India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been appointed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) central observer to oversee the selection of West Bengal’s new chief minister and the formation of the party’s first government in the state.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has been named co‑observer and will assist Shah in setting up the council of ministers, according to Indian media reports.
Party sources said Shah is expected to reach Kolkata before the swearing‑in to meet state leaders and discuss strategies, including the choice of chief minister.
While some insiders indicated the oath‑taking could be held on 9 May, coinciding with Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary, senior leaders stressed the date would ultimately depend on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s schedule.
Explaining the process, a BJP leader said, “Usually, the central observer arrives a day before the swearing‑in, sits with all MLAs, and announces the name of the chief minister, which is then endorsed by the legislative party. If deputy chief ministers are to be appointed, their names may also be announced at that meeting.”
A high‑level meeting in Delhi on Tuesday reviewed arrangements for government formation. Leaders discussed holding a mega swearing‑in ceremony at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds, allowing thousands of party workers to attend.
“All BJP chief ministers will be invited, and the celebration will be on a scale beyond imagination,” a senior leader said, adding that final decisions will be announced in due course.
Party sources also suggested the possibility of appointing two deputy chief ministers — one from north Bengal and another from the south — to balance regional representation.
State BJP President Samik Bhattacharya said, “The date for the swearing‑in will be announced shortly. It is yet to be confirmed whether it will be held on 9 May.”
