Gujarat CM joins NDA leaders in Kolkata ahead of Bengal CM swearing-in ceremony
Kolkata, May 9
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel arrived in Kolkata on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari, who is set to become West Bengal's first chief minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Patel was accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu as senior BJP and NDA leaders gathered in Kolkata ahead of the oath-taking ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground.
Adhikari was formally elected leader of the BJP legislature party on Friday after the party secured a decisive majority in the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections, paving the way for the BJP's first government in the state.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, several Union ministers and chief ministers from BJP-ruled and NDA-governed states.
Shah announced his selection as chief minister following a legislature party meeting in Kolkata.
Adhikari's rise to the chief minister's post followed two high-profile electoral victories against Mamata Banerjee that reshaped West Bengal politics.
After narrowly defeating Banerjee in Nandigram in the 2021 Assembly election, the BJP leader again emerged victorious against her in Bhabanipur in the 2026 polls, winning the constituency by more than 15,000 votes.
The result was seen as a major setback for Banerjee in her traditional stronghold and cemented Adhikari's position as the BJP's principal face in the state.
Describing the BJP's electoral performance in West Bengal as "a second independence", Gujarat Agriculture and Spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani said on Friday that the outcome reflected public acceptance of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing a press conference held at Somnath Sagar Darshan in connection with the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Gujarat on May 11, Minister Vaghani said, "The victory achieved in Bengal after India's independence is equivalent to a second independence."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Second independence? Bit of an exaggeration, no? But okay, Bengal needs real development after years of TMC rule. Adhikari's double victory over Mamata is indeed significant. I just hope he focuses on jobs and infrastructure rather than just politics.
Finally! West Bengal gets a CM who actually cares about the people. Mamata didi had her time but she became arrogant. I'm from Kolkata and I can tell you, the atmosphere here is electric. Everyone is excited for the new government. Gujarat CM's presence shows BJP's commitment to Bengal. 🎉
Let's not get too carried away. BJP victory is good, but "second independence"? We are already independent since 1947. Jitu Vaghani should choose his words carefully. But yes, happy for Bengal. Hope Adhikari delivers. Politics in Bengal is finally competitive now.
Suvendu Adhikari is a brave man. Defeating Mamata Banerjee twice in her home turf is no joke. The NDA showing up in full strength is a signal that they mean business. Development agenda will surely help Bengal. PM Modi's vision is finally reaching East India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Good to see NDA unity. But I'm a bit skeptical. BJP has won, but can they really change Bengal's ground reality? Corruption and violence are deep-rooted there. Also, "second independence" remark seems too dramatic. Let's wait and watch how Adhikari performs. 🤔
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