Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as Bengal CM, heads first BJP government in state

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday, leading the first-ever Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state.

Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari at a grand ceremony held 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 secured 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, bringing an end to the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress.

BJP ministers sworn in

The following BJP leaders took oath as ministers in the new Bengal cabinet:

• Suvendu Adhikari – Chief Minister
• Dilip Ghosh – Minister
• Agnimitra Paul – Minister
• Ashok Kirtania – Minister
• Kshudiram Tudu – Minister
• Nisith Pramanik – Minister

Historic political shift

The swearing-in marks a major political milestone, with the BJP coming to power in Bengal for the first time after decades of Left rule followed by Trinamool Congress dominance.

The transition, however, was marked by political controversy.

Outgoing chief minister Mamata Banerjee initially refused to resign after the defeat, alleging electoral irregularities and vote rigging.

Her claims received backing from leaders of the INDIA bloc.

How the BJP won Bengal

The high-stakes Assembly election was conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting held on May 4.

The BJP’s emphatic victory reshaped Bengal’s political landscape, delivering one of the party’s most significant state-level breakthroughs.

Following the results, Governor Ravi dissolved the Assembly on Thursday, paving the way for government formation.

Tension after polls

The post-election transition was further overshadowed by violence.

Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Adhikari, was shot dead late Wednesday night amid intense political tension in the state.

The killing heightened security concerns ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.

Addressing supporters, Adhikari described the new government as the beginning of a “new era” for Bengal, promising development, stability and what BJP leaders have repeatedly called the vision of “Sonar Bangla.”