In Contai's Korkuli Para, just 600 metres from the central bus stand, lies 'Shantikunj', the residence of Bengal's newly designated Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The lane leading to his home has gained a new identity as the house of the state's leader.
Historic Moment for Midnapore
For the first time in five decades, a chief minister hails from the Midnapore district. The last was Ajoy Mukherjee, who served three terms: March to November 1967, February 1969 to March 1970, and April to June 1971. Mukherjee came from Tamluk, then part of undivided Midnapore, now in East Midnapore — the same district as Adhikari. In a recent interview, Adhikari cited Mukherjee as a political inspiration. Adhikari is only the third Bengal CM from outside Kolkata's urban elite, after Prafulla Chandra Sen and Mukherjee.
Family and Local Reactions
Former Union Minister Sisir Adhikari, the CM-designate's father, expressed pride: "It feels nice to hear Suvendu's name as CM. Historically, Midnapore has been sidelined. Deshapran Birendranath Sasmal was denied Kolkata's mayorship for being from here, and Ajoy Mukherjee faced struggles. We hope Midnapore's people finally get their due respect."
Suvendu Adhikari rose to prominence in the 2009 Lok Sabha election by defeating CPM heavyweight Lakshman Seth from Tamluk. A former Trinamool leader, he worked extensively in East Midnapore, notably during the 2007 Nandigram land movement and the 2006 Haripur nuclear power plant agitation to protect local fishermen's livelihoods. His hometown Contai is overjoyed.
Celebrations in Contai
By 2:30 pm on Friday, CRPF personnel guarded Shantikunj's main gate as a crowd gathered. Upon Adhikari's name announcement, youths burst crackers on College Road, and BJP workers gathered at Nandanik Club and the party office opposite Shantikunj. People of all ages danced to drum beats, with saffron abir in the air and sweets distributed.
Biman Dhar, a neighbour, recalled: "The shy boy I knew is now CM. He used to cycle around, and the cycle was not well-suited to his height. I could not be more proud." Joydev Panda took a detour while picking up his daughter from school just to show her the house. "I pass this road daily, but today I wanted my daughter to see the CM's home. I don't know if security will let us come this close from tomorrow," he said.
Koushik Nanda, who runs an eatery at the lane's entrance for 15 years, plans to renovate his shop to accommodate the expected crowd and security personnel. He intends to change his shop's signboard to 'Chief Minister's House Lane'. "Our 'dada' is now the CM. His struggle has paid off," he said.
