‘Bengal has been Damaged a Lot’: CM Suvendu Adhikari Vows to Restore Education and Culture

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said his work as Chief Minister would begin after paying obeisance at Jorasanko Thakurbari, following his swearing-in as West Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister.

He also said his government would focus on rebuilding West Bengal, asserting that the state has suffered setbacks in education and culture and needs restoration.

Speaking to the reporters, CM Adhikari said, "This day is very important for both the country and West Bengal.”

"The political party based on the ideals of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee doesn't need any certification,” CM Adhikari said.

“I am the Chief Minister now, and I belong to everybody. Those who are still discussing the results, may they be guided by wisdom...Bengal has been damaged a lot. Education is lost, culture is destroyed, and we will rebuild Bengal,” he said.

“There is a huge responsibility on our shoulders; let them talk, I will only move ahead," he further added.

How Did PM Modi Mark Suvendu Adhikari's Historic Oath-Taking Ceremony in Kolkata?

Adhikari today took oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister, marking a significant political development in West Bengal.

At the swearing-in ceremony of the new West Bengal government in Kolkata on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the public by bowing down on stage before the gathering as a gesture of respect.

The ceremony was attended by Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, and Dharmendra Pradhan, along with several Chief Ministers, including Manik Saha, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rekha Gupta, and Pushkar Singh Dhami.

On May 4, Adhikari established a dominant position in two of West Bengal's most-watched constituencies, Bhabanipur and Nandigram, winning them both.

Figures from the Election Commission of India (ECI) following the 20th and final round of counting in Bhabanipur show Adhikari winning against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a substantial margin of 15,105 votes.

Simultaneously, he also won the Nandigram assembly seat. According to the data displayed on the ECI official website. Suvendu Adhikari secured 1,27,301 votes at the conclusion of the 19th and final round.

(With inputs from ANI)