Even after the West Bengal Assembly was formally dissolved, Mamata Banerjee continues to describe herself as “Chief Minister” on her social media profiles, sparking fresh political debate. The development comes amid a dramatic power shift in the state, with the governor’s order ending her government’s tenure.
Following the expiry of the Mamata Banerjee-led government’s term on May 7, Governor R N Ravi issued a notification on Thursday dissolving the Assembly as per constitutional procedure. Technically, this marks the end of her tenure as Chief Minister. However, a glance at her social media accounts shows that her bio still carries the designation “Chief Minister,” indicating no visible change in her public positioning.
Banerjee had earlier refused to accept the election outcome as a defeat, alleging a conspiracy and asserting that she would not resign from the post. Her stance drew widespread criticism, with opposition leaders and political observers questioning the constitutional propriety of such a position. She had even remarked that she would not step down, regardless of developments, including the possibility of President’s Rule.
The situation has drawn comparisons with 2011, when a major political transition took place in West Bengal. After the Left Front’s 34-year rule ended, then Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee accepted the verdict without dispute and promptly submitted his resignation to the governor. He later publicly acknowledged the people’s mandate and the shortcomings of his government.
In contrast, the current political transition in 2026 has been marked by heightened tension. The BJP’s decisive victory has brought a change in power, but Banerjee’s refusal to resign voluntarily has kept the political atmosphere charged.
Despite no longer holding office after the Assembly’s dissolution, her unchanged social media bio has added a symbolic dimension to the ongoing controversy—suggesting that, at least digitally, she continues to project herself as the Chief Minister.
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