Kolkata, 08 May (H.S.) : West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Friday said all preparations for the formation of the new government in the state had been completed, describing the occasion as a “festival” for the people of West Bengal.

Speaking ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Saturday, Bhattacharya said the new government would take oath at 10 am in the presence of top BJP leaders and several chief ministers from NDA-ruled states.

“The preparations for forming the government have already been completed. The Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Home Minister and several Chief Ministers will attend the swearing-in ceremony. The entire BJP leadership will be present, and the government will be formed,” he said.

Bhattacharya described the formation of the BJP government in West Bengal as a historic moment on the land of Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

“Tomorrow is a festival in West Bengal. The government is being formed on the land of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who sacrificed his life for the unity and integrity of the country,” he said.

The BJP leader also claimed that the incoming government symbolised the sacrifices of party workers in the state over the last 15 years.

“This government belongs to the 312 BJP workers who sacrificed their lives over the last 15 years,” Bhattacharya added.

Reacting to Governor RN Ravi dissolving the state Assembly, Bhattacharya termed it a constitutional process and said the BJP had no role in the matter.

“That is a constitutional provision. It is a matter between Mamata Banerjee and the Governor. We have no role or interference in it,” he said.

Bhattacharya also commented on the murder of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, saying police were closely monitoring the investigation.

Rath was shot dead late Wednesday night while returning home from a party programme in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district. According to reports, he sustained multiple bullet injuries to his head, chest and abdomen and was declared dead after being taken to Viva City Hospital.

Earlier, Suvendu Adhikari described the killing of his close aide as “heart-wrenching” and alleged that it was a “pre-planned murder” carried out after days of surveillance.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh