Kolkata, May 13 (IANS) AJUP chief Humayun Kabir on Wednesday praised newly sworn-in West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, expressing confidence that he would govern in the interest of the people.

Speaking about the formation of the BJP-led government in Bengal, Kabir said, “I am very happy, as the Assembly election results came. My only aim was to topple Mamata Banerjee’s corrupt government. The people of Bengal have fulfilled that aim, and I extend my best wishes to the people for taking this decision.”

Targeting the previous government led by Mamata Banerjee, the AJUP leader said the people of the State had “voted decisively for political change”.

On Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Kabir said, “Given his experience, he was LoP earlier, and I think he will run a good government and work in the interest of the people.”

Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal earlier on Saturday, marking a major political shift in the State. The oath of office was administered by Governor R. N. Ravi.

Along with Adhikari, five other MLAs were also sworn in as ministers in the new Council of Ministers — Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu and Nisith Pramanik.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with senior NDA leaders, Union ministers and Chief Ministers from several States.

Adhikari, 57, contested and won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies in the recently concluded Assembly elections. His victory in Bhabanipur drew particular attention as he defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of 15,115 votes.

The BJP’s victory in West Bengal is being viewed as a landmark political development, ending years of Trinamool Congress rule in the State. Supporters of the new government say the mandate reflects public demand for administrative change and stronger governance.

–IANS

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