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

Historic Oath-Taking Ceremony in Kolkata

Kolkata, May 9: On Saturday, Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the BJP legislature party, took the oath of office, marking a significant moment as he became the first Chief Minister from the BJP in West Bengal since the country gained independence.

The oath was administered by Governor RN Ravi during a grand ceremony at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, various Union ministers, chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, and prominent BJP figures.

The event transformed the Brigade Parade Grounds into a vibrant saffron sea, with thousands of BJP supporters from West Bengal and neighboring regions gathering to witness the historic moment of the party's first government in the state.

Chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and slogans in support of Modi and Adhikari resonated throughout the venue as supporters, waving saffron flags and banners, filled central Kolkata from early morning.

Prior to the ceremony, Adhikari referred to the day as the dawn of a “new era” for West Bengal, asserting that the BJP government would fulfill its long-standing vision of “Sonar Bangla.”

In a social media post welcoming Prime Minister Modi to Kolkata, Adhikari described the event as a “historic dawn” for the state.

“Today signifies the conclusion of years of misrule and the commencement of a double-engine era focused on development, peace, and prosperity. The era of ‘Sonar Bangla’ officially begins,” he stated.

The ceremony was rich in cultural significance, with the venue adorned with symbols reflecting Bengal’s heritage, including images of the Dakshineswar temple and Goddess Durga.

Prior to the oath-taking, folk artists, Chhou dance troupes, and tribal performers entertained the audience. Supporters celebrated with traditional drum beats, while volunteers handed out packets of ‘jhal muri,’ a popular Bengali snack that gained attention after Modi sampled it during the Assembly election campaign.

Many BJP supporters traveled from afar to attend the ceremony, including individuals from neighboring Jharkhand and even international attendees. One participant mentioned he had flown in from Canada specifically for the event.

Security measures were heightened across Kolkata in anticipation of the high-profile gathering, with a multi-layered deployment of Kolkata Police and central forces at the Brigade Parade Grounds, Adhikari’s residence in Chinar Park, and outside former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kalighat.

CRPF personnel were also stationed at strategic locations throughout the city due to the increased political activity.

“It is a historic day. We have come to witness West Bengal gaining independence from the TMC’s control,” remarked a supporter from Jharkhand.

In the recent elections, the BJP won 207 out of 294 seats in the West Bengal Assembly, paving the way for the party's inaugural government in the state.