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

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as Chief Minister of West Bengal on May 9, 2026, becoming the first BJP leader to hold the post after the party secured a majority in the 294-member Assembly. Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy at a ceremony held at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and senior BJP leaders.

The BJP won 207 seats in the West Bengal Assembly elections, ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress and marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. Adhikari, who previously served as a minister under the Trinamool but later defected to the BJP, led the party's campaign and secured a decisive mandate.

Five BJP legislators — Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik and Kshudiram Tudu — were sworn in as State Ministers alongside Adhikari. The new government will take immediate charge of key administrative and law and order responsibilities in India's eastern region.

The swearing-in ceremony marks the formal transition of power, with the Chief Minister expected to convene the first Cabinet meeting within the week to finalize departmental allocations and policy priorities.