Suvendu Adhikari, aged 57, has risen from a Trinamool Congress loyalist to BJP’s face in West Bengal, now set to become the state’s first BJP Chief Minister after the 2026 Assembly election victory. His journey marks a dramatic shift in Bengal politics, highlighted by repeated defeats of Mamata Banerjee.
Early Life and Entry into Politics
Born into a political family in East Medinipur, Adhikari started in 1995 with Congress as a Contai Municipality councillor before joining TMC in 1998. He gained fame leading the 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition movement, boosting TMC’s rise against the Left Front.
Key Milestones in Career
- Elected Tamluk MP in 2009 and 2014; Nandigram MLA in 2016 with Transport and Irrigation portfolios.
- Resigned from TMC in December 2020 amid feud with Mamata Banerjee, joined BJP same month.
- Defeated Banerjee in Nandigram by 1,736 votes in 2021, becoming Leader of Opposition.
- Won Bhabanipur in 2026 by 15,105 votes, scripting BJP’s historic breakthrough.
Rise as BJP Leader
Adhikari expanded BJP’s base in Jangal Mahal and became its strongest Bengal contender, leading to Amit Shah’s announcement of him as CM face post-2026 win. His street-fighter image and anti-TMC campaigns solidified his “giantkiller” status.
Personal and Political Legacy
From a TMC minister to BJP’s LoP, Adhikari’s switch redefined Bengal’s opposition. He is scheduled for oath on May 9, 2026, ending TMC’s 15-year rule.
