BJP Legislature Party meet on May 8, likely to elect Suvendu Adhikari as leader, swearing-in planned on May 9 in Kolkata
Kolkata: West Bengal is poised to witness a historic political transition as Suvendu Adhikari is set to take oath as the next Chief Minister, following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. This marks the first time a BJP government will be formed in the state, ending decades of dominance by regional forces.
A crucial meeting of the BJP Legislature Party is scheduled for May 8 in Kolkata, where Adhikari is expected to be formally elected as the leader. Sources indicate that state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya will propose his name, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to make the formal announcement.
BJP’s Historic Breakthrough in Bengal
The BJP’s sweeping mandate, with 207 MLAs, signals a massive political shift in West Bengal. The party’s rise comes at the cost of the long-standing dominance of the All India Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee.
Adhikari, who famously defeated Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram in 2021, has now further consolidated his position by leading the BJP to victory in key strongholds, including Bhawanipur, once considered a bastion of the TMC.
With a large number of newly elected MLAs expected to attend the legislature party meeting, arrangements are being made at a larger venue due to space constraints at the state BJP office.
From TMC Insider to BJP’s Face in Bengal
Once regarded as a close aide of Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari’s political journey has been marked by a dramatic shift. After joining the BJP, he emerged as a key opposition figure, serving as Leader of the Opposition and spearheading campaigns against the state government on issues such as law and order and illegal infiltration.
His elevation to the Chief Minister post now underscores a complete political turnaround in Bengal’s power structure.
Swearing-In Ceremony on May 9
State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya has confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony will be held on May 9 in Kolkata with grand arrangements underway. Senior party leaders and supporters from across the state are expected to attend the high-profile event.
“A new chapter is beginning in West Bengal’s governance and political history.”
As Bengal prepares for its first BJP-led government, all eyes are now on the upcoming legislature party meeting and the formal announcement of leadership.
