Suvendu Adhikari, the man in focus in West Bengal as the early trends showing BJP leading in the state has contested election for both Nandigram and Bhabanipur
seats. He is also the Leader of the Opposition in the state, and has served as the LoP for the last five years. Born on December 15, 1970 in Karkuli, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, he is the son of Sisir Kumar Adhikari, a veteran politician and former Union Minister of State in the Manmohan Singh government. BJP heavyweight and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari is seeking a second straight victory from the seat after his landmark win over Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2021. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has fielded Pabitra Kar in a bid to reclaim a constituency that carries immense symbolic and political significance.
Assets and Financial Profile:
As per his Income Tax returns, Adhikari’s earnings have steadily increased over the past five years from approximately Rs 8.13 lakh in FY 2020–21 to around Rs 17.38 lakh in FY 2024–25.
Suvendu Adhikari is a crorepati, with total assets valued at Rs 1,05,52,749, as per his 2021 election affidavit. He posses immovable assets worth Rs 46 lakh, and has reported no outstanding loans or liabilities, and no pending GST, income tax, or other dues.
As per the affidavit, his movable assets were worth over Rs 59 lakh. These included investments in LIC policies, bonds, and shares. He declared having Rs 5,000 in cash at the time.
The affidavit revealed that he owns three houses along with several plots of land, including two agricultural plots. He also stated in his affidavit that he did not own any car in his name.
Educational Qualification:
As per the affidavit, Suvendu Adhikari holds a Master’s degree from Rabindra Bharati University, having completed his MA in 2011.
Adhikari has completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Pravat Kumar College in Contai, affiliated to Vidyasagar University. He also pursued studies through Netaji Subhas Open University.
Suvendu Adhikari has exuded confidence throughout the campaign, describing the region as a BJP stronghold and predicting a sweeping victory for his party across the state. For the BJP, holding Nandigram would reinforce Adhikari's stature as its tallest leader in Bengal. For the TMC, wresting back the seat would carry enormous symbolic value.
