NANDIGRAM: Amid slogans demanding the chief ministerial post for him, Suvendu Adhikari held his first public meeting in Nandigram since the elections on Thursday. As locals cheered for him, slogans of "Suvenduda apni Nandigramer, Suvenduda CM (You belong to Nandigram, you are our CM)" rang out loud, with Adhikari saying the decision was not his to make.
"The party leadership will take a call. Their decision is final. If required, I will share my opinion. I am disciplined and do not make decisions alone. Within 10 days, I must vacate one seat. But, to people of Bhowanipore and Nandigram, I say this... I will not abandon my duty," Adhikari said while addressing a gathering outside the Nandigram BJP office.
This was Adhikari's third assembly poll victory from Nandigram. In Bhowanipore, he defeated Mamata Banerjee by 15,000 votes.
Visiting Reyapara and Haripur, Adhikari pledged that he would fulfil all his campaign promises. Recalling his entry into Nandigram 20 years ago during the land acquisition protests, he described his bond with the area as symbiotic. "I was part of the 2011 change. Now, I am part of the real change. I have endured much. My 90-year-old father was harassed in the name of CID investigations. Government sent 150 police officers to my office. In 2021 and 2022, they prevented me from honouring martyrs. I have not forgotten," Adhikari said.
"A commission will be established to reopen cases regarding past atrocities. We will take legal action against those involved in crimes," he added.
Thanking voters, Adhikari said, "I remember those who fought this battle despite legal suits and sacrifices. I thank the women who resisted oppression to support the party. I will repay these debts."
He said change would be visible within months. "I want Nandigram-I to grow two crops annually, same as Nandigram-II," he said and added, "I will construct the Haldia-Nandigram bridge and a school in Gokulnagar. An ITI will be established in Sonachura. I will upgrade Nandigram Hospital to end referrals. In six months, I will provide water connections to every house."
Appealing for peace, Adhikari said, "Maintain peace. Do not replicate the actions of others. I urge workers across the state to stay calm. On the 9th, hold victory processions peacefully with permission. Limit these events afterward. Individuals may commit crimes, but their families are innocent."
"We must build Bengal and deliver on the guarantees provided by PM Modi," he added.
