Amid Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to resign as West Bengal Chief Minister and the BJP’s announcement that she will take oath on May 9, speculation is rife about who will take over the state’s top job. Among the few candidates is BJP leader Agnimitra Paul, who won from Asansol Dakshin in the 2026 Assembly elections.
BJP Bengal vice president Agnimitra Paul is among the names being considered for the post of chief minister, a BJP leader told Hindustan Times on Monday, May 4.
“Adhikari is on the list. Some leaders also suggested the names of Rajya Sabha member and state president Samik Bhattacharya and state vice president Agnimitra Paul, who won from Asansol Dakshin,” the BJP leader said on condition of anonymity.
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Who is Agnimitra Paul?
After defeating TMCs Tapas Banerjee, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul won in Asansol Dakshin by a margin of over 40,000 votes, according to the Election Commission of India.
According to BJP functionaries, Paul could be an ideal candidate for the chief minister’s post if the BJP wants to replace Mamata with a women candidate of its own. Paul was a Member of Parliament for the Lok Sabha from 2019 to 2024.
Paul’s social media says she was a fashion designer before turning to politics.
According to her affidavit, Paul has as many as 23 criminal cases pending against her for allegations such as joining an unlawful assembly, violent protest, riot, disobeying lawful orders of public authorities, disobeying a duly issued order by a public servant, intentional insult or provocation aimed at inciting a breach of the peace or public disorder, statements or communications promoting enmity, hatred or ill will between different groups, among others.
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However, she has not been convicted of any criminal offence.
Paul’s Facebook profile reads (roughly translated from Bengali to English) – “A tireless warrior for women’s empowerment, an indomitable voice against injustice, an MLA for South Asansol, and a loyal servant of the people – a steadfast fighter striving to turn West Bengal’s true dream of change into reality. Faith, courage and patriotism define my identity.”
Who are the other candidates for the CM position?
Apart from Paul, Suvendu Adhikari, who served as Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, is among the front runners for the top job in the state. Adhikari emerged as a major disruptor in the Bengal polls as he defeated incumbent Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from Bhabanipur constituency by over 15,000 votes, the second time after he achieved the same feat in 2021 also in Nandigram. Moreover, Adhikari was nominated from both the above-mentioned seats this time as well, and won in both.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya is also among the names being considered.
While the BJP has announced that the new Prime Minister will be sworn in on May 9, the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the party is yet to decide who will be the next Prime Minister of Bengal.
