“This is Bengal’s govt, not just BJP’s”: Samik Bhattacharya after meeting CM Suvendu

Samik Bhattacharya on Monday clarified the BJP’s position on the functioning of the new administration in West Bengal, stating that the government and the party organization would operate separately while maintaining coordination on election commitments. Speaking after meeting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP state president said the administration would function as the “Government of West Bengal” and remain accountable to the people of the entire state rather than any single political party.

Bhattacharya said the party organization would coordinate with the government regarding the implementation of promises made in the election manifesto, but there would be no political interference in administrative functioning. He stated that the government would carry out its responsibilities independently, while the party would continue its organizational activities separately.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Bhattacharya’s residence in Chinar Park, where the two leaders held an informal discussion over tea. Although the meeting was described as a courtesy visit, it drew political attention amid the ongoing formation of coordination mechanisms between the government and the BJP organization following the change of power in the state.

After the meeting at Chinar Park, the Chief Minister travelled to the BJP state headquarters in Salt Lake. Party workers welcomed him with conch shell sounds, ululation and flower showers. During the programme, party leaders presented him with an idol of Goddess Durga as a symbolic gesture for the welfare and prosperity of the state.

A high-level meeting lasting around 20 minutes was later held at the party headquarters to discuss coordination between the government and the organization. Along with the Chief Minister and the BJP state president, organizational general secretary Amitabh Chakraborty and Satish Dhond attended the meeting. Discussions focused on ensuring the implementation of welfare schemes at the grassroots level. Following the meeting, Suvendu Adhikari left for the state secretariat, Nabanna.