Tarakeswar India’s one of holiest places, has great historical significance: Suvendu
The Statesman | 2 June 2026
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Tarakeswar today but the VIP culture usually associated with a Chief Minister’s visit was absent. Shops in and around the temple premises remained open, no restrictions were imposed on the movement of devotees, and worshippers were allowed to offer prayers at the Shiva temple without interruption.
During his visit, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the temple. He was subsequently presented with a guard of honour before attending a closed-door administrative meeting.
The meeting was attended by 14 BJP MLAs, ministers of state Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Sumana Sarkar, the District Magistrate, the Commissioner of Chandannagar Police Commissionerate and the Superintendent of Police, Hooghly Rural.
Speaking to the Media, Mr Adhikari said: “Tarakeswar is one of the holiest places in India. It is also of great importance to the people of India, West Bengal and the BJP. From 4 to 6 April, 1946, the founder of our party, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, passed a resolution in Tarakeswar declaring that Bengal would remain a part of India and would not become part of Pakistan. On 20 June, 1947, we achieved statehood. Therefore, Tarakeswar is also a place of immense historical significance.”
He added that the administrative meeting focused on the overall development of Tarakeswar and other development-related issues concerning the district.
Referring to the Tarakeswar Development Trust Board, the Chief Minister said that it was currently in a defunct state. Following discussions with state minister Agnimitra Paul and the Chief Secretary, it was decided to appoint Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Anuj Pratap as Administrator, particularly in view of the forthcoming Sravani Mela.
Mr Adhikari also announced that the existing white-and-blue colour scheme would be replaced with saffron.
Commenting on the BJP’s electoral success in West Bengal, he said that the victory reflected a “people’s awakening” aimed at protecting Sanatan Dharma from the influence of infiltrators.
According to sources, the Chief Minister stressed the need to accelerate development work at the temple and in the surrounding areas, with particular emphasis on improving basic civic amenities for devotees.
Discussions were also held regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit on 20 June. Matters under consideration included the selection of a suitable venue for the Prime Minister’s public meeting and the necessary security arrangements.
The development of an industrial hub in Singur was another important issue discussed during the administrative meeting. Measures to address the recurring flood situation in Khanakul, Goghat and Pursurah also featured prominently on the agenda.