Voter Awareness Walkathon in Darjeeling Engages Community Enthusiastically
Kolkata, April 17: A vibrant celebration of democracy unfolded in Darjeeling, West Bengal, on Friday morning. Under the Election Commissions SVEEP (Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation) initiative, a voter awareness walkathon was organized, attracting enthusiastic participation from both youth and senior citizens. According to the Election Commissions SVEEP X handle, A large crowd gathered ... Read more Voter Awareness Walkathon in Darjeeling Engages Community Enthusiastically
Voter Awareness Walkathon Celebrated in Darjeeling
Kolkata, April 17: A vibrant celebration of democracy unfolded in Darjeeling, West Bengal, on Friday morning. Under the Election Commissions SVEEP (Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation) program, a lively awareness walkathon took place, attracting enthusiastic participation from both youth and senior citizens. According to the Election Commissions SVEEP X handle, A large crowd gathered ... Read more Voter Awareness Walkathon Celebrated in Darjeeling
Will resolve Gurkha issues as a priority once BJP comes to power in West Bengal, says Amit Shah
The issue of permanent political solution to the Gurkha issue, which essentially means that the administrative control of the Darjeeling hills should wrest with the Gurkha people, has dominated the politics of the Darjeeling hills for several decades since the 1980s
Amit Shah Criticizes Mamata Banerjee for Ignoring Darjeeling Issues
Kolkata, April 15: Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Wednesday that the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has rejected three proposals to discuss the issues faced by the residents of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong over the past year and a half. Due to inclement weather, Shahs helicopter could not land ... Read more Amit Shah Criticizes Mamata Banerjee for Ignoring Darjeeling Issues
Will prioritise resolving Gorkha issue, withdraw cases against leaders after winning Bengal: Shah
Kolkata, Apr 15: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday that once the BJP assumes power in West Bengal, it will prioritise resolving the Gorkha issue in Darjeeling and withdraw all cases registered against community leaders and workers for violent agitations in the past. Shah, who was unable to reach the upper reaches of Lebong in the Darjeeling hills on account of unfavourable weather conditions, addressed the gathering through a recorded video message. I am deeply regretful of not [] The post Will prioritise resolving Gorkha issue, withdraw cases against leaders after winning Bengal: Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Amit Shah to Address Four Rallies in West Bengal Amid Upcoming Elections
Kolkata, April 15: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address four public rallies in West Bengal on Wednesday, coinciding with the Bengali New Year. This comes as the state prepares for two phases of assembly elections later this month. Shahs schedule begins at 11:30 AM with a rally at Lobong Ground in Darjeeling district. He ... Read more Amit Shah to Address Four Rallies in West Bengal Amid Upcoming Elections
Villagers in Bengal Demand Better Education, Health, and Employment from Government
Darjeeling, April 14: As the assembly elections approach in West Bengal, political parties are actively campaigning across the region. Leaders are visiting villages, assuring voters that all promises will be fulfilled upon their victory. However, residents of Haatighisa, a small village near Naxalbari in the Darjeeling district, express a different sentiment. They demand a government ... Read more Villagers in Bengal Demand Better Education, Health, and Employment from Government
Amit Shah Promises Political Solution for Darjeeling Without Separating from Bengal
Kolkata, April 14: Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Tuesday that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forms a government in West Bengal following the upcoming assembly elections, a permanent political solution will be provided for the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong, without separating them from the state. He emphasized, We will ... Read more Amit Shah Promises Political Solution for Darjeeling Without Separating from Bengal
Residents of Bengal Village Demand Better Education, Health, and Employment from Government
Darjeeling, April 14: As the assembly elections approach in West Bengal, political parties are intensifying their campaigns. Leaders are visiting villages, promising voters that all their commitments will be fulfilled upon victory. However, residents of the small village of Hatighisa, located near Naxalbari in the Darjeeling district, express a different sentiment. They demand a government ... Read more Residents of Bengal Village Demand Better Education, Health, and Employment from Government
Geographical Indication (GI) tags: Protecting authenticity
Geographical Indication (GI) tags play a crucial role in preserving the heritage of distinctive products, such as Darjeeling Tea and Banarasi saris. Enshrined in a 1999 statute, these protections not only defend traditional crafts but also enhance local economies by allowing for higher pricing.
Gorkhaland back in focus as Darjeeling Hills brace for tight Bengal poll battle
North Bengal's hill constituencies are set for a tough election. The BJP, allied with GJM, faces TMC's partner BGPM. A new force, IGJF, is also emerging. The demand for Gorkhaland remains a key issue. Voters recall past promises. Alliances are crucial for resources in this region.
Five-Way Contest in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong for West Bengal Elections
Kolkata, March 31: The West Bengal assembly elections are set to take place next month, with voting occurring in two phases across 294 seats. Most constituencies will witness a four-cornered contest, but the three hill seats of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong will see a five-way battle. In these regions, the main political players include the ... Read more Five-Way Contest in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong for West Bengal Elections
Addressing an election rally at Naxalbari in the Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling district, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the BJP for causing misery to the people by enforcing an ill-planned SIR.
TMC's Rs 300 tea wage pledge draws cautious industry response over sector viability
The Trinamool Congress pledged to increase tea garden worker wages to Rs 300. Industry stakeholders express caution, citing the sector's financial struggles. They emphasize the need for consultations involving employers, unions, and the government. The Darjeeling tea industry faces challenges from rising costs and cheaper imports.
Its Mamata vs. Suvendu again; Trinamool to contest 291 seats in Bengal polls
Ms. Banerjee said her party will contest 291 of the 294 seats. The remaining three seats will be contested by our ally, Anit Thapa-led BGPM, in the Darjeeling hills, she said
Trinamool Congress revealed its candidate list for the West Bengal Assembly elections, contesting 291 out of 294 seats. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will run from Bhabanipur, while allies will contest three seats in Darjeeling. The party expressed confidence in retaining power with a significant majority, aiming for over 226 seats.
TMC to contest 291 of 294 seats in Bengal polls, confident of winning over 226, says Mamata Banerjee
We will contest 291 of the 294 seats. The remaining three seats will be contested by our ally, Anit Thapa-led BGPM, in the Darjeeling hills, Ms. Banerjee said, while announcing the names of candidates
Darjeeling DM transferred days after protocol lapse row during President Murmus visit
The administrative reshuffle came hours after reports surfaced that the Home Ministry was considering seeking the services of the two officers in connection with the controversy surrounding the Presidents visit
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee however rejected the Centre's requisition, transferred Mr Mishra from the post of Darjeeling DM and brought him into her fold.
IMD Kolkata rain prediction: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Kolkata might receive light showers along with thunderstorms on March 11 and 12. The weather in Kolkata is expected to remain cloudy for the next few days, according to the weather department. Other parts of Bengal such as Purulia, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Malda are also likely to receive showers.
Darjeeling district officials had raised alarm over lack of arrangements at venue
In the absence of the Chief Minister and Governor, the Minister-in-Waiting should have received the President according to protocol, officials said
Mamata should resign over protocol breach at President Murmus Darjeeling event: BJP
PM Modi had insulted the President by remaining seated with veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani while President Murmu stood next to them, says the West Bengal CM, holding a dharna against the SIR in Kolkata
Protocol lapses at President event: Centre seeks response from West Bengal government
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday (March 7, 2026) expressed disappointment with the West Bengal government for changing the venue of the International Santal Conference in Darjeeling district and not adhering to the desired protocol to receive her at the event
Any disrespect to President Murmu deeply regrettable, unacceptable: Edappadi Palaniswami
On March 7, President Droupadi Murmu expressed disappointment with the West Bengal government for changing the venue of the International Santal Conference in Darjeeling district and not adhering to the desired protocol to receive her at the event.
CM Mohan Majhis reaction came close on the heels of rare public displeasure expressed by President Droupadi Murmu over shifting of venue for the International Santhal Conclave in Darjeeling
President Murmu criticises Bengal Government for protocol failures at Darjeeling event
The State Government had also changed the venue of the International Santhal Conference, where the President was participating, citing fears of congestion
Santals contributions to freedom struggle not given due recognition: Prez
Darjeeling (WB), Mar 7: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said the contributions of the Santals to the countrys freedom struggle have not received due recognition, and asserted that the names of several legends belonging to the community were not deliberately included in history. After inaugurating the ninth International Santal Conference at Bidhannagar in Siliguri in West Bengals Darjeeling district, she stressed the need for education for Santal children. I know how much the Santals have contributed to the countrys freedom [] The post Santals contributions to freedom struggle not given due recognition: Prez appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Murmu reschedules West Bengal visit, to travel to Darjeeling on March 7
President Murmu will visit Darjeeling, West Bengal, March 7, where she will grace the 9th International Santal Conference, being organised by the International Santal Council, says Rashtrapati Bhavan
Kolkata weather: Kolkata and its adjoining areas are likely to receive light rain with thunderstorms on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Midnapore and Jhargram will also see rainfall today. In north Bengal, light to moderate rain is likely in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri on Monday and Tuesday.
Award For BJP MP, Language Push: Trinamool's Rajbanshi Outreach Before Polls
The Rajbanshis are a scheduled caste community concentrated in North Bengal, especially in districts like Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Malda, and Murshidabad.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Gets Its First Woman Traveling Ticket Examiner After 145 Years
It reflects the increasing participation of women in railway services and marks a new milestone on one of the country's most renowned heritage routes.
In 145 years, Darjeeling toy train gets first woman TTE
Sarita Yolmo has been assigned tour duty on the narrow-gauge World Heritage Site railway line linking New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal
EU FTA provides huge opportunities in India for non-alcoholic beverage exports: French firm Richeerz
Amidst the effervescent world of beverages, Richeerz, a French sparkling tea brand, is keenly eyeing the thriving Indian non-alcoholic drinks sector. The recent free trade agreement between India and the EU has unlocked fresh pathways for collaboration and trade. Known for their exquisite Darjeeling tea imports, Richeerz is ready to bubble over with their sparkling tea exports to India.
Surajkund swing tragedy revives grim history of ride, ropeway accidents in India
A recent giant swing collapse at Surajkund Mela in Haryana has reignited concerns over amusement ride safety across India. This incident follows a string of accidents at parks and ropeways nationwide. Past events include a Darjeeling ropeway failure in 2003, a Kankaria Park pendulum crash in 2019, and a Trikut ropeway collision in 2022.
Darjeeling Toy Train Service Hits Record Revenue Of Rs 24.6 Crore In 2025
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) toy train service is one of the most popular tourist attractions in West Bengal.
From Darjeeling to Shillong: Who Decides the Fate of Heritage?
By Bhogtoram Mawroh Tea is us. Tea is not ours. This is the name of a film made by Ugyal Tshering Lama Yolmo, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at SRM University Sikkim, which encapsulates succinctly the trap in which the people of Darjeeling find themselves in relation to an []
Prashant Tamang's final rites in Darjeeling: Wife Martha breaks down in tears as she pays...
Darjeeling singer Prashant Tamang dies of cardiac arrest
ECI clears plantation records as valid SIR documents in north Bengal, says BJPs Suvendu Adhikari
The letter shared by Mr. Adhikari stated that the Commission has conveyed its no objection to accepting tea garden and cinchona plantation records as documents for SIR 2026 in the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur
Prashant Tamang dies at 43: Indian Idol 3 fame and noted actor-singer Prashant Tamang died on Sunday reportedly due to a heart attack. He was 43. Born in Darjeeling, Tamang rose to prominence after winning Indian Idol following which he launched his maiden album Dhanyavad, which consisted of songs both in Hindi and Nepali. He worked in Nepali films too. Prashant Tamang made his debut in Hindi entertainment with the role of Daniel Acho in Season 2 of Paatal Lok.
Indian Idol 3 Winner Prashant Tamang Dies at 43
Tamang, who hailed from Darjeeling and was of Nepali origin, rose to prominence in 2004 after winning Season 3 of Sony Entertainment Televisions popular singing reality show Indian Idol.
IMD warns of more chill in West Bengal
West Bengal is set for a cold spell. Several districts will experience temperatures below normal for the next three to five days. Morning and forenoon fog is also expected. Darjeeling recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 3.2 degrees Celsius. Sriniketan was the coldest in the plains at 6.2 degrees Celsius. Kolkata's minimum temperature was 10.3 degrees Celsius.
Bengal shivers under cold spell; Kolkata records seasons coldest night of 2025
West Bengal is experiencing severe cold. Minimum temperatures have dropped below 10 degrees Celsius in many areas. The sub-Himalayan districts will continue to face this chill for another week. Light rain or snow is forecast for Darjeeling. South Bengal citizens can expect some relief soon. Morning fog is also predicted across the state.
West Bengal is under a severe cold wave. Dense fog and falling temperatures are disrupting daily life. Air quality has worsened significantly. Kolkata recorded its coldest December morning. Sub-Himalayan districts are experiencing even lower temperatures. Light snowfall is possible in higher reaches. Fog is expected to persist, impacting travel by air, rail, and road.
Cold wave, dense fog grip north and east India
Large parts of north and eastern India continued to reel under intense cold and dense fog on Saturday, disrupting normal life and prompting weather warnings across several states. Sub-zero temperatures were recorded in Kashmir, while parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand and West Bengal reported cold day or cold wave conditions, according to the India Meteorological Department. In Uttar Pradesh, dense to very dense fog prevailed across many districts, with daytime temperatures remaining well below normal. Gorakhpur recorded a maximum of 13.2 degrees Celsius, 7.4 degrees below average, while Prayagraj saw a high of 16.8 degrees Celsius, down by over six degrees. Varanasi, Bareilly, Etawah, Bahraich and Barabanki also reported daytime temperatures four to six degrees below normal. Minimum temperatures in the state ranged between 6 and 11 degrees Celsius, with Etawah recording a low of 6.2 degrees. In Lucknow, the maximum temperature stood at 18 degrees Celsius, while high humidity levels contributed to gloomy conditions. The weather department forecast dense fog during late night and morning hours, with dry weather likely to continue. Rajasthan also witnessed cold and dry conditions, with fog reported at isolated places in the Udaipur and Kota divisions. Karauli was the coldest location in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 3.1 degrees Celsius. Jaipur registered a low of 9.6 degrees, while Barmer recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 29 degrees Celsius. The weather is expected to remain cold and dry in the coming days. Punjab and Haryana remained in the grip of intense cold, with dense fog enveloping several areas. In Punjab, Ballowal Saunkhri in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district was the coldest at 4.4 degrees Celsius. Gurugram recorded the lowest temperature in Haryana at 4.9 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 6.9 degrees Celsius. Dense fog also covered the national capital on Saturday morning, while air quality remained in the very poor category. The overall Air Quality Index stood at 355 at 9 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7.8 degrees Celsius, with foggy conditions likely to persist through the day. Cold weather conditions prevailed across West Bengal as well, with Darjeeling emerging as the coldest place in the state at 5.8 degrees Celsius. In the plains, Alipurduar recorded a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius. Shallow to moderate fog is likely to continue over parts of the state over the next few days, the IMD said. In Jammu and Kashmir, night temperatures dipped below freezing at most places due to clear skies. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg was the coldest place in the Union Territory at minus 5.8 degrees. The weather office has forecast generally dry conditions till December 29, with the possibility of rain and snowfall around New Years Eve. Jharkhand also witnessed cold wave conditions, with the mercury dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in several districts. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature at 3.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD issued a yellow alert for cold wave conditions in six districts, warning that the cold spell is likely to persist till Sunday morning. Amid the severe cold, at least four members of a family, including three children, died of suffocation in Bihars Saran district after a fire was lit in a closed room to keep warm. Two others were found unconscious and were admitted to hospital. Police said the incident occurred early Saturday morning in the Bhagwan Bazar area. A forensic investigation has been initiated, and the case is being probed from all angles. (With inputs from PTI)
Fresh protests erupt in West Bengal against Bangladesh lynching
KOLKATA: Fresh incidents of demonstrations in Kolkata and several districts across West Bengal were reported on Wednesday in protest against the brutal killing of a Hindu Bangladeshi youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Mymensingh. Violence erupted at Howrah Station this afternoon when police prevented demonstrators belonging to the BJP from reaching the Howrah Bridge, the prime lifeline connecting Kolkata and the south Bengal districts. The demonstrators were protesting against the Mymensingh incident in Bangladesh and were involved in heated arguments with security personnel on Howrah Bridge. We will not let anyone hamper normal life and cause trouble to commuters in the name of protest. We will act in accordance with the law to thwart any attempts to create trouble, said a senior officer of Howrah Police. As police prevented the march from proceeding, protesters squatted on the road and attempted to break through barricades, leading to scuffles. Bangladesh government pledges responsibility for family of lynched Hindu worker Dipu Das The area was barricaded, and as protesters raised slogans while sitting on the road, police moved in to disperse them. Police alleged that the demonstrators turned aggressive, forcing security personnel to take action to disperse the protest. Unrest was also reported along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Siliguri of Darjeeling district and Petrapol or Ghozadanga borders in North 24 Parganas district when different groups of Hindutva organisations demonstrated by blocking trucks carrying export and import items. Activists of Sanatani Jatiotabadi Mancha, a Hindutva platform, blocked the road at the Ghozadanga border and prevented trucks carrying goods from entering Bangladesh in protest against the atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. One agitator, Rajendra Saha, said, We want the Indian government to stop all trade and diplomatic relations with Bangladesh, where minority Hindus like Dipu Chandra Das are being killed and tortured by the majority there. On December 18, Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old garment factory worker, was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy in Baluka in Bangladesh's Mymensingh. Hundreds of people attempted to march to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission on Tuesday in protest over the attack on minorities in the neighbouring country, but were stopped by the police midway, leading to a clash that left several injured. The rally started from Sealdah and was proceeding towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission's office in Park Circus, but was stopped by police in the Beckbagan area. As they tried to breach the barricade, police baton-charged the rallyists. On Monday, senior BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, along with other party leaders and supporters, staged a demonstration near the Deputy High Commission on the same agenda. Adhikari led a rally of around 2,000 people who squatted on the road after he was stopped by police from proceeding further. We want strict punishment for all those involved in the murder of Das. We want atrocities and attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh to be stopped immediately. If there is no end to attacks on Hindus, we will return with 10,000 people on December 26, he threatened. On Tuesday, a similar protest was organised outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. However, chaos erupted soon after as hundreds of protestors affiliated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal clashed with police. An officer said a 15,000-strong police force was deployed ahead of the demonstration. He said police managed to hold the protesters about 800 metres from the high commission. Anti-Bangladesh protests erupt near Deputy High Commission in Kolkata; 12 arrested
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat begins four-day West Bengal visit amid run-up to assembly polls
KOLKATA: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived at Bagdogra airport on Thursday to begin a four-day visit to West Bengal, during which he is scheduled to take part in several organisational programmes of the Sangh across the state. During his stay, on Thursday, Bhagwat will attend a youth programme in Siliguri in Darjeeling district . On Friday, he is slated to address a meeting of RSS functionaries in Siliguri, where he is expected to issue guidelines to Sangh activists. He will then travel to Kolkata, where he will hold a series of organisational meetings on Saturday and Sunday. Security has been tightened for the RSS chief throughout his visit. Political observers view Bhagwats Bengal tour as significant, coming at a time when the state is gearing up for assembly elections scheduled next year. They said the visit assumes importance amid an intensifying political climate in the state. Observers also pointed out that, setting aside issues such as corruption cases including the teachers recruitment scam involving the invalidation of appointments of 26,000 teachers, the Saradha and Narada scams, alleged coal and cattle smuggling, the rape and murder of a woman doctor at R G Kar Medical College Hospital, and the recent Salt Lake Stadium vandalism the forthcoming polls could, for the first time, see a sharper focus on religious polarisation between Hindus and Muslims under the Trinamool Congress regime, which has been in power since 2011. According to RSS insiders, Bhagwat has planned visits to several major states as part of celebrations marking the organisations ongoing centenary year, holding meetings with swayamsevaks across the country. His Bengal visit, they said, also comes against the backdrop of the BJP stepping up efforts to consolidate Hindu votes in the state, while countering Trinamool Congress chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees alleged Muslim appeasement ahead of the Assembly elections. Sources said Bhagwat, during his engagements in Siliguri and Kolkata, is keen to gauge the mood of minority voters in both north and south Bengal districts. Political observers noted that the BJPs Bengal unit has recently softened its stance towards the Muslim community, with leaders such as Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, attempting to reach out to Indian Muslims who respect the countrys traditional cultural heritage. The RSS-backed organisation Muslim Rashtriya Manch has also been active in this outreach, and Bhagwat has previously attended programmes organised by the platform. At 75, Bhagwat who may retire from his organisational post is said to be exploring broader support, including from sections of the Muslim community, for the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a post on X amid Bhagwats visit, claimed that her government has undertaken unprecedented initiatives for minority development in the state. She said around 30% of the Muslim population votes for the Trinamool Congress and highlighted increased budgetary support for minority welfare. The plan budget allocation for the minorities have gone up Rs 5,602 crore in financial year 2025-26 from Rs 472 crore in 2010-11, she said on X, while extending her best wishes on Minority Rights Day.
