Amit Shah reaches Kolkata for crucial BJP meet on Bengal CM pick amid rising political tension

Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Friday for a key meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party to decide its chief ministerial face in West Bengal after the party’s historic Assembly election victory.

Shah has been appointed the BJP’s central observer for the election of the legislative party leader, a move that underscores the significance of the decision as the party prepares to form its first-ever government in the state.

Among the frontrunners for the top post are senior BJP leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Agnimitra Paul.

Assembly dissolved after BJP landslide

West Bengal Governor R N Ravi dissolved the state legislative assembly on Thursday, following the conclusion of its five-year term and the BJP’s sweeping mandate in the 294-seat House.

The development came amid a political standoff after outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to visit Raj Bhavan to formally tender her resignation, maintaining that she had not accepted defeat.

According to Election Commission data, Banerjee lost the high-profile Bhabanipur contest to Suvendu Adhikari by more than 15,000 votes.

Murder of Suvendu aide escalates tension

The political atmosphere has further intensified following the killing of Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath.

Rath was shot dead late Wednesday night by bike-borne assailants in Madhyamgram.

He sustained bullet injuries to the head, chest and abdomen and was declared dead after being rushed to hospital.

His body was later taken to his hometown in Purba Medinipur.

Police have recovered the motorcycle allegedly used in the attack and brought it to Madhyamgram police station as part of the ongoing investigation.

BJP’s historic victory

The BJP secured a massive 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, while the Trinamool Congress was reduced to 80 seats.

The result marks the first time the BJP will form a government in West Bengal.

The win also makes Narendra Modi the first sitting Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to lead his party to victory in the state.

BJP appoints observers

Alongside Shah, Mohan Charan Majhi has been appointed co-observer for the legislative party leader election, with the final announcement on Bengal’s next chief minister expected soon.