From Prafulla Chandra Ghosh to Mamata Banerjee: Full list of West Bengal chief ministers over the years
West Bengal's political history since independence has been shaped by a succession of chief ministers, beginning with Prafulla Chandra Ghosh in 1947 and including long-serving leaders like Bidhan Chandra Roy and Jyoti Basu. The role was initially known as Premier before transitioning to Chief Minister after India became a republic in 1950. Mamata Banerjee has served as chief minister since 2011, leading the Trinamool Congress with a significant tenure of 15 years as of 2026.
- ▪Prafulla Chandra Ghosh was the first Premier of West Bengal, serving from August 15, 1947, to January 22, 1948.
- ▪Bidhan Chandra Roy served as both Premier and Chief Minister, holding office from January 1948 until his death on July 1, 1962.
- ▪Jyoti Basu was the longest-serving Chief Minister of West Bengal, holding the position from June 21, 1977, to November 5, 2000.
- ▪President’s Rule was imposed multiple times in West Bengal, notably between 1968 and 1969, 1970 and 1971, and 1971 and 1977.
- ▪Mamata Banerjee became Chief Minister on May 20, 2011, and has held the office for 15 years as of 2026.
- ▪The article was published on April 30, 2026, ahead of the West Bengal election results scheduled for May 4, 2026.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
From Prafulla Chandra Ghosh to Mamata Banerjee: Full list of West Bengal chief ministers over the yearsThe political history of West Bengal is marked by prominent political leaders who have shaped the state’s politics over time.Published on: Apr 30, 2026 4:32 PM ISTBy Payal KumariShare viaCopy link India is a diverse country with a vast history, comprising various states that contribute differently to its cultural, economic, and political landscape. Among them, West Bengal has played an important role in shaping India’s past, particularly during the British Raj and the freedom movement.List of all Chief Ministers of West Bengal (1947-2026)West Bengal also has a strong political history shaped by several prominent leaders.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Hindustan Times — Top.