Kolkata, May 9: In a historic political moment for West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday took oath as the ninth Chief Minister of the state and the first-ever Chief Minister of a BJP-led government in Bengal. The grand oath-taking ceremony held at Brigade Parade Ground witnessed the presence of lakhs of BJP supporters, senior party leaders and dignitaries from across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly embraced Adhikari after the swearing-in, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated him by placing a saffron scarf around his neck. Adhikari arrived for the ceremony dressed in a traditional Bengali-style dhoti paired with a saffron kurta, drawing loud cheers from the crowd gathered at the venue.
Lakhs of BJP supporters gathered at the venue and cheered loudly as Adhikari took oath as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal and the first BJP leader to hold the post.
After the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi warmly hugged Adhikari, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated him by placing a saffron scarf around his neck. Adhikari attended the ceremony wearing a traditional Bengali-style dhoti and saffron kurta.
Along with Adhikari, five other leaders were sworn in as ministers in the new state Cabinet. The ministers include Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Nisith Pramanik, Ashok Kirtania and Khudiram Tudu.
While Adhikari and the other ministers took oath in Bengali, Khudiram Tudu, who belongs to the tribal community, read the oath in Santali. He was dressed in traditional Santali attire during the ceremony. The portfolios of the ministers are yet to be announced.
Political observers believe the composition of the six-member Cabinet reflects BJP’s attempt to ensure representation across different communities in the state. Kirtania represents the Matua community, while Tudu is seen as a tribal face. Pramanik represents the Rajbanshi community of North Bengal, and Ghosh is considered a prominent OBC leader.
The oath was administered by West Bengal Governor R. N. Ravi.
According to sources, Adhikari and his Cabinet colleagues are expected to visit the historic Writers’ Buildings before heading to the state Assembly, where the first Cabinet meeting is likely to be held later in the day.
Before the Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had repeatedly said that Bengal’s next BJP Chief Minister would be a “son of the soil” and a Bengali leader educated in Bengali medium. BJP leaders now say Adhikari fits that description.
