Kolkata: First-time MLA Swapan Dasgupta, long considered the intellectual voice championing the BJP's vision for his native Bengal, was among the 35 new ministers sworn in on Monday. This expansion increased the strength of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's government to 41.
Key Highlights of the Cabinet Expansion
Nine MLAs from north Bengal and six women took the oath of office, raising the number of representatives from the northern districts in the state's first BJP ministry to 10, and the number of women ministers to seven.
Ministerial Ranks
Among the newly sworn-in ministers, 13 legislators received cabinet rank, three were made ministers of state with independent charge, and 19 were appointed as ministers of state.
Tapas Roy, one of the new cabinet ministers alongside Dasgupta, stated, "Portfolios will be distributed on Wednesday at a cabinet meeting to be chaired by the chief minister." Dasgupta was elected from south Kolkata's Rashbehari constituency.
Community Representation
Chief Minister Adhikari's first cabinet expansion ensured representation for almost all communities with elected MLAs, including Matuas, Rajbanshis, and Kurmis. The BJP did not field any Muslim candidates in the election. The number of ministers representing backward classes now stands at 15, comprising 37% of the ministry's strength.
Women Ministers
Among the seven women ministers, Moumita Biswas Misra and Kalita Maji are first-time MLAs from East Burdwan.
