In a historic shift for West Bengal’s political landscape, Suvendu Adhikari took the oath of office today as the state's first Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The ceremony, held at the Brigade Parade Grounds on the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, marks the end of the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year tenure.
Adhikari’s journey to the top post is nothing short of dramatic. Once a key lieutenant to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he has now succeeded her following a decisive electoral victory. His rise was cemented by high-profile wins in Nandigram and, most recently, Bhabanipur.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, underscoring the significance of this transition. Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath to Adhikari and an initial team of five ministers, strategically chosen to reflect the state's diverse social fabric:
Dilip Ghosh (OBC): A pivotal figure in expanding the party's grassroots presence.
Agnimitra Paul (Kayastha): One of the party’s most prominent women leaders.
Ashok Kirtania (Matua): Representing a crucial demographic in Southern Bengal.
Kshudiram Tudu (ST): A key leader for tribal outreach in Western Bengal.
Nisith Pramanik (Rajbonshi): A influential voice for the youth and North Bengal.
The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member assembly in the results declared on May 4, paving the way for what Adhikari describes as a "double-engine era" of development for the state.
