Suvendu Adhikari became West Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister at a ceremony attended by PM Narendra Modi.
Five BJP legislators including Dilip Ghosh and Agnimitra Paul were sworn in as state ministers.
The BJP won 207 of 294 Assembly seats to end the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year administration.
Suvendu Adhikari Sworn In As West Bengal’s First BJP Chief Minister
Governor RN Ravi administers oath at Brigade Parade Grounds as BJP ends 15-year Trinamool Congress rule.
Summary
Suvendu Adhikari took the oath of office on Saturday as West Bengal’s first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister, formalizing a transition of power at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds.
Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari and five cabinet ministers in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a large contingent of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders.
The swearing-in marks the end of the Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) 15-year administration following the BJP’s victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member House, while the TMC’s strength was reduced to 80 seats. Adhikari, a former state cabinet minister, secured a win in the Bhabanipur constituency, defeating the outgoing Chief Minister by a margin of 15,105 votes.
The initial cabinet includes Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik, and Kshudiram Tudu. This six-member team represents an attempt at regional and social balancing, with ministers drawn from North Bengal, the tribal belts of Ranibandh, and the industrial hubs of Asansol. While portfolios are yet to be assigned, the new government faces the immediate task of addressing post-poll administrative challenges as it begins its inaugural term. The Election Commission noted this was the highest seat share for any opposition party in the state's recent history.
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