Siliguri, 01 June (H.S.): After a gap of five years, Siliguri has once again secured representation in the state cabinet with the induction of BJP leader and two-time MLA Shankar Ghosh as a full-fledged minister. A former teacher and a familiar face in the city’s political landscape, Ghosh’s elevation is being seen as recognition of his growing political influence and strong public support.

Often described in political circles as a “giant killer,” Ghosh reinforced that reputation in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections by defeating Siliguri Mayor and former state minister Gautam Deb by a margin of nearly 70,000 votes. The scale of his victory drew considerable attention across the state and generated enthusiasm among his supporters in the city.

Ghosh first emerged as a major political figure in the 2021 Assembly elections when he defeated veteran Left leader Ashok Bhattacharya from the Siliguri constituency. After leaving the Left camp and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, he successfully established himself as one of the party’s key leaders in North Bengal. His emphatic victory in 2026 against another seasoned political heavyweight further strengthened his standing among voters.

A teacher by profession, Shankar Ghosh is widely known for his simple lifestyle and close engagement with ordinary citizens. Supporters often cite his accessibility and grassroots connect as key factors behind his popularity. Unlike many political leaders, he is perceived as maintaining a modest public profile and remaining approachable to the people he represents.

His appointment as a minister has drawn positive reactions even from political rivals. Former minister Ashok Bhattacharya welcomed the development, saying that it was good news for the city to have one of its sons in the cabinet. While acknowledging Ghosh as a political opponent, Bhattacharya expressed hope that he would contribute meaningfully to the city’s development.

Former minister and Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb also congratulated Ghosh, stating that the city would benefit from having local representation in the state cabinet. He said the people of Siliguri had placed immense trust in Ghosh and expressed hope that the new minister would live up to public expectations.

The announcement has been greeted with enthusiasm across Siliguri. Residents have expressed optimism that the city’s concerns will receive greater attention at the state level. Local citizen Utpal Das said the appointment of a teacher as a minister was a matter of pride for the city and voiced hope that issues related to healthcare, education, traffic management and urban infrastructure would be addressed more effectively.

Many young residents believe Ghosh’s clean image and direct connection with the public are his greatest strengths. They also expect him to focus not only on Siliguri’s development but also on promoting industrial growth and creating employment opportunities across North Bengal.

With his induction into the cabinet, Shankar Ghosh now faces the challenge of translating electoral success into administrative performance, as expectations continue to rise among the people who have repeatedly placed their trust in him.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh