Dhaka: Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani has strongly criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for refusing to step down after her party’s defeat in the recent Assembly elections. According to a report by Moneycontrol, his remarks have intensified calls for her removal from office following the electoral outcome.
Jethmalani described Banerjee’s stance as a direct challenge to democratic norms, arguing that once election results are formally certified by the Election Commission, the incumbent government effectively loses its authority. He maintained that continuing in office under such circumstances undermines the democratic process.
In an interview with NDTV, he termed her conduct “unpardonable” and said she should have resigned voluntarily instead of holding on to power. He added that the situation presents grounds for intervention by the Governor, who, according to him, has the authority to dismiss the Chief Minister if she refuses to step down.
Taking a sharper tone, Jethmalani suggested that if Banerjee continues to remain in office, the Governor could take stronger measures to enforce her removal. He argued that once the electoral verdict is finalised, any continued occupancy of the Chief Minister’s position without a mandate is unjustified.
The remarks come amid ongoing political tensions in West Bengal after the Assembly election results, where the ruling Trinamool Congress suffered a significant setback. Banerjee, however, has maintained that she will not resign, asserting that she does not accept the legitimacy of the results.
The controversy has added to the debate over constitutional procedures and political accountability following the election. While the legal framework allows certain processes to unfold, the issue has sparked sharp reactions from political figures and legal experts alike.
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