Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari visits Howrah family, advises boy to study over mobile
Synopsis
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari rode a motorcycle through narrow Howrah lanes to meet a family bereaved in the Chorbagan incident, promising jobs and financial aid — then paused to take a selfie with a local boy while advising him to put down his phone and focus on studies.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari visited Kamini School Lane, Salkia, North Howrah at around 8 pm on Saturday .
He met the family of Bikash Bhattacharya , who died in the Chorbagan incident , and promised financial assistance and a job for one family member .
Adhikari travelled to the narrow lane via GT Road on a motorcycle , accompanied by State Minister Umesh Roy .
Local boy Rajdeep Pal approached the CM for a selfie; Adhikari obliged while advising the child to focus on studies over mobile phone use .
The interaction drew a positive response from bystanders and highlighted the ongoing debate on children's screen time in India.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday evening visited the residence of a family bereaved in the Chorbagan incident in Salkia, North Howrah, promising financial aid and a job to one family member — before a brief, widely noticed exchange with a local boy underscored the growing debate around children and mobile phone use.
The Visit to the Bereaved Family
The Chief Minister arrived at Kamini School Lane in Salkia at around 8 pm to meet the family of Bikash Bhattacharya, who lost his life in the Chorbagan incident. Adhikari offered his condolences to the grieving family members and assured them of financial assistance, along with a promise to secure employment for one member of the household. According to reports, the assurance brought visible relief to the family.
The Unusual Journey Through Narrow Lanes
Notably, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari travelled to the residence along GT Road on a motorcycle, as the narrow lane leading from the main road to the house was not wide enough for a vehicle convoy. State Minister Umesh Roy accompanied him on the motorcycle, helping him navigate to the destination — an image that drew attention from locals present at the scene.
The Selfie and the Advice
As the Chief Minister was leaving and about to mount his motorcycle, a young boy from the locality, Rajdeep Pal, approached him with a request for a selfie. Adhikari agreed, fulfilling the child's wish. However, he also took the moment to counsel Rajdeep, advising him to concentrate on his studies rather than spending time on a mobile phone.
The exchange drew a positive reaction from bystanders. With screen time among school-age children becoming an increasingly discussed concern across India, the Chief Minister's impromptu advice resonated with those present, even as the gesture of granting the child's request was equally noted.
Wider Context
This comes amid a broader national conversation about the impact of smartphone usage on children's academic performance and mental health. Several state governments have taken steps — ranging from school-level phone bans to parental awareness drives — to address the issue. Adhikari's off-the-cuff remark, while informal, adds a political voice to that ongoing debate. The visit itself highlights the Chief Minister's outreach to families affected by local incidents of violence or tragedy, a pattern seen in similar visits by political leaders across Indian states.
Point of View
And one that deserves tracking.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari visit Salkia in Howrah?
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Kamini School Lane in Salkia, North Howrah, to meet the family of Bikash Bhattacharya, who died in the Chorbagan incident. He offered condolences, promised financial assistance, and assured the family of employment for one member.
What advice did Suvendu Adhikari give to the local boy?
After agreeing to take a selfie with local boy Rajdeep Pal, Adhikari advised him to concentrate on his studies instead of spending time on a mobile phone. The exchange drew a positive reaction from bystanders present at the scene.
Why did the Chief Minister travel by motorcycle?
The lane leading from the main road to the Bhattacharya residence was too narrow for a standard vehicle, so Adhikari rode a motorcycle along GT Road to reach the house. State Minister Umesh Roy accompanied him on the same trip.
What assistance did the CM promise to the Chorbagan incident family?
Adhikari promised the family of Bikash Bhattacharya both financial assistance and a job for one member of the household. According to reports, the assurance brought relief to the grieving family.
Why is children's mobile phone use a significant issue in this context?
Screen time and smartphone usage among school-age children has become a growing concern across India, with several states exploring phone bans in schools and parental awareness programmes. The Chief Minister's informal advice to Rajdeep Pal added a political voice to the ongoing debate.
