KOLKATA :

 

THE newly-elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in West Bengal will take oath on May 9 (Saturday), coinciding with the birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, said West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday. “The Prime Minister announced yesterday that on 25th Baisakh, that is May 9, Rabindranath Tagore’s birthday, this Government will take the oath,” Bhattacharya told ANI, terming the moment historic for the State. Addressing concerns over post-election incidents, he condemned reports of vandalism involving BJP flags and warned of strict action. “Some minor incidents have come to light where vandalism was done... We condemn this. If anyone does this, we will be forced to expel them from the party,” he said, adding that the administration must also ensure law and order. Bhattacharya urged party workers to celebrate responsibly. “Celebrate the victory, but don’t do anything that hurts anyone’s feelings. As big as our victory, our responsibility is also that big,” he said. Highlighting the scale of support, he credited voters across regions and even overseas supporters for contributing to the party’s success. “From Toronto to Silicon Valley... people came and supported. Migrant labourers spent from their own pockets to vote. This was a sentiment for change,” he said. Calling the mandate a turning point, Bhattacharya said the BJP’s goal goes beyond regime change.

 

“Our aim was not just to change a Government or Chief Minister, but to change the political culture and restore social pluralism,” he added, describing the formation of a “double engine Government” aligned with the Centre. He also dismissed criticism from Opposition leaders, including allegations of an “immoral victory.” “Let them say what they want. If it gives them peace, we have no objection,” he remarked. On the electoral outcome, Bhattacharya said the defeat of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur reflected a loss of public trust. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defeated Banerjee by over 15,000 votes, marking a symbolic shift in the State’s political landscape. While the State Assembly has a strength of 294 members, votes were counted for 293 as the Election Commission countermanded the polling in one seat following electoral malpractices. Counting in one seat, Rajarhat Newtown in North 24 Parganas district, has been completed, but its result is yet to be declared. ‘Will expel those indulging in vandalism’: Samik Bhattacharya warns party workers, urges calm after BJP’s win: West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday condemned incidents of vandalism during post-election celebrations and warned of strict action against party workers involved, even as he called for restraint following the BJP’s sweeping victory in the state. Speaking to ANI here, Bhattacharya said, “At some places, people carried the BJP flag and engaged in vandalism. We condemn this. We want to make it clear that if anyone does such a thing, we will be compelled to expel them from the party.”