BJP Leaders Take Oath In Kolkata While Abhishek Banerjee Vows Strong Opposition
The BJP has scripted history in Kolkata; for the first time since independence, the party has formed its own government. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, where Suvendu Adhikari took the oath as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. During the event, Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Suvendu Adhikari. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, and Amit Shah, alongside several other Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, senior leaders, and thousands of BJP workers and supporters. It is worth noting that, alongside Suvendu Adhikari, five other MLAs also took the oath as ministers; these include Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kritaniya, Khudiram Tudu, and Nisith Pramanik. Notably, Dilip Ghosh has previously served as the BJP’s State President in Bengal and currently holds the position of National Vice President of the party. Many prominent BJP leaders were present at Suvendu Adhikari’s swearing-in ceremony. Additionally, leaders and Chief Ministers from the NDA’s alliance partners also attended the event. Senior leaders remarked that the presence of such high-profile figures underscores the significance of the BJP forming its first-ever government in West Bengal. Abhishek Banerjee Vows Strong Opposition While the BJP’s swearing-in ceremony was taking place in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee stated that his party would play the role of a strong, vocal, and uncompromising opposition—both in Delhi and in Bengal. Furthermore, he appealed to Trinamool supporters and workers to remain strong and united during these challenging times. Meanwhile, a festive atmosphere prevailed at Suvendu Adhikari’s residence in Kanthi following his elevation to the post of Chief Minister of Bengal. In Kolkata, BJP workers gathered outside his family home to celebrate the occasion during the swearing-in ceremony.
Political Violence Explodes in Bengal, BJP Leader’s Close Aide Killed
Just before the oath-taking ceremony in West Bengal, a major political violence incident shook the state. BJP senior leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant, Chandranath Rath (42), was shot dead on Wednesday night around 10:30 PM in Madhyamgram, located in North 24 Parganas district. According to reports, Chandranath was returning home to Madhyamgram from Kolkata in a Scorpio vehicle. He was seated beside the driver, while another person was also inside the vehicle. The attack took place between Tala and Madhyamgram, around 20 kilometers from Kolkata. Reports suggest that a car approached from behind and suddenly blocked the Scorpio’s path. Soon after, an attacker arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire from the left side of the vehicle, firing nearly 6 to 10 rounds. Chandranath Rath was hit by four bullets, including two that pierced through his chest and one in the abdomen. The driver, Buddhadev Ber, was also injured in the firing and remains in critical condition. After the attack, the assailants abandoned the car used to block the road and escaped on the motorcycle. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared Chandranath dead. The BJP has accused the TMC of being behind the murder. According to forensic reports, the attackers used a Glock 47X pistol — a modern weapon believed to be used by professional shooters rather than ordinary criminals. Police stated that the attackers were wearing helmets and the motorcycle did not have a number plate. The car used to stop the Scorpio has been seized, and officials suspect its registration number was fake. Nearly an hour after this incident, around 12:30 AM, another BJP worker named Rohit Roy was reportedly shot at in Basirhat district. His condition is also said to be critical. Reports claim that since the election results, five people linked to political violence have lost their lives — including three BJP members and two associated with the TMC. Suvendu Adhikari described the killing as a “planned murder” and appealed to party workers to maintain peace. He also stated that the BJP would begin a crackdown on “goons” in Bengal. Meanwhile, the TMC denied any involvement of its workers in the incident and demanded a CBI investigation into the case.
After Voting, Chaos: EVM Controversy Heats Up Bengal Politics
Election-related tensions in West Bengal have escalated beyond the usual patterns of political friction, drawing sharp reactions from parties and observers alike. The ongoing developments have created an atmosphere of uncertainty even after polling in key phases has concluded. On Thursday, workers and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) clashed at multiple locations across the state. Reports indicate heated exchanges between political representatives and local authorities, alongside protests over alleged irregularities in the handling and storage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in designated strong rooms. In a significant and rare move, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the strong room at Bhabanipur in Kolkata. Her presence at the site during this sensitive stage of the electoral process has intensified political debate, with opposition parties questioning the intent while TMC leaders defended the move as a step to ensure transparency. The controversy surrounding EVM security, which began on Thursday evening, continued into Friday. The TMC accused the Election Commission of India of acting in a biased manner and favoring the opposition. Escalating the matter legally, the party approached the Supreme Court of India, challenging a decision taken by the Chief Electoral Officer. West Bengal had recorded polling for 142 assembly constituencies in the second phase on April 29. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. Traditionally, the intensity of political confrontations subsides after voting concludes, but the current scenario suggests otherwise, with tensions persisting across districts. Political analysts point out that several unprecedented incidents have marked the 2026 Assembly elections in the state. While the BJP and TMC remain locked in a direct confrontation, experts themselves are divided over the fairness and management of the electoral process, reflecting the deeply polarized nature of West Bengal’s political landscape.
EVM Controversy Sparks Security Clampdown in Kolkata Ahead of Results
Following a high-voltage controversy over alleged EVM tampering in Kolkata ahead of vote counting, authorities have tightened security and imposed strict restrictions. After Trinamool Congress (TMC) raised concerns about “suspicious activities,” police banned all forms of public gatherings in seven sensitive locations across the city. The restrictions have been enforced in areas including Sahid Khudiram Bose Road, Judge’s Court Road, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour Road, Lord Sinha Hall, Naresh Mitra Sarani (Beltala Road), and Pramathesh Barua Sarani. Security has also been significantly strengthened around strong rooms where EVMs are stored, as well as at counting centres. At Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, which houses EVMs from several constituencies in north and east Kolkata, additional central forces and armed police personnel have been deployed. Officials stated that the entire area is under close supervision of senior officers. Meanwhile, tensions escalated outside Netaji Indoor Stadium, where workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and TMC engaged in sloganeering and a brief clash. TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a protest at the site. Amid the situation, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the Shakhawat Memorial counting centre and remained there for some time. However, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal dismissed the allegations, stating that all strong rooms were sealed properly after polling in the presence of candidates and officials. He clarified that postal ballots were being sorted using torchlight due to the absence of electricity inside strong rooms—a standard protocol—which was misinterpreted as suspicious activity. According to him, the entire process remains secure and transparent, with all stakeholders kept informed.