Suvendu Adhikari is West Bengal’s first BJP CM, announces Amit Shah; to take oath tomorrow
PTC Web Desk: In a major political turning point, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is poised to become the next Chief Minister of West Bengal. The announcement was officially made on Friday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The development marks the first time the BJP will form a government in the state, ending decades of dominance by regional parties and Left formations.
The new BJP government in Bengal will take oath at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground tomorrow at 11 am in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president Nitin Nabin, Union ministers and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states.
BJP’s commanding electoral victory
The BJP’s rise to power follows a decisive mandate in the recently concluded Assembly elections. The party won 207 out of the 293 seats it contested in the 294-member Assembly, underlining a sweeping shift in voter preference across Bengal.
Adhikari had already emerged as the leading contender for the top post during the campaign, with party leaders repeatedly emphasising the promise of a “son of the soil” leadership rooted in Bengal’s culture and identity.
One of the most striking moments of the election was Adhikari’s victory over outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, a seat long considered her stronghold.
He also retained Nandigram, a politically significant constituency linked to the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement that played a crucial role in shaping his political career.
Addressing supporters in Nandigram earlier this week, Adhikari indicated that he would vacate one of the two constituencies within 10 days. However, he clarified that the final call would be taken by the BJP leadership.
He assured voters that their trust would not be overlooked, even as supporters urged him to continue representing Nandigram, which he often calls his political stronghold.
Adhikari’s political journey reflects the evolving dynamics of Bengal politics. Once a close associate of Mamata Banerjee in the Trinamool Congress, he played a key role in the Nandigram movement that contributed to the end of the Left Front’s 34-year rule in 2011.
His switch to the BJP ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections proved to be a defining moment, significantly boosting the party’s presence in the state and setting the stage for its eventual electoral success.
Following the BJP’s victory, Adhikari described the outcome as a deeper transformation in Bengal politics. He said he had been part of the “poribartan” in 2011 and now saw this moment as the beginning of a more lasting political shift.
Expressing confidence in the party’s future, he said the BJP would work towards ensuring long-term governance in the state for years to come.
What Amit Shah said in his speech
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the new government would strive to realise the vision of “Sonar Bangla” after announcing Suvendu Adhikari as Chief Minister. He thanked voters for backing the BJP and rejecting the Trinamool Congress and Left parties, alleging misrule under Mamata Banerjee.
Addressing BJP legislators, Shah urged leaders to fulfil promises made by Narendra Modi and ensure development, democracy and stronger law and order. He claimed Bengal had suffered decades of democratic decline and economic stagnation, but was now entering a new phase.
- With inputs from agencies
