Near Contai old home Shantikunj, Suvendu repeats ‘CM-for-all’ mantra

Contai: "A CM has to weigh his words. So talk less, work more. I am a CM for all," chief minister Suvendu Adhikari told a group of supporters at the Nandakumar crossing after midnight, while returning to Shantikunj for the first time after being appointed the first CM of the BJP govt in Bengal. While stepping out of his home later, navigating thousands of supporters, he said, "This is independence. Bhoy out, bhorsa in. (Fear is out, trust is in.)"Around 11.15 PM on Saturday, a high-security convoy carrying the state's 9th CM entered Kolaghat in East Midnapore. His destination was his family residence, ‘Shantikunj' in Contai. Despite the late hour, crowds gathered along the roads to welcome Adhikari in his new role. Following his swearing-in ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground on Saturday, this marked his reception as he began the 95-km journey home.The convoy navigated through Contai Central Bus Stand and College Junction, reaching Shantikunj around 2 am. A white SUV led the fleet, with CM Adhikari seated in the front passenger seat.The CM stopped at Nandakumar to address those waiting for him. "I cannot say many things now. I promise you we will fight. The dream in your eyes, we will make that happen," he said. Amid ‘Jai Shri Ram' chants, he added, "The PM said sabka sath, sabka vikas. At Brigade he also said the same thing." As the crowd chanted "hisab liya jaega (everything will be accounted for)", the CM replied, "I am not saying that."The silence of the night was broken as the convoy entered the Karkuli area of ward 15. Upon alighting from the vehicle, Adhikari waved to supporters. Inside the house, his father, aunt, and other family members performed rituals with a ‘Baron-dala' to welcome him.Outside, the crowd remained thick. Adhikari stepped out again, touched a ceremonial lamp to his forehead in a gesture of respect towards the crowd, and urged everyone to return home safely before retiring. While the crowd thinned overnight, people began gathering again at dawn. For security reasons, police started erecting barricades on the road in front of the house. However, a message was sent from Shantikunj to remove the barricades to ensure that movement of residents and students was not hindered.The police then shifted the barricades to the roadside. While the Karkuli road is not a major artery, it is used by locals and students. Nearby establishments, including a parlour, a mobile shop, and a study centre, would have faced difficulties if the path remained blocked. The atmosphere around Shantikunj remained active throughout the day. After his arrival early on Sunday, he spent the afternoon at home before heading back to Kolkata.While the CM rested during the morning, his father Sisir Adhikari and brothers Dibyendu and Soumendu met well-wishers. Govt officials also arrived to offer congratulations. For lunch, his mother and aunt prepared a traditional spread with ‘Mochar Ghonto', ‘Shorshe Ilish', ‘Pona Kalia', boiled bitter gourd, and chicken curry, followed by sweet curd.