PM Modi to attend Bengal's first BJP Cabinet oath ceremony: Adhikari calls it historic dawn
Synopsis
For the first time since Independence, West Bengal is getting a BJP government — and Prime Minister Modi's presence at the Brigade Parade Ground swearing-in underscores how much the party has staked on this win. CM-designate Adhikari is framing it as the end of 15 years of TMC misrule and the dawn of a 'Sonar Bangla' era, with the secretariat itself shifting from Nabanna to Writers' Building as a symbolic reset.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal's first-ever BJP Cabinet is being sworn in on 9 May at Brigade Parade Ground , Kolkata.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are attending the oath ceremony.
Chief Minister-designate Suvendu Adhikari described the event as a "historic dawn" ending 15 years of TMC rule.
The new Cabinet will operate from Writers' Building , not Nabanna, marking a break from the Mamata Banerjee era.
Adhikari has pledged a model of collective leadership and smooth Centre-state coordination.
West Bengal's first-ever Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Cabinet is set to be sworn in on Saturday, 9 May, at the Brigade Parade Ground in central Kolkata, with Chief Minister-designate Suvendu Adhikari describing the occasion as a "historic dawn" for the state. The oath ceremony will be conducted in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant political milestone in Bengal's post-Independence history.
What Adhikari Said
In a statement issued on social media on Saturday morning, Adhikari wrote: "A historic dawn for West Bengal indeed. It is a moment of profound pride and jubilation to welcome Visionary Leader Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi JI to the City of Joy. Today, as we witness the Swearing-in-Ceremony of the first-ever BJP Government in West Bengal since Independence, we fulfil the dreams of our founding fathers."
He added: "Today marks the end of decades of misrule and the beginning of a 'Double Engine' era of development, peace, and prosperity. The era of 'Sonar Bangla' officially begins."
Adhikari also stated that the ceremony marks the end of what he called 15 years of misrule under the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the beginning of a new journey for West Bengal towards "development, peace and prosperity."
Key Dignitaries at Brigade Parade Ground
The oath will be administered by West Bengal Governor Ravi at the Brigade Parade Ground in central Kolkata. Among those expected to attend are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Ministers from other BJP-governed states, select Union Cabinet members, and senior central BJP leaders. The full composition of Adhikari's Cabinet is expected to become clear once the ceremony concludes.
Secretariat Shift: Writers' Building Over Nabanna
In a notable administrative departure, the new Cabinet will operate from the historic Writers' Building in central Kolkata, rather than Nabanna at Mandirtala in Howrah district — the secretariat used by outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The shift signals a deliberate break from the previous administration's working style.
Adhikari's Governance Approach
Ahead of the swearing-in, Adhikari made clear that his style of governance will differ from that of his predecessor. "It will not be 'I' who will govern the state. It will be 'we' who will be governing the state. At the same time, the state will be governed through smooth Centre-state relationship and coordination," he said on Friday. He emphasised a model of "collective leadership" rather than centralised decision-making.
With BJP now in power both at the Centre and in West Bengal, the new government enters office amid high expectations — and equally high political scrutiny — over whether the promise of a "Double Engine" administration can translate into tangible outcomes for the state.
Point of View
But the harder test begins now: delivering governance in a state with complex labour, land, and law-and-order dynamics. The 'Double Engine' framing will be scrutinised closely — past BJP states have shown that Centre-state alignment does not automatically translate to administrative efficiency. Bengal's political culture is fiercely local, and the new government will need more than symbolism to consolidate its mandate.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is West Bengal's first BJP Cabinet being sworn in?
The swearing-in ceremony is taking place on Saturday, 9 May, at the Brigade Parade Ground in central Kolkata. The oath is being administered by West Bengal Governor Ravi.
Who is attending the West Bengal oath ceremony?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Ministers from other BJP-governed states, and senior Union Cabinet members are among those attending the ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground.
What did Suvendu Adhikari say about the oath ceremony?
Adhikari called it a 'historic dawn' for West Bengal, saying it marks the end of 15 years of TMC misrule and the beginning of a 'Double Engine' era of development, peace, and prosperity under the 'Sonar Bangla' vision.
Where will the new West Bengal government operate from?
The new BJP Cabinet will operate from Writers' Building in central Kolkata, departing from the Nabanna secretariat in Howrah used by outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
What governance style has Suvendu Adhikari promised?
Adhikari has pledged a model of collective leadership, stating that decisions will not be centralised as under his predecessor. He said the state will be governed through smooth Centre-state coordination.
