ElectionUpdate – West Bengal Assembly Dissolved After Constitutional Deadlock Ends
ElectionUpdate – West Bengal entered a new political phase on Thursday after Governor RN Ravi officially dissolved the state Legislative Assembly following the expiry of its term and the ongoing constitutional impasse involving the outgoing government.
The order was issued under Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution of India after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declined to step down despite the Trinamool Congress suffering a major setback in the recently concluded Assembly elections. Election results for the state were announced on May 4.
According to the notification released by the Raj Bhavan, the Assembly ceased to exist with effect from May 7, 2026. The move formally ended days of political uncertainty that had created tension across the state administration and political circles.
Governor Invokes Constitutional Authority
The dissolved Assembly had originally been formed in May 2021, when the Trinamool Congress secured a third consecutive victory under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. However, the latest election outcome significantly altered the political landscape in the state.
Article 174(2)(b) grants a state governor the authority to dissolve the Legislative Assembly. The constitutional provision is generally exercised when an Assembly’s term expires or when a government is unable to continue with a majority mandate.
Political observers described the decision as a constitutional necessity after disagreements over the transition of power continued beyond the election process.
BJP Legislature Meeting Scheduled in Kolkata
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the formation of the next government in West Bengal. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to arrive in Kolkata on Friday to oversee the Bharatiya Janata Party legislature party meeting, where the party is likely to elect its legislative leader.
The oath-taking ceremony for the incoming chief minister is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Brigade Parade Ground, one of Kolkata’s largest public venues. Security arrangements across the city are being strengthened ahead of the high-profile political event.
The upcoming government formation marks a significant political development in West Bengal, where electoral contests between the BJP and Trinamool Congress have intensified over recent years.
Murder Investigation Continues in North 24 Parganas
In a separate incident, West Bengal Police recovered one of the two motorcycles allegedly used in the killing of Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
Rath was attacked near a tea stall in Madhyamgram, located in North 24 Parganas district, on Wednesday. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance camera footage collected from nearby areas to identify those involved in the crime.
Police officials confirmed that no arrests had been made at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing, with forensic teams and local police units coordinating efforts to trace the suspects.
The incident has triggered strong political reactions, with several BJP leaders demanding swift action and enhanced security for party workers and associates.
Political Atmosphere Remains Sensitive
The dissolution of the Assembly and the parallel criminal investigation have together kept West Bengal at the center of national political attention. Authorities are maintaining close monitoring of law-and-order conditions as the state prepares for the transition to a new administration.
Constitutional experts noted that the governor’s decision follows established legal provisions and is intended to ensure administrative continuity during a change in government.
The coming days are expected to be crucial as the BJP formally prepares to assume power and the state administration adjusts to a new political leadership after years of Trinamool Congress rule.