Suvendu Adhikari is declared as the Chief Minister of West Bengal after BJP’s historic win with 208 seats, putting an end to 15-year Mamata Banerjee’s reign.
In the history of West Bengal, for the first time, the state is going to witness a BJP leader ruling the state. Suvendu Adhikari has been chosen as the BJP legislature party leader, who is now to be sworn in as the first BJP Chief Minister.
In the presence of PM Narendram Modi and other ministers from BJP-ruled states, the oath ceremony is being held on 9th May 2026.
This marks an end to Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year reign in West Bengal. As BJP swept the votes, crossing the majority mark of 148 seats of 294 member assembly. Acquiring 208 seats, leaving Mamata with 56 seats.
BJP Legislature Party Elects Suvendu Adhikari
A meeting held in Kolkata presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is responsible as a central observer of the party, decided who will be the face of BJP in West Bengal.
VIDEO | Kolkata: “I announce Suvendu Adhikari as the leader of BJP legislature party in West Bengal”, says Union Home Minister Amit Shah (@AmitShah).
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 8, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/DSU8xrlcxy
Adhikari was made the legislature party leader by the BJP at 5:05 pm on Friday. Adhikari thereafter went to Lok Bhavan to stake his claim for forming the government and met the governor, R. N. Ravi.
While addressing BJP workers after the meeting, Amit Shah publicly declared Adhikari as Bengal’s next chief minister.
The Numbers Behind BJP’s Victory
The 2026 Assembly polls were seen as the BJP’s best performance ever in West Bengal and one of its best in East India.
| Key Election Data | Numbers |
| Total Assembly seats | 294 |
| BJP seats won | 208 |
| Majority mark | 148 |
| TMC rule ended after | 15 years |
| Suvendu’s Bhabanipur victory margin | 15,000 votes |
| Suvendu’s 2021 Nandigram victory margin | 1,956 votes |
BJP planted Adhikar in both the constituencies – Nandigram and Bhabanipur during the campaign. Their main focus remained on the Bhabanipur constituency, as it was Mamata Banerjee’s constituency, making it significant for the assembly battle.
With 15000 votes on May 4 evening, Adhikari defeated Banerjee in Bhabanipur as per EC data.
Ex TMC to BJP’s Bengal Face
The politics of West Bengal has evolved Suvendu Adhikari’s political career over the last two decades.
Previously, Adhikari has served as a key strategist for Mamata Banerjee, helping her in establishing Trinamool Congress party presence in Left-ruled areas – Jangalmahal, even in areas like Malda and Murshidabad where Congress ruled.
Adhikari belonged to a political family, born on 15 December 1970; his father, Sisir Kumar Adhikari, is a seasoned politician.
His political career kicked off in 2006, when he won Lok Sabha elections twice before becoming the Transport Minister of Bengal in 2016.
Suvendu Adhikari’s Political Timeline
| Year | Political Milestone |
| 2006 | Began legislative career |
| 2007 | Emerged during Nandigram movement |
| 2009 & 2014 | Elected to Lok Sabha |
| 2016 | Became Bengal transport minister |
| December 2020 | Quit TMC and joined BJP |
| 2021 | Defeated Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram |
| 2026 | Chosen as Bengal’s first BJP CM |
Adhikari quit the TMC party in December 2020 to join the BJP due to increasing differences with the party’s leadership. He won the election against Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram with 1,956 votes in 2021 and subsequently became the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly.
Amit Shah Pushes BJP’s ‘Sonar Bangla’ Narrative
Addressing party workers in Kolkata, Amit Shah linked the BJP’s victory to the party’s long-standing “Sonar Bangla” vision.
#WATCH | Kolkata | "It is the responsibility of all of us BJP workers to pursue the goal of 'Sonar Bangla' and fulfil the expectations of the people of Bengal. Today, the Kavi Guru's lines are ringing true: 'The path to a Bengal where the mind is free from fear and the head is… pic.twitter.com/COnI0fCLGN
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026
“First of all, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Bengal with joined hands. The atmosphere created since the Communist era was deepened by Mamata Banerjee, and it was almost impossible to cast a vote there… I am very thankful for the huge victory that the people of Bengal have given us by trusting the BJP and our leader, Narendra Modi,” Shah said.
He further added, “It is the responsibility of all of us BJP workers to pursue the goal of ‘Sonar Bangla’ and fulfil the expectations of the people of Bengal.”
BJP MLA-elect Jitendra Tewari also called the government formation historic, saying, “This was the dream of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee… Now, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s government is being formed, which is a matter of happiness for everyone… Whatever will happen will be good for Bengal.”
"It is the responsibility of all of us BJP workers to pursue the goal of 'Sonar Bangla' and fulfil the expectations of the people of Bengal…" – Union Home Minister Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/3bQOxf8Kus
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 8, 2026
Murder of Suvendu’s Aide and BJP’s Transition Message
The BJP-led government formation in Bengal takes place against the backdrop of escalating tensions in light of the killing of the personal assistant of Suvendu Adhikari, Chandranath Rath.
Chandranath Rath was killed by gunmen riding bikes, receiving gunshot wounds to his head, chest, and abdomen.
CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya claimed, “It is possible that the killers, or those who orchestrated the attack, knew this individual possessed information that, if disclosed during an investigation, could implicate high-ranking figures.”
Soon after being chosen CM, Adhikari said, “There is democracy in the BJP. We will fulfil the commitment of the BJP made during elections for the organisation and the public.”
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