Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a BJP legislative party meeting in Kolkata on Friday to select the next chief minister of West Bengal [1].

This meeting marks the final step in the BJP's transition to power following its electoral victory in the state. The selection of the chief minister and the composition of the cabinet will determine the party's governance strategy and internal power balance in the region.

Shah arrived in Kolkata on Friday [2] to act as the BJP Central Observer. The gathering took place at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre [1]. The meeting was scheduled for 4 p.m. [1], bringing together BJP MLAs to deliberate on the leadership of the new government.

Beyond the selection of the chief minister, the party is expected to establish a structured executive branch. Reports indicate the government will likely include two deputy chief ministers [1]. This arrangement often serves to balance regional interests, or internal party factions, within the state leadership.

Plans for the broader administration are also emerging. The BJP expects to form a cabinet consisting of 33 ministers [1]. This size suggests a comprehensive distribution of portfolios to manage the state's administration and implement the party's legislative agenda.

Shah's role as the Central Observer ensures that the selection process aligns with the national leadership's objectives. The outcome of the Friday meeting will formally establish the new administration's hierarchy and set the stage for the swearing-in ceremony.

“The meeting was scheduled for 4 p.m.”

The appointment of two deputy chief ministers and a relatively large 33-member cabinet suggests the BJP is prioritizing political inclusivity and administrative breadth to stabilize its rule in West Bengal. By utilizing a Central Observer like Amit Shah to mediate the selection, the party is ensuring that the new state government remains tightly aligned with the central leadership's national strategy.