Suvendu Adhikari elected new CM of Bengal
Kolkata: In the ever-turbulent world of West Bengal politics, few leaders have made as dramatic a journey as Suvendu Adhikari. Once a trusted lieutenant of Mamata Banerjee, he is now the face of the BJP in Bengal, having orchestrated some of the state’s most significant political shifts in recent years. From the fiery battleground of Nandigram to a historic victory over the TMC, Suvendu’s political story is as controversial as it is remarkable.
Born on December 15, 1970, in Karkuli, West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari comes from a family deeply rooted in politics, with his father, Sisir Adhikari, also a prominent leader. Initially associated with the Congress party, Suvendu later joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC), where his political career began to gain momentum.
The turning point came in 2007 during the Nandigram movement, a mass agitation against land acquisition policies of the Left Front government. Suvendu led the ‘Bhoomi Uchchhed Pratirodh Committee’ (Committee to Resist Land Eviction), mobilizing thousands and earning statewide recognition. While he emerged as a decisive force in bringing Mamata Banerjee to power, allegations of Maoist links and inciting violent protests ensured that his rise was accompanied by controversy.
Suvendu’s influence within the TMC was undeniable, holding key ministerial positions such as Transport and Irrigation. Yet, the growing prominence of Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, created tensions, eventually culminating in Suvendu’s dramatic exit.
In December 2020, he formally joined the BJP in the presence of Amit Shah—a move considered the biggest political coup in Bengal in years. His departure triggered a wave of defections from the TMC, significantly altering the state’s political landscape. The 2021 Assembly elections saw him directly challenging and defeating Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram, a victory that cemented his status as the BJP’s most prominent leader in the state.
The 2026 elections marked another milestone in Suvendu Adhikari’s career. Securing wins in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies, he played a central role in the BJP’s sweeping victory. With his ascension to the Chief Minister’s office, Suvendu now faces the challenge of consolidating his government’s position across Bengal.
Known for his organizational acumen and strong grassroots connections, Suvendu has consistently stayed at the center of West Bengal’s political storm, navigating controversies and rivalries with strategic finesse. His journey-from a local agitator to the state’s top political office-reflects not only his personal resilience but also the seismic shifts shaping Bengal’s political landscape.
