“For the past five decades, democracy in Bengal has eroded, and law and order have deteriorated. From today, Bengal is entering a new era,” declared Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, as he formally announced Suvendu Adhikari as the next Chief Minister of West Bengal following the BJP’s historic victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
The announcement came during a meeting of the BJP legislative party, bringing the process of government formation in the state to its final stage. Shah made it clear that fulfilling the long-cherished vision of building a “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal) would be the foremost priority of the incoming government.
Paying tribute to the people of the state, Shah credited them for delivering a decisive mandate against both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Left Front alliance. Launching a sharp critique of outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he described her tenure as “autocratic,” adding, “This historic transformation has been made possible solely through the tireless efforts of BJP workers, working day and night, and the blessings of the people.”
Addressing party legislators, Shah affirmed that fulfilling the promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people of Bengal is a collective responsibility. He asserted that with the BJP now in power in the state, following its successes in Assam and Tripura, it would be possible to eliminate infiltration and cattle smuggling, linking the issue directly to national security.
During his speech, Shah extended special thanks to voters in Bhabanipur, a traditional stronghold of Banerjee. Taking a pointed dig at her defeat, he remarked, “Didi, this time Suvendu Bhai has entered your very home and defeated you there.” He further contended that the electorate had rejected a political culture marked by suppression of opposition voices, noting that the TMC has been reduced to “zero” in nine districts.
Drawing a contrast with Bengal’s historically violent elections, Shah praised the Election Commission and Central Forces for ensuring a peaceful polling process. “In the past, elections here would often leave behind a trail of dead bodies. Yet this time, 93 percent voter turnout was recorded in a single phase, without a single fatality reported. There were no allegations of booth capturing or electoral rigging. This sends a powerful message regarding the strength of our nation’s democracy,” he said.
Highlighting electoral outcomes, Shah stated that the BJP has emerged as the leading political force in 20 out of the state’s 30 districts, securing sweeping victories in regions such as East Medinipur, Asansol, Purulia, Bankura, and parts of North Bengal including Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri.
On the issue of governance and security, Shah delivered a firm message, saying there would be “no compromise on national security,” and that the state’s security framework would be strengthened. “It would be incorrect to label this as polarization. It is, in reality, a matter of national security,” he asserted. He also paid tribute to newly elected MLA Ratna Debnath, the mother of RG Kar Hospital victim, describing her as a voice for women who have faced hardship.
Following the announcement, Adhikari hailed Amit Shah as the “Chanakya of modern India.” The Chief Minister-designate is scheduled to meet Governor TN Ravi at the Raj Bhavan later in the evening to formally stake his claim to form the government, carrying letters of support from the newly elected BJP MLAs.
The swearing-in ceremony is set to take place on Saturday at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present to witness the occasion.
Also read: Suvendu Adhikari named Bengal’s first BJP CM
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