Shubhendu Adhikari Sworn in as Chief Minister of West Bengal

Kolkata. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Shubhendu Adhikari took oath as the Chief Minister of West Bengal on Saturday in a grand ceremony held at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. He took the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Along with Chief Minister Adhikari, Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Pal, Ashok Kirtania, Khudiram Tudu, and Nishith Pramanik also took oath as ministers. Talking to reporters after becoming the Chief Minister, Adhikari said that today is a very important day for the country and Bengal.

He mentioned the Prime Minister's wish that the new government should take charge on Rabindra Jayanti and said, 'Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, saluting Guru Rabindra and respecting the constitution, we have taken the oath.'

Adhikari commented that a political party based on the ideals of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee does not need any certificate. Clarifying that he is now the Chief Minister for everyone, he said, 'I am now the Chief Minister and I am for everyone. May those who are still discussing the results be blessed with good sense.'

Expressing concern over the state of Bengal, Chief Minister Adhikari pledged to rectify the damage done to education and culture. He added, 'Bengal has suffered a lot. Education is finished, culture is destroyed, and we will rebuild Bengal. We have a very big responsibility on our shoulders. Let them talk, I will just move forward.'