West Bengal / The Times of India
In a significant farewell speech, Justice Chitta Ranjan Dash of Calcutta HC revealed his RSS membership after 37 years, expressing willingness to work with the organization again. The resignation of Abhijit Gangopadhyay was also noted.
Trinamool booth agent caught red-handed asking people to vote for Rachana Banerjee, claimed by BJP MP Locket Chatterjee. An AASHA worker, instructed by higher officials, working as an assistant in booths. Chatterjee to inform Election Commission about the incident. Police mentioned the booth agent was in charge of maintaining the queue with few voters present.
PM Modi accuses CM Mamata Banerjee's party of questioning Sandeshkhali women, criticizes TMC's treatment of Bengal's women and SC-ST families in Purulia speech. He mentions backlash over rape allegations, video of BJP's Gangadhar Koyal, and criticizes TMC for threatening Iskcon, Swami Vivekananda's Ramakrishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangha.
In Uluberia, a BSF jawan molests a woman, triggering police action. Trinamool Congress seeks election body's support for women's safety. Charges filed under IPC sections. Outrage ensues, demanding strict action.
Thirty-six samples tested positive for the KP.2 variant, an Omicron offshoot, driving Covid cases. KP.2 replaces JN.1, found in 50% of samples, mainly from Kolkata. Belonging to the FLiRT group, KP.2 shows convergent evolution, causing mild symptoms.
Union Minister Subhas Sarkar highlights the apprehension of investors to come to West Bengal under Mamata Banerjee's governance, emphasizing the need for a change in government. He discusses the roles of Trinamool Congress, BJP, and Narendra Modi in the state's investment sector.
The EC show-caused BJP's Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar for a malicious advertisement accusing Trinamool Congress of corruption. Trinamool's Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir was censured for threatening voters and opposition party workers. Majumdar must respond by Tuesday, facing penalization for non-reply. Kabir's May 2 speech in Murshidabad was in violation of the model code of conduct during a rally at Kazipara.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge cautioned Bengal Congress chief Adhir Chowdhury to adhere to the party's decision on the INDIA bloc or risk expulsion. Kharge endorsed Mamata Banerjee's position in the coalition, countering Chowdhury's dissent towards the Trinamool Congress.
PM Narendra Modi to address 5 more rallies in Bengal, totaling 25 since March. Bengal BJP seniors highlight his focus on development, 'Purvoday,' and the role of women. He emphasizes development plans for states like Odisha and Bengal as key to India's progress. Modi addresses porous border vulnerability in Bengal.