BJP Bengal Govt Taps Ousted Chief Secy for Border Security Task

The ink is barely dry on West Bengal’s election results, yet the new BJP administration under CM Suvendu Adhikari is moving swiftly. In a bold appointment, ex-Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravarty has been tasked with critical border infrastructure duties. Retained as Principal Coordinator for Development Works, she reports straight to the CM and must ensure BSF receives land promptly for fencing the Bangladesh border.

This follows the cabinet’s May 11 resolution to wrap up transfers in 45 days, a priority for national security. Her role extends to supervising all central development schemes, drawing on her deep administrative background.

Chakravarty, West Bengal cadre IAS and once Mamata Banerjee’s blue-eyed bureaucrat, scripted history as the state’s first woman Chief Secretary. Her stint lasted only two months, cut short by the Election Commission’s post-March 15 poll declaration action. The January elevation had bypassed seniors, fueling debates.

With degrees from Lady Brabourne College and JNU, she has navigated roles like Home Secretary, Cultural Affairs Secretary, and Governor’s aide. This new responsibility underscores the government’s trust in seasoned hands to deliver on promises of security and progress, bridging old regime expertise with fresh governance.