Suvendu Adhikari or Dilip Ghosh or Agnimitra Paul, Who Will Become Next West Bengal CM? Check Top BJP Contenders for Post of Chief Minister
As BJP maintains a strong lead in West Bengal election trends, attention has shifted to its chief ministerial choice. Suvendu Adhikari, Samik Bhattacharya, Dilip Ghosh and Agnimitra Paul are key contenders. Updated figures show BJP ahead in most seats, strengthening its position to form government.
With counting underway in the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has established a strong lead, prompting speculation over who could become the state’s next chief minister if the party forms government. Suvendu Adhikari, Samik Bhattacharya, Dilip Ghosh, and Agnimitra Paul are among the top contenders for the post of West Bengal CM.
Early trends indicate the BJP ahead in a majority of constituencies, while the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) is trailing. The party has not announced a chief ministerial face, but several leaders are being discussed as potential candidates. Scroll down to check the likely contenders in for CM post. West Bengal Election Result 2026 Live News Updates: BJP Surges Past Majority Mark as TMC Faces Major Blow.
Top Contenders for West Bengal CM Post
Suvendu Adhikari: Leading Face of the Campaign
Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, is widely seen as the BJP’s strongest chief ministerial contender. He has played a central role in the party’s campaign and is contesting from Nandigram and Bhabanipur.
A former Trinamool Congress leader, his shift to the BJP ahead of the 2021 elections marked a significant political development. His direct contest with Mamata Banerjee continues to be a key political rivalry. West Bengal Election Result 2026: List of Winners From BJP, TMC, Congress, CPIM and More.
Samik Bhattacharya: Organisational Leader
Samik Bhattacharya, the state BJP president, is regarded as a key organisational strategist. With a background in the RSS, he has focused on strengthening the party’s grassroots network and election management.
Though not a mass campaign face, his role in building the party’s structure has made him an important figure in leadership discussions.
Dilip Ghosh: Veteran Presence
Former state president Dilip Ghosh remains an influential leader within the BJP. He is credited with expanding the party’s footprint in West Bengal and establishing it as a major political force.
Known for his grassroots connect, Ghosh is often seen as a senior leader who could emerge as a consensus choice.
Agnimitra Paul: Emerging Leader
Agnimitra Paul, MLA from Asansol South and BJP national spokesperson, represents a younger leadership profile. She has gained prominence through media engagement and party outreach.
While not a frontrunner, her name is part of broader discussions on leadership and representation.
Out of 294 constituencies, trends are available for 292 seats so far. The BJP is leading in 188 seats and has won 10, putting it firmly ahead in the race as of 5 pm. The TMC is leading in 87 seats and has secured 2 wins. The Indian National Congress (INC) is leading in 2 seats, while the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) is also leading in 2. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) is leading in 1 seat. These figures are based on ongoing counting and may change as more rounds are completed.
As counting continues, the BJP’s strong performance has shifted attention to its leadership choice in West Bengal. The final decision on the chief minister is expected to be taken after results are officially declared and internal consultations are completed.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 04, 2026 05:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).