Optimism after north Bengal gets adequate representation in state cabinet
The Statesman | 2 June 2026
A wave of celebration swept across North Bengal on Monday as the region secured significant representation in the newly formed BJP government, triggering jubilant scenes among party workers and supporters from Malda to Cooch Behar and Siliguri.
The induction of several legislators from north Bengal into the state cabinet has been widely welcomed by BJP supporters, who see it as long-awaited recognition of the region’s political importance and aspirations. Party workers organised rallies, distributed sweets and burst firecrackers at various locations to mark the occasion.
Among those inducted into the Cabinet are Dr Shankar Ghosh, MLA from Siliguri; Manoj Kumar Oraon, MLA from Kumargram; Deepak Barman, MLA from Falakata; and Joyel Murmu, MLA from Habibpur. Tufanganj MLA Malati Rava Roy was sworn in as a minister of state with independent charge, while Vishal Lama of Kalchini, Anandamay Barman of Matigara-Naxalbari and Biraj Biswas of Karandighi were inducted as ministers of state.
The celebrations were particularly visible in Habibpur of Malda district, where supporters of newly inducted minister Joyel Murmu took out a procession carrying his portrait shortly after the swearing-in ceremony. The rally, which began from the BJP office at Kendpukur, witnessed enthusiastic participation from party workers and local residents.
North Malda BJP president Pratap Singh, Habibpur Mandal president Sanjib Sarkar, Habibpur Panchayat Samiti vice-chairman Sunil Soren, Baidyapur Gram Panchayat pradhan Babita Bhowmik and several other local leaders joined the celebrations. Participants smeared one another with saffron-coloured abir, burst firecrackers and distributed sweets.
Local BJP leaders described Murmu’s elevation as a matter of pride for the region, noting that he hails from a tribal family in one of the district’s remote areas. In Cooch Behar, celebrations erupted after Tufanganj MLA Malati Rava Roy took oath as a minister of state with independent charge. BJP workers and supporters gathered at the district party office, where they celebrated with sweets, firecrackers and slogans in support of the party leadership.
Party leaders said Roy’s appointment was a recognition of her long political experience and organisational contribution. They expressed hope that her new responsibilities would help accelerate developmental initiatives in Cooch Behar and across north Bengal.
The region’s political significance has also increased with the induction of multiple legislators into the government and the elevation of senior representatives to key constitutional positions. BJP leaders maintained that the new government has accorded North Bengal a level of representation that reflects its electoral support and strategic importance.