Amit Shah Arrives in Kolkata for BJP Government Formation in West Bengal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Friday, May 8, 2026, to attend the BJP's legislature party meeting and oversee the formation of the party's first government in West Bengal, following its decisive victory in the state assembly elections. The win ends the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule and marks a major shift in West Bengal's political landscape.
Shah was received at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport by senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and other party officials. He proceeded to a hotel in New Town before attending the legislature party meeting at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in the afternoon, where the BJP's legislative leader and chief ministerial candidate will be formally elected.
Governor R.N. Ravi dissolved the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Thursday, clearing the way for the new government. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at the Brigade Parade Ground and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Nitin Nabin, and chief ministers from all NDA-ruled states.
The BJP's victory is the largest electoral setback for former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who led the state since 2011. The Election Commission has confirmed the party's majority in the 294-member assembly.
The court will resume hearing on Tuesday to finalize administrative transitions, while the new government is expected to announce its cabinet and policy priorities within the week.