The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will take oath on 9 May, coinciding with Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary (25 Baishakh).
The ruling party confirmed the date, underscoring its cultural and political significance for the state, NDTV reported.
BJP leaders involved in the government formation process view Rabindra Jayanti as a symbol of new beginnings. State president Samik Bhattacharya said that the swearing‑in ceremony of Bengal’s new chief minister will be held on 9 May.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hinted at this schedule during his final rally in Barrackpore, saying, “After the results are declared on 4 May, I will return here to attend the swearing‑in ceremony.”
Addressing party workers in New Delhi after the historic victory, Modi also invoked Tagore’s ideals, pledging to build a Bengal “where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.”
Meanwhile, two senior Election Commission officials — Chief Secretary SB Joshi and Secretary Sujit Kumar Mishra — are due in Kolkata Tuesday to hand over the official gazette notification to Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal.
On Wednesday, Agarwal will submit the formal report to Governor RN Ravi, who under the Constitution will ask outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to resign, while requesting her to continue as caretaker until the new government is sworn in.
Party sources say 9 May aligns with the post‑election timeline and carries deep emotional resonance for Bengalis. It is also the day the nation pays tribute to Tagore, author of India’s national anthem. Traditionally, 25 Baishakh is observed across Bengal with reverence, not only as Tagore’s birthday but as a festival of cultural unity.
His poetry, songs, literature and humanist philosophy permeate schools, homes and cultural programmes throughout the state.
Analysts said that after more than four decades of Left Front and Trinamool Congress rule, West Bengal now stands at the threshold of political change. In this context, the upcoming oath‑taking ceremony could mark a historic milestone in the state’s political journey.
