West Bengal BJP cabinet oath on May 9 with PM Modi, Amit Shah present
Synopsis
West Bengal is set to swear in its first-ever BJP-led government on 9 May — a historic moment the party has framed around Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary. With PM Modi and Amit Shah flying in, and post-poll violence already prompting an Election Commission directive, the transition of power is unfolding under intense national scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal's first BJP -led government since Independence will be sworn in on 9 May at Brigade Parade Ground , Kolkata .
PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the ceremony.
The date coincides with Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary per the Bengali calendar.
BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya declined to name the incoming Chief Minister.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a zero-tolerance directive on post-poll violence to the Chief Secretary, DGP, and CAPFs.
Bhattacharya warned party workers against revenge politics and forceful takeover of opposition offices.
Kolkata, 6 May — The first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in West Bengal since Independence will be sworn in on 9 May at the Brigade Parade Ground, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in attendance, BJP's West Bengal president and Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya confirmed on Wednesday. The date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore as per the Bengali calendar, lending the occasion a symbolic cultural resonance.
Why May 9 Was Chosen
Bhattacharya told mediapersons that the swearing-in date of 9 May was selected because it aligns with Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary according to the Bengali calendar — a gesture widely seen as an attempt to anchor the incoming administration's identity in Bengal's cultural heritage. The ceremony will be held at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, a venue historically associated with large-scale political gatherings in the state. Bhattacharya declined to name who would serve as Chief Minister of the new government.
Key Meeting at Nabanna
On Wednesday, Bhattacharya visited the state secretariat Nabanna alongside BJP's central observer for West Bengal, Sunil Bansal, and party Lok Sabha members Jyotirmoy Mahato and Saumitra Khan, for a meeting with Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala. Two issues dominated the agenda: logistical preparedness for the swearing-in ceremony, and — more critically — concrete steps being taken by the state administration to prevent post-poll violence. The administration currently remains under the supervision of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
BJP's Zero-Tolerance Warning on Post-Poll Violence
Bhattacharya has already issued a firm directive to party workers, warning that the leadership will not tolerate any politics of revenge following the change of regime.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new West Bengal BJP government be sworn in?
The new BJP-led West Bengal government will be sworn in on 9 May at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the ceremony.
Why was May 9 chosen for the West Bengal swearing-in ceremony?
May 9 was chosen because it coincides with the birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore according to the Bengali calendar. BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya confirmed this was a deliberate decision.
Who will be the Chief Minister of the new West Bengal government?
As of 6 May, BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya has declined to name the incoming Chief Minister. The announcement is expected ahead of the 9 May swearing-in ceremony.
What action is being taken on post-poll violence in West Bengal?
The Election Commission of India has directed the West Bengal Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and CAPFs to ensure zero tolerance towards post-poll violence. Reports of incidents emerged from multiple parts of the state after election results were declared on Monday.
What has BJP said about revenge politics in West Bengal?
BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya has warned party workers that the leadership will not tolerate any politics of revenge, including forceful takeover of opposition party offices or hoisting of BJP flags there. He said strict disciplinary action will be taken against violators.
