Pritam Sarbabidya

Whether in Kerala, Tamil Nadu or Bengal, the first lesson of any election analysis is not to attack the voter. Instead, try to understand why they voted in the way they did, and learn and adapt.

As you’ve seen, Congress workers in West Bengal were finally reclaiming party offices seized by TMC back in 2011. But the real question is this: even after years of intimidation under Mamata Banerjee, why did Congress and other parties stay silent? Because their hatred for BJP and Hindus runs deeper than their commitment to democracy, constitutional values, or even their own workers.

Breaking: Trump breaks with diplomatic precedent to congratulate PM Modi on Bengal election win US Presidents do not traditionally comment on state election results “The President congratulates PM Modi on this recent, historic, and decisive election victory,” says WH Spokesman

The thing with Mamata Banerjee is her sudden irrelevance in the larger scheme of things. Out of power, she’s only relevant in the news cycles until the next big event. She’s not a national leader, not a contender in any state now, so the theatrics won’t help. Same for her MPs.

So Mamata doesn’t want to resign on moral grounds. Fair enough. Next time we should have the Church conduct elections and not the Election Commission.

Even these are only fragments of what truly unfolded on the ground, especially across suburban and rural Bengal during the post poll violence. What followed was not just legal work. It was the beginning of a massive road ahead, a ticking time bomb, a relentless race against time.

A smooth & peaceful transfer of power is the essence of a democracy where the will of the people is supreme. Mamata Banerjee should not tarnish her own reputation & re think this ridiculous decision & submit her resignation

@theskindoctor13 @anooshkabathwal Even Nabanna will be replaced, and the new government will most probably use Writer's Building as the state secretariat

@anooshkabathwal Trust her insanity to physically occupy the office and refuse to vacate it.

Mamata Banerjee is attempting a Donald Trump-style 2020 move, refusing to resign after a clear defeat, risking a constitutional crisis. What happens next? Once the EC notifies results and the incumbent has clearly lost the majority, the Governor of an Indian state must invite the leader of the majority party or coalition to form the government. If a CM refuses to resign after losing majority, the Governor has discretionary power to simply dismiss the CM and Council of Ministers. If the CM still refuses to vacate, it won’t work, administration, including the two most powerful beaurocrats of a state, Chief Secretary and DGP, shifts loyalty to the new government, as they are bound by oath to the Constitution, not the incumbent, and the outgoing CM is simply escorted out if needed.

Let's understand why she's doing this. At first glance, it may seem as if she has lost her rationality. Nothing can be further from the truth. Mamata is anything but irrational. The purpose of her defiance is manifold. She is doing what Trump did after 2020 elections. The claim that she "didn't lose" but was the victim of machination is the only way she can still project strength after a demoralising loss. Projecting strength is of vital importance for Mamata, because TMC is a party sans any ideological mooring. If she fails to show strength in arguably her toughest moment of political career, TMC will disintegrate and the party will cease to exist. So, she's doing what she has done whenever faced with a challenge. She's playing the victim card, and forcing the Indian State to remove her from power, as per the procedure. She will then mint martyrdom from that eventuality and try and keep her flock together. It's a politically astute move.

Such a graceless and pathetic press conference by Smt Mamata Banerjee. Introspect and look into your heart as to why the people of Bengal rejected you so vehemently. Please don’t embarrass yourself any further and make way for the progress of Bengal and our country. Go away madam and please don’t come back.

My advice to the @BJP4India : don’t make a weakling the Bengal Chief Minister and create a puppet show: Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh should make you happy playing with a remote! Choose someone who will change Bengal and not someone who will change for you!

ED issues look out notice to Kolkata Police DCP: Officials

Once the Trinamool Congress is removed from power in West Bengal, one of the first orders of business must be the constitution of a Commission of Inquiry to examine the conduct of police officers and other law enforcement personnel who perpetrated atrocities against ordinary citizens and political opponents alike.

When people vote for Congress, it is “democracy”. When people vote for BJP, it is “mandate theft”. This man @RahulGandhi spends half his political life berating India on foreign soil, questioning Indian institutions, insulting Indian voters, propagating Chinese theories and then suddenly remembers “this is about India” when the result does not suit him. No, Rahul. India is not in danger because people rejected your allies. Indian democracy is not dying because Bengal and Assam voted differently from your script. The real arrogance is believing that the voter is wise only when he votes for you, and compromised when he votes against you. So spare us the drama about “India”. This is not about India. This is about Rahul Gandhi discovering that even his own allies are bigger political players than him. And let’s be honest. You, Rahul, wanted Mamata Banerjee weakened more than anyone else. Because every TMC defeat meant one less challenger to your fragile claim over the INDI alliance leadership. Your entitlement lost. Your Soros funds and radical-left ecosystem lost. Your attempt to convert electoral defeat into institutional conspiracy has lost. And once again, the Indian voter has reminded the Congress dynasty that democracy does not exist to keep Rahul Gandhi relevant.

@JethmalaniM @sportslawyerIND @impriyankabjp @UnSubtleDesi 17. So when you celebrate the victory in Bengal, think of and thank all those victims of brutality who paid the price for their religious and political beliefs literally with blood, sweat and tears. Never again should this happen anywhere in Bharat.

For those crying over SIR : TMC won 13 out of 20 seats with highest voter deletions.

Strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals. Targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable. India stands in firm solidarity with the UAE and reiterates its support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy. Ensuring safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for enduring regional peace, stability and global energy security.

The ‘Liberal’ meltdown over Bengal is particularly satisfying. Their principles end at Bengal’s borders. Corruption, state power, sexual violence matter everywhere else. In Bengal it becomes “culture”. And those fake feminist netas can’t hide. My piece: ndtv.com/opinion/what-t…

Incredible! West Bengal feels like one big happy family this morning. Strangers smiling at each other, morning walkers hugging. Hope it lasts :)