Kolkata: Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on the occasion of Independence Day on Saturday promised to restore the old glory of the state, saying that a Viksit Bengal will fulfill the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.Addressing his maiden Independence Day speech following the parade on Red Road, the CM urged political parties to set aside differences to advance the state’s growth. “A Viksit Bharat by 2047 can be realised through Viksit Paschim Banga,” he said.To mark the 150th year of Vande Mataram, the national song was played alongside the national anthem for the first time at the state’s official ceremony.Recalling Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Bharat Sevashram Sangh founder Swami Pranavananda for their role in keeping Bengal within India during Partition, Adhikari stated that his administration’s priority is to restore the state’s legacy. “By expanding employment, empowering women, strengthening security, and improving and enforcing law and order, we aim to drive development across the state,” the CM said.He cited the contributions of freedom fighters from Bengal, including Rishi Aurobindo, Subhas Chandra Bose, Khudiram Bose, Matangini Hazra, and Bina Das. “Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Rabindranath Tagore composed the national song Vande Mataram and the national anthem Jana Gana Mana, which inspired the nation,” the CM said.The CM inspected the guard of honor, hoisted the National Flag and presented commendation medals to 14 IPS officers.The parade, featuring the Kolkata Police, Armed forces, and paramilitary units, included a tableau commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of SP Mookerjee. Other tableaux highlighted state initiatives, including the Annamrit midday meal, Kanyaratna, Annapurna Yojana, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Durgashakti Vahini, Kolkata Police, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, tourism, and road safety.Adhikari also paid tribute at the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Police Memorial on Red Road. For the first time in the I-Day parade, both a commander and an assistant led it on Red Road. After the march-past, a total of 12 tableaux were showcased.Cultural performances featured student presentations from Basanti Devi College and Deshbandhu College for Girls, alongside traditional Coochbehar Bairati folk dance, Baul music, and Mahila Dhaki showcases. Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police performed a “Dare Devils” stunt display.Later, addressing an event at Aurobindo Bhavan, the CM stated that Sri Aurobindo’s nationalist ideas remain relevant. .“This marks the first visit by a chief minister to this centre in 50 years,” Adhikari noted..
