BJP Moves to Form First West Bengal Government: Amit Shah Named Observer as Power Shift Triggers Political and Constitutional Debate

KalimNews (With inputs from Agencies), May 6, 2026, Kolkata/New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday appointed Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the central observer to oversee the selection of the new Chief Minister of West Bengal and guide the formation of the party’s first-ever government in the state following its landslide electoral victory.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has been named co-observer and will assist Shah in coordinating the formation of the new council of ministers. 

According to BJP sources, Amit Shah is likely to arrive in Kolkata ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. He is expected to hold discussions with senior state leaders to finalise key decisions, including the name of the next Chief Minister.

It is learnt that usually, a central observer comes to a state a day before the swearing-in. He sits with all the MLAs and announces the name of the chief minister, which is then endorsed by all the legislative party members. The same leader added that if required, names of one or more deputy chief ministers could also be announced during the meeting.

There is also speculation within the party that two deputy chief ministers may be appointed, one representing North Bengal and another from South Bengal.

A high-level meeting was held in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss government formation in West Bengal. The BJP is reportedly planning a grand swearing-in ceremony, possibly on a large public scale.

Party insiders suggested that the event could be held at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata, allowing thousands of supporters to attend. Senior leaders, including BJP Chief Ministers from other states, are expected to be invited.

However, party leaders clarified that the final decision on the date and venue will depend on the approval of the central leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s availability.

BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said: “The date for the swearing-in will be announced shortly. It’s yet to be confirmed whether it will be held on May 9.”

In a significant administrative development, public works department (PWD) sources indicated that the historic Writers’ Buildings in central Kolkata is being considered as the possible office of the next Chief Minister.

The second floor of the main block is reportedly “most suited” for use as the CM’s office and could be made ready within weeks if the government decides to shift the state secretariat from Nabanna in Howrah back to Kolkata. Much of the structural restoration work is already complete, with remaining electrical and interior work expected to be finished quickly.

Over 240 years old, Writers’ Buildings served as the seat of West Bengal’s government until 2013, when the Mamata Banerjee administration shifted the secretariat to Nabanna.

The complex, designed by Thomas Lyon and completed in 1780, is Kolkata’s first three-storey structure and has deep historical significance, including its association with India’s freedom movement and British-era administration.

The post-election scenario has triggered a rare constitutional discussion after outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to resign despite the BJP’s decisive majority.

Banerjee claimed she had not been defeated “morally” and accused the electoral process of irregularities, while asserting that she would not step down immediately.

Her refusal has raised questions about governance continuity until the new administration takes office.

Former Chief Election Commissioner S. Y. Quraishi noted that in such situations, constitutional provisions allow the Governor to intervene and may even lead to President’s Rule under Article 356, if necessary.

He  had said that even if for the duration of a day or two, in a situation like this, President’s Rule is the most likely outcome.

Senior legal experts also pointed out that a Chief Minister can remain in office only as long as they enjoy the confidence of the Assembly. With the BJP securing a strong majority, the Trinamool Congress no longer holds that mandate.

Experts noted that India has not witnessed a similar situation in recent history, where an outgoing Chief Minister has refused to step down after losing majority support.

Senior advocate Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee said that since Independence we have never seen anything like this. No chief minister has refused to step down.

As West Bengal prepares for a historic political transition, attention now turns to the formal formation of the new government and the announcement of its leadership.

Amid the political transition, there is also growing speculation that the visual identity of government infrastructure in the region may change. Reports suggest that the colour scheme of several government buildings, offices, educational institutes, bridges, and other public structures — currently predominantly blue — could potentially be altered to saffron or saffron-inspired shades, in line with practices seen in other BJP-ruled states.