After BJP’s sweeping victory in West Bengal, celebrations spread from Kolkata to New Delhi. Moreover, the huge mandate started one major question. Who will get the Chief Minister’s chair in the state? BJP won 206 seats in the election results. Also, the party gained 129 more seats this time. In the previous election, BJP had won 77 seats.
Suvendu Adhikari Leads The Race
Suvendu Adhikari stands first in the Chief Minister race. He served as Leader of Opposition in Bengal for the last five years. Additionally, he defeated sitting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhawanipur during these elections. Therefore, many consider Suvendu ahead in the race. However, BJP’s record in other states shows another pattern. The party has often surprised observers with unexpected choices.
May 9 Oath Date Confirmed
West Bengal’s new Chief Minister will take oath on May 9. State president Samik Bhattacharya confirmed the oath ceremony date. Consequently, the focus has now shifted toward BJP’s final choice. The party has not announced the name yet. Meanwhile, political discussions continue around Suvendu Adhikari and other possible contenders.
पश्चिम बंगाल के नए मुख्यमंत्री का शपथ ग्रहण समारोह 9 मई को होगा, ऐसा भाजपा के राज्य अध्यक्ष समिक भट्टाचार्य ने ANI को बताया। pic.twitter.com/HlK2R31zES
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) May 5, 2026
Will BJP Choose A Woman Chief Minister?
If BJP chooses a woman Chief Minister, five names enter the wider discussion. Political circles say BJP may answer Mamata Banerjee with a woman face. BJP runs governments in many states. However, apart from Rekha Gupta in Union Territory Delhi, no state has a woman at the helm. Therefore, analysts say BJP may consider this move. Moreover, BJP has attacked the opposition nationally over Nari Vandan and women’s reservation. So, a woman Chief Minister would not shock analysts.
Rupa Ganguly And Agnimitra Paul In Focus
Among women contenders, Rupa Ganguly and Agnimitra Paul attract attention. Rupa Ganguly won from Sonarpur South. Agnimitra Paul won from Asansol South. Rupa Ganguly has spent considerable time in BJP. Also, she has led the party’s women’s wing in Bengal. In the Bengal election, 385 women entered the contest as candidates. Moreover, women won many seats among results from 293 constituencies. From BJP, Rupa Ganguly, Agnimitra Paul, Sikha Chatterjee, and Tapasi Mondal emerged as prominent winners.
Three Leaders May Challenge Suvendu
Suvendu Adhikari moved from TMC to BJP and became the party’s poster boy. Later, he turned giant killer in the 2026 election. However, three leaders may challenge him for the Chief Minister’s chair. Current state president Samik Bhattacharya, former state president Dilip Ghosh, and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar remain contenders. Suvendu brings experience as minister and Leader of Opposition. He is 55 years old. Meanwhile, Samik Bhattacharya is 62, and Dilip Ghosh is 61. Sukanta Majumdar is only 46. Rupa Ganguly is 59, while Agnimitra Paul is 51.
Dilip Ghosh Brings Organisational Weight
Dilip Ghosh has one major strength. Many credit him with planting BJP’s roots in Bengal. Also, he has enjoyed RSS support. During the elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made one point clear. He said Bengal’s Chief Minister would speak Bengali and study through Bengali medium. Therefore, BJP’s final decision now carries both political weight and symbolic value.
