West Bengal Chief Minister Swearing-In Ceremony: Live Updates
In a historic turn of events, Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal on Friday, marking the end of Mamata Banerjee's decade-long rule. The ceremony, held at the iconic Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other top BJP leaders.
The event began with a traditional welcome, followed by the oath of office administered by Governor C.V. Ananda Bose. Adhikari, dressed in a white kurta-pyjama, took the oath in Bengali, pledging to uphold the Constitution and serve the people of West Bengal.
Key Highlights
- Prime Minister Modi arrived at the venue around 11:30 AM, greeted by a massive crowd of supporters.
- Amit Shah, who played a crucial role in the BJP's campaign, was seen in deep conversation with Adhikari before the ceremony.
- Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing CM, did not attend the ceremony but tweeted her congratulations to Adhikari, saying she hopes he will work for the state's development.
The Road to Victory
The BJP's victory in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections was a landslide, winning 210 out of 294 seats. The TMC, which had been in power since 2011, was reduced to just 58 seats. Analysts attribute the BJP's win to a combination of factors, including anti-incumbency, effective campaigning by PM Modi, and the leadership of Suvendu Adhikari, who defected from the TMC in 2020.
Adhikari, in his first speech as CM, thanked the people of West Bengal for their trust and promised to focus on development, job creation, and law and order. He also extended an olive branch to the TMC, saying he will work with all parties for the state's progress.
Reactions from Political Leaders
PM Modi, in his address, called the victory a "mandate for change" and assured the people of West Bengal that the central government will provide full support to the new state government. He also praised Adhikari's leadership and his vision for a "Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal).
Amit Shah, in a press conference later, said the BJP's win in West Bengal is a significant step towards the party's goal of expanding its footprint in eastern India. He also criticized the previous TMC government for alleged corruption and misrule.
Mamata Banerjee, in a press statement, accepted the defeat gracefully and said she will continue to work for the people of West Bengal as the leader of the opposition. She also warned the BJP against any attempts to undermine the state's cultural identity.
What Lies Ahead
As the new government takes charge, all eyes are on the first cabinet meeting, expected to be held tomorrow. Key portfolios such as home, finance, and education are likely to be allocated to senior BJP leaders. The government is also expected to announce a series of populist measures, including farm loan waivers and free healthcare for the poor.
The swearing-in ceremony concluded with a cultural program showcasing the rich heritage of West Bengal. The event was broadcast live on national television, drawing millions of viewers across the country.
