Guwahati

Outgoing Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday congratulated Suvendu Adhikari on taking oath as the first chief minister of Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal and expressed hope that the new government would help restore the spirit of “Shonar Bangla.”

After attending the swearing-in ceremony in Kolkata, Sarma said the political development marked a historic moment for eastern India.

In a message posted on social media, he extended his best wishes to Adhikari and described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in Bengal’s political journey.

Sarma also congratulated newly inducted ministers, including Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu and Nisith Pramanik, saying they had become part of a significant political milestone.

Referring to the historical eastern region comprising Anga, Banga, Kalinga and Pragjyotish—associated with present-day Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam—Sarma said these regions are now governed by administrations committed to preserving Sanatani traditions and cultural values.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new Bengal government would work from day one to strengthen border security, protect the state’s cultural identity and attract development and investment.

Sarma also paid tribute to BJP workers in Bengal, saying the formation of the government was recognition of their years of dedication and sacrifice.

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The Assam leader, who campaigned extensively for the BJP during the West Bengal assembly elections, said the political shift in the region represented not just an electoral victory but the beginning of a broader civilisational and developmental chapter for eastern India.