Who will be BJP’s first Bengal CM? Amit Shah in Kolkata for crucial meeting

Shah offers prayers at Dakshineswar

After multiple reschedulings, Shah reached Kolkata on Friday morning and headed straight to Dakshineswar Kali Temple to offer prayers.

He was accompanied by BJP heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari and state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya.

The Home Minister is scheduled to chair a BJP legislative party meeting later in the evening to pick the party’s legislative leader.

Suvendu Adhikari emerges frontrunner

Outgoing Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the frontrunner after securing twin victories in Nandigram and Bhabanipur, defeating Mamata Banerjee in her home constituency by more than 1,500 votes.

Adhikari had also defeated Banerjee in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly election.

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

Other names in the fray

Other names being discussed include Samik Bhattacharya, Rashbehari MLA-elect Swapan Dasgupta and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar.

Political observers also believe the BJP could spring a surprise by choosing a relatively new face, in line with the party’s leadership choices in several other states.

Swearing-in ceremony on Rabindra Jayanti

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 major cultural significance in Bengal.

After Banerjee refused to resign as Chief Minister citing her “moral victory”, Governor R. N. Ravi dismissed the outgoing Assembly, paving the way for the formation of a new government.

The BJP scripted history in West Bengal by registering its maiden victory in the state with a thumping majority of 207 seats, reducing Trinamool Congress to 80 seats.