The BJP on Tuesday appointed Union Home Minister Amit Shah as central observer for the election of its legislature party leader in West Bengal, initiating formal steps to form a government after securing a majority in the state assembly. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has been named co-observer, with both expected to arrive in the state in the coming days.

The BJP won 207 of 294 assembly seats in the 2026 elections, unseating the Trinamool Congress, which was reduced to 80 seats after 15 years in power. The results mark the party's first government formation in West Bengal.

Senior leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, are in contention for the chief minister's post, though no official nomination has been made. The legislature party meeting will be convened shortly to elect the leader.

Shah and Majhi will oversee the leadership selection process and coordinate the transition of power. The Governor is expected to invite the BJP to form the government once the leader is formally elected.