Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the Chief Minister of West Bengal on Saturday, May 9, 2026, marking a historic moment in the state’s political journey. The oath ceremony formally brought the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in West Bengal for the first time.
Adhikari, who served as the BJP Legislature Party leader, took oath at a grand ceremony held at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states and senior leaders of the BJP.
The ceremony reflected the political significance of the BJP’s rise in a state that has long been dominated by regional and left-leaning political forces.
Historic Moment for BJP in West Bengal
The swearing-in of Suvendu Adhikari as Chief Minister is being seen as a major milestone for the BJP. For years, West Bengal politics was shaped mainly by the Left Front and later by the Trinamool Congress.
The BJP’s entry into power signals a major shift in the political balance of the state. Adhikari’s elevation to the top post also highlights his central role in the party’s campaign and organization in West Bengal.
As the first BJP Chief Minister of the state, Adhikari now faces the task of turning electoral victory into stable governance.
Governor Administers Oath at Brigade Parade Grounds
Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Suvendu Adhikari during the ceremony. Five other leaders were also sworn in as ministers, beginning the formation of the new state cabinet.
The choice of Brigade Parade Grounds as the venue added symbolic weight to the event. The ground has witnessed several major political rallies and public movements over the decades, making it an important location in Bengal’s political history.
Thousands of BJP supporters and party workers were expected to view the ceremony as a moment of celebration after years of political effort in the state.
Prime Minister Modi and Senior Leaders Attend Ceremony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at the oath-taking ceremony underlined the importance of West Bengal for the BJP’s national political strategy. Union Ministers, senior BJP leaders and Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states also attended the event.
Their participation turned the swearing-in into a national-level political moment. It also signaled strong support from the central leadership for the new state government.
The BJP is expected to project the formation of its first government in West Bengal as a major achievement and a turning point for the party’s expansion in eastern India.
Five Ministers Also Take Oath
Along with Suvendu Adhikari, five other leaders were sworn in as ministers. The initial cabinet is expected to play a key role in setting the tone for the new government’s early priorities.
The first few weeks of the administration will likely focus on governance, law and order, development policies and administrative changes. The new leadership will also be watched closely for how it manages political expectations and regional concerns.
Cabinet expansion and portfolio distribution may become important steps in shaping the government’s direction.
Major Political Shift in the State
The formation of a BJP government in West Bengal represents a significant change in the state’s political landscape. Bengal has a long history of strong ideological politics, mass movements and regional identity-based leadership.
For the BJP, the challenge will be to balance its national agenda with the social, cultural and economic expectations of West Bengal. For opposition parties, the new government’s beginning will likely open a fresh phase of political contest.
Final Thoughts
Suvendu Adhikari’s oath as West Bengal’s first BJP Chief Minister marks a historic turning point for the state.
The ceremony at Brigade Parade Grounds, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior NDA leaders, showed the national importance of this political moment.
The new government now faces the responsibility of delivering on its promises and proving its ability to govern a complex and politically active state.
For West Bengal, this marks the beginning of a new chapter, with expectations high and political attention firmly focused on the road ahead.