata Banerjee’s Resignation Still Matter?

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