Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal at a ceremony held at Brigade Parade Ground on Saturday, marking the first time the Bharatiya Janata Party has formed a government in the state.
The development is also historically significant as it is the first time in 55 years that a Chief Minister from outside Kolkata will head West Bengal.
Adhikari hails from Purba Medinipur district, the same region associated with the Nandigram agitation that played a major role in the political rise of Mamata Banerjee in 2011.
The last Chief Minister from outside Kolkata was Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee, whose tenure ended in June 1971.
Among the prominent inductees was Dilip Ghosh, credited with strengthening the BJP’s organisational network in the state and leading the party to major electoral gains, including its 18-seat victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The cabinet also included Agnimitra Paul, a fashion designer and BJP Mahila Morcha leader, seen as a symbolic recognition of women voters who backed the party in large numbers.
The BJP also inducted Nisith Pramanik and Ashok Kirtania, representing the Rajbanshi and Matua communities, respectively, both considered influential Scheduled Caste voting blocs in the state.
Kshudiram Tudu represented tribal regions after winning from Ranibandh in Bankura district and took the oath in his native language.
Under constitutional provisions, the Chief Minister can still induct 39 more ministers into the cabinet.
Also Read: PM Modi Hugs Suvendu Adhikari After Historic Bengal Oath Ceremony
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