Nearly a month after assuming office, the Subhendu Adhikari-led BJP government in West Bengal is set to undertake its first major Cabinet expansion, with the swearing-in ceremony likely to take place as early as Monday, June 1, according to party and government sources.
A senior source told The Sunday Guardian that arrangements for the expansion have almost been completed and the oath-taking ceremony is expected to take place on Monday, pending final approval from the BJP’s central leadership.
Sources in the administration indicated that the expanded ministry could comprise between 28 and 33 members. The names of the new ministers are expected to be announced once the party high command gives its formal nod to the proposed list.
The Cabinet reshuffle is being seen as a key step towards ensuring wider regional and social representation within the government. According to party insiders, the BJP is keen to provide adequate representation to leaders from North Bengal and the south-western parts of the state, regions that have often complained of being overlooked by previous administrations.
With a significant number of BJP MLAs entering the Assembly for the first time, the party leadership is expected to strike a balance between experienced hands and emerging leaders. While administrative and political experience will remain important factors in the selection process, the BJP is also looking to create opportunities for first-time legislators to gain governance experience.
Party sources further revealed that the leadership is exploring the possibility of including at least one minister from every district of West Bengal. The move is aimed at ensuring equitable regional representation and addressing criticisms that earlier governments concentrated ministerial positions largely among leaders from Kolkata and neighbouring districts.
Several senior BJP leaders are said to be in contention for ministerial berths. Among those whose names are being discussed are Tapas Roy, Sankar Ghosh and Swapan Dasgupta. Former Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh and senior party leader Ritesh Tewari are also considered strong candidates for inclusion in the ministry.
Apart from seniority, the BJP is expected to place considerable emphasis on social inclusivity. Sources said the expanded Cabinet is likely to feature representatives from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other key social groups, while also ensuring greater participation of women.
Party leaders indicated that at least two women leaders may find a place in the expanded ministry. A woman actor-turned-politician is also being considered for induction. Actor-turned-politician Rudranil Ghosh is among the prominent names reportedly under consideration.
The expansion will remain within the constitutional limits prescribed for state governments. Under the 91st Constitutional Amendment, the size of a state’s Council of Ministers cannot exceed 15 per cent of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly. In West Bengal’s 294-member Assembly, this allows for a maximum of 44 ministers.
With five ministers already sworn into office, the government can induct up to 39 more members. The existing ministry includes Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik and Kshudiram Tudu, representing key constituencies such as women, the Matua community, Rajbangshis and tribal communities.
Party leaders said the forthcoming expansion is expected to strengthen the government’s social and regional outreach while enhancing the BJP’s administrative footprint across the state. The final composition of the ministry, however, will be known only after the party’s central leadership grants its approval.
