Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Thursday, 7 May alleged that All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had shown disrespect to the Constitution by refusing to step down from office, and urged her to seek legal recourse instead of, as he alleged, encouraging violence.

Ashoka's Allegations Against Mamata

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Ashoka accused Banerjee of flouting constitutional norms. "By saying she will not resign, she is disrespecting the Constitution. She wants to create a new drama by asking others to dismiss her. She does not understand the law or the Constitution," he claimed.

Ashoka further alleged that Banerjee was "sticking to the Chief Minister's chair with Fevicol," adding that "any Chief Minister with dignity would resign and leave office." He went on to allege that TMC leaders had murdered Chandranath Rath, a charge he linked to what he described as Banerjee's desire to foment unrest. "She wants riots to happen. That is why TMC leaders murdered Chandranath Rath," he alleged.

On Constitutional Limits and Assembly Dissolution

Ashoka claimed that even if Banerjee chose not to resign, her powers would automatically cease upon the dissolution of the current West Bengal Legislative Assembly. He characterised her conduct as an "arrogance of power," saying she believed she alone should continue as Chief Minister despite, in his words, lacking "basic sense" after years in office.

He also drew a comparison with earlier political leaders who had governed for long stretches, questioning how Banerjee would have reacted had they behaved similarly. "If she has any issue, she should go to court. In the case relating to D.N. Jeevaraj, we too approached the court. Legal battles should be fought this way, not through murders," he said.

Congress Targeted Over Tamil Nadu Alliance Shift

Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, separately trained his fire on the Indian National Congress (Congress), alleging that the party had made a hasty pivot in Tamil Nadu after actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) secured more seats than expected.

Speaking at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state office Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, Narayanaswamy alleged that Congress had "overnight" abandoned its alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to approach TVK seeking ministerial positions. "Leaving its alliance with the DMK, the Congress has reached the condition of beggars," he alleged.

What Comes Next

The BJP's broadside against both Banerjee and Congress signals an intensifying political offensive ahead of assembly cycles in multiple states. Whether Banerjee responds through the courts — as Ashoka has demanded — or escalates the political confrontation will shape the next phase of this standoff.