Bengal’s New CM Suvendu Adhikari Orders Crackdown on Cow Smuggling in First Big Move

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued strict directives against cattle smuggling and unauthorized cattle transportation across the state in his first major administrative action. The order targets illegal cow smuggling networks and suspicious cattle movements, with all district police chiefs and senior law enforcement officers instructed to take immediate action if such activities are detected. The crackdown comes ahead of Adhikari’s first major administrative meeting in Howrah, scheduled to focus on law and order, administrative preparedness, and ensuring continuity of public services during the government transition. Senior police officials, including Superintendents of Police, Commissioners of Police, and Railway Police officials, have been directed to attend the high-level meeting. The move aligns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent declaration that infiltration and cattle smuggling would become impossible in West Bengal under BJP rule. Shah had linked the party’s electoral victory to national security concerns and accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of allowing criminalization of politics during its 15-year tenure. Adhikari officially assumed office on Saturday after the BJP’s historic victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule. Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, and Dharmendra Pradhan, along with senior BJP leaders. The new government includes Suvendu Adhikari’s cabinet, with senior BJP leaders Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, and Ashok Kirtania sworn in as ministers. Adhikari, once a key figure in the Trinamool Congress, broke away from the party in 2020 and joined the BJP, becoming its principal face in Bengal politics.