West Bengal government formation LIVE: BJP legislature party meet to elect new West Bengal CM

22 hours ago 13

The swearing-in ceremony of the State's first BJP government is scheduled to be held at Brigade Parade Ground on May 9

Updated - May 08, 2026 11:31 am IST

Union Home Minister Amit Shah with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. File | Photo Credit: X/@AmitShah via ANI

The BJP legislature party is scheduled to meet in Kolkata on Friday (May 8, 2026) in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to formally elect its leader, with Suvendu Adhikari emerging as the frontrunner to become the party’s first Chief Minister in West Bengal.

Also read | How BJP won West Bengal

The BJP registered a historic victory in the just-held Assembly elections, ending the TMC’s 15-year rule and dealing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee one of the biggest setbacks of her political career. On Tuesday (May 5, 2026), Trinamool chairperson Mamata Banerjee said she would not resign as Chief Minister, alleging that the verdict was the result of a “conspiracy” rather than the people’s mandate.

Also read | Suvendu aide among 3 killed as post-poll violence rocks Bengal

Since the election results were announced on Monday (May 4, 2026), instances of post-poll violence erupted across Bengal. On Wednesday (May 6, 2026), BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Madhyamgram area in the State’s North 24 Parganas district.

May 08, 2026 11:31
BJP legislature party meet to elect new West Bengal CM
The BJP legislature party is scheduled to meet in Kolkata on Friday (May 8, 2026) in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to formally elect its leader, with Suvendu Adhikari emerging as the frontrunner to become the party’s first Chief Minister in West Bengal.
The BJP registered a historic victory in the just-held Assembly elections, ending the TMC’s 15-year rule and dealing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee one of the biggest setbacks of her political career.
Though the BJP has not officially announced its Chief Ministerial choice, Mr. Adhikari has emerged as the frontrunner after securing two of the most politically significant victories -- retaining Nandigram, where he defeated Ms. Banerjee in 2021, and now wresting Bhabanipur, long regarded as the TMC supremo’s pocket borough.
- PTI
May 08, 2026 11:29
Analysis | BJP’s victory over Trinamool in West Bengal also a huge ideological success
West Bengal was for decades an unfinished project for the party, as Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Jana Sangha — the predecessor of BJP, hailed from the State and played a significant part in setting up the tone of Hindutva politics in pre- Independent India.
BJP’s electoral victory in West Bengal also a huge ideological success
BJP's West Bengal victory marks a significant ideological shift, ending Trinamool Congress's long-standing power and reshaping regional politics
May 08, 2026 11:29
West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi dissolves State’s Legislative Assembly with effect from May 7
The 17th West Bengal Legislative Assembly which was sworn in after the 2021 assembly elections now stands dissolved. The development is significant because Mamata Banerjee had declared that she would not resign as Chief Minister of the State.
West Bengal Governor dissolves State Legislative Assembly
West Bengal Governor dissolves the Legislative Assembly, paving the way for the first BJP government after recent elections.