West Bengal saw a major constitutional twist as Governor R. N. Ravi dissolved the Legislative Assembly under Article 174(2)(b), issuing the order through an official Lok Bhavan press note. The move took immediate effect citing constitutional provisions today.
A major constitutional development took place in West Bengal after the Hon’ble Governor of the state, R. N. Ravi, issued an official order dissolving the West Bengal Legislative Assembly with effect from 7 May 2026.
The decision was announced through an official press release issued from Lok Bhavan in Kolkata.
According to the press note, the Governor acted by using the powers given to him under sub-clause (b) of Clause (2) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India.
The press release clearly states that the order has already come into force in line with the constitutional provisions mentioned in Article 174(2)(b). This Article allows the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly when the constitutional situation requires such action.
The press release was issued from Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, and carries the date 07 May 2026. The announcement confirms that the dissolution is effective immediately from the same date.
This move marks an important moment in the state’s political and constitutional scenario, as the dissolution of a Legislative Assembly directly leads to the next steps for the formation of a new government through fresh elections, which will now be overseen according to the law and the instructions of the Election Commission of India.
Sub-clause (b) of Clause (2) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India gives the Governor of a State the power to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly.
This provision is part of the broader framework that deals with summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the Legislature of a State. Although the Constitution grants this power to the Governor, it is exercised in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, except in rare constitutional situations.
The dissolution under this sub-clause is generally used when a government loses its majority, when there is a political deadlock, or when fresh elections become necessary to restore democratic functioning.
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