Suvendu Adhikari became the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal. On 9th of May 2026 in a grand swearing-in ceremony attended by Prime Minister of India and senior partisan Narendra Modi, home minister Amit shah and other dignitaries Adhikari sworn as the Chief Minister of Bengal. West Bengal governor R.N.Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr Adhikari.
Adhikari started his political career with the congress party. Soon he became the most trusted lieutenant of Mamat Banerjee. Born in Purba Medinipur district in 1970 into one of Bengal’s most influential political families, his father Sisir Adhikari was a veteran MP and the family built a political network across parts of coastal West Bengal, with several relatives holding elected office over the years. It was in Nandigram town, though, that he first became a major political figure.
The violent protests there in 2007 against a proposed land acquisition project transformed politics in West Bengal. The agitation weakened the then-ruling Left Front government and helped propel Banerjee and the TMC to power in 2011.
Adhikari, who helped organise much of the movement on the ground, emerged from that battle with a reputation as one of the state’s most effective political organiser. For years, he was seen as one of Banerjee’s closest lieutenants. After the emergence of Mamata Banerjee’s nephew in TMC, Adhikari’s relation with party deteriorated. Months before the 2021 state election, Adhikari defected to the BJP. Contesting from Nandigram, Adhikari defeated Banerjee in one of the most closely watched races.
In the 2026 election, the BJP not only swept to power but also defeated Banerjee in her long-time stronghold of Bhabanipur, where Adhikari contested against her while simultaneously retaining Nandigram seat.
