In a dramatic political shift in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to form its first-ever government in the state, with Suvendu Adhikari emerging as the frontrunner for the chief minister’s post. Sources indicate that Adhikari, once a close aide of Mamata Banerjee, is set to succeed his former mentor following the BJP’s sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
A crucial meeting of the BJP’s legislative party is scheduled to take place in Kolkata on May 8. With the party securing a massive mandate of 207 seats, logistical challenges have prompted leaders to scout for a venue large enough to accommodate all newly elected legislators. During the meeting, Adhikari is expected to be formally elected as the leader of the legislative party through a simple show of hands.
According to sources, the proposal for Adhikari’s leadership will be moved by state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to officially घोषणा his name. Following this, Adhikari, along with Bhattacharya and BJP national general secretary Sunil Bansal, will proceed to the Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form the government.
The swearing-in ceremony is slated for May 9, coinciding with Rabindra Jayanti, adding cultural significance to the political milestone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the ceremony, alongside several senior BJP leaders and chief ministers from allied states, marking what the party calls a “new beginning” for Bengal.
Adhikari’s rise reflects both political strategy and symbolism. Earlier, Amit Shah had emphasized that the next chief minister of Bengal would be a “son of the soil”—a Bengali by birth, education, and language. Adhikari, with his deep roots in the state and strong grassroots connect, fits this description seamlessly.
A seasoned leader with significant administrative experience, Adhikari’s political journey is closely tied to Bengal’s modern political upheavals. Once a key figure in the Trinamool Congress, he played a pivotal role during its formative years. Notably, in 2007, he led the Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee during the Nandigram protests—an आंदोलन that catapulted Mamata Banerjee to power.
His switch to the BJP in 2020, after differences with Trinamool leadership including Abhishek Banerjee and strategist Prashant Kishor, marked a turning point in Bengal politics. Since then, Adhikari has been a vocal critic of the Mamata government, raising issues such as alleged corruption, infiltration, and concerns over law and order.
Electorally, Adhikari has cemented his reputation as a “giant-slayer.” In 2021, he defeated Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram—a symbolic battleground. In 2026, he repeated his success with an even more decisive victory, this time capturing Banerjee’s stronghold in Bhabanipur by a significant margin.
With the BJP set to take charge in Bengal for the first time, all eyes are now on Adhikari as he prepares to lead the state into a new political era.
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Suvendu Adhikari is the chief minister face of BJP in West Bengal - this is to be remembered by BJP leaders in centre as well as state leaders of west bengal