Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi bowed before the people of West Bengal during the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari, who took oath as the state’s first BJP Chief Minister on Saturday.
A video from the event showed PM Modi kneeling briefly on the stage and bowing towards the gathering at the historic Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata, a gesture many BJP leaders described as a mark of respect towards the “jan shakti” of Bengal.
The moment quickly went viral on social media platforms, drawing widespread attention during one of the biggest political transitions in the state’s recent history.
Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as Bengal’s first BJP CM
Suvendu Adhikari officially took oath as the Chief Minister of West Bengal on May 9, becoming the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party to head the state government.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor R. N. Ravi at Brigade Parade Grounds amid loud chants, drumbeats and celebrations by BJP supporters.
Several senior NDA leaders attended the ceremony, including Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, J. P. Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan.
Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, including Himanta Biswa Sarma, Manik Saha, Rekha Gupta and Pushkar Singh Dhami, were also present at the event.
BJP registers historic victory in Bengal
The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections resulted in a dramatic political shift in the state.
The BJP secured more than 200 seats in the 294-member Assembly, ending the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee.
According to election data, West Bengal also recorded one of its highest-ever voter turnouts in Assembly election history.
Political observers described the results as a landmark moment in Bengal politics, with the BJP making major gains across urban, semi-urban and border districts.
PM Modi’s gesture draws attention online
The video showing PM Modi bowing before the crowd became one of the most discussed moments from the ceremony.
Supporters praised the Prime Minister’s gesture as symbolic respect towards the people of Bengal following the BJP’s historic electoral victory in the state.
Several BJP leaders shared clips of the moment on social media, calling it a tribute to the democratic mandate delivered by voters.
The ceremony itself witnessed large crowds, saffron flags and celebratory slogans as BJP workers gathered to mark the party’s first government formation in the state.
Political transition marks new chapter
Suvendu Adhikari’s elevation to the Chief Minister’s post marks a significant political turning point in West Bengal.
A former Trinamool Congress leader who later joined the BJP, Adhikari emerged as one of the party’s key faces in Bengal politics over recent years.
Analysts believe the BJP government’s performance in the coming months will be closely watched nationally due to the state’s political significance.
The new administration is expected to focus on governance, law and order, industrial growth and implementation of election promises as it begins its first term in office.