Suvendu Adhikari Chosen As West Bengal’s Next Chief Minister After BJP’s Historic Victory

The Bharatiya Janata Party has officially named Suvendu Adhikari as the next Chief Minister of West Bengal following the party’s landmark victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. The decision was taken during a meeting of BJP legislators in Kolkata on Friday, in the presence of senior party leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Adhikari’s appointment marks a major political turning point in West Bengal, where the BJP is set to form a government for the first time. The development comes after the party secured a decisive mandate in the Assembly elections, ending the long rule of the All India Trinamool Congress in the state.

The BJP legislature party unanimously backed Adhikari’s name during the meeting. Senior BJP leaders praised his leadership throughout the campaign and credited him for strengthening the party’s organisation across Bengal. Party insiders said his selection had been widely anticipated after the BJP’s strong electoral performance and his growing influence within the state unit.

Adhikari recently registered another major political victory by defeating former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the second consecutive time in an Assembly contest. His political rise has been closely watched over the years, especially after he left the Trinamool Congress and joined the BJP ahead of the 2021 elections. Since then, he has emerged as one of the BJP’s most prominent leaders in eastern India.

Preparations have already begun for the swearing-in ceremony, which is expected to take place on May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several Union ministers, chief ministers and senior BJP leaders, is expected to attend the event. Security arrangements across the city have also been intensified ahead of the ceremony.

According to party sources, the new BJP government in West Bengal may also include two deputy chief ministers to ensure regional and caste balance within the administration. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding cabinet formation and allocation of key portfolios. BJP leaders have indicated that the new government will focus on governance reforms, infrastructure development and industrial investment in the state.

Addressing party workers after being elected legislature party leader, Adhikari said the BJP government would work to fulfil every promise mentioned in its election manifesto. He stated that the people of Bengal had voted for change and expressed confidence that the new administration would restore public trust and improve governance. He also claimed that political violence and fear would not be tolerated under the incoming government.

Meanwhile, the transition of power has triggered strong political reactions across the state. The Trinamool Congress has questioned the election outcome and alleged irregularities in the voting process. However, the BJP has dismissed the allegations and described the mandate as a clear reflection of public dissatisfaction with the previous government.

Governor R. N. Ravi has reportedly initiated the constitutional process for government formation after the election results. The outgoing Assembly and cabinet have been dissolved, paving the way for the BJP to assume office.

Adhikari’s elevation as Chief Minister is being viewed as one of the most significant political developments in Bengal in decades. His transformation from a close aide of Mamata Banerjee to the BJP’s chief face in the state reflects the dramatic shifts that have reshaped West Bengal politics in recent years.