Politics / Backdrop at Suvendu Adhikari’s Oath Showcases Bengal’s Culture
·57 mins ago·2 min read
Key Points
First visuals from Brigade Parade Ground show a chalchitra‑style backdrop featuring Durga, Kalighat temple, dhaak, and Rabindra Sangeet as Suvendu Adhikari prepares to take oath as Bengal’s first BJP Chief Minister.
Kolkata, May 9: The stage is set at the historic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata for Suvendu Adhikari’s swearing‑in as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal. Early visuals from the venue reveal a striking backdrop designed in the traditional chalchitra style, symbolizing Bengal’s rich cultural heritage.
The backdrop features quintessential elements of Bengali identity: an idol of Goddess Durga, the revered Kalighat temple - one of the 51 Shaktipeethas dedicated to Goddess Kali—the rhythmic dhaak drums, and the devotional dhunuchi nach, performed with burning coconut husk in earthen pots. Adding to the atmosphere, Rabindra Sangeet, the timeless compositions of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, blared from the speakers. The choice of Tagore’s birth anniversary for the oath ceremony further underscores the cultural optics.
Optics have played a central role in the BJP’s Bengal campaign, countering Mamata Banerjee’s “outsider” narrative. From showcasing Bengali traditions to symbolic gestures like carrying fish—a staple in Bengali households - the party emphasized its cultural connect with the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the venue to witness the historic moment. In a massive show of strength, chief ministers of NDA‑ruled states and senior BJP leaders are also present, highlighting the significance of the event.
The BJP swept the West Bengal Assembly elections with 207 seats out of 294, ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15‑year rule. The TMC was reduced to 80 seats, while the Congress secured two and the CPM one, with smaller parties winning the remainder.
Adhikari, 57, contested from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, defeating former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur by over 15,000 votes. His dual victories cemented his position as the unanimous choice for the BJP legislature party leader.
The oath ceremony today not only marks a political transition but also reflects the BJP’s attempt to root its governance in Bengal’s cultural ethos. With the chalchitra backdrop and Rabindra Sangeet setting the tone, the event symbolizes a blend of tradition and politics at a historic juncture.
The backdrop features quintessential elements of Bengali identity: an idol of Goddess Durga, the revered Kalighat temple - one of the 51 Shaktipeethas dedicated to Goddess Kali—the rhythmic dhaak drums, and the devotional dhunuchi nach, performed with burning coconut husk in earthen pots. Adding to the atmosphere, Rabindra Sangeet, the timeless compositions of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, blared from the speakers. The choice of Tagore’s birth anniversary for the oath ceremony further underscores the cultural optics.
Optics have played a central role in the BJP’s Bengal campaign, countering Mamata Banerjee’s “outsider” narrative. From showcasing Bengali traditions to symbolic gestures like carrying fish—a staple in Bengali households - the party emphasized its cultural connect with the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the venue to witness the historic moment. In a massive show of strength, chief ministers of NDA‑ruled states and senior BJP leaders are also present, highlighting the significance of the event.
The BJP swept the West Bengal Assembly elections with 207 seats out of 294, ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15‑year rule. The TMC was reduced to 80 seats, while the Congress secured two and the CPM one, with smaller parties winning the remainder.
Adhikari, 57, contested from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, defeating former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur by over 15,000 votes. His dual victories cemented his position as the unanimous choice for the BJP legislature party leader.
The oath ceremony today not only marks a political transition but also reflects the BJP’s attempt to root its governance in Bengal’s cultural ethos. With the chalchitra backdrop and Rabindra Sangeet setting the tone, the event symbolizes a blend of tradition and politics at a historic juncture.
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