PM Modi Bows to “Jana Shakti” as Suvendu Adhikari Takes Oath

Kolkata (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi bowed before a massive gathering at the Brigade Parade Grounds on Saturday, expressing his gratitude to the people of West Bengal for delivering a landslide mandate to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Prime Minister was in the city to witness Suvendu Adhikari’s inauguration as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) 15-year rule.

A Sea of Saffron at Brigade

The iconic Brigade Parade Grounds transformed into a sea of saffron as thousands of supporters gathered to witness the transition of power. Accompanied by Chief Minister-designate Suvendu Adhikari and State BJP President Samik Bhattacharya, PM Modi toured the venue in an open-air jeep, greeted by the thunderous beat of traditional drums and cheering workers.

Upon reaching the dais, the Prime Minister shared the stage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states.

Honoring the Roots

Before the official ceremony, PM Modi performed a symbolic gesture by greeting Makhanlal Sarkar, one of the state’s most senior BJP workers. The Prime Minister presented the 98-year-old veteran with a shawl and sought his blessings, bridging the gap between the party’s early struggles and its current electoral success.

Following the greeting, PM Modi turned to the crowd, waving and bowing low. Later, he took to social media to share a video of the moment, stating, “I bow to the Jana Shakti of West Bengal!”

A Historic Shift in Power

The swearing-in marks a tectonic shift in Bengal’s political landscape. After the results were declared on May 4, the BJP emerged as the clear victor, securing 207 seats in the 294-seat Assembly. The TMC, which held 215 seats following the 2021 elections, saw its tally plummet to 80.

Suvendu Adhikari took the oath of office in the presence of the Prime Minister, officially becoming the first BJP Chief Minister in the history of West Bengal.