Search the Internet           Tips

Bhattacharya sworn-in
as Bengal seventh CM

Buddhadeb Bhattacharya was sworn in as West Bengal's seventh chief minister at a special ceremony at Raj Bhavan's Banquet Hall on Monday.

Of 43 ministers, excluding Bhattacharya, who took oath of office, 29 were of cabinet rank and 14 of state rank.

Soon after the five-minute ceremony, the newly appointed CM told mediapersons that his new assignment was a 'big challenge'. He, however, expressed optimism about meeting the aspirations of the common people.

"I know the chief minister's job has come as a big challenge. After Jyotibabu's retirement, people are now having high expectations from me. I am optimistic that with other cabinet colleagues and co-operation from Left Front partners, I will fulfil the aspirations of the common people," Bhattacharya said.

Among those who attended the function were Indian cricket captain Saurav Ganguly, film personality Mrinal Sen and Communist Party of India-Marxist parliamentary leader Somnath Chatterjee.

Chatterjee told reporters that Basu's retirement had brought an end to a 'glorious' era of Indian politics. He added that the only consolation for him and other Left Front leaders was Basu's presence.

"We are satisfied that he (Basu) is around and will continue to guide us," Chatterjee remarked.

Thousands of school children lined up, from Basu's Salt Lake residence to Raj Bhavan, with flowers, to welcome the outgoing CM. They were led by Sports and Transport Minister Subhas Chakraborty.

After taking oath of office, Chakraborty described Basu's formal departure from Writers' Building as his 'personal loss'. He told mediapersons, "I am at a loss today. This is the most emotional moment of my political career."

No Opposition leader was present at the ceremony.

The Trinamul Congress, which announced it would boycott the swearing-in, staged a protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue in central Calcutta. The Bharatiya Janata Party also turned down the state government's invitation to attend the ceremony.

BJP state unit vice-president Muzaffar Khan told rediff.com that though his president Asim Ghosh was invited, the party chose to boycott the event. He, however, did not mention the reason.

The Congress too did not send any representative to Raj Bhavan. Sources said that Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Saugata Roy had received an invitation.

There has not been any reshuffle in portfolios.

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report