Humayun Kabir, National President of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and MLA-elect from Rejinagar, on Wednesday, 6 May, launched a sharp attack on outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for refusing to step down following a devastating election loss, calling her an "ill-mannered woman" with "no sense of decency."

Kabir made the remarks while addressing supporters during a victory procession in the Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad, where large crowds had gathered to celebrate his win. He also secured victory in the Nowda seat.

Kabir's Direct Attack on Mamata Banerjee

Speaking to reporters and addressing the gathering, Kabir was unsparing in his criticism. "She has no shame, no sense of decency. She is an ill-mannered woman. That is why, after losing the election, she said she would not accept defeat," he said.

Kabir further warned that the constitutional process would override any refusal by Banerjee to vacate her post. "When the oath-taking ceremony takes place, the chair will automatically be given to the new Chief Minister. If she does not accept this, the Governor will have to push her out," he added.

In a pointed jibe, Kabir suggested Banerjee pursue spiritual activities instead of clinging to power. "Mamata Banerjee should now go to the temple she built in New Digha and chant the name of Hari there," he said.

Scale of the BJP Victory

The electoral outcome was a historic rout for the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). In the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, where the majority mark stands at 148, results were declared for 293 constituencies on Monday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 206 seats, comfortably crossing the majority threshold, while the TMC managed just 81 seats.

Most strikingly, Mamata Banerjee herself lost her Bhabanipur seat to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari by a margin of over 15,000 votes. The TMC failed to win a single seat in ten districts, including Cooch Behar, East Midnapore, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling, and lost all tribal and Matua-dominated constituencies.

Repolling is scheduled in the Falta seat of South 24 Parganas district on 21 May, with counting due on 24 May, as announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Kabir Praises Election Commission

Kabir also dismissed allegations of electoral misconduct and praised the ECI for overseeing a peaceful process. "Why should anyone blame the ECI? The ECI has conducted such a peaceful polling. I congratulate CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Earlier, the elections used to be conducted in several phases, so many people used to be killed and injured during the process. However, this time the elections were peaceful, and there was no problem," he said.

Public Mood and What Comes Next

Kabir attributed the large turnout at his victory procession to deep-seated public anger against the TMC. "The atmosphere is like this because TMC is finished in this state. The same TMC that oppressed the people, also looted them. Today, since the TMC is finished in the state, people in large numbers gathered to celebrate with me," he said.

With the BJP well past the majority mark, attention now turns to the formation of the new government and the oath-taking ceremony, which Kabir indicated would proceed regardless of Banerjee's stated position. The transition of power in West Bengal is expected to be closely watched, given the state's politically charged history.