'Why Will I Resign’: Mamata Banerjee Rejects Defeat, Says ‘We Haven’t Lost the Election’

Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee has clearly said that she will not resign after her party's defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, she stated that her party did not truly lose and claimed it was a "moral victory."

She said there is no reason for her to step down and insisted that the election results do not reflect the real will of the people.

Strong Allegations Against Election Commission

Banerjee strongly criticised the Election Commission of India, accusing it of bias and unfair conduct during the elections.

She claimed that her party's main fight was not against the BJP, but against the Election Commission. According to her, the election process was manipulated and unfair.

Banerjee also raised concerns about voter lists, alleging that millions of names were removed and later partially restored, while new names were added without proper clarity.

Claims of Violence and Intimidation

The TMC leader alleged that there was widespread violence during both campaigning and vote counting. She claimed that her party workers were attacked and threatened in several areas.

Banerjee also accused political opponents of targeting vulnerable groups, including women and families from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. She questioned the role of security forces, saying they did not act properly to stop the violence.

Allegations of Personal Misconduct

In a serious claim, Banerjee said she herself faced physical mistreatment during the counting process. She alleged that she was not allowed to move freely and was pushed out of the counting centre.

She expressed concern over how she was treated and questioned where such complaints could be taken if institutions fail to act.

Media Also Comes Under Criticism

Banerjee also criticised sections of the media. She claimed that early reporting during vote counting created a narrative that influenced events on the ground.

According to her, such coverage encouraged further tension and violence during the counting process.

Determined to Continue the Fight

Despite the defeat, Banerjee appeared confident and determined. She said her party fought strongly and will continue to do so in the future.

She added that her focus is not on power or position, but on the people. She promised that her party would recover and come back stronger.

Support from INDIA Alliance Leaders

Banerjee said she received support from several leaders of the INDIA alliance after the election results. These include Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Hemant Soren, Tejashwi Yadav, and Akhilesh Yadav.

She said these leaders assured her that they stand with her and the alliance will remain united.

Fact-Finding Committee to Probe Violence

The TMC has formed a 10-member committee to investigate reports of post-election violence. The team will visit affected areas and gather information about incidents where party offices were attacked or taken over.

Banerjee also mentioned that even offices linked to her party leaders were damaged.

Warning to BJP and Message on Democracy

Banerjee warned the BJP about the future, saying that political situations can change over time. She questioned whether a system with only one dominant party is good for democracy.

She stressed the importance of opposition and said that democratic values must be protected.

In the end, Banerjee thanked her supporters and voters. She also expressed regret for those who, according to her, could not vote.
She said her party fought strongly at every step and will continue to stand for its beliefs.