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

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at a ceremony at Brigade Parade Grounds. Adhikari was unanimously elected the leader of the BJP Legislature Party, paving the way for his elevation to the top post.

Adhikari's political career began in the Congress's student wing and later joined the Trinamool Congress, where he became a key figure in the party's rise in West Bengal. He switched to the BJP in 2020 and played a crucial role in the party's aggressive opposition politics in the state.

The BJP secured 207 seats in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, while the Trinamool Congress won 80 seats, marking an end to its 15-year rule in the state. Adhikari's elevation as Chief Minister marks the culmination of his political journey and the beginning of Bengal's first saffron government.

The immediate next steps for the new government include addressing key issues such as corruption, unemployment, and law and order, which were central to the BJP's campaign. The court is not involved in this matter, but the new government is expected to take swift action to implement its agenda, with the first cabinet meeting scheduled to take place on Monday.