Suvendu Adhikari officially assumed office on Saturday as West Bengal’s first Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party, marking a dramatic political transformation in one of India’s most politically influential states.
The oath-taking ceremony at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground drew top national leaders and thousands of supporters as the BJP formally began its first government in Bengal since Independence.
Governor Administers Oath in Presence of PM Modi
West Bengal Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari during the high-profile event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president Nitin Nabin, Union ministers and several chief ministers from NDA-ruled states.
The BJP projected the event as a historic breakthrough in eastern India after decades of political dominance by Left parties and later the All India Trinamool Congress.
BJP’s Bengal Victory Reshapes State Politics
The BJP’s rise to power in West Bengal is being viewed as one of the party’s biggest electoral gains in recent years.
The political shift has dramatically altered Bengal’s landscape, where the BJP moved from being a marginal political player to forming the government within a decade.
Party leaders described the victory as a mandate for political change and governance reform in the state.
Amit Shah Formally Declared Adhikari as Legislature Leader
A day before the swearing-in, Amit Shah officially announced Adhikari as leader of the BJP legislature party after a meeting with newly elected MLAs.
The decision followed the Assembly election results declared earlier this week, in which the BJP secured a sweeping victory and ended the long rule of the Trinamool Congress government.
The party leadership unanimously backed Adhikari for the top post, cementing his emergence as the BJP’s strongest political face in Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee’s Silence Sparks Speculation
Even as the BJP celebrated its historic moment, attention also remained focused on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has largely stayed away from public appearances since the election results.
There has been no official statement regarding her presence at the ceremony or her immediate political plans following the defeat of the Trinamool Congress.
The party’s electoral setback brought an end to its 15-year rule in the state and triggered intense political reactions across Bengal.
Massive Crowd Marks Beginning of New Era
Thousands of BJP supporters gathered at Brigade Parade Ground waving party flags and chanting slogans as Adhikari took charge as Chief Minister.
Leaders within the BJP described the moment as the beginning of a “new political chapter” for Bengal, with expectations of major administrative and political changes under the new government.
Challenges Await New Government
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the new administration is expected to face immediate governance challenges, including managing political tensions, ensuring administrative stability and handling the transition of power after a fiercely contested election.
