List of Former Chief Ministers of West Bengal from 1947 to 2026

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.

New Chief Minister of West Bengal

A major political shift took place in West Bengal as Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state’s new Chief Minister, becoming the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold the post in West Bengal. The development marks a significant moment in the state’s political history, often described by BJP supporters as the arrival of “Poribortan” (change). Suvendu Adhikari’s oath ceremony witnessed the presence of senior BJP leaders and supporters, signaling a new phase in West Bengal politics after years of Trinamool Congress rule.

First Chief Minister of West Bengal

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.

Current Chief Minister of West Bengal

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.

Longest Serving Chief Minister 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.

List of Former Chief Ministers of 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 2026:

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	07 May 2026
29.	Suvendu Adhikari	9 May 2026	Incumbent

Roles and Responsibilities of a Chief Minister

• The Chief Minister is the real executive head of the state government.
• Leads the Council of Ministers and guides their work.
• Allocates and reshuffles portfolios among ministers.
• Presides over cabinet meetings and ensures coordination.
• Can ask any minister to resign; their resignation ends the entire Council.
• Acts as the main link between the Governor and the Cabinet.
• Advises the Governor on ministerial and key constitutional appointments.
• Provides the Governor with information on state administration and laws.
• Announces government policies in the State Assembly.
• Advises on summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the Assembly.
• Serves as the chief spokesperson of the state government.
• Leads the state during crises and emergencies.
• Heads planning and development through bodies like the State Planning Board.
• Represents the state in national forums such as NITI Aayog.
• Interacts with the public to address problems and grievances.