Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s abrupt schedule to visit New Delhi on Tuesday afternoon has intensified speculation over the allocation of portfolios in the newly expanded state Cabinet, just a day after 35 legislators were sworn in as ministers at Lok Bhawan.
The list of ministerial portfolios, which was expected to be released on Monday afternoon following the swearing-in ceremony, has been temporarily put on hold. Political observers believe that the Chief Minister’s sudden trip to the national capital is aimed at finalising the blueprint for distributing key ministries among the new inductees.
Sources within Nabanna, the state secretariat, and the BJP indicate that Adhikari is likely to hold a series of high-level meetings with senior central leaders during his visit. He is scheduled to meet BJP National President Nitin Nabin and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with discussions expected to play a decisive role in finalising the portfolio allocation.
Apart from these engagements, the Chief Minister is also slated to attend a crucial meeting in Delhi, though details regarding its agenda have not yet been officially disclosed.
Before departing for the capital, Adhikari maintained a packed schedule throughout Tuesday. He began his day at the BJP office in Salt Lake, where he participated in a ‘Janata Durbar’ session, interacting with citizens and addressing their grievances.
Following this, the Chief Minister proceeded to Tarakeshwar, where he is set to offer prayers at the Baba Taraknath temple and hold an urgent meeting with local administrative officials.
The Tarakeshwar visit is particularly significant in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to West Bengal on June 20. The Prime Minister is expected to address a public rally in the town, and Adhikari is likely to review preparations and security arrangements for the event. He may also personally inspect the rally venue.
After completing his engagements in Tarakeshwar, the Chief Minister is scheduled to head directly to Kolkata Airport and depart for Delhi later in the day.
The Cabinet expansion marks a key phase in the formation of the new government in West Bengal following the Assembly elections. Since May 4, when power shifted in the state, the BJP has been gradually shaping its administration after securing a decisive mandate, winning 208 out of 294 seats.
In the first phase of the swearing-in ceremony held on May 9 at the Brigade Parade Ground, Adhikari took oath as Chief Minister alongside five ministers — Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Khudiram Tudu, and Nisith Pramanik — in the presence of the Prime Minister.
Also read: TMC expels two MLAs after 61 legislators skip party meeting
Follow us
