West Bengal elections: Lieutenant to conqueror - the rise and rise of Suvendu Adhikari

The report focuses on Suvendu Adhikari emerging as a key figure after BJP’s strong performance in West Bengal. He is being seen as a major contender in the Chief Minister race, with discussions of him possibly visiting Delhi as government formation talks continue ahead of the May 9 swearing-in ceremony.

Once a close aide and political disciple of Mamata Banerjee, Suvendu’s journey from TMC to BJP marked a major shift in Bengal politics. He rose through the ranks in TMC, played a key role in movements like Nandigram, and was once considered one of Mamata’s most trusted leaders. However, after differences within TMC leadership and growing political distance, he resigned in 2020 and joined BJP.

Since then, he has become one of Mamata Banerjee’s strongest political challengers and is credited with playing a significant role in BJP’s recent electoral success, leading to a major political transformation in the state.