BJP Takes Over West Bengal: Tapas Roy Sworn In as Pro-tem Speaker

Tuesday marked a seminal moment in West Bengal's political landscape as BJP MLA Tapas Roy was sworn in as the Pro-tem Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, signaling an end to the 15-year reign of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC). The occasion at Lok Bhawan served as a symbolic victory lap for the saffron party, which triumphed in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Roy, a seasoned politician who shifted to the BJP ahead of the elections, expressed personal and political vindication moments after taking the oath administered by Governor RN Ravi. He characterized the election results as not merely a win, but as liberation from previous governance. Roy unambiguously criticized Mamata Banerjee's administration, denouncing it as 'misrule' and celebrated the ascendancy of the new government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Roy's strongest words targeted TMC's accusations of polling irregularities, countering with claims of historical interference by the TMC in law enforcement and administrative appointments. He cited the reinstatement of officials after removal by electoral authorities as a stubborn defiance. In a nod to past rhetoric, Roy suggested the TMC should remain silent now, drawing parallels to the past actions of Mamata Banerjee.

(With inputs from agencies.)