Kolkata, May 6, 2026 — In a significant administrative move ahead of the formation of a new government in West Bengal, officials appointed during the tenure of Mamata Banerjee have been barred from entering government offices. The directive specifically targets retired bureaucrats who were serving in advisory roles across various state departments.
According to Indian media reports, the instruction was issued from the state secretariat, Nabanna, under the direction of Chief Secretary Dushmant Nariala. Departmental secretaries were informed that, effective Wednesday, these officials would no longer be allowed to access their offices until the new government formally takes charge.
Several retired officials serving as advisers have already stepped down from their roles and vacated their official residences following the order. The move is being seen as part of a broader administrative transition process as power shifts in the state.
In a parallel directive, the Chief Secretary has instructed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure the security of important documents. Officials have been explicitly warned not to remove any sensitive files from office premises. Financial advisers have also been tasked with preparing detailed inventories of key documents to prevent any irregularities during the transition period.
The developments come after a sweeping electoral victory by the Bharatiya Janata Party in the recently concluded West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections. The party secured 207 out of 294 seats, marking a historic shift in the state’s political landscape. The All India Trinamool Congress, which had governed the state for 15 consecutive years, was reduced to 80 seats.
Preparations are currently underway for the swearing-in ceremony of the BJP’s first government in West Bengal, scheduled for May 9.
