List of deputy chief ministers of West Bengal

FAQs on Deputy Chief Ministers of West Bengal

• Who have been the Deputy Chief Ministers of West Bengal?

  West Bengal has had three Deputy Chief Ministers: Jyoti Basu (1967 and 1969–70), Bijoy Singh Nahar (1971), and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee (1999–2000).  

• Is there currently a Deputy Chief Minister in West Bengal?

  No, the position of Deputy Chief Minister in West Bengal has been vacant since November 5, 2000, after Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee became Chief Minister.  

• Why has the position been vacant for over two decades?

  The Deputy Chief Minister’s post is not constitutionally mandatory. It is created at the discretion of the ruling party. Since 2000, no government has chosen to fill it in West Bengal.  

• What was the longest-serving tenure for a Deputy CM in West Bengal?

  Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee served as Deputy Chief Minister for the longest period—nearly 1 year and 298 days from 1999 to 2000.  

• Could West Bengal appoint a Deputy Chief Minister in future?

  Yes. The Chief Minister can recommend the appointment of a Deputy Chief Minister, and the Governor can make the appointment. It depends on political decisions and needs.

• Has any Deputy CM become Chief Minister later?

  Yes. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who was Deputy CM from 1999 to 2000, became Chief Minister in November 2000 after Jyoti Basu stepped down.