West Bengal’s political landscape boasts a legacy of dynamic leadership, with a succession of Chief Ministers who have left an indelible imprint on the state’s history. From the pioneering era of independence to the present day, each leader has navigated unique challenges and opportunities, shaping the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the region. Let’s explore the list of former Chief Ministers who have steered West Bengal through various phases of development and transformation.
West Bengal, formed in August 1947, evolved alongside the transformation of East Bengal into East Pakistan and eventually Bangladesh. Prafulla Chandra Ghosh, the inaugural Chief Minister from the Indian National Congress, assumed office during its inception. Jyoti Basu holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Minister, with a remarkable tenure of 23 years. Notably, Mamata Banerjee, from the All India Trinamool Congress, scripted history as West Bengal’s first female Chief Minister. Over the years, the state witnessed four instances of President’s rule, with the Indian National Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) dominating its political landscape.
Prafulla Chandra Ghosh, representing the Indian National Congress, became the inaugural Chief Minister of West Bengal, taking office in August 1947. His induction marked the commencement of governance in the newly formed state, setting the precedent for leadership in the region.
Mamata Banerjee, an Indian politician, has been the incumbent Chief Minister of West Bengal since May 20, 2011. Notably, she is the first woman to assume this prestigious office in the state’s history. With her tenure, she has spearheaded various initiatives and reforms, leaving a significant impact on the socio-political landscape of West Bengal.
Jyoti Basu, born Jyotirindra Basu, was a prominent Indian Marxist theorist, communist activist, and politician. He held the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Minister of West Bengal, serving from 1977 to 2000. Basu played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s political landscape during his unparalleled tenure, making significant contributions to the advancement of Marxist ideology and governance in West Bengal.
West Bengal, formed in August 1947, evolved alongside the transformation of East Bengal into East Pakistan and eventually Bangladesh. Here is the complete list of former Chief Ministers of West Bengal from 1947 to 2024:
| Former Chief Ministers of West Bengal | |||
| S. No. | Name | From | To |
| 1. | Prafulla Chandra Ghosh | 15 Aug 1947 | 22 Jan 1948 |
| 2. | Bidhan Chandra Roy | 23 Jan 1948 | 25 Jan 1950 |
| 3. | Bidhan Chandra Roy | 26 Jan 1950 | 30 Mar 1952 |
| 4. | Bidhan Chandra Roy | 31 Mar 1952 | 05 Apr 1957 |
| 5. | Bidhan Chandra Roy | 06 Apr 1957 | 02 Apr 1962 |
| 6. | Bidhan Chandra Roy | 03 Apr 1962 | 01 Jul 1962 |
| 7. | Prafulla Chandra Sen | 09 Jul 1962 | 28 Feb 1967 |
| 8. | Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee | 01 Mar 1967 | 21 Nov 1967 |
| 9. | Prafulla Chandra Ghosh | 21 Nov 1967 | 19 Feb 1968 |
| 10. | President’s Rule | 20 Feb 1968 | 25 Feb 1969 |
| 11. | Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee | 25 Feb 1969 | 16 Mar 1970 |
| 12. | President’s Rule | 19 Mar 1970 | 30 Jul 1970 |
| 13. | President’s Rule | 30 Jul 1970 | 02 Apr 1971 |
| 14. | Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee | 02 Apr 1971 | 28 Jun 1971 |
| 15. | President’s Rule | 29 Jun 1971 | 20 Mar 1972 |
| 16. | Siddhartha Shankar Ray | 20 Mar 1972 | 30 Apr 1977 |
| 17. | President’s Rule | 30 Apr 1977 | 20 Jun 1977 |
| 18. | Jyoti Basu | 21 Jun 1977 | 23 May 1982 |
| 19. | Jyoti Basu | 24 May 1982 | 29 Mar 1987 |
| 20. | Jyoti Basu | 30 Mar 1987 | 18 Jun 1991 |
| 21. | Jyoti Basu | 19 Jun 1991 | 15 May 1996 |
| 22. | Jyoti Basu | 16 May 1996 | 05 Nov 2000 |
| 23. | Buddhadeb Bhattacharya | 06 Nov 2000 | 14 May 2001 |
| 24. | Buddhadeb Bhattacharya | 15 May 2001 | 17 May 2006 |
| 25. | Buddhadeb Bhattacharya | 18 May 2006 | 13 May 2011 |
| 26. | Mamata Banerjee | 20 May 2011 | 25 May 2016 |
| 27. | Mamata Banerjee | 26 May 2016 | 04 May 2021 |
| 28. | Mamta Banerjee | 05 May 2021 | Incumbent |
Prafulla Chandra Ghosh, representing the Indian National Congress, became the inaugural Chief Minister of West Bengal, taking office in August 1947.
Mamata Banerjee, an Indian politician, has been the incumbent Chief Minister of West Bengal since May 20, 2011.
Jyoti Basu, born Jyotirindra Basu, was a prominent Indian Marxist theorist, communist activist, and politician. He held the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Minister of West Bengal, serving from 1977 to 2000.
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