States » EastPosted at: Sep 16 2026 7:35PM


Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praises Suvendu Adhikari’s four-month governance in Bengal

Kolkata, Sep 16 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday praised West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s performance during his first four months in office, saying the work of the BJP-led government in the state was being discussed in other parts of the country.
Singh was in Kolkata in connection with the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan", a nationwide outreach programme being organised to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years in public life. Addressing journalists, the Defence Minister said Bengal had begun a new phase of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
“The work being done by Suvendu Adhikari in these few days is being discussed in other states as well,” Singh said, referring to the measures taken by the state government since assuming office after the 2026 Assembly elections.
Singh said he believed Bengal would contribute to the objective of building a Viksit Bharat under Adhikari’s leadership. He also expressed the hope that West Bengal would emerge as a leading global shipbuilding hub.
The Centre has already announced major investments in Bengal’s defence manufacturing and shipbuilding sector. In August, Singh and Adhikari virtually participated in the foundation-laying ceremony for five expansion projects of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Yantra India Limited, involving an investment of around Rs 3,500 crore.
Singh also referred to the singing of all the stanzas of Vande Mataram at the Red Fort during this year’s Independence Day celebrations, describing it as a matter of pride for Bengal.
He described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years in public life in a single word “Seva” and said the Prime Minister had pursued the path of development while facing opposition. Singh said he expected Adhikari to follow the same path in Bengal.
The BJP formed its first government in West Bengal following the 2026 Assembly elections, and the Adhikari government has completed around four months in office. The government has since announced several administrative and welfare measures, with its functioning becoming a subject of political discussion in the state.
Singh also announced that the BJP, along with its NDA allies, would undertake the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan from September 17 to October 17 across the country. The campaign will include 12 programmes focusing on service, social welfare and public participation.
In West Bengal, however, the state government has scheduled its programme from September 17 to October 10, ahead of the Durga Puja period. The state campaign is aimed at improving awareness and delivery of government schemes and services and encouraging greater citizen participation.
The Defence Minister’s visit comes amid intensified organisational activity by the BJP in Bengal, with the party seeking to consolidate its administration and expand its outreach ahead of the next phase of political activity in the state. UNI RC NST CDS
Tags: #Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praises Suvendu Adhikari’s four-month governance in Bengal
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