Page 5 - Bjp

Himanta Biswa Sarma elected NDA leader, set to return as Assam CM

Himanta Biswa Sarma was elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly on Sunday, paving the way for him to become the chief minister for the second consecutive term in the state, Union minister J P Nadda said. Eight BJP legislators proposed the name of Sarma as its legislature party leader, Nadda said. Earlier, the Assam BJP's legislature party met here in the morning to elect its leader, who will also head the new government in the northeastern state. Nadda and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were present at the meeting as central observers and co-observers. The BJP partners in the alliance, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF), also supported Sarma's nomination, leading to his unanimous election as the NDA leader, Nadda said. Sarma and other NDA leaders are scheduled to call on Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at the Lok Bhawan later on Sunday to discuss matters pertaining to government formation, officials said. They are expected

Mamata urges opposition parties to form 'joint platform' against BJP

Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday appealed to all opposition parties in West Bengal to come together to form a "joint platform" to fight the BJP which came to power in the state after the recently held assembly elections. The former chief minister also called upon the student unions of various affiliations opposed to the BJP and the NGOs to unite against the saffron camp. "I call upon all opposition parties, including the Leftists and the ultra-Left, to come together to form a joint platform against the BJP," Banerjee said, also calling upon national parties to join. The TMC chief said that she will talk with any political party if they want to hold a dialogue with her in this regard. "It is not the time to think the enemy's enemy is my friend, our first enemy is the BJP," she said, while addressing a small gathering in front of her Kalighat residence on Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary. She claimed that atrocities were being committed against TMC worke

Suvendu's cabinet line-up reflects Bengal's geographical, ethnic diversity

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and five ministers were sworn in at the Brigade Parade Grounds here on Saturday as West Bengal got its first BJP government, with representatives from the northern and southern regions of the state being inducted into the cabinet, but none from Kolkata. Reflecting West Bengal's diverse ethnic fabric, the cabinet represented communities, including the Matuas and the Santhals. Here's a brief look at the background of the five members of Adhikari's council of ministers who were sworn in: Dilip Ghosh: If the 2026 state elections put giant-killer Suvendu Adhikari at its centrestage, following his historic win over Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, the polls also scripted a remarkable comeback for Ghosh, the former president of the BJP's West Bengal unit, cementing his role in a more measured second innings in state politics. Easily one of the party's most recognisable and combative faces in Bengal, Ghosh played a pivotal role in transforming the saffron part

Suvendu deeply connected to people: Modi wishes Bengal CM 'fruitful tenure'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Suvendu Adhikari on taking oath as West Bengal's first BJP chief minister, saying that he was deeply connected to the people and understood their aspirations. Adhikari took the oath at the iconic Brigade Parade Grounds in the presence of Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the BJP's central leadership and chief ministers of NDA-ruled states. In his message for Adhikari, Modi wished the first BJP chief minister of the state a "fruitful tenure". "Congratulations to Suvendu Adhikari Ji on taking oath as West Bengal's chief minister. He has made a mark as a leader who remained deeply connected to the people and understood their aspirations from close quarters," Modi wrote on X after attending the event. "My best wishes to him for a fruitful tenure ahead," he wrote and posted with the message an image of Goddess Durga and another of him congratulating Adhikari on the stage.

BJP ideology gains Bengal recognition; govt change to spur growth: Gadkari

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said the BJP's "spectacular" victory in West Bengal shows that the party's ideology has now gained recognition among people there, and the power change brought by them will pave the way for development of the eastern state. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways was talking to PTI Videos here before heading to Kolkata to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as West Bengal Chief Minister. The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member West Bengal assembly in the recently-concluded elections, ending the Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s 15-year rule and scripting its most significant breakthrough in eastern India. Adhikari, who defeated TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur assembly seat, on Saturday took oath as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking a watershed moment that redrew the state's political landscape after decades of resistance to saffron politics. Before the TMC came to power in 2011, the Left Fron

Haryana to Bengal: BJP secures first-time CMs in nine states under Modi

With the BJP's resounding victory in West Bengal, ending the 15-year rule of the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, the party has secured the chief minister's post for the first time in nine states since Narendra Modi became prime minister in 2014. The journey began with Haryana and Maharashtra in 2014, followed by Assam (2016), Arunachal Pradesh (2016), Manipur (2017), Tripura (2018), Odisha (2024), Bihar (2026), and now West Bengal. In Haryana, the party formed a government on its own for the first time and appointed Manohar Lal Khattar as chief minister. In Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis became the state's first BJP chief minister after the BJP emerged as the single-largest party in the assembly polls and formed the government with allies in the Mahayuti alliance. The BJP expanded its footprint in the Northeast in 2016 by winning Assam, where Sarbananda Sonowal became the party's first chief minister in the state. Since then, the BJP has retained power in Assam

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as West Bengal CM, leads state's first BJP govt

BJP legislature party leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday, heading the first BJP government in the state. Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari at a grand ceremony held at the Brigade Parade Grounds here in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states and senior BJP leaders. The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, ending the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.

Jhalmuri becomes flavour of victory at Bengal BJP's maiden oath ceremony

Jhalmuri, the quintessential Bengali street snack that became an unlikely symbol in the bitter TMC-BJP fight for over a month, found pride of place at the swearing-in of West Bengal's first BJP government at the Brigade Parade Ground on Saturday. The state BJP set up 20 jhalmuri stalls across the sprawling venue in central Kolkata, while several independent vendors were also seen doing brisk business along the periphery. Scores of people attending the ceremony made a beeline for the stalls to savour the snack made of puffed rice, green chillies, and an assortment of spices. "I am loving jhalmuri more today because of our heady victory in the election," said Manjari Basu, who came from Tollygunge, in Kolkata's southern quarters, to witness the swearing-in ceremony. Manish Yadav from Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas, holding a paper packet of jhalmuri in hand, said the snack tasted sweet instead of spicy because of the BJP's momentous victory. The humble snack hogged national limeli

Sonar Bangla era begins: Adhikari as WB's first BJP govt set to take charge

West Bengal's chief minister-elect Suvendu Adhikari said the days of 'Sonar Bangla' have officially started with Saturday marking the beginning of a new era of "peace and prosperity" under a "double-engine" administration as the state's first BJP government is set to take charge. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Kolkata for the oath-taking ceremony at the Brigade Parade Ground, Adhikari posted a message on X welcoming him to the state and describing the occasion as the fulfilment of the "dreams of our founding fathers". "A historic dawn for West Bengal indeed. It is a moment of profound pride and jubilation to welcome visionary Leader PM Narendra Modi Ji to the City of Joy. Today, as we witness the swearing-in ceremony of the first-ever BJP government in West Bengal since Independence, we fulfil the dreams of our founding fathers. "Today marks the end of decades of misrule and the beginning of a double-engine era of development, peace, and prosperity. The era of ..

Security tightened ahead of Suvendu Adhikari's swearing-in as Bengal CM

Security was tightened across key locations in Kolkata on Saturday ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the first BJP government in West Bengal, including at the residence of chief minister-designate Suvendu Adhikari, Brigade Parade Grounds and outside former CM Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence. Heavy security deployment was seen outside Adhikari's Chinar Park residence here. Security arrangements were also intensified at the RCTC Ground, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to land before attending the ceremony. A multi-layered security apparatus, including central forces and Kolkata Police personnel, was put in place at Brigade Parade Grounds, the venue of the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected BJP government. CRPF personnel were deployed outside Banerjee's Kalighat residence amid heightened political activity in the city. The BJP registered a historic win in the polls, ending Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state. Meanwhile, BJP supporters from nor

BJP govt to fulfil people's aspirations, Syama Prasad's dream: Dilip Ghosh

Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh on Saturday said the first BJP government in West Bengal will fulfil the people's aspirations and the dream of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the BJP government in the state, the Kharagpur Sadar MLA said the party had long struggled to bring about political change in the eastern province. "We struggled for a long time. The results have now come, and a regime change has taken place. We will have to work for the fulfilment of the wishes of the people and the dream of Syama Prasad Mookerjee," Ghosh said. He said the new government would pay tribute to BJP workers who lost their lives during the party's fight against the "TMC's misrule" in the state. West Bengal chief minister-elect Suvendu Adhikari and his council of ministers are scheduled to be sworn in at a grand ceremony at the Brigade Parade Grounds on Saturday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, top Union ministers and some 20

BJP has established system to 'steal' polls; will face anger in time: Rahul

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the BJP, alleging it has established a system to "steal" elections but said people have understood this and it will have to face public anger. Addressing a gathering here this evening after participating in the 'Sadbhav Yatra' of Haryana Congress leader Brijendra Singh, he accused the BJP of stealing elections in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra and recently in West Bengal and Assam. They delete lakhs of names and add lakhs of names. The ECI and bureaucracy are under their control, he alleged. They think that their rule will not stop, he said. "But their time is going to come. People have understood that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are selling the country. Airport, ports, infrastructure. Nicobar Island is being sold to Adani," he alleged. Gandhi again raked up the Indo-US trade deal, reiterating it will destroy Indian farmers. Our agri sector has been opened for US farmers who can now sell their produce i

One battle after another: Suvendu Adhikari's fight for the Bengal CM's post

From Congress worker to TMC strongman and now BJP's face in Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari's rise has reshaped the state's politics

Suvendu Adhikari elected BJP's legislature party leader, new CM of Bengal

The BJP won 207 seats to secure more than a two-thirds majority in the 294-member West Bengal assembly

PM Modi to visit Hyderabad on May 10, says Union Min G Kishan Reddy

Reddy said that the BJP is intensifying efforts to establish a double-engine government in Telangana in the 2027 Assembly elections

Swearing-in ceremony of new BJP-led Assam govt to be held on May 12

The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected BJP-led NDA government in Assam will be held on May 12, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several union ministers, chief ministers and deputy CMs of BJP-ruled states, and representatives from industries are expected to attend the function. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Veterinary Field, Khanapara, he said. "Chaired a comprehensive review meeting with the DGP, Assam today to assess preparedness for the forthcoming visit of the Hon'ble Prime Minister to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Council of Ministers", Kota posted on X on Wednesday night. Arrangements related to security, traffic management, venue readiness, protocol, and inter-departmental coordination were discussed in detail, he said. ''Emphasised the need for seamless execution, strict adherence to established protocols, and close coordination among all stakeholders," Kota said. All departments concerned

Suvendu Adhikari's aide murdered: Police seize vehicle, probe underway

West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Siddh Nath Gupta said that live rounds along with fired cartridges were recovered from the spot of the incident near Madhyamgram

West Bengal Assembly election results 2026: Check full list of winners

Counting of votes started at 8 am across 293 Assembly constituencies, with polling in one seat deferred, taking place at 77 counting centres spread over 23 districts

Himanta resigns as Assam CM, oath-taking ceremony likely after May 11

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday resigned along with his cabinet colleagues, paving the way for formation of a new government led by the BJP, officials said. The BJP-led NDA bagged 102 seats in the 126-member assembly. The assembly elections were held in a single phase on April 9, and counting of votes took place on May 4. "Following the formal notification of the results of #AssamElections2026 and to enable the formation of the new government, Dr @himantabiswa tendered his resignation as Chief Minister along with that of the council of Ministers to Hon'ble Governor Shri @Laxmanacharya54 today at Lok Bhawan," the Chief Minister's Office said in a post on X. The Governor has accepted the resignation, and requested Sarma to continue as the caretaker CM till the new government assumes office, it said. Later, speaking to reporters outside the Lok Bhawan, Sarma said the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place after May 11. "As it was a historic win, we have ..

BJP's rise to power in Bengal revives hopes for ₹25k cr Tajpur port project

The BJP's ascent to power in West Bengal has revived industry expectations around the long-delayed Rs 25,000 crore Tajpur deep sea port project, with stakeholders hopeful that improved coordination between the state and the Centre will accelerate progress on the proposed infrastructure venture. The optimism comes even as the latest global tender floated in December 2025 by the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) now stands cancelled, after failing to attract adequate participation. "With the Centre-state alignment in Bengal, the project is well positioned to gain momentum. However, its full potential will hinge on robust last-mile connectivity and seamless multimodal integration," Adhip Nath Pal Chaudhuri, Chairman, National Shipping and Logistics Committee, BCC&I, told PTI. The Tajpur port has the potential to be a transformative catalyst for eastern India's trade by enabling direct berthing of large vessels, reducing reliance on transshipment hubs, and ...