The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal has begun shaping its administrative structure, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari allocating portfolios to the first batch of ministers sworn in alongside him last week. While several senior leaders were handed important departments, Adhikari retained some of the most powerful ministries, including home and finance, signalling that the new chief minister intends to keep a tight grip over the government’s core decision-making machinery during the early phase of the administration.
A notification issued by the state government on Monday confirmed that former Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh has been given charge of the panchayats and rural development department along with animal resources and agricultural marketing. The portfolios are seen as politically significant given the BJP’s push to strengthen its grassroots network across rural Bengal after its historic victory in the Assembly elections.
Senior BJP leader Agnimitra Paul, who was widely considered one of the frontrunners for the chief minister’s post before the final decision, has been entrusted with women and child development, social welfare and municipal affairs. The combination of departments gives her a major role in welfare delivery and urban governance at a time when the BJP is attempting to consolidate support across different voter groups.
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Key ministries remain with chief minister
Apart from home and finance, the notification stated that all remaining unallocated departments will continue to remain under the direct supervision of the chief minister for now. Political observers see this as a strategic move aimed at ensuring administrative control while the government prep for a broader cabinet expansion.
The practice is not entirely new in West Bengal politics. Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee had also retained several important departments, including home and health, during her tenure.
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More ministers likely soon
Among other appointments, Ashok Kirtania was assigned the food and civil supplies and co-operation departments, while Kshudiram Tudu received tribal development, backward classes welfare, minority affairs and madrasha education.
Former Union minister Nisith Pramanik has been given charge of North Bengal development along with youth services and sports.
With the West Bengal Assembly having 294 seats, the state government can appoint up to 44 ministers under constitutional limits. Sources within the BJP indicated that another round of cabinet expansion is likely in the coming weeks as the party settles into power after ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule in the state.
