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May 8, 2026 10:41 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Decisive leader with street cred: Why BJP chose Suvendu Adhikari as Bengal CM

The BJP’s decision to appoint flows from a need to have a decisive leader at the helm who can steer the new government as it goes about fulfilling its primary promises in the manifesto on stopping the entry of undocumented immigrants from across the Bangladesh border and implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), among other things.

Read full report here

May 8, 2026 08:48 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'Sonar Bangla' dream will come true under Adhikari's leadership: Jharkhand BJP

Jharkhand BJP on Friday congratulated Suvendu Adhikari on being elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in West Bengal and said the dream of "Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal) would definitely come true.

Party's state chief Aditya Sahu said the vision of West Bengal envisaged by Syama Prasad Mookerjee -- a state rooted in nationalism and development-- would be realised under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Adhikari.

"I extend heartfelt congratulations and infinite best wishes to Suvendu Adhikari on being elected as the leader of the BJP's legislative party in West Bengal Assembly," Sahu said. — PTI

May 8, 2026 07:26 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Purba Medinipur, Nandigram erupt in celebrations over Suvendu Adhikari's elevation

West Bengal chief minister-designate Suvendu Adhikari's home town in Purba Medinipur and his constituency Nandigram erupted in celebrations on Friday after news of his election as leader of the BJP legislature party reached the district.

Crowds chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' danced outside his Shanti Kunj residence as jubilant BJP supporters filled roads across the bustling Purba Medinipur town, which has been closely associated with the Adhikari family over the years, including father Sisir Adhikari and brother Dibyendu Adhikari.

"We were waiting for this day. Dada is like our family elder. His becoming the BJP legislature party leader is a precursor of his becoming the chief minister of West Bengal in a few hours," Malati Hazra, a resident of the area, said. — PTI

May 8, 2026 05:45 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'There will be no I, only we'

There will be no I, only we. — Suvendu Adhikari

May 8, 2026 05:44 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'All promises will be kept from the Sankalpa Patra'

I promise in the next cabinet, all the promises will be kept from the Sankalpa Patra (manifesto). Our mantra will be the same — sab ka saath sabka vikas, sab ka vishwas. — Suvendu Adhikari

May 8, 2026 05:43 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Suvendu Adhiakri assures security of women

Suvendu Adhiakri assures security of women and says new government will take steps against those who organised institutional corruption in this state. He also said a commission will be formed to investigate all rape incidents, from Sandeshkhali to RG Kar. — Suvendu Adhikari

May 8, 2026 05:38 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: All MLAs stand up and clap for PM Modi

All MLAs stand up and clap for PM Narendra Modi.

May 8, 2026 05:31 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'In Mamata Banerjee's 15 years of rule, criminals became politicians'

In Mamata Banerjee's 15 years of rule, criminals became politicians so there was no development. There was fear of cut money, syndicate and others that will be removed in months once the new CM takes charge. — Amit Shah

May 8, 2026 05:25 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Amit Shah slams Congress

For some years, Congress has not been able to win elections so now that they have realised that they cannot win and thus they have decided to speak bad about elections and tarnish it. — Amit Shah

May 8, 2026 05:23 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'I appeal to all parties to come together'

I appeal to all parties to come together. In all states, violence has ended. After the government forms, there should be no violence and to ensure this, we have been given the mandate. — Amit Shah

May 8, 2026 05:21 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'We will find and remove infiltrators from everywhere'

This win is important for national security. BJP promises the people of Bengal that from each and every place in the country, we will remove each and every infiltrator as it is an issue of central security. — Amit Shah

May 8, 2026 05:20 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Amit Shah thanks Bhabanipur voters

I thank Bhabanipur also. In 2021, she (Mamata Banerjee) lost in Nandigram; this time Suvendu defeated you (Mamata Banerjee) in your home seat. — Amit Shah

May 8, 2026 05:18 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'In 9 districts, Didi could not open account'

In nine districts Didi could not open account. I have never seen such huge sweep. Many questions were raised on the elections not only by the TMC but also their friends. There was no booth capturing, no bloodshed in a state which is known deaths during elections. — Amit Shah

May 8, 2026 05:14 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'Infiltration and cow smuggling will become impossible now'

Infiltration and cow smuggling will become impossible now. The Centre and the state together will seal the borders. — Amit Shah

May 8, 2026 05:11 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'Leaders wanted BJP government in West Bengal'

After (Article) 370 was removed, everyone was very happy but many leaders had said some work is left and they said that a BJP government in West Bengal is left. — Amit Shah

May 8, 2026 05:10 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'BJP government is now in all states from Gangotri to Gangasagar'

Our responsibilities increase a lot more from today. Today Bengal's victory is very important. BJP government is now in all states from Gangotri to Gangasagar. — Amit Shah

May 8, 2026 05:06 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Suvendu Adhikari second from Mednipur to become Bengal CM

Before Suvendu Adhikari, Ajay Mukherjee was the only Chief Minister of West Bengal who hailed from Medinipur.

May 8, 2026 05:04 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'Nothing is impossible for us for the development of the country and the state'

After decades, a new day has begun and history has been created. Tomorrow a new chapter will be written in Bengal. PM Modi is for development. This is a big parivartan for Bengal. Nothing is impossible for us for the development of the country and the state. I would want that you all work under good governance of the state. — Odisha CM Charan Majhi

May 8, 2026 05:03 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Suvendu Adhikari to soon reach Lok Bhawan

Suvendu Adhikari to soon reach Lok Bhawan and meet Governor R N Ravi and stake claim to form BJP government in West Bengal.

May 8, 2026 05:00 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: 'We will work together', Odisha CM says while congratulating Suvendu Adhikari

I congratulate Suvendu Adhikari. I congratulate the people of West Bengal for this day. In 2011, we had got three seats and today's 207 seats was a miracle journey. For the people of Orissa, Bengal is a second home. We will work together. — Odisha CM Charan Majhi

May 8, 2026 04:57 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: All leaders proposed one name, says Amit Shah

Elections just got over and meetings were held; all leaders proposed one name. Leaders were also given time for the second time to select another name but there were none. — Amit Shah

May 8, 2026 04:49 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: BJP unanimously decides Suvendu Adhikari will be the next CM

According to sources it has been unanimously decided that Suvendu Adhikari will be the legislative party leader. The sources added that Amit Shah will be announcing it officially soon.

May 8, 2026 04:33 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Amit Shah, Samik Bhattacharya reach venue for big party meeting

Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with BJP West Bengal unit president Shamik Bhattacharya arrives at Biswa Bangla convention centre for legislative party meeting.

May 8, 2026 04:32 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul reaches Biswa Bangla convention centre

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul reaches Biswa Bangla convention centre for legislative party meeting. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

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May 8, 2026 04:11 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Jadavpur University postpones EC meeting due to political transition in Bengal

The authorities of Jadavpur University have postponed its executive council meeting, scheduled on Friday, in view of the political transition in West Bengal, where a BJP government will be sworn in on May 9, an official said.

Academic matters, including postgraduate syllabi and approval to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 50 lakh, were expected to be discussed in the meeting, he said.

The office of the governor, who is the chancellor of the state university, contacted vice-chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee on May 6 and advised not to hold the meeting at a time when the new BJP government in West Bengal was set to be sworn in, the varsity official said. — PTI

May 8, 2026 03:34 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Sheikh Hasina congratulates victors of Bengal polls

In a formal message of felicitation issued today, Sheikh Hasina, President of the Bangladesh Awami League and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, extended her best wishes to all those who emerged victorious in the West Bengal Elections, "including representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)".

Read the official statement below:

Greetings and congratulations to all those elected in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections in India from Sheikh Hasina, President of the Bangladesh Awami League and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh
—

In a formal message of felicitation issued today, Sheikh Hasina,… pic.twitter.com/2PF3eNXGUj
— Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) May 8, 2026

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May 8, 2026 03:26 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: PM Visit to Kolkata: 5 key traffic restrictions you must know

Kolkata Police has issued a traffic notification ahead of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kolkata on May 9, 2026, for attending the oath-taking ceremony of the newly formed West Bengal government at Brigade Parade Ground.

5 Key Points:

Goods Vehicle Restrictions Across Kolkata

Movement of all goods vehicles within Kolkata Police jurisdiction will remain restricted from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM on May 9, except vehicles carrying LPG cylinders, CNG, petroleum, oil, lubricants, oxygen, vegetables, medicines, fruits, fish, and milk.

Traffic Regulation on Key Roads

Vehicular movement may be regulated as required on major roads including Esplanade Ramp, K.P. Road, Hospital Road, Lovers Lane, Casuarina Avenue, and Queensway.

Parking Prohibited in Several Areas

Vehicles of all descriptions will not be allowed to park around Victoria Memorial Hall and nearby stretches including AJC Bose Road, Khidderpore Road, Cathedral Road, Hospital Road, Queensway, Casuarina Avenue, and Lovers Lane.

Possible Suspension and Diversion of Traffic

Kolkata Police said movement of vehicles, carts, and tram cars may be temporarily suspended, diverted, or restricted along the VIP movement route and procession routes between 4 AM and 8 PM.

Additional Diversions May Be Imposed

Traffic police may divert vehicles from arterial and feeder roads whenever necessary depending on the security and movement plan for the PM’s visit and oath-taking ceremony.

May 8, 2026 03:07 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Traffic advisory in Kolkata ahead of PM's visit

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kolkata, the city police have issued a traffic advisory.

Traffic Notification in connection with the visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to the city of Kolkata for attending OATH-TAKING Ceremony of newly formed West Bengal Government at Brigade Parade Ground, Kolkata on 09.05.2026. pic.twitter.com/Q6OiXb2Ei4
— Kolkata Traffic Police (@KPTrafficDept) May 8, 2026

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May 8, 2026 02:53 PM IST

LF to hold protest rally in Kolkata over 'attacks' on working people after poll results

The Left Front will hold a protest rally here on Friday evening over alleged attacks on working people in several districts of West Bengal in the garb of victory celebrations following the BJP's decisive win in the just-concluded assembly election.

The LF constituents will hold the protest in the Esplanade area of the city's central district, a Front functionary said.

"The rally will be held to protest against the attacks on the working classes across Bengal in the name of victory celebrations," he said.

The Left Front, which could not win a single constituency in the 2021 assembly polls as well as in the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the state, managed to break the jinx, with the CPI(M) winning one seat this time. — PTI

May 8, 2026 01:01 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: BJP legislature meeting underway in Kolkata

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaches Novotel Hotel for BJP's legislature party meeting.

VIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaches Novotel Hotel for BJP's legislature party meeting.#bengalnews #bengalpolitics #bjp

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/1hNqurDTJW
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 8, 2026

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May 8, 2026 12:32 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Amit Shah at the Dakshineswar Temple in Kolkata

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives at Dakshineswar Temple to offer prayers. The minister arrived in Kolkata to attend the BJP's legislature party meeting, in which its leader will be elected, and the swearing-in ceremony of the party's first government in West Bengal. Shah was received at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, among others.

VIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives at Dakshineswar Temple to offer prayers.

Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata to attend the BJP's legislature party meeting, in which its leader will be elected, and the swearing-in ceremony of the party's first… pic.twitter.com/ZRymlbKwxo
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 8, 2026

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May 8, 2026 12:30 PM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Amit Shah offers prayers at Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Union Home Minister Amit Shah offers prayers at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal

#watch | Union Home Minister Amit Shah offers prayers at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal pic.twitter.com/B0ZBsV2oj3
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

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May 8, 2026 11:59 AM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Bengal steps up border surveillance after Chandranath Rath murder

Police in West Bengal’s border districts have stepped up surveillance and search operations amid suspicions that professional shooters from neighbouring states may have been involved in the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide, a senior officer said on Friday.

Investigators are also probing the possible involvement of local criminals who may have provided logistical support to the attackers, the officer added.

More than 36 hours after Chandranath Rath, Adhikari’s personal assistant, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district, no arrests have been made so far.

May 8, 2026 11:57 AM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata as the Central Observer

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday arrived in Kolkata as the Central Observer for the election of the legislative party leader in West Bengal.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Friday as the Central Observer for the election of the legislative party leader in West Bengal. He will chair the party's legislative meeting later today.
According to the top BJP sources, his visit is being seen as significant,… pic.twitter.com/bG1GgRQOGi
— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) May 8, 2026

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May 8, 2026 11:41 AM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Home Minister Amit Shah reaches Dakshineshwar mandir

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has been appointed as the Central Observer for the election of the legislative party leader in West Bengal, will chair the Legislative Party meeting today. He has reached Dakshineshwar mandir to perform puja.

#watch | Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Kolkata, West Bengal

Union HM Amit Shah, who has been appointed as the Central Observer for the election of the legislative party leader in West Bengal, will chair the Legislative Party meeting today. pic.twitter.com/xI2wqJUZUO
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

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May 8, 2026 10:51 AM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: BJP's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 9 at the Brigade Parade Ground

Visuals from Kolkata. BJP will hold its legislative party meeting today in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, who has been appointed as the BJP observer for the state. The government's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 9 at the Brigade Parade Ground.

#watch | West Bengal: Visuals from Kolkata. BJP will hold its legislative party meeting today in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, who has been appointed as the BJP observer for the state.

The government's swearing-in ceremony is… pic.twitter.com/WSS7e9xRXu
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2026

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May 8, 2026 09:55 AM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Injured driver in Chandranath Rath shooting seeks exemplary punishment for accused

The family of Buddhabeb Bera, the driver injured in the shooting that killed BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's close aide Chandranath Rath, demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible and urged the new government to ensure such incidents do not happen in West Bengal.

STORY | Family of injured driver in murder of Suvendu's aide seeks exemplary punishment

The family of Buddhabeb Bera, the driver injured in the shooting that killed BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's close aide Chandranath Rath, demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible and… pic.twitter.com/w6RzyLL53m
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 8, 2026

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May 8, 2026 09:48 AM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: TMC future under cloud, why Mamata has a long, bumpy road ahead

Storming to power in West Bengal for the first time, the BJP handed a crushing defeat to the incumbent Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), decisively ending its 15-year rule.

A defiant Mamata refused to concede defeat, alleging that the BJP-led Centre and the Election Commission (EC) orchestrated the “loot of votes” to seal the fate of her party, declining to resign as the chief minister.

While reaching out to the Opposition INDIA alliance, Mamata also signalled her plan to return to her role as a “street fighter Opposition leader” which had powered the TMC to end the 34-year rule of the CPM-led Left Front in 2011.

“I am now a free bird. I was on the streets once and I will be there again,” the TMC supremo declared. Clearly, she is set to get into her protest mode against the BJP now.

Click here to read more

May 8, 2026 09:31 AM IST

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Preparations underway for BJP's historic swearing-in ceremony

As the BJP prepares to form its first-ever government in West Bengal, preparations are in full swing at Brigade Parade Ground for the swearing-in ceremony of the state’s new Chief Minister. The BJP secured a sweeping victory in the recently concluded Assembly elections, winning 207 of the 294 seats and ending the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee.

VIDEO | Kolkata: Preparations underway at Brigade Parade Ground for the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal's new Chief Minister as BJP gears up to form its first government in the state.

The BJP secured a landslide victory in the recently concluded elections in West Bengal,… pic.twitter.com/CrNy3v2ZLe
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 8, 2026

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The Indian Express

⇱ West Bengal New Government Formation, CM Name Announcement Live Updates: TMC Mamata Banerjee, BJP Suvendu Adhikari, West Bengal Govt Oath Ceremony Today Latest Updates

West Bengal Government Formation Live Updates: Suvendu Adhikari reaches Lok Bhawan, stakes claim to form government

West Bengal New CM Name Announcement | West Bengal New Government Formation Live Updates: Earlier in the day, BJP's West Bengal observer Amit Shah announced that Suvendu Adhikari has been chosen by the legislative leader of the party.