Suvendu Adhikari named West Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister
Synopsis
West Bengal is set to get its first-ever BJP government since Independence, with Suvendu Adhikari — who defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee twice, first in Nandigram in 2021 and now in Bhabanipur by over 15,000 votes — formally named Chief Minister-designate by Home Minister Amit Shah on 8 May.
Key Takeaways
Suvendu Adhikari named Chief Minister-designate of West Bengal on 8 May by Home Minister Amit Shah .
This will be West Bengal's first-ever BJP-led government since Independence.
The oath-taking ceremony is set for Saturday at 10 am , administered by Governor R.N.
Adhikari defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur by over 15,000 votes .
He had previously defeated Banerjee in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly elections , earning the 'giant-killer' tag.
Adhikari won from two constituencies simultaneously — Nandigram in East Midnapore and Bhabanipur in South Kolkata.
Suvendu Adhikari is set to become the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister of West Bengal after Union Home Minister Amit Shah formally announced his name on Friday, 8 May, at a meeting of newly elected BJP legislators in Kolkata. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for 10 am on Saturday, administered by Governor R.N. Ravi at Lok Bhaban, marking a historic first for the state since Independence.
How the Decision Was Made
The announcement followed the conclusion of the West Bengal Assembly elections, results of which were declared on 4 May. Shah chaired a meeting of the BJP's legislature party in the state, during which Adhikari's name was formally endorsed as the legislature party leader — the constitutional requirement for staking claim to the Chief Ministership.
Shah described the process as unambiguous.
Point of View
Where the bureaucracy and local power structures have long been aligned with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and where expectations from a first-time ruling party will be sky-high. The 'giant-killer' label is earned; the governance record is yet to be written.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Suvendu Adhikari and why is he significant?
Suvendu Adhikari is a senior BJP leader from West Bengal who has been named the state's Chief Minister-designate on 8 May. He is significant for having defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in two consecutive elections — Nandigram in 2021 and Bhabanipur in the latest assembly polls — earning him the 'giant-killer' tag in Bengal politics.
When will Suvendu Adhikari be sworn in as Chief Minister?
The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 10 am, and will be administered by Governor R.N. Ravi at Lok Bhaban in Kolkata.
Is this the first time BJP will govern West Bengal?
Yes. If sworn in as announced, Suvendu Adhikari will lead West Bengal's first-ever BJP government since Independence, ending decades of rule by either the Left Front or the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).
How was Adhikari selected as BJP's legislature party leader?
Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting of newly elected BJP legislators following the assembly election results declared on 4 May. Eight proposals were received, all bearing only Adhikari's name, and no second name was put forward, making his selection unanimous.
By how much did Adhikari defeat Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur?
Adhikari defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur constituency in South Kolkata by a margin of over 15,000 votes in the latest West Bengal Assembly elections.
