Taps run dry inKolkata colony for 50 days; residents allege bias
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan arrested in Kolkata for 2007 anti-land acquisition movement
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested on Friday for alleged involvement in a 2007 movement. Party leaders strongly criticized the arrest, calling it political vendetta. They stated democracy is on a ventilator in BJP's Bengal. The timing of the arrest raises serious questions about fairness. This action is seen as an effort to ensure an opposition-free India.
Bengal govt identifies 9 mouzas for Kalyani greenfield airport land
Maidan Kite Flying Event Takes A Break After 78 Years
Senior BJP leaders including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that it was divine intervention that Mamata Banerjee has lost her partys symbol and name
Celebrating culture: Kol kite show paves way for palash, tea festivals
Rs 155 for 2.7km in cab: App travel cost soars as drivers go scarce
Vishwakarma Puja Debut For ABVP, PVKS On JU Campuses
Nandan Gets Back Vishwakarma Puja Festival After Hiatus Of 9 years
Kolkata at heart of Indias lightning hotspots
Howrah Christian family claims threats, harassment during prayer meet
Roads bad in Baguiati, Chinar Park; pre-puja repairs underway: CM
From red to blue-white to saffron: Salt Lake stadium reflects pol changes
Low-pressure system likely in Andaman Sea today, cyclone fate to be known soon
Chandrakona OC closed after 20-year-olds death in police custody
Edu dept plans alternative use of zero-enrolment schools
Theme Pandals Debut At Garages, Auto Stands For Vishwakarma Puja In Kolkata
33 cases across 3 states against arrested top Maoist: Cops
IPL star Abishek Porel gets bail in rape case after arrest over medical students complaint
Cops didnt show arrest: Congress fumes over Milan Pradhans detention as Nandigram race takes twist
Kolkata Real Estate Director Arrested for Money Laundering
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Amit Ganguly, a Kolkata real estate director, for alleged money laundering activities related to property fraud. Kolkata Real Estate Director Arrested for Money Laundering
Indias metro network has expanded significantly since 1984. The operational network now spans more than 1,155 km across 26 cities. This rapid growth includes new corridors in Tier-II cities and regional transit systems. Hundreds of kilometres of metro lines are currently under construction across the country. Future growth will depend on better integration, affordability and financial sustainability as Indian cities continue to expand.
After Mamata vows support, Congress Nandigram candidate held
Kolkata: Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the forthcoming bypoll for the Nandigram Assembly constituency in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, was arrested on Friday, September 18, in an old case, confirmed an official of the East Midnapore district police. The arrests took place hours after Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate from the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bengal: Congress candidate for Nandigram bypoll arrested in an old case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the forthcoming bypoll for Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, was arrested on Friday in an old case, confirmed an official of the East Midnapore district police. The arrests took place hours after Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress for the bypoll in Nandigram, withdrew her nomination and the former West Bengal Chief Minister announced her support towards Congress in Nandigram. An insider from the district police said that the Congress candidate from Nandigram was accused in an old murder case. A warrant was already also issued in his name, and he was arrested in connection with it on Friday, said the district police officer. The Congress candidates arrest before the bypoll created a stir in the political circles in West Bengal. The Congress alleged that the BJP did not want to have anything called opposition before the elections. West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) president Subhankar Sarkar told media persons that suddenly a case was filed against Milan, and he was arrested thereafter. In this way, the BJP is trying to create a one-party rule in West Bengal. Will there be no opposition politics in this state as well as in the country? questioned Sarkar and said the current ruling party in the state hatched a political conspiracy in the arrest of his party's candidate. However, the BJPs East Midnapore district rubbished the allegation and claimed that the party had no connection with the arrest of the Congress candidate. Nandigram, along with Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district, is going to bypolls on October 6 and the results will be declared on November 9. In the Assembly elections held earlier this year, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur. He defeated former CM and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur and chose to retain that seat, leaving Nandigram vacant and necessitating the bypoll. BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath, mother of Adhikaris personal assistant Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas on May 6, soon after the Assembly election results were announced. Her candidature has added an emotional element to the campaign.
'Unacceptable and unprofessional': India on PNS Hunain collision with INS Kolkata in Arabian Sea
'Unacceptable and unprofessional': India on PNS Hunain collision with INS Kolkata in Arabian Sea
Bengal: Mahua Moitra files complaint against BJP workers over egg attack
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Trinamool Congress (TMC) Lok Sabha member from Krishnanagar constituency in Nadia district of West Bengal, Mahua Moitra, on Friday lodged a complaint at Tehatta Police Station in the same district against eight Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists over the alleged egg attack on her while she went to attend a party meeting at Tehatta on September 16. Among the eight BJP activists named in the complaint are the panchayat samiti chief and deputy chief of Tehatta-I block. Confirming the development, a district police officer said that based on the complaint filed by the Lok Sabha member, the police had started an investigation. CCTV and video footage of the entire incident is being examined, the officer said. Meanwhile, the BJPs Nadia district leadership denied the allegations. BJP legislator from Tehatta Assembly Constituency, Subrata Kobiraj, said no BJP worker or supporter was involved in the incident. He added that the protest against the MPs controversial comments about Hindu gods and goddesses had aroused strong anger among the people, and Wednesdays development was a manifestation of that spontaneous public anger. On Wednesday, Moitra shared videos of the incident on social media and claimed that BJP office-bearers surrounded the venue of her party meeting and targeted her convoy as she departed. Referring to a recent observation by Supreme Court judge Justice Dipankar Datta that politicians should not be overly concerned about egg attacks when freedom fighters had faced bullets, she said she had confronted the situation in the same spirit. Moitra remarked that on Wednesday she was both an MP in independent India and also a freedom fighter. BJP office-bearers, not the public, surrounded my meeting and pelted eggs as I left. Thank you, MiLord, for upholding our Constitutional protections, she said. She also criticised the officer-in-charge of Tehatta Police Station for allegedly claiming that she attended the meeting without informing him. The Tehatta IC, Supriya Ranjan Maji, said on camera that nobody informed him about my visit. Whereas, the district police superintendent of Nadia issued a letter, cc to him, about my Tehatta visit. Does Mr Maji also have the BJP disease of short-term memory loss? Disgraceful, Moitra added.
Kolkatas ED Arrests Amit Ganguly in Major Land Scam Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Amit Ganguly, director of Ganguly Home Search Pvt Ltd, in a land scam linked to money laundering. Kolkatas ED Arrests Amit Ganguly in Major Land Scam Investigation
Bengal: Maoist leader remanded to police custody till Sep 29
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) A lower court remanded senior CPI (Maoist) leader Asim Mandal, alias Akash, Timir and Manoj to police custody until September 29 on Friday. He was arrested on Thursday by the Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata from Patashpur in East Midnapore district After being presented in court, counsel for the Kolkata Police STF told the court that there were 55 cases against Akash in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The Jharkhand and Odisha governments had announced a reward of Rs 2.2 crore. Akash is an active member of a banned organisation. His activities harmed the sovereignty and integrity of the state. He was also responsible for creating a cycle of illegal activities and sabotage involving the three states. He used to hide himself by frequently changing names, the STF counsel told the court. No bail application was moved on behalf of Akash. His counsel, Yasin Rahman, told the court that accusations of sabotage had been made against Akash for decades. However, many people involved in this force before 2011 have since become heroes in society and mainstream political figures. Akashs arrest is being viewed as a significant success for security agencies and a major setback to Maoist activities in the tribal and forested regions spread across the three eastern states. A native of Fulchak village under Chandrakona Police Station in West Midnapore district, Mandal is said to have become involved in Left-Wing extremist activities during his student years in the 1980s. He later joined the Peoples War Group and worked extensively in the Sarenga and Goaltor regions of West Bengal as well as the Gurabanda area of Jharkhands East Singhbhum district. Security agencies records show that nearly 55 serious criminal cases are registered against him across Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. Several of these cases relate to attacks on security forces and armed encounters in Jharkhand. Following the formation of CPI (Maoist) in September 2004, he returned to the Jangalmahal region spanning parts of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore districts. He became actively involved in the outfits activities. He also played a key role during the Lalgarh movement, after which he was entrusted with the responsibility of Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee in 2010. He later held important positions in the Bengal-Jharkhand-Odisha Regional Committee. According to police sources, the Maoist network in West Bengal suffered a major setback after the November 2011 encounter killing of senior Maoist leader Kishanji. Thereafter, Mandal is said to have gone completely underground and remained elusive for years until his arrest on Thursday.
Army Mountaineering Expedition summits Mt Khangchengyao in North Sikkim
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) The Indian Armys mountaineering expedition from the Eastern Commands Spear Corps successfully summited Mt Khangchengyao in North Sikkim on Friday, September 18, 2026. The expedition had been flagged off on August 18, 2026, from Rayang Military Station in Arunachal Pradesh. Mt Khangchengyao, at 6,889 metres, is considered an extremely challenging mountain to climb. It has steep ice walls and unpredictable weather conditions. Mt Khangchengyao is the fourth-highest peak in Sikkim and the tenth-highest in India. In this part of the Himalayan region, locals identify most of the mountains, especially the high peaks, as deities. Peaks are also differentiated by gender. Locals deeply revere Mt Khangchengyao, identifying it as a male mountain. Local legend holds that it gets angry when a woman sets foot near it, and folklore suggests the weather worsens whenever a woman climber approaches the base camp. The mountain has a unique dome-shaped structure without a pointed peak. Its nearly rounded top tapers down its sides at 7580 degree angles, making climbing extremely difficult. Officials said such expeditions help build teamwork and camaraderie among troops while also training them to handle challenges in extreme conditions. Under the aegis of Eastern Command, the Indian Army Mountaineering Expedition team under Spear Corps displayed exceptional courage and successfully summited Mt Khangchengyao (6,889 m), achieving a historic milestone. Defying sub-zero temperatures, treacherous terrain and punishing high altitudes, the team triumphed through sheer physical endurance and flawless camaraderie. This monumental ascent stands as a soaring testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army, proving once again that no height is insurmountable when met with relentless resolve, the Eastern Command posted on X. The Spear Corps, also known as III Corps, is a Mountain (Holding) Corps with troops trained in high-altitude operations. It is headquartered in Dimapur, Nagaland, and is involved in counter-insurgency operations in the northeastern states. It also plays a major role in managing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The Corps also participated in the famous Battle of Walong during the Indo-China War of 1962.
Candidate from Mamata Banerjee-led faction withdraws nomination in Nandigram
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress for the bypoll in Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, withdrew her nomination on Friday afternoon after a meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Soon after, at a press conference at her residence in Kalighat, South Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee, the former West Bengal Chief Minister, announced that she would extend her support to Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in Nandigram. Both developments followed the Election Commission of India (ECI) decision earlier in the day to allot new names and symbols to two rival factions in the Trinamool Congress: one led by Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and the other by expelled party legislator Ritabrata Banerjee. After Sanchita Dey Pradhan withdrew her nomination following the meeting with the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee told media persons at her residence that she had decided to support the Congress candidate in Nandigram. We will not contest in Nandigram. We will support our sister party, Congress. This will strengthen the INDIA bloc, the former West Bengal Chief Minister said. She added that the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, had called her on Thursday night, after which she decided to support the Congress. We are all together; we will fight together. We will support all normal alliances. We will support our sister parties, she said. Regarding the Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district, which is also going for bypolls next month, Mamata Banerjee said that a decision would be taken later. After seizing power in the state with the Congress in 2011, ending the 34-year Left Front rule, this is the first time Mamata Banerjee has publicly expressed support for a Congress candidate in Nandigram. Political observers believe this move is possibly a face-saving exercise for the former Chief Minister amid the current situation within her party. Tension over the symbol began Thursday night when the ECI announced its decision to freeze the name All India Trinamool Congress temporarily and the symbol Flowers & Grass. On Friday, the Commission allotted the Mamata Banerjee-led faction the new name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the symbol Football Players. The rival Ritabrata-led faction was allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the symbol Envelope. The dramatic turn in the Nandigram by-election came after Sanchita Dey Pradhan met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the state secretariat Nabanna and subsequently withdrew her nomination at the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Haldia.
Bengal: Iconic Howrah Bridge illuminated with dynamic architectural lighting
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) The iconic Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge) has been illuminated with state-of-the-art dynamic architectural lighting by its custodian, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata. The development came after clearance from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, officials said. The dynamic architectural illumination features 3,825 luminaires with a total installed capacity of 385 KW, bringing its structural profile, skeletal surfaces, crowns and main pylons to life through dynamic lighting and synchronised sound. The lighting will be showcased on important national occasions and festivals including Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Durga Puja, Diwali and Holi, creating a renewed visual identity for one of Kolkatas most recognisable landmarks, an SMP Kolkata official said. The project, valued at Rs 22.35 crore, has been executed by M/s M M Brothers with lighting support from M/s Havells Lighting. Jadavpur University served as the Technical Consultant. The dynamic light shows with synchronised sound will be live broadcast for the general public through a dedicated mobile application, offering citizens and tourists a mesmerising experience of this engineering marvel, the official added. SMP Kolkata Chairman Rathendra Raman congratulated the entire team and said: The illumination of Rabindra Setu is not just lighting of a bridge; it is lighting up the legacy of Kolkata. Howrah Bridge is an emotion for the people of this city and the nation. This dynamic architectural lighting will enhance its heritage grandeur and offer a world-class visual spectacle to citizens and tourists alike, while reaffirming SMP Kolkatas commitment to preserving and celebrating our iconic heritage. The illumination is expected to enhance Kolkatas heritage tourism appeal and reaffirm the historic bridge as a beacon of the City of Joy, port officials said. The 705-metre-long steel suspension bridge, connecting the cities of Kolkata and Howrah, was commissioned on February 3, 1943. It was named Rabindra Setu after Rabindranath Tagore in 1965. It continues to remain one of the busiest bridges in the country even after 77 years, with nearly 100,000 vehicles and over 150,000 pedestrians crossing it daily. While the Kolkata port had installed decorative lighting on the bridge earlier, this is the first time dynamic architectural lighting has been implemented.
Pakistani naval ship's conduct unacceptable and unprofessional: MEA
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) India on Friday rejected Pakistan's allegations over the collision between the Indian Navy's INS Kolkata and Pakistani naval ship Hunain in the western Arabian Sea on September 15, terming them as usual prevarication. Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Pakistani naval ship Hunain's conduct was unacceptable and unprofessional , which caused the collision. However, INS Kolkata did not suffer any damage. We have seen the Pakistan's response to the protest we have lodged. It is the usual prevarication that we expected. We reject the allegations and insinuations contained therein. Let me reiterate the facts of the matter for you. INS Kolkata was on a routine deployment in the Western Arabian Sea when Pakistani naval ship Hunain conducted itself in an unacceptable and unprofessional manner at sea that resulted in a collision, Jaiswal told reporters. The dangerous overtaking maneuver by PNS Hunain was in gross violation of Article 10 of the Agreement Between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Maneuvers and Troop Movements of 1991, which clearly specifies that naval units at sea are not to be within three nautical miles of each other. In addition, the Pakistani ship also infringed the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The Pakistani side has once again been advised about the need for all military units to observe due care and respect the provisions of the relevant agreements between the two sides in order to prevent any repeat of such incidents. The incident did not cause any major damage to INS Kolkata and she remains at sea, he added. MEA's response came after Pakistan had accused an Indian naval ship of carrying out a provocative manoeuvre that resulted in a collision with the Pakistan Navy Ship in the Arabian Sea. On Wednesday, India summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest after the Pakistani naval ship's action at sea. The Charge d'Affaires of the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in New Delhi was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs today and a strong protest was lodged with him over the unacceptable and unprofessional conduct of Pakistani naval units at sea that led to a collision with a unit of the Indian Navy, the MEA said. The MEA stated that the incident, which took place in international waters, did not cause any major damage, but the Pakistani naval ship's conduct was in direct contravention of Article 10 of the Agreement between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements of April 1991. The Charge d'Affaires of Pakistan was advised to convey to the concerned Pakistani authorities the need for all military units to observe due care and respect the provisions of the relevant agreements between the two sides in order to prevent any repeat of such incidents, the MEA mentioned in a statement. The Charge d'Affaires of India in Islamabad has also been instructed to lodge a similar protest with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, it added.
OPINION | What makes Modi different from other leaders?
BJP celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday as Seva Sankalp Diwas. Motorbike yatras were held from Vadnagar (Gujarat) to Varanasi, and from Ujjain to Kolkata. Blood donations camps were organised and millions of diyas were lighted...
India Rejects Pakistans Allegations Over Navy Ships Collision
MEA Says Pakistani Vessels Dangerous Overtaking Manoeuvre Led To Collision With INS Kolkata
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court on Friday extended its stay on the state government's decision to cancel appointments made through the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) examination and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) recruitment process. The court also appointed a retired High Court judge to oversee the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment exercises. A bench of Justice Deepak Roshan heard a batch of petitions challenging the government's decision to annul appointments made through various recruitment examinations, including the JPSC CDPO and JSSC-CGL exams. During the hearing, the court orally observed that while the material available so far suggests that not all appointments were made in a fair manner, it is equally true that not every appointment was tainted. The court expressed concern over the lengthy recruitment process followed by the JPSC, noting that it often takes two to three years to conduct examinations and complete appointments. In such circumstances, the bench observed, a blanket cancellation of appointments could adversely affect many officials against whom no individual wrongdoing has been established. To ensure impartial scrutiny of the allegations, the court appointed retired High Court judge Gautam Kumar Choudhary to monitor the investigation, while retired IPS officer R.K. Malik was designated as the nodal officer for the probe. During the proceedings, both the Jharkhand government and the JPSC submitted their responses before the court. In its affidavit, the state government defended its decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination, arguing that the entire recruitment process had been vitiated by alleged irregularities. According to the government, distinguishing between genuinely successful candidates and those who may have unfairly benefited had become difficult. The government cited Supreme Court guidelines that permit cancellation of an entire examination when the recruitment process is found to be irreparably compromised, and it becomes impossible to separate valid selections from tainted ones. On this basis, it justified its decision to scrap the CGL examination. The affidavit further stated that confidential examination-related work, including question paper printing and distribution to examination centres, had been entrusted to ICN Technology. According to the government, 28 individuals, including the company's CEO Somansh Prakash, have been arrested in connection with the alleged exam scam, while notices have been issued to 265 people. The government also claimed that the investigation had uncovered evidence suggesting that candidates were allegedly coached with answers at locations in Nepal, Asansol, Kolkata, Bihar, Jharia and Bokaro. Of the 28 candidates taken to Nepal, 10 were successful in the CGL examination, the affidavit stated. The investigation is still underway. Senior advocates Rajeev Ranjan, Indrajeet Sinha, Amritansh Vats, Kumar Harsh, Sonal Tiwari and Subhash Rasik Soren, among others, appeared for the petitioners. The state government was represented by senior advocate Meenakshi Arora and Advocate General Rohitashwa Roy, while the JPSC was represented by advocates Sanjay Piperwal and Prince Kumar.
Gold, Silver Prices Today: Check 24K, 22K Gold and 999 Silver Rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru
Gold and silver prices today, 18 September: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
India rejects Pakistan's allegations regarding collision of Indian, Pak ships
India has rejected Pakistan's allegations concerning a naval collision in the Arabian Sea. New Delhi summoned the Pakistani Charge d'Affaires to lodge a strong protest. The incident occurred after a Pakistani vessel closed in on an Indian warship. India stated the Pakistani ship acted unprofessionally and violated maritime agreements. The Indian vessel INS Kolkata sustained no major damage and remains operational.
Mamata built TMC through rebellion; 28 years on, revolt strikes at its identity
KOLKATA: Mamata Banerjee once made rebellion her political weapon, breaking away from the Congress to build the TMC, but 28 years on, after weathering a string of revolts, she finds that weapon turned inward, striking at the very party identity she created and made synonymous with her political journey. The Election Commissions interim decision to []
AIFF To Give Supporters of Kolkata Clubs Discounted Tix for India Friendlies
India will face Panama on September 25 in Bengaluru, Brazil (October 3) and Uruguay (October 6) in Kolkata, with all three opponents currently ranked among the top 50 in the FIFA rankings
KKR coach wants Rohit Sharma in Kolkata, batter's reply wins hearts in game-show
KKR coach wants Rohit Sharma in Kolkata, batter's reply wins hearts in game-show
ECI allots new names, symbols to rival Trinamool factions
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday allotted new names and election symbols to the two rival factions of the erstwhile All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), pending a final decision on the ownership of the party's original name and its iconic Flowers & Grass symbol. According to an ECI notification issued on Friday, the faction led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, described by the Commission as the original but minority group, has been allotted the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the election symbol Football Player. The faction has been recognised as a political party in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura. The rival faction led by expelled Trinamool Congress legislator Ritabrata Banerjee, which the Commission termed the rebel but majority group, has been allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the symbol Envelope. It has also been recognised as a political party in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura. The ECI clarified that the newly allotted names and symbols will remain in force until it delivers a final verdict on the claim to the original party name, All India Trinamool Congress, and its longstanding Flowers & Grass symbol. Until then, both factions will contest elections under their newly assigned identities. The order will apply to the upcoming Assembly bypolls in Nandigram in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar in Murshidabad district, scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes on October 9. Similarly, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction's candidate in the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll in Assam will contest under the banner of Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the Football Player symbol. Founded in 1998 after Mamata Banerjee's split from the Congress, the Trinamool Congress has fought all elections since its inception under the name All India Trinamool Congress and the Flowers & Grass symbol. The party came to power in West Bengal in 2011 and has remained the state's ruling force since then. With the latest ECI order, West Bengal is set to witness its first election since 1998 without the original Trinamool name and symbol on the ballot.
'It's a full circle moment': Ryan Williams excited for Kanteerava homecoming in India blue
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Ryan Williams is set for a memorable homecoming when he returns to Bengalurus Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Indias colours for the first time, three years after beginning his Indian football journey at the same venue. The 32-year-old, who plays his club football for Bengaluru FC, will trade the familiar blue of his club for Indias blue when the Blue Tigers begin their international window against Panama on September 25. Williams, who made his India debut in March this year and has already earned two international caps and scored once, said playing for the national team at the venue where his Indian journey began would be a special occasion. Its going to be special in every way, shape and form. I started my Indian footballing career here in Bangalore, and who would have thought three years ago that I would have been pulling on the jersey for India. Its amazing. Its a real full-circle moment, Williams said. Indias clash against Panama will be the first of three high-profile fixtures during the international window. The team will then travel to Kolkata to face Brazil on October 3 before taking on Uruguay three days later. With India set to spend three weeks together under head coach Khalid Jamil, Williams believes the extended period will allow the squad to build better understanding and work extensively on the coachs plans. Usually its 10 days, but we have three weeks together, which is valuable time for us to connect more, get the ideas from the coach and try different things in training, he said. The Blue Tigers will come up against three teams that featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving India an opportunity to test themselves against top-level opposition. Williams said the players are looking forward to the challenge and hope to use the matches as a learning experience. First of all, the feeling is excitement. Obviously, the time together is really good for our preparation and for us going forward, he said. Three massive games that are obviously a huge test for us. But thats what we want. Thats what were after: to see how these bigger teams do it, what we can take from these games, see how much we can learn and see how we use them going forward, he added. For Williams, however, the Panama game carries an added significance because of his connection with the Kanteerava Stadium. Having spent much of his time in India playing for Bengaluru FC at the venue, he is expecting strong support from both club and national team fans. Im super, super excited to play at the Kanteerava, because thats where Ive spent most of my time here in India. Im sure theres going to be a lot of fans from BFC and, obviously, from India as well, he said. For me, its a really special moment to be able to wear the blue of India now, playing at the (Kanteerava) stadium. Im extremely excited, he added.
As per the ECI directive both the factions have sent alternative names and symbols to the Commission
Todays Gold Rate in India September 18: Gold prices up in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on September 18
After Uddhav Thackeray, Kanimozhi Meets Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata
The meeting comes days after Kanimozhi held discussions with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar in Delhi
Video: Fireball engulfs newlywed woman during honeymoon barbecue at Darjeeling homestay
Congress backs Mamata as ECI freezes name and symbol of Trinamool Congress
LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal criticised the ECI for freezing the name and symbol of the Trinamool Congress which was set up by Mamata Banerjee 28 years ago
New names and symbols for Mamata and Ritabrata-led Trinamool factions likely to come out today
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) New names and symbols for the two factions in Trinamool Congress -- the original but minority faction led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, and the ebel but majority faction led by expelled party legislator, Ritabrata Banerjee -- are expected to be revealed on Friday after the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered a freeze of the existing name and symbol for the time being. The poll panel's freeze, announced late on Thursday, means that neither faction can contest any election with the All India Trinamool Congress name and the grass flowers symbol, designed by Mamata Banerjee herself, till the time the EC takes a final decision in the matter. The decision will be applicable also for the forthcoming bypolls for Nandigram assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar assembly constituency in Murshidabad district, scheduled on October 6, with the results scheduled to be out on October 9. Now, both the factions have to submit three alternative names and three alternative symbols to the ECI by 11 a.m. on Friday, and the Commission will allot one of the three choices to each faction for contesting the bypolls next month. If either faction fails to update the Commission about their newly chosen names and symbols within that period, both factions will be out of the race in the bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar. The Trinamool Congress started its political journey in 1998 under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, after breaking away from the Congress. Since then, the name and symbol have become an integral part of the party, which took power in West Bengal in 2011 after witnessing a lot of ups and downs. Now in 2026, West Bengal will see its first election without that name and symbol being present. The EC's decision to freeze the Trinamool name and symbol had evoked mixed reactions from both factions. Describing the order as unconstitutional, Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee told media persons that since the Commissions order was unconstitutional, his faction is not accepting it. We will do whatever is required now. But as of now, if we have to choose a symbol, we have till 11 a.m. on Friday. We are not accepting this order. Just as illegal things have to be accepted temporarily, this too has to be accepted, he said. On the other hand, Ritabrata Banerjee, in a social media post, welcomed the decision and said that the order underlined that political parties cannot be treated as private entities or passed down through dynastic succession. This narrative that was going on regarding the symbol and the name, the Election Commissions interim order today proves that there is no room for dynastic politics. A political party is not a private limited company, nor can there be an heir to a political party. This has been proven today, he said.
Gold and silver prices today, 18 September: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Easter Railway launches telemedicine to extend better healthcare to beneficiaries
Kolkata In its efforts to extend quality healthcare to employees, both serving and retired, as well as their dependents, Eastern The post Easter Railway launches telemedicine to extend better healthcare to beneficiaries appeared first on Bilkul Online .
30 lakh beneficiaries registered under PM Vishwakarma scheme: Minister
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) The government on Friday said that 30 lakh beneficiaries have already been registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, out of which around 24.50 lakh have received basic skill training. According to Union Minister for MSME, Jitan Ram Manjhi, 18.15 lakh modern toolkits have been delivered through India Post, while 6.18 lakh Vishwakarmas have received loans up to Rs 1 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent per annum, amounting to Rs 5,297 crore. Manjhi highlighted the achievements of the PM Vishwakarma scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023, to empower traditional artisans and craftspeople through skill training, provisioning of modern toolkit, credit and market support. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) celebrated the third Anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata. The occasion highlighted the governments continued efforts to strengthen the livelihoods, skills and entrepreneurial capabilities of traditional artisans and craftspeople. Addressing the gathering, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari highlighted the importance of extending skill training and credit support to traditional artisans and craftspeople in the State. Outlining the progress of PM Vishwakarma in West Bengal, he stated that more than 7 lakh applications have been received under the scheme. The state government will expedite provisioning of facilitative support to enable Vishwakarmas avail the benefits under the scheme, he said. Union Minister of State for MSME, Shobha Karandlaje, congratulated the beneficiaries and extended her best wishes for their entrepreneurial journey. She encouraged them to make full use of the opportunities and support available under PM Vishwakarma and strive towards becoming successful entrepreneurs. Karandlaje noted that the event holds special significance for West Bengal, which joined PM Vishwakarma recently, marking the first programme of Ministry of MSME under this scheme in West Bengal. She emphasised that empowering women entrepreneurs will play a vital role in building stronger families, communities and a prosperous Viksit Bharat.
Kanimozhi meets former Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata as DMK outreach fuels third-front talk
DMK leader Kanimozhi met Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Thursday. This meeting follows discussions with Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar. Strains between DMK and Congress have emerged recently. The TMC and Congress have also sparred over a West Bengal bypoll. Kanimozhi's outreach sparks speculation about opposition coordination efforts.
India vs Brazil: AIFF offers 14,000 discounted tickets to Kolkata clubs
India vs Brazil: AIFF offers 14,000 discounted tickets to Kolkata clubs
Within democracy, there is no place for dictatorship, says Ritabrata Banerjee on TMC symbol row
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Reacting to the Election Commissions interim decision to freeze the name and election symbol of the Trinamool Congress, West Bengal Assembly Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee said the order underlined that political parties cannot be treated as private entities or passed down through dynastic succession. Speaking on the party symbol row, Banerjee said the development came as a surprise to party leaders, who learnt about the Commissions decision. Just after getting off the plane, we found out that the symbol has been frozen, and the name has been frozen. However, one thing is clear: within a democracy, there is no place for dictatorship, Banerjee said. He further linked the Election Commissions interim order to the broader debate over the control and ownership of political parties, arguing that a party cannot be treated as a private limited company or inherited by an individual as a family possession. This narrative that was going on regarding the symbol and the name, the Election Commissions interim order today proves that there is no room for dynastic politics. A political party is not a private limited company, nor can there be an heir to a political party. This has been proven today, he said. The remarks came after the Election Commission ordered an interim freeze on the name and election symbol of the All India Trinamool and directed the rival factions to choose new names and symbols until the dispute is settled. The Commissions decision has significant implications for the upcoming Assembly bypolls in West Bengal. The EC had announced bypolls in two constituencies, Nandigram and Rejinagar, to be held on October 6. In its order, the EC said it had considered the material available before it and concluded that there were two rival groups within the All India Trinamool Congress, each claiming to represent the party. On due consideration of the totality of information available on recordthe Commission is of the opinion that there are two rival groups in the All India Trinamool Congress, one led by Ms Mamata Banerjee and the other led by Shri Arup Roy, and each group is now claiming to be the party and therefore the matter requires a substantive determination by the Commission under Para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order 1968, the EC order said.
Abandoned pony limping through Kharagpur traffic rescued for veterinary care
CBI launches probe into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata
CBI launches probe into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata Kolkata: After the Calcutta High Courts order, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. The central investigation agency officers raided a three-storey house on the Canal East Road in [] The post CBI launches probe into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Dialysis sevices at Rs 200 for 24 patients a day at south Kolkata healthcare centre
The State government also observedthePMs Birthday as Annapurna Divas and launched thePM Vishwakarma Scheme; This is the first time West Bengal has joined th scheme launched by the Union government
No culture of cut-money in Bengal anymore: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his birthday, said that no eligible women will be deprived of the benefits of Annapurna Yojana in West Bengal
EC freezes TMC name & symbol, asks rival camps for options
Election Commission bars both factions of Trinamool from using party name, symbol for byelections
The poll body has once again proven that it is nothing more than a puppet in the hands of BJP, says Congress
'Enabling environment of West Bengal will help business and credit growth'
SBI's Kolkata Circle sees 18% credit growth as MSMEs, housing, agriculture and infrastructure drive lending demand
Ensure protection to victims, families, crime witnesses: Lalbazar
Onus on state to ensure student safety at universities: Calcutta High Court
Rain may play spoilsport in kite festival today: Met
No Strings Attached: LED Kites With Remote Control Set To Rule Kolkata Sky
Fake doctors: Police investigate medical council
Flight-vs-kite Plays Out At Eco Park In Kolkata as Bengal Govt Hosts Festival Near Airport
South Kolkata pujas told to keep roads, pedestrian paths clear
Adanis to host puja preview tour from Oct 10 to Oct 12
ECI freezes name' and 'symbol for both factions of TMC
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday ordered the freezing of the name and symbol of Trinamool Congress as a political party for the time being, for both the factions in Trinamool Congress the first being the original but minority faction led by the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, and the second faction being the rebel but majority faction led by the expelled party legislator, Ritabrata Banerjee. This means that neither the Mamata Banerjee-led faction nor the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction would be able to use both the party name as well as the party symbol for any election till the Commission takes a final decision in the matter. The decision from the ECI to freeze the party name and symbol comes hours after the full bench of the Commission met five-member delegations from both the factions earlier in the day at ECI's headquarters in New Delhi. Technically, this means that neither of the two factions would be able to use this party name and party symbol for the forthcoming by-elections for Nandigram assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar assembly constituency in Murshidabad District, which are scheduled on October 6, with the results to be declared on October 9. However, things have become even more complicated since the last date of nominations for bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly constituencies was on September 16. Probably, that is why the scrutiny of the nominations filed by the candidates from both the factions had been kept on hold till Friday afternoon. As per the order of the ECI released on Thursday night, both the factions will have to inform the Commission about their newly chosen names and symbols by 11 a.m. on Friday. If any of the two factions fails to update the Commission about their newly chosen names and symbols within that period, both factions will be out of the race in the bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar. Describing the order as unconstitutional, Kalyan Banerjee, Trinamool Congresss four-time Lok Sabha member and the most prominent political as well as the legal face of the Mamata Banerjee-led faction, told media persons that since the Commissions order was unconstitutional, the faction that he represents is not accepting it. We will do whatever is required now. But as of now, if we have to choose a symbol, we have that till 11 a.m. on Friday. We are not accepting this order. Just as illegal things have to be accepted temporarily, this too has to be accepted, he added. Trinamool Congress legislator Akhruzzaman, who is the official Chief Whip of Trinamool Congress's legislative party in the West Bengal assembly, however, welcomed the decision of the ECI in the matter. We are confident that finally, we will have the right over the party name and symbol, he said.
PM Modi's life-size wax statue heads to Kolkata as birthday tribute
KMC Allots Office to Kartik Maharaj for Kolkata Road Renaming Panel
After meeting ECI, both Trinamool factions confident of getting right over party name and symbol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) After meeting the full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and presenting their respective arguments in support of their claims over the party name and symbol, the leader of the both the rival factions in the Trinamool Congress on Thursday expressed confidence that the final decision of the Commission in the matter will finally come in their favour. The expelled Trinamool Congress legislator, Ritabrata Banerjee, which is leading the ebel but majority faction in the Trinamool Congress told media persons that a five-member delegation of his faction, which met the ECI's full bench first this afternoon, was able to give satisfactory answers to all questions raised in the matter by the poll panel representatives. We have stated our positions. We have answered all their questions. We have made our position clear to the ECI about the party name and symbol. We are hopeful that the verdict will be in our favour. The ECI had not said anything in the matter so far. We have full faith on the ECI. However, I will not say what was actually discussed in the meeting of our delegation with the ECI, Ritabrata said after the meeting. On the other hand, four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member and senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, who represented the delegation of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led original but minority faction, told media persons that all the necessary documents sought by the Commission in the matter have been submitted. On the basis of the documents submitted and arguments put forward by us, we are confident that the Commission's decision will ultimately go in our favour. We think that the Commission should take a final decision on the party name and symbol instead of taking an interim decision in view of any bye-election, Kalyan Banerjee said. Last time, the Commission heard arguments from both the factions on September 12. However, the ECI did not take any decision then. Instead, the Commission asked for some additional documents from both factions of Trinamool Congress. Political observers feel that even if the ECI takes a final decision on the fate of Trinamol Congress' name and symbol on Thursday itself, the matter will not end there. Any faction that would be aggrieved by the decision will surely move the Supreme Court against the decision. Right now, as I can see, there are four possibilities. The first two possibilities are that the ECI allots the party name and symbol to any of the two factions, which will automatically lead to a long legal battle. The second possibility is that the ECI maintains the status quo in the matter for the time being and leaves the decision for later. The third possibility is that the Commission freezes the name and symbol of the party. In case of the fourth possibility, both the factions will have to opt for alternative names and alternative symbols, a Kolkata-based political observer said.
Mid-sea collision: Pak vessel was no match to three-times bigger Indian destroyer INS Kolkata
West Bengal police arrest top Maoist leader Akash
The West Bengal government will not tolerate any attempt to revive or expand the network of 'Red Terror', says Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
Had no contact with him for 38-40 years: Asims kin
BJP names poll in-charges for Nandigram, Rejinagar bypolls
CM: 1 lakh more students under midday meal scheme from Oct 1
Kunal seeks CBI action against Kakoli in Narada case
Centres nod obtained for Rs 330-crore tea belt project: CM
AIFF Plans Discounted Tickets, Fan Parks For India's FIFA Friendlies
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.
Bengal govt tightens scrutiny on madrasa staff honorariums
Rs 4.5L theft lens onSalt Lake maid
IMA Bengal Faces Old BJP-New Inductee Clash as December Election Candidates To be Proposed On Sunday
Last Surviving Maoist Central Committee Member Asim Mandal Arrested In Bengal
The last surviving Maoist Central Committee member, Asim Mandal alias Akash, has been arrested by the Kolkata Police Special Task Force in West Bengals East Midnapore district. Mandal had reportedly been evading law enforcement for more than 15 years. His arrest comes amid intensified anti-Maoist operations across West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha.
Raksha Khadse visits SAI Kolkata centre, pledges support for grassroots sports
The News Mill
Minister Rakesh Khadse Reviews Sports Development in West Bengal
Rakesh Khadse inspects sports facilities in Kolkata, promising support for athlete development and infrastructure improvements. Minister Rakesh Khadse Reviews Sports Development in West Bengal
Maoist Leader Asim Mandal Arrested After 15 Years on the Run
Asim Mandal, a wanted Maoist leader, has been captured in Kolkata after evading authorities for 15 years, marking a significant law enforcement success. Maoist Leader Asim Mandal Arrested After 15 Years on the Run
