Who is Agnimitra Paul? Fashion designer-turned BJP leader in race for Bengal CM post

With the Bharatiya Janata Party announcing May 9 as the date for government formation in West Bengal, speculation over the party’s chief ministerial pick has intensified. Among the names now being discussed within BJP circles is Agnimitra Paul, the party’s Bengal vice-president and newly elected MLA from Asansol Dakshin.

A BJP leader, speaking to Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity, said, “Adhikari is on the list. Some leaders have also proposed the names of Rajya Sabha member and state president Samik Bhattacharya and state vice-president Agnimitra Paul, who has won from Asansol Dakshin.”

Who is Agnimitra Paul?

Before entering politics, Agnimitra Paul was known in the fashion industry. Her social media profiles describe her as a fashion designer who later shifted to public life and politics.

Paul was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019 and remained an MP till 2024. In the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, she contested from Asansol Dakshin and defeated TMC candidate Tapas Banerjee by a margin of more than 40,000 votes, according to Election Commission data.

Within BJP ranks, some leaders believe Paul could emerge as a significant face if the party decides to project a woman chief minister in Bengal against Mamata Banerjee.

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Criminal cases mentioned in affidavit

According to the affidavit filed by Agnimitra Paul, 23 criminal cases are pending against her. The allegations include unlawful assembly, rioting, violent protests, disobedience of public orders, intentional insult aimed at provoking breach of peace, and statements allegedly promoting hostility between groups.

However, there has been no conviction against her in any of these cases.

What Agnimitra Paul says about herself

Paul’s Facebook profile describes her as: “An tireless warrior of women’s empowerment, an indomitable voice against injustice, the MLA of Asansol South, and a dedicated servant of the people, a steadfast fighter striving to turn West Bengal’s true dream of change into reality. Faith, courage, and patriotism define who I am.”

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Other names in the race

Apart from Agnimitra Paul, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari remains one of the strongest contenders for the chief minister’s post. Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee from Bhabanipur in the 2026 Assembly polls after also defeating her in Nandigram in 2021.

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BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya is also being discussed as a possible choice.

The BJP has confirmed that the next Bengal chief minister will take oath on May 9, coinciding with Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary. However, the party is yet to officially announce its final pick.