Mamata Tweaks Social Media Bio After Losing Bengal Power to BJP

The bio changed on a day BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the chief minister after the saffron party trounced the Trinamool Congress in the elections for the 18th West Bengal assembly.

Banerjee, who led the All India Trinamool Congress to power for the first time in 2011, ending the 34-year Left Front rule in the state, had been the leader of the House in the three previous assemblies.

Notably, Banerjee avoided using the word “former” in her updated social media bio. Her profile change came after criticism on social media over her continuing to identify herself as Chief Minister even after the election results were declared.

Despite the TMC's electoral defeat, Banerjee did not resign as Chief Minister after the poll results were announced, alleging irregularities in the election process and claiming that discrepancies and manipulation in nearly 100 seats contributed to her party's loss.

Senior TMC leaders have also alleged misuse of central agencies and irregularities during counting and polling, charges rejected by the Election Commission of India and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Addressing a press conference earlier this week, Banerjee claimed the TMC had won the elections “morally” and asserted that she would not step down under pressure. She also hinted at returning to grassroots politics and protest movements, saying she was once “on the streets” and would return there again.

Banerjee ceased to hold office after Governor R. N. Ravi dissolved the Assembly following the completion of its five-year term on May 7.

The BJP bagged 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, while the TMC’s tally dropped sharply from 215 seats in 2021 to 80 seats in the latest election.