West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) swore in 35 new ministers on Monday, June 1, 2024, at Lok Bhawan in Kolkata [1], [2].
This expansion completes the formation of the state government following the BJP's victory in the 2024 assembly elections. The move allows the administration to fully distribute portfolios and establish a complete governance structure to implement its legislative agenda.
The induction of these 35 members [1] brings the total strength of the Council of Ministers to 41 [1]. This figure remains within the constitutional limits for the state. For an assembly consisting of 294 members, the maximum allowable number of ministers is 44 [3].
The ceremony took place at Lok Bhawan, the administrative headquarters in Kolkata [1], [2]. The expansion is the final step in organizing the executive branch after the recent electoral shift in the region [4].
By filling these positions, the BJP-led government now operates with a cabinet that is only three members short of the legal ceiling [1], [3]. The administration sought to finalize these appointments to ensure all government departments have designated leadership as the new term progresses [4].
“West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari swore in 35 new ministers”
The expansion of the cabinet to 41 members signals that the BJP-led government is moving from a transition phase into full operational capacity. By utilizing nearly the entire constitutional quota of 44 ministers, the administration is likely prioritizing broad political representation and departmental oversight to consolidate its power following the 2024 assembly election victory.
