Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as Bengal CM; Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul among ministers in new BJP Govt

Suvendu Adhikari has taken oath as the Chief Minister of West Bengal after a decisive BJP victory, with R. N. Ravi administering the oath of office and secrecy at a grand ceremony held in Kolkata on Saturday.

The swearing-in marks the formal beginning of the BJP-led government in the state after it secured a strong majority in the Assembly elections, ending years of Trinamool Congress rule.

The ceremony took place at Brigade Parade Ground, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present along with senior Union ministers and chief ministers from several BJP-ruled states.

Along with the Chief Minister, several BJP leaders were sworn in as ministers in the new cabinet. The list includes senior leaders Dilip Ghosh and Agnimitra Paul.

Other leaders who took oath as ministers include Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu, and Nisith Pramanik, forming the initial cabinet of the new West Bengal government.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived at the venue amid massive public turnout and strong political presence. Traditional Bengali folk performances were staged as part of the event, while political slogans echoed across the venue as the new government was sworn in.

Prime Minister Modi arrived after landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and was escorted to the venue amid tight security.

How did BJP secure power in West Bengal?

The BJP secured a strong mandate in the 294-member Assembly, winning 207 seats and ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress, which won 80 seats.

The leadership change was formalised after Union Home Minister Amit Shah, acting as central observer, announced Suvendu Adhikari as the leader of the BJP legislature party following a meeting in Kolkata.

The inclusion of senior and emerging BJP leaders in the cabinet is being seen as an attempt to balance experience and regional representation in the new administration. Party leaders have described the formation as the beginning of a “new governance era” in West Bengal.

The swearing-in of a BJP-led government marks one of the most significant political shifts in the state’s recent history, ending over a decade and a half of Trinamool Congress rule and reshaping the state’s political landscape.

The new cabinet is expected to begin administrative meetings soon, with key governance priorities and departmental allocations likely to be announced in the coming days as the BJP begins its full-term governance in West Bengal.