Suvendu Adhikari took the oath of office as the chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata [1].
The event marks a historic political shift as Adhikari becomes the first member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to lead the state government [2]. This transition follows a decisive victory for the BJP in the 2026 assembly elections [3].
Adhikari's swearing-in ceremony was attended by top party leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah [2]. The new administration is expected to include two deputy chief ministers appointed alongside Adhikari to manage the state's governance [4].
"I am confident that Suvendu Adhikari will provide stable governance and fulfil the aspirations of Bengal's people," Amit Shah said [2].
The ceremony at the Brigade Parade Ground served as the formal commencement of the BJP's mandate in the region [1]. The party's victory in 2026 [3] ended years of opposition to the BJP's efforts to secure a foothold in the state's executive branch.
Security was tight across Kolkata during the proceedings to ensure the stability of the event. The appointment of the cabinet ministers will follow the chief minister's initial oath to establish the full state government [2].
“Suvendu Adhikari becomes the first member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to lead the state government.”
The installation of Suvendu Adhikari as chief minister represents the first time the BJP has held executive power in West Bengal. This shift likely signals a change in the state's administrative priorities and a realignment of the political landscape in eastern India, moving away from the long-term dominance of previous administrations.
