Kolkata, May 6: Former Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy has reacted to the BJP’s victory in West Bengal and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s obstinate attitude. He recalled the BJP’s long struggle in Bengal and expressed hope that the new government will uplift the state.
In an interview with a news agency, Roy addressed various topics, including violence-free elections, TMC’s allegations against the Election Commission, and Banerjee’s statements following her defeat.
Question: The BJP is set to form a government in West Bengal for the first time. How do you view this political shift?
Answer: The BJP’s struggle began long ago. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was established in 1951, founded by Syama Prasad Mukherjee. This clearly indicates that the BJP, which emerged from the Jana Sangh, is a party rooted in Bengal. After Mukherjee, no one could manage the Jana Sangh, leading to its decline. At one point, the BJP’s position was similar to that of the current Congress and CPM. The party rose after the Ram Mandir movement and saw a significant change after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014.
In 2016, the BJP performed well in Bengal, and the party’s graph continued to rise. Unfortunately, the BJP did not win the elections in 2021. However, since then, the party has intensified its efforts. Central leaders have worked to strengthen the state unit, and the victory in 2026 is a result of that.
Question: What are your expectations from the new government?
Answer: Previous governments have pushed West Bengal backward. The CPM initiated this, followed by the TMC. I hope the new BJP government will uplift West Bengal from its current state. The law and order situation is very poor, and the BJP government must prioritize improving it. Additionally, strict action against corruption and extortion is necessary.
Question: How do you assess the Election Commission’s role in ensuring free, fair, and violence-free elections?
Answer: The Election Commission has conducted the elections well. The CPM began escalating electoral violence in Bengal from the 1960s. Violence has occurred during every election. In 1988, many people had their hands cut off for voting for Congress. The Congress did not take any action against this. During the TMC’s tenure, violence was rampant not just during elections but at any time. However, this time the Election Commission successfully prevented such violence.
Question: Mamata Banerjee has made serious allegations against the Election Commission, claiming she was not defeated but rather, was defeated by external forces. What is your response to these claims?
Answer: Mamata Banerjee’s behavior resembles that of a small child. She should prove her allegations.
Question: Mamata Banerjee has stated that she will not resign and insists she has not lost. How do you interpret this stance?
Answer: Mamata Banerjee cannot single-handedly dismantle the constitutional framework. The current assembly’s term will end on the 8th. According to the rules, the Chief Minister must resign afterward. Once the assembly’s term ends, President’s Rule will automatically be imposed. The Governor will then invite the largest party to form a new government.
Question: Do you think Mamata Banerjee is mirroring former U.S. President Donald Trump’s behavior, who once refused to resign?
Answer: I believe Mamata Banerjee’s mental state is not stable. It is clear that there is a significant difference between the constitutions of the U.S. and India. Mamata Banerjee has lost the elections, and she must resign.
Question: Rahul Gandhi has alleged irregularities in the Bengal elections and stated that opposition parties should not celebrate Mamata Banerjee’s defeat, claiming it is a loss for the ‘India’ alliance. What is your response?
Answer: Rahul Gandhi’s statements are meaningless. I find them amusing after watching his interviews.
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