Desk Correspondent , Kolkata - BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday confirmed that the oath-taking ceremony for the West Bengal chief minister will be held on May 9, following the party's historic assembly election victory that ended the Trinamool Congress's long dominance. With a record-breaking performance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is now finalising its chief ministerial candidate, where Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the clear front-runner. Adhikari, who defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her stronghold of Bhabanipur on Monday, is widely seen as the party's choice to lead the new government, rewarding his consistent electoral successes against the TMC supremo.

Adhikari's credentials have strengthened significantly after this victory, marking the second time he has defeated Banerjee. In the 2021 assembly polls, he had edged her out from Nandigram by a narrow margin of 1,956 votes. A senior BJP functionary indicated that the party high command views this as an opportunity to elevate Adhikari for his proven charisma and leadership as the Leader of Opposition. His stature received a major boost when Union Home Minister Amit Shah accompanied him during the filing of nomination papers from Bhabanipur on April 2, signaling strong central backing. Party insiders noted that unlike previous assembly elections where the BJP avoided contesting two key seats, Adhikari's performance in this contest served as a critical test of his individual appeal and organisational capability.

However, the BJP has not completely ruled out other prominent leaders for the chief ministerial position. State unit chief Samik Bhattacharya, who steered the party to its first major assembly success, and vice-president Agnimitra Paul remain in contention. Paul, a former Lok Sabha MP from 2019 to 2024, could be a strong pick if the party opts for a woman leader to broaden its appeal. Bhattacharya, currently a Rajya Sabha member, is credited with organisational breakthroughs in Bengal. The final decision is expected soon as the party prepares for the formal transition of power on May 9, setting the stage for a new political era in the state.