The BJP is surging ahead in West Bengal, currently leading in 161 of the 293 seats. As the BJP edges closer to breaching the Trinamool Congress's fortress in West Bengal and forming the government for the first time, speculation is ongoing on who would be the new chief minister.
Several prominent leaders have emerged as possible contenders for the post.
Who will become West Bengal CM?
Suvendu Adhikari, currently the Leader of Opposition, is considered a strong contender for the post. He is contesting from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, taking on Mamata Banerjee's key battleground.
Another key name in contention is BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya. A leader with deep roots in the RSS, Bhattacharya is credited with expanding the party's reach across diverse social segments. Since becoming a Rajya Sabha member in 2024, he has played a pivotal role in consolidating the BJP's influence in the state.
Dilip Ghosh, a former state president, enjoys strong support among grassroots workers and also is a possible contender for the post.
Former union minister Nisith Paramanik, MLA from Asansol Dakshin Agnimitra Paul and former Rajya Sabha MP Roopa Ganguly are the other possible contenders.
Though CM Mamata Banerjee was trailing in Bhabanipur in the initial hours, after three rounds of counting, she was leading by 898 votes over Adhikari.
Meanwhile, in Nandigram, reportedly, Adhikari is ahead by over 3,100 votes against TMC's Pabitra Kar.
Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir held a lead margin of 2,890 votes over TMC's Sahina Momtaz Khan, with 19 counting rounds remaining.
The BJP was also leading in a swath of constituencies, including Dinhata, Gosaba, Baghmundi, Bankura, Durgapur Purba, Binpur, Nayagram, Rajganj and Bhagwangola, indicating early traction across Junglemahal, north Bengal and industrial belts.
