From TMC Rebel to Bengal CM: Suvendu Adhikari
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- May 09, 2026
- 648
Suvendu Adhikari’s rise from a rebel leader inside the Trinamool Congress to becoming the first Chief Minister of West Bengal from the Bharatiya Janata Party is now one of the biggest political stories in the country.
The political turning point came on November 27, 2020, when Suvendu resigned as West Bengal’s Transport Minister. At that time, he was considered one of the closest and most trusted leaders of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. His resignation ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections created massive political tremors inside the ruling Trinamool Congress.
With elections only months away, the TMC leadership immediately started damage-control efforts to stop the growing rebellion led by the “Lion of Nandigram.”
Secret Kolkata Meeting To Stop Suvendu Adhikari’s Exit
On December 1, 2020, a high-level closed-door meeting took place in Kolkata to resolve the crisis. Present in the meeting were Suvendu Adhikari, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, senior MP Saugata Roy and political strategist Prashant Kishor.
After hours of discussions, Saugata Roy told the media the next morning that all differences had been resolved and Suvendu would remain in the Trinamool Congress. Political circles believed the crisis had ended.
But within days, another controversy erupted after a WhatsApp message allegedly sent by Suvendu Adhikari to Saugata Roy surfaced publicly.
In the message, Suvendu reportedly said his concerns and political grievances remained unresolved. He also expressed anger over not being allowed to speak at the press conference despite earlier assurances.
The message clearly indicated that continuing in the party had become difficult for him.
Posters Removed, Walls Turn Saffron In East Medinipur
Soon after the political tensions intensified, visible changes started appearing in East Medinipur, Suvendu’s political stronghold.
Posters of Mamata Banerjee disappeared from several local offices linked to Suvendu Adhikari. Saffron colours and BJP symbols started dominating the area, signalling a major political shift ahead of the Assembly elections.
On December 17, 2020, Suvendu officially resigned from the Trinamool Congress.
A day later, the Union government approved ‘Z’ category security cover for him, strengthening speculation that he would soon join the BJP.
Amit Shah Welcomes Suvendu Adhikari Into BJP
The formal political shift happened on December 19, 2020, during a massive public rally in Medinipur attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
At the rally, Amit Shah welcomed Suvendu into the BJP by placing the party scarf around his neck. The two leaders waved to thousands of supporters gathered at the venue.
Suvendu touching Amit Shah’s feet during the programme became one of the defining political images of Bengal politics ahead of the elections.
BJP’s Rise In Bengal Under Suvendu Adhikari
The BJP’s political growth in West Bengal accelerated rapidly after Suvendu joined the party.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP increased its tally from just three seats to 77 seats and emerged as the principal opposition party in Bengal.
The momentum continued over the next five years. In the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the BJP secured a landslide victory by winning 207 seats and formed the government in the state for the first time.
Following the victory, Amit Shah announced Suvendu Adhikari as the BJP Legislature Party leader and Chief Ministerial face.
Suvendu Adhikari Takes Oath As First BJP Chief Minister Of Bengal
On May 9, 2026, Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and senior NDA leaders.
His swearing-in marked a historic political shift in Bengal politics and the beginning of a new chapter for the BJP in eastern India.