By Prasenjit Chakraborty (With inputs from News on AIR)

Agartala, May 09: The soil of Bengal witnessed a moment filled with hope, courage, and renewed belief when Suvendu Adhikari took the oath as the Chief Minister of West Bengal today, heading the first BJP government in the state.

This is not merely an oath of office—it is an oath of responsibility, sacrifice, and commitment to restore the pride of a land that has given India its culture, intellect, and revolution.

For years, countless citizens have waited for a Bengal where development is not a dream, where democracy is not silenced, and where people can speak without fear. Today, that long wait feels a little lighter. 

The streets, the villages, the towns—every corner of Bengal are now echoing a silent prayer: that peace returns, that justice prevails, and that every hardworking citizen gets the dignity they deserve.

This oath symbolizes the power of the people’s voice. It reflects the strength of every mother who prayed for safety, every youth who dreamed of employment, every farmer who demanded respect, and every citizen who wished for a corruption-free Bengal.

Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari at a grand ceremony held at the Brigade Parade Ground, Kolkata. Five Cabinet Ministers also took the oath along with the Chief Minister. 

The Governor R N Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Ministers- Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik and Kshudiram Tudu.

Adhikari won from the Bhabanipur and Nandigram assembly constituencies.

BJP MLA from Kharagpur Sadar Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, MLA from Asansol Dakshin, MLA from Bongaon Uttar Ashok Kirtaniya, Khudiram Tudu, MLA from Ranibandh seat, Nisith Pramanik from Matha Bhanga assembly, took oath as Ministers-designate of the new Council of Ministers of the Government of West Bengal.

Today is Pochishe Boishak -an auspicious day – the birth anniversary of Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore, which is celebrated across the state. This day has been selected for the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government in West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Ministers of other NDA and BJP-ruled states, BJP president Nitin Nabin and other leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party were present in the swearing-in ceremony.

The programme started with floral tribute to Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and other dignitaries paid respect to Kabiguru.

BJP has won 207 seats in the 2026 West Bengal 2026 Assembly elections, while the Trinamool Congress secured 80 seats after ruling the State for 15 years.

A heartwarming moment: 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the blessing of 97-year-old Makhan Lal Sarkar, one of the senior-most state leaders during the BJP’s initial days, at the swearing-in ceremony.

In a grand gesture, PM Modi hugged and touched his feet. Sarkar was the aide of Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of Bharatiya Jan Sangh.

Meanwhile, the two Bengali Hindu Chief Ministers- Dr. Manik Saha and Suvendu Adhikari -- from the same party founded by Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukherjee were seen exchanging greetings.

“Heartiest congratulations to Shri Suvendu Adhikari Ji on taking oath as the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal. Today, the tears and sacrifices of countless BJP West Bengal Karyakartas have found their voice. This isn’t just a win; it’s the culmination of a long, selfless struggle against all odds to protect the soul of Bengal,” the Tripura Chief Minister said.

He further stated that under the leadership and blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dream of a “Double Engine Government” in Bengal had turned into a reality.

“We move forward with the strength of the Center and the heartbeat of Bengal working as one. A new dawn of peace and ‘Sonar Bangla’ has finally arrived,” Dr. Saha remarked.