West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi dissolved the state's Legislative Assembly on 8 May 2026, triggering a wave of support from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and allies, who described the move as a constitutionally mandated step following the electoral defeat of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. The BJP, which reportedly secured 207 of 294 Assembly seats, is set to form the government on 9 May 2026.

BJP Leaders Cite Constitutional Grounds

BJP MP Khagen Murmu said the Governor had invoked Article 174 of the Constitution to dissolve the Assembly. "As per the Constitution, Article 174 was invoked today. The Governor had already dissolved the Legislative Assembly. For so many days, why was Mamata Banerjee sitting on it? The people of the entire country are laughing. She was not accepting the people's verdict and was insulting the people here," Murmu said.

Telangana BJP President N. Ramchandra Rao described the dissolution as a "constitutional necessity," citing Article 172, which governs the five-year term of state legislatures. "What has happened in Bengal is merely a constitutional procedure, wherein a government elected for a five-year term has now been dissolved," Rao said.

Mamata Banerjee Accused of Defying Electoral Verdict

BJP MP Rahul Sinha said Banerjee should have resigned after the electoral outcome went against her, including in her own constituency of Bhabanipur. "Mamata Banerjee should have had at least this much dignity. When the people's verdict came and she lost, even in Bhabanipur, she should have accepted it and resigned. Even if she did not resign, what happened? She was removed. This was such a great humiliation, but Mamata Banerjee does not realise it," Sinha told IANS.

According to Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, speaking from Mumbai, the scale of the TMC's defeat made Banerjee's continued hold on office untenable. "Mamata Banerjee lost her own home turf Bhabanipur, 23 of the 35 Trinamool ministers were defeated, and 63 per cent of the Cabinet has been wiped out. Her refusing to step down was an act of desperation," she said.

Key Figures Across States Weigh In

Uttar Pradesh Minister O.P. Rajbhar said constitutional norms left the Governor no choice. "It is certain that Mamata was not following the Constitution. The authority to form the government rests with the Governor. Therefore, the Governor exercised his constitutional powers and dissolved the Assembly," Rajbhar said.

Telangana BJP leader T.R. Srinivas said 7 May 2026 marked the last date of the TMC government's tenure and argued that Banerjee had failed to follow the constitutional convention of handing over charge as a caretaker Chief Minister. Bihar Minister Shrawon Kumar added tersely: "Everyone should follow the law. Those who do not follow the law have to face the consequences."

What Happens Next

With the Assembly dissolved, the BJP is expected to proceed with government formation on 9 May 2026. The party's reported tally of 207 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly gives it a comfortable majority. All eyes are now on the swearing-in ceremony and whether the outgoing TMC government mounts any legal challenge to the Governor's action.