Suvendu Adhikari took oath today as the first chief minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, marking a major political shift in the state.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, five days after the BJP secured a historic victory by winning 207 seats in the state assembly elections, ending 15 years of rule by the All India Trinamool Congress under Mamata Banerjee.

The event was attended by Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, chief ministers of BJP-ruled states, Union ministers and senior party leaders.

Adhikari, who was elected leader of the BJP legislature party, said the new administration would function through “collective leadership” and prioritise corruption-free governance, justice and public service.