Kolkata: Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal on Friday, marking a major political turning point in the state’s history. The oath taking ceremony was held at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, NDA chief ministers and thousands of party supporters.
The BJP’s victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election has ended 15 years of rule by the All India Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee. Political observers described the result as one of the most significant changes in Bengal politics in recent decades.
Suvendu Adhikari took the oath of office and secrecy before Governor C V Ananda Bose. Several newly elected ministers were also sworn in during the ceremony. Large crowds gathered across Kolkata from the early hours of the day, with tight security arrangements in place around the venue.
Speaking after taking oath, Adhikari said his government would focus on development, law and order, employment opportunities and investment in the state. He promised to work for all sections of society and called for peace and unity after the heated election campaign.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the new chief minister and said the people of West Bengal had voted for change and development. BJP leaders present at the event described the election result as a historic mandate for the party in eastern India.
Adhikari’s political journey has drawn national attention over the past few years. Once considered a close associate of Mamata Banerjee and a senior Trinamool Congress leader, he left the party and joined the BJP ahead of the 2021 Assembly election. He later defeated Mamata Banerjee in the high profile Nandigram constituency battle, which made him one of the strongest faces of the BJP in Bengal politics.
During the recent election campaign, Adhikari led several rallies across the state and strongly criticised the Trinamool government on issues including corruption, unemployment and political violence. The BJP campaign focused heavily on promises of development, improved governance and stronger industrial growth.
The election results showed a dramatic shift in voter support across several districts. The BJP won more than 200 seats in the 294 member Assembly, while the Trinamool Congress suffered one of its biggest defeats since coming to power in 2011.
However, the political transition has also been accompanied by tension in some areas of the state. Reports of clashes and violence were reported after the declaration of results, with both BJP and Trinamool leaders accusing each other of attacks and intimidation. Security forces have been deployed in sensitive regions to maintain peace.
Political analysts believe the new government will face major challenges in rebuilding political trust, attracting investment and addressing unemployment concerns. At the same time, BJP supporters see the victory as the beginning of a new political chapter for West Bengal.
The swearing in ceremony ended with celebrations by BJP workers across different parts of the state. Many supporters gathered outside the venue carrying party flags and chanting slogans as Adhikari officially began his tenure as the state’s new chief minister.