West Bengal Governor RN Ravi dissolved the state Legislative Assembly and Cabinet on Thursday, invoking Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution, two days after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to resign following her party's election defeat. The order, issued from Lok Bhavan, took immediate effect and paves the way for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form a new government after securing a two-thirds majority in the May 4 polls.

The BJP, which has never governed West Bengal, is set to take oath on May 9, marking a historic shift in the state's political landscape. The Chief Ministerial candidate has not been officially named, but Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari is widely expected to be sworn in. Other potential names include state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, and former Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta.

Mamata Banerjee, now the outgoing Chief Minister, had asserted she would not submit a formal resignation, questioning the legitimacy of the election results. However, constitutional protocol allows the Governor to dissolve the Assembly after a clear electoral outcome, regardless of resignation status. The Election Commission has certified the results, and no official challenge has been filed.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place on May 9, with senior BJP leaders expected to attend. Central leadership has taken direct charge of the transition, underscoring the significance of the victory in a traditionally non-BJP stronghold.

The new government is expected to convene the first session of the Assembly within two weeks, once the Speaker is elected. The Election Commission will announce the schedule for bye-elections to any contested seats, if required.