Amit Shah Arrives in Kolkata as BJP West Bengal Victory Solidifies

Key Takeaways

• Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata to oversee the election of the party’s first Chief Minister.
• The BJP secured a historic majority, ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in the state.
• Suvendu Adhikari emerges as the frontrunner for the Chief Ministerial post.
• The Legislative Assembly was dissolved, paving the way for a new government formation.

On Friday, May 8, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata, marking the beginning of a new political era for West Bengal. His presence underscores the significance of the BJP's recent legislative victory.

Shah landed at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport around 11:10 am. He was accompanied by BJP president Samik Bhattacharya and senior party leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari. This group proceeded directly to a historically significant location for the initial phase of their arrival.

The delegation visited the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where Shah offered prayers at the shrine. This stop was not merely ceremonial but symbolic, linking the party’s historic roots in the state with its current political resurgence. Following the visit, the focus shifted to the formal political processes required to establish the new administration.

The primary objective of Shah’s visit is to attend the BJP’s legislature party meeting. During this session, the party will formally elect its leader, who will subsequently be sworn in as the Chief Minister. This meeting is a critical step in consolidating the party’s position after their decisive electoral win.

Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the frontrunner to become the party’s first Chief Minister. His candidacy is strengthened by two significant electoral victories. First, he retained the Nandigram seat, where he had previously defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2021. Second, he recently wrested the Bhabanipur constituency from the Trinamool Congress. Bhabanipur has long been regarded as the "pocket borough" of Mamata Banerjee, making this win particularly symbolic of the shifting political landscape.

The BJP’s performance in the recent Assembly elections was historic. It ended the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in West Bengal. This outcome dealt a major setback to Mamata Banerjee’s political career, which had been dominated by her leadership of the regional party. The victory is described as not just electoral but also an ideological success for the party.