BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari will be the next chief minister of West Bengal, becoming the first BJP leader to head a government in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday formally announced senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari as the elected leader of the BJP legislature party in West Bengal.
Addressing newly elected BJP MLAs at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre following the announcement, Suvendu Adhikari struck an emotional, declaring that it was time for “bhoy out, bhorsha in” (fear out, trust in), and promising a government focused on delivery, women’s safety and the creation of a “Sonar Bangla”.
Adhikari thanked the BJP leadership and hailed Amit Shah as the “Chanakya of modern India” for steering the party to its first-ever government in Bengal.
The moment marks a historic political breakthrough for the BJP in a state where the saffron party had long struggled to dislodge regional and Left forces from power. The BJP swept the assembly elections, winning 207 of the 293 seats it contested in the 294-member House.
“Our leader Narendra Modi has given several guarantees, and the Bharatiya Janata Party government will work to fulfil every one of them. We do not believe in mere words; the BJP believes in delivering through action. We speak less and work more,” Adhikari told party legislators. “Today, I assure you that in the coming days, our government and organisation will remain committed to the ideology of the party and to the cultural spirit of West Bengal. We will fulfil every promise made in our manifesto within the stipulated time.”
Pitching the BJP’s victory as the beginning of a new political culture in Bengal, Adhikari said the party’s focus would now shift from electoral battle to governance.
“We need to create a Sonar Bangla. We need to make Bengal a safe place for women. Amit Shah said we have been able to remove fear. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given us trust. It is time for bhoy out, bhorsha in. For that, we need to work more and talk less,” he said to loud applause from party MLAs.
The new BJP government in Bengal will take oath at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground tomorrow 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.
Preparations are also underway at Raj Bhavan ahead of the formal government formation process. Sources said the Governor House has been fully prepared for the arrival of the BJP leadership. Around 6.30 pm, Adhikari is expected to reach Lok Bhavan before proceeding to Raj Bhavan with letters of support from BJP MLAs staking claim to form the government.
Adhikari had long been seen as the frontrunner for the top post, especially after BJP leaders repeatedly stressed during the campaign that Bengal would get a “son of the soil” chief minister rooted in the state’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Suvendu Adhikari delivered one of the most symbolic victories of the election by defeating outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, a constituency long regarded as her safest political stronghold. Adhikari also retained Nandigram, the constituency closely tied to the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement that transformed him into one of Bengal’s most influential political leaders.
Speaking in Nandigram earlier this week, Adhikari had said he would vacate one of the two seats within 10 days, while making it clear that the final decision would rest with the BJP leadership.
The journey of Adhikari’s political rise has mirrored Bengal’s changing political landscape. Once among Banerjee’s closest aides in the Trinamool Congress, his switch to the BJP ahead of the 2021 assembly polls dramatically altered Bengal politics and laid the foundation for the saffron party’s eventual rise to power.
Addressing party workers after the BJP victory, Adhikari described the moment as the “real change” in Bengal politics. “I was part of the 2011 poribartan, and now I am part of the real change,” he had said.
CONGRATULATIONS POUR IN
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Suvendu Adhikari after he was named next Chief Minister, describing the BJP’s victory in West Bengal as a “historic mandate” and expressing confidence in his leadership.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. I hope this historic mandate becomes the means to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people of Bengal,” Shah said.
Recalling his long association with Adhikari, Shah added, “I have known Suvendu Adhikari for a long time. He is a fighter. I have seen both his political rise and his connection with the grassroots.”
He said Adhikari continued his political struggle despite hurdles allegedly created by the state administration. “The administration created many hurdles, yet Suvendu ji carried on with determination. I have complete faith in him. The struggle he carried out has produced results today,” Shah said.
The Union minister also paid tribute to BJP workers, saying more than 300 party workers had made sacrifices while thousands contributed to the campaign. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party workers, saying the victory reflected a collective effort.
Congratulatory messages also poured in from BJP leaders and chief ministers across the country.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Adhikari’s election as BJP legislature party leader marked the beginning of a new era of governance and positive change in Bengal. She said the formation of the BJP government in the state was the result of the “struggle, sacrifice and dedication” of party workers and reflected the people’s trust in the party.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also congratulated Adhikari and extended his best wishes after his election as the BJP legislature party leader in West Bengal.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said he was confident that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Adhikari’s appointment would strengthen efforts towards building a “developed, prosperous and progressive Bengal”.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju praised Adhikari’s “relentless efforts”, his connection with people and commitment to public service, calling him a strong voice for Bengal’s aspirations.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also congratulated Adhikari on being elected the new BJP legislature party leader in West Bengal and conveyed greetings from Odisha.
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