Bengal Gets First-ever BJP Government
Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday took oath as the first Chief Minister of a BJP-led government in West Bengal. Five ministers also joined the new Cabinet during a massive public ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, marking a historic shift in Bengal politics.
Quick Glance
- BJP formed its first-ever government in West Bengal under Suvendu Adhikari.
- Five ministers from different social communities joined the Cabinet.
- Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath attended the oath ceremony.
- BJP projected the new Cabinet as socially inclusive and regionally representative.
Suvendu Adhikari Takes Oath
Agartala/Kolkata: West Bengal witnessed a historic political transition on Saturday as the Bharatiya Janata Party officially formed its first government in the state. Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the ninth Chief Minister of the state during a grand ceremony in central Kolkata.
The oath-taking programme took place at Brigade Parade Ground. Thousands of BJP supporters gathered at the venue from different districts of the state. Party workers waved saffron flags and celebrated what they described as a “historic victory” for the BJP in Bengal.
The ceremony also drew the presence of several top national BJP leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated Adhikari after the swearing-in. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also greeted him and draped a saffron scarf around his neck.
Adhikari appeared in traditional Bengali attire during the ceremony. He wore a Bengali-style dhoti and a saffron kurta, symbolising both cultural roots and party identity.
Five Ministers Join the New Cabinet
Alongside Adhikari, five BJP leaders also took oath as ministers in the new West Bengal Cabinet.
The ministers include:
| Minister | Political/Social Background |
| Dilip Ghosh | Former BJP state president, OBC representative |
| Agnimitra Paul | Fashion designer-turned-politician, Kayastha community |
| Nisith Pramanik | Rajbanshi leader from North Bengal |
| Ashok Kirtania | Matua community representative |
| Khudiram Tudu | Tribal community representative |
Dilip Ghosh took oath immediately after the Chief Minister. Agnimitra Paul followed him. Thereafter, Ashok Kirtania, Khudiram Tudu and Nisith Pramanik took oath in sequence.
However, the state government had not announced departmental portfolios till the filing of this report.
BJP Focuses on Social Representation
Political observers believe the BJP carefully selected leaders from different caste and community backgrounds for the first Cabinet.
Ashok Kirtania represents the influential Matua community. Meanwhile, Khudiram Tudu comes from the tribal belt of the state. BJP performed strongly in Assembly seats dominated by Matua and tribal voters during the recent elections.
At the same time, Nisith Pramanik remains a key Rajbanshi face from North Bengal. BJP secured significant electoral gains in that region. Dilip Ghosh represents the OBC community, while Agnimitra Paul belongs to the Kayastha community.
Adhikari himself comes from a Brahmin family. Analysts say the Cabinet composition reflects BJP’s attempt to project social inclusiveness and wider representation in Bengal politics.
Shah’s “Son of the Soil” Remark Gains Relevance
During the election campaign, Union Home Minister Amit Shah repeatedly hinted that the BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate would be a Bengali leader deeply connected with the state’s culture and people.
Shah often described the future Chief Minister as a “son of the soil” and someone educated in Bengali medium institutions. Although he avoided naming anyone directly during the campaign, political circles widely linked those remarks to Adhikari.
Following Saturday’s oath ceremony, BJP supporters claimed that Shah’s earlier description perfectly matched the new Chief Minister.
Opposition Yet to Announce Leader
Meanwhile, All India Trinamool Congress has not yet declared its Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
Interestingly, Adhikari himself held that position from 2021 until assuming office as Chief Minister. Political analysts believe the opposition camp may soon reorganise itself after the BJP’s landmark victory.
Massive Public Gathering Marks Historic Day
The swearing-in ceremony turned into a major political event in Kolkata. Lakhs of BJP supporters reportedly gathered at Brigade Parade Ground to witness the formation of the new government.
Party workers celebrated with slogans, drumbeats and saffron flags. Many supporters travelled from districts including North Bengal, Junglemahal and border areas to attend the event.
Security remained tight across central Kolkata throughout the programme. Senior BJP leaders from different states also attended the ceremony.
The formation of the first BJP government in Bengal marks a major political milestone for the party in eastern India. It also signals a new phase in the state’s political landscape after decades of dominance by regional parties and the Left Front.
People Also Ask
Who is the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal?
Suvendu Adhikari became the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal after taking oath on May 9.
Where did the Bengal oath-taking ceremony take place?
The ceremony took place at Brigade Parade Ground in central Kolkata.
Which leaders joined Suvendu Adhikari’s Cabinet?
Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Nisith Pramanik, Ashok Kirtania and Khudiram Tudu joined the Cabinet.