Suvendu Adhikari named Bengal CM after BJP's landslide 208-seat win
Synopsis
BJP's landslide 208-seat win in West Bengal ends Mamata Banerjee's reign, with Suvendu Adhikari — who defeated her in Bhabanipur — set to become Chief Minister. It marks the first-ever BJP government in the state, a seismic shift in Bengal's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
Suvendu Adhikari was named West Bengal Chief Minister by Home Minister Amit Shah on 8 May .
The BJP won 208 seats in the West Bengal Assembly polls in a landslide victory.
Adhikari defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from the Bhabanipur constituency and also won from Nandigram .
This marks the first-ever BJP government in West Bengal.
BJP leader Locket Chatterjee said the dream of 'poriborton' (change) in Bengal has been fulfilled.
Bengal BJP Chief Samik Bhattacharya will work alongside Adhikari to lead the new government.
Suvendu Adhikari was officially named the next Chief Minister of West Bengal on 8 May, following an announcement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Adhikari credited the decision to the
Point of View
A state that had resisted its advance longer than almost any other. Adhikari's personal victory over Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur gives him a symbolic mandate that goes beyond the 208-seat tally. The real test begins now: Bengal has a history of sharp political transitions followed by governance capture, and the new administration will be under intense scrutiny on law and order, post-poll violence accountability, and delivery on welfare commitments. The 'double engine government' framing also sets up a high bar — if Centre-state coordination fails to produce visible dividends quickly, the honeymoon will be short.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Chief Minister of West Bengal?
Suvendu Adhikari has been named the new Chief Minister of West Bengal after Home Minister Amit Shah made the official announcement on 8 May. Adhikari is a senior BJP leader who defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur constituency during the Assembly polls.
How many seats did BJP win in the West Bengal Assembly elections?
The BJP won 208 seats in the West Bengal Assembly polls, securing a landslide majority. This marks the first time the party will form a government in the state.
Did Suvendu Adhikari defeat Mamata Banerjee?
Yes, Suvendu Adhikari defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency. He also won from Nandigram, making him a dual-constituency winner in the polls.
What did Suvendu Adhikari say after being named Chief Minister?
Adhikari said the decision reflects the 'democracy' within the BJP, where elected representatives chose their leader. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Nitin Nabin, and Home Minister Amit Shah, and pledged to fulfil election commitments alongside the party organisation and the people.
What is the significance of BJP forming a government in West Bengal?
This is the first time the BJP will form a government in West Bengal, ending Mamata Banerjee's long tenure. BJP leaders have described it as the fulfilment of the dream of 'poriborton' (change) in Bengal, with promises of a 'Sonar Bangla' and improved security for women under a double engine government.
