Who after Mamata in Bengal? Amit Shah to meet BJP MLA-elects ahead of May 9 oath

Amit Shah to Hold Key Meeting

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who played a central role in the BJP’s campaign, will be in Kolkata on Thursday.

Shah is expected to preside over a meeting of BJP MLA-elects on May 7 to elect the leader of the legislative party.

Oath Ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground

State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the swearing-in ceremony will be held at Brigade Parade Ground on May 9, coinciding with Rabindra Jayanti, a day of cultural significance in the state.

Suvendu Adhikari Emerges Frontrunner

Outgoing Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the frontrunner after registering twin victories in Nandigram and Mamata Banerjee’s home turf, Bhabanipur, defeating her by over 1,500 votes.

Adhikari had also defeated Banerjee in Nandigram in 2021.

Though his supporters are backing him for the top post, the 55-year-old leader said the party’s decision will be final and binding.

Other Names in the Fray

Other names doing the rounds include Samik Bhattacharya, Rashbehari MLA-elect Swapan Dasgupta, and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar.

Political observers do not rule out the possibility of a relatively new face, in line with the BJP’s trend in other states.

Mamata Refuses to Resign, Claims ‘Moral Victory’

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has refused to resign following her defeat.

Addressing a press conference at her party office in Kalighat, she claimed a “moral victory,” alleging the BJP came to power through force.

“Why would I give my resignation? I didn’t lose… We didn’t lose the election. The BJP has won it forcefully. Officially they may have won, but not morally,” she said.

The BJP dismissed the remarks as “laughable.”