West Bengal Elections: With this move, outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is no longer in office, despite her refusal to resign in the run-up to the dissolution.
West Bengal Elections: A dramatic constitutional development unfolded in West Bengal after the governor issued a notification dissolving the state Legislative Assembly under Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution. The order stated, “I hereby dissolve the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal with effect from 7th May, 2026,” formally ending the tenure of the House and the elected government. With this move, outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is no longer in office, despite her refusal to resign in the run-up to the dissolution.
What Led To Dissolution Of West Bengal Assembly?
The governor exercised powers under Article 174(2)(b), which allows for the dissolution of a State Legislative Assembly. Once an Assembly is dissolved, it ceases to exist, and the process of forming a new government or holding fresh elections begins.
In constitutional terms, dissolution means the elected legislature no longer exists. This automatically ends the tenure of the Council of Ministers as well, including the Chief Minister. From this point, the state transitions into a caretaker administrative phase where elected political authority is replaced by constitutional and bureaucratic mechanisms until a new government is formed.
Who Runs West Bengal Now?
In the absence of an elected government, the governor becomes the key constitutional authority in the state. However, the governor does not run day-to-day administration directly. Instead, governance continues through the state bureaucracy, led by the Chief Secretary and senior officials. These officials manage routine administration, ensure continuity of governance and implement existing policies without political direction from a Council of Ministers.
