Suvendu Adhikari CM Oath Ceremony Live Updates: 'We will rebuild Bengal,' says Suvendu Adhikari after taking oath as CM
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THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 09, 2026, 20:43:23 IST
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Suvendu Adhikari CM Oath Ceremony Live Updates: 'We will rebuild Bengal,' says Suvendu Adhikari after taking oath as CM

Suvendu Adhikari CM Oath Ceremony: West Bengal entered a new political era on Saturday as Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state’s first BJP chief minister since Independence. Senior BJP leaders Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul and Ashok Kirtania are among those included in the new council of ministers.

The swearing-in ceremony at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground was projected by the BJP as a landmark moment not only for the party, but also for Bengal’s political history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, NDA chief ministers, industrialists and religious leaders attended the event as the saffron camp celebrated what it called the beginning of “Sonar Bangla”.

Earlier, Suvendu Adhikari has been formally elected as the BJP legislature party leader in West Bengal. The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, ending 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Adhikari’s elevation follows a unanimous decision in the legislature party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who stated that all MLAs backed a single name. Shortly after his selection, Adhikari met the Governor and formally staked a claim to form the government. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior NDA leaders expected to attend.

Adhikari’s political rise has been driven by his high-profile electoral wins against Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram and Bhabanipur, including a symbolic victory in her traditional stronghold. Once a key TMC strategist, he joined the BJP in 2020 and quickly emerged as its most prominent face in Bengal. His combination of organisational reach, insider knowledge of the TMC, and aggressive campaign style positioned him as the BJP’s natural choice for the top post.
20:43 (IST) May 09
Tripura CM Manik Saha congratulates Suvendu Adhikari as he takes oath as West Bengal CM
Tripura chief minister Manik Saha congratulated Suvendu Adhikari after he took oath as chief minister of West Bengal, calling the BJP’s victory the result of years of struggle and sacrifice by party workers in the state.

In a post on X, Saha praised the efforts and commitment of BJP workers and described the formation of the new government as a significant political moment for West Bengal.

“Heartiest congratulations to Suvendu Adhikari on taking oath as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. Today, the tears and sacrifices of countless Karyakartas have found their voice. This isn't just a win; it's the culmination of a long, selfless struggle against all odds to protect the soul of Bengal,” CM Saha said in the post.
17:47 (IST) May 09
Mamata Banerjee urges opposition unity against BJP after Bengal poll defeat
Mamata Banerjee on Saturday appealed to opposition parties in West Bengal to come together on a “joint platform” against the BJP, which recently formed its first government in the state after winning the assembly elections.

Addressing a gathering outside her Kalighat residence on the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the All India Trinamool Congress chief also urged student unions and NGOs opposed to the BJP to unite.

“I call upon all opposition parties, including the Leftists and the ultra-Left, to come together to form a joint platform against the BJP,” Banerjee said, adding that national parties should also join the effort.

She said she was open to talks with any political party willing to hold discussions on the issue. “It is not the time to think the enemy's enemy is my friend, our first enemy is the BJP,” she said, news agency PTI reported.

Banerjee also alleged that atrocities were being committed against TMC workers and supporters across the state after the declaration of the election results.

“Hooliganism is going on at places, bad elements have entered their (BJP) ranks,” she claimed.

The former chief minister further said that no atrocities were allowed against anyone after her government came to power in 2011.
17:23 (IST) May 09
‘Doesn’t respect Constitution, EC’: Suvendu Adhikari’s father targets Mamata Banerjee
Sisir Adhikari, father of newly sworn-in West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday said the expectations of the people of Midnapore had been fulfilled and stressed that creating jobs for unemployed youth should be the government’s top priority.

Speaking to ANI, Sisir Adhikari said, “What our family and the people of Midnapore had expected came true... the first step towards development should be creating opportunities for the unemployed youth.”

He also took a swipe at former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she did not respect constitutional institutions.
“She doesn't respect the Constitution and the Election Commission...,” he said.
17:20 (IST) May 09
‘Bengal will move forward’: MP CM Mohan Yadav congratulates Suvendu Adhikari
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav congratulated Suvendu Adhikari on taking oath as West Bengal chief minister and said the state would progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Bengal is enjoying political freedom. As the country is progressing under the leadership of Modi, Bengal too will move forward. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Suvendu Adhikari and his entire cabinet,” Yadav told ANI.

Madhya Pradesh deputy chief minister Jagdish Devda also congratulated the people of West Bengal and BJP workers on the formation of the party’s government in the state.

“There has been a sunrise of power in Bengal. I would say that there is immense joy and happiness across the country over the formation of the BJP government in Bengal. We thank Prime Minister Modi, Home minister Amit Shah, BJP president Nitin Naveen and the entire top leadership,” Devda said.

He further alleged that BJP workers had worked hard to end “jungle raj, hooliganism and anarchy” in the state.
15:48 (IST) May 09
‘Hope new govt will reclaim spirit of Shonar Bangla’: Himanta congratulates Bengal's first BJP CM Suvendu Adhikari
Outgoing Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday congratulated Suvendu Adhikari after he took oath as West Bengal’s first BJP chief minister, and expressed hope that the new government would restore the spirit of “Shonar Bangla”.

Posting on X after attending the swearing-in ceremony in Kolkata, Sarma said the development marked a historic moment for the state. He extended his wishes to Adhikari and said a large eastern region comprising “Anga, Banga, Kalinga and Pragjyotish” was now under governments led by a party committed to preserving “Sanatani values”.

The terms refer to the historical eastern Indian belt corresponding to present-day Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam — all currently governed by the BJP.
15:43 (IST) May 09
‘Pleasant coincidence’: PM Modi on Bengal BJP govt swearing-in coinciding with Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described it as a “pleasant coincidence” that the oath-taking ceremony of the first-ever BJP government in West Bengal took place on Pochishe Boishakh, the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “In a pleasant coincidence, the oath-taking ceremony of the first-ever BJP Government in West Bengal took place on Pochishe Boishakh, the Jayanti of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. At the ceremony, tributes were paid to Gurudev Tagore. His timeless words have long stirred the conscience of the nation and his vision continues to illuminate India's development journey.”

Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday took oath as West Bengal’s first BJP chief minister, ending 15 years of rule by the All India Trinamool Congress.

Five BJP leaders — Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu and Nisith Pramanik — also took oath as ministers in the new West Bengal cabinet.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by PM Modi and Union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan.
15:39 (IST) May 09
‘This is how BJP won’: Kapil Sibal alleges wrongful voter deletions in Bengal, targets EC
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has alleged irregularities in the deletion of voter names in West Bengal and targeted the Election Commission while referring to figures related to appeals disposed of by an election tribunal.

In a post on X, Sibal referred to former TS Sivagnanam, one of the 19 appellate tribunal members hearing appeals by persons excluded from the electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.

“Justice TS Shivagnanum. One of 19 Tribunals hearing appeals in West Bengal Elections. Disposed 1777 appeals. Cleared 1717,” Sibal wrote.
Drawing his own interpretation from the figures, the senior advocate alleged that more than 96 per cent of names had been “wrongly deleted” from the electoral rolls.

“What this means: More than 96 per cent of names wrongly deleted. CEC zindabad. This is how BJP won!” he alleged.
14:30 (IST) May 09
'He worked with Shyama Prasad Mukherjee': Kin of BJP veteran worker Makhanlal Sarkar
Family members of veteran BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar expressed immense pride and happiness on Saturday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured him, describing the recognition as a tribute to his lifelong dedication and sacrifices for the party.

Speaking to ANI, his daughter-in-law, Minu Sarkar, called it a “historic day”, saying the honour reflected decades of unwavering service and commitment. She added that the family had personally witnessed the hardships and sacrifices he made throughout his political journey.
13:59 (IST) May 09
'Work will start after obeisance at Jorasanko,' says Suvendu Adhikari after taking oath as first BJP Bengal CM
West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said his official duties would begin only after offering prayers at Jorasanko Thakurbari, following his swearing-in as the state’s first BJP Chief Minister. Describing the occasion as historic for both West Bengal and the nation, he noted that the oath ceremony was held on Rabindra Jayanti in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s wishes.

Adhikari said his government’s priority would be the rebuilding of Bengal, claiming the state’s education and cultural heritage had suffered serious decline. He stressed that, as Chief Minister, he represented every citizen of the state, irrespective of political affiliation.

The BJP secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, winning over 200 seats and ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in West Bengal.
13:46 (IST) May 09
'My best wishes to him for a fruitful tenure ahead': PM Modi after Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as Bengal CM
13:37 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari CM Oath Ceremony: BJP's ideology gained recognition in West Bengal; change of power to bring development, says Gadkari
Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday described the BJP’s emphatic victory in West Bengal as evidence that the party’s ideology has gained widespread acceptance in the state. Speaking before leaving for Kolkata to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as Chief Minister, Gadkari said the political shift would accelerate Bengal’s future development.

The BJP won 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, ending the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress and marking its biggest breakthrough in eastern India. Adhikari, who defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, became the state’s first BJP Chief Minister. Gadkari dedicated the victory to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, saying his ideology had finally found strong support in Bengal.
13:11 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: PM Modi touches feet of 98-year-old BJP veteran at swearing-in of party's first govt in Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to 98-year-old BJP veteran Makhanlal Sarkar by touching his feet and seeking his blessings during the swearing-in ceremony of the party’s first government in West Bengal.

Sarkar had been arrested in Kashmir in 1952 while accompanying Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee during a movement to hoist the Indian tricolour in the region.

Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony of the Suvendu Adhikari government at Brigade Parade Ground, PM Modi warmly greeted Sarkar and exchanged pleasantries
12:47 (IST) May 09
West Bengal News: From Mamata's trusted aide to replacing her as West Bengal's first BJP CM, Suvendu Adhikari's rise to power
Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday took oath as the ninth chief minister of West Bengal, becoming the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party to hold the state’s top post since Independence. Governor RN Ravi administered the oath at a grand ceremony in Kolkata attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Union ministers and top BJP leaders.

Describing the moment as the start of a “Sonar Bangla” era, Adhikari said the BJP’s sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections had opened a new political chapter for the state. The BJP won 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, ending the All India Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in Bengal.

Born in Karkuli village in Purba Medinipur district on December 15, 1970, Adhikari comes from the influential Adhikari family of Kanthi. His father, Sisir Adhikari, served as a Union minister in the Manmohan Singh government and represented Kanthi in Parliament. Members of the family were also associated with India’s freedom movement during British rule.

Adhikari began his political career with the Congress in the mid-1990s before joining the TMC after Mamata Banerjee founded the party in 1998. He emerged as one of the TMC’s strongest organisers and rose to prominence during the 2007 Nandigram movement against land acquisition, which became a turning point in Bengal politics.

In 2020, following differences with the TMC leadership and Abhishek Banerjee, Adhikari joined the BJP in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. His move reshaped Bengal politics, and in 2021 he defeated Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram. In the 2026 elections, he won both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, cementing his rise as the BJP’s principal face in Bengal.
12:27 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: Jhalmuri turns victory flavour at BJP govt's maiden oath ceremony in Bengal
Jhalmuri, the iconic Bengali street snack that unexpectedly became a political talking point during the fiercely fought TMC-BJP election battle, took centre stage at the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal’s first BJP government on Saturday.

The BJP arranged around 20 jhalmuri stalls across the Brigade Parade Ground in central Kolkata, while local vendors outside the venue also witnessed heavy crowds. Hundreds of supporters queued up to enjoy the puffed rice snack mixed with chillies, spices and mustard oil as celebrations unfolded.

“I am loving jhalmuri even more today because of our massive victory,” Kolkata resident Manjari Basu, who attended the ceremony told news agency PTI. Another supporter, Manish Yadav from Barrackpore, joked that the snack tasted “sweet instead of spicy” after the BJP’s landmark win.
12:14 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: What BJP’s first West Bengal cabinet looks like
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengal’s chief minister on Saturday. Senior BJP leaders Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu and Nisith Pramanik were among the ministers sworn in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda and several BJP chief ministers attended the ceremony.

The BJP secured a sweeping victory in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, winning 207 seats and ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule, with the TMC managing 80 seats. The election also witnessed record-breaking voter participation, with West Bengal registering its highest-ever turnout since Independence. Phase I recorded 93.19% polling, while Phase II saw 91.66%, taking the combined turnout to 92.47%.
11:57 (IST) May 09
West Bengal News: BJP forms first government in West Bengal as Suvendu Adhikari takes oath
BJP legislature party leader Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday took oath as West Bengal’s first BJP chief minister. Senior BJP leaders including Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik and Kshudiram Tudu were inducted into the council of ministers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the swearing-in ceremony alongside Union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan, besides several NDA chief ministers.

The BJP secured a massive mandate in the 2026 assembly elections, winning 207 seats, while the TMC was reduced to 80 after 15 years in power. Adhikari also delivered major personal victories by defeating Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur by over 15,000 votes and retaining Nandigram comfortably.
11:48 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul among ministers in Bengal’s first BJP government
Senior BJP leaders Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul and Ashok Kirtania are among those included in the new council of ministers as Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday, heading the first BJP government in the state.

Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari at a grand ceremony held at the Brigade Parade Ground in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states and senior BJP leaders.
11:41 (IST) May 09
West Bengal News: Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as first BJP CM of West Bengal
BJP legislature party leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday.

Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari at a grand ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states and senior BJP leaders.

The BJP won 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, bringing an end to the Trinamool Congress government’s 15-year rule in the state.
11:36 (IST) May 09
West Bengal News: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal since independence
11:33 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as Bengal CM
Adhikari will be BJP's first CM in West Bengal.
11:27 (IST) May 09
West Bengal entered a new political era on Saturday as Suvendu Adhikari prepared to take oath as the state’s first BJP chief minister since Independence. The swearing-in ceremony at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground was projected by the BJP as a landmark moment not only for the party, but also for Bengal’s political history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, NDA chief ministers, industrialists and religious leaders attended the event as the saffron camp celebrated what it called the beginning of “Sonar Bangla”.
11:24 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: PM Modi seeks blessings of BJP veteran Makhanlal Sarkar
On the stage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought the blessings of Makhanlal Sarkar, one of BJP’s most senior leaders in West Bengal and a veteran of the nationalist movement in post-Independence India. In 1952, he was arrested in Kashmir while accompanying Syama Prasad Mukherjee during the movement to hoist the Indian tricolour there. Following the BJP’s formation in 1980, he served as organisational coordinator for West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, helping enrol nearly 10,000 members within a year. From 1981, he also served seven consecutive years as district president.
11:18 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: ‘Historic moment for Bengal,’ Keshav Maurya hails BJP’s first government in state
Uttar Pradesh Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya says, "This is historic. The wait for this occasion was not just in West Bengal, but by the people of the entire country. Trusting Prime Minister Modi's promises, the people of Bengal have given the BJP an opportunity. Under the leadership of Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP will fulfil all those promises."
11:14 (IST) May 09
West Bengal News: PM Modi, Suvendu Adhikari pay tribute to Rabindranath Tagore on birth anniversary
11:08 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: BJP-ruled states’ CMs gather in Kolkata for historic West Bengal oath-taking ceremony
11:06 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: PM arrives at Brigade Parade Grounds for swearing-in ceremony of BJP's first govt in Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the BJP’s first government in West Bengal. Accompanied by state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya and chief minister-designate Suvendu Adhikari, Mr Modi received an enthusiastic welcome from party supporters. Amid chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, he travelled through the venue in an open vehicle, greeting the crowd along the way. The Prime Minister landed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport shortly before 10am and flew by helicopter to the Race Course grounds before continuing by road. Thousands gathered early to witness the ceremony after the BJP won 207 of the Assembly’s 294 seats.
10:59 (IST) May 09
West Bengal News: NDA heavyweights gather in Kolkata as Suvendu Adhikari set to take oath as Bengal CM
10:56 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari was on Friday unanimously elected the BJP legislative party leader at a meeting of newly elected MLAs in the presence of Amit Shah, paving the way for him to become Bengal’s ninth chief minister. He is set to take oath shortly at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.

Making the announcement after a 30-minute closed-door meeting with the MLAs, Shah said, “Eight proposals were received at the meeting and all of them had only one name. Adequate time was given for a second name, but no other name was proposed. Therefore, I announce Suvendu Adhikari as the chief minister of Bengal.”

He added, “I have known Suvendu for long. He is a fighter and has been in administration, too. He, along with our team, will be successful in delivering good governance in Bengal. He has fought, and his fight has brought results today.”

BJP seniors said the development was also seen as a personal validation for Shah, who played a key role in bringing Adhikari from the All India Trinamool Congress to the BJP in 2020.

Shortly after the announcement, Adhikari met Governor R. N. Ravi and staked claim to form the next government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Union ministers and chief ministers of NDA-ruled states are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
10:52 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: PM Modi holds roadshow in Kolkata ahead of Suvendu Adhikari oath-taking ceremony
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: PM Modi holds roadshow in Kolkata ahead of Suvendu Adhikari oath-taking ceremony
10:36 (IST) May 09
West Bengal News: 'Era of Sonar Bangla officially begins,' says Suvendu Adhikari ahead of oath as first BJP CM of Bengal
BJP Legislative Party leader Suvendu Adhikari said on Saturday that the “Sonar Bangla” era had officially begun ahead of his swearing-in as West Bengal Chief Minister. Calling it a historic day, he said the state would witness its first BJP government since Independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the ceremony in Kolkata. In a post on X, Adhikari wrote, “Today marks the end of decades of misrule and the beginning of a 'Double Engine' era of development, peace, and prosperity. The era of 'Sonar Bangla' officially begins. Welcome, Pradhan Mantri Ji”. The BJP secured 207 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections, while the Trinamool Congress won 80 after 15 years in power, ending Mamata Banerjee's long rule.
10:11 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony: PM Modi, Rajnath Singh arrive in Kolkata ahead of Suvendu's oath-taking ceremony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kolkata ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari as the chief minister of West Bengal at the Brigade Parade Ground.

Several senior BJP leaders and chief ministers from NDA-ruled states also reached the city to attend the oath-taking ceremony. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister JP Nadda were seen leaving their hotels for the venue, while Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Kolkata to witness the ceremony.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu also reached Kolkata ahead of the swearing-in event.

Suvendu Adhikari, elected as the BJP Legislative Party leader in West Bengal, is set to become the first BJP chief minister of the state.
10:03 (IST) May 09
West Bengal Government Formation: Bengal’s political shift complete as BJP prepares swearing-in ceremony
West Bengal is set to witness a major political transition on Saturday as the BJP prepares for the swearing-in of its first government in the state. Suvendu Adhikari, elected leader of the BJP Legislative Party, will take oath as chief minister after the party secured 207 seats in the Assembly elections.

The ceremony is expected to see the presence of several top BJP leaders, including Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and Amit Shah. BJP leaders described the moment as the culmination of years of political struggle in Bengal.

BJP in-charge Mangal Pandey said party workers were celebrating because “the people here have done the work of blooming the lotus flower of the BJP on the land of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee”. BJP MLA-elect Umesh Rai called the verdict “the fulfilment of the BJP’s dream” and promised that the next five years would be dedicated to the state’s development.
09:40 (IST) May 09
West Bengal News: BJP leaders rally behind Suvendu Adhikari
Senior BJP leaders hailed Suvendu Adhikari’s elevation as chief minister, expressing confidence that the party would transform West Bengal under his leadership. Union minister Sukanta Majumdar said the BJP would now work towards building “Sonar Bangla” after securing a commanding electoral victory in the state.

“I am very happy. Under the leadership of Suvendu da, we will turn Bengal into ‘Sonar Bangla’. This achievement is the result of everyone’s contribution,” Majumdar said.

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul called Adhikari a “very apt” choice for the top post, praising his political fight over the last five years. “We are extremely happy that Suvendu Adhikari has been unanimously elected by 207 BJP MLAs,” she said. Paul added that BJP legislators now had to “work round the clock” and deliver in five years what Bengal “did not receive in the last 50 years”.

BJP MLA-elect Bankim Chandra Ghosh also welcomed the development and said Bengal would “progress” under Adhikari’s leadership. Several party leaders framed the victory as both ideological and organisational success for the BJP in a state long considered difficult terrain for the party.
09:21 (IST) May 09
West Bengal News: 'A historic dawn for West Bengal indeed,' says Suvendu Adhikari
09:19 (IST) May 09
West Bengal CM News: Suvendu Adhikari stakes claim after defeating Mamata Banerjee
Suvendu Adhikari is preparing to take charge as West Bengal chief minister after delivering one of the BJP’s biggest victories in eastern India. Adhikari won both Nandigram and Bhabanipur in the 2026 elections and defeated outgoing chief minister Mamata Banerjee from Bhabanipur by more than 15,000 votes.

After Amit Shah announced him as the BJP Legislature Party leader, Adhikari met Governor R N Ravi and formally staked claim to form the government. Senior BJP leaders, including Dilip Ghosh, Locket Chatterjee and Tapas Roy, accompanied him during the visit.

Speaking after his appointment, Adhikari said, “I express gratitude to the national president, to Amit Shah. With the blessings of the Prime Minister, I have been elected as the Leader of the Legislative Party.” He added, “There is democracy in the BJP. We will fulfil the commitment of the BJP made during elections for the organisation and the public.”

The BJP leader also held meetings with newly elected MLAs and senior party figures in Kolkata ahead of the swearing-in ceremony as preparations intensified for the new government’s formation.
09:02 (IST) May 09
West Bengal Government Formation: BJP celebrates historic victory in West Bengal
Celebrations broke out across BJP ranks after Suvendu Adhikari was named leader of the BJP Legislative Party in West Bengal, paving the way for him to become the state’s first BJP chief minister. Party leaders described the moment as historic, saying it represented the fulfilment of a decades-long political goal on the “land of Shyama Prasad”.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said, “This was not just our dream, it was the dream of millions of BJP workers. On the land of Shyama Prasad, a government of Shyama Prasad is going to be formed.” Calling the election result a “victory of democracy”, he added that the people had “uprooted and thrown away the reign of jungle raj”.

The BJP’s victory brought an end to 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule and followed 34 years of Left governance before that. BJP leaders repeatedly invoked the slogan of “Poriborton”, or change, as they celebrated the mandate. Adhikari’s oath-taking ceremony also coincides with the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, adding symbolic significance to the transition of power in the state.
08:46 (IST) May 09
West Bengal News: BJP begins Bengal era as Suvendu Adhikari set to take oath
The BJP is set to form its first government in West Bengal on Saturday, with Suvendu Adhikari preparing to take oath as chief minister after the party’s sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. The BJP secured 207 seats, ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule in the state and marking a historic political shift in Bengal politics.

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said the people of Bengal had voted for “change” and fulfilled the vision of Syama Prasad Mukherjee. “We struggled for a long time, and finally the public voted for change. The dream of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee has been fulfilled,” Ghosh said. He accused the Trinamool Congress and the Congress of “oppressing the people and misusing their power”.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan arrived in Kolkata on Friday for the ceremony, alongside Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Tripura chief minister Manik Saha. Amit Shah formally announced Adhikari as the BJP Legislature Party leader before the CM-elect met Governor R N Ravi to stake claim to form the government.
08:30 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari News: Historic political shift in Bengal’s power structure
Adhikari is set to become the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal and the first BJP leader to hold the post in the state’s history. He will also be among the few CMs in modern Bengal politics to originate from outside Kolkata’s traditional political establishment, reflecting a broader shift in the state’s political geography.

The BJP has framed the moment as both ideological and historical, linking it to its long political journey in Bengal and the broader expansion of its national footprint. For Adhikari, the moment represents the culmination of a dramatic political journey from Congress beginnings to TMC leadership to becoming the face of the BJP’s first government in the state.
08:10 (IST) May 09
West Bengal New CM: Amit Shah highlights Adhikari’s selection and governance promise
Announcing the decision, Amit Shah said all proposals from BJP MLAs converged on a single name, making Suvendu Adhikari’s selection unanimous. He described Adhikari as a “fighter” with strong administrative understanding and credited him for his consistent opposition to the TMC.

Shah framed the BJP’s victory as more than electoral success, linking it to governance and national security themes, including infiltration and corruption. He also sharply criticised the outgoing TMC government, alleging systemic issues such as criminalisation of politics and administrative bias.
07:50 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari News: BJP seals historic victory and prepares for power transition
The BJP secured a sweeping mandate with 207 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, reducing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to 80 seats after 15 years in power. The victory was described by the party as a major political realignment in the state, with Adhikari emerging as its central figure.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be a large-scale national event, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, NDA chief ministers, and senior Union ministers expected to attend, underlining the scale of the political transition.
07:30 (IST) May 09
West Bengal New CM: Suvendu Adhikari stakes claim to form BJP government
Suvendu Adhikari formally staked claim to form the first BJP government in West Bengal after meeting Governor RN Ravi at Raj Bhavan on Friday evening. The move came within hours of his unanimous election as BJP legislature party leader in a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He was accompanied by senior BJP leaders, including Union ministers Bhupendra Yadav, Sukanta Majumdar, Santanu Thakur, and several state leaders, signalling full organisational backing for his elevation.

The Governor subsequently invited him to take oath as Chief Minister on May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, marking a historic political transition after the BJP’s decisive electoral win in the state.
07:08 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari News: From TMC strategist to BJP’s ideological and electoral spearhead
Adhikari’s political trajectory began long before his BJP entry, including roles as a councillor in Kanthi, a key organiser in the 2007 Nandigram agitation, and later as a Lok Sabha MP and state minister under Mamata Banerjee. His defection to the BJP in December 2020 marked a turning point, after which he rapidly became the party’s most aggressive voice in Bengal. His 2021 victory over Banerjee in Nandigram and subsequent rise as Leader of Opposition cemented his position as the BJP’s central challenger in the state.
06:49 (IST) May 09



Adhikari’s leadership claim is anchored in his high-profile victories over Mamata Banerjee in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, including a 15,105-vote win in Bhabanipur, a seat long considered the TMC supremo’s political stronghold. The result carried strong symbolic weight, given Banerjee’s repeated electoral dominance in the constituency. His ability to defeat a sitting chief minister in her own political bastions twice gave him unmatched stature within the BJP’s Bengal unit and established him as the party’s strongest electoral asset in the state.
06:49 (IST) May 09
West Bengal New CM: Swearing in ceremony today

The swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief Minister of West Bengal is scheduled for May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, BJP president Nitin Nabin, and NDA chief ministers are expected to attend.
06:49 (IST) May 09
West Bengal New CM: Adhikari’s electoral wins boost claim


Adhikari’s political profile was strengthened by his wins in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur. His victory in Nandigram, where he earlier defeated Mamata Banerjee in 2021, and success in Bhabanipur were seen as decisive within BJP ranks.
06:49 (IST) May 09
Suvendu Adhikari News: BJP calls victory historic in West Bengal

The BJP described its victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections as historic, ending 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule and delivering a major political setback to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
06:49 (IST) May 09
West Bengal New CM: ‘Unanimous’ selection claims BJP

Amit Shah stated that Suvendu Adhikari’s selection was unanimous, with all proposals from newly elected MLAs converging on a single name. No alternative nomination was formally presented during the meeting.
06:49 (IST) May 09
West Bengal New CM: Suvendu Adhikari elected BJP legislature party leader, set to take oath as CM today

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was formally elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in West Bengal. The move positions him to become the state’s first BJP Chief Minister after the party’s landmark electoral victory.
Suvendu Adhikari became the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal after taking oath. The BJP’s sweeping mandate, winning 207 of 294 seats, ended 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and established the saffron party’s first government in Bengal.

The decision was announced following a legislature party meeting in Kolkata chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who confirmed that all proposals from newly elected MLAs converged on Adhikari’s name with no alternative nominations. Soon after his election, Adhikari met the Governor and staked a claim to form the government. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Union ministers, and NDA chief ministers.

Adhikari’s rise reflects a dramatic political trajectory. Once a close aide of Mamata Banerjee and a key organiser within the Trinamool Congress, he switched to the BJP in 2020 and quickly became its most aggressive face in Bengal. His electoral victories in Nandigram and Bhabanipur, including a symbolic defeat of Banerjee in her political stronghold, significantly strengthened his leadership claim.

The BJP leadership also credited his deep organisational experience within the TMC, grassroots influence, and ability to consolidate anti-incumbency sentiment. His elevation is being viewed as both a political and ideological shift in Bengal’s power structure, marking the BJP’s formal entry into governance in one of India’s most politically significant states.