West Bengal Cabinet Approves Land Transfer for Border Fencing Along Bangladesh Frontier

The first cabinet meeting of the new government in the Indian state of West Bengal was held on Monday, where Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari approved the process of transferring land for the installation of barbed-wire fencing along the Bangladesh border.

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as West Bengal’s ninth chief minister last Saturday.

After attending several party programs on Monday morning, Adhikari arrived at the state secretariat, Nabanna, shortly after 11:30 a.m. from the party office in Salt Lake. He was received with a guard of honor by the West Bengal Police.

He later held meetings with the state chief secretary and home secretary on issues including law and order.

According to sources at Nabanna, the first cabinet meeting of the BJP-led West Bengal government began at noon under Adhikari’s leadership.

Later in the afternoon, the chief minister met with victorious BJP candidates at Nabanna. The meeting was attended by state ministers Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Nisith Pramanik, Khudiram Tudu, and Ashok Kirtania.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Adhikari said the cabinet had decided to expedite fencing along unsecured sections of the India-Bangladesh border.

To facilitate the project, the government decided to hand over the required land to the Border Security Force (BSF) within 45 days.

“This is a matter of security for both West Bengal and the country,” the chief minister said when asked about the border fencing initiative.

“Given the demographic changes that have taken place, securing the border has become necessary. Therefore, the land transfer process has been quickly approved, and the transfer process will begin from today.”

Responding to journalists’ questions, Adhikari said the state government would provide all the land requested by the BSF.

He also accused the previous administration of preventing the land department from acting against illegal infiltration and claimed that even directives from the Calcutta High Court had been ignored.

During a separate meeting with district administrators and senior officials, the chief minister instructed officials to work without fear.

“No work will be carried out based on verbal instructions; every order will be issued in writing,” he said.

Himanta Biswa Sarma to Take Oath for Second Consecutive Term in Assam

Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to be sworn in for a second consecutive term as chief minister of the Indian state of Assam.

According to an official notification issued by the Assam Raj Bhavan, the oath-taking ceremony will be held Tuesday morning at the Veterinary College field in Khanapara, Guwahati.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event as the chief guest.