Suvendu Adhikari Sworn in as West Bengal's First BJP Chief Minister
Suvendu Adhikari has officially taken office as West Bengal's first Chief Minister from the BJP, a historic moment for the state. Following a ceremonial homage at Jorasanko Thakurbari, he emphasized the need for reconstruction in education and culture. Adhikari, inspired by Syama Prasad Mukherjee's ideals, pledged to serve all citizens and rebuild Bengal after significant losses. The oath-taking ceremony was attended by key political figures, marking a pivotal change in West Bengal's political landscape. With the BJP winning 207 seats in the recent elections, this event signifies a new era for the state's governance.
May 9, 2026, 15:52 IST
A Historic Day for West Bengal
On Saturday, Suvendu Adhikari, the newly appointed Chief Minister of West Bengal, expressed that his official duties will commence after paying homage at the Jorasanko Thakurbari. He emphasized the significance of this day for both the state and the nation, noting that the oath-taking ceremony was scheduled on the occasion of Rabindra Jayanti, as per the Prime Minister's wishes. Adhikari highlighted that his administration will focus on the reconstruction of West Bengal, stressing the considerable damage the state has suffered in education and culture, which now requires revitalization.
Commitment to the People
Speaking to reporters, Adhikari remarked that this day holds immense importance for both the country and West Bengal. He reiterated that the formation of the new government on Rabindra Jayanti was in line with the Prime Minister's vision. After paying respects to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, he stated, 'My work will begin after this homage.'
A New Era for the BJP in West Bengal
Adhikari asserted that the party, inspired by the ideals of Syama Prasad Mukherjee, does not require any validation. As the Chief Minister, he represents all citizens of the state. He urged those still discussing the election results to act with prudence, acknowledging the significant losses Bengal has faced. 'Education has been lost, culture has been destroyed, and we will work towards rebuilding Bengal. We have a tremendous responsibility; let them speak, I will keep moving forward,' he stated.
Political Milestone
Today marks a pivotal moment in West Bengal's political landscape as Adhikari took the oath as the first BJP Chief Minister. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, and Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Chief Ministers from Tripura, Assam, Delhi, and Uttarakhand.
Election Results Overview
On May 4, Adhikari solidified his position by winning in two of West Bengal's most notable constituencies, Bhabanipur and Nandigram. In the recent assembly elections, the BJP secured 207 seats, while the Trinamool Congress (TMC), after 15 years in power, managed to obtain 80 seats. The second phase of the assembly elections recorded a remarkable voter turnout of 91.66%, marking the highest participation since independence. The first phase saw a turnout of 93.19%, leading to an overall voting percentage of 92.47%.