A high-profile meeting at Bikash Bhavan on Wednesday has intensified political speculation in Bengal’s power corridors, with BJP MLA Swapan Dasgupta emerging as the frontrunner for the state’s Education Minister post. Acting reportedly on the instructions of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the newly elected Rasbehari legislator met senior officials of the Education Department to review ongoing administrative matters and policy priorities. The development has triggered fresh buzz within the BJP camp, especially as the crucial education portfolio is yet to be officially allocated in the new government.
Sources in Nabanna indicated that Swapan’s visit was not a routine courtesy call. Instead, it was viewed as a strategic administrative exercise aimed at ensuring continuity in the functioning of the Education Department before the full Cabinet expansion takes place. During the meeting, Swapan is believed to have discussed key educational policies, departmental operations, and the status of several ongoing state projects with senior bureaucrats.
Key Meeting at Bikash Bhavan Fuels Speculation Over Swapan Dasgupta as Bengal’s Next Education Minister
The speculation around his possible induction as Education Minister has grown stronger because the department remains directly under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for now. While five ministers were inducted into the Cabinet during the swearing-in ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground last Saturday, several major departments — including education — are yet to receive full-time ministers.
On Monday, Suvendu distributed portfolios among the newly appointed ministers. Dilip Ghosh was assigned Panchayat, Agricultural Marketing, and Animal Resources Development. Agnimitra Paul received Women and Child Welfare along with Urban Development. Former Union Minister of State for Home Nishith Pramanik took charge of Sports and North Bengal Development. Ashok Kirtania was given the Food and Supplies Department, while Khudiram Tudu was entrusted with Tribal Development.
The remaining departments are currently being overseen by the Chief Minister himself, adding further significance to Swapan Dasgupta’s sudden engagement with the Education Department bureaucracy.
Administrative sources clarified that Swapan has not yet taken the oath of secrecy required for ministerial responsibilities, which means he cannot officially access confidential files or take policy decisions. However, officials believe his interaction with departmental authorities signals the government’s intention to prepare for a smooth transition once the full Cabinet is announced.
Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also held an extensive meeting at Nabanna with secretaries of various state departments to review administrative preparedness and governance priorities of the new government.
Political observers believe the BJP leadership is moving cautiously while finalising the remaining Cabinet positions, especially portfolios linked to education and governance reforms. Within the party, Swapan Dasgupta is increasingly being viewed as a key intellectual face capable of handling a sensitive department like education at a politically crucial time.
Sources close to the administration suggest that the full Cabinet expansion could be announced very soon, which may finally put an end to the growing speculation surrounding Bengal’s next Education Minister.
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