Suvendu Set for Bengal Top Post, BJP Eyes Two Deputies
Party likely to appoint dual deputy chief ministers ahead of Kolkata oath ceremony
- Suvendu Adhikari emerges frontrunner for Bengal CM post
- BJP may appoint two deputy chief ministers
- Agnimitra Paul among top contenders for deputy role
- Grand swearing-in planned at Brigade Parade Ground
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 8th May: Suvendu Adhikari appears set to become the next Chief Minister of West Bengal after leading the BJP to a historic victory over the All India Trinamool Congress in the recently concluded Assembly elections.
As the BJP prepares for government formation in the state for the first time, party insiders indicated that the new administration may include two deputy chief ministers to assist Adhikari.
Sources said one of the deputy posts is likely to go to a woman leader, with Agnimitra Paul, who won from Asansol Dakshin, emerging as a leading contender.
If appointed, she would become the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of West Bengal.
The second deputy chief minister is expected to be chosen from north Bengal. Party sources indicated that Shankar Ghosh, who won from Siliguri, is being seriously considered for the role.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly held separate meetings with both leaders in Kolkata, with discussions focusing on cabinet formation and deputy chief ministerial responsibilities.
A meeting of BJP MLAs is scheduled later in the day to formally elect the leader of the legislative party, a process expected to confirm Adhikari as chief minister.
According to party sources, West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya is likely to propose Adhikari’s name during the meeting.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at the historic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata and is expected to be a major political show of strength for the BJP after its sweeping electoral victory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief ministers from NDA-ruled states and senior BJP leaders are expected to attend the event.
West Bengal has not had a deputy chief minister in over two decades. Late CPM leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was the last to hold the position during the government of Jyoti Basu.
