West Bengal: BJP Chief Minister to Be Announced on May 8

Following the dissolution of the state assembly and cabinet by Governor Ravi, Mamata Banerjee has departed, paving the way for the BJP to form government after winning over 200 seats in the recent elections.

BJP MP Saumitra Khan confirmed, "Our Chief Minister will be announced on May 8."

Key Schedule for May 8-9

Home Minister Amit Shah and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik are scheduled to arrive at 3:00 PM on May 8. A meeting will be held at 4:00 PM at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, with the oath-taking ceremony planned for May 9.

Background

The West Bengal Assembly, dissolved on Thursday, was originally constituted in May 2021 when the Trinamool Congress won a third consecutive term. The BJP's victory ends decades of Left and TMC rule in the state.

Potential Chief Minister Candidates

Suvendu Adhikari

Former Leader of Opposition; defeated Mamata Banerjee twice, including from Bhabanipur by 15,000 votes. Has administrative experience from his time in TMC government.

Samik Bhattacharya

Current state BJP president and Rajya Sabha member since 2024; long-time RSS member known for team-building.

Dilip Ghosh

Former state BJP president; instrumental in expanding party base; won from Kharagpur Sadar by 30,506 votes.

Agnimitra Paul

Fashion designer-turned-politician; BJP vice-president and former Mahila Morcha head; won from Asansol Dakshin by 40,839 votes.

Shankar Ghosh

MLA from Siliguri; retained seat with 73,192 vote margin; seen as a regional candidate for northern West Bengal.