West Bengal Governor R. N. Ravi officially dissolved the state Legislative Assembly on May 7 after the completion of its five-year term, bringing an end to the tenure of the outgoing House formed in 2021. The move came amid heightened political tension following the recently concluded Assembly elections in the state.
According to an official notification issued by the Department of Parliamentary Affairs, the dissolution took effect immediately from May 7. The Assembly had been constituted in May 2021 when the All India Trinamool Congress returned to power for a third consecutive term under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The development assumes significance as it comes days after the Assembly election results indicated a major political shift in West Bengal. Reports suggest the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a decisive mandate in the elections, paving the way for the formation of a new government in the state.
The dissolution also ended the constitutional uncertainty surrounding the continuation of the outgoing government. Mamata Banerjee had earlier stated that she would not resign immediately, alleging irregularities in the electoral process and claiming her party had not accepted defeat. Opposition leaders criticised the stand, while constitutional experts pointed out that the Assembly’s tenure was ending automatically under constitutional provisions.
Under Article 172 of the Constitution, a state assembly ceases after the completion of its five-year term unless dissolved earlier. Following dissolution, the outgoing council of ministers can continue in a caretaker capacity until a new government takes oath.
Political activity in Kolkata intensified soon after the notification. BJP leaders announced that the swearing-in ceremony of the new government is expected to be held on May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground. Several senior national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are likely to attend the event.
Meanwhile, security arrangements have been tightened across parts of West Bengal following incidents of post-poll unrest reported from several districts. Police said monitoring and preventive measures are being continued to maintain law and order during the transition of power.
