KOLKATA — In a historic shift for West Bengal’s political landscape, Suvendu Adhikari is poised to be sworn in as the state’s next Chief Minister. Following a decisive electoral sweep by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sources indicate that the party has moved to consolidate leadership under the man who has now twice defeated outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The Legislative Roadmap
A pivotal meeting of the BJP’s legislative party is scheduled to take place in Kolkata this coming Friday. The primary agenda is the formalization of the new government and the official election of the legislative leader.
According to internal sources:
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The Proposal: BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya is expected to formally propose Adhikari’s name for the top post.
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The Endorsement: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is slated to attend the meeting to announce Adhikari as the leader of the legislative party, signaling full backing from the party’s central leadership.
From Protégé to Successor
The transition marks a full-circle moment in Bengal politics. Adhikari, once a close lieutenant and protégé of Mamata Banerjee during their time together in the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has emerged as her most formidable rival.
By defeating Banerjee for a second consecutive time—and notably widening his victory margin in this election—Adhikari has cemented his reputation as the BJP’s “giant-slayer.”
A New Era for Bengal
The BJP’s victory ends over a decade of TMC rule. Friday’s meeting will serve as the first formal step in a transition of power that many observers believe will fundamentally alter the state’s administrative and political trajectory.
As Kolkata prepares for the legislative gathering, all eyes remain on Adhikari, whose journey from regional heavyweight to the designated Chief Minister-elect has become the defining story of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
