By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
After the BJP’s astonishing victory in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari (55) has emerged as the strong candidate for the post of Chief Minister.
Not only Adhikari played a crucial role in the BJP’s victory in West Bengal but also became a giant killer defeating Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a smart margin of over 15000 votes from Bhabanipur constituency. He also retained the Nandigram seat.
However, political experts said Adhikari’s chances of becoming the new CM appear strong, but not certain in the party high command’s scheme of things.
“Looking at the various experiments in the past particularly in Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP high command can also spring a surprise in West Bengal also,” said a senior BJP leader.
Nevertheless, the BJP leader said Adhikari should be the first choice.
The 2026 elections have produced a historic outcome, with the BJP securing a clear majority of 206 seats, ending the long rule of Mamata Banerjee in the eastern state.
This decisive mandate has shifted attention to who will lead the state as Chief Minister.
Adhikari has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the top post. His chances are boosted by his central role in the BJP’s victory. He not only led the party’s campaign on the ground but also achieved a symbolic political triumph by defeating Mamata Banerjee in a high-profile contest, which significantly enhanced his stature.
This victory has positioned him as a mass leader capable of challenging entrenched political forces.
Another factor working in his favour is his deep understanding of West Bengal’s political landscape. Having previously been a key leader within the Trinamool Congress before joining the BJP, Adhikari brings both organizational experience and grassroots connect. His ability to mobilize voters in rural and semi-urban areas played a crucial role in the BJP’s success.
However, his elevation to the Chief Minister’s post is not guaranteed. The BJP did not project a chief ministerial face during the election campaign, leaving the decision to the central leadership led by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. This means the final choice will depend on factors such as party strategy, caste and regional balance, and long-term governance considerations.
Moreover, Adhikari faces competition from other prominent BJP leaders like Dilip Ghosh, Samik Bhattacharya, and Agnimitra Paul, all of whom are considered viable contenders. The BJP leadership may also consider projecting a different face to broaden its appeal, especially in a politically sensitive and diverse state like West Bengal.
Additionally, Adhikari himself has publicly downplayed his ambitions, stating that the decision rests entirely with the party leadership.