BJP eyes 25 Baishakh for oath-taking in West Bengal

Amid growing political speculation following the Assembly elections in West Bengal, high-level sources have suggested that the BJP is considering 9 May for the oath-taking ceremony of the new government, coinciding with “25 Baishakh” (birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore) in the Bengali calendar.

Sources said this date could be chosen to project a strong cultural resonance, highlighting a message rooted in the identity of Bengal.

They said preparations at the administrative level are also moving simultaneously. It is being suggested that the chief electoral officer (CEO) is likely to approach the governor on 6 May with a gazette notification formalising the post-election procedural steps.

The development, if confirmed, would be a milestone in the transition process following the completion of counting and formal declaration of results in the Assembly polls.

Before the installation of the first BJP government in the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will formally meet the governor and offer to resign. 

The governor, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, is expected to ask her to continue as caretaker chief minister until the formation of the new government, thus ensuring administrative continuity.

Meanwhile, focus has shifted to the Election Commission of India’s administrative machinery. 

Reports indicate that Principal Secretary SB Joshi, along with Secretary Sujit Kumar Mishra, is expected to be involved in the issuance of the gazette notification process. 

The CEO, reports say, is likely to carry the notification to the governor’s office on 6 May as part of constitutional formalities.