India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a historic landslide victory in West Bengal, breaking what it long described as an “unconquerable fortress”, and triggering intense speculation over who will become the state’s next chief minister.

West Bengal, the birthplace of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, has been a symbolic political figure for the BJP. Following the landslide win, attention has shifted to leadership, with party insiders suggesting that a strong figure will be chosen to consolidate its base in the state. There is also growing buzz that the party could appoint a woman chief minister for the first time in Bengal.

During the campaign, India’s Home Minister Amit Shah repeatedly promised that a “son of the soil” or a Bengali leader would be elevated to the post if the BJP came to power.

Senior BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar went further, remarking that the next chief minister would be a “non-vegetarian”, a statement widely seen as a rebuttal to incumbent leader Mamata Banerjee’s campaign claim that the BJP would impose dietary restrictions.

Unlike many regional parties, the BJP typically does not project a chief ministerial face during state elections. Instead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the campaign charge, holding more than 20 rallies across Bengal.

Over the past month, Modi immersed himself in local culture, from eating traditional snacks to visiting the Kali temple where non-vegetarian offerings are customary, even engaging in football and delivering audio messages in Bengali.

Political analysts say the electorate appears to have placed its trust in the “Modi brand”, but the question now is who will carry that mandate forward at the state level.

With women’s safety a central campaign theme, speculation is mounting that the BJP may appoint a woman chief minister to reinforce its pro-women image. Currently, the party has only one woman chief minister in Delhi, Rekha Gupta.

Among the prominent female contenders are Agnimitra Paul and Roopa Ganguly, the latter widely known for her role as Draupadi in B.R. Chopra’s iconic television series Mahabharat.

At the same time, several heavyweight leaders remain in contention.

Leading contenders

Suvendu Adhikari

Former Trinamool Congress heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari is widely seen as the frontrunner. Once a close associate of Mamata Banerjee, he has built strong grassroots networks and organizational influence, particularly in Medinipur. He rose to prominence after defeating Banerjee in Nandigram in 2021, earning the label of a “giant killer”. He also mounted a strong challenge against her in Bhabanipur. However, his name was linked to the 2021 Narada sting operation case.

Samik Bhattacharya

Newly appointed state president Samik Bhattacharya began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP. Known as a consensus-builder, he prefers working behind the scenes and has played a key role in expanding the party’s outreach among diverse social groups.

Agnimitra Paul

A fashion designer by profession, Agnimitra Paul has emerged as a prominent BJP leader in Bengal. From heading the party’s women’s wing to becoming state vice-president, she has quickly climbed the ranks. She retained her Asansol South seat in the 2026 election and is known for her combative campaign style and sharp criticism of Banerjee.

Roopa Ganguly

A former Rajya Sabha MP, Roopa Ganguly enjoys widespread popularity both among urban voters and at the grassroots level. Currently an MLA from Sonarpur South, she built strong connections during her tenure as president of the BJP’s women’s wing.

Dilip Ghosh

Former state president Dilip Ghosh is known for his aggressive political style and extensive grassroots mobilization. He is credited with establishing the BJP as the principal opposition force in Bengal in 2021 by displacing the Left and Congress. Though no longer state president, he remains highly influential and could emerge as a surprise choice. A long-time RSS member, Ghosh joined the BJP as general secretary in 2014 but is often in the headlines for controversial remarks.

As the BJP prepares to form its first government in West Bengal, the decision now rests on whether it will back a seasoned face like Adhikari or Ghosh, or opt for a new direction with a woman leader at the helm.

Sources: India Today, NDTV