Debnath, whose daughter was raped and murdered on the premises of RG Kar Medical College in August 2024, leading to widespread protests across the state, said her entry to politics was driven by her demand for justice for her daughter and not for any position or power.
“I never expected to be a minister. Politics was never on my mind. I was confident of getting justice for my daughter. Even if I were not the MLA, I knew I would be getting justice. The party never contacted me on these lines. Power or getting a place in the ministry has never been my priority. I am here for the welfare of people,” Debnath told PTI over the phone.
Her remarks came hours after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expanded his ministry.
Neither Debnath, who won from the Panihati assembly constituency, nor Hingalganj MLA Rekha Patra found a place in the cabinet despite speculation in some political circles over their possible induction.
However, BJP sources said the names of Debnath and Patra were never under consideration for inclusion in the ministry.
“Neither of the two names was ever discussed or considered for induction into the ministry. The expansion was carried out based on organisational requirements and political considerations,” a senior BJP functionary told PTI.Patra, who was also among the first-time MLAs elected on a BJP ticket from Hingalganj, declined to take questions on her omission from the cabinet.
“I am more eager to work for the people of my constituency,” she said briefly, refusing to take more questions.
BJP MLAs Swapan Dasgupta, Tapas Roy and Shankar Ghosh were among the 35 legislators who took oath as ministers on Monday, taking the total strength of the council of ministers to 41.
A carefully crafted balance, based on geographical, ethnic and gender considerations, characterised the expanded council of ministers of the first BJP government in the state.
Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office to the legislators at a programme held at Lok Bhavan here in the presence of Adhikari, the existing ministers of his cabinet and senior bureaucrats of the state administration.
While 13 BJP MLAs were sworn in as cabinet ministers, three took oath as ministers of state (Independent Charge) and 19 others were inducted in the council as ministers.
