Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) took the oath of office and secrecy as the chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday, May 9, 2026 [1].
The transition marks a historic political shift in the region, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formed the state government for the first time [2].
Adhikari was sworn in alongside five ministers [3]. The ceremony follows a landslide victory for the BJP in the state assembly elections, where the party secured 207 seats [1]. This result effectively ended 15 years of rule by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) [1].
In contrast to the BJP's dominant performance, the TMC won 80 seats in the assembly [1]. The change in leadership comes after a period of intense political competition in the state, a shift that fundamentally alters the administrative landscape of West Bengal.
The new administration takes over at a time of significant expectation from the BJP's voter base. The swearing-in ceremony was broadcast live, highlighting the national importance of the victory in one of India's most populous states [4].
As the first BJP chief minister in the history of the state, Adhikari now leads a government with a substantial mandate. The appointment of the five ministers marks the beginning of a new cabinet structure intended to implement the party's legislative agenda [3].
“The BJP formed the state government for the first time.”
The ascent of the BJP in West Bengal represents a major breach of a long-standing political stronghold held by the TMC. By securing 207 seats, the BJP has not only gained power but established a supermajority that may allow it to implement sweeping policy changes without significant legislative opposition from the now-diminished TMC.
