Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Friday, May 8, 2026, for an important political meeting ahead of the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s first government in West Bengal.
His visit comes at a significant moment for the BJP, as the party prepares to elect its legislature party leader and finalise the next steps before the swearing-in ceremony.
Shah landed at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, where he was welcomed by senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and other party members.
After arriving in the city, he proceeded toward New Town, where key discussions were expected to take place with newly elected BJP MLAs and senior party leaders.
BJP Legislature Party Meeting to Elect New Leader
The main focus of Amit Shah’s Kolkata visit is the BJP legislature party meeting. During this meeting, the party’s newly elected MLAs are expected to choose their legislative leader, who will likely become the next Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Amit Shah is attending the meeting as a central observer, making his role important in guiding the selection process. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also been mentioned as part of the BJP’s observer team for the state-level leadership decision.
The meeting is seen as a key step in the BJP’s government formation process. After the leader is elected, the party is expected to move forward with cabinet formation and official communication with the Governor.
Historic Moment for BJP in West Bengal
The BJP’s move to form its first government in West Bengal marks a major political development in the state.
West Bengal has long been known for strong regional and Left political traditions, followed by years of Trinamool Congress rule. The BJP’s rise to power in the state is being viewed as a historic moment for the party and its national leadership.
For the BJP, this transition is not only about choosing a Chief Minister but also about setting the tone for its first administration in Bengal. The party is expected to focus on governance, law and order, infrastructure, employment and welfare promises made during the election campaign.
Swearing-In Preparations Underway
Preparations are also underway for the new government’s swearing-in ceremony. Reports say the oath-taking event is scheduled for May 9 at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground.
Security arrangements and invitation plans are being closely managed as senior BJP leaders, NDA chief ministers, party workers and special guests are expected to attend.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be a high-profile political event. It will formally mark the beginning of the BJP-led government in West Bengal and could send a strong political message ahead of future state and national-level strategies.
Suvendu Adhikari’s Role in the Developments
Suvendu Adhikari, one of the BJP’s most prominent leaders in West Bengal, was among those who received Amit Shah at the airport. His presence highlights his importance in the party’s Bengal unit.
Several names have been discussed in political circles for the Chief Minister’s post, but the final decision is expected to come after the legislature party meeting.
Until an official announcement is made, the BJP is likely to keep its leadership decision tightly managed through central observers and consultations with elected MLAs.
Conclusion
Amit Shah’s arrival in Kolkata has added momentum to the BJP’s government formation process in West Bengal.
With the legislature party meeting set to choose the next leader and the swearing-in ceremony scheduled soon after, the state is witnessing a major political transition.
The coming hours will be crucial as the BJP finalises its Chief Minister, cabinet structure and early governance priorities for its first government in Bengal.