Kalita Majhi, a former domestic help from Ausgram who has now been inducted into the West Bengal Cabinet, says she never imagined that someone from her background could one day become a minister.
Speaking
about her elevation, an emotional Majhi said, “People like me could never even dream of reaching such a position. Even in my dreams, I never thought that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari would give me a place in his Council of Ministers.”
From Household Work to Public Life
Majhi said she began working as a domestic help after her marriage and spent years working in other people’s homes.
“I was happy doing my work. In 2014, I watched Prime Minister Narendra Modi on television and was deeply inspired by him. I started working at the booth level for the BJP and found immense satisfaction in organisational work,” she recalled.
As her involvement grew, party leaders encouraged her to take on greater responsibilities.
“When the leadership asked me to take charge of the local unit, I was apprehensive. I wondered how I would manage both politics and family responsibilities. My father-in-law encouraged me to join public life. I told him that I would not be able to devote as much time to the family, but he said I had already done enough for the household and should now work for society,” she said.
Defeat, Challenges and Persistence
Majhi received her first Assembly election ticket in 2021 but was defeated.
“After the election, we witnessed political violence and intimidation. Many workers were forced to leave their homes. I, too, faced harassment, but instead of discouraging me, it strengthened my resolve to work harder for the party,” she said.
She added that party workers continued their efforts toward organisational expansion and social mobilisation despite the challenges.
Quitting Domestic Work to Contest Elections
Majhi said she was again nominated by the BJP for the 2026 Assembly election.
“Seven days after my candidature was announced, I stopped working as a domestic help because I had to devote all my time to campaigning. During the campaign, I received tremendous public support and gradually became confident that I would win,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Majhi said her story should inspire people from economically weaker backgrounds.
“I want to tell poor people like me to believe in themselves and work hard. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Suvendu Adhikari gave me this opportunity, and I am grateful for their faith in me,” she said.
Learning About Her Ministerial Appointment
Recalling the moment she learned about her induction into the Cabinet, Majhi said the news came as a complete surprise.
“Someone called me yesterday and asked me to come to Kolkata for a meeting. Later in the night, Jagannath Chatterjee told me that I should arrive early the next morning. When I reached Kolkata today, I realised that I was being sworn in as a minister. Tears came to my eyes,” she said.
Majhi said her priorities as a minister would include improving access to drinking water and strengthening healthcare services.
“I want to work for a better water supply and hospital facilities. I will work sincerely for the people,” she added.
