BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari asked attendees in Kolkata to stand and chant "Narendra Modi Zindabad" after being announced as the new chief minister [1], [2].
The event marks a significant shift in West Bengal's leadership as the BJP prepares to form a government in the state. This public display of loyalty to Prime Minister Narendra Modi serves to consolidate party unity and signal the central leadership's influence over the new regional administration.
The incident occurred May 8, 2023 [2], at the Lok Bhavan venue in Kolkata [3]. During his address to the crowd, Adhikari said attendees should stand up and chant the slogan in support of the Prime Minister [1].
Reports on Adhikari's specific designation varied among sources. Some outlets identified him as the announced chief minister of West Bengal [2], while others stated he was named the leader of the West Bengal BJP Legislative Party [4].
Adhikari's address was designed to rally supporters and demonstrate public backing for the Prime Minister following the announcement [1], [2]. The atmosphere at the venue remained celebratory as the party transitioned toward the formal assumption of power.
An oath-taking ceremony for the new leadership is scheduled for May 9, 2023, at 11 a.m. [1]. This ceremony will officially formalize the government formation in the state.
Adhikari said the crowd should stand and chant "Narendra Modi Zindabad" [1]. This request was met with immediate participation from the gathered party members and supporters in the capital city.
“"Narendra Modi Zindabad"”
The alignment of the new West Bengal leadership with the central BJP figurehead suggests a strategy of leveraging Prime Minister Modi's national popularity to legitimize the new state government. By centering the transition on the Prime Minister rather than solely on regional identity, the BJP aims to ensure a seamless integration of state and federal political objectives.
