Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as Bengal CM: Mahant hails 'historic day' for Sanatan followers
Synopsis
For the first time in West Bengal's history, a BJP leader has been sworn in as Chief Minister. Ayodhya's Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj called it the fulfillment of a 40-year resolve, saying the Sanatan community — long marginalised, he claimed — now has reason to celebrate. The moment signals a seismic political shift in a state that has been TMC territory for over a decade.
Key Takeaways
Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as West Bengal's ninth Chief Minister on 9 May , becoming the state's first BJP Chief Minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah attended the swearing-in ceremony.
Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj of Ayodhya's Saket Bhavan Temple called it a "historic day" for Sanatan Dharma followers.
The seer said a " 40-year target" had been achieved, referring to the BJP's long pursuit of power in West Bengal.
He noted that even holding festivals like Ram Navami in the state had previously required High Court intervention.
Mahant credited the BJP's poll victory to the hard work of both Modi and Shah .
Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj of Ayodhya's Saket Bhavan Temple on Saturday, 9 May called the swearing-in of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Suvendu Adhikari as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal a "historic day" for followers of Sanatan Dharma. Adhikari became the state's first BJP Chief Minister, taking oath in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers of several BJP-ruled states.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as West Bengal's ninth Chief Minister at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Ministers of multiple BJP-governed states. The event marks the first time the BJP has held the Chief Ministerial post in the state, a significant political milestone for the party in eastern India.
What Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj Said
Speaking in an exclusive conversation, Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj described the occasion as the culmination of decades of effort. "A target of nearly 40 years has been achieved today. The era of anarchy, misgovernance, and oppression in the state has come to an end," he said, referring to the previous All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
The Ayodhya-based seer also highlighted concerns about the Hindu community in the state. "The Hindu community in West Bengal, especially women and girls, had long faced incidents of harassment and oppression, and now there is hope for relief from such conditions," he added.
Sanatan Traditions and Past Challenges
Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj noted that Sanatan traditions and faith had been repeatedly targeted in the past. He pointed out that even organising festivals such as Ram Navami in West Bengal had required intervention from the High Court. He described the swearing-in as a moment of joy and enthusiasm for the Sanatani community across the state.
Referring to West Bengal as the land of saints and the abode of Maa Chandi and Maa Kali, the seer called the day a "proud moment" for Sanatan culture. He expressed gratitude to the people of West Bengal for bringing the BJP to power with what he termed overwhelming public support.
Praise for Adhikari, Modi, and Shah
Praising the newly sworn-in Chief Minister, Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj said: "He (Suvendu Adhikari) struggled for the people and for 'Sanatan' society while facing many hardships." He also congratulated Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, crediting the poll victory to the hard work of both leaders.
With Adhikari now at the helm of West Bengal, religious leaders and BJP supporters are watching closely to see how his administration addresses the concerns raised by the Sanatan community in the state.
Point of View
Much as it has done in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The real test, however, will be governance: West Bengal carries deep socio-economic challenges, and a CM who campaigned on identity politics will be judged on law and order, economic development, and whether the grievances of minority communities are addressed — not just those of the majority. The 40-year narrative is politically potent, but it raises the accountability bar considerably.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Suvendu Adhikari and why is his swearing-in significant?
Suvendu Adhikari is a senior BJP leader who has been sworn in as West Bengal's ninth Chief Minister, making him the state's first BJP Chief Minister. This is a historic political shift in a state that had been governed by the Trinamool Congress for over a decade.
Who attended Suvendu Adhikari's swearing-in ceremony?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Ministers of several BJP-ruled states attended the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as West Bengal Chief Minister.
Why did Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj call it a 'historic day'?
Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj of Ayodhya's Saket Bhavan Temple called it a historic day because he believes it marks the fulfillment of a nearly 40-year resolve for the BJP and represents hope for the Sanatan Dharma community in West Bengal, which he said had long faced harassment and restrictions on religious practices.
What concerns did the Mahant raise about West Bengal under the previous government?
The Mahant alleged that the Hindu community, especially women and girls, faced harassment and oppression under the previous TMC government. He also noted that organising festivals like Ram Navami required High Court intervention, suggesting religious freedoms were constrained.
What is the significance of this for the BJP in West Bengal?
West Bengal's BJP win ends a prolonged period of TMC dominance and gives the party its first Chief Minister in the state. Religious and political leaders view it as a turning point for Sanatan Dharma followers and a major expansion of the BJP's national footprint into eastern India.
