New Delhi: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari will be the next chief minister of West Bengal, becoming the first BJP leader to head a government in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday formally announced senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari as the elected leader of the BJP legislature party in West Bengal.
The announcement marks a historic breakthrough for the BJP in Bengal, where the party has spent decades trying to dislodge regional and Left forces from power. Adhikari’s elevation comes days after the BJP secured a sweeping victory in the assembly elections, winning 207 of the 293 seats it contested in the 294-member House.
Addressing BJP party meet in Bengal, Amit Shah said, “Today’s victory in Bengal is extremely significant from many perspectives. After a 100-year ideological journey, today, from Gangotri to Gangasagar, BJP governments have been formed everywhere — this is a matter of great joy for all of us. The journey of the idea that we embarked on since 1950, and under whose leadership we proceeded — from the land of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, after 1950, today in 2026, a government of his very own party is being formed.”
The new BJP government in Bengal will take oath at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground tomorrow in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president Nitin Nabin, Union ministers and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states.
Preparations are also underway at Raj Bhavan ahead of the formal government formation process. Sources said the Governor House has been fully prepared for the arrival of the BJP leadership. Around 6.30 pm, Adhikari is expected to reach Lok Bhavan before proceeding to Raj Bhavan with letters of support from BJP MLAs staking claim to form the government.
Adhikari had long been seen as the frontrunner for the top post, especially after BJP leaders repeatedly stressed during the campaign that Bengal would get a “son of the soil” chief minister rooted in the state’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Suvendu Adhikari delivered one of the most symbolic victories of the election by defeating outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, a constituency long regarded as her safest political stronghold. Adhikari also retained Nandigram, the constituency closely tied to the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement that transformed him into one of Bengal’s most influential political leaders.
Speaking in Nandigram earlier this week, Adhikari had said he would vacate one of the two seats within 10 days, while making it clear that the final decision would rest with the BJP leadership.
“I will not forget my responsibility towards the people of Bhabanipur and Nandigram,” he had said, while supporters repeatedly urged him not to leave Nandigram, which he often describes as his political “bhadrasan” or citadel.
The journey of Adhikari’s political rise has mirrored Bengal’s changing political landscape. Once among Banerjee’s closest aides in the Trinamool Congress, he played a key role in the Nandigram agitation that helped end the Left Front’s 34-year rule in 2011. His switch to the BJP ahead of the 2021 assembly polls dramatically altered Bengal politics and laid the foundation for the saffron party’s eventual rise to power.
Addressing party workers after the BJP victory, Adhikari described the moment as the “real change” in Bengal politics.
“I was part of the 2011 poribartan, and now I am part of the real change,” he had said.
He also projected confidence about the BJP’s long-term future in the state, saying the party would work in a way “that the BJP government in Bengal stays for 100 years”.
CONGRATULATIONS POUR IN
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Suvendu Adhikari after he was named Chief Minister, describing the BJP’s victory in West Bengal as a “historic mandate” and expressing confidence in his leadership.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. I hope this historic mandate becomes the means to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people of Bengal,” Shah said.
Recalling his long association with Adhikari, Shah added, “I have known Suvendu Adhikari for a long time. He is a fighter. I have seen both his political rise and his connection with the grassroots.”
He said Adhikari continued his political struggle despite hurdles allegedly created by the state administration. “The administration created many hurdles, yet Suvendu ji carried on with determination. I have complete faith in him. The struggle he carried out has produced results today,” Shah said.
The Union minister also paid tribute to BJP workers, saying more than 300 party workers had made sacrifices while thousands contributed to the campaign. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party workers, saying the victory reflected a collective effort.
Congratulatory messages also poured in from BJP leaders and chief ministers across the country.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Adhikari’s election as BJP legislature party leader marked the beginning of a new era of governance and positive change in Bengal. She said the formation of the BJP government in the state was the result of the “struggle, sacrifice and dedication” of party workers and reflected the people’s trust in the party.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also congratulated Adhikari and extended his best wishes after his election as the BJP legislature party leader in West Bengal.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said he was confident that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Adhikari’s appointment would strengthen efforts towards building a “developed, prosperous and progressive Bengal”.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju praised Adhikari’s “relentless efforts”, his connection with people and commitment to public service, calling him a strong voice for Bengal’s aspirations.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also congratulated Adhikari on being elected the new BJP legislature party leader in West Bengal and conveyed greetings from Odisha.
