Mamata Banerjee takes over law ministry, shakes up cabinet
Kolkata (The Uttam Hindu): The stage is being set for the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, and amidst this political heat, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a very surprising decision. 'Didi' has suddenly made a major reshuffle in her cabinet and has directly taken over the important responsibility of the state's Law Ministry. Till now, Minister Moloy Ghatak was handling this important department in the Mamata government, but on Monday, this charge was suddenly taken back from him. According to information shared by the state secretariat, Ghatak will now only have the responsibility of the Labor Department. Apart from this, after Babul Supriyo was elected as a Rajya Sabha member, the Chief Minister herself has taken charge of his departments like Information Technology and Public Enterprises.
The Chief Minister was unhappy with the work done in five years
While the idea of Babul Supriyo retaining his portfolios is understandable in political circles, the biggest question is why Mamata Banerjee stripped the Law Ministry from a veteran and experienced leader like Moloy Ghatak. Sources suggest there are several key reasons behind this. Moloy Ghatak was entrusted with this crucial responsibility after the government formed its third term in 2021, but for some time, the Chief Minister has been dissatisfied with his working style. Even within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), there has been considerable resentment about Ghatak's attitude. By stripping him of the portfolio just before the elections, Mamata Banerjee has sought to send a strong political message to the party and the government.
A tainted image and the tightening grip of investigative agencies
Another major reason for Moloy Ghatak's removal from the Law Ministry is believed to be his involvement in the alleged coal smuggling scam. He has been under the radar of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI in this matter. His delays in appearing before the investigating agencies also sparked unnecessary controversy. Having such a tainted minister in charge of the Law Department was embarrassing for the government. Meanwhile, in recent days, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself has been seen pursuing legal maneuvers from the streets to the Supreme Court in serious cases like ED raids and FIRs. This clearly demonstrates that Mamata Banerjee is in no mood to tolerate any laxity or taint in legal matters.
Preparations for a direct confrontation with central agencies and Raj Bhavan
With the upcoming assembly elections in mind, Mamata Banerjee is now playing fully on the front foot. The Mamata Banerjee government has always been vocal about the increasing activity of centrally-initiated investigative agencies (ED and CBI). By taking charge of the Law Ministry, the Chief Minister aims to strengthen the state's legal strategy against these agencies, making it more aggressive and robust. Furthermore, the appointment of West Bengal's new Governor, R.N. Ravi, and the Election Commission's tough stance have also increased the state government's challenges. Having the department in her control will provide direct control over the bureaucracy and legal advisors, which could prove to be a game-changer during the elections.
Focus on 'clean image' for 2026 victory
This entire reshuffle is being seen as a major part of preparations for the 2026 assembly elections. Mamata Banerjee is tightening her cabinet and organization to improve her government's image by removing those facing corruption charges. This action clearly indicates that the Chief Minister wants to keep the government on the legal front before entering the electoral fray, so that the opposition or investigative agencies have no opportunity to dominate the government.