WB Assembly session begins with Governor’s speech, budget on June 22

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi addresses the first session of the 18th Legislative Assembly at Lok Bhavan in Kolkata on Thursday (June 18, 2026) Photo: @lokbhavan_wb/ X via ANI

The first session of the 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly began on Thursday (June 18, 2026) with West Bengal Governor RN Ravi delivering his inaugural address. From curbing corruption to evicting encroachers, from evicting illegal encroachments on women’s safety, the governor touched on almost every initiative of the state government in the last one and a half month in his speech.

“For the first time in one and a half decades, the people of West Bengal have given a clear public opinion in favor of the new government. The people of the state have clearly rejected the atmosphere of fear and desperation that has prevailed in the state for a long time,” the governor said in his address to the House.

In his 20-page speech, Governor Ravi lauded the state government’s decision – taken within days of assuming office last month – to strengthen border infrastructure and provide land to the Border Security Force (BSF) to build barbed wire fencing along the international border. He noted that the move would help in securing the international borders adjoining Bengal.

“The new government under the leadership of Suvendu Adhikari will overall develop the state irrespective of caste or religion. My government is aware of the challenges and responsibilities before it.” said the governor.

Mr. Ravi said the new government would ensure the safety and security of everyone in the state. The governor said the new government will also ensure that every common man in the state can live their daily lives with dignity and freedom.

The BJP government’s first budget will be presented on June 22. Before this six-hour debate on the governor’s speech and the ten-hour budget debate, there is also a session on the agenda.

Trinamool Congress rebel camp leader Ritabrata Banerjee, who was recognized by the Speaker as the Leader of the Opposition, welcomed what the discussion and time for the discussion had given him.

“For the last fifteen years, the West Bengal Assembly session has been held the least all the time in the country… We want this tradition to change. The working days of the Assembly must be extended,” Mr. Banerjee said.

Published – 19 Jun 2026 0:17 IST