Amit Shah arrives in Kolkata to finalise Bengal’s first BJP CM, cabinet ahead of swearing-in ceremony

Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who reached Kolkata at around 11.10 am, will hold a series of meetings and pick the first BJP Chief Minister and a new cabinet. Shah will chair the meeting of the BJP Legislative party leaders along with Odisha CM Mohan Majhi.

Shah, coming out of his car, greeted the people of Bengal, supporters and party workers, who assembled at Kolkata airport. Shah was welcomed in Bengal with women who were beating dhaaks amid celebrations.

Shah visited Dakshineswar temple and offered prayers to Goddess Kali, after reaching Kolkata.


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Shah is scheduled to hold a series of meetings, including meetings with 207 MLAs at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre. As he reached Kolkata Shah was accompanied by outgoing leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, BJP State President Samik Bhatatcharya, Junior Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar among others.

“We will establish peace in Bengal. We will establish the victory of democracy in Bengal. Every citizen of Bengal has supported us in this journey in Bengal. Bengal has become independent. West Bengal will become the best in the country-in industry, infrastructure, women’s safety and security,” Rahul Sinha, BJP veteran leader and Rajya Sabha MP said.

"Today MLAs will elect their leader and it will happen in the evening, " Sinha added.

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Shah will hold a series of meetings with the BJP top leaders, meeting of the MLAs and also decide the cabinet ministers, BJP sources said.

After the swearing-in ceremony on Saturday, the first BJP chief minister of Bengal is likely to make a symbolic trip to Writers Buildings, which has served as the seat of power for over 200 years, before heading to Vidhan Sabha, where he will operate from the CM's chamber until the old secretariat building is ready after renovation.

The Governor of West Bengal, RN Ravi, dissolved the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal today. The oath taking ceremony of the new government will take place on Saturday (May 9) and Chief Ministers from 20 states will be present at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata.