Kolkata, May 8: In his maiden speech after being unanimously chosen as the leader of the BJP’s legislative party and the new Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari pledged to run the state administration on the principle of collective leadership. The announcement marks the beginning of Bengal’s first BJP-led government since Independence, following the party’s sweeping victory in the 2026 assembly elections.

“It will not be I who will be running the new government. We will run the new government,” Adhikari declared at a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting was attended by the newly elected BJP legislators, who endorsed Adhikari’s name as the leader of the legislative party.

Political observers noted that Adhikari’s emphasis on collective leadership was a subtle message that his Cabinet would not operate in the same centralized manner as Mamata Banerjee’s previous administration, where decisions were often monopolized. Instead, Adhikari signaled a more inclusive approach to governance.

Also Read: Suvendu Adhikari Named West Bengal’s First BJP Chief Minister

Outlining his priorities, Adhikari said the new government would focus on tracking and prosecuting corruption cases, ensuring justice for victims of atrocities during the past 15 years, and delivering corruption-free public services. He stressed that accountability and transparency would be the cornerstones of his administration.

Outlining his priorities, Adhikari said the new government would focus on tracking and prosecuting corruption cases, ensuring justice for victims of atrocities during the past 15 years, and delivering corruption-free public services. He stressed that accountability and transparency would be the cornerstones of his administration.

Outlining his priorities, Adhikari said the new government would focus on tracking and prosecuting corruption cases, ensuring justice for victims of atrocities during the past 15 years, and delivering corruption-free public services. He stressed that accountability and transparency would be the cornerstones of his administration.

With his swearing-in imminent, Adhikari’s message of collective leadership sets the tone for the BJP’s first government in Bengal, aiming to balance political accountability with developmental priorities.