Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in Saturday as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal in a ceremony held in Kolkata [1].

The appointment marks a historic shift in the political landscape of the state, ending decades of non-BJP rule and consolidating the party's power in eastern India.

Adhikari took the oath of office on May 9, 2026 [2], following a landslide victory in which the BJP won 207 seats in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly [3]. The ceremony, held at the state assembly and secretariat venue, included the swearing-in of five other MLAs as ministers [4].

During the proceedings, Yogi Adityanath presented a saffron gamcha to Adhikari [5]. This gesture highlighted the strong ties between the state leadership and the party's national figures during the transition of power.

“Serving people will be priority,” Adhikari said [6].

Political observers noted the significance of Adhikari's selection for the role. A senior BJP functionary said the party could “reward” Adhikari for defeating Mamata Banerjee twice [7].

Security was tightened across Kolkata ahead of the event to ensure the safety of the incoming administration and the attending dignitaries [4]. The transition follows a period of intense electoral competition and a decisive shift in voter preference toward the BJP's platform.

““Serving people will be priority,””

The installation of Suvendu Adhikari as chief minister signifies a fundamental realignment of power in West Bengal. By securing 207 seats, the BJP has moved from being an opposition force to holding a dominant mandate, potentially altering the administrative and social trajectory of the state. This shift may lead to a closer alignment between the state government and the central government in New Delhi.