Who will be the next Chief Minister of West Bengal? Amit Shah reveals the name for the top spot. Check here

The BJP legislature party is meeting in Kolkata on Friday, May 8, 2026, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to formally elect its leader and the next Chief Minister of West Bengal. Suvendu Adhikari has been named as the Chief Minister elect today after the party’s meeting today following Assembly elections that ended the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule.

Amit Shah Arrives in Kolkata

BJP's key party meeting begins to elect its leader, with the arrival of Amit Shah. According to PTI, the high stakes meeting has begun in Kolkata. I announce the name of Suvendu Adhikari elected as Leader of West Bengal BJP Legislative Party," said Union Home Minister Amit Shah, appointed as the central observer for the election of the legislative party leader in West Bengal.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah landed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport around 11:10 am. He was received by BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya and senior leader Suvendu Adhikari. From the airport, Shah proceeded directly to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple to offer prayers before attending the crucial legislature party meeting.

Suvendu Adhikari: The Strong Favourite

Suvendu Adhikari strengthened his position after defeating Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram in 2021 and recently wresting her stronghold of Bhabanipur. His emergence as the most likely Chief Ministerial candidate marks a new chapter in West Bengal politics.

Key Developments in Government Formation

According to reports, the new BJP government may appoint two Deputy Chief Ministers, with a woman leader almost certain to be included. The CM-elect is expected to visit Raj Bhavan this evening along with newly elected MLAs to formally stake claim before the Governor.

BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato told PTI, “For the first time in West Bengal, a Hindu Hriday Samrat is going to become the Chief Minister. Muslim appeasement has been going on for so long... There will be a new sunrise in Bengal in 24 hours.”

The meeting assumes significance as the BJP looks to form its first government in the state after a landslide victory.

(With agency inputs)