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As part of the West Bengal cabinet expansion, 35 BJP MLAs were sworn in as ministers. The new Council of Ministers includes 13 Cabinet Ministers, three Ministers of State (Independent Charge), and 19 Ministers of State.

Among those inducted into the cabinet is Swapan Dasgupta, who won the Rasbehari Assembly seat and took oath as a minister in the government led by Suvendu Adhikari.

From Journalism to Politics

Swapan Dasgupta is a well-known journalist, author and public intellectual with decades of experience in Indian media. Born on October 3, 1955, into a prominent Bengali Baidya family, he built a distinguished career in journalism before entering active politics.

Over the years, Dasgupta held editorial and leadership roles at several leading media organisations. He worked with prominent publications including The Statesman, The Daily Telegraph, The Times of India, The Indian Express and India Today.

Known for his political commentary and analytical writing, he established himself as one of the country's most recognized public commentators. He remained actively involved in editorial roles across various publications until 2003.

Recipient of Padma Bhushan

In recognition of his contributions to journalism, literature and public discourse, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Bhushan in 2015. The honour was awarded for his distinguished work in the fields of literature and education.

With his induction into the West Bengal cabinet, Dasgupta adds a new chapter to a career that has spanned journalism, writing, public policy and politics.