Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has voiced strong criticism of Mamata Banerjee after she declined to resign as Chief Minister following her party’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Reacting to the development, Varma expressed disbelief and raised concerns about the implications for democratic institutions.

In a post on X, he wrote, “After so many decades in politics and 15 years as CM, I can’t believe that @MamataOfficial is ignoring that democracy by its very DNA is about institutions and attacking them amounts to attacking democracy.”

The 2026 West Bengal Assembly election results marked a major political shift, with the Bharatiya Janata Party securing a decisive victory. The party won 207 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 148. Meanwhile, the ruling Trinamool Congress, which had governed the state for 15 years, was reduced to just 80 seats.

Despite the outcome, Banerjee has refused to step down, alleging irregularities in the electoral process. Addressing the media, she accused both the Election Commission and the BJP of “looting” democracy and maintained that her party remains the “moral victor.”“I will not resign. I did not lose. I will not go to Raj Bhavan… the question doesn’t arise. We didn’t lose the election. They can defeat us officially through the Election Commission, but morally we won the election,” she asserted.

She also made serious allegations about the counting process, claiming she was “manhandled and kicked in the belly” and that CCTV cameras were deliberately turned off while her party workers were attacked.

Looking ahead, Banerjee said she plans to continue her political work outside of office. “My target is very clear. I will strengthen the INDIA team… I am now a free bird,” she said, adding that she has never drawn a salary or pension during her tenure.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the BJP’s strong performance in the state, marking a significant moment in West Bengal’s political landscape.