As the Bharatiya Janata Party moves closer to forming its first government in West Bengal since Independence, one name has consistently emerged at the centre of chief ministerial speculation Suvendu Adhikari.
His political profile combines grassroots reach, an insider’s understanding of the Trinamool Congress, and strong backing from the BJP’s central leadership, making him the party’s strongest contender for the top post.
From Mamata’s Trusted Aide to Her Fiercest Rival
Adhikari’s political journey began as a teenager. Once a close confidant of Mamata Banerjee, he rose steadily through the Trinamool Congress ranks before resigning from her cabinet and joining the BJP on December 19, 2020, at a rally attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Political observers say his defection was not merely symbolic. He leveraged his deep knowledge of TMC’s organisational structure to mount a direct challenge against his former mentor. Several TMC insiders described his exit as one of the most significant political developments in the state at the time, with some attributing it to internal party dynamics involving Abhishek Banerjee.
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Nandigram: Where His Political Identity Was Forged
Adhikari first gained prominence during the anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram. The constituency later became the stage for one of Bengal’s most closely watched political battles. His victories over Banerjee in Nandigram in both the 2021 and 2026 elections are widely regarded as defining moments ones that analysts say not only delivered electoral gains for the BJP but also chipped away at the perception of TMC’s invincibility.
Early Life and Political Roots
Born into a politically influential family in East Midnapore, Adhikari began his formal political career in 1995 as a councillor in Kanthi Municipality under the Congress banner. He later joined the Trinamool Congress alongside his father, Sisir Adhikari, and rose to national attention during the 2007 Nandigram movement.
Over the years, he has been credited in political circles with expanding Trinamool’s presence in regions such as Malda and Murshidabad, and countering Left influence in areas including Nandigram.
Street Fighter, Ground Leader
Adhikari’s reputation as a street-fighter politician has reinforced his standing within the BJP. Unlike many leaders who shifted from other parties, he has remained visibly active on the ground leading protests and mobilising party cadres in what BJP leaders describe as a politically challenging environment. He has faced multiple legal cases, all of which he has consistently maintained are politically motivated.
Why the BJP Sees Him as the Best Bet
For the BJP’s central leadership, Adhikari represents a critical bridge between the party’s national ambitions and Bengal’s regional complexities. Amit Shah was among the first to project him as the party’s face in the state a move analysts view as a calculated strategy to counter Banerjee’s dominance with a credible, home-grown challenger.
His administrative experience from his years in the TMC government, combined with his grassroots connections and central backing, has positioned him as the frontrunner. Political analysts say that should the BJP form a government, elevating Adhikari to the chief minister’s post would mark a decisive turning point in West Bengal’s political landscape.
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