From domestic help to Bengal minister: Kalita Majhi’s remarkable rise grabs spotlight in cabinet expansion

Kalita Majhi, a first-time BJP MLA from West Bengal’s Ausgram Assembly constituency, was sworn in as a Minister of State on Monday as part of the major expansion of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s Council of Ministers.

Majhi was among the 35 ministers inducted into the state cabinet during a swearing-in ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Kolkata. With the latest expansion, the strength of the West Bengal Council of Ministers has increased to 41, making it one of the most significant political exercises undertaken by the newly formed BJP government.

Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers. The cabinet expansion included 13 Cabinet Ministers, three Ministers of State (Independent Charge), and 19 Ministers of State.

Shortly after taking oath, Majhi described the development as an emotional and historic moment in her life. She said she had never imagined becoming an MLA, let alone a minister, and credited her political journey to years of grassroots work within the Bharatiya Janata Party.

“I could never have imagined that I would become an MLA, let alone a minister. Earlier my focus was limited to my constituency, but now the responsibility of the entire state rests on my shoulders,” she said after the ceremony.

Majhi’s induction has drawn attention because of her background and political rise. Before entering electoral politics, she worked as a domestic helper in several households to support her family. According to information shared by the MLA, financial difficulties forced her to discontinue her formal education at an early stage. Her husband works as a plumber, while their son is currently pursuing his studies.

Her political journey began at the grassroots level as a booth worker for the BJP. She remained active in party organisation and local campaigns for several years before being fielded by the party in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. Although she was unsuccessful in her first electoral contest, the BJP gave her another opportunity in the 2026 Assembly elections.

The decision proved successful as Majhi won the Ausgram seat and entered the Legislative Assembly. Her appointment to the ministry within months of becoming an MLA is being viewed as a significant recognition of grassroots party workers within the BJP’s organisational structure.

Political observers noted that the cabinet expansion reflects the Adhikari government’s attempt to balance administrative experience with fresh faces and regional representation. Several first-time legislators and organisational leaders were accommodated during the expansion exercise.

The induction of Kalita Majhi has emerged as one of the most discussed aspects of the cabinet reshuffle, with BJP leaders highlighting her rise from a booth-level worker to a minister as an example of political mobility within the party.

Portfolio allocations for the newly inducted ministers are expected to be announced separately by the state government.