BJP prepares for first Bengal government as speculation grows over Bengal CM face

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing to form its first government in West Bengal after securing a sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly election, ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule in the state.

With the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 9 at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, attention has now shifted to the party’s chief ministerial choice, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari emerging as the frontrunner.

According to reports, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on May 8 to chair the BJP legislature party meeting, where the new leader is expected to be formally elected. Sources quoted by multiple media outlets suggest West Bengal may also get two deputy chief ministers, including one woman deputy CM, as part of the new power structure.

The BJP’s victory marks a major political shift in West Bengal. The party reportedly won more than 200 seats in the 294-member Assembly, while the Trinamool Congress suffered its biggest electoral setback since coming to power in 2011.

Adhikari’s rise has been one of the biggest stories of the election. Once considered a close aide of outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he joined the BJP in 2020 and became one of the party’s most aggressive campaigners in Bengal.

In the 2026 election, he retained Nandigram and also defeated Banerjee in Bhabanipur, a constituency long seen as her political stronghold.

While Adhikari remains the strongest contender, other names discussed within the BJP include state president Samik Bhattacharya, Union minister Sukanta Majumdar and senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh.

Preparations for the oath-taking ceremony have intensified across Kolkata. Reports suggest around 4,000 police personnel are expected to be deployed for security arrangements, while nearly 10 lakh people may attend the event at Brigade Parade Ground.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, BJP president Nitin Nabin, Union ministers and chief ministers from NDA-ruled states are also expected to attend the ceremony.

The government formation process, however, comes amid heightened political tension in the state. The murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to Suvendu Adhikari, has intensified the atmosphere ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.

BJP leaders have accused the Trinamool Congress of encouraging political violence, while the TMC has denied the allegations.

Meanwhile, Governor RN Ravi dissolved the outgoing Assembly and cabinet following the election results, formally clearing the way for the new government to take office.

The BJP legislature party meeting later in the day is expected to formally decide the next chief minister, ending days of speculation over who will lead the party’s first government in West Bengal.