Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengal’s first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister on May 9, 2026, marking a major political shift in the state’s post-Independence history. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior NDA leaders.
The development follows the BJP’s landmark victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, ending the Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s 15-year rule in the state. The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark and forming its first-ever government in West Bengal.
BJP’s Historic Political Breakthrough in Bengal
Suvendu Adhikari was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP Legislative Party ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, paving the way for his appointment as Chief Minister.
Political observers have described the result as one of the most significant electoral shifts in West Bengal’s recent political history, reflecting the BJP’s growing influence in eastern India.
The election outcome also marked the end of the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee, which had been in power since 2011.
Swearing-In Ceremony Held in Kolkata
The oath-taking ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground witnessed the presence of several senior BJP and NDA leaders along with newly elected legislators and supporters.
Alongside Adhikari, several BJP leaders also took oath as ministers in the newly formed government, with the cabinet expected to expand further in the coming weeks.
The event has been described by party leaders as the beginning of a new political and governance phase for West Bengal.
A Major Leadership Transition in West Bengal
Before becoming Chief Minister, Adhikari emerged as one of the BJP’s most prominent leaders in West Bengal and played a significant role in the party’s expansion in the state.
His political journey from the Trinamool Congress to becoming the face of BJP’s rise in Bengal has been viewed as one of the most significant political transformations in recent state politics.
West Bengal BJP CM leadership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping governance priorities, administrative reforms, infrastructure development, and political dynamics in the state over the coming years.
