West Bengal Politics
West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Track the latest political developments, policy decisions, and electoral dynamics shaping West Bengal.
Current vs. Opposition
Suvendu Adhikari
Chief Minister, West Bengal
Ritabrata Banerjee
Opposition Leader — All India Trinamool Congress (AITC/TMC), West Bengal Assembly
History & Achievements
History
West Bengal has one of India's most significant political and legislative histories. The roots of its modern legislature go back to 1862, when the Bengal Legislative Council was established during British rule. After Independence and Partition in 1947, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly began functioning as the legislature of the new State. The first Assembly met on 21 November 1947. The first post-Independence government was led by Prafulla Chandra Ghosh, followed by Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who became one of the most influential early Chief Ministers of West Bengal. The Congress remained a major political force during the first decades after Independence. The Assembly underwent several constitutional and organisational changes as West Bengal's territory and political system evolved. A major political transformation took place in 1977, when the CPI(M)-led Left Front came to power. Jyoti Basu became Chief Minister and remained in office for more than two decades. The Left Front government became one of India's longest-running democratically elected state governments. During this period, land reforms, the Panchayati Raj system and rural political organisation became important features of West Bengal's governance. In 2011, the All India Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, defeated the Left Front and ended its 34-year period in government. TMC subsequently won the 2016 and 2021 Assembly elections, making Mamata Banerjee one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in the State's history. The political landscape changed significantly again with the 2026 Assembly election, after which the BJP formed the State government under Suvendu Adhikari. The present 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly is unicameral with a strength of 294 members. The current Assembly portal lists BJP as the largest party and TMC as the principal opposition grouping, while Ritabrata Banerjee is listed as Leader of the Opposition. West Bengal's political history has been shaped by debates over land reforms, industrialisation, rural development, employment, migration, federal relations, welfare policies, cultural identity and regional development. The State's diverse geography — from the Himalayan districts and Darjeeling hills to the Gangetic plains and Sundarbans — has also influenced its political and administrative priorities.
West Bengal News
Deleted Voters Testify Before Former Judges’ Panel, Raise Concerns Over SIR Process
Voters and civil society representatives from six states testified at a public hearing in Delhi about deletions from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The hearing highlighted concerns over voter inclusion, documentation requirements and the impact of electoral roll revisions on vulnerable communities.
By Haripriya • 2 views
