Governor R N Ravi swore in 35 BJP MLAs as ministers in the West Bengal government on Monday [1].
This expansion represents a critical step for the BJP as it seeks to stabilize and strengthen its administration after forming its first-ever government in West Bengal [1]. By filling key portfolios, the Suvendu Adhikari-led government aims to consolidate its authority and implement its policy agenda across the state.
The ceremony took place in Kolkata, with reports placing the venue at either Lok Bhavan or Nabanna [1]. The expansion includes eight Cabinet Ministers, three Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 19 other Ministers [1].
Among those sworn in were Swapan Dasgupta, Tapas Roy, Shankar Ghosh, and Arjun Singh [1]. The addition of these officials brings the total number of members in the Council of Ministers to between 40 and 41 [3].
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) oversaw the process to ensure the administration is fully staffed. The move follows the party's historic transition into power in the region, marking a shift in the state's political landscape [2].
The appointment of these 35 officials [1] is intended to streamline governance and ensure a broader representation of the party's legislative wing within the executive branch. The administration now possesses a full suite of ministers to manage the state's diverse portfolios.
“35 BJP MLAs were sworn in as ministers”
The scale of this cabinet expansion suggests that the BJP is prioritizing political inclusivity and administrative reach within its first West Bengal government. By appointing a large number of MLAs to ministerial roles, the party is likely attempting to balance internal factions and reward loyalty while ensuring that the executive branch has the manpower to challenge the previous administration's long-standing influence.
