Kolkata: In a historic political shift that marks the end of decades of dominance by regional and Left forces in West Bengal, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Friday took oath as the first Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state’s history.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground amid massive public participation, tight security and a grand display of political symbolism. Governor R. N. Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new Chief Minister and members of his Cabinet.

Alongside Adhikari, five ministers were sworn into the Cabinet, including senior BJP leaders Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik and Kshudiram Tudu.

The event witnessed the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, besides several Union ministers and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, turning the ceremony into a major national political event.

Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, Prime Minister Modi held a massive roadshow through central Kolkata, where thousands of BJP supporters lined the streets waving party flags and chanting slogans celebrating what the party described as a “new dawn” for Bengal politics.

Congratulations to Sh Suvendu Adhikari, @SuvenduWB Ji on taking oath as the Chief Minister of #WestBengal

Under the guidance of PM Sh @narendramodi, led by a “Double Engine” Sarkar, West Bengal is set to move towards greater development, good governance and new milestones. pic.twitter.com/S7OHKe4miC

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) May 9, 2026

In a symbolic gesture aimed at connecting Bengal’s cultural legacy with the new political transition, Modi and Adhikari paid floral tributes to Rabindranath Tagore on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

The BJP’s ascent to power in West Bengal is being viewed as one of the most significant political developments in recent Indian electoral history. The party, which once had minimal presence in the state, steadily expanded its influence over the last decade through aggressive grassroots mobilisation, nationalist campaigning and consolidation of anti-incumbency sentiment.

For Adhikari, the oath marks the culmination of a dramatic political journey. Once a close aide of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a key leader in the Trinamool Congress, he emerged as one of the BJP’s strongest faces in Bengal after switching sides ahead of the fiercely contested Assembly elections.

Political observers believe the new government now faces the twin challenge of delivering administrative stability and navigating Bengal’s deeply polarised political landscape. Employment generation, industrial revival, law and order, and political violence are expected to dominate the new administration’s agenda in the coming months.

The BJP leadership described the moment as the beginning of “Sonar Bangla,” while supporters celebrated across several districts with rallies, sweets distribution and victory processions late into the evening.