Suvendu Adhikari took the oath of office as West Bengal Chief Minister on Saturday morning at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata [1, 2, 4].
The transition marks a historic shift in the region's political landscape. For the first time since independence, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has held the state's highest executive office [3].
Adhikari's swearing-in follows the 2026 West Bengal state election, where the BJP defeated the Trinamool Congress [1, 2]. The victory ended the 15-year administration of Mamata Banerjee [1, 2].
During the ceremony on May 9, 2026 [3, 5], five ministers were sworn in alongside the chief minister [1]. The event took place at the Brigade Parade Ground, a site frequently used for major political gatherings in West Bengal [1, 4].
Reports indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah were expected to attend the proceedings [1]. Other chief ministers from states ruled by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) were also anticipated to be present for the transition [1].
The appointment of Adhikari represents the culmination of the BJP's efforts to establish a foothold in the eastern state. The party now assumes control of the state government after years of opposition to the Trinamool Congress.
“Suvendu Adhikari took the oath of office as West Bengal Chief Minister”
The installation of a BJP chief minister in West Bengal breaks a long-standing political deadlock in one of India's most populous states. By ending the 15-year tenure of the Trinamool Congress, the BJP has expanded its governance footprint into a region that had previously resisted its platform, potentially altering the electoral dynamics of eastern India.
