Suvendu Adhikari announces Arjun Bahini force and criticizes past administration

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced the formation of a new disaster management force named ‘Arjun Bahini’. Modeled after the NDRF, the force is scheduled to begin operations in September. The initial phase will recruit 200 skilled personnel through a soldier board, with 100 stationed in Kolkata, 50 in Darjeeling, and 50 in the Sagar-Kakdwip area. Adhikari also noted that 20% of positions in the police, forest department, and fire services will be reserved for Agniveers.

Separately, Adhikari criticized the previous Trinamool Congress administration, alleging that the judiciary and bureaucracy were victims of a ‘threat culture’. He cited instances of judicial intimidation, including attacks on court premises and legal harassment of judges, as well as the erosion of seniority within the civil services. He claimed that under the previous leadership, administrative postings ignored seniority and officials were frequently granted extensions after retirement.