Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday, May 8, 2026, that BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari would be the next Chief Minister of West Bengal. This historic appointment marks the first time a BJP leader will head the state government in Bengal. Adhikari is scheduled to take his oath of office on Saturday, May 9, at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata.
Adhikari's path to the Chief Minister's office followed his successful performance in the recently concluded assembly polls, where he contested and won from two key constituencies: Nandigram and Bhabanipur.
Key Electoral Victories
- In the Bhabanipur assembly seat, Suvendu Adhikari notably defeated the incumbent Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, by a margin exceeding 15,000 votes, securing a total of 73,917 votes.
- From the Nandigram constituency, Adhikari emerged victorious against Pabitra Kar of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), winning by a margin of 9,665 votes.
BJP's Historic Performance in West Bengal
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a significant breakthrough in West Bengal, securing a commanding majority by winning 207 out of the total 293 seats in the state assembly. This performance represents a substantial shift in the political landscape, often referred to as breaching Mamata Banerjee's traditional stronghold.
In contrast, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) saw its seat count reduced to 80. Other parties also secured a presence, with the Congress and the Humayun Kabir-led Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) each winning 2 seats. The CPI(M) and AISF each managed to secure one seat.