Three weeks after Suvendu Adhikari took office as Chief Minister with five Cabinet colleagues, the BJP administration in West Bengal plans to enlarge its Council of Ministers on Monday. The government has not yet released names, but Adhikari may appoint up to 38 additional members. The 91st Constitutional Amendment limits the Council to 15 percent of the Assembly’s strength, or 44 ministers for West Bengal’s 294 MLAs. Government and party sources indicate roughly 20 new MLAs could join, leaving remaining posts unfilled. The five ministers already in place cover women, Matua, Rajbangshi and tribal communities. Party leaders said the next round will emphasize women, backward groups and North Bengal representation. Two MLAs from that region, Dipak Burman and Shankar Ghosh, are mentioned as possible additions. Further women members and an actress-turned-politician are also under consideration. Two former journalists, Swapan Dasgupta and Jagannath Chattopadhyay, may receive portfolios, with Dasgupta eyed for Higher Education. Party sources stressed that central leadership will finalize selections and portfolios, hinting at unexpected choices to be revealed Monday.
