'Bhoi out, bharosa in' | Will fulfil every promise made in BJP manifesto: Suvendu Adhikari

Declaring that an "era of fear" in West Bengal has ended, chief minister-designate Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said the first BJP government in the state would work on the principle of collective leadership, fulfil every promise made in the party's poll manifesto.

After being unanimously elected leader of the BJP legislature party in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Adhikari while addressing BJP legislators and leaders, struck a conciliatory yet assertive tone as he outlined the priorities of the incoming government.

Amid loud cheers from party MLAs and supporters, Adhikari said, "Bhoi is out and, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has said, bharosa is in."

The BJP leader said, "Not 'I', but 'we' -- the BJP government will function on the principle of collective leadership. The people of Bengal have given us a historic mandate. We will fulfil all the promises made in the BJP's poll manifesto in Bengal."

He also stressed the need for cooperation between the Centre and the incoming BJP government in the state.

Adhikari said, "Let the Centre and the state work together to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bengal."

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poll guarantees, Adhikari asserted that every assurance given to the people would be implemented in a phased manner.

The CM-elect also announced probes into allegations of corruption and crimes against women during the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime.

He said, "A commission headed by a retired judge will investigate all corruption cases. Commissions will also probe into incidents of atrocities against women and the guilty will be punished."

During his speech, Adhikari asked all BJP legislators to rise and applaud Prime Minister Modi for one minute in recognition of his leadership and role in the party's victory.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah formally announced Adhikari's election after a meeting of the newly elected BJP MLAs and senior party leaders.

Adhikari is set to be sworn in as the ninth chief minister of West Bengal at a grand ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground on Saturday morning in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, Shah and several senior BJP leaders.

(With PTI inputs)