Union Home Minister Amit Shah lands in Kolkata to oversee power transition in Bengal | What’s all on the agenda
The Statesman | 9 May 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Friday to oversee a crucial phase in government formation, as the BJP moves swiftly to elect its legislative party leader following its landmark victory in West Bengal.
Appointed as the party’s central observer, Shah is set to chair the BJP legislature party meeting later in the day, a key step in formalising leadership in the state. His visit comes at a pivotal moment, with the party finalising its post-election roadmap after securing a decisive mandate. Alongside Shah, Mohan Charan Majhi has been appointed as the central co-observer to assist in overseeing the legislative process.
Shortly after landing, Shah offered prayers at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a move seen by party insiders as both spiritual and symbolic ahead of the government formation process.
The oath-taking ceremony is slated to be held on May 9 at the Brigade Parade Ground, with the party aiming to project a show of strength following its electoral breakthrough.
Party leaders said logistical arrangements, guest lists, and ceremonial details are also part of Shah’s review agenda during the visit.
Soon after his arrival, Shah is expected to convene a closed-door meeting with senior BJP leaders and core committee members to assess the political landscape and organisational readiness.
Sources said discussions will centre on leadership selection, cabinet formation, and governance priorities, as well as preparations for the swearing-in ceremony.
Ahead of the legislature party meeting, Shah is also expected to hold one-on-one consultations with key leaders to build consensus on the chief ministerial candidate and the composition of the new cabinet.
The BJP’s victory marks a dramatic shift in the state’s political landscape. The party has secured 206 seats in the 294-member Assembly, a massive leap from its 77-seat tally in 2021. The Trinamool Congress, which had dominated the previous election with 212 seats, has been pushed to a distant second with 80 seats.
With the leadership decision imminent and the swearing-in just a day away, the focus now shifts to the final contours of the new government, which will set the tone for the BJP’s first term in the state.