Union Home Minister Amit Shah (BJP) thanked West Bengal voters with folded hands after the party announced Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) as the new chief minister.

This leadership change marks a significant political shift in West Bengal, ending the previous administration's tenure and establishing a BJP-led government in the state.

The announcement followed the assembly elections held in April 2026 [1]. The BJP secured a decisive victory in the state, winning 207 seats [2] in the West Bengal Assembly. Other reports confirmed the party secured more than 200 seats [3] during the electoral process.

Shah greeted the electorate in Kolkata to express gratitude for the mandate [1]. He said the goal of a "Sonar Bangla" remains the central focus for the incoming administration [2].

Suvendu Adhikari will now lead the state government as the incoming chief minister [1]. The transition follows a period of intense campaigning and a high-stakes electoral battle in the region.

Shah's gesture of folded hands was intended to thank the voters for their support after the decisive win [1]. The party's performance in the assembly elections provides a strong mandate for Adhikari to implement the BJP's policy agenda in West Bengal [2].

“Amit Shah greeted West Bengal voters with folded hands.”

The appointment of Suvendu Adhikari as chief minister, backed by a substantial majority of 207 seats, signals a consolidation of BJP power in a state previously resistant to the party. This victory allows the central government to align the state's administration with its national objectives, potentially altering the socio-political landscape of eastern India.