By Vishal V
Sitting in Bengaluru, analyzing political and economic developments across the country for my blog ‘The Rhythm & Reason’, today (May 9, 2026) feels like a day that will be written in golden letters in the pages of Indian politics. The political history of post-independence West Bengal has completely changed. Ending three decades of Communist rule and the 15-year monopoly of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formed the government in Bengal for the very first time.
Just a few days ago on this very blog, I analyzed how Mamata Banerjee was stubbornly refusing to give up her chair despite the BJP securing a massive majority of 207 seats in the election. However, no stubbornness can stand before democracy and the Constitution. Today, that constitutional crisis has finally ended, and with the promise of building ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal), Suvendu Adhikari has taken charge as the new Chief Minister of the state.
Here is a complete and exclusive report detailing every moment of this grand ceremony held at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, the calculations behind the new cabinet, and the impact this change will have on the state’s economy.
1. Brigade Parade Ground: Witness to a Historic Oath Ceremony
Usually, when a new government comes into power in any state, the swearing-in ceremony takes place at the Raj Bhavan or a small ground. However, the blooming of the lotus in West Bengal is not just an electoral victory for the BJP; it is a massive ideological victory. Capturing power in the home state of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee had been the BJP’s biggest dream for decades.
That is exactly why today, Saturday, Kolkata’s historic Brigade Parade Grounds witnessed the applause of lakhs of supporters, the blowing of conches, and the fluttering of saffron flags.
• Administration of Oath: At an auspicious time in the afternoon, West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Suvendu Adhikari as the Chief Minister.
• Presence of Dignitaries: To witness this historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several dignitaries from the Union Cabinet were present.
• Show of NDA Strength: Not just central leaders, but Chief Ministers of around 20 NDA-ruled states participated in the ceremony, sending a powerful message that this is not just Bengal’s victory, but a victory for the entire nation.
2. The ‘Hero’ Who Breached Didi’s Fortress: Who is Suvendu Adhikari?
Until 2020, Suvendu Adhikari was Mamata Banerjee’s closest trouble-shooter. However, frustrated with the internal politics of the TMC, he joined the BJP in 2020. Since then, he has grown to become the most prominent face of the BJP in Bengal.
• Double Shock to Mamata: In this 2026 election, 57-year-old Suvendu Adhikari did not just contest from his own constituency of Nandigram, but also entered the fray from Mamata Banerjee’s traditional stronghold, Kolkata’s ‘Bhabanipur’.
• Giant Killer: In a thrilling development, Suvendu emerged as a ‘Giant Killer’ by defeating Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur by a massive margin of 15,115 votes.
• Unanimous Choice: In the legislature party meeting held yesterday (May 8) under the leadership of Amit Shah, all 207 MLAs unanimously endorsed Suvendu Adhikari’s name for the Chief Minister’s post. Knowing the ins and outs of the TMC, possessing strong organizational skills, and having an aggressive campaigning style, Suvendu was the natural choice for the BJP.
3. The New Cabinet: A Strategy of Social and Regional Balancing!
Along with the Chief Minister, only 5 MLAs took the oath as Cabinet Ministers today. It is clearly evident that the BJP has very carefully maintained ‘social and regional balancing’ while forming its cabinet.
Who are these 5 prominent leaders who took the oath? Here are the details:
1. Dilip Ghosh: The stalwart who built the BJP from scratch in Bengal. Winning from the Kharagpur Sadar constituency, he is the strong Hindutva face of Bengal. He will hold the Number-2 position in the government.
2. Agnimitra Paul: Elected from Asansol Dakshin, Agnimitra is a former fashion designer. Having led the Mahila Morcha, she played a key role in attracting female voters towards the BJP. She also strongly defended Suvendu’s leadership during the legislature party meeting.
3. Nisith Pramanik: A youth leader who won from the Mathabhanga constituency in North Bengal’s Cooch Behar district. Understanding border issues and the pulse of the youth, he brings North Bengal representation to the cabinet.
4. Ashok Kirtania: Winning from the Bangaon Uttar constituency, he is a prominent leader of the Matua community. The Matua community offered massive support to the BJP on the promise of CAA implementation, and Kirtania has been awarded a ministerial berth to honor that debt.
5. Kshudiram Tudu: Elected from the Ranibandh constituency, he is the face of the tribal community. His inclusion was essential for the BJP to solidify its grip on the Junglemahal region.
The allocation of portfolios has not yet been officially announced, and there is a strong possibility of a cabinet expansion to include other MLAs in the coming days.
4. The Victory of Democracy and the End of the Constitutional Crisis
Just four days ago on this very blog, I wrote: “Mamata Banerjee has refused to resign. This has paved the way for a constitutional crisis.” However, constitutional rules are very clear.
Having secured a clear majority with 207 seats in the election, BJP leaders met Governor R.N. Ravi yesterday and staked a claim to form the government. According to democratic protocols, it is the Governor’s duty to invite the party with the majority. Finally, dissolving the previous State Legislative Assembly, power was officially handed over to the BJP government today, formally bringing the curtains down on 15 years of Mamata’s rule.
Even so, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee stated, “We will stand firmly with the people of West Bengal,” hinting at a strong fight ahead as the opposition. On the other hand, since the day the election results were announced (May 4), post-poll violence has erupted in several parts of Bengal. The fatal shooting of one of Suvendu Adhikari’s close aides on May 6 highlights the severe law and order challenge currently facing the state.
5. Bengal’s Economy and the Stock Market’s Reaction (The Market Impact)
As a blogger who closely observes the finance sector, the economic policies of any new government are very important to me. The formation of a BJP government in Bengal has created a massive buzz in the industrial sector. It was particularly noteworthy that major industrialists also participated in today’s swearing-in ceremony.
What are the benefits of a ‘Double-Engine’ government?
• Industrialization: Over the past three-four decades, massive industries fled West Bengal due to strikes by Communist unions and later the Singur Tata Nano controversy during the TMC era. Now that there is the same party (Double Engine) government at the Center and in the state, investors are confident that the ‘Ease of doing business’ will improve significantly.
• Infrastructure Development: As Jharkhand BJP leaders mentioned, for the dream of ‘Sonar Bangla’ to come true, rapid development of roads, ports, and IT corridors must happen. Central funds will now flow directly and faster to the state.
• Market Watch: When the market opens on Monday, investors will keep a hawk’s eye on the stocks of ITC, Bandhan Bank, Coal India, and real estate and FMCG companies that have a strong base in Bengal.
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Vishal V’s Takeaway (My Final Thoughts)
Juggling my daily delivery job and constantly monitoring stock market and national political trends, I feel that today’s change in Bengal is not just a change of government, but a generational shift.
The Communists pushed Bengal backward economically, and Mamata Banerjee, who came later, restricted herself to freebie schemes and appeasement politics instead of fixing it—this was the accusation made today by BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar. Now, the biggest challenge before Suvendu Adhikari is to make ‘Sonar Bangla’ a reality, rather than just talking about it in speeches.
As Chief Minister, Suvendu’s absolute first priority should be to crack down on post-poll violence and restore law and order in the state. No industry will invest capital in a state plagued by bloody politics.
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