Kolkata: In a significant cabinet reshuffle following the Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reassigned and elevated the roles of several key ministers. The changes, announced on Wednesday, were formalized with a new list released by Raj Bhavan, highlighting the increased responsibilities for former Union Minister Babul Supriyo and Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya.
Key Changes in the Cabinet:
- Babul Supriyo: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA has been given additional responsibility in the Department of Industrial Reconstruction, alongside his current role in the IT department. This move signifies a boost in Supriyo’s stature within the state cabinet.
- Chandrima Bhattacharya: Currently holding multiple portfolios, including Minister of State for Health, Department of Land Reforms, and Finance, Bhattacharya has now been entrusted with the additional charge of the Environment Department. This elevation underscores her expanding influence in the state government.
- Manas Bhuyan: Previously the Minister of Water Resources Development, Bhuyan has been assigned the additional responsibility of the Irrigation and Water Transport Department. This shift reflects the government’s focus on enhancing water resource management and infrastructure.
- Ghulam Rabbani: Formerly the Minister of Environment, Rabbani’s portfolio has been changed to the Department of Energy. This reassignment indicates a strategic shift in the state’s approach to energy management and sustainability.
The reshuffle had been anticipated for several days, with speculation rife about potential changes. A list of proposed changes was initially sent to Raj Bhavan but did not receive the governor’s approval on Tuesday. However, the governor signed off on the reshuffle on Wednesday, leading to the official announcement of the new assignments.
Notably, the Prison Department remains without a designated minister following the resignation of Akhil Giri. Giri stepped down from his position after being directed to do so by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee due to controversial remarks he made. For the time being, Chief Minister Banerjee will oversee the Prison Department until a new minister is appointed, with an announcement expected in the coming days.
Chief Minister Banerjee’s latest cabinet reshuffle underscores her administration’s commitment to addressing key areas of governance and enhancing the effectiveness of her team. The strategic allocation of roles aims to bolster the state’s development initiatives and improve administrative efficiency.
These changes are seen as a step towards strengthening the state government’s focus on critical sectors such as industrial reconstruction, environmental sustainability, and energy management, reflecting the evolving priorities of Mamata Banerjee’s administration.
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