Who To Govern WB: Suvendu, Samik or Agnimitra?

Following their first-ever victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, intense discussions are underway within the BJP regarding who will become the Chief Minister. Among the potential candidates, Suvendu Adhikari is leading the race. Also on the list are Samik Bhattacharya and Agnimitra Paul.

In the results announced on Monday, the BJP won 206 out of 293 seats. On the other hand, the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, secured mere 81 seats. Suvendu Adhikari has become the center of attention after defeating Mamata Banerjee in the Bhawanipur constituency. According to party leaders, he is the strongest candidate for the Chief Minister's post.

A senior BJP leader said Adhikari might be rewarded for defeating Mamata twice. He won in Nandigram in 2021 and now in Bhawanipur. Since leaving the Trinamool Congress to join the BJP in 2020, he has consistently led the political battle against Mamata. Party sources claim that he has faced multiple legal cases because of this stance. On April 2, when Adhikari filed his nomination for the Bhawanipur seat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah was present with him. Shah said at the time, "Last time Mamata won, but Suvendu Adhikari defeated her. This time, Mamata will lose across Bengal and in Bhawanipur." That prediction has come true.

On the other hand, Agnimitra Paul is also under consideration. Many are suggesting the possibility of bringing forward this leader, who won the Asansol South seat. If the party decides to choose a woman Chief Minister, she is considered a strong candidate. At the same time, State President Samik Bhattacharya is also being considered. He is currently a member of the Rajya Sabha and plays a crucial role in the organization.

In the post-election period, the BJP may soon call a meeting of the newly elected MLAs in Kolkata. It is reported that the process of electing the leader of the legislative party may begin there. A party leader said mentioned that the formal process of selecting the Chief Minister will start after the appointment of observers.

Over the past two months, Suvendu has carried out high-profile campaigning across the state. He publicly made it clear that the BJP should focus on the 70.54% Hindu voters, disregarding the approximately 27% Muslim voters in Bengal.

Muslim voters play a decisive role in at least 120 seats. In 2021, the BJP won only 77 of these seats. None of the nine Muslim candidates fielded by them won. Adhikari said at a meeting in Purba Medinipur in January, "In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, we received 38% of the votes. These were all Hindu votes. If another 10% of Hindus vote for us, we will remove Mamata Banerjee from power next year."

The BJP has also secured victories in Muslim-majority districts such as Malda, Murshidabad, Howrah, Kolkata, and Birbhum.