Kolkata, Nov. 5 -- Neonatologist Arun Kumar Singh, known for his contributions to newborn care, particularly during the pandemic, was appointed as an advisor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led West Bengal government for a two-year term, officials familiar with the decision said on Thursday.

Originally an employee of the West Bengal health department, Singh left the state and settled in Rajasthan following differences with the then Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over a controversial transfer order in 2012, a year after the party came to power, ending the Left Front's 34-year rule.

"Singh has been appointed as an advisor to the Bengal government for two years. The order was signed on Wednesday," a state government official said,...