Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal today, May 9, 2026, at a grand ceremony in Kolkata. The event, set for 11 AM, will take place at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground, marking a significant political transition in the state.
Key Attendees and Political Context
The ceremony is expected to draw a high-profile gathering, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and approximately 20 chief ministers from BJP-ruled states. Notably, Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari's former mentor and the leader he defeated in the Bhabanipur assembly seat by over 15,000 votes, has also been invited to the swearing-in as per protocol, confirmed BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya.
Adhikari's ascension follows the BJP's strong performance in the recent assembly elections, where the party secured 207 out of 293 seats. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) won 80 seats, with other parties holding minor representation.
Adhikari's Vision for West Bengal
Following his formal announcement as the elected leader of the BJP legislature party by Union Minister Amit Shah, Suvendu Adhikari addressed party workers. He articulated a vision for a transformed West Bengal, emphasizing 'bhoy out, bhorsha in' (fear out, trust in).
“We need to create a Sonar Bangla. We need to make Bengal a safe place for women. Amit Shah said we have been able to remove fear. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given us trust. It is time for bhoy out, bhorsha in. For that, we need to work more and talk less,” Suvendu Adhikari told party MLAs.
He pledged a government focused on efficient delivery, enhancing women's safety, and fostering the creation of a “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal).
Historical Significance
Adhikari will become the 9th chief minister of West Bengal and the first in 55 years to hail from the districts rather than the capital city of Kolkata. The last such instance was in 1971 when Ajoy Mukherjee, from undivided Medinipur—the same region Adhikari originates from—took office for his third tenure as CM.