West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari allocates portfolios to first five ministers

Kolkata: New West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday allocated portfolios among the first five members of his council of ministers.

A government order said senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh was given charge of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, along with Animal Resource Development and Agricultural Marketing.

Agnimitra Paul was given the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare department and Municipal Affairs portfolios, while Ashok Kirtania was assigned the Food and Supplies and Co-operation departments, it said.

Kshudiram Tudu was made minister for Tribal Development, Backward Classes Welfare and Minority Affairs and Madrasha Education.

Nisith Pramanik was entrusted with the North Bengal Development Department along with Youth Services and Sports.

“The rest of the departments will be looked after by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari,” the notification said.

A senior BJP leader said the distribution of portfolios reflected the party’s attempt to balance organisational experience with regional and social representation.