Suvendu Adhikari, once a close aide of Trinamool Congress Supremo Mamata Banerjee, is all set to take oath as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Adhikari had quit the TMC in 2020 over differences with then Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and joined the BJP the same year.
The former Trinamool Congress leader significantly boosted the BJP’s prospects in Bengal as the saffron party emerged as the principal Opposition in 2021 Assembly elections.
As Adhikari takes oath as the Bengal CM, here’s a look at the major ministries and positions he held during his political career:
Minister of Transport, Government of West Bengal (2016–2020): Adhikar served as Transport Minister in the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government before quitting the TMC in 2020.
Minister of Environment, Government of West Bengal (2018–2020): Then in TMC, Adhikari also held additional charge of the Environment Ministry while serving as the Transport Minister in the Bengal Cabinet.
Chairman, Jute Corporation of India (2020–2021): After quitting the TMC, Adhikari joined the BJP in December 2020 and was rewarded with the post of Chairman of the Jute Corporation of India under the Union Textiles Ministry headed by Smriti Irani.
Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly (2021–2026): Became the Leader of Opposition after BJP emerged as the principal opposition party in the 2021 Assembly elections.
The Bengal CM-elect has previously served as the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament, Tamluk Constituency between 2009 and 2016. Before that, he was an MLA from Contai South between 2006-2009.