West Bengal CM swearing-in on May 9, says BJP; date aligns with Tagore jayanti celebrations
The Statesman | 6 May 2026
Even before the final rounds of vote counting were over on May 4, 2026, early political signals from West Bengal began shaping post-election narrative. It was The Statesman that first reported that the oath-taking ceremony of the new Chief Minister of West Bengal is expected to be held on May 9. This information surfaced while counting was still in progress. (Also Read: Statesman Breaking: BJP considering May 9 for Oath-Taking Ceremony in Bengal)
Later, BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya confirmed the same date, officially stating that the new government’s swearing-in will take place on May 9, 2026.
The chosen date for the oath-taking, May 9, also coincides with “25 Baishakh” in the Bengali calendar. Sources suggest that this alignment is not accidental. The timing is being viewed as an effort to connect the new government’s beginning with Bengal’s cultural and emotional identity.
The day also marks the 165th birth anniversary of Kobiguru Rabindranath Tagore.
According to people aware of the planning, this symbolic date could help project a message rooted in regional pride and tradition. At the same time, groundwork at the administrative level is moving forward.
Preparations are being carried out in parallel with election-related formalities.
Before the new government is formally installed, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to meet the Governor and submit her resignation. Following constitutional procedure, the Governor is likely to request her to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until the new government is sworn in.
At the same time, the Election Commission of India’s administrative machinery is also actively involved in the process. Reports indicate that Principal Secretary S.B. Joshi and Secretary Sujit Kumar Mishra are expected to be part of the team handling the official gazette notification.
The Chief Electoral Officer is likely to approach the Governor’s office on May 6 with this notification, which will formally complete key procedural steps required before government formation.