Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu and Nisith Pramanik were sworn in as ministers on Saturday as the Bharatiya Janata Party formally began its first government in West Bengal under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground in the presence of top BJP leadership, Union ministers and NDA chief ministers.
BJP Forms First Government in Bengal
The swearing-in ceremony marked a major political shift in West Bengal, where the BJP formed its first government since Independence after ending decades of regional and Left political dominance.
Earlier in the event, Suvendu Adhikari took oath as Chief Minister, officially beginning a new political chapter in the state following the BJP’s landslide victory in the Assembly elections.
The newly inducted ministers are expected to handle key departments in the new administration.
Dilip Ghosh Rewarded for Expanding BJP’s Base
Among the most prominent faces in the new cabinet is former Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh, widely credited with strengthening the party’s organisational network across the state during its growth phase.
Under his leadership, the BJP dramatically expanded its political footprint in Bengal after years of limited presence.
Ghosh also played a major role in the party’s breakthrough performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP secured 18 parliamentary seats in the state — its strongest showing at the time.
Before entering frontline politics, he also held responsibilities within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and worked closely with senior RSS leadership.
Agnimitra Paul Emerges as Key Female Face in Cabinet
Agnimitra Paul became the only woman inducted into the cabinet during the first round of ministerial appointments.
The BJP leader from Asansol Dakshin has emerged as one of the party’s most recognisable faces in Bengal politics over the past few years.
She retained her seat in the latest Assembly elections with a massive winning margin, further strengthening her position within the state unit.
Known for her aggressive campaign style and strong outreach among women voters, Paul has increasingly become one of the BJP’s prominent female leaders in Bengal.
New Cabinet Reflects BJP’s Bengal Expansion
The inclusion of senior organisational figures alongside regional leaders is being viewed as part of the BJP’s effort to balance governance experience with political representation across different regions of the state.
Party insiders indicated that more portfolio announcements are expected in the coming days as the new government begins administrative operations.
BJP Begins Governance Transition in Bengal
With the cabinet now taking shape, the BJP faces the challenge of transitioning from opposition politics to governance in a politically sensitive state.
The new administration is expected to focus on law and order, administrative restructuring and implementation of key promises made during the election campaign.
