Suvendu Adhikari Sworn In as West Bengal's First BJP Chief Minister

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as West Bengal's Chief Minister on Saturday at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground, becoming the first BJP leader to hold the post after the party secured 207 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections. Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari and five other MLAs in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, and several NDA chief ministers and senior leaders.

The BJP's victory ended 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule, with Mamata Banerjee's party winning only 80 seats. The elections recorded a historic combined voter turnout of 92.47%, reflecting intense political engagement across the state. The swearing-in was accompanied by 'Jai Shri Ram' chants, drumbeats, and widespread display of saffron flags, underscoring the party's mobilization.

Prime Minister Modi was seen kneeling and bowing on stage toward the crowd, a gesture described by party members as a mark of respect to the people of Bengal. The new government is expected to announce its policy priorities in the coming week as it formally takes charge of state administration.

The transition marks a significant realignment in eastern India's political landscape, with the BJP now governing a state long considered a stronghold of regional and opposition politics. The next legislative session is scheduled to convene in Kolkata next month.