List of Chief Ministers of West Bengal from 1947 to 2025: Tenure, Parties, and Key Facts

West Bengal was and has always been one of the most politically vibrant and culturally rich states of India. The state has seen varied political leadership since Independence in 1947, from the monolithic rule of the Indian National Congress (INC) to the 34-year rule of the Left Front (CPI-M) and lastly the ascension of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) under Mamata Banerjee.
The initial Chief Minister of West Bengal was Prafulla Chandra Ghosh, who took charge on 15 August 1947. The current serving CM is Mamata Banerjee, who is the first woman Chief Minister of West Bengal and has been ruling the state since 2011.

Role of the Chief Minister in West Bengal

The Chief Minister (CM) is the head of the West Bengal administration and is elected by the Governor. The CM heads the council of ministers, formulates policies, and is accountable for state administration. Bengal has given birth to some of the powerful leaders of the past few decades, such as Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, Jyoti Basu, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, and Mamata Banerjee, whose contributions to Indian politics will be remembered forever.

Complete List of Chief Ministers of West Bengal (1947 – 2025)

Here is the comprehensive list of West Bengal Chief Ministers, along with their tenure and political affiliation:

Key Highlights of Chief Ministers of West Bengal

1. First Chief Minister of West Bengal

• Prafulla Chandra Ghosh (1947–1948) was the first CM of West Bengal.

• He was a freedom fighter, economist, and member of the Indian National Congress.

2. Longest Serving Chief Minister

• Jyoti Basu of CPI(M) ruled for 23 years (1977–2000).

• His tenure is among the longest in Indian history and was marked by land reforms, rural empowerment, and strengthening of Panchayati Raj institutions.

3. Shortest Serving Chief Minister

• Prafulla Chandra Ghosh’s second term in 1967 lasted just 15 days (24 August – 8 September).

• His resignation was due to political instability and fragile coalitions.

4. First Woman Chief Minister

• Mamata Banerjee became the first woman CM of West Bengal in 2011.

• She ended 34 years of Left Front dominance and has since introduced major welfare schemes like Kanyashree, Swasthya Sathi, and Duare Sarkar.

5. President’s Rule in West Bengal

• Imposed four times: 1968–1969, 1970–1971, 1971–1972, and briefly in 1977.

Current Chief Minister of West Bengal (2025)

• Mamata Banerjee has been serving as the CM since 20 May 2011.

• She is in her third consecutive term, making her one of the most influential leaders in Bengal’s modern history.

• Her governance style focuses on social welfare, grassroots empowerment, and women’s development.

Summary of Chief Ministers of West Bengal

• First CM: Prafulla Chandra Ghosh (1947)

• First Woman CM: Mamata Banerjee (2011 – Present)

• Longest Serving CM: Jyoti Basu (23 years, 1977–2000)

• Shortest Serving CM: Prafulla Chandra Ghosh (15 days, 1967)

• President’s Rule: Imposed 4 times in state history

Conclusion

West Bengal‘s dynamic political past is represented by its Chief Ministers between 1947 and 2025. From the Congress-dominated period under the leadership of Bidhan Chandra Roy, the Left Front’s extended rule under Jyoti Basu and Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, to the Trinamool Congress under Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal has witnessed varied models of governance. Each Chief Minister contributed differently to the growth of the state, making Bengal one of India’s most politically notable states.

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