Listen to the article
Political tensions have escalated in West Bengal as misinformation spreads across social media platforms claiming that former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conducted a private swearing-in ceremony at her Kalighat residence.
Multiple posts on X (formerly Twitter) have falsely suggested that Banerjee, the longtime leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), held an unofficial “home swearing-in” following her electoral defeat to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Suvendu Adhikari.
The viral claims gained momentum as TMC supporters appeared reluctant to accept the party’s loss in the recent assembly elections. One widely shared post stated, “Mamata Banerjee taking oath as CM at her residence in presence of TMC MPs, MLAs & Councillors? Unbelievable if true.”
Another user claimed, “As per sources, Mamata Banerjee is likely to take oath as Honourable Chief Minister at her residence today. All TMC MLAs, MPs, councillors, and doctors from NIMHANS will be present, and the oath will be administered by presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha.”
Constitutional experts have quickly debunked these claims, emphasizing that any legitimate oath for the Chief Minister position must be administered by the state Governor, typically at Raj Bhavan or another designated official venue. No such ceremony has been sanctioned for Banerjee following the 2026 election results.
Fact-checkers have determined that the images and videos circulating on social media are either taken out of context or entirely misattributed, often using footage from previous ceremonies or completely unrelated events.
Meanwhile, the official transfer of power proceeded according to constitutional norms. On Saturday, Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as West Bengal’s new Chief Minister during a major ceremony at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders attended the event, which drew thousands of supporters.
“The people of West Bengal have spoken, and today we begin a new chapter of governance focused on development and security,” Adhikari declared during his inaugural address. The public ceremony directly contradicted the rumors of Banerjee’s alleged private oath-taking.
The BJP has criticized the TMC’s apparent reluctance to acknowledge the election results, with some party officials condemning Banerjee’s continued use of the “Chief Minister” title in her social media profiles as a “delusional attempt” to hold onto power. However, her profiles were quietly updated after Adhikari’s official swearing-in.
Political analysts suggest that the primary factor fueling this misinformation is the TMC leadership’s skepticism about the election outcome. Reports indicate that Banerjee has questioned the validity of the results, citing alleged voting irregularities. This stance has encouraged some supporters to promote narratives suggesting she remains the legitimate head of state government.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a statement confirming that the certification of election results is final and that the constitutional process for government formation has been properly followed. “Claims of a parallel or private oath-taking ceremony are entirely baseless and run contrary to the established legal framework of the Indian Republic,” the agency stated.
The spread of misinformation has extended beyond false claims about oath-taking ceremonies. Fact-checkers have also debunked a viral video purportedly showing Banerjee’s house being set on fire by protesters. Independent verification revealed the footage actually originated from a 2024 incident in Bangladesh and had no connection to West Bengal’s political transition.
As Adhikari assumes his official duties at the state secretariat, Nabanna, the TMC continues to challenge the new government’s legitimacy through various channels. However, official records confirm that executive authority has transferred to the BJP-led government, despite ongoing resistance from TMC supporters in digital spaces.
The situation highlights the growing challenge of election-related misinformation in India’s increasingly polarized political landscape, where social media can rapidly amplify unverified claims during sensitive transitional periods.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
12 Comments
Misinformation can spread rapidly on social media, so it’s crucial that news outlets provide accurate, well-researched reporting to counter false claims. This fact check seems thorough and objective in its analysis.
Absolutely. Fact-checking is essential for maintaining trust in the democratic process and ensuring citizens have access to reliable information.
This is an interesting fact check on the viral claims about Mamata Banerjee’s oath-taking location. It’s good to see constitutional experts debunking the misinformation and emphasizing the proper procedures for a CM’s swearing-in.
Agreed, it’s important to rely on authoritative sources and factual information, especially when it comes to important political events.
It’s concerning to see the level of misinformation circulating on social media about this political event. This fact check is a valuable resource for separating fact from fiction.
Absolutely. Rigorous fact-checking is essential for upholding the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring citizens have access to accurate information.
While political tensions can run high, it’s important that we remain objective and fact-based in our analysis of events. This fact check appears to strike that balance well.
Agreed. Fact-checking is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy and preventing the spread of harmful misinformation, especially around important political processes.
The details about the proper protocol for a CM’s oath-taking ceremony are informative. It’s good to see the article emphasizing the constitutional requirements, rather than just repeating the viral claims.
Yes, the article provides helpful context and clarification on the legitimate procedures. This helps readers understand the significance of the misinformation being debunked.
The article’s focus on the constitutional requirements for a CM’s oath-taking ceremony is a useful reminder of the importance of adhering to proper procedures. Debunking misinformation is critical in these situations.
Yes, the article’s emphasis on the legal and constitutional aspects of the process helps provide a solid foundation for understanding the significance of the misinformation being addressed.