Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expanded his cabinet on Monday, June 1, 2024, by swearing in 35 new ministers [1].
The expansion marks a significant administrative step for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after forming its first-ever government in West Bengal [5]. By filling these roles, the administration seeks to strengthen its governance capacity across the state [5].
Governor R. N. Ravi administered the oath of office to the new appointees during a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan, also known as Nabanna, in Kolkata [4, 5]. The induction of these officials brings the total strength of the Council of Ministers to 41 members [2].
Among those sworn into the government were BJP members Shankar Ghosh and Swapan Dasgupta [1]. The move to broaden the cabinet follows the party's transition into power in the region, a shift that alters the long-standing political landscape of the state.
The ceremony at Lok Bhavan served as the formal installation of the expanded leadership team [4]. This reorganization is intended to streamline the execution of policy and administrative duties under Adhikari's leadership [5].
“35 new ministers were sworn in”
The expansion of the cabinet to 41 members indicates a strategy by the BJP to consolidate power and ensure broad representation within its first administration in West Bengal. By appointing a large number of ministers simultaneously, the government is attempting to rapidly establish its operational footprint and administrative control over the state's bureaucracy.
