Kolkata: Reports suggest noted economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, could be appointed as West Bengal’s finance minister.
The development comes after the BJP’s strong victory in the recent West Bengal Assembly election, following which senior leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as chief minister along with five ministers. Adhikari is currently handling multiple key portfolios, including Home, Education, Health, Industry and Commerce, in addition to Finance.
Sources cited in the report claim that none of the newly elected MLAs are seen as having strong economic expertise, prompting discussions on bringing in an experienced professional for the finance role. Political observers note that the BJP has previously elevated seasoned officials to high offices, pointing to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri as examples.
Sanyal’s presence at Adhikari’s swearing-in ceremony, where he attended in traditional attire, has added to the speculation. He has also been speaking through interviews and articles about West Bengal’s economic decline and ways to revive the state from the current slowdown.
Adhikari, who retained the Bhabanipur seat where he defeated Mamata Banerjee, resigned from Nandigram. The report says Sanyal is considered a strong contender to contest the upcoming Nandigram by-election, which could pave the way for a cabinet role.
