Following the BJP's resounding victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, the process of forming a new government has gained momentum. All eyes are now fixed on the choice for Chief Minister. The picture regarding whom the BJP will designate as its Chief Minister is expected to become clear very soon. A meeting of the BJP Legislative Party is scheduled to take place in Kolkata on Friday (May 8). Union Home Minister Amit Shah will also attend this meeting as an observer. It is generally believed that the name of the Chief Minister may be announced during this very meeting.
In these elections, the BJP secured a majority of more than two-thirds by winning 207 seats, while the TMC was restricted to just 80 seats. Following this historic victory—which marks the first time the BJP is poised to form a government in Bengal—all eyes are focused on the party's choice for the Chief Ministerial post. Although the party had not officially announced a specific Chief Ministerial candidate, Shah had explicitly stated during an election rally that the new Chief Minister would be someone from Bengal itself.
Suvendu Adhikari
Suvendu Adhikari is currently the most prominent face of the BJP in Bengal. His name is at the forefront of the race for the Chief Minister's post. The primary reasons behind this are his political stature, his firm grip on the party organization, his grassroots-level understanding, and his extensive network. In the last two assembly elections, Suvendu Adhikari not only contested against Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee but also emerged victorious. It is precisely because of his direct challenge to the Mamata government that Adhikari is regarded as the BJP's strongest face.
Dilip Ghosh
The second name generating the most discussion within the BJP is that of Dilip Ghosh. He is a senior BJP leader and has previously served as the party's State President in Bengal. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening the BJP's presence in the state. In light of this, the party may entrust him with the responsibility of becoming the new Chief Minister of Bengal.
Samik Bhattacharya
Samik Bhattacharya, the current State President of the BJP in Bengal, is also one of the contenders in the race for the Chief Minister's post. It was under his leadership that the party won this Assembly election. He joined the RSS in 1974. Prior to this, he also served as the General Secretary of the BJP in Bengal. Furthermore, he has held positions as a member of the party's National Executive Committee and the State BJP's Core Committee. In 2025, he was appointed as the party's new State President, succeeding Sukanta Majumdar.
Agnimitra Paul
Agnimitra Paul, a fashion designer by profession, is also in the race for the Chief Minister's post. Agnimitra is known as an outspoken leader. She joined the BJP in 2019. In 2021, she contested the Assembly elections for the first time and became an MLA after defeating the TMC's Saayoni Ghosh. In January of this year, the party appointed her as the Vice President of the Bengal BJP. In the current elections as well, she has secured a victory from the Asansol South Assembly constituency.
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