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Arjuna Awardee GM Abhijeet Gupta slams chess federation over unpaid Rs 5.5 lakh prize money UAE to decide on remote or in-person classes on May 10 as schools and universities remain on alert Updated: May 09, 2026, 14:56 IST Ashok Sharma reveals how Brett Lee and Dale Steyn inspired his ‘dream of bowling 150’ | Cricket News Deepika Padukone’s motherhood journey in 7 moments: Baking cake for Dua’s first birthday to second baby announcement Simple step-by-step guide to grow peace lily in a balcony garden for beginners POCSO case against Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s son; he files counter-complaint London election results: Sadiq Khan warns Labour faces ‘existential threat’ as Greens make gains across capital NEW DELHI: After Congress lost seven states in 1967, a popular saying went that one could travel by train from Delhi to Howrah without passing through a single Congress-ruled state.Nearly six decades later, Bharatiya Janata Party has turned the saying on its head with another saying that a journey from Chandigarh in Haryana to Howrah would now pass only through BJP-ruled states.After an overwhelming victory in West Bengal on May 4, Suvendu Adhikari took oath as chief minister, giving the BJP its first government in the state and marking the ninth state where the party has installed a first-time BJP chief minister since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014.BJP’s expansion began with victories in the Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections in 2014, followed by Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in 2016, Manipur in 2017, Tripura in 2018, Odisha in 2024, Bihar in 2026 and now West Bengal.In Haryana, BJP formed a government on its own for the first time and appointed Manohar Lal Khattar as chief minister.In Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis became state’s first BJP chief minister after the party emerged as the single-largest party in the assembly elections and formed the government with allies in the Mahayuti alliance.BJP expanded its footprint in the Northeast in 2016 by winning Assam, where Sarbananda Sonowal became the party’s first chief minister in the state.Since then, BJP has retained power in Assam, winning two consecutive assembly elections afterward, including the one held in April.The same year, BJP formed its first full-fledged government in Arunachal Pradesh following a major political realignment.In July 2016, Congress leader Pema Khandu became chief minister amid a prolonged political crisis. Two months later, he and a majority of Congress MLAs joined People’s Party of Arunachal, an ally of BJP.In December that year, Khandu and 33 MLAs switched to BJP, giving the party a clear majority and its first stable government in the state.BJP had earlier briefly headed a government in Arunachal Pradesh in 2003 under former chief minister Gegong Apang. Apang had quit Congress and joined BJP, but his government lasted only 44 days before he returned to the Congress.In 2017, BJP stitched together a post-poll alliance with National People’s Party, Naga People’s Front and regional parties in Manipur to install N Biren Singh as chief minister, marking the party’s first government in the border state.A year later, BJP ended the Left Front’s decades-long rule in Tripura and formed its maiden government under Biplab Kumar Deb.The party registered another major breakthrough in eastern India in 2024 by defeating Biju Janata Dal in Odisha. Mohan Charan Majhi then took oath as the BJP’s first chief minister in the state, ending Naveen Patnaik’s uninterrupted 24-year tenure.In Bihar, where BJP had long been part of coalition governments led by Nitish Kumar, the party did not have its own chief minister until 2026.Nitish, who served multiple terms as chief minister over two decades with brief interruptions, stepped down earlier this year and moved to Rajya Sabha. Following his departure, BJP appointed Samrat Choudhary as the party’s first chief minister in the state.With its victory in West Bengal, BJP has now formed a government in another state long considered politically elusive for the party. BJP won 207 out of 294 assembly seats.The party’s rise across eastern and northeastern India has also reflected a larger political shift over the past decade. Once viewed largely as a Hindi-heartland force, BJP has steadily expanded into regions where it historically had little organisational presence, benefiting from a mix of organisational growth, welfare outreach, leadership projection and the decline or fragmentation of opposition parties.BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the party’s expansion under Prime Minister Modi reflected its governance model and increasing public acceptance.“Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the BJP and NDA have continuously expanded their political footprint across India on the basis of governance, performance and delivery. States that never had a BJP government or BJP chief minister earlier have elected BJP governments after Modi became prime minister,” he said.“Prime Minister Modi has now become synonymous with pro-incumbency. In recent elections, BJP-NDA governments in states like Assam and Puducherry have been voted back to power, while governments in several opposition-ruled states have faced anti-incumbency,” he added.With West Bengal now added to its tally, the BJP’s rise marks one of the most significant political expansions in post-Independence India — transforming the party from a largely Hindi-heartland force into a dominant pan-India political machine.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTop Moments: Suvendu Adhikari Takes Oath As West Bengal’s First BJP Chief Minister | WatchBJP Ends 15-Year TMC Rule In Bengal As Suvendu Adhikari Takes Oath As Chief MinisterPM Modi Touches Feet Of 98-year-old Veteran BJP Leader Makhanlal Sarkar In KolkataPM Modi Hails Rabindranath Tagore As ‘Eternal Voice Of Indian Civilisation’ On Pochishe BoishakhLt Gen NS Raja Subramani Named India’s New Chief Of Defence Staff Amid Major Military ReformsHow Kolkata Turned Dead Space Under A Flyover Into A Sports HubDelhi High Court Protects Shashi Tharoor From AI Deepfakes Praising PakistanRahul Gandhi Says Only Congress Can Defeat BJP, Makes Explosive Claims Linking Modi To Epstein FilesChina Reveals On-Site Assistance To Pakistan During Conflict With India Last YearVijay Claims Support Of 118 MLAs, Likely To Take Oath As Tamil Nadu CM Tomorrow123PhotostoriesHantavirus is that odd infection that can make a simple fever a medical emergency, says Delhi NCR pulmonologistWhat’s it like to visit 10 most economically stable countries in the world right now? 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What her new X bio says | India News Kriti Sanon picks Rekha for her dream biopic: ‘She’s the ultimate baddie’ 8 questions you should ask your mother before it’s too late IPL 2026: Krunal Pandya reacts to viral Nicholas Pooran collar-grabbing incident: ‘No lafda, only …’ BJP says it will not support any party to form govt in TN | India News May 09, 2026, 13:52 IST NDA, CDS 1 Result 2026 Out: How to apply for SSB Interview after clearing Written Exam ‘My dear brother Thalapathy Vijay,’ Samuthirakani praises Vijay with an emotional message Love quote of the day by Rabindranath Tagore: "Love does not claim possession, but…" Watch: PM Modi bows down with folded hands before Kolkata crowd as BJP forms first govt in West Bengal Cannes Film Festival 2026: Arab Cinema shines at Cannes 2026 as Gulf Filmmakers lead major festival categories | World News PTI file photo An Indian sailor was killed and several others injured after a wooden dhow carrying Indian crew members caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz.Seventeen other Indian crew members were rescued following the incident on Friday, while authorities continue to ascertain the exact cause of the blaze.According to sources, the crew members were rescued by a passing vessel operating in the area.”A wooden Dhow, carrying general cargo, with 18 Indian crew capsized yesterday close to the Strait of Hormuz after it caught fire,” a source was quoted as saying by PTI. “In this incident, one Indian on the dhow died while four received burn injuries. The injured are receiving medical treatment in Dubai and are safe,” the source added. Officials from the Indian Consulate in Dubai met the rescued Indian nationals on Friday night, another source said.The consulate is also in contact with the owner of the dhow and is extending all possible assistance to the affected crew members, the sources said. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through which a substantial share of the world’s oil supplies transit.The two countries exchanged fires in the strategically vital waterway, a route that carries nearly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments, despite a truce announced between the sides on April 7.The US Central Command said it carried out strikes on Iran after three US Navy guided-missile destroyers allegedly came under attack from Iranian missiles, drones and small boats in the Strait of Hormuz.Earlier, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters accused the United States of violating the ceasefire by attacking an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel near the strategic waterway. The Iranian military command also alleged that the US had targeted civilian areas, including Qeshm Island, as cited by Al Jazeera.US President Donald Trump on Thursday appeared to play down the clashes, saying the ceasefire remained in force, while Iran’s state-run Press TV reported that the situation had returned “back to normal”.Shipping activity through the strait has remained near standstill since late February amid fears of Iranian attacks on oil tankers navigating the route, which carries a significant share of the world’s energy supplies.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Hails Rabindranath Tagore As ‘Eternal Voice Of Indian Civilisation’ On Pochishe BoishakhLt Gen NS Raja Subramani Named India’s New Chief Of Defence Staff Amid Major Military ReformsHow Kolkata Turned Dead Space Under A Flyover Into A Sports HubDelhi High Court Protects Shashi Tharoor From AI Deepfakes Praising PakistanRahul Gandhi Says Only Congress Can Defeat BJP, Makes Explosive Claims Linking Modi To Epstein FilesChina Reveals On-Site Assistance To Pakistan During Conflict With India Last YearVijay Claims Support Of 118 MLAs, Likely To Take Oath As Tamil Nadu CM TomorrowTN Political Crisis Deepens: Stalin Pushes Governor For Swift ActionAir India AI 171 Crash Probe In Final Stage, Report Likely Within A MonthTwo States, Two Big Winners: Suvendu Gets Bengal, Vijay Eyes Tamil Nadu123PhotostoriesWhat’s it like to visit 10 most economically stable countries in the world right now? 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NEW DELHI: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday took oath as the chief minister of West Bengal.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP.Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Tripura chief minister Manik Saha, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta and Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Dhami, attended the swearing-in ceremony.The BJP won 207 seats in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, while the Trinamool Congress secured 80 seats after ruling the state for 15 years. Watch Two States, Two Big Winners: Suvendu Gets Bengal, Vijay Eyes Tamil NaduWest Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout since independence, with an impressive 91.66% polling in Phase II of the assembly elections. In Phase I, the turnout was 93.19%, taking the combined polling percentage to 92.47%.Here is the list of ministers who also took oath:Dilip GhoshAgnimitra PaulAshok KirtaniaKshudiram TuduNisith PramanikAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLt Gen NS Raja Subramani Named India’s New Chief Of Defence Staff Amid Major Military ReformsHow Kolkata Turned Dead Space Under A Flyover Into A Sports HubDelhi High Court Protects Shashi Tharoor From AI Deepfakes Praising PakistanRahul Gandhi Says Only Congress Can Defeat BJP, Makes Explosive Claims Linking Modi To Epstein FilesChina Reveals On-Site Assistance To Pakistan During Conflict With India Last YearVijay Claims Support Of 118 MLAs, Likely To Take Oath As Tamil Nadu CM TomorrowTN Political Crisis Deepens: Stalin Pushes Governor For Swift ActionAir India AI 171 Crash Probe In Final Stage, Report Likely Within A MonthTwo States, Two Big Winners: Suvendu Gets Bengal, Vijay Eyes Tamil NaduShah Hails BJP’s Historic Bengal Victory, Credits People’s Faith In Modi123PhotostoriesWhat’s it like to visit 10 most economically stable countries in the world right now? What’s India’s rankHow to know if someone is genuine: 5 common habits that sets them apart from those who are fakeHow to correctly store watermelons in summer to keep them fresh, juicy, and long-lastingAnimals that carry their homes with themHow to make South Indian Lauki Paniyaram for Saturday breakfastSundar Pichai: 5 career-saving office politics tips inspired by the Google CEO5 beauty habits that most rich women follow for that glowing skinArboreal: Snakes that always stay on trees and rarely descend7 animals and insects that eat their own poop (or someone else’s) – and what science says about itHow Each Zodiac Sign Expresses Love to Their Mother Without Saying It123Hot PicksSBI Q4 resultsThane- Navi Mumbai corridorMaharashtra SSC ResultPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingWWE Smackdown HighlightsWest Bengal Government FormationUS Iran warHPBOSE 10th Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseDelhi Capital vs KKR IPL MatchWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaDaniil Medvedev WifeBan vs Pak DU revises UG exam schedule amid confusion, Sunday papers added for students ‘Order aya hai Shah Rukh Khan ke naam ka’: Delivery boy rushes to meet King Khan in Mannat, only to find a twist on doorstep Piyush Goyal meets Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, L’Oreal to push India manufacturing and exports NEW DELHI: Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday took oath as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking a historic breakthrough for the saffron party in the state. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Kolkata’s iconic Brigade Parade Ground in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior NDA leaders.Adhikari was unanimously elected leader of the BJP legislature party on Friday after a meeting of newly elected MLAs and party leaders. Union home minister Amit Shah formally announced his name for the post. Soon after his election, Adhikari met Governor R N Ravi at Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form the government.Thousands of BJP supporters gathered at the venue from early morning to witness the oath-taking ceremony.Prime Minister Modi arrived in Kolkata shortly before 10 am and later travelled to the venue amid loud chants of “Jay Shri Ram”. Accompanied by state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya and Adhikari, the Prime Minister waved to supporters from an open vehicle as he entered the ground.Several NDA leaders attended the event, including Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.The BJP secured a decisive victory in the 294-member Assembly, winning 207 seats and ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule in the state.Adhikari’s elevation marks a major political shift in Bengal. Once considered one of Mamata Banerjee’s closest aides and key organisational strategists, the 55-year-old leader’s move to the BJP dramatically altered the state’s political landscape over the past few years.West Bengal has now become the second state to get its first BJP chief minister in recent months, after Samrat Choudhary took oath as Bihar chief minister last month.The swearing-in ceremony also coincided with the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, celebrated across Bengal as Rabindra Jayanti or “Pochishe Boishakh”.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi High Court Protects Shashi Tharoor From AI Deepfakes Praising PakistanRahul Gandhi Says Only Congress Can Defeat BJP, Makes Explosive Claims Linking Modi To Epstein FilesChina Reveals On-Site Assistance To Pakistan During Conflict With India Last YearVijay Claims Support Of 118 MLAs, Likely To Take Oath As Tamil Nadu CM TomorrowTN Political Crisis Deepens: Stalin Pushes Governor For Swift ActionAir India AI 171 Crash Probe In Final Stage, Report Likely Within A MonthTwo States, Two Big Winners: Suvendu Gets Bengal, Vijay Eyes Tamil NaduShah Hails BJP’s Historic Bengal Victory, Credits People’s Faith In ModiBJP Names Suvendu Adhikari As West Bengal’s First BJP Chief MinisterViral MLA Preference List Shows KC Venugopal Claiming Majority Support As Kerala CM123PhotostoriesWhat’s it like to visit 10 most economically stable countries in the world right now? What’s India’s rankHow to know if someone is genuine: 5 common habits that sets them apart from those who are fakeHow to correctly store watermelons in summer to keep them fresh, juicy, and long-lastingHow to make South Indian Lauki Paniyaram for Saturday breakfastSundar Pichai: 5 career-saving office politics tips inspired by the Google CEO5 beauty habits that most rich women follow for that glowing skinArboreal: Snakes that always stay on trees and rarely descend7 animals and insects that eat their own poop (or someone else’s) – and what science says about itHow Each Zodiac Sign Expresses Love to Their Mother Without Saying ItHow Jason Fox keeps his body shredded at 49: The SAS star’s no-nonsense approach to upper body strength123Hot PicksSBI Q4 resultsThane- Navi Mumbai corridorMaharashtra SSC ResultPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingWWE Smackdown HighlightsWest Bengal Government FormationUS Iran warHPBOSE 10th Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseDelhi Capital vs KKR IPL MatchWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaDaniil Medvedev WifeBan vs Pak ‘Toh abhi kya karu mai phir?’: Rohit Sharma left frustrated by female fan’s selfie act – Watch LNMU PAT 2026 result declared: Check direct link to download result PDF, answer key Ranveer Singh poses with fans on ‘King’ film sets in South Africa – PICS