Kolkata: In a historic political development, Suvendu Adhikari is set to take oath today as the first-ever Chief Minister of West Bengal from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Kolkata’s iconic Brigade Parade Ground, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin around 11:00 AM, with elaborate arrangements already in place at the venue. Thousands of supporters, party workers, and invited guests are expected to attend the event, which is being seen as a landmark moment for the BJP in eastern India.
Senior national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are likely to be present at the ceremony along with several chief ministers from NDA-ruled states. Their presence underlines the political significance of the occasion as the BJP forms its first government in West Bengal.
Adhikari, who was recently elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party, staked claim to form the government after the party’s decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. The BJP secured a strong mandate, winning over 200 seats in the 294-member Assembly, effectively ending more than a decade of rule by the Trinamool Congress.
His elevation to the top post also marks the culmination of a significant political journey. Once associated with rival parties, Adhikari emerged as a key figure in the BJP’s rise in the state, playing a crucial role in expanding the party’s base across several districts.
The oath will be administered by Governor R. N. Ravi. The day holds additional cultural significance as it coincides with the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore according to the Bengali calendar, adding symbolic value to the event.
Security has been tightened across Kolkata ahead of the ceremony, and large crowds have already begun gathering near the venue. The BJP has described the moment as the beginning of a new era of governance and development in the state.
With Adhikari taking charge, West Bengal is set to witness a new political chapter, as the BJP assumes power in the state for the first time since Independence.
