Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal following the 2026 assembly elections [2].
This transition marks a significant political shift in the state, ending a long period of non-BJP governance and consolidating the party's influence in eastern India.
The swearing-in ceremony featured the hoisting of a saffron flag and was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath [1, 2]. During the event, Modi hugged the new chief minister, while Adityanath wore a saffron gamchha [1].
Five ministers took the oath alongside Adhikari, including Dilip Ghosh and Agnimitra Paul [1]. The ceremony also included a blessing from Makhanlal Sarkar, a 98-year-old BJP veteran [1].
While the BJP has moved to inaugurate the new government, the transition follows a contested electoral cycle. Reports from the BBC indicated that the BJP was headed for victory in the state [3]. However, other reports noted that Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress claimed a moral victory and said she would not resign [4].
Adhikari's appointment as the first BJP chief minister in the state's history [2] signals a new administrative era for West Bengal. The presence of senior national leadership at the ceremony underscores the strategic importance the party places on its victory in the region [1].
“Suvendu Adhikari became the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal.”
The installation of a BJP government in West Bengal represents a breach of a long-standing political stronghold held by the Trinamool Congress. By securing the chief minister's office, the BJP has successfully expanded its governance model into a state historically resistant to its platform, though the conflicting claims of victory from the opposition suggest a potentially volatile legislative environment.
