Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) took the oath as Chief Minister of West Bengal on May 13, 2026, at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata [1].
The transition marks a historic shift in regional power, as Adhikari becomes the first BJP leader to serve as the state's chief minister. This change follows a sweeping victory for the party in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections [2].
Adhikari was sworn in both as the chief minister and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly [3]. The broader oath-taking ceremonies for newly elected BJP lawmakers are scheduled to span two days, occurring on May 13 and 14 [4].
The ceremony in Kolkata served as the official commencement of the new BJP-led government. The event was attended by BJP MLAs and various dignitaries who gathered to witness the formal transfer of power [1].
While the government celebrated its inauguration, the city faced a separate tragedy. A fire broke out at a leather factory in Tiljala the day before the ceremony [5]. Local reports said that two people died in the blaze [5]. At least three other individuals were injured in the same incident [5].
Adhikari's appointment comes at a time of significant political realignment in the state. The new administration is now tasked with implementing the mandates promised during the election campaign as they take control of the state assembly [2].
“Suvendu Adhikari becomes the first BJP leader to serve as the state's chief minister.”
The installation of Suvendu Adhikari as Chief Minister ends years of opposition to the BJP in West Bengal's executive branch. By securing a sweeping victory in the 2026 elections, the BJP has shifted the political landscape of Eastern India, moving the state from a long-standing stronghold of the opposition to a party-aligned administration with the central government.
