R. N. Ravi on Thursday dissolved the West Bengal Legislative Assembly following the completion of its term, officially bringing an end to the tenure of the All India Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee.
The move came after the term of the state assembly expired on May 7, according to an official statement issued by Lok Bhavan. With the dissolution of the assembly, Banerjee ceases to hold office as chief minister.
The development follows the declaration of results by the Election Commission of India earlier this week, in which the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a decisive victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The BJP won 207 seats, while the Trinamool Congress was reduced to 80 seats.
"In exercise of the powers conferred upon the Governor under sub-clause (b) of Clause (2) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, Hon'ble Governor of West Bengal, Shri R. N. Ravi, has issued an order dissolving the West Bengal Legislative Assembly with effect from May 7, 2026," the statement said.
The order came into force in accordance with Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution, the statement added.
The Trinamool Congress government, led by Mamata Banerjee, had returned to power in 2021. Following the election results, Banerjee publicly questioned the verdict and alleged that the outcome was "not a mandate but a conspiracy."
Addressing party leaders and supporters earlier this week, Banerjee said she would continue her political fight and strengthen the opposition INDIA bloc at the national level. She also said her party would continue its political campaign both inside and outside the legislature.
