Jyoti Priya Mallick, who had been arrested in connection with the multi-crore food grains distribution "scam" in October last year, was removed from the council of ministers and his portfolios were distributed among Partha Bhowmick, the irrigation minister, and Birbaha Hansda, the junior minister for forests, a release from Raj Bhavan said on Friday night.

“In terms of Article 166 (3) of the Constitution, Hon’ble Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose has relieved Shri Jyoti Priya Mallick, minister in charge, Department of Forests and Department of Public Enterprises and Industrial Reconstruction of his duties as Minister with immediate effect and has been pleased to reallocate the departments to Partha Bhowmick and Birbaha Hansda on the advice of the Hon’ble Chief Minister,” reads the release from Raj Bhavan.

According to the release, the portfolio of public enterprises and industrial reconstruction was given to Bhowmick, while Hansda was given the independent charge of the department.

Sources in the administration said a file proposing the changes was sent to Raj Bhavan on Thursday.

Trinamul insiders said the change assumes significance as Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the party, was pushing the chief minister to take action against the leaders who were arrested on corruption charges.

“Abhishek wanted to send a message ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Sending a message to the electorate that the party would not stand by those who were involved in corruption is important. If Partha (Chatterjee) can be removed, Balu should be removed to maintain continuity in the party's stance against corruption,” said a senior party leader.