UNIPA News(Kolkata)-In the aftermath of a dramatic and deeply controversial election outcome in West Bengal, outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a fierce attack on India’s electoral system, accusing the Election Commission of India of bias, political collusion, and undermining democracy itself.

Speaking at a tense press conference from her residence in Kalighat on Tuesday evening, Mamata Banerjee rejected the legitimacy of the election results and claimed that her party, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), had not truly lost the election. Instead, she alleged that the vote had been “systematically looted” in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The results of the West Bengal Assembly election, announced on Monday, showed a landslide victory for the BJP, which secured 207 out of 293 seats in the state assembly. In contrast, the ruling Trinamool Congress managed to win only 80 seats — a devastating setback for Mamata Banerjee, who had dominated Bengal politics for over a decade.

However, Mamata strongly disputed the credibility of the process. She alleged that the Election Commission had directly facilitated electoral manipulation and claimed that nearly 100 seats had been “stolen” from her party.

“Had this been a fair defeat, we would have accepted it gracefully. Victory and defeat are both part of democracy. But this was not a defeat — this was organized loot,” she declared.

Mamata also accused the central government of attempting to establish one-party rule across India. Questioning the future of democratic institutions in the country, she asked:

“Where will democracy go if institutions no longer function independently? The Election Commission has become the villain of this election.”

She further alleged that the judiciary had failed to protect democratic rights and claimed that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were directly linked to what she described as a politically motivated operation.

According to Mamata, violence began in several areas immediately after television channels started projecting the BJP crossing the 200-seat mark during vote counting. She alleged that BJP workers, accompanied by central security forces, entered counting centers and intimidated opposition representatives.

Describing the events in her own constituency of Bhabanipur, where she lost to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari by more than 15,000 votes, Mamata claimed the counting process had been manipulated.

“I was leading by 13,000 votes initially. We expected to win by over 32,000. Then central forces entered the counting centre and everything changed. They destroyed the environment completely,” she alleged.

She also claimed her convoy was stopped near Jagubazar when she attempted to visit the counting centre and said that written complaints had already been submitted to the authorities.

Despite the crushing defeat, Mamata made it clear that she has no intention of resigning immediately.

“Why should I resign? We did not lose fairly. Votes were forcibly looted. So where does the question of resignation come from?” she said defiantly.

Adopting a combative tone, Mamata portrayed herself as a fighter prepared to return to grassroots politics.

“For years I remained in office and tolerated many things. But now I am a free bird — an ordinary citizen again. I will no longer remain silent. I will fight against every injustice. I came from the streets, and I will return to the streets.”

At the same press conference, Mamata also emphasized the need to strengthen the opposition alliance known as INDIA Alliance. She revealed that several opposition leaders had already contacted her to express solidarity and support.

“The alliance will become even stronger in the coming days. Leaders from across the country are standing with us. Together, we will continue this fight,” she said.

Senior Trinamool leaders including Abhishek Banerjee, Firhad Hakim, Derek O’Brien, and several others were present during the press briefing.

The developments have intensified political tensions across West Bengal and sparked renewed national debate over the independence of democratic institutions, electoral transparency, and the future of opposition politics in India.