First major move by Adhikari cabinet focuses on Bengal border security and Census rollout

Rashmi Pandey — Mon, 11 May 2026 08:45:03 +0000

Suvendu Adhikari chaired the first cabinet meeting of the new West Bengal government on Monday, announcing major decisions related to border security and administrative governance, including approval for land transfer to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing along the Bangladesh border and immediate implementation of the Census exercise in the state.

Addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, Adhikari said the state government had cleared the transfer of required land to the Border Security Force to accelerate border fencing work in sensitive areas along the India-Bangladesh international boundary.

The Chief Minister stated that strengthening border infrastructure was essential for national security, prevention of illegal infiltration and improved surveillance in border districts. West Bengal shares one of India’s longest international borders with Bangladesh, and fencing-related issues have remained politically and administratively sensitive for years.

Adhikari also announced that the state government has approved immediate implementation of the Census exercise across Bengal. Officials indicated that administrative departments would begin coordination with district authorities and central agencies for preparatory work related to data collection and field-level operations.

The Census process had faced delays nationally following the Covid-19 pandemic, and several states have been awaiting formal implementation schedules and coordination mechanisms. Bengal’s decision to begin immediate preparations is being viewed as one of the first major administrative moves of the newly formed government.

The cabinet meeting comes shortly after the BJP-led government assumed office in West Bengal following the recently concluded Assembly elections, which drew national and international political attention. Adhikari, a key BJP leader in Bengal politics, has repeatedly emphasised issues related to border security, governance reforms and law-and-order during his political campaigns.

Officials familiar with the meeting said discussions also focused on administrative restructuring, infrastructure projects and coordination between state departments during the initial phase of the new government.

The border fencing decision is expected to directly impact districts located along the India-Bangladesh border, where fencing projects have often faced land acquisition challenges, security concerns and logistical delays. The BSF has repeatedly stressed the importance of completing fencing work in vulnerable stretches to improve border monitoring.

Political observers are closely watching the new government’s early decisions, particularly on issues linked to internal security, migration, governance and centre-state coordination.

No detailed timeline has yet been officially released regarding completion of the fencing process or the full operational schedule of the Census exercise. However, state officials indicated that implementation work would begin immediately following the cabinet approval.

The developments mark the first major policy announcements by the Adhikari-led administration after assuming office in West Bengal.

BorderFencing | Business Upturn

First major move by Adhikari cabinet focuses on Bengal border security and Census rollout