Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal on May 9, 2026, marking a major political shift in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed the government in West Bengal for the first time after securing victory in the recently concluded Assembly elections.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior BJP leaders, party workers, and thousands of supporters. Governors, chief ministers from BJP-ruled states, and several Union ministers also attended the event.
Adhikari, who played a key role in the BJP’s campaign, took the oath of office and secrecy along with members of his new cabinet. The BJP’s win ended the long rule of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee, who had been Chief Minister since 2011.
Along with Adhikari, senior BJP leaders Sukanta Majumdar, Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul and several newly elected MLAs took oath as cabinet ministers in the new government.
Speaking after taking oath, Adhikari said his government would focus on development, employment, law and order, and improving governance in the state. He also promised to work for all sections of society and ensure faster implementation of welfare schemes.
The Assembly election in West Bengal witnessed an intense contest between the BJP and the TMC. The BJP campaigned strongly on issues including corruption, political violence, and governance, while the TMC sought another term under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
Political observers described the BJP’s victory as a historic breakthrough in a state where regional parties and the Left had dominated politics for decades. The leadership change is expected to have a significant impact on the political landscape of eastern India.
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