Shuvendu Adhikari Takes Oath as West Bengal Chief Minister, Ending TMC's 15-Year Rule

Shuvendu Adhikari has officially taken the oath as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule. His political journey, which began in a politically active family, saw him rise through the ranks of the TMC, notably leading the Nandigram movement. However, internal conflicts led him to leave the TMC and join the BJP, where he became a prominent opposition leader. His recent electoral victories have solidified his position as a key player in Bengal's politics, culminating in his current role as Chief Minister. This article delves into his remarkable transformation and the future of West Bengal's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 13:07 IST

A New Era in West Bengal Politics

In a significant political shift in West Bengal, Shuvendu Adhikari has been sworn in as the Chief Minister, marking the conclusion of the Trinamool Congress's 15-year governance. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a commanding mandate by winning 207 out of 294 seats in the assembly, while the TMC was reduced to just 80 seats. Following this victory, Adhikari was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP legislative party during a meeting attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

From Nandigram Movement to the Pinnacle of Power

Shuvendu Adhikari's political journey is deeply intertwined with the modern political history of Bengal. Born into an active political family in East Midnapore, he entered public life at a young age, being elected as a councilor for the first time in 1995. His rise accelerated after joining the Trinamool Congress, where he became a key organizer of the historic Nandigram land acquisition protest in 2007 against the Left Front government. This movement was pivotal in ending decades of Leftist rule in the state. He later became a Member of Parliament in 2009 and again in 2014, and won the Nandigram assembly seat in 2016, serving as a minister in Mamata Banerjee's government.

Choosing a Different Path from Mamata's 'Soldier'

In October 2020, a significant shift was brewing in Bengal's political landscape. The Trinamool Congress appeared calm on the surface as it approached the assembly elections, but a powerful storm was forming beneath. Shuvendu Adhikari, a prominent figure in the TMC and a key player in the historic Nandigram movement, began to feel stifled within Mamata Banerjee's camp. Once considered part of her inner circle, he held crucial ministries such as transport and irrigation. However, as Abhishek Banerjee's influence grew within the party, tensions escalated, leading to a public rift that became evident by October 2020.

Failed Attempts at Reconciliation

Mamata Banerjee made extensive efforts to mend fences with Shuvendu Adhikari, deploying trusted aides like Sougata Roy and strategist Prashant Kishor to persuade him. Despite these attempts, Adhikari remained resolute in his decision. According to Roy, after a seemingly positive discussion on December 1, it appeared reconciliation was possible, but the very next day, Adhikari made it clear via a WhatsApp message that collaboration was no longer feasible. Subsequently, the party officially announced the cessation of all communication with him.

Political Separation from TMC and Rise in BJP

In December 2020, just months before the 2021 assembly elections, Adhikari left the TMC and joined the BJP, triggering a major political upheaval in Bengal. Although the BJP did not form the government in 2021, Adhikari emerged as the leader of the opposition and became the most influential voice for the party in the state. His rivalry with TMC chief Mamata Banerjee intensified, significantly impacting Bengal's political dynamics. Following a dramatic victory over Banerjee in the high-profile Nandigram elections in 2021, Adhikari's political stature soared. He further solidified his position with another significant electoral win in Bhabanipur, establishing himself as the BJP's most powerful leader in Bengal and a natural choice for the Chief Minister role after the party's substantial victory.

From Opposition Leader to Chief Minister

Now, after years of political struggle, shifting alliances, and fierce electoral battles, Shuvendu Adhikari stands at the forefront of Bengal's politics. His evolution from a grassroots leader to a key figure in anti-Left movements and a challenger to Mamata Banerjee's dominance exemplifies one of the most dramatic political transformations in the state.