Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Adhikari sets 'Developed Bengal' goal in first Independence Day address
On a special day called Independence Day, the leader of a big state in India called West Bengal gave a speech.
His name is Suvendu Adhikari, and it was his very first speech as the state's chief minister.
He said he wants West Bengal to become a 'Developed Bengal', a place that is safe and great to live in.
He wants to create jobs, keep women safe, and make sure the police keep everyone secure.
He said his plan matches the dream of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make all of India developed by the year 2047.
The speech happened at a big parade ground called Red Road in the city of Kolkata.
For the first time, the song 'Vande Mataram' played at this parade.
The chief minister gave special medals to 14 police officers for doing a great job.
Many police officers, including central security forces, were there to keep everyone safe at the celebration.
There were colorful floats, motorcycle stunts, and cultural performances to enjoy on the special day.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, in his first Independence Day address, set a 'Developed Bengal' vision prioritizing job creation, women's safety, and firm law and order.
He linked Bengal's development to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Viksit Bharat' vision and set the goal of making the state the best in the country.
'Vande Mataram' resonated for the first time at the Red Road parade ground, where Adhikari hoisted the national flag and garlanded the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
He conferred the 'Chief Minister's Medal' on 14 distinguished IPS officers, and the parade was overseen for the first time by two commanders.
For the first time, central forces were deployed alongside state police, with nearly 3,000 additional police personnel securing Kolkata and Red Road divided into 13 zones.
A procession of 12 tableaux showcased government schemes including 'Annamrit', 'Kanyaratna', 'Annapurna Yojana', 'Ayushman Arogya Mandir', and 'Durgashakti Bahini'.
- Who
- Suvendu Adhikari, the West Bengal Chief Minister, who delivered his first Independence Day address.
- What
- He laid out a 'Developed Bengal' vision, hoisted the national flag at Red Road, conferred medals on 14 IPS officers, and oversaw the Independence Day parade.
- When
- On Independence Day (a Saturday), the annual national celebration.
- Where
- The parade ground on Kolkata's Red Road, West Bengal, India.
- Why
- To set the goal of making West Bengal the best state in the country and align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Viksit Bharat' vision.
- Chief Minister
- Suvendu Adhikari
- Event
- First Independence Day address
- Location
- Red Road, Kolkata
- Vision
- 'Developed Bengal'
- Key priorities
- Job creation, women's safety, firm law and order
- National vision link
- 'Viksit Bharat' - Developed India by 2047
- Medals conferred
- 'Chief Minister's Medal' to 14 IPS officers
- Security deployment
- Central forces for first time; nearly 3,000 additional police personnel in Kolkata; Red Road in 13 zones and 80 sub-sectors