Brigade Parade Ground Hosts PM Modi And 20 CMs: Will This National Gathering Redefine Bengal’s Future?

West Bengal witnessed a historic political transition on May 9, 2026, as Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state’s first BJP Chief Minister. The ceremony at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground was attended by top national leaders, marking the beginning of a new era in Bengal politics after 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule.

Key Attendees

The swearing-in ceremony drew an unprecedented gathering of political leaders and dignitaries:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah
• Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
• BJP President Nitin Nabin
• Governor R.N. Ravi

JP Nadda, Yogi Adityanath, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Mohan Yadav, Samrat Choudhary, Nayab Singh Saini, Pema Khandu, Bhajanlal Sharma, Neiphiu Rio, N. Biren Singh

Deputy CMs including Keshav Prasad Maurya, Brajesh Pathak, Prem Chand Bairwa, and Sunetra Pawar

Veteran BJP grassroots worker Makhanlal Sarkar (98 years old), honored by PM Modi during the event 

Cultural And Public Participation

The Brigade Parade Ground wore a festive look with folk performances, Purulia Chhau dancers, and tribal troupes entertaining the crowd. Supporters arrived from across India and even abroad, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” and celebrating the BJP’s historic victory. Traditional Bengali snacks like jhal muri were distributed, adding a local flavor to the political festival. 

Political Significance

The event symbolized the end of the “Delhi wall” that had long defined Centre-state friction in Bengal. With BJP in power both in Delhi and Kolkata, the alignment is expected to unlock stalled welfare schemes, accelerate infrastructure projects, and usher in the party’s vision of “Sonar Bangla” - a new era of peace, prosperity, and cooperative federalism. 

Key Highlights

• Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as Bengal’s first BJP Chief Minister
• PM Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and BJP President Nitin Nabin attended
• Over 20 NDA Chief Ministers and Deputy CMs present at the ceremony
• Veteran BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar honored by PM Modi
• Brigade Parade Ground turned into a saffron sea with thousands of supporters
• Folk performances and cultural showcases added local flavor
• Event marks end of Centre-state standoff and beginning of BJP’s “Sonar Bangla” vision

Sources: Oneindia, Hindustan Times, Mint, News18, Rediff, ABP Live