Kolkata, May 8, 2026 — In a historic development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday formally elected Suvendu Adhikari as the leader of its Legislative Party in West Bengal, paving the way for him to become the state’s next Chief Minister — and the first from the BJP.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over the BJP Legislature Party meeting in Kolkata, where Adhikari’s name was proposed and unanimously accepted. He is scheduled to take oath as the 9th Chief Minister of West Bengal on May 9, 2026.
A Remarkable Political Journey
Suvendu Adhikari, born on December 15, 1970, began his career as a close aide and trusted lieutenant of Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee. He served as a minister in her cabinet and was a key organizer for the party. However, he parted ways with the TMC in late 2020 and joined the BJP, quickly emerging as one of the party’s strongest faces in the state.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee from the Nandigram constituency. In the 2026 elections, he repeated his success in Nandigram and also defeated her from the high-profile Bhabanipur seat, dealing a significant blow to the TMC supremo.
His role as Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly and his grassroots connect, particularly in rural and southern Bengal, were instrumental in the BJP’s impressive performance in the 2026 polls, where the party secured a clear majority and ended TMC’s 14-year rule.
BJP’s Historic Victory in Bengal
The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections marked a watershed moment in Indian politics. The BJP’s victory represents the first time the party will form a government in the eastern state. Party leaders, including Amit Shah, have credited the win to strong organizational efforts, consolidation of votes, and public disillusionment with the incumbent TMC regime over issues like governance, law and order, and development.
Adhikari, often described as the “giant killer,” is seen as a leader with mass appeal who can bridge various sections of Bengali society.
What’s Next?
Adhikari is expected to lead a stable BJP government focused on development, industrial revival, and improving law and order in the state. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be a grand affair, possibly at Brigade Parade Ground, with senior BJP leaders from across the country in attendance.
