Contai: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, after being sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, returned to his family residence Shantikunj in Contai in the early hours of Sunday. Addressing supporters at Nandakumar crossing around midnight, he said, "A CM has to weigh his words. So talk less, work more. I am a CM for all."
Homecoming Amid Midnight Celebrations
Around 11:15 PM on Saturday, a high-security convoy carrying the state's 9th CM entered Kolaghat in East Midnapore. Despite the late hour, crowds gathered along the roads to welcome Adhikari in his new role. Following his swearing-in ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground on Saturday, this marked his reception as he began the 95-km journey home. The convoy navigated through Contai Central Bus Stand and College Junction, reaching Shantikunj around 2 am. A white SUV led the fleet, with CM Adhikari seated in the front passenger seat.
Address to Supporters
The CM stopped at Nandakumar to address those waiting for him. "I cannot say many things now. I promise you we will fight. The dream in your eyes, we will make that happen," he said. Amid 'Jai Shri Ram' chants, he added, "The PM said sabka sath, sabka vikas. At Brigade he also said the same thing." As the crowd chanted "hisab liya jaega (everything will be accounted for)", the CM replied, "I am not saying that."
Rituals and Family Welcome
The silence of the night was broken as the convoy entered the Karkuli area of ward 15. Upon alighting from the vehicle, Adhikari waved to supporters. Inside the house, his father, aunt, and other family members performed rituals with a 'Baron-dala' to welcome him. Outside, the crowd remained thick. Adhikari stepped out again, touched a ceremonial lamp to his forehead in a gesture of respect towards the crowd, and urged everyone to return home safely before retiring.
Security Barricades Removed for Public Convenience
While the crowd thinned overnight, people began gathering again at dawn. For security reasons, police started erecting barricades on the road in front of the house. However, a message was sent from Shantikunj to remove the barricades to ensure that movement of residents and students was not hindered. The police then shifted the barricades to the roadside. While the Karkuli road is not a major artery, it is used by locals and students. Nearby establishments, including a parlour, a mobile shop, and a study centre, would have faced difficulties if the path remained blocked.
Day at Shantikunj
The atmosphere around Shantikunj remained active throughout the day. After his arrival early on Sunday, he spent the afternoon at home before heading back to Kolkata. While the CM rested during the morning, his father Sisir Adhikari and brothers Dibyendu and Soumendu met well-wishers. Government officials also arrived to offer congratulations. For lunch, his mother and aunt prepared a traditional spread with 'Mochar Ghonto', 'Shorshe Ilish', 'Pona Kalia', boiled bitter gourd, and chicken curry, followed by sweet curd.
