Election Shift – Suvendu Adhikari Takes Oath as West Bengal Chief Minister
Election Shift – West Bengal entered a significant new political chapter on Saturday as BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state’s Chief Minister at a large public ceremony in Kolkata. The event marked the formation of the first Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the state since Independence, following the party’s decisive victory in the recent Assembly elections.
Grand Ceremony Held at Brigade Parade Grounds
The oath-taking ceremony was conducted at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds, where Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Suvendu Adhikari. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event along with several Union ministers, chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, and senior BJP leaders.
Apart from Adhikari, several BJP legislators also joined the new cabinet. Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik, and Kshudiram Tudu were sworn in as ministers in the West Bengal government.
The venue witnessed a large turnout of party workers and supporters who gathered from different districts of West Bengal and neighbouring states to witness the political development.
Adhikari Calls It a Historic Moment
Earlier in the day, Suvendu Adhikari described the occasion as a defining moment in the state’s political history. In a message shared on social media, he stated that the new government symbolised the beginning of a fresh era focused on development, peace, and administrative change.
He also referred to the formation of the BJP government as the start of the “Sonar Bangla” vision, a slogan often highlighted during the party’s election campaign.
Adhikari was formally chosen as the leader of the BJP legislative party a day before the ceremony. The announcement was made in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and newly elected BJP MLAs.
Supporters Gather in Large Numbers
Thousands of BJP supporters assembled across Kolkata from the early hours of the morning. Many supporters arrived carrying party flags, banners, and posters while chanting slogans in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the newly sworn-in chief minister.
Several groups travelled from north Bengal, Jharkhand, and other nearby regions to attend the event. Some supporters described the occasion as a major political turning point for the state.
One supporter from Jharkhand said the gathering represented a moment of political change after years of Trinamool Congress rule. Another attendee, who claimed to have travelled from Canada, said he wanted to personally witness what he called a historic development in West Bengal politics.
Cultural Performances Add Festive Atmosphere
The Brigade Parade Grounds featured a festive environment throughout the ceremony. Folk artists, traditional Chhou dancers, and tribal performance groups entertained the crowd before the official proceedings began.
The stage decorations reflected various aspects of Bengal’s cultural heritage. Images and artistic designs inspired by Dakshineswar Temple, Goddess Durga, and traditional Bengali motifs formed the backdrop of the main stage.
Supporters were seen dancing to drum beats and celebrating the occasion as a major political festival in the state. Organisers also distributed packets of jhal muri, a popular Bengali street snack, among attendees.
The snack recently gained attention during the election campaign after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen tasting jhal muri at a roadside stall in Jhargram.
BJP Ends 15-Year TMC Rule
The BJP secured a commanding victory in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly by winning 207 seats. The result brought an end to the Trinamool Congress government that had remained in power for the past 15 years.
Political observers believe the change in government could significantly influence the administrative and developmental priorities of the state in the coming years. The new leadership is expected to focus on infrastructure growth, law and order, investment, and welfare delivery as it begins its tenure.