In a move that has sent shockwaves through the administrative corridors of Kolkata, the newly sworn-in Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP government has issued a sweeping “gag order,” effectively severing direct and indirect communication between state officials and the press. The directive, issued on May 19, 2026, by Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal, mandates a “complete prohibition” on any unauthorized interaction with media outlets.
In a landmark visit marking his first official tour of North Bengal since taking the oath as Chief Minister on May 9, Suvendu Adhikari arrived in Siliguri on Wednesday with a promise to “return the debt” to a region that has long anchored the BJP’s rise in the state.
Amid growing concerns over West Bengal’s recently enforced animal slaughter regulations ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, Indian Secular Front leader Naushad Siddiqui has appealed to the state government to simplify the certification process for cattle slaughter and prevent hardship for traders and poor families.
On May 11, 2026, the West Bengal government issued a high-level directive to enforce a complete crackdown on cattle smuggling and the immediate closure of all unauthorized cattle markets across the state.
The first cabinet meeting of the new Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government was held at Nabanna on May 12, 2026, where several major policy decisions were announced. The meeting marked a significant administrative shift after the BJP formed government in the state for the first time. Ayushman Bharat to be implemented in West Bengal.The cabinet approved the rollout of the central health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat in the state.
In a move signaling both administrative urgency and political consolidation, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has unveiled the first phase of his cabinet, entrusting a lean “Core Five” with the task of steering West Bengal toward a new governance model. By keeping the heavyweight Home and Finance portfolios under his personal oversight, Adhikari has signaled a “command-and-control” approach as the state transitions into its first-ever BJP-led administration.
Sovandeb Chattopadhyay has been named the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal. Moving from the ruling side to the opposition, the Ballygunge MLA will now lead the TMC’s efforts to hold the new administration accountable during Assembly sessions.
The murder investigation of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, gathered pace after police recovered the motorcycle and car allegedly used in the attack that shook West Bengal’s political circles. Rath was shot dead late Tuesday night near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district while travelling in an SUV along Jessore Road.
A close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was shot dead in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district late on Wednesday night, triggering fresh political tensions in the state. The deceased, identified as Chandranath Rath, was reportedly attacked by motorcycle-borne assailants near Madhyamgram while travelling in an SUV. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.
