Archive · 18 Dec 2025
BJP Hints at Suvendu Adhikari as CM Face for 2026
The leader of the BJP in West Bengal, Samik Bhattacharya, suggested that Suvendu Adhikari, who is currently the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, might be the party's chief ministerial candidate for the 2026 elections.
Bhattacharya did not directly say this but hinted that Adhikari would be a key figure in the new state Cabinet.
He also mentioned that Adhikari would participate in a meeting with the Kolkata Police in June 2025, which is around the time the new Cabinet is expected to be formed.
The BJP usually does not announce a chief ministerial face before elections, so this hint has caused a lot of discussion in political circles.
BJP president Samik Bhattacharya hinted at Suvendu Adhikari as a potential CM face for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.
Adhikari is expected to participate in a coordination meeting with the Kolkata Police in June 2025, around the time the new state Cabinet is likely to be formed.
Bhattacharya emphasized that Adhikari would have a significant role in the new Cabinet but did not directly confirm him as the CM candidate.
The BJP typically does not project a chief ministerial face before elections, making this hint notable.
Adhikari is known for his opposition to police atrocities under the current regime, which Bhattacharya cited as a reason for his involvement in the police meeting.
- Who
- Samik Bhattacharya (BJP president) and Suvendu Adhikari (Leader of Opposition)
- What
- BJP hints at Adhikari as potential CM face for 2026 Assembly polls
- When
- Press conference held on Wednesday, with implications for June 2025 and 2026 elections
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- To strategize for the upcoming Assembly elections and position Adhikari as a significant political figure
- Person
- Samik Bhattacharya, Suvendu Adhikari
- Organization
- BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)
- Event
- Press conference
- Context
- 2026 Assembly polls in West Bengal
- Key Statement
- Adhikari to participate in coordination meeting with Kolkata Police in June 2025
- BJP Strategy
- Not traditionally projecting a chief ministerial face