BJP’s First Cabinet in West Bengal: From Dilip Ghosh to Agnimitra Paul
Kolkata, May 9, 2026: In a historic political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formed its first government in West Bengal after securing a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections. This ends the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in the state. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as Chief Minister at a grand ceremony held at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior BJP and NDA leaders.
The initial cabinet is compact, comprising Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and five ministers, with provisions for expansion later. The ministers sworn in alongside Adhikari are Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Nisith Pramanik, Kshudiram Tudu, and Ashok Kirtania. Portfolios are yet to be formally allocated.
A Diverse Lineup Reflecting Party’s Reach
Dilip Ghosh, a veteran BJP leader and former state party president, brings extensive organizational experience. A former RSS pracharak, Ghosh played a pivotal role in expanding the BJP’s grassroots network in Bengal after 2014. He has served as a Lok Sabha MP from Medinipur and remains one of the party’s most recognizable faces in the state.
Agnimitra Paul, the only woman in the initial cabinet, is a 51-year-old fashion designer-turned-politician and BJP Bengal Vice-President. A two-time MLA from Asansol Dakshin, she joined the BJP in 2019 and has been active in the Mahila Morcha, focusing on women’s issues and empowerment. Known for promoting Bengal’s traditional crafts like Kantha embroidery, Paul adds urban and women’s representation to the team.
Nisith Pramanik, a young leader from North Bengal, represents the Rajbanshi community. A former TMC member who switched to BJP in 2019, he previously served as Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs & Sports. His strong organizational base in regions like Mathabhanga underscores the party’s focus on North Bengal and youth outreach.
Ashok Kirtania, MLA from Bangaon Uttar, comes with a business background and deep roots in local politics, particularly in the Matua-influenced areas of North 24 Parganas. His inclusion highlights efforts to connect with specific communities in the region.
Kshudiram Tudu, a prominent tribal leader and MLA from Ranibandh in Bankura (Jungle Mahal region), strengthens the cabinet’s outreach to tribal communities in western Bengal.
This small but balanced team combines veteran organizational strength, women’s representation, regional diversity (North Bengal and tribal areas), and community-specific appeal. The high voter turnout — around 92.5% — in the elections underscores the significance of this mandate.
The formation of BJP’s maiden government in West Bengal marks a new chapter in the state’s politics. More ministers are expected to be inducted in due course as the administration settles in.
About The Author
