Kolkata: Suvendu Adhikari has been elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party and is set to become the new Chief Minister of West Bengal.
The decision was taken during a meeting of BJP MLAs held at a convention centre in Kolkata. After the meeting concluded, Amit Shah officially announced Adhikari’s name and congratulated him on stage by garlanding and embracing him.
Adhikari later met the Governor and staked claim to form the government.
Swearing-in ceremony tomorrow at Brigade Parade Ground
Suvendu Adhikari will take oath as Chief Minister at 10 am tomorrow at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and several senior NDA leaders are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
The 56-year-old BJP leader defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from the Bhabanipur constituency and also retained Nandigram for a second consecutive term.
Notably, Adhikari had defeated Banerjee in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly elections as well.
BJP secures massive victory in Assembly elections
The BJP registered a major victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections by winning 207 seats.
According to party sources, the decision to elect Adhikari as legislature party leader was taken unanimously during a crucial meeting held amid heightened political activity in the state following the election results.
Party leaders said Adhikari received full support from BJP MLAs, recognising his key role in strengthening the party’s organisational and political presence in West Bengal.
Strategic choice for BJP in Bengal
Suvendu Adhikari had joined the BJP ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections after leaving the Trinamool Congress and has since emerged as one of the party’s most prominent faces in Bengal politics.
Political observers view his elevation as a strategic move by the BJP to further strengthen its organisational structure and legislative leadership in the state.
