Mithun Chakraborty appointed adviser to Bengal information and cultural affairs department with Cabinet rank

The West Bengal government has given veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty a major responsibility. He has been appointed adviser in the state government's information and cultural affairs department, and the post carries the status of a Cabinet minister. The state government's department of personnel and administrative reforms has issued a notification in this regard.

According to the notification, the appointment was made after the Governor's approval. It has come into effect immediately and will continue until further orders. As adviser in the information and cultural affairs department, Chakraborty will guide the government on cultural matters, that is, advising the government on these subjects will be his job.

Chakraborty has long been associated with Bengal's film and cultural sphere. In a career spanning more than five decades, he has worked in both the Hindi and Bengali film industries. In the Bengali film industry he is also known as "Mahaguru".

Earlier, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had announced that Chakraborty would be given the responsibility of cultural adviser. The government is reported to want to use his experience to promote the film and cultural sectors in Bengal.

With this new role, Chakraborty will be directly involved with the state government's cultural policies and various cultural programmes. After his appointment, his role will be important in future plans for art, culture and film in Bengal.

Chakraborty had been seen campaigning for the BJP for several months. He also played a major part in the BJP's historic win in West Bengal this time. Political analysts say that Chakraborty, who has kept away from politics, proved very useful to the BJP during the change of power in West Bengal.