Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to hold the swearing-in ceremony of its new government in West Bengal on May 9, coinciding with Rabindra Jayanti, though an official confirmation is still awaited.
The proposed date aligns with the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, a deeply significant cultural occasion in Bengal, observed as Pochishe Boishakh. Party leaders have indicated that choosing this day is intended to symbolise a new political beginning rooted in the state’s cultural identity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier hinted at returning to the state for the oath-taking ceremony after the election results, and later referenced Tagore’s ideals while addressing party workers, signalling the party’s attempt to connect governance with cultural symbolism.
Administrative preparations for government formation are also underway. Senior officials from the Election Commission of India are expected to formally convey the election results to the state machinery, following which the Governor will initiate the constitutional process by inviting the outgoing chief minister to resign and continue in a caretaker role until the new government takes charge.
Meanwhile, discussions within the BJP on leadership are ongoing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to meet senior party leaders from Bengal in Delhi to finalise the chief ministerial candidate, with names such as Suvendu Adhikari being speculated.
Rabindra Jayanti holds a central place in Bengal’s cultural life, marked by recitations, music, and literary events across the state. If finalised, the swearing-in on this day would carry both political and symbolic significance.
The BJP, which has secured a decisive mandate in the state, is expected to make a formal announcement on the ceremony and leadership in the coming days.
