Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as West Bengal CM: East Midnapore erupts in joy
Synopsis
For the first time in 55 years, East Midnapore has one of its own as West Bengal Chief Minister. Suvendu Adhikari's swearing-in at Brigade Parade Grounds triggered district-wide celebrations — from giant screens in Contai to yajnas in Nandigram — marking a historic political shift in the state.
Key Takeaways
Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as West Bengal's ninth Chief Minister on Saturday, 9 May at Brigade Parade Grounds , Kolkata.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced Adhikari's name as BJP Legislative Party leader on Friday .
This is the first time in 55 years that a person from East Midnapore will hold the Chief Minister's post.
Hometown Contai and constituency Nandigram were decorated; giant screens set up for live streaming across the district.
Father Sisir Adhikari called it a very proud day and expressed hope for Bengal's development under his son's leadership.
East Midnapore district broke into widespread celebrations on Saturday, 9 May, as Suvendu Adhikari prepared to be sworn in as West Bengal's ninth Chief Minister — the first person from the district to hold the post in 55 years. Giant screens, temple rituals, and sweet distributions transformed towns from Contai to Nandigram into festive zones ahead of the afternoon ceremony at Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.
How the Announcement Unfolded
On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah formally named Suvendu Adhikari as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Legislative Party in West Bengal at the party's parliamentary party meeting. Following the announcement, Adhikari proceeded to Lok Bhavan as per constitutional convention and formally proposed the formation of a new government before Governor R.N. Ravi.
Celebrations Across East Midnapore
Festivities began across the district from Friday night, with loudspeakers playing Adhikari's speeches through the night. His hometown Contai and his constituency Nandigram were decorated ahead of the swearing-in. In ward number 15 of Contai, residents independently arranged a large screen so that neighbours of the incoming Chief Minister would not miss the moment.
Giant screens were installed at multiple locations across the district to live-stream the Brigade Parade Grounds ceremony. BJP workers distributed sweets in several areas, and yajnas (sacred fire rituals) were performed at local temples seeking blessings for Adhikari's tenure.
Sisir Adhikari's Emotional Reaction
Sisir Adhikari, former Union Minister and Suvendu's father, was visibly emotional while speaking to reporters before departing for the ceremony in Kolkata.
Point of View
A state where the BJP had long struggled to convert electoral momentum into executive power. The celebratory scenes in East Midnapore are genuine, but the harder test begins immediately after: governing a state with entrenched administrative networks and high public expectations. The 55-year gap since a CM from East Midnapore also underscores how political power in Bengal has historically concentrated around Kolkata-centric figures. Whether Adhikari can leverage his grassroots connect in constituencies like Nandigram to govern effectively — rather than just campaign effectively — is the question mainstream coverage is not yet asking.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Suvendu Adhikari and why is his oath-taking significant?
Suvendu Adhikari is a BJP leader from Nandigram, East Midnapore, who has been named West Bengal's ninth Chief Minister. His swearing-in marks the first time in 55 years that a person from East Midnapore will hold the state's top executive post.
When and where was Suvendu Adhikari's oath-taking ceremony held?
The oath-taking ceremony was held on Saturday, 9 May, at Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata. Giant screens were set up across East Midnapore to live-stream the event for residents unable to travel to Kolkata.
How was Suvendu Adhikari's name confirmed as Chief Minister?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced Adhikari's name as the leader of the BJP Legislative Party at the party's parliamentary party meeting on Friday. Adhikari then visited Lok Bhavan and formally proposed the formation of a new government before Governor R.N. Ravi.
How did East Midnapore celebrate the occasion?
Contai and Nandigram were decorated, giant screens were installed for live streaming, yajnas were performed at temples, and BJP workers distributed sweets. Celebrations began from Friday night with loudspeakers playing Adhikari's speeches.
What did Suvendu Adhikari's father say about his son becoming Chief Minister?
Sisir Adhikari, former Union Minister and Suvendu's father, called it a very proud day and expressed hope that his son would work for Bengal's development at all levels, adding that the state had been freed from long-standing misrule.
