From Nandigram To Nabanna: Turning Points That Made Suvendu Adhikari Bengal’s New Chief Minister

Last Updated:May 08, 2026, 17:15 IST

A major political shift came in December 2020 when Adhikari quit the Trinamool Congress and joined the BJP amid tensions within the ruling party.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari is set to be West Bengal’s next Chief Minister, marking a dramatic political rise shaped by mass movements, party shifts and high-stakes electoral battles.

Rise During The Nandigram Movement

One of the earliest turning points in Adhikari’s political journey came during the 2007 Nandigram land acquisition protests in West Bengal. As a leading face of the agitation against the then Left Front government, Adhikari gained statewide prominence.

The movement significantly weakened the Left’s rural base and strengthened the rise of Mamata Banerjee and the All India Trinamool Congress.

Becoming A Key Trinamool Leader

Adhikari later emerged as one of the Trinamool Congress’ strongest organisers in southern Bengal and Jangal Mahal. He was elected as a Lok Sabha MP from Tamluk in 2009 and later joined the state cabinet as Transport Minister after the 2016 Assembly elections.

His growing organisational influence helped the Trinamool Congress expand its base in several rural regions of the state.

The BJP Switch That Changed Bengal Politics

A major political shift came in December 2020 when Adhikari quit the Trinamool Congress and joined the BJP amid tensions within the ruling party.

His move gave the BJP a powerful Bengali face ahead of the 2021 Assembly election and significantly boosted the party’s campaign in the state.

ALSO READ: Chandranath Rath’s Death Revives 2013 Mystery Around Suvendu Adhikari’s Ex-PA Pradip Jha

Defeating Mamata Banerjee In Nandigram

The 2021 Assembly election became another defining chapter in Adhikari’s career after he defeated Mamata Banerjee in the high-profile Nandigram contest.

Although the BJP failed to form the government, Adhikari’s victory strengthened his standing within the party. He was later appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.

From Opposition Leader To Chief Minister

The 2026 Assembly election marked the biggest breakthrough of his political career. With the BJP securing a historic victory in West Bengal, Adhikari emerged as the party’s leading choice for the Chief Minister’s post as the BJP legislature party prepared to formally elect its leader.

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