West Bengal CM: BJP set for May 9 oath-taking as Shah to oversee MLA meeting in Kolkata

Kolkata is bracing for a key political moment, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) preparing for what is expected to be its government formation in West Bengal on May 9. The date, which coincides with Panchishe Baishakh — the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore — is being considered for the oath-taking ceremony, according to party sources.

The transition process is now moving into its formal stage after the party’s electoral performance in the 294-member Assembly. BJP sources say the party secured 207 seats, while polling in Falta was countermanded and a re-election has been scheduled for May 21.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been appointed as the central observer for the meeting of newly elected BJP MLAs in Kolkata, where the legislative party leader — expected to become the next chief minister — will be chosen. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will assist as co-observer.

Within the party, Suvendu Adhikari, who defeated outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhowanipore, is being widely discussed as a leading contender for the top post. However, leaders familiar with internal discussions suggest the final decision will be taken collectively during the legislative party meeting under central supervision.

Shah’s role has drawn attention inside political circles, with BJP leaders acknowledging his involvement in shaping the party’s strategy in the state. He is expected to reach Kolkata a day before the scheduled meeting to coordinate proceedings.

Party insiders also indicate that discussions are underway on forming a deputy chief minister structure, a formula BJP has used in several states to balance regional and social representation. In West Bengal too, there is talk of appointing one deputy CM from north Bengal and another from the southern region, though no final decision has been announced.

The oath-taking ceremony, if finalised for May 9, is likely to be held at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya has said the date aligns with the party’s effort to honour Bengal’s cultural heritage, particularly Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the ceremony, and invitations are likely to be extended to chief ministers of BJP-ruled states. Preparations for a large public gathering are also being discussed within organisational channels.

As the formalities unfold, the party’s next steps — from selecting its legislative leader to finalising the cabinet structure — are expected to shape the immediate political landscape in the state. For now, much of the process remains within internal deliberations, with official confirmation still awaited.

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The coming days are likely to determine not just leadership, but also the tone and structure of governance the party intends to project in West Bengal.