Suvendu Adhikari govt likely to expand cabinet on Monday, first cabinet meeting also expected

The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal is preparing for a major cabinet expansion and its first formal cabinet meeting, both of which are likely to take place on Monday, May 11. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who took oath at Brigade Parade Ground on Saturday, has already begun consultations regarding the next phase of cabinet formation and administrative functioning.

Senior BJP leaders Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Nisith Pramanik, Ashok Kirtania and Khudiram Tudu were sworn in as ministers during the first phase of the oath-taking ceremony. Political and administrative circles are now focused on the second phase of expansion, in which several additional leaders are expected to join the ministry. Sources indicated that Governor R. N. Ravi may administer the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at Lok Bhavan.

Immediately after the proposed swearing-in ceremony, the first meeting of the Council of Ministers under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister is expected to be held. The meeting is likely to focus on allocation of portfolios, administrative restructuring and the government’s policy priorities for its initial phase in office. Administrative activity has already intensified at Nabanna ahead of the expected transition into full-scale governance.

The government has also initiated preparations for the functioning of the Legislative Assembly. According to political sources, the process related to the appointment and swearing-in of the Protem Speaker may be completed on Tuesday at Raj Bhavan. The oath-taking ceremony for newly elected MLAs is expected to take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Veteran BJP leader Tapas Roy is reportedly being considered for the post of Speaker of the Assembly.

In the recently concluded Assembly elections, the BJP secured 207 seats and formed the government in West Bengal for the first time, while the Trinamool Congress won 80 seats. The upcoming cabinet expansion and first cabinet meeting are expected to formally establish the structure and functioning of the new administration.