Suvendu Adhikari to become first BJP CM of Bengal, elected as BJP Legislature Party Leader

Suvendu Adhikari is set to become West Bengal’s first BJP Chief Minister after being elected leader of the BJP Legislative Party in the State Assembly on Friday (May 8), marking a defining moment in the state’s political history.

The announcement followed a closed-door meeting of the party’s newly elected legislators in Kolkata, attended by the BJP’s central leadership and senior state figures.

"I announce the name of Suvendu Adhikari elected as Leader of West Bengal BJP Legislative Party,” says Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Leadership decision

Shah, who was appointed by the party’s national leadership as chief observer for the process, chaired the meeting after consultations with the BJP’s 207 victorious candidates. He was joined by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who assisted in overseeing the proceedings.

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The meeting took place on Friday evening at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town, where Adhikari’s name was placed before the legislators and approved unanimously, stated local media reports.

With the formal endorsement of the BJP Legislature Party, Adhikari is now expected to meet Governor R. N. Ravi at Lok Bhavan to stake a claim to form the government.

Next steps

The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled for Saturday at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground.

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According to local media reports, although there had been speculation over who would ultimately be chosen for the top post, within the BJP, there was little uncertainty that Adhikari would emerge as the leading choice for Chief Minister. From the moment the Assembly results were declared, Adhikari had been widely viewed within party ranks as the frontrunner for the role.

A key factor behind that perception was his electoral record against Mamata Banerjee, whom he had now defeated in direct contests on two successive occasions.

Track record against Mamata

During the 2021 Assembly elections, Adhikari took on Banerjee in Nandigram, his home turf and one of the most closely watched constituencies in the state. He secured victory by a margin of 1,956 votes.

In the latest contest, Adhikari once again challenged Banerjee, this time expanding his electoral battle beyond Nandigram and entering Bhabanipur, long regarded as Banerjee’s political stronghold. Contesting from both seats, he not only repeated his win over the Chief Minister but also widened his margins significantly.

In Bhabanipur, Adhikari defeated Banerjee by more than 15,000 votes, strengthening his standing within the party and further cementing his claim as the natural choice for the leadership.