West Bengal's new Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, performed his first official act after taking the oath by visiting Jorasanko Thakur Bari in Kolkata to pay floral tributes to Rabindranath Tagore. Following the 2026 assembly elections, which marked a significant political shift in the state, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader took the oath as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal. The swearing-in ceremony was held on May 9, coinciding with Rabindra Jayanti, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent leaders.
Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore at Jorasanko Thakur Bari
Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reached the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore at Jorasanko Thakur Bari, while before formally assuming his duties, he offered floral tributes to the great poet and sang a song. Adhikari stated that this day is of great significance for both West Bengal and the entire country. He emphasized that his official work would only begin after paying respects to Kaviguru, signaling a start rooted in the state's cultural heritage.
Vision for a Stronger West Bengal
" He asserted that the new government would work towards making the state strong again and bringing it back onto the path of development. He mentioned that the Bharatiya Janata Party doesn't require any certificate and his primary objective is the progress of West Bengal, while invoking the words of Swami Vivekananda, he cited the phrase 'Charaiveti, Charaiveti' (keep moving, keep moving), calling upon the citizens to work together for the construction of a 'New Bengal'.
Election Results and Political Transition
The political landscape of West Bengal changed after the BJP secured a majority by winning 207 seats in the assembly elections. The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) managed to secure 80 seats. Adhikari urged those still discussing the election results to move forward with wisdom and maintain a positive mindset. He reiterated that his biggest responsibility is to make Bengal strong and developed once again. The ceremony and his subsequent actions underscored a transition focused on both development and cultural identity.
The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the government's priority is to restore the state's strength and ensure inclusive development for all citizens of West Bengal.