Suvendu Adhikari, a significant figure in West Bengal politics, has transitioned from being a trusted aide of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to a prominent leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His political journey began with the Congress party, where he was influenced by his father, Sisir Adhikari, a notable Congress politician. Adhikari gained recognition during the 2007 Nandigram protests against land acquisition, which ultimately helped the Trinamool Congress (TMC) rise to power in 2011, ending the Left Front's long-standing rule.

After years of loyalty, Adhikari's relationship with Banerjee soured, leading to his resignation from the TMC in late 2020 and his subsequent joining of the BJP. In the 2021 Assembly elections, he defeated Banerjee in Nandigram, marking a significant political shift. As the Leader of the Opposition, Adhikari is now gearing up for the 2026 elections, contesting from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, Banerjee's constituency. This rivalry encapsulates the fierce political dynamics of West Bengal, with both leaders seeking to assert their dominance in a highly contested arena.