[🇮🇳] West Bengal Election Was Stolen

[Saif]

Date of Event: May 6, 2026

Source: https://en.prothomalo.com/international/india/nrfzh9jzbl

Election was stolen, not won: Kapil Sibal alleges irregularities in West Bengal, backs Mamata Banerjee

ANI
New Delhi, India
Updated: 05 May 2026, 12: 29

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee returns to her residence after she concedes the elections to the BJP, in Kolkata on 4 May 2026.ANI Video Grab

Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal alleged that the Assembly election results in West Bengal were influenced by institutional factors, claiming that the election was "stolen, not won."

In a post on X, Sibal said on Monday that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) was not defeated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but by the role of the Election Commission of India, deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and alleged disenfranchisement of voters.

"West Bengal. TMC was defeated not by the BJP, but by the Election Commission, Central Forces (CAPF), and by the disenfranchisement of 2.5 million voters. This election was stolen, not won. We must stand by Mamta," he said.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal speaks to the media, in New Delhi on 2 May 2026.ANI Video Grab

Sibal's remarks come amid sharp political reactions following the election outcome in the state, with the BJP showcasing a clear majority in West Bengal, sweeping Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress off the political floor, marking a major shift in the state's landscape as Mamata Banerjee's 13 years of rule nears its end.

Earlier, Mamata Banerjee also alleged that the BJP "looted" more than 100 seats and termed the EC "the BJP's commission", calling the victory "immoral" and "illegal".

She said she had complained to the chief officer and Manoj Agrawal, but no action was taken. She termed the conduct of the Election Commission, along with the deployment of Central Forces and the role of the prime minister and home minister, as illegal.

"BJP looted more than 100 seats. The Election Commission is the BJP's commission. I complained to the CO and also Manoj Agrawal, but they are not doing anything. Do you think this is a victory? It is an immoral victory, not a moral victory. Whatever the Election Commission has done, along with the Central Forces and the PM & home minister, is totally illegal. It is loot, loot, loot. We will bounce back," the West Bengal CM told reporters.

As counting progressed across the state's 293 constituencies, the BJP surged far beyond the majority mark of 147 seats, ultimately establishing an overwhelming lead with 206 seats. In stark contrast, the TMC lagged at just 81 seats (including wins and leads), a massive decline from its previously dominant position.​

 

[Saif]

Won’t resign, defeat was a conspiracy: Mamata

TMC chief and the outgoing West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday ruled out stepping down after her party’s assembly poll defeat, alleging that the outcome was the result of a ‘conspiracy’ rather than the people’s mandate, reports Hindustan Times.

www.newagebd.net

Won’t resign, defeat was a conspiracy: Mamata
New Age Desk 06 May, 2026, 00:39

Mamata Banerjee

TMC chief and the outgoing West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday ruled out stepping down after her party’s assembly poll defeat, alleging that the outcome was the result of a ‘conspiracy’ rather than the people’s mandate, reports Hindustan Times.

Addressing a press conference, Mamata claimed the elections were not conducted fairly, accused the BJP of undue interference and using the central forces to ‘capture’ the elections ‘forcefully’, while asserting that her party would challenge the results and continue its political fight, added the report.

‘No question of me resigning, we were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy,’ said Mamata. Healthand wellness

Mamata said that her party will bounce back strongly after loss in the assembly elections.

‘We fought like tigers and will bounce back, but this government’s direct interference is deeply concerning,’ said Mamata Banerjee after the assembly poll loss.

Mamata added that her party’s fight was not just with the BJP but also with the Election Commission of India. She added TMC will be taking action against EC but it will not be something she is going to reveal just now.

‘We are taking action, we will fight back. But the strategy is confidential. We are not going to disclose. Taking action against EC, yet to decide what action,’ said Mamata.

The TMC president said she has learned that some party workers are joining the BJP out of fear, adding she does not mind if it ensures their safety.

‘I don’t mind if, for their safety, my party’s workers join the BJP,’ she said, alleging threats and intimidation.

Mamata says also thanked INDIA bloc leaders for their support and said that she will work together with them but did not reveal the plans further.

‘I am thankful to all INDIA bloc leaders. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Hemant Soren, Tejaswi Yadav and other leaders called me. Akhilesh will come to meet me tomorrow. Now my target is clear. I am a free bird. I had made it clear what will I do with other INDIA bloc leaders,’ said Mamata. Politics

She cautioned the BJP that power is not permanent and history could repeat itself once they are out of office.

Mamata said she has seen governments led by Rajiv Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh, but had never witnessed such ‘atrocities.’​