Suvendu Adhikari Sworn In as West Bengal Chief Minister, Ending TMC's 15-Year Rule

Kolkata, May 9, 2026 — Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday, becoming the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to hold the office in the eastern Indian state. The ceremony, administered by Governor RN Ravi, took place in Kolkata and was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, according to reports from Deutsche Welle (DW) and BBC.

The swearing-in comes after the BJP's decisive victory in the state assembly elections, where the party won 207 of the 294 seats, according to figures cited by both DW and BBC. This ended the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) under outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Adhikari's rise to the top post is marked by a dramatic political journey. He was once a close aide of Banerjee, but the two had a bitter falling out, after which he joined the BJP in 2020. His defection was seen as a significant blow to the TMC's strength in coastal West Bengal, where his family has long held political influence.

At the ceremony, Adhikari took the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of a large crowd of party supporters. Modi and Shah's presence underscored the BJP's focus on expanding its footprint in West Bengal, a state that had long been considered a tough political frontier for the party.

Mamata Banerjee, who had refused to resign immediately after the results were announced, alleging irregularities, has not yet conceded defeat publicly. According to DW, she told a press conference on Tuesday, "I have not lost ... I will not tender resignation." However, with the assembly results showing a clear BJP majority, her position appears untenable, and the governor's decision to swear in Adhikari has effectively sealed the transition of power.

Critics have raised concerns about the conduct of the elections, with allegations of mass voter deletions during a monthslong Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, as noted by DW. The TMC has claimed that these actions were aimed at tilting the electoral outcome in favor of the BJP.

Adhikari, born in 1970 in Purba Medinipur district, hails from a prominent political family. His father, Sisir Adhikari, is a veteran MP, and the family has built a robust political network across parts of coastal West Bengal. Suvendu Adhikari began his political career in the Congress party before joining the TMC during its years as an anti-Left force. He later became a key figure in the TMC government, serving as a minister, before his dramatic split with Banerjee.

His political style, described as combative by supporters and polarizing by critics, has made him one of the most recognizable faces of the BJP in the state. His proximity to grassroots networks and street-level politics, rather than the Delhi establishment, has endeared him to many party workers.

Analysts note that Adhikari's rise represents a shift in West Bengal's political landscape, which has historically been dominated by the Left and, more recently, by the TMC. The BJP’s victory signals a broader realignment in the state’s politics, one that could have implications for national elections in 2029.

As Adhikari begins his tenure, he faces significant challenges, including addressing the state's economic difficulties. Reports indicate that West Bengal has struggled with low private investment and high unemployment, issues that were central to the BJP's campaign. His administration will also be under scrutiny to deliver on the promises made during the election, including job creation and infrastructure development.

The transition of power has not been entirely smooth, with Banerjee's refusal to concede and allegations of electoral malpractice lingering. However, with the swearing-in ceremony complete, the BJP now controls the state legislature, and Adhikari will need to quickly establish his government and demonstrate his ability to govern.

Observers will be watching closely to see how Adhikari balances his reputation as a tough political operator with the demands of governing a diverse and complex state. His relationship with the central government, led by Modi, will also be a key factor in the state's development trajectory.

Key Claims

  • Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday, according to DW and BBC.
  • The BJP won 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's 15-year rule, as reported by both sources.
  • Adhikari was a close aide of Mamata Banerjee before their falling out and joined the BJP in 2020, per BBC.
  • Governor RN Ravi administered the oath, and Modi and Shah attended the ceremony, as stated by DW.
  • Mamata Banerjee has refused to resign, alleging irregularities, according to DW.
  • Critics have alleged voter deletions during a Special Intensive Revision exercise, per DW.
  • Adhikari's father, Sisir Adhikari, is a veteran MP, and his family has a political network in coastal West Bengal, as noted by BBC.

Perspectives

BJP Supporters

Supporters view Adhikari as a leader rooted in local networks and street-level politics, capable of delivering development and change. They see the BJP's victory as a historic breakthrough and a mandate for governance.

TMC and Critics

Critics, including TMC leaders, question the legitimacy of the election results, citing alleged irregularities such as voter deletions. They express concern over the BJP's rise and the polarizing rhetoric that has characterized the campaign.

Independent Analysts

Analysts focus on the political realignment in West Bengal and the implications for India's federal structure. They note that Adhikari's defection and subsequent victory highlight the fluid nature of state politics and the growing influence of the BJP in eastern India.