Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 23 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday pointed to past administrative bottlenecks and missed economic milestones while crediting the advent of collaborative governance for unlocking the state's true industrial potential.
Addressing the gathering in Kolkata, the Chief Minister welcomed the central leadership and lauded the rollout of multi-billion-rupee shipbuilding initiatives.
He said, "I received your blessings, and that is why I also received the blessings of the people of West Bengal. When I met you in Delhi after becoming CM, you promised that you would soon visit West Bengal with investments."
Highlighting a historic shift in regional industrial growth during a major defense infrastructure event, Suvendu Adhikari welcomed central leadership and lauded the rollout of shipbuilding initiatives.
Emphasizing the significance of the newly launched projects and the expanding partnership with central public sector undertakings, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated, "Today, you have fulfilled that promise. An investment of ₹3,400 crore is being made by GRSE... We have established significant linkages with MSMEs here. On behalf of the state government, I welcome everyone. Today is a joyous occasion. The groundbreaking ceremonies for five projects have taken place, and work is about to begin."
Pointing to past administrative bottlenecks and missed economic milestones, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari credited the advent of a double-engine governance model for unlocking the state's true industrial potential.
"The previous government of West Bengal had no desire to work with the Centre. Consequently, the state suffered great losses. We possess immense potential, and now we have a 'double-engine' government. The Prime Minister has noted that West Bengal has always been prosperous. However, 34 years of Communist rule and 15 years of the TMC government pushed West Bengal backward due to a policy of constant opposition," he said.
He further elaborated on the prompt execution of strategic land allocations that had languished for years under previous leadership.
"Our government has been in office for 106 days. Until now, there was no fencing along the border. It is our duty to provide the land for this, yet the previous government failed to do so. While serving as Home Minister in 2016, Rajnath Singh wrote to the local government, but the land was not made available. Since our government took office, we have already handed over 90 percent of the required land to the BSF," West Bengal CM said.
Expressing optimism over the state's economic trajectory, Suvendu Adhikari appealed for continued collaborative support from the Union Defence Minister to drive future growth.
"I have appealed to Rajnath Singh ji just as you assisted Uttar Pradesh; please extend your full support to West Bengal; it belongs to you too. Bengal has been the cultural capital of our country. Now, we will work together. Bengal should become a prime destination for investment," he said.
Suvendu Adhikari further stated, "This is the first time a Chief Minister of West Bengal has attended a program organized by the Central Government... previously, invitations were extended, but the former Chief Minister would not attend."
Chief Minister praised the nation's rising self-reliance in military hardware production and highlighted the vital role played by indigenous defense establishments in safeguarding national interests.
"The nation is witnessing how it is emerging as a leader in the defense sector; we saw this during 'Operation Sindoor' as well. Guided by the mantra of "Charaiveti-Charaiveti" (keep moving forward), our defense sector will lead the nation," Suvendu Adhikari said. (ANI)
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari welcomes major capital infusion; seeks sustained partnership to unlock state's true industrial potential
