West Bengal to Swear in 35 New Ministers Amid Cabinet Expansion

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has confirmed the appointment of 35 additional ministers who will be sworn into the cabinet on June 1, 2026. This expansion follows a significant electoral victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recent assembly elections.

In a social media post, Chief Minister Adhikari remarked, “Tomorrow, a full-fledged Council of Ministers of the elected nationalist government will be formed by the verdict of the people of West Bengal. For the purpose of expanding the Council of Ministers, 35 Ministers of the West Bengal government will take their oaths.” This statement highlights the BJP's commitment to forming a robust government following the assembly elections.

The newly formed cabinet will bring the total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, to 41. Previously, six BJP Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), including Adhikari, were appointed by Governor R. N. Ravi on May 9, 2026. With this latest expansion, the total number of ministers remains within the limits set by Article 164(1A) of the Indian Constitution, which stipulates that the total number of ministers in a state, including the Chief Minister, should not exceed 15% of the total number of assembly seats.

West Bengal's Legislative Assembly comprises 294 seats, allowing for a maximum of 44 members in the cabinet. The BJP currently holds 208 seats, indicating a significant mandate.

Speculation regarding the new ministers includes prominent BJP figures such as Tapas Roy, Sankar Ghosh, and Swapan Dasgupta. Other notable contenders for ministerial positions include former Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh and seasoned BJP leader Ritesh Tewari. Notably, the party aims to ensure representation from various demographics, including women and underrepresented communities.

Potential female candidates highlighted for ministerial roles include MLAs Roopa Ganguly and Chandana Bauri. The BJP is expected to focus on regional representation, particularly from north and southwest Bengal, areas that have historically been overlooked in previous administrations.

This cabinet expansion is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen the BJP's position in West Bengal and respond to the diverse needs of its electorate. With the imminent swearing-in ceremony, the newly expanded cabinet will embark on its responsibilities in the state government.