Suvendu Adhikari took the oath of office as West Bengal Chief Minister in Kolkata on May 13, 2026 [1].
The transition marks a historic political shift in the region, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ended 15 years of governance by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) [2].
Adhikari and newly elected members of the legislative assembly began taking their oaths in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly building on May 13 and May 14 [1]. The ceremony follows a landslide victory for the BJP in the 2026 assembly elections [2].
In the 294-seat assembly, the BJP secured 207 seats [3]. The TMC, which previously held power, won 80 seats [3]. This margin provides the new administration with a substantial mandate to implement its policy agenda, a stark contrast to the previous political landscape.
Five members of the legislative assembly were also sworn in as ministers during the proceedings [4]. The event marks the first time the BJP has held the chief minister's office in West Bengal [4].
The ceremony in Kolkata serves as the formal commencement of the 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly [1]. The transition of power comes after a period of intense electoral competition that reshaped the state's leadership structure [2].
“Suvendu Adhikari took the oath of office as West Bengal Chief Minister”
The BJP's victory represents a fundamental realignment of power in West Bengal, shifting from the long-term dominance of the TMC to a BJP-led government. With 207 of 294 seats, the new administration possesses a supermajority that may allow for rapid legislative changes and a significant shift in state policy and administration.
