Suvendu Adhikari Sworn In as West Bengal CM

Marking a seismic shift in West Bengal's political landscape, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the Chief Minister today, Saturday, May 9, 2026. The historic ceremony took place at 12:00 PM at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of national dignitaries.

This inauguration marks the end of 15 years of Trinamool Congress (TMC) rule and the establishment of the first-ever Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state. The BJP secured a decisive majority in the 2026 Assembly elections, winning 207 seats in the 294-member House.

Governor C.V. Ananda Bose administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Adhikari. The event was attended by high-profile leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP National President Samik Bhattacharya.

Several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states were also in attendance, including Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), and Manik Saha (Tripura), alongside allies such as Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu. Notable cultural figures, including actor Mithun Chakraborty, were also present to witness the transition of power.

Following the Chief Minister’s swearing-in, several prominent BJP leaders took their oaths as cabinet ministers. The new cabinet includes:

• Dilip Ghosh

• Agnimitra Paul

• Ashok Kirtania

• Nishith Pramanik

• Khudiram Tudu

The distribution of portfolios is expected to be announced shortly, with sources suggesting a focus on industrial revitalization and administrative reform.

The 2026 election results, declared on May 4, saw the TMC's strength reduced to 80 seats. In his first remarks as Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari—who notably defeated Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur constituency—vowed to usher in a "Sonali Bangla" (Golden Bengal) and emphasized a "double-engine" growth model through closer cooperation with the central government.

Security was tightened across Kolkata for the event, particularly around the Brigade Parade Ground and Nabanna, as the state transitions into this new administrative era. While the outgoing TMC leadership has raised allegations regarding election irregularities, the Election Commission has dismissed these claims, certifying the BJP’s mandate as final.