Kolkata: The suspense over West Bengal’s next Chief Minister intensified on Friday after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s arrival in Kolkata triggered massive speculation inside BJP circles. With the BJP legislature party meeting scheduled later in the day, political observers are closely reading every move made by the party’s top leadership.
The biggest buzz revolves around BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is increasingly being seen as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post after two symbolic gestures by Amit Shah caught everyone’s attention. According to reports, Shah personally patted Suvendu on the back while greeting leaders at Kolkata airport — something many BJP workers interpreted as a “green signal” from the central leadership.
Soon after landing, Amit Shah was also seen travelling in the same vehicle as Suvendu Adhikari while other senior Bengal BJP leaders, including Dilip Ghosh and Rupa Ganguly, travelled separately. The sequence of events immediately fuelled fresh speculation that the BJP may have almost finalised its CM face ahead of the crucial legislative party meeting.
The BJP created history in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections by winning 207 seats and ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule in the state. However, unlike several other states, the party did not announce a chief ministerial candidate before the elections, keeping the final decision in the hands of the central leadership.
Along with Suvendu Adhikari, names such as Dilip Ghosh, Samik Bhattacharya, Agnimitra Paul and Rupa Ganguly have also been discussed within party circles as possible contenders. Still, Suvendu’s aggressive campaign against Mamata Banerjee and his victories from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur have strengthened his claim significantly.
The BJP legislature party meeting is expected to begin around 4 PM in Kolkata, where the formal election of the legislative leader will effectively decide Bengal’s next Chief Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government on May 9.