Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground [3].
The transition marks a historic political shift in the region, as Adhikari is the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold the office [3]. This change ends the long-term administration of Mamata Banerjee, who occupied the chief minister's chair for 15 years starting in 2011 [3].
Adhikari becomes the ninth chief minister of West Bengal [3]. The appointment follows the results of the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections and a subsequent decision by the BJP to install their leader in the role [2].
Adhikari's rise to the position follows a contentious political history with his predecessor. He was previously a loyalist to Banerjee before joining the BJP and defeating her in electoral contests [2].
The swearing-in ceremony took place before a large gathering in Kolkata, signaling a new era of governance for the state under the BJP's platform [3].
“Suvendu Adhikari is the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal”
The installation of a BJP chief minister in West Bengal represents a significant breach of the Trinamool Congress's long-standing stronghold in the state. By replacing a 15-year administration, the BJP establishes a strategic foothold in eastern India, fundamentally altering the regional power balance and the political trajectory of the state's executive leadership.
