The West Bengal BJP has issued a series of notifications stripping three sitting ministers and one MLA of their organizational posts, a move that signals a sharp internal consolidation just 48 hours before national president Nitin Nabin arrives in the state. The purge targets Jagannath Chattopadhyay, Agnimitra Paul, and Dipak Barman, who previously served as vice-presidents, alongside Shankar Ghosh, a former secretary.
The most politically charged removal is that of Jadavpur MLA Sharvari Mukhopadhyay. While the party constitution permits MLAs to hold organizational posts, her ouster has triggered intense speculation about the leadership's stance on the recent Jadavpur University vandalism row. This decision effectively removes a key figure from the state's executive hierarchy, clearing the path for a new slate of leaders.
The fingerprints of central observer Sunil Bansal are distinct on the new list. After launching the "Booth Sashaktikaran Abhiyan" (booth strengthening campaign) upon taking charge, Bansal has elevated associates directly involved in that drive. Rampad Das, a known ally, has been appointed as a new vice-president, while Nilanjan Adhikari and Shankar Chakraborty took up secretary positions. Even the youth wing leadership now features Amit Samanta, another figure close to the observer.
Shamik Bhattacharya retains the top spot as state president, flanked by general secretary (organisation) Amitabha Chakraborty and joint general secretary (organisation) Satish Dhond. The group of general secretaries now includes Shashi Agnihotri, Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato, Soumitra Khan, Locket Chatterjee, and Bapi Goswami. This restructuring extends to the financial and administrative wings, with Kedarashis Bapat named treasurer and Prakashchandra Das as office secretary.
The new hierarchy is set to be scrutinized in person during Nitin Nabin's upcoming visit. The leadership expects to present a unified, observer-aligned front, leaving the previously influential ministerial faction with no direct organizational leverage in the state unit.