The Hindu reports: The BJP legislature party is scheduled to meet in Kolkata on Friday (May 8, 2026) in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to formally elect its leader, with Suvendu Adhikari emerging as the frontrunner to become the party’s first Chief Minister in West Bengal. The BJP registered a historic victory in the just-held Assembly elections, ending the TMC’s 15-year rule and dealing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee one of the biggest setbacks of her political career. On Tuesday (May 5, 2026), Trinamool chairperson Mamata Banerjee said she would not resign as Chief Minister, alleging that the verdict was the result of a “conspiracy” rather than the people’s mandate.
Also read | Suvendu aide among 3 killed as post-poll violence rocks Bengal Since the election results were announced on Monday (May 4, 2026), instances of post-poll violence erupted across Bengal. On Wednesday (May 6, 2026), BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Madhyamgram area in the State’s North 24 Parganas district. As many as 65% of newly elected legislators in the West Bengal Assembly have declared criminal cases against themselves, marking a sharp rise from the previous election, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
Background
A report reveals 65% of Bengal's newly elected MLAs face criminal cases, with 61% being millionaires, highlighting political concerns. Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday (May 7, 2026) called on Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, in Kolkata. The SP leader reached the Kalighat residence of the former Chief Minister, and was received by Mr.
Key facts
- On Wednesday (May 6, 2026), BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Madhyamgram area in the State’s North 24 Parganas district.
- A report reveals 65% of Bengal's newly elected MLAs face criminal cases, with 61% being millionaires, highlighting political concerns.
- Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday (May 7, 2026) called on Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, in Kolkata.
- The SP leader reached the Kalighat residence of the former Chief Minister, and was received by Mr.
What this means
“You fought very well,” Mr. Yadav was heard telling Mr. Banerjee said, “We have lost.” “No, no, you have not lost,” Mr.
Yadav said in response. Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata Banerjee to discuss post-poll strategies and support Opposition unity against the BJP in West Bengal Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and offered prayers after arriving in Kolkata on Friday (May 8, 2026). Shah, who has been appointed the BJP’s central observer for the legislature party meeting, landed at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport around 11.10 am.
Originally reported by The Hindu. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
