KOLKATA — Suvendu Adhikari has been officially named the next Chief Minister of West Bengal, marking a monumental shift in the state’s political landscape. The decision was finalized on Friday during a meeting of the newly elected BJP legislators in Kolkata, overseen by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Unanimous Selection
The meeting, held to choose the leader of the BJP Legislative Party, saw Suvendu Adhikari emerge as the sole nominee. Amit Shah, acting as the party’s central observer, confirmed that the process was unanimous.
“The process of electing the legislative party leader is complete. We received eight proposals, all of which named Suvendu Adhikari. Despite providing ample time for further nominations, no other names were proposed,” Amit Shah told reporters after the session.
The “Giant Slayer” Strikes Again
Suvendu Adhikari’s appointment follows a decisive victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, where he defeated outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her own stronghold of Bhabanipur by over 15,000 votes.
This victory echoes his 2021 performance when he famously defeated her in Nandigram by 1,956 votes. In this election, Adhikari contested and won both the Bhabanipur and Nandigram seats, solidifying his reputation as the “giant slayer” of Bengal politics.
A New Era for West Bengal
The BJP secured a commanding mandate in the 2026 polls, winning 207 seats and ending the 15-year tenure of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The TMC managed to secure only 80 seats, a sharp decline from its previous dominance.
Governor R.N. Ravi dissolved the state assembly on Thursday, clearing the path for the new administration. Suvendu Adhikari is expected to take his oath of office on Saturday at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. The ceremony, which coincides with Rabindra Jayanti, is likely to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leadership from the NDA.
