After the oath ceremony, a visibly emotional PM knelt before the crowd and touched his forehead to the ground. “I bow to West Bengal’s Jana Shakti! The people’s blessings are the truest strength of democracy and the noblest source of public resolve,” Modi later posted on X. He posted a second message congratulating the new CM. “Congratulations to Shri Suvendu Adhikari Ji on taking oath as West Bengal’s CM. He has made a mark as a leader who has remained deeply connected to the people and understood their aspirations from close quarters,” he wrote. Adhikari then wrote, “Your blessings and guidance will illuminate my path and inspire me to contribute towards Viksit Bharat by creating Viksit Bengal.”Proceedings began at 11.30pm as governor Ravi issued Adhikari’s “order of appointment” as the new CM. Officials took oath in Bengali. Following the ceremony, Adhikari went to Jorasanko Thakurbari to pay his homage to Tagore on his 166th birth anniversary. Later he reached the PWD tent at the Maidan where he discussed the state’s law and order with the DGP and Kolkata police commissioner over a 45-minute luncheon. In the evening, Adhikari visited Mookerjee’s residence in Bhowanipore, the Bharat Sevashram Sangha headquarters in Ballygunge and Kalighat temple. Speaking to reporters, the CM outlined his government’s plans. He also warned extortionists and “syndicate members”. “Now is the time to wind up your business and get lost. You have done enough damage. We won’t tolerate it anymore.”He also announced plans to declare June 20, 1947, as Bengal Foundation Day and promised restoration of religious and heritage structures. “History can’t be changed. I will discuss it in the cabinet and assembly. It is one of our main agendas,” he said, adding the restoration will be among the top priorities of his govt. “The era of ‘Sonar Bangla’ officially begins,” Adhikari wrote earlier in the day.
