Grand ceremony held in the presence of PM Modi and Amit Shah at Brigade Parade Ground

Kolkata, May 9. A new era began in West Bengal politics today, as BJP legislative party leader Shubhendu Adhikari took oath as the Chief Minister of the state.

Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy. The grand ceremony was held at the historic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, attended by several prominent national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The ground echoed with the cheers of millions of supporters who had gathered.

Shubhendu Adhikari’s path to becoming Chief Minister was cleared on Friday, when he was unanimously elected as leader during a meeting of newly elected legislators chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The party leadership entrusted him with the state’s command, expressing confidence in his deep influence in Bengal’s grassroots politics and organizational capabilities. Amit Shah himself announced his name, describing it as a decisive step towards the development of Bengal and the vision of ‘Sonar Bangla’.

The swearing-in ceremony was also attended by leaders of NDA allied parties and several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, which is being seen as a major show of strength by the party.

Political analysts believe that the presence of top leadership at the oath-taking ceremony indicates how important this first-ever government in West Bengal is for the central government.

Upon assuming the responsibility of Chief Minister, Shubhendu Adhikari stated that law and order and economic reforms would be his top priorities for the state.

Brigade Parade Ground

The Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, India, is a historic open field used for military parades and public gatherings since the British colonial era. Originally part of the Maidan, it gained prominence as a venue for political rallies and cultural events, including iconic speeches by figures like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Today, it remains a significant site for large-scale assemblies and commemorations in the city.

Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India, was founded in 1690 by the British East India Company and served as the capital of British India until 1911. Known for its rich cultural heritage, it was a major center of the Indian independence movement and is famed for its colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and literary contributions. Today, the city is celebrated for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, as well as its iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge.