Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the oath-taking ceremony for Suvendu Adhikari, who was sworn in as West Bengal's first BJP chief minister [1].

The event marks a historic political shift in West Bengal, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secures the state's top executive office for the first time.

The ceremony took place in Kolkata on Saturday, May 8, 2024 [1]. During the proceedings, Modi bowed before the public with folded hands to show gratitude and respect to the people of the state [1].

Modi also became emotional during the event, where he touched the feet of Makhan Lal Sarkar [2]. Sarkar is identified as the oldest worker in the region [2].

The gestures were observed by those in attendance as the Prime Minister acknowledged both the grassroots party loyalty and the electorate's decision. Adhikari's swearing-in concludes a significant campaign for the BJP to establish a governing presence in the eastern state [1].

The gathering in Kolkata served as a formal transition of power, centering on the installation of Adhikari as the head of the state government [1]. Modi's presence emphasized the central government's support for the new administration in West Bengal [2].

“Suvendu Adhikari's swearing-in as West Bengal’s first BJP chief minister.”

The appointment of Suvendu Adhikari as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal represents a major breach of a long-standing political stronghold. By publicly honoring a veteran party worker and bowing to the citizens, Narendra Modi is signaling a strategy of humility and grassroots connection to consolidate the party's new authority in a historically volatile political landscape.