After BJP’s Bengal sweep, all eyes on CM face: Who will take charge?

BJP swept to power in West Bengal with 206 seats, securing a more than two-thirds majority. The result ends the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule and marks a major and structural political shift in the state.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost the Bhabanipur seat to Suvendu Adhikari, making the verdict both symbolic and decisive, reinforcing BJP’s dominance in the Assembly elections.

With a clear majority in the 294-member Assembly, BJP is set to form its first government in West Bengal. The focus has now shifted to selecting the chief minister and shaping the new leadership structure.

The chief minister will be finalised at a meeting involving Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Nitin Nabin, along with inputs from central observers and state leaders.

Oath-taking ceremony of the new chief minister will be held on May 9, indicating a swift transition of power following the party’s decisive electoral victory.

Suvendu Adhikari began his career with Congress, later joined Trinamool Congress, and played a role in the Nandigram agitation. He shifted to BJP in 2020 and became Leader of the Opposition after 2021 elections.Suvendu Adhikari retained Nandigram and defeated Mamata Banerjee, emerging as a key figure in BJP’s campaign. On leadership speculation, he said, "There is no change in me... I am not power-hungry."

Dilip Ghosh won Kharagpur Sadar by 30,506 votes, securing 89,885 votes.He's a former state BJP president, is associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and led the party’s 2019 campaign in Bengal, when BJP secured a 40.7 per cent vote share.

Samik Bhattacharya, as a key organisational leader, focusing on booth management, electoral strategy and cadre mobilisation, reflecting BJP’s long-term plan to strengthen its structure in West Bengal.

Rupa Ganguly won the Sonarpur Dakshin Assembly constituency with 1,28,970 votes, defeating TMC candidate Arundhuti Maitra by 35,782 votes. Her strong public profile and victory have placed her in leadership discussions.

Agnimitra Paul won the Asansol Dakshin seat, defeating TMC candidate Tapas Banerjee by 40,839 votes. As BJP’s state vice president, her margin highlights her growing influence within the party.

Swapan Dasgupta won the Rashbehari seat with 74,123 votes, defeating Debasish Kumar by 20,865 votes. His academic background and parliamentary experience strengthen his role in BJP’s leadership pool.