Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) was sworn in as the chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday, May 9, 2026 [1].
The appointment marks the first time the Bharatiya Janata Party has led a government in West Bengal since the country gained independence [1]. This shift in power follows the 2026 state elections where the BJP secured a majority [1].
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ceremony in West Bengal [1, 2]. During the event, Modi reportedly touched the feet of a person on stage and later prostrated before the audience [2].
The transition comes after a period of intense political competition in the state. Adhikari now leads the administration in a region that has historically been governed by other political entities [1].
The ceremony serves as the official start of the new administration's term. The event was attended by party officials and supporters who gathered to witness the historic transfer of power [1, 2].
“Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) was sworn in as the chief minister of West Bengal”
The establishment of the first BJP government in West Bengal represents a significant realignment of political power in eastern India. By breaking the long-standing hold of previous administrations, the BJP has expanded its governance footprint into a state that has historically resisted the party's platform, potentially altering the national political landscape.
