KOLKATA: In a historic political shift in West Bengal, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is set to take oath as the state's first BJP chief minister at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule.
Landmark Victory for BJP
The BJP scripted a landmark victory in the 294-member Assembly by winning 207 seats, while the TMC was reduced to 80 seats. Following the party's emphatic win, Adhikari was unanimously elected leader of the BJP legislature party at a meeting of newly elected MLAs attended by Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday.
Announcing the decision after a 30-minute closed-door meeting, Shah said eight proposals were received and all backed Adhikari's name. "Adequate time was given for a second name, but no other proposal came," he said.
From Nandigram to Writers' Buildings
Suvendu Adhikari, 57, won his first election at 31, becoming a Congress councillor in Contai municipality in 1995. He became an MLA in 2006, winning the Contai South assembly seat for TMC. He spearheaded Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests for TMC since 2007. He became an MP in 2009, winning the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat on a TMC ticket. He won the Nandigram assembly seat in 2016 and became a cabinet minister in Mamata Banerjee's government, holding key portfolios. He defected to the BJP in December 2020 and defeated Mamata in Nandigram in the 2021 assembly polls. He currently serves as Leader of Opposition in the assembly.
Unanimous Choice
Union home minister Amit Shah announced Suvendu Adhikari as Bengal's new CM. At Shah's meeting with newly elected MLAs in Kolkata on Friday, eight legislators proposed Adhikari's name. No second name was proposed. Adhikari was elected leader of the BJP's legislature party.
Why Suvendu Adhikari Was Picked as CM
- He is the tallest among BJP netas in the state unit, making him the obvious choice.
- No one else commands the support he has among BJP legislators.
- He is the only BJP MLA who has been a state minister. His experience at Nabanna will count.
- He led a difficult and gruelling poll campaign from the front.
Saturday Itinerary
- 10 am to 12 noon: Swearing-in ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground.
- 12.30 pm to 1 pm: CM to reach Writers' Buildings.
- 1.30 pm: Adhikari and cabinet picks to head to Vidhan Sabha.
Suvendu Adhikari's Top Priority
- Judicial commissions to probe RG Kar and Sandeshkhali.
- Act against those who laundered government money.
- Complete border fencing.
- Fulfil campaign promises.
Suvendu Adhikari's New Motto
"Talk Less, Work More." Government where 'We Matters More Than I.' "Bhoy Out, Bhrosa In."
Silence on His Team
Suvendu remained silent on cabinet portfolios after a meeting of party seniors on Friday. Dilip Ghosh said, "Whatever will happen, will happen tomorrow."
Adhikari, who credited the "historic mandate" to PM Modi's leadership, said his government will "talk less, work more — that will be our motto as we start work." He added, "In our governance, there will be no 'I', only 'we'. There is no place for what I or someone personally thinks in this government. Here, the party and organisation come first and we will work accordingly."
