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Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a strong lead in West Bengal and is now inching closer to forming the government. According to the latest trends, the party is ahead in 161 of the 293 assembly seats, while the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee is leading in 96 seats and BJP is leading on 192 seats in trends.
If these trends hold, it would mark a historic political shift in West Bengal, with the BJP poised to unseat the TMC after years in power. The results have also triggered intense speculation over who could be chosen as the BJP’s Chief Ministerial face in the state.
Assembly Election Results 2026: BJP heading to form government in West Bengal for the first time
Suvendu Adhikari: Currently the Leader of the Opposition, Adhikari is seen as one of the strongest contenders. Known for his organisational strength and political influence, he has been a key face of the BJP’s campaign. He is contesting from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, taking on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in crucial battles. Earlier, he served as a minister in the TMC government and was also a Member of Parliament from Tamluk.
Samik Bhattacharya: The BJP’s state president and a veteran leader with RSS roots, Bhattacharya has played a crucial role in expanding the party’s reach across West Bengal. He has been a Rajya Sabha member since 2024 and is credited with strengthening the party’s organisational structure in the state.
Dilip Ghosh: A former state BJP president, Ghosh remains a key mass leader with strong grassroots support. Under his leadership, the BJP made significant electoral gains in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly elections. He is currently contesting from Kharagpur Sadar.
Nisith Pramanik: The former Union Minister is another prominent name in the leadership race. He has been instrumental in expanding BJP’s presence in North Bengal, particularly in Cooch Behar. He is contesting from Mathabhanga in the ongoing elections.
Agnimitra Paul: The MLA from Asansol Dakshin and BJP state vice president is also being seen as a possible choice. Known for her active participation in party campaigns and protests, she has emerged as a prominent woman face of the party in the state.
Roopa Ganguly: A former Rajya Sabha MP and well-known public figure, Ganguly is also in contention. With strong appeal among urban voters, she is contesting from Sonarpur Dakshin. She has long been associated with the BJP and previously led its women’s wing.
