Suvendu Adhikari has been sworn in as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal [3].
This transition marks a historic shift in the state's political landscape, ending years of opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party's leadership in the region.
Adhikari, a BJP MP, spoke with NDTV in an exclusive interview following the announcement of the 2026 assembly election results. During the discussion, he said the party's strategy and the political message behind their victory. The oath ceremony took place on a Saturday at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata [4].
The victory followed a campaign where the BJP sought to dismantle the existing power structure. Earlier in the election cycle, Adhikari had predicted the party's momentum, saying that the BJP would win 125 seats [1] in the first phase of polling, which was held across 152 constituencies [2].
During the campaign, party leaders faced accusations regarding the influence of outside interests. Amit Shah said that the previous Chief Minister was spreading rumors that outsiders would rule if the BJP took power. Shah said these claims were false, asserting that the party's leadership would remain rooted in the state's needs.
In his interview with NDTV, Adhikari focused on the future of West Bengal politics. He said that the win was not merely a change in leadership, but a mandate for a new strategic direction for the state. He outlined how the party intends to implement its agenda now that it holds the executive office for the first time in the state's history [3].
“BJP will win 125 seats in first phase”
The appointment of Suvendu Adhikari as Chief Minister represents the first time the BJP has secured the top executive office in West Bengal. This shift suggests a significant realignment of voter loyalty and a breakdown of the previous administration's stronghold, potentially altering the balance of power in Eastern India.
