NTT Desk
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari used his Independence Day address at Kolkata’s Red Road to call for a renewed development push across the state, saying West Bengal must regain its position among India’s leading states.
Addressing the 80th Independence Day celebrations, Suvendu said the vision of a developed India by 2047 could not be achieved without building a developed West Bengal. “The dream of a developed India in 2047 will only be possible when we build a developed West Bengal,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government’s priorities would include creating employment opportunities, empowering women, ensuring public safety and strengthening law and order. He also stressed the need to take development to every part of the state.
CM Adhikari highlighted Bengal’s contribution to India’s freedom movement, referring to personalities including Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Sri Aurobindo, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Khudiram Bose.
“Bengal is the land of nationalism. This is the land of Sri Aurobindo, Netaji and Khudiram. Women like Matangini Hazra and Bina Das also fought in Bengal’s freedom struggle,” he said.
Appealing to political opponents and citizens alike, Suvendu called for political differences to be set aside in the larger interest of the state.
“We must rise above political narrow-mindedness and join hands to take West Bengal forward on the path of development,” he said.
He also referred to the pledge taken at Brigade Parade Ground on May 9, 2026, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he would ensure that the commitment was upheld.
The Independence Day programme began with the Chief Minister paying tribute to Netaji and hoisting the national flag.
Fourteen IPS officers were presented with the Chief Minister’s Medal for outstanding service. The ceremonial parade was followed by 12 tableaux showcasing various government initiatives and institutions, including Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Kanyaratna, Annamrit, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Durgashakti Bahini, Annapurna Yojana, Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
Women officers were given a prominent role in this year’s parade. Joint Commissioner (Intelligence) Debasmita Das became the first woman police officer to command the Red Road parade, while DC First Battalion Pratiksha Jharkharia served as the second-in-command.
A new Jiban Raksha Medal was also introduced during the celebrations.
The award will recognise a Kolkata Police team involved in rescue operations following the collapse of a warehouse roof in Taratala.
