West Bengal is on the cusp of a historic political shift as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prepares to form its first-ever government in the state on Saturday, 10 May 2025, with senior leader Suvendu Adhikari set to be sworn in as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, marking the end of decades of Trinamool Congress (TMC) dominance in the state.

Nitin Nabin Hails Historic Moment

BJP National President Nitin Nabin described the development as a watershed moment for the state, calling it a "new dawn of trust." In a post shared on X, Nabin wrote: "A New Dawn of Trust. Today, the first ray of the Sun in Bengal has arrived carrying new hope and trust" — invoking promises of development, security, respect for women, employment for youth, and good governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"With the trust of the common people, a new government in Bengal is taking oath. Vande Mataram," Nabin added in his post.

Suvendu Adhikari: The Man Taking Charge

Suvendu Adhikari, a former TMC leader who crossed over to the BJP, sealed his political ascendancy by winning both Assembly seats he contested — Nandigram and Bhabanipur. Notably, his victory in Bhabanipur came at the direct expense of outgoing Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, making it one of the most closely watched contests of the Bengal polls.

On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah formally announced Adhikari as the BJP Legislature Party leader and the next Chief Minister, following a meeting with newly elected BJP legislators. The decision was described as unanimous by party officials.

A Star-Studded Swearing-In Ceremony

The oath-taking event at Brigade Parade Ground is expected to draw the BJP's top national leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, several Union ministers, and chief ministers from NDA-ruled states. The choice of venue — a ground historically associated with mass political rallies in Kolkata — carries symbolic weight for a party that has long sought a foothold in Bengal.

A Turning Point in Bengal Politics

The BJP's Assembly election results, declared on 4 May, ended the long-standing rule of the TMC, which had governed West Bengal since 2011. The party's emphatic performance represents the culmination of years of organisational expansion in the state, where it had previously struggled to break through despite strong showings in Lok Sabha elections.

This comes amid a broader national narrative of the BJP consolidating its presence in states where it had historically been a marginal force. West Bengal, with its distinct political culture and entrenched opposition networks, had long been considered one of the party's most difficult frontiers.

With the new government set to take charge, all eyes will be on the policy priorities Adhikari outlines in his first days in office — particularly on law and order, economic development, and the BJP's promises to women and youth that featured prominently in its campaign.