The first BJP-led government in West Bengal, under Suvendu Adhikari, began its tenure with a Cabinet oath-taking ceremony. A state government advertisement in ‘Ganashakti’, the CPI(M)’s Bengali party organ, featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Adhikari. Notably, this marked the first state government ad in ‘Ganashakti’ in 15 years, following the end of the Left Front regime in 2011.
‘Ganashakti’ had not received state government ads since the Trinamool Congress regime took over, reportedly due to directives from Mamata Banerjee. Despite legal challenges, the situation persisted for 15 years. The CPI(M) welcomed this change, signaling a shift from the previous autocratic approach.
Senior BJP leaders in West Bengal, including Adhikari and others, have praised CPI(M) leaders like Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Biman Bose. Adhikari lauded Bhattacharjee’s character, while others highlighted the integrity of CPI(M) leaders compared to alleged corruption in the Trinamool Congress.
