FROM PAGE 12

But in this case, amid the huge row over the results of the West Bengal assembly election and Mamata’s subsequent declaration that she will not quit, many have questioned why she should be allowed to continue in a caretaker capacity. Leaders of the BJP have called for her outright dismissal. Her refusal to resign -- unprecedented in the country’s electoral history -- has also sparked confusion about her status. Under the Constitution, Mamata can technically be dismissed -- at least until the election certification is complete -- but its execution depends on the governor. After the Election Commission issues the certification, a chief minister can no longer remain in office unless in a caretaker capacity. The BJP defeated the TMC in the assembly elections. The party, which has ruled West Bengal since 2011, secured 206 of the 294 seats. The TMC’s tally fell to 80 from 215, with Mamata herself losing her seat. The BJP is expected to have its cabinet sworn in tomorrow (May 9), which would, under normal circumstances, keep a caretaker government in charge for two more days. On Tuesday evening, a day after her party’s crushing defeat in the state assembly elections, Mamata argued that she had not lost the election and that the BJP’s mandate was the result of “loot.”