Suvendu Adhikari, once Mamata Banerjee's closest lieutenant, is set to become the next chief minister of West Bengal. The BJP won a landslide victory in the 2026 state election, securing 207 of 294 assembly seats and ending the 15-year rule of Banerjee's Trinamool Congress.
Adhikari's political career began in the Congress party before joining the TMC. He rose to prominence organizing the 2007 Nandigram protests against land acquisition, which helped catapult Banerjee to power in 2011.
His defection to the BJP in 2020 marked a dramatic turning point. In the 2021 election, he defeated Banerjee in Nandigram. This year, he defeated her again in her stronghold of Bhabanipur while retaining Nandigram.
Adhikari's ascent has been marred by controversy. He has faced criticism for inflammatory remarks targeting Muslims and alleging birth control plots. A close aide was recently shot dead, raising concerns about post-election violence.
He takes office at a time of deep economic challenges. West Bengal struggles to attract investment, and youth unemployment remains high. Adhikari must now transition from firebrand politician to administrator, tasked with delivering jobs and governing a deeply polarized state.