In a landmark political shift in West Bengal, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the Chief Minister on Saturday, heading the state’s first-ever BJP government. The oath-taking ceremony, held at Kolkata’s historic Brigade Parade Ground amid tight security and elaborate arrangements, marked the end of decades of dominance by regional parties in the state’s political landscape. The Parade ground has long defined Bengal’s political arena through mass rallies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states are attending the swearing-in function today.
Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari in the presence of top BJP leaders, chief ministers from BJP-ruled states, party workers, diplomats, and thousands of supporters who gathered outside the venue waving saffron flags and chanting slogans celebrating the party’s victory.
The function for the oath-taking has begun at the Brigade Parade ground. The event sarted with the Rabindra Sangeet “Ei Akashe Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy“. The song by Rabindranath Tagore signifies that that true liberation (mukti) is not isolation, but a joyous union with the universe found in light, sky, nature, and service to humanity.
The BJP’s victory in the Assembly elections has been viewed as one of the most significant change in recent Indian politics. The party managed to dislodge the long-entrenched ruling establishment after a fiercely contested campaign dominated by issues such as political violence, corruption allegations, unemployment, welfare delivery, and identity politics.
Adhikari, once a prominent leader in the Trinamool Congress (TMC), emerged as the BJP’s central face in Bengal after switching sides ahead of previous elections. His political rise has been closely watched due to his influence in the coastal districts and his reputation as an organisational strategist. He played a crucial role in expanding the BJP’s rural outreach and consolidating anti-incumbency sentiment across several regions.
Political analysts noted that the BJP’s success reflected a combination of aggressive grassroots mobilisation, organisational expansion, and a sustained campaign led by the party’s national leadership. The election result is also expected to reshape the political dynamics of eastern India ahead of future national contests.
Outside the ceremony venue, BJP supporters celebrated with drum performances, sweets distribution, and victory marches across Kolkata and several district headquarters. Security personnel were deployed in large numbers around central Kolkata to manage crowds and prevent any untoward incidents.
Alongside Adhikari, several ministers were also sworn into the new Cabinet, representing different regions and social groups in an apparent attempt to project regional balance and inclusivity. Party sources indicated that portfolios related to finance, home, education, industries, and rural development would be announced after the first Cabinet meeting later.
The outgoing opposition parties reacted sharply to the development, accusing the BJP of running a polarising campaign during the elections. However, BJP leaders dismissed the criticism, saying the mandate reflected the people’s desire for political change and administrative reform.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Adhikari and expressed confidence that the new government would usher in “a new era of development and good governance” in the state. In a message posted after the ceremony, he said the Centre would work closely with the Bengal government to accelerate infrastructure projects, industrial investment, and welfare schemes.
Meanwhile, business groups and industry associations welcomed the formation of the new government and expressed hope for policy stability and improved investment conditions. Bengal’s industrial sector has faced repeated challenges over the years, including labour disputes, land acquisition controversies, and slowing private investment.
Observers believe the new administration’s immediate challenges will include maintaining law and order, managing political tensions following the fiercely fought election, reviving the economy, and delivering on ambitious campaign promises.
For the BJP, the formation of its first government in West Bengal represents a major symbolic and strategic achievement in a state that has historically resisted the party’s expansion. For Adhikari, the oath ceremony marks the culmination of a dramatic political journey from regional strongman to the chief minister leading a government that could redefine Bengal’s political future.
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