Days after taking oath as West Bengal’s first BJP Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari chaired his maiden cabinet meeting on the 14th floor of Nabanna on Monday (May 11) and announced multiple decisions related to border security, welfare schemes, governance reforms, census implementation, and administrative restructuring.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Adhikari said the new government would move forward on the path of “good governance, security and double-engine government” similar to BJP-ruled states across the country. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to the ideals of B. R. Ambedkar and the principle of “For the People, By the People, Of the People.”
“Bengal saw a deathless, intimidation-free election for the first time. We are grateful to the people and the Election Commission. Also, we thank the workers, CAPF, observers, West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police,” Adhikari said after the cabinet meeting.
He further stated, “We will work for all… People have given life, we will always remember them… We will give them justice and will take their responsibility.”
The BJP secured a sweeping victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections by winning 207 out of 294 seats, ending the 15-year rule of Mamata Banerjee and the All India Trinamool Congress.
#WATCH | Howrah: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari says, “Today, we have issued an administrative order stating that the census operations will commence today. This initiative is finally being implemented after a delay of eleven months.”
“The previous government, which… pic.twitter.com/gBq5DVicfi
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2026
Bengal to hand over land to BSF within 45 days
One of the most significant decisions taken during the cabinet meeting related to border security and illegal infiltration.
The West Bengal government formally approved the transfer of pending land required for fencing the India-Bangladesh border to the Border Security Force within 45 days.
Adhikari announced that nearly 600 acres of land would be handed over to the BSF for border fencing operations.
“Within 45 days, we will give land to the BSF. A decision has been passed in the Cabinet,” he said.
The Chief Secretary and the Secretary of Land and Revenue have been tasked with overseeing the expedited land transfer process. According to the government, the move aims to plug critical gaps along the Bangladesh border, curb illegal infiltration, and prevent cross-border smuggling.
Adhikari also accused the previous administration of ignoring Central government and court directives in order to protect illegal infiltrators.
Ayushman Bharat and central schemes to be rolled out
The cabinet also approved the immediate implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal, formally ending years of deadlock between the state and Centre over the health programme.
According to the government, the Health Secretary and officials from the Chief Minister’s Office have been directed to begin all necessary formalities, including agreements with the Union Health Ministry.
Adhikari said, “The Cabinet has now granted its approval for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The necessary procedures, including the signing of agreements with the Central Government’s Health Department and the completion of other requisite formalities, will officially commence starting today.”
The state government also announced the rollout of several other Central welfare schemes, including:
1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
2. PM Ujjwala Yojana
3. PM Vishwakarma Yojana
4. PM SHRI
5. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
6. Pradhan Mantri Krishak Bima Yojana
District magistrates have reportedly been instructed to fast-track pending applications and coordinate directly with concerned Union ministries for implementation.
Bengal begins census process after “11-month delay”
The new government also announced the immediate commencement of census-related administrative procedures, claiming that the previous government had stalled the process despite directions issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on June 16, 2025.
Adhikari accused the former administration of deliberately sitting on the file and blocking the process for political reasons.
“Today, we have issued an administrative order stating that the census operations will commence today. This initiative is finally being implemented after a delay of eleven months,” he said.
Launching a sharp attack on the previous regime, Adhikari alleged, “That government was characterised solely by appeasement politics, institutional corruption, atrocities against women, and a complete dismantling of governance; furthermore, they even went so far as to challenge the very Constitution of the country.”
He further claimed that the earlier government deliberately delayed the census process to obstruct delimitation and reservation initiatives for women.
“Their sole objective in holding up the census was to obstruct the efforts being undertaken by the Prime Minister to implement delimitation and thereby provide reservations specifically for our mothers and sisters.”
The Chief Minister announced that a fact-finding committee would also be constituted to investigate the delay.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to be implemented in Bengal
As part of administrative reforms, the cabinet approved the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in West Bengal, replacing the old colonial-era criminal laws.
Adhikari stated that the previous government had failed to implement the new criminal law framework.
“The previous government did not implement the BNS. It is being adopted starting today,” he said.
The government also decided to allow IAS, IPS, and WBPS officers to participate in Central government training programmes, reversing the earlier policy under the previous administration.
“West Bengal government officials will participate in training programmes conducted by the Central government. The previous government had not allowed officials to participate in the scheme,” Adhikari said.
Five-year relaxation in the Government job age limit
In another key announcement, the cabinet approved a five-year relaxation in the upper age limit for government job recruitment examinations in the state.
The move, according to the government, aims to benefit educated youth who lost employment opportunities in previous years.
Tribute to 321 BJP workers killed in political violence
The government also paid tribute to 321 BJP workers who allegedly lost their lives during political violence in the state.
Adhikari said the government remained committed to the welfare of the families of those workers and would investigate cases if the families sought legal action.
“Regarding the 321 individuals who lost their lives during our struggle: if their families desire, the government will initiate an investigation,” he said.
He further added, “We took six decisions at the Cabinet. We are committed towards the well-being of 321 families of martyrs who laid down their lives as BJP supporters.”
Law and order review held at Nabanna
Adhikari also chaired a high-level review meeting on law and order with senior bureaucrats and police officials at Nabanna.
Among those present were Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariyala, Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh, State DGP Sidhinath Gupta, and Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand.
The Chief Minister said several important administrative issues were discussed to ensure “safety, good governance, and overall development” for the people of West Bengal.
