Suvendu Adhikari Takes Oath as West Bengal Chief Minister in Kolkata

Suvendu Adhikari took oath as chief minister of West Bengal at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground on Monday, becoming the first BJP leader to hold the office after the party won 207 of 294 assembly seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ceremony, which coincided with Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary and featured Rabindra Sangeet playing throughout the event.

The stage backdrop showcased traditional Bengali cultural motifs, including a Durga idol, imagery of Kalighat Temple, dhaak drums, and the dhunuchi dance, in a deliberate effort to align the BJP with regional identity. The visual narrative counters earlier political attacks branding the party as an 'outsider' force.

The BJP's victory ended Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule, reducing it to 80 seats, while Congress won two, CPM one, and others claimed the remaining seats. Senior leaders from all NDA-ruled states attended, reflecting the event's national significance.

The swearing-in ceremony marks the formal transition of power in India's sixth-most populous state, with Adhikari set to convene his first cabinet meeting within the week.