Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday [1].
The transition marks a significant political shift in the state, ending 15 years of rule by the Trinamool Congress [2]. This change in leadership follows the BJP's victory in the assembly elections, establishing the party's first-ever government in the region [3].
Governor R.N. Ravi presided over the ceremony at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata [4]. The event began at 11 a.m. [5]. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the proceedings, welcoming the new administration to the state [1].
Adhikari said the occasion was a "historic dawn" for West Bengal [6]. The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Home Minister Amit Shah. Regarding the new chief minister, Shah said, "I have known Suvendu ji for a long time" [7].
The ceremony follows a meeting on Friday between Adhikari and Governor Ravi to finalize the government formation [8]. The new administration has signaled a new direction for the state, with some descriptions of the transition referring to it as the beginning of the "era of sonar Bangla" [6].
Security and traffic restrictions were implemented around the Brigade Parade Ground to accommodate the influx of senior leaders and supporters [4]. The swearing-in of the cabinet ministers took place alongside Adhikari's oath to ensure a full government was seated immediately [4].
“"historic dawn" for West Bengal”
The installation of Suvendu Adhikari as chief minister represents a historic breakthrough for the BJP in a state that has been a stronghold for the Trinamool Congress for over a decade. By securing the state's highest executive office, the BJP consolidates its influence in eastern India and tests its ability to govern a complex administrative landscape previously managed by a rival ideological bloc.
