PM Modi Hugs Suvendu Adhikari After Historic Bengal Oath Ceremony

Suvendu Adhikari received a rousing reception from BJP supporters on Saturday after taking oath as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal and the first Chief Minister of the state’s first BJP-led government.

Thousands of party workers gathered at Brigade Parade Ground, applauded as Adhikari completed the oath ceremony in the presence of senior BJP leaders and dignitaries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Adhikari with a warm embrace following the ceremony. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also greeted him by placing a saffron scarf around his neck.

Adhikari attended the event wearing a traditional Bengali-style dhoti along with a saffron kurta.

Five other Ministers were also sworn in as part of the new Council of Ministers. They included former BJP state president Dilip Ghosh, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, former Union Minister of State for Home Nisith Pramanik, Ashok Kirtania, and Khudiram Tudu.

Most Ministers delivered their oath in Bengali, while Tudu, who belongs to the tribal community, took the oath in Santali using the ‘Ol Chiki’ script tradition. He also appeared in traditional Santali ceremonial attire during the programme.

The newly sworn-in Ministers are yet to receive their portfolios. More names are likely to join the Cabinet later.

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states were also present at the event.

According to the schedule, Adhikari and his Ministers were likely to visit the Writers’ Building after the ceremony, before heading to the Assembly, where the first Cabinet meeting is likely to take place.

Also Read: Bengal Turns Saffron: Suvendu Adhikari Takes Oath As First BJP CM