Kolkata, 14 May (H.S.) : Speculation over the next Education Minister of West Bengal intensified after BJP MLA Swapan Dasgupta visited Bikash Bhavan and held discussions with senior officials of the state Education Department on Wednesday evening.

According to sources in Nabanna, Dasgupta’s visit was carried out on the instructions of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Administrative sources said the newly elected Rashbehari MLA interacted with officials regarding education policy, ongoing departmental projects and the functioning of the department.

The development has fuelled speculation within BJP circles that Dasgupta could soon be inducted as the state’s Education Minister. However, no official announcement has been made so far.

Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal at Brigade Parade Ground last Saturday. His initial cabinet included five ministers — Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik and Khudiram Tudu.

On Monday, the Chief Minister allocated portfolios to the ministers. Dilip Ghosh was assigned Panchayat, Agricultural Marketing and Animal Resources Development. Agnimitra Paul received the Women, Child and Social Welfare Department along with Urban Development and Municipal Affairs. Former Union Minister Nisith Pramanik was given charge of the Sports and North Bengal Development Department. Ashok Kirtania took charge of Food and Supplies, while Khudiram Tudu was assigned Tribal Development.

The Education Department, however, has not yet been formally allocated to any minister and is currently being overseen by the Chief Minister himself.

Sources said Dasgupta would not be authorised to examine official files as he has not taken oath as a minister. However, the move is being viewed as an attempt to ensure administrative continuity in key departments before the formation of the full cabinet.

Nabanna sources indicated that the complete structure of the new state cabinet could be announced soon.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh