Chhau dancers, folk artists set the stage as Suvendu Adhikari prepares for Bengal CM oath

The drums arrived before the politics did. By early morning, the Brigade Parade Ground had begun to thrum with rhythm as folk artists and performers from across West Bengal gathered to mark the swearing-in of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari as the state’s first BJP chief minister.

From the northern districts to the western belts, troupes poured in—bringing with them masks, movement and memory. The unmistakable energy of Purulia Chhau cut through the air, dancers leaping and spinning as crowds thickened, turning the political ceremony into something closer to a cultural spectacle.

Adhikari, elected leader of the BJP Legislative Party in West Bengal, is set to take oath later on Saturday, formalising a shift in power after the party’s decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.

“I am feeling great,” said a folk artist from Cooch Behar, standing amid performers preparing for the show, as final rehearsals blended into the swelling anticipation around the venue.

BJP leaders framed the moment in larger terms. Sanjay Saraogi, BJP’s Bihar state president, called it a turning point. “Today is a historic day for both the BJP and the people of Bengal. Suvendu Adhikari is set to take oath as Chief Minister, with NDA leaders, including Chief Ministers, Ministers, and the Prime Minister, present in Bengal. For the first time, a BJP government is being formed in the state, as the people have rejected an anti-people government. My congratulations to Suvendu Adhikari—under his leadership, Bengal will move forward,” he said.

Leaders from across the NDA have begun arriving in Kolkata. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the city on Friday, with several chief ministers, union ministers and senior party figures expected to attend the ceremony.

A day earlier, Adhikari was formally named leader of the BJP Legislature Party following a meeting chaired by senior leadership, setting the stage for his elevation as chief minister.

Union minister Sukanta Majumdar struck a note of confidence ahead of the oath-taking. “I am very happy. Under the leadership of Suvendu da, we will turn Bengal into ‘Sonar Bangla’. This achievement is the result of everyone’s contribution,” he said.

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul described Adhikari as the party’s most fitting choice after years of sustained political contest. “We are extremely happy that Suvendu Adhikari has been unanimously elected by 207 BJP MLAs. He is the most suitable choice because of the way he has fought for the last five years, both inside and outside the Assembly. Who could be a better choice than Suvendu Adhikari? All 207 MLAs have to work round the clock. There is no time to relax. In the next five years, we must deliver what West Bengal did not receive in the last 50 years,” she said.

The BJP secured 207 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections, while the All India Trinamool Congress won 80, ending its 15-year run in power and setting up a new political chapter in the state.

(With inputs from ANI)