Tension escalated in Kolkata after a bulldozer demolished a structure at the iconic New Market following recent poll results. The Trinamool Congress claimed the razed structure was a market union office linked to the party, while allegations also surfaced about nearby meat shops being targeted. A video shared by Mahua Moitra showed a crowd waving Bharatiya Janata Party flags during the demolition. Authorities have not confirmed the exact nature of the structure. The incident adds to rising post-election tensions and competing political claims across Bengal.

Himanta Biswa Sarma said Mamata Banerjee should be dismissed if she refuses to resign after her party’s defeat in West Bengal. He asserted the governor would wait briefly before acting, stressing governance cannot depend on individual choice. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 206 seats, while the Trinamool Congress secured 80. Banerjee denied defeat and alleged irregularities, but Sarma rejected these claims, citing lack of proof and Supreme Court backing of voter roll revision. Experts note dismissal is possible but subject to constitutional checks, with the governor expected to invite the majority party to form government. (PC: NDTV)

Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to resign after the Trinamool Congress lost the Assembly election has triggered a potential constitutional crisis in West Bengal. Experts say the governor may seek her resignation and, if denied, invoke Article 356 to impose President’s Rule, citing breakdown of constitutional machinery. The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a landslide majority, defeating Banerjee in Bhabanipur. Constitutional norms require a CM to retain Assembly confidence, which TMC lacks. Analysts warn her resistance could create unprecedented uncertainty, though President’s Rule may be briefly imposed before the BJP forms government.

Post-poll violence erupted across West Bengal despite the BJP’s landslide victory, with reports of arson, vandalism, clashes, and at least one alleged killing. The Trinamool Congress accused BJP cadres of attacking workers and offices in areas like Tollygunge, Kasba, Howrah, and Birbhum, while the BJP denied involvement, blaming internal TMC rivalries. Mamata Banerjee ordered a fact-finding probe as tensions escalated. The Election Commission of India had earlier termed the elections peaceful, but violence intensified after results. The unrest underscores Bengal’s entrenched cycle of electoral violence, raising concerns over law and order despite heavy deployment of central forces.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has won one seat in the West Bengal Assembly, ending its five-year drought. CPI(M) candidate Mostafizur Rahaman defeated Humayun Kabir of the Trinamool Congress in Domkal. He won by 16,296 votes. The party had won zero seats in 2021. This victory removes that record. The Left Front also saw the Indian Secular Front retain one seat. The Left’s support has declined since 2011. However, this result shows a small return for the party in the state. (PC: Facebook)

Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is planning talks with Congress, Left and smaller parties to form a government. TVK won 108 seats but needs 118 for a majority. Sources said the party may reach out soon. Congress leader Sasikanth Senthil said, “We will take a considered and collective decision.” He added that any move will be in Tamil Nadu’s interest. TVK shocked rivals by defeating the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The party also ended decades of dominance by major regional parties. Talks may decide the next government soon. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, “We did not fight the BJP, we fought the EC.” She accused the Election Commission of India of helping the Bharatiya Janata Party win. Banerjee claimed she was “kicked, pushed and manhandled” inside a counting centre. She also said vote counting was delayed to favour the BJP. The EC has not replied to these claims. The BJP won 207 seats, while TMC got 80. Banerjee said, “We were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy.” She added opposition parties will now work together. (PC: ANI)

Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged she was assaulted by central forces at a counting centre in Bhabanipur, claiming she was “kicked in the belly and backside” and “thrown out”. Addressing a press conference, the Trinamool Congress chief said, “I was kicked in the belly and back… pushed out of the counting station.” She accused CRPF personnel of misconduct and called them “goons”. Mamata refused to accept the election result, alleging large-scale irregularities, and reiterated that she would not resign despite the defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. (PC: India Today)

Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday refused to resign after her party’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, alleging the outcome was the result of a “conspiracy” and not the people’s mandate. Addressing a press conference, the Trinamool Congress chief accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of “forcefully capturing” the polls with the help of central forces, and raised concerns over the role of the Election Commission of India. She said the party would challenge the results and continue its political fight, asserting, “We fought like tigers and will bounce back.” 

Actor-politician Vijay may hold talks with Congress and Left parties to form a government in Tamil Nadu after his party fell short of a majority, sources said. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 108 seats, below the 118 mark. Sources said TVK could reach out to Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML for support. Congress leader Sasikanth Senthil said the party will take a final decision after consultations. TVK has already elected Vijay as its legislative leader following its strong debut in the state. (PC: India Today)