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The BJP scripted history by winning 207 seats in the 294-member Bengal assembly effectively ending Mamata Banerjee-led TMC's 15-year-rule in the state. The Governor of West Bengal, RN Ravi, dissolved the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal on 7 May.
Patna, Bihar, India -May.06, 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah with BJP national president Nitin Nabin and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary arriving at Hotel Maurya in Patna, Bihar, India, Wednesday,May,06, 2026.(Photo by Santosh Kumar/ Hindustan Times) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive in Kolkata today, 8 May to attend a meeting with the newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs, during which the party’s legislative leader will be selected.
The BJP scripted history by winning 207 seats in the 294-member Bengal assembly effectively ending Mamata Banerjee-led TMC's 15-year-rule in the state. The Governor of West Bengal, RN Ravi, dissolved the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal on 7 May.
The new Chief Minister of the state and the Council of Ministers will be sworn in on 9 May, the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, senior BJP leaders, and Chief Ministers from other states are expected to attend the swearing- to be held at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata.
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While several names are being considered, including Suvendu Adhikari, Dilip Ghosh, Sukanta Majumdar, Samik Bhattacharya, and Agnimitra Paul, the legislative leader will be selected at a meeting with new MLAs attended by Amit Shah.
Suvendu Adhikari stated that the only reason for Chandranath Rath's murder was his role as his executive assistant and Adhikari's victory over Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. He also alleged that contract killers were involved.
Chandranath Rath was shot dead at close range by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle. His SUV was forced to slow down and stop before the attackers fired multiple rounds through the window.
Shankar Ghosh, who was on a call with Chandranath Rath, reported hearing '2-3 voices' before the call was disconnected. He later learned that Rath had been shot.
BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari and Samik Bhattacharya, described the killing as a 'premeditated murder' and 'planned political murder' intended to cause instability. They expressed confidence in the police investigation.
Many names have been doing rounds for the top post in West Bengal where the BJP will have the government for the first time since Independence. On top of the frontrunners list is Suvendu Adhikari, who defeated Mamata Banerjee from Bhabanipur and was Leader of Opposition in the last assembly.
Other names in the list include Dilip Ghosh, former state BJP president, Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister and Samik Bhattacharya, the state BJP president. West Bengal BJP vice-president Agnimitra Paul is also among the names being considered for the post of chief minister.
The political temperature in the state soared after Governor RN Ravi on Thursday dissolved the Legislative Assembly ahead of the formation of a new BJP government, even as the state witnessed post-poll violence, including the murder of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant Chandranath Rath.
The dramatic political transition, however, unfolded against a backdrop of explosive allegations, emotional appeals, violent clashes, and accusations of "murder of democracy" from the Opposition camp.
Mamata's defiant note
Outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier struck a defiant tone during a meeting with newly elected TMC MLAs, declaring she would not resign despite the electoral defeat. Banerjee alleged that the elections were manipulated through force and intimidation and claimed the BJP had not achieved a moral victory.
"This was not an election but an atrocity," she said, while alleging that over 1,500 TMC offices had been "hijacked" after the results.
BJP leaders celebrated the dissolution as the symbolic end of Mamata Banerjee's rule. BJP leader Locket Chatterjee said, "The public had already removed Mamata Banerjee from their hearts, and as per the Constitution, from today she is no longer the Chief Minister."
In a dramatic show of Opposition solidarity, Akhilesh Yadav met Mamata Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata on Thursday.
Killing of Suvendu's aide
Even before the BJP government could formally take oath, the killing of Chandranath Rath – personal assistant to BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari – triggered a major political storm across Bengal.
Rath, a former Indian Air Force personnel, was allegedly shot dead near Madhyamgram on Wednesday night. Speaking while Rath's mortal remains were brought to his residence in Madhyamgram, Adhikari described the killing as a "premeditated murder."
The public had already removed Mamata Banerjee from their hearts.
"He was killed because he was my aide, and I defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. This could be the reason for his murder," Adhikari alleged.
(With agency inputs)
Key Takeaways
- The BJP's victory signifies a major political shift in West Bengal after 15 years of TMC rule.
- Political violence continues to mar the transition, highlighting tensions between parties.
- Amit Shah's meeting with newly elected MLAs is critical for establishing BJP's leadership in the state.
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