West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee carried out a major reshuffle in the Cabinet, appointing singer-turned-politician Indranil Sen as the new tourism minister. The toursim portfolio was held by another singer-turned politician Babul Supriyo. In total, changes were made in departments of six ministers.
Supriyo, who heads the state information technology and electronics department, has been given additional charge of renewable energy.
State Forest Minister Jyoti Priya Mullick has been given additional charge of public enterprises and industrial reconstruction department.
Pradip Majumdar, who is the panchayat affairs and rural affairs minister, has been entrusted with the state cooperation department.
Former state cooperation minister and veteran TMC leader Arup Roy has been given charge of the food processing industries and horticulture department.
Gulam Rabbani, who held the food processing industries portfolio, has not been given any charge but will continue to be a minister for the time being.
ED Summons To Abhishek Banerjee Vendetta: CM Mamata
Addressing a press conference, Mamata Banerjee said ED's summons to her nephew and TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was nothing but "vendetta".
"This is a political vendetta. Abhishek Banerjee is being unnecessarily harassed. There should not be vindictiveness, it might boomerang as well," Banerjee said.
Abhishek Banerjee has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a school jobs scam. He had earlier been summoned by the ED several times in connection with a cattle smuggling case.
The TMC supremo also asked the Centre to release NREGA funds due to Bengal.
On the arrest of former Andhra Pradesh CM and TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu, the TMC supremo said, "I don't like the arrest of Chandrababu Naidu, if there is some mistake, you should talk and conduct an investigation. Nothing should be done to anyone vindictively."
READ | Dhupguri Bypoll Result: TMC Wrests Seat From BJP In Rajbanshi Citadel
Meanwhile, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mamata said Dhupguri would officially attain "subdivision status" by the end of this year.
"I am delighted to share that Dhupguri will officially attain Subdivision status by end of this year as per our promise. This milestone will usher in improved local governance and open up new avenues for development in the region. Our dedication remains steadfast in shaping a prosperous future for Dhupguri!" Mamata tweeted.
The development comes days after Trinamool Congress wrested the Dhupguri Assembly seat from the BJP, with its candidate Nirmal Chandra Roy winning it by a margin of over 4,000 seats. The by-election to the Dhupguri seat in Jalpaiguri district was held following the death of sitting BJP MLA Bishu Pada Ray earlier this year.