Kolkata: With the BJP pulling off a landslide victory in West Bengal, bagging an unprecedented 207 seats, the battleground has shifted from the ballot box to the high command’s table. The biggest question keeping the political corridors buzzing right now is: Who gets the Chief Minister’s chair?
While Suvendu Adhikari is widely viewed as the natural frontrunner—especially after his spectacular feat of defeating Mamata Banerjee in both Nandigram and her absolute stronghold of Bhabanipur—another prominent leader is making serious waves. MLA Agnimitra Paul has suddenly become the focus of intense speculation following a quiet dash to New Delhi earlier this week.
Party insiders reveal that Paul held crucial closed-door meetings with the top BJP brass before heading back to Kolkata. Word on the street is that the central leadership is keenly exploring the idea of appointing a woman Chief Minister to lead the state. If the high command follows through on this strategy, Paul easily tops the list.
However, the power tussle is far from a two-horse affair. Firebrand leader Dilip Ghosh, current state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya (who enjoys massive backing from the local cadre), and intellectual heavyweight Swapan Dasgupta are also firmly in the reckoning.
While the suspense over the CM face continues, preparations for a historic swearing-in ceremony have hit top gear. Breaking away from the conventional Raj Bhavan, the BJP has chosen the iconic Brigade Parade Ground for the oath-taking event, scheduled for 10 AM on May 9. With 20 state Chief Ministers expected to attend the mega showcase, all eyes are locked on Delhi’s final verdict. Will the party reward the ultimate giant-killer Suvendu, or will Agnimitra Paul step up to lead Bengal’s new saffron era?