Amit Shah arrives in Kolkata for BJP's West Bengal CM selection and swearing-in

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Friday, May 8, 2026, to participate in crucial meetings for the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) first government in West Bengal. His visit is central to the election of the BJP's legislative party leader, who will subsequently be sworn in as the Chief Minister. The BJP secured a historic victory in the recent assembly elections, ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and dealing a significant setback to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Suvendu Adhikari, a prominent BJP leader who had a notable role in the party's campaign and secured victories in key constituencies like Nandigram and Bhabanipur (defeating Mamata Banerjee in the latter), has emerged as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister's position. His political journey includes a significant shift from the TMC to the BJP in late 2020, and he has been a vocal critic of the outgoing government. Adhikari's past political roles include serving as a minister in the West Bengal government and as a Member of Parliament. The BJP legislature party meeting was scheduled to take place in Kolkata on May 8, 2026, where the new leader would be formally elected. This decision-making process is overseen by central observers appointed by the party, with Amit Shah playing a key role. The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is slated for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Kolkata's historic Brigade Parade Ground. The ceremony is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other senior BJP leaders, and chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, signifying the importance of this political transition. The choice of May 9 also holds cultural significance as it is Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary. Following the election results, West Bengal has witnessed incidents of post-poll violence in various districts. Both the BJP and TMC have accused each other of perpetrating violence, vandalism, and attacks on party workers. Notably, an aide to Suvendu Adhikari was reportedly shot dead in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district, on May 6, 2026, further escalating tensions. The Election Commission has directed authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to ensure law and order. The state governor, R.N. Ravi, had dissolved the legislative assembly on May 7, 2026, following the election results. The BJP's victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of West Bengal, a state where the party had previously struggled to gain a strong foothold. The election results showed the BJP securing a commanding majority, with reports indicating they won 207 out of 294 seats, while the TMC was reduced to 80 seats. This outcome represents a substantial gain for the BJP compared to its previous performances in the state. The election results also saw the defeat of several prominent TMC leaders, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur.

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