kolkata News

Mamata Abetting Infiltration For Poll Benefits; Bengals Demography Changed, Alleges Shah

KOLKATA, Dec 30: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of facilitating infiltration of Bangladeshis for electoral gains, alleging that the practice has dangerously changed the states demography over the past few years. Addressing a press conference here, Shah said infiltration has become a major concern among the [] The post Mamata Abetting Infiltration For Poll Benefits; Bengals Demography Changed, Alleges Shah appeared first on Northlines .

Bengal anxious over infiltration; we will identify and drive out infiltrators: Amit Shah in Kolkata

Mamata abetting infiltration for electoral benefit, alleges Shah

KOLKATA, Dec 30: Alleging that the Mamata Banerjee Government in West Bengal was abetting infiltration of Bangladeshis for electoral benefit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that the BJP will drive out illegal immigrants once it comes to power in the state. Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Shah said people of West Bengal were anxious over infiltration. We will not only identify infiltrators, but well also drive them out, he said. Shah said the Centre has not [] The post Mamata abetting infiltration for electoral benefit, alleges Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

'Fear, Corruption...': Amit Shah Sounds Poll Bugle In Bengal, Slams Mamata Banerjees 14-Year Rule

Trinamool Congress's rule in Bengal is marked by fear, corruption, infiltration, said Amit Shah in Kolkata ahead of state polls.

Give BJP a chance, says Amit Shah; promises to end corruption, infiltration in Bengal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday the people of West Bengal to give the BJP a chance to govern the state, asserting that the party would replace fear, corruption, and misgovernance with good governance. Addressing press at Kolkata, Shah projected BJP as the alternative to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and other parties that have governed Bengal in the past. Shah accused TMC chief Mamata Banerjee of abetting infiltration of Bangladeshis for electoral benefit and said his party would not only identify infiltrators but also drive them out. We will not only identify infiltrators, but we'll also drive them out. Bengal will have a new BJP government after April 15, 2026, as people have made up their minds, he said. He also blamed the state government for delaying the fencing of the Bangladesh border, claiming that the West Bengal government was not providing the required land. Highlighting economic concerns, Shah alleged that West Bengal has witnessed an unprecedented slide in its economy and that industries have fled due to misgovernance. Shah alleged that the TMC has surpassed the Left in establishing the politics of fear and violence. It was believed that the politics of violence and revenge would end once the Communists were defeated, but they have surpassed even the Communists. So far, more than 300 BJP workers have been killed. Over 3,000 BJP workers have still not been able to return to their homes. They are being pressured that they will be allowed there only if they carry the TMC flag, he alleged. Shah said top TMC leaders have been to jails on charges of swindling public money, with machines to count cash recovered from their homes malfunctioning because of overheating. People of Bengal have resolved to replace fear, corruption and misgovernance with good governance, he said. Projecting BJPs plans for the future, Shah promised that the party would stop infiltration from eastern borders and ensure the revitalization of Bengal once it comes to power. He confidently predicted a BJP government in West Bengal by 2026. VIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: Addressing a press conference, Union Home Minister Amit Shah ( @AmitShah ) says, Infiltration happening through Bengal borders is not an issue limited only to Bengal, it is now a matter of national security. We have to save the country's culture. If pic.twitter.com/4uQScNU6Ze Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 30, 2025

Bengal will have BJP government in 2026, claims Amit Shah in Kolkata

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that West Bengal will have a BJP government in 2026, promising a transformation from what he described as fear, corruption and misgovernance to good governance. Addressing press in Kolkata, Shah said the people of Bengal have resolved to embrace change and development under the BJP. Shah alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is abetting infiltration of Bangladeshis for electoral gain. He added that the BJP will not only identify infiltrators but also take steps to drive them out, emphasizing that the party aims to stop infiltration from eastern borders once in power. Shah also slammed the state government for obstructing border security measures, claiming that the fencing of the Bangladesh border could not be completed because the West Bengal administration has refused to provide land. Reiterating BJPs commitment to Bengals development, Shah said, BJP will ensure the revitalisation of Bengal, bringing good governance and progress to the state. VIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: Addressing a press conference, Union Home Minister Amit Shah ( @AmitShah ) says, Infiltration happening through Bengal borders is not an issue limited only to Bengal, it is now a matter of national security. We have to save the country's culture. If pic.twitter.com/4uQScNU6Ze Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 30, 2025

Man Held From Bihar For Online Abuse Of Bengali Actress After Messi Mayhem In Kolkata

Accused had also made derogatory comments against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC MP Partha Bhowmik.

Lucknow & Kolkata: Centuries of exile, art & community to be spotlight at Sanatkada 2026

India News Live Updates: IndiGo issues travel advisory for Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu, Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati and Hindon Airports

Bengal CM lays foundation stone of Dura Angan at New Town, billed to be biggest such shrine

KOLKATA, Dec 29 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today laid the foundation stone of Durga Angan, billed to be the biggest such shrine in the world, to be built on a 17.28 acre of land opposite Eco Park in New Town, the eastern part of the city, at an estimated cost of Rs 262 crore. Describing the laying of foundation stone of Durga Angan, a historic to perpetuate and preserve UNESCO recognised heritage Durga Puja, Ms Banerjee said [] The post Bengal CM lays foundation stone of Dura Angan at New Town, billed to be biggest such shrine appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Man Arrested For Abusive Online Post Against Bengali Actor After Messi Chaos

The police have arrested a man from Bihar for allegedly posting abusive and obscene comments on social media targeting Bengali actress Shubhashree Ganguly, following Argentine football star Lionel Messi's recent visit to Kolkata, an officer said.

Amit Shah holds strategy meet with BJP core group in Bengal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in Kolkata for a three-day visit. He met with the BJP's core group to strategize for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. This meeting follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Bengal. The focus is on poll preparedness and planning for the crucial polls.

Hindon airport is No.1 in country by recording a 3000 per cent increase in patronage over last year

NEW DELHI: The latest Air traffic data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a shot in the arm for Hindon airports ambitions to enter the big league. Located just 30 km from Delhi in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad, the Indian Air Force owned airfield has clocked 1, 22,381 flyers in November 2025 versus just 3,950 flyers in November 2024. This marks a 2,998% growth over its past, marking the highest improvement among all airports in the country. Multiple reasons have contributed to this amazing turnaround, particularly for an airport which is permitted operations only from sunrise to sunset daily due to military restrictions. Airport Director Chilaka Mahesh told this newspaper, Initially we only had Star Air operating here which was connecting our airport to Nanded, Adampur and Keshod under the UDAAN Scheme. Air India Express and IndiGo have commenced operations here since March and July respectively this year. They connect key cities and traffic has been on the rise since then and we now have 25 departures and 25 arrivals on an average daily. The Airport Director said, Public in the Delhi-NCR and Western UP clearly prefer travelling via Hindon as they do not have to commute in the traffic upto Indira Gandhi International Airport to reach other cities. An Air India Express spokesperson said, Our operations from Hindon commenced on 1st March 2025. We connect to 9 direct destinations from Hindon Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna and Varanasi. We have 47 departing flights weekly. In a statement, IndiGo said it had 40 weekly departures from Hindon and all operations were carried out using A320 aircraft. IndiGo has daily flights between Hindon and Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata apart from six weekly flights from Hindon to Chennai and Patna. Among the key developments this year was the incorporation of the SITA network for its ticketing centre. Rapido and Buzzway cab operators are functioning while Ola and Uber cabs have recently been allocated parking bays here. Increasing the parking slots for aircraft here would help improve the patronage further, Mahesh added. We had another round of talks with Defence authorities last week. We require 34, 500 square meters of their land to increase our parking slots to six from the present two. AAI began operations at this airport, built at a cost of Rs 46.6 crore, from October 11, 2019, largely to facilitate UDAAN operations.

Goods train derailment: Kolkata bound trains diverted

On Monday, travelers faced a challenging day as train services connecting Patna to Kolkata were severely affected. A goods train derailment necessitated track repairs, causing over 12 trains, including the prestigious Vande Bharat and Janshatabdi Express, to be rerouted. Commuters found themselves dealing with longer journeys and considerable delays as vital routes remained obstructed.

After Jagannath Temple, Mamata Banerjee's Next Project Durga Angan, BJP Fumes

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced today that Salt Lake, near Kolkata, will host the world's largest Durga Angan -- a gesture to highlight the UNESCO's cultural heritage tag for Durga Puja.

Big Bang Presser, Key RSS-BJP Meetings In Kolkata: Amit Shahs Bengal Poll Push

With the Assembly poll less than a year away, the closed-door Manicktala meeting is widely seen as a key moment in aligning strategy, cadre mobilisation and booth-level planning.

ECI to discuss proposals for setting up polling stations in housing complexes in Bengal

KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) may hold a meeting with electoral officers of Kolkata North, Kolkata South, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas electoral districts, along with the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and his officials, on Tuesday to discuss its earlier proposals for setting up polling stations inside private housing complexes with multiple high-rise buildings. Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) Gyanesh Bharti is reaching Kolkata from Delhi on Monday to hold the meeting at the office of state CEO Manoj Agarwal. Electoral officers (EOs) of Kolkata North, Kolkata South, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas districts are expected to be present, sources said. Sources in the ECI said the Commission is keen to set up polling stations inside housing societies as around 10 per cent of voters reside in multi-storied buildings in Kolkata and district towns across Bengal. It was alleged that voters living in housing complexes are reluctant to cast their votes at polling stations located outside due to fear of poll-related violence. That is why the Commission has been showing interest in setting up polling booths inside housing complexes so that residents can cast their mandates in elections, a source said, requesting anonymity. Earlier, the national poll body had pulled up district magistrates (DMs), who also function as district electoral officers (DEOs), for remaining inactive on its proposals related to polling stations inside private housing complexes. On December 10, the ECI had written to Agarwal, directing him to take immediate steps in this regard. As per its guidelines, the Commission had instructed DEOs to conduct extensive house-to-house (H2H) surveys for setting up polling stations in high-rise or group housing societies, RWA colonies with common facilitation areas or community halls on the ground floor within the premises, and slum dwelling clusters in urban areas. The Commission had also directed DEOs to finalise proposals for new polling stations after obtaining its prior approval. According to the Commissions directive, the final report was to be completed by December 31 so that electoral registration officers (EROs) could update the control table on ECINet. In a strongly worded communication to the office of the West Bengal CEO, the Commission had threatened strong action against DMs and DEOs for failing to submit proposals for setting up polling booths inside high-rise housing complexes. The Commission has taken a very serious view of the failure on the part of DEOs in the performance of their statutory duty as laid down under Section 25 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, read with Section 160 of the said Act. DEOs are also liable under these provisions for any lack of sufficiency of polling stations for electors in the specified residential colonies, the ECI cautioned in its letter. The Trinamool Congress and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have opposed the ECIs proposal to set up polling booths inside private housing complexes. Last month, the Chief Minister wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar objecting to the proposal for the Assembly polls scheduled next year. This proposal is deeply problematic. Polling stations have always been, and must remain, located in government or semi-government institutions, preferably within a 2 km radius, to ensure accessibility and neutrality. Private buildings are typically avoided for clear reasons: they compromise fairness, violate established norms, and create discriminatory distinctions between privileged residents and the general public the haves and have-nots, Banerjee wrote.

People wrongly accuse me of appeasement; I am secular in true sense, says Mamata Banerjee

The West Bengal CM was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Durga Angan, a cultural complex dedicated to Goddess Durga, at New Town in Kolkata

Women protesters damage election observers car during SIR hearing in West Bengal

KOLKATA: A Special Roll Observer's (SRO) car was attacked at Sirakol in South 24 Parganas district on Monday. The attack took place hardly 24 hours after Abhishek Banerjee, national general secretary of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), asked his partys Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to ensure that not a single bona fide voters name was removed from the final electoral rolls following the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The vehicle of C Murugan, an IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as SRO, was attacked by a group of agitating women this afternoon while he was coming out of a hearing camp near the office of a Block Development Officer (BDO). The handle lock of the car was badly damaged during the incident. The agitators, mostly women, were protesting against the ongoing SIR exercise and the Centres decision to withhold funds for the job guarantee scheme under MGNREGA. They slapped the vehicle and prevented it from leaving the area. Police managed to bring the situation under control after about half an hour. The incident took place in the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, which is represented by Abhishek Banerjee. I will not be cowed down by any kind of agitation as an IAS officer. The Election Commission has assigned me this responsibility, and I will carry out its instructions, Murugan told reporters at the spot. Opposition parties BJP and CPI(M) alleged that the agitators belonged to the Trinamool Congress and were instigated to attack the SRO following Abhishek Banerjees instructions issued on Sunday. Significantly, South 24 Parganas district has recorded the highest number of deletionsover eight lakh namesof voters who were found to be dead, permanently shifted elsewhere, or having multiple entries, following the SIR process in the state. BLAs should be present at the hearing centres. If officials of the Commission do not allow them, the party will take up the matter legally, Abhishek reportedly said at Sundays meeting, which was attended virtually by more than 1.2 lakh party workers and BLAs. In another significant development, the ECI on Monday decided not to allow Booth Level Agents-2 (BLA-2) of political parties inside hearing venues. The Commission took this step after Trinamool Congress MLA Asit Majumder allegedly disrupted a hearing process in his Chinsurah constituency in Hooghly district on Monday, demanding entry of a BLA-2 inside the venue. He was reportedly involved in a heated exchange with the concerned BDO over the issue.

Fall in rankings, ISL freeze, Messi GOAT tour: Indian Football's 2025 in nutshell

Indian football endured a difficult 2025. The sport saw administrative turmoil and the Indian Super League's suspension. Lionel Messi's tour faced chaos in Kolkata. The men's national team hit a historic low in FIFA rankings. However, the women's teams achieved significant qualifications for upcoming tournaments. Indian football looks to rebuild in 2026.

EC bars hearing notices for unmapped voters in Bengal; disallows party BLAs at SIR hearings

KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Monday, directed district magistrates (DMs), who have been assigned for the ongoing Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal as district electoral officers (DEOs) across the state, not to issue notices for hearings to voters identified as unmapped. More than 32 lakh voters who could not trace themselves, their parents, or grandparents in the electoral rolls during the last SIR in 2002 in Bengal have been asked to appear before the hearings, which kicked off on and from December 27. The national poll body paused the hearings only for voters who were not found by its central software system but were figured in the hard copies of the 2002 electoral rolls. However, the pause does not apply to unmapped cases flagged by electoral registration officers (EROs) after on-ground verification. According to sources in the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal, Though hearing notices may have been generated from the central software system for such cases, these electors should not be called for hearing or hearing notices so generated in such cases need not be served, and instead be kept with the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)/Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO). Officials explained that when poll authorities working on the ground checked the hard copies of the 2002 electoral rolls, they noticed that voters or their children shown as unmapped on the ECs software were present in the physical records. On the other hand, in another significant development, the ECI on Monday decided not to allow Booth Level Agents-2 (BLAs-2) of political parties inside the venue of hearings. The Commission was prompted to take this step after Trinamool Congress MLA Asit Majumder allegedly stopped the hearing process in his Chinsurah constituency in Hooghly district on Monday, demanding the entry of a BLA-2 inside the venue. He reportedly got involved in a heated exchange with the concerned block development officer (BDO) over the issue. On Sunday, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, had asked party BLAs to remain inside camps during hearings. He also threatened legal action if BLAs were not allowed during the hearings. Asit Majumder said BLAs-2 are meant to assist voters if they face problems during SIR hearings. I demanded that a BLA-2 should be allowed inside the camp so that no genuine voters name is deleted from the electoral rolls during hearings, he said.

EC bars hearing notices for 'unmapped' voters in Bengal; disallows party BLAs at SIR hearings

KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Monday, directed district magistrates (DMs), who have been assigned for the ongoing Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal as district electoral officers (DEOs) across the state, not to issue notices for hearings to voters identified as unmapped. More than 32 lakh voters who could not trace themselves, their parents, or grandparents in the electoral rolls during the last SIR in 2002 in Bengal have been asked to appear before the hearings, which kicked off on and from December 27. The national poll body paused the hearings only for voters who were not found by its central software system but were figured in the hard copies of the 2002 electoral rolls. However, the pause does not apply to unmapped cases flagged by electoral registration officers (EROs) after on-ground verification. According to sources in the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal, Though hearing notices may have been generated from the central software system for such cases, these electors should not be called for hearing or hearing notices so generated in such cases need not be served, and instead be kept with the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)/Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO). Officials explained that when poll authorities working on the ground checked the hard copies of the 2002 electoral rolls, they noticed that voters or their children shown as unmapped on the ECs software were present in the physical records. On the other hand, in another significant development, the ECI on Monday decided not to allow Booth Level Agents-2 (BLAs-2) of political parties inside the venue of hearings. The Commission was prompted to take this step after Trinamool Congress MLA Asit Majumder allegedly stopped the hearing process in his Chinsurah constituency in Hooghly district on Monday, demanding the entry of a BLA-2 inside the venue. He reportedly got involved in a heated exchange with the concerned block development officer (BDO) over the issue. On Sunday, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, had asked party BLAs to remain inside camps during hearings. He also threatened legal action if BLAs were not allowed during the hearings. Asit Majumder said BLAs-2 are meant to assist voters if they face problems during SIR hearings. I demanded that a BLA-2 should be allowed inside the camp so that no genuine voters name is deleted from the electoral rolls during hearings, he said. Mazumdar also launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission, accusing it of acting like zamindars and agents of the BJP. He questioned why people holding Indian passports or those who had served in the armed forces were being asked to appear for verification. Calling the process oppressive and unjust, he said the hearings were being used to target genuine citizens and demanded greater transparency, arguing that BLAs must be present so voters are clearly informed about the reasons for any proposed deletion of their names. Party spokesperson and state president of the AITC social media and IT cell, Debangshu Bhattacharya, said BLAs should be allowed as many people are not capable of understanding the reasons why their names might be deleted from the voter list without proper explanation.

Amit Shah to start three-day visit to West Bengal tonight to charge up BJP ahead of polls

KOLKATA: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit West Bengal from tonight to charge up the BJPs organisational machinery ahead of the Assembly elections in the state, scheduled for AprilMay next year. The home minister is expected to arrive at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport tonight and will remain in the state for three days. During his visit, he is slated to attend a series of organisational meetings with the BJPs Bengal leadership unit in phases. After landing at the airport, the Home Minister will head straight to the BJP office in Salt Lake, where he will review the partys organisational preparedness for the Assembly elections, according to sources in the saffron camp. Sources further said, We had a plan to organise a rally where Amitji would be requested to address the crowd but he prefers to hold organisational meetings with our party leadership, including our MPs, MLAs and others during his stay for three days till Wednesday. He wants to focus on our partys organisational set-ups this time in the wake of assembly polls scheduled in the state after few months. He may also be interested in getting some important inputs at the backdrop against when the state is reeling under the Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) of electoral rolls exercise since 4 November, a source said, requesting anonymity. Apart from the SIR issue, another significant concern is the Matua community , whose names have reportedly been excluded from voters lists in districts such as Nadia and North 24 Parganas -- two key BJP strongholds -- following the first phase of the ongoing electoral roll revisions. On Wednesday, unprecedented violence between two rival Matua groups , aligned with BJP MP and Union Minister of Shipping Shantanu Thakur and Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mamatabala Thakur, rocked Thakurnagar, the administrative headquarters of the Matua community. The unrest followed the deletion of nearly one lakh Matua voters from the electoral rolls. The violence was triggered after a comment made by Shantanu, the BJP MP from Bongaon constituency in North 24 Parganas, last Monday night, stating that the names of nearly one lakh Matuas could be excluded from the draft electoral rolls and that sacrifice was necessary to disenfranchise 50 lakh Muslims. The remark fuelled fresh anxiety within the Matua community and intensified political confrontation in Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled next year. Several hundred Matuas belonging to the Mamatabala group took out a protest procession and marched to the Union Ministers residence in Thakurnagar, demanding clarification over the comment. Deletions of such a huge number of Matua voters ahead of the assembly polls appear to be a bone of contentions to the BJP who had enjoyed a phenomenal rise with Matua vote banks since 2019 Lok Sabha elections when the party had bagged 18 seats from Bengal. Thats why, Matua issue must be there as one of the prime agendas in Amit Shahs meetings with his party leaders, a political analyst said. Anxiety, long queues as 32 lakh unmapped voters attend SIR hearings across West Bengal

Manipur ring road project halted as National Green Tribunal flags environmental, legal lapses

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity stated that the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone Bench at Kolkata, by an interim order dated has directed the immediate stoppage of construction of the ring road in the hill areas of Manipur

Digha Jagannath temple draws one crore devotees within eight months of inauguration

KOLKATA: The Jagannath Mandir at Digha in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district has received 1 crore visitors within just eight months of inauguration, temple authorities said on Monday. Kakoli Jana, a girl from Kolkata's Tollygunge area, became the one croreth visitor on Sunday. She and her family were accorded special 'darshan' and presented with 'mahaprasad' and other sacred offerings by the temple authorities. Chief priest and trustee of Jagannath Dham, Digha, Radharamn Das said the milestone reflected the growing global appeal of Lord Jagannath and the inclusive spirit of the temple. The arrival of the one-croreth devotee is not just a numerical achievement but a reflection of the universal embrace of Lord Jagannath, he said, adding that the temple has become a meeting point of devotees from different countries and cultures. Das acknowledged the role of the West Bengal government in developing the shrine, saying the initiative has helped strengthen the state's spiritual heritage while generating economic activity for local communities. Since its inauguration on April 30 this year, Digha, traditionally known as a seasonal beach destination, has witnessed year-round footfall, boosting demand for hotels, transport services, eateries and small businesses, and creating employment opportunities for locals. The temple has rapidly emerged as a major spiritual destination in eastern India, drawing devotees from across the country as well as a large number of foreign pilgrims, including members of the ISKCON community from several countries. Temple authorities said devotees from Europe, the Americas, Africa, Australia and several Asian countries are now a regular presence at the shrine, underlining Digha's growing stature as an international pilgrimage centre.

Gold, silver prices today, December 29: Check city-wise rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and more

On December 29, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 14,121 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,944 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 2,50,900 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.

Poll panel halts hearings for unmapped electors in Bengal

Kolkata: The Election Commission (EC) has issued fresh instructions to district election officials in West Bengal, directing that voters marked as unmapped in the BLO app due to technical issues linked to the digitisation of the 2002 electoral rolls during the ongoing SIR exercise should not be called for hearings, even if such notices have [] The post Poll panel halts hearings for unmapped electors in Bengal appeared first on The Navhind Times .

West Bengal BLO found dead; suicide note cites work pressure, probe on

Kolkata: A Booth Level Officer (BLO) was found dead in West Bengals Bankura district on Sunday, triggering allegations that work-related pressure linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls may have played a role, police said. The incident occurred in Ranibandh block, where the body of the deceased, Haradhan Mandal, was recovered 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 CEO Manoj Agarwal gets Y plus security after BLO protests trigger central intervention

KOLKATA: In the wake of a potential threat triggered by regular protest programmes organised by a section of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), allegedly backed by the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, the Union home ministry has provided Y+ security to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal round the clock. The home ministry issued an order on 26 December in this regard, following which armed personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been deployed for Agarwal in Kolkata. With a proposal made by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to the home ministry seeking central security arrangements, armed CISF personnel have been deployed for both the CEO and his office premises in Kolkata. Sources in the ECI said the proposal to the home ministry was prompted by a serious security breach during protests by agitating BLOs in front of Agarwals office on 24 November. The Commission also urged the home ministry to provide central security arrangements at the nearby Shipping Corporation building, where the existing CEO office is scheduled to be shifted in January. The BLOs had gheraoed Agarwal and other officials at his office housed in the Balmer Lawrie building on Netaji Subhas Road at B B D Bag. They were protesting against the deaths of several BLOs, allegedly due to work pressure and stress caused by the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll related work in the state. They had also demanded compensation for the family members of the deceased. Earlier, the national poll body had asked Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma to strengthen security arrangements at the CEO office in the Balmer Lawrie building. During the ongoing SIR exercise, there have been regular agitations by BLOs, and some among the agitators had even jumped in front of the CEOs car. Commission sources also said the national poll body was not satisfied with the security coverage provided by the Kolkata Police at the CEO office, particularly after some agitators allegedly tried to jump in front of Agarwals car. It was therefore decided to shift the security arrangements for the CEO and his office to central forces instead of the Kolkata Police, which functions under the Bengal home department headed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. A former CEO said that the deployment of central security personnel for a serving CEO and his office was probably the first of its kind in West Bengal. A team of 11 to 12 armed personnel from the CISFs VIP security wing has been deployed for Agarwals personal security as well as the security of his residence.

Messi event chaos: Court extends police custody of chief organiser till Jan 9

Kolkata: A court in West Bengal on Sunday extended till January 9 the police custody of Satadru Dutta, the chief organiser of Argentine footballer Lionel Messis event that dissolved into disorder earlier this month. After the completion of his initial police custody, Dutta was produced before the Bidhannagar Sub-Divisional Court, where public prosecutors levelled multiple 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 .

Gujarat Titans Bet On Holder Is Interesting, His Six-hitting Abilities Have Improved, Says Pathan

Indian Premier League: Former India left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan said Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) have shown immense faith in West Indies fast bowling all-rounder Jason Holder, noting that his improved six-hitting ability alongside his new-ball bowling will benefit the side in the 2026 season. Holder has been a familiar face in the Indian Premier League, having previously represented Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals. In the auction held in Abu Dhabi, GT aggressively pursued Holder and eventually got him for Rs 7 crore after a prolonged tussle with CSK. Their bet on Jason Holder is interesting. He is an amazing bowler with the new ball, but his batting has improved, especially his six-hitting abilities. GT has put a lot of faith in that. Their main strength is their top three batters: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. How they use Washington Sundar will be important, as his batting has gotten better, too. The role of Glenn Phillips, or whoever plays at number four or five, will also be very big, said Pathan on JioStar. Ex-India opener Abhinav Mukund explained the reasoning behind GT's preference for left-arm pacers and all-rounders like Holder in making their IPL 2026 squad. Gujarat Titans love fast bowlers, especially left-arm pacers like Prithviraj Yarra and Luke Wood. Ashok Sharma had a great Syed Mushtaq Ali season. How they use Washington Sundar will be important, as his batting has gotten better, too. The role of Glenn Phillips, or whoever plays at number four or five, will also be very big, said Pathan on JioStar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So maybe if Glenn Phillips is fit, he plays in the middle order, and Jason Holder finishes. Overall, they still look like a brilliant side. They have the best young Indian talent. I don't know who will control them on the bench. Good luck to Parthiv Patel and Ashish Nehra, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

JUP chief Humayun Kabirs son detained for attacking policeman

Kolkata: Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) chief Humayun Kabirs son Golam Nabi Azad was on Sunday detained for allegedly attacking a policeman posted at their residence in West Bengals Murshidabad district, an officer said. Trinamool Congress said Azad, better known as Sohel, committed a cognisable offence by raising a hand on the policeman, who was posted 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 .

JUP chief Humayun Kabirs son detained for allegedly attacking policeman in Murshidabad

KOLKATA: Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) chief Humayun Kabir's son Golam Nabi Azad was on Sunday detained for allegedly attacking a policeman posted at their residence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, an officer said. Trinamool Congress said Azad, better known as Sohel, committed a cognisable offence by raising a hand on the policeman, who was posted as a personal security officer (PSO) of Bharatpur MLA Kabir, and police took action as per the law, while claiming that the ruling party has nothing to do with it. A senior police officer said Sohel was detained on the basis of a complaint lodged with Shaktipur police station by Constable Jumma Khan, alleging that the legislator's son assaulted him this morning when he applied for a few days' leave. On the basis of the complaint, the accused has been detained for questioning. The matter is being investigated and necessary legal action will be taken, the police officer told PTI . Kabir, who floated his party after being suspended from the TMC and laid the foundation stone for a Babri Masjid-style mosque in Muslim-majority Murshidabad, claimed that police have cordoned off his residence in Shaktipur area following the incident. Kabir, who has announced that his party would contest the upcoming assembly elections in the state, was away from his residence for some work when the incident happened. My son objected to the entry of a policeman inside my house today and this angered the law enforcers who levelled false allegations against my son, accusing him of misbehaviour, he told reporters in Berhampore. Kabir alleged that he was being targeted by the police at the behest of the Trinamool Congress. A police force cannot cordon the house of an elected representative under flimsy pretext, the MLA said. I will gherao the SP's office in Murshidabad on January 1 in protest against this harassment, which is politically motivated. I demand an explanation from senior police and administration officials about today's incident. They cannot intimidate me, Kabir said. Kabir said his son was detained in an illegal manner under false charges, and demanded his immediate release. TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty said that as per information available with the party, Kabir's son pushed the police constable when he went inside the house seeking leave for some personal work. He has committed a cognisable offence by raising a hand on a policeman. And police have taken action as per the law. The party has nothing to do with it, Chakraborty said. Kabir laid the foundation stone for a mosque modelled on Babri Masjid on December 6, a day after being suspended from the TMC. Later, he floated the JUP, and announced the new party would contest 182 of the 294 assembly seats in the polls due early next year. He further expressed his desire to form an electoral alliance with Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM. He also accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of doing nothing for the uplift of Muslims and only pursuing appeasement politics since coming to power in 2011.

Another BLO died by suicide in West Bengal; family alleges depression triggered by SIR workload

KOLKATA: Another Booth Level Officer (BLO), who was a headmaster by profession, died by suicide in the Ranibandh assembly area of Purulia district in West Bengal on Sunday. Family members of the deceased alleged that he was suffering from depression triggered by work pressure and strain due to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. A suicide note has also been recovered by police from the spot where he hanged himself. With this incident, six BLOs who could not bear the SIR exercise-related workload and stress in Bengal died so far since the drive was launched in the state on 4 November. The body has been sent to the morgue at the state-run Bankura Sammilani Medical College Hospital for postmortem. Police investigating the incident said that the BLO Haradhan Mondal, who was the headmaster of the state government-sponsored Rajakata Majherpara Primary School in the Ranibandh area, hanged himself to death. His body was found hanging from the ceiling fan of a classroom in his school. The Election Commission of India (ECI) had engaged him as a BLO for booth number 206 under the Ranibandh assembly. According to his family sources, several voters of the booth were summoned by the national poll body to appear before a hearing today because they do not have any links with the enumeration forms of the last SIR process held in 2002 in the state. He left his home around 10 am but didnt come back. Members of his family tried to contact him on his phone, but it kept ringing. They became anxious and rushed to his school and found him hanging from the ceiling of a classroom. The Bengali handwritten suicide note recovered by police stated, I cant bear the work pressure. Goodbye. He didnt, according to the note, make anybody responsible for his death. My father died by suicide because the SIR-related workload was unbearable to him. No proper training was given to him by the Commission, said Soham Mondal, son of the deceased BLO. Police sources said that the investigating officials would verify the contents of the suicide note, whether it was written by the BLO himself or some other person. Sources also said that the officials would also explore whether he was suffering from depression caused by the SIR-related stress and work pressure or some other external reasons. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)

Y-plus category security given to Bengal CEO amid ongoing SIR

New Delhi/Kolkata: The Centre has provided an armed security cover to West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal in the wake of a potential threat to him due to the ongoing SIR exercise in the state, officials said on Sunday. A Y-plus category cover of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been accorded 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 .

Anxiety, long queues as 32 lakh unmapped voters attend SIR hearings across West Bengal

KOLKATA: Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls continued for the second consecutive day across West Bengal on Sunday, with long queues witnessed at 3,234 centres statewide. According to a senior official, around 32 lakh unmapped voters, those unable to establish linkage with the 2002 electoral roll, have been called for hearings in the first phase of the revision process. At the Sankrail block office in Howrah district, 75-year-old polio-afflicted voter Sabita Manna waited in an ambulance for her turn, worried over discrepancies in her electoral details. Her nephew Tapas Manna said she could not locate her name in the 2002 roll and had been asked to be physically present despite her disability. Earlier, polling officials and political representatives visited her at home. This time, they have made her personal appearance mandatory, he said. Sabita said from inside the ambulance, It hurts when, at this age, you have to prove your citizenship all over again. Similar anxiety was evident in Barasats Kazipara area, where voter Nirufa Khatoon said she was unable to prove her father had voted in the 2002 polls as both her parents had passed away. I was born in North 24 Parganas and shifted here after marriage. I have all documents, but I am on the edge, she said. Her husband added that she had carried her school leaving certificate, birth certificate, Aadhaar, ration card and existing voter ID to the hearing. In Midnapore town, residents of Hatath colony said only two out of ten voters per household found their names in the draft rolls. One woman, who admitted being born in Bangladesh but said she had migrated to India in the late 1980s and voted regularly since then, expressed hope that her documents would be accepted. In Bardhaman, a 26-year-old woman could not attend the hearing as she was accompanying her three-year-old daughter undergoing treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. Her father-in-law said he carried all relevant documents, including medical records, to the camp. Meanwhile, at the Chetla High School camp in south Kolkata, Mayor and local MLA Firhad Hakim said voters who were unmapped due to technical glitches despite submitting all documents need not attend hearings for now. I have been told by CEO personnel that the onus lies with the Election Commission to fix the glitches and properly link names with the 2002 electoral roll, Hakim said. The Election Commission had published the draft electoral rolls on December 16 after the SIR exercise, deleting over 58 lakh names on grounds such as death, migration and non-submission of enumeration forms. Centre provides CISF security to Bengal CEO Amid the ongoing exercise, the Centre has provided a Y-plus category armed security cover to West Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal, following inputs from central agencies about potential threats. Officials said the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the order on December 26, deploying 1112 armed CISF personnel from its VIP security wing for Agarwals personal and residential security in Kolkata. The security move comes amid heightened political tensions, with the ruling Trinamool Congress accusing the Election Commission of deleting names of lakhs of legitimate voters to benefit the BJP ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. A TMC delegation had also submitted a memorandum to Agarwal on Saturday protesting the SIR exercise. (With inputs from PTI)

Fit India Sundays On Cycle Wraps Up 2025 With High-energy Fitness Festival

Arjuna Awardees Deepika Kumari: Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das, along with other Olympians and Arjuna Awardees from Bengal, gathered at the Sports Authority of India's Kolkata Regional Centre on Sunday for the final Fit India Sundays on Cycle event of 2025. The year-end special edition, the 54th of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, featured a lively, carnival-style celebration with nearly 1,500 participants at the Sports Authority of India centre in Kolkata. The event drew an extraordinary number of enthusiastic cyclists, including athletes, corporate professionals, students, CISF jawans, insurance company employees (the special partners of this edition), and people of all ages, turning the venue into a vibrant festival of movement, music, and community spirit. The mega event in Kolkata was inaugurated by Olympians and Arjuna Awardees Deepika Kumari, Joydeep Karmakar, and Mangal Singh Champia, creating an energetic start to a winter morning focused on fitness and active lifestyles. Also attending were Arjuna Awardees Atanu Das, Rahul Banerjee, Bombayla Devi Laishram, and Susmita Singha Roy. Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Deepika emphasised the significance of daily fitness, stating that energy and strength are vital not only for sports but also for personal life. She highlighted that fitness should be maintained every day and not restricted to just one Sunday. We have to do this every day and Im so happy to see over 1500 people join in today, said Deepika. Joydeep emphasised that initiatives such as Sundays on Cycle are encouraging people to reduce excessive screen time and develop more disciplined fitness routines. A transformation starts with our simple behaviours everyone here has turned their attention from phones and have become busy with their cycles, said the former shooter. Everything falls in place when we get disciplined about fitness. It's a good excuse for us to be here today, joining amidst this winter chill. In the last one year, over 20 Lakh people nationwide have joined in, and from now on, this movement will become even bigger, Joydeep, fourth-place finisher at the 2012 Olympics, added. Participants enjoyed a variety of high-energy activities including cycling, Zumba sessions, Bengali folk music, captivating yoga performances, rope-skipping demonstrations, and several other fitness activities that maintained lively energy levels despite the winter chill. Dronacharya Award winner Kuntal Roy expressed gratitude to the Sports Authority of India and the Fit India initiative, emphasising that both mental and physical fitness collectively influence a persons life. I thank SAI and the Fit India program for this initiative. The concept of fitness is the key of life. Mental and physical fitness rules our whole life. Therefore, we have to keep ourselves fit through various programs on fitness like Sundays on Cycle, the former athletics chief coach at SAI, added. During the event, ten local cycling clubs and the state cycling champions were honoured, including Fit India ambassadors and champions such as Kanthi Dutt, Garima Diwakar, Manas Saha, and Raima Majumder. Besides Kolkata, events took place concurrently at 10000 locations nationwide, hosted at Sports Authority of India and Khelo India centres. These included SAI Training centres in Ludhiana, Rajnandgaon, Dharamsala, Kokrajhar, Hazaribagh, Golaghat, and others. In Bikaner, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, also attended the cycle rally. During the event, ten local cycling clubs and the state cycling champions were honoured, including Fit India ambassadors and champions such as Kanthi Dutt, Garima Diwakar, Manas Saha, and Raima Majumder. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat, organises Fit India Sundays on Cycle. Article Source: IANS

Emergency brake issue halts Kolkata Metro Blue Line services briefly

Kolkata Metro's Blue Line faced disruptions on Sunday. Services between Dakshineswar and Maidan stations were truncated for nearly one and a half hours. A technical snag in a train caused an emergency brake application near Mahanayak Uttam Kumar station. Passengers were safely evacuated. Normal services resumed by 1 pm.

Bangladesh participation uncertain in Kolkata International Book Fair amid clearance issue

Publishers and Booksellers Guild say they cannot offer or allot stalls to publishers from Bangladesh until MEA clearance

Railways misses second Kavach deadline on Mumbai-Delhi-Kolkata route, eyes 2026

Sambalpur migrant worker lynching case: Zero FIR filed in Bengal, says CM Mamata

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said a zero FIR has been filed at Suti police station in Murshidabad district in connection with the alleged lynching of a migrant worker from the state in Odishas Sambalpur district. The chief minister also said that a police team from West Bengal has travelled to Sambalpur to investigate the case. The victim, identified as Juel Rana, was allegedly beaten to death following an altercation over a bidi in Sambalpur on Wednesday. Addressing the issue in a post on X, Mamata Banerjee strongly condemned what she described as brutal oppression, harassment and violence against Bengali-speaking people in every BJP-ruled state. The West Bengal Police have already registered a zero FIR at Suti police station and arrested six accused, she said in the post. She added, A police team from West Bengal has travelled to Odisha to carry out the investigation. I strongly condemn the brutal oppression, harassment and violence against Bengali-speaking people in every BJP-ruled state. We stand firmly with those migrant Bengali-speaking families who have been intimidated, victimised and subjected to inhuman treatment, and assure them of all possible support, the chief minister said. It is deeply unfortunate that a young migrant worker from the Suti area of Jangipur in Murshidabad was again beaten to death in Sambalpur on December 24, she added. Banerjee also claimed that migrant workers from Muslim-majority Murshidabad were now returning home in fear. We stand with the families affected by this tragic incident, and financial assistance will be extended to the family of the deceased, she said. Juel, along with other migrant workers from West Bengal, had gone to Sambalpur district to work in construction projects in Shantinagar under the Ainthapalli police station limits. On Wednesday night, while they were returning from work, a group of six men allegedly stopped them and asked for a bidi. An altercation broke out, leading to a scuffle between the two sides, police said. Juel was allegedly thrashed severely and died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Sambalpur, police added. Six persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. The episode prompted the ruling Trinamool Congress to claim that Juel was beaten to death over suspicion that he was an illegal Bangladeshi immigrant. Despair and shattered hope for family of migrant worker murdered in Sambalpur The lynching of a Bengali migrant worker in Sambalpur is the direct outcome of @BJP4Indias sustained campaign against Bengalis. A citizen of India was beaten to death because a mob believed the lie that Bengalis are infiltrators who must constantly prove their right to exist, the TMC alleged in a post on X. Deeply perturbed by repeated incidents of alleged harassment of migrant labourers from Bengal working in other states, Mamata Banerjee had, at the end of August, urged them to return to their home state and start their own businesses. The West Bengal government has announced two benefits for returning migrant workers under the Shramasree scheme, launched in mid-August - a one-time payment of Rs 5,000 and a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 for a year during the rehabilitation phase. To avail of these benefits, migrant labourers have to apply through a mobile application. The labour department is seeking police assistance for verification. 'Direct outcome of sustained campaign': TMC slams BJP over lynching of Bengali migrant worker in Odisha

WB SIR row: Banerjee seeks count of Bangladeshis, Rohingyas deleted

Kolkata: TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday said that the Election Commission must come out with the number of illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas out of the 58.20 lakh names deleted after the publication of draft electoral rolls in West Bengal under the ongoing SIR. Alleging that Bengal was being targeted selectively by the Centre since 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 .

West Bengal braces for 2026 polls amid rising communal rhetoric

KOLKATA: As the 2026 Assembly polls in West Bengal draw closer, the states political landscape is rapidly shifting towards a sharp communal binary. With the two principal political adversariesthe ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)locked in a murky battle of alleged communal politics, an undercurrent that was once latent has now come prominently to the fore. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has emerged as a major flashpoint in the political strategies of both the Mamata Banerjeeled Trinamool Congress and the BJP headed nationally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While Mamata Banerjee has strongly opposed the SIR exercise, fearing the deletion of genuine voters, the BJPled in the state by MLA and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikariclaims that lakhs of Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators and Rohingyas will be excluded once the voter list revision is completed. This politics of religious polarisation in Bengalone of Indias most politically volatile states, traditionally prone to election-related violencehas sidelined fundamental issues and public expectations. Critical concerns such as education, employment generation, industrialisation, road development, civic amenities, and housing have taken a back seat, even as another election approaches. The response of the Trinamool Congress government on these fronts has been widely viewed as inadequate. The consequences of past political conflicts continue to cast long shadows. On the eve of Durga Puja in October 2008, industrialist Ratan Tata announced the withdrawal of Tata Motors from the nearly completed Nano car plant in Singur, blaming Mamata Banerjees antiland acquisition movement for derailing what was intended to be a groundbreaking projectthe worlds cheapest car. That decision marked the culmination of a bitter political confrontation that reshaped West Bengals industrial and political trajectory. Even 16 years later, Singur remains emblematic of missed industrial opportunities. More recently, about 26,000 tainted teaching and non-teaching staff in state government schools lost their jobs after the Supreme Court invalidated the West Bengal School Service Commissions 2016 recruitment panel over alleged cash-for-jobs scams. With unemployment rising and over 30 lakh migrant labourers working outside the state, experts argue that the governments top priority should be rolling out a new industrial policy. This policy should focus on strengthening MSMEs, creating district-specific development plans for north Bengal, and boosting industrial productivity and exports. Industry bodies have highlighted significant untapped opportunities in agriculture, food processing, infrastructure manufacturing, logistics, textiles, leather, and the gems and jewellery sector. At the same time, the closure of more than 7,000 state government schools has led to an alarming rise in dropout rates across districts. The government faces the urgent task of bringing students back to school by improving infrastructure, ensuring adequate teacher strength, and providing sufficient support staff. Against this backdrop, and with an eye on the upcoming Assembly polls, Mamata Banerjee recently released Unnayoner Panchali (Song of Development), a comprehensive report card of her governments performance over the past 14 years since assuming office in 2011. She claimed that 1.72 crore people were lifted out of poverty between 2013 and 2023, over two crore people gained meaningful employment, and unemployment fell by 40 per cent. According to her, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has grown 4.41 times since 2011 to 20.31 lakh crore, while the states own tax revenue has increased 5.33 times. She further stated that capital expenditure has risen by 17.67 per cent, strengthening infrastructure and long-term capacity, while social sector expenditure has expanded 14.46 times. Under the Lakshmi Bhandar womens empowerment scheme, the government is spending 12,000 crore annually. However, the CPI(M)-led Left Front, which ruled Bengal for 34 years, has demanded department-wise employment data to substantiate the governments claims. It has also pointed out that the states debt burden under the Trinamool Congress regime has crossed 8 lakh crore. As core developmental issues are increasingly pushed aside, identity politics is emerging as a dominant political agenda in Bengal. Suvendu Adhikari has openly articulated the BJPs electoral strategy, declaring, Hindus must rise, unite, and vote for BJPor Bengal will turn into another Bangladesh. The saffron camp has repeatedly accused Mamata Banerjee of Muslim appeasement. In response, Banerjee herself has leaned into identity politics, albeit with a softer Hindutva pitch. Declaring herself a Hindu Brahmin, she said, I sleep beside a Shiva temple and dont need to learn Hinduism from the BJP. Political observers note that both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP are increasingly invoking religious identitiesthrough Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, and Eidnot merely as cultural observances but as political flashpoints. This escalating narrative has been further fuelled by incidents of communal unrest as witnessed recently in the state.

Anand Mahindra wants to buy a rare treasure from Kolkata at premium price

Ninety-four-year-old Kolkata craftsman C.H. Chang continues to handcraft Santa Claus figurines, a tradition threatened by mass production. Industrialist Anand Mahindra lauded Chang's dedication, highlighting the value of skilled artisans and urging support for his unique, handmade creations.

2025: Govt policies give wings to Indian Real Estate

KOLKATA, Dec 27: Proactive government interventions and supportive monetary policies in 2025 emerged as a powerful catalyst for Indias real estate sector, reviving momentum, improving affordability, and driving sustained growth across segments. From the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) calibrated repo rate cuts to the landmark GST 2.0 reforms, policy measures delivered tangible financial relief, simplified taxation, and restored buyer confidence. As a result, the sector not only weathered global uncertainties but also emerged stronger, making homeownership more accessible and [] The post 2025: Govt policies give wings to Indian Real Estate appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Kavach installation: Railways misses 2nd deadline on Mumbai- Delhi- Kolkata route, eyes 2026

Indian Railways faces a delay in installing the Kavach automatic train protection system. The New Delhi-Mumbai and New Delhi-Howrah routes will now see operationalization in 2026. Significant progress has been made with 25 percent of the work completed. Officials are working to meet the new target. This system enhances train safety by automatically applying brakes.

Ujjain Seers Threaten To Disrupt IPL Matches Over Bangladeshi Player

World Arabic Language Day: Religious leaders in Ujjain have issued a stark warning to disrupt Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches by damaging pitches if Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman is allowed to participate. The threat stems from growing anger over recent violent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, particularly two brutal lynching incidents involving blasphemy allegations. The seers, including Mahavir Nath, chief priest of the Rinmukteshwar Mahadev Temple in Ujjain, told reporters that ascetic warriors will storm stadiums to prevent matches involving the Bangladeshi player. They accuse authorities of ignoring the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh while permitting its cricketers to play in India. Other seer organisations have also issued the same warning. The controversy intensified after Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Mustafizur Rahman, the only Bangladeshi player picked in the recent IPL auction, for Rs 9.20 crore. Social media campaigns have called for boycotting KKR, with users labelling it a slap on every Hindu's face amid reports of minority violence. The incidents in Bangladesh have fuelled the outrage. On December 18, in Bhaluka Upazila, Mymensingh district, 27-year-old Hindu garment factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was accused by Muslim co-workers of allegedly making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad during an event marking World Arabic Language Day. He was dragged from his workplace at Pioneer Knit Composite Factory, brutally beaten by a mob, hanged from a tree, and his body set on fire beside a highway. Investigations found no direct evidence of blasphemy, with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arresting several individuals. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus condemned the act but described it as isolated, amid broader unrest following the death of a prominent youth leader. Days later, on December 24, another Hindu man, 29-year-old Amrit Mondal (alias Samrat or Amit Mondal), was lynched in Rajbari's Pangsha sub-district over allegations of extortion. Villagers attacked him, and though police rescued him in critical condition, he succumbed at the hospital. Investigations found no direct evidence of blasphemy, with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arresting several individuals. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus condemned the act but described it as isolated, amid broader unrest following the death of a prominent youth leader. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He called for deporting Bangladeshi infiltrators in India and urged strong measures to protect minorities abroad, stating, If Hindus there are not safe, they should be given refuge here. These developments have strained India-Bangladesh ties, with India expressing grave concern over documented violence against minorities. Hindu nationalist groups in India have held protests, while Bangladesh authorities have made arrests in the cases. Article Source: IANS

TMCs Abhishek invokes Vajpayees raj dharma, targets right-wing forces over hate crimes

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee invoked late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayees message on Friday to condemn what he called the rising tide of hate in the country. Abhishek posted an archived video of Vajpayees news conference in 2002 with then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi seated beside him on X and []

SIR hearings to begin on Saturday in Bengal; 32 L unmapped voters to be covered

Kolkata: The hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal will commence on Saturday, with 3,234 centres set up across the state, a senior official said. Around 32 lakh unmapped voters, those who are unable to establish linkage with the 2002 electoral roll, will be called for hearings in 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 .

Plan to double originating train capacity in 48 cities

NEW DELHI: In a first-of-its-kind initiative amid sustained growth in passenger travel demand, the Ministry of Railways has decided to expand coaching terminals and enhance sectional and operational capacities in a planned manner over the next five years. The objective is to meet emerging and projected travel demand by 2030 across 48 major cities in the country. After extensive deliberations covering all aspects, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has accorded priority to this long-pending requirement, setting a deadline for completion by 2030. The initiative aims to significantly ease congestion at busy stations that witness heavy footfalls of originating and terminating passengers. We are expanding coaching terminals, enhancing sectional and operational capacities in various cities to meet rising passenger demand and reducecongestions, Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Friday.Under this mega plan, the railways intend to double train-handling capacity in 48 major cities over the next five years. Short- and medium-term measures proposed by railway zones will contribute to the required capacity addition, particularly at high-density stations. The plan includes major infrastructure upgrades such as construction of additional platforms and terminals in and around urban areas, along with multi-functional facilities to handle new originating trains. Cities identified for these developments include Mumbai, Hyderabad, Jodhpur, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Gaya, Patna, Puri, Jammu and several others. Existing infrastructure will be augmented to meet future requirements through the creation of additional platforms, stabling lines, pit lines and adequate shunting facilities. As part of the effort to double the number of originating trains, the railways will identify and develop new terminals in and around urban centres, supported by maintenance facilities. A critical component of the plan involves increasing sectional capacity through traffic facility works, signalling upgrades and multi-tracking, which will be essential to manage higher train volumes at key locations. For instance, in Pune, Hadapsar, Khadki and Alandi have been identified for capacity enhancement, alongside additional platforms and stabling lines at Pune station. Following the Railway Ministers directive, a comprehensive, city-wise plan for all 48 major cities is under consideration, covering works that are planned, proposed or already sanctioned to achieve the target of doubling train-handling capacity within a defined timeframe. The cities included in the plan are Delhi, Mumbai (CR, WR), Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Patna, Lucknow, Pune, Nagpur, Varanasi among others. Notably, a majority of these stations experience consistently high footfalls due to pilgrimage traffic throughout the year.

Gold, silver prices today, December 27: Check city-wise rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and more

On December 27, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 13,946 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,766 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 2,34,100 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.

Kolkata Port separates from Cochin Shipyard, plans bigger push in ship repair

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, and Cochin Shipyard Ltd. have reinforced their collaboration to bolster India's ship repair capabilities. A shared profit of Rs 5.94 crore was distributed from their joint venture, the CochinKolkata Ship Repair Unit.

Ship repair JV of SMPK, Cochin Shipyard posts 5.94 crore profit

The profit was generated by the Cochin-Kolkata Ship Repair Unit, a joint venture between the two public sector entities

Under-construction ropeway collapses in Bihars Rohtas district days before scheduled New Year opening

PATNA: An under-construction ropeway in Bihars Rohtas district caved in on Friday, bringing the project to a grinding halt. The ropeway was scheduled to be opened for tourists on New Years Day, January 1, 2026. Hundreds of tourists and devotees throng Rohtas Fort and the famous Chaurasan temple on New Years Day. Many also visit the Rohitashv temple to offer prayers. Pillars and trolleys of the ropeway were damaged in the incident. However, there were no reports of any casualties or injuries. The ropeway was being built to facilitate tourists visiting Rohtas Fort, also known as Rohtasgarh, one of Bihars favourite tourist destinations. The fort is located at an altitude of about 1,400 feet above sea level. A Kolkata-based company, RRPL, has been assigned the construction work. The 1,324-metre-long ropeway is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 12.35 crore. It was planned to have five towers, with each trolley having a seating capacity of four passengers. The project was in its final stage, and a trial run was about to take place when the collapse occurred. The project was in its final stage, and a trial run was about to take place when the collapse occurred. A senior official of the Rohtas district administration said the cause of the technical snag in the under-construction ropeway was being ascertained. A team of officials has been formed for the purpose. The team will visit the site and submit a report, the official said.

Injury scare in Vijay Hazare Trophy! KKR star rushed to hospital after 'freak' injury - Watch

A major injury scare unfolded in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a Kolkata Knight Riders star suffered a freak injury and was rushed to hospital mid-match. The incident triggered concern among fans, with updates awaited on the player's condition and availability going forward.

Kolkata Metros Blue Line services disrupted for about 43 minutes after girl jumps on tracks, dies

Earlier, police said that a man tried to jump onto the tracks

Man jumps on tracks, Kolkata Metro services on Blue Line partially affected

Person rescued; services remain suspended across seven stations between Maidan and Mahanayak Uttam Kumar on both up and down lines

St+art present Kolkata Festival 2025-26

The initiative extends Asian Paints vision of making creativity a shared, accessible part of Indian cities blending design, storytelling and public engagement

ICC Mens T20 WC 2026 Trophy Tour Wraps Up Qatar And Oman Legs

Indian School Al Wadi Al: After enchanting fans as part of its grand launch at Adams Bridge, culturally revered in India as the Ram Setu, the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour successfully concluded its Qatar and Oman legs, engaging fans, students and communities across key cities and iconic locations in both countries. In Qatar, the trophy arrived at the Doha Corniche via a traditional dhow, set against the city skyline, symbolising the nations maritime heritage and its growing role in global sport. During its journey across the country, the trophy visited several of Qatars most recognised landmarks including Sealine Beach, Aspire Zone, also known as Doha Sports City, Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and Lusail Boulevard. These stops allowed fans to engage with the trophy while showcasing Qatars blend of heritage and modern development. Community engagement was a key focus of the tour. The trophy was publicly displayed at a central public gathering space, with national players, embassies, and community leaders in attendance, allowing fans to engage through on-ground activations and photo opportunities. The tour also reached schools and universities, including Birla Public School, UDST University, and Qatar Foundation, engaging thousands of students and promoting inclusivity through sport. Special interactions at Qatar Foundation highlighted inclusion initiatives, including engagement with children with autism. In recognition of the workforce that plays a vital role in the countrys development, a dedicated activation was held at Asian Town, celebrating the South Asian diaspora and their love for cricket. The Qatar leg concluded with the trophy on display at sunset across the desert, marking the end of a memorable chapter of the tour in the country. Following Qatar, the trophy continued to Oman, where it visited a mix of sporting venues, cultural landmarks and public spaces. Key stops included the Muttrah Fort, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman Across Ages Museum, Jabal Akhdar Viewpoint, and Qurum Beach, offering scenic backdrops for fan interactions and media engagements. The tour focused on youth and fan engagement through visits to Indian School Muscat and Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir, giving students the opportunity to see the trophy up close, while public activations enabled fans to view the trophy firsthand. The trophy visited the Oman Cricket Academy, where the senior mens team, including captain Jatinder Singh, head coach Duleep Mendis, and deputy head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni, were present alongside the U19 mens team and senior womens team with their respective coaches, as they posed with the trophy, creating memorable team moments. Through activations at landmark locations, educational institutions and public venues, the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World continues to bring fans closer to the tournament and build excitement ahead of the global event. The trophy visited the Oman Cricket Academy, where the senior mens team, including captain Jatinder Singh, head coach Duleep Mendis, and deputy head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni, were present alongside the U19 mens team and senior womens team with their respective coaches, as they posed with the trophy, creating memorable team moments. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from 7 February to 8 March 2026 across Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (Colombo) and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy). Article Source: IANS

He Has Strong Leadership Qualities: RCB Andy Flower Happy To Aquire Venkatesh Iyer

RCB Andy Flower: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower expressed his happiness at acquiring Venkatesh Iyer and praised his leadership qualities ahead of the IPL 2026. The mini-auction saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru bolster their championship squad by securing Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav. RCB snapped up Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore after Kolkata Knight Riders withdrew from the bidding, bringing an end to a far more restrained contest than last year, when the two franchises were locked in a fierce auction battle that saw KKR secure him for a staggering Rs 23.75 crore. Venkatesh Iyer has strong leadership qualities. That is great to have in the dressing room and on the field. We are happy to get him and I look forward to working with him. When you plan well and have a good strategy, you know your limits. I think KKR had a little extra money left in their purse after purchasing Cameron Green. They were probably betting some of it on Venkatesh Iyer because they had some money left, but in the end, we ended up acquiring Venkatesh and we are really happy with it, Flower said on JioStar. Venkatesh Iyer has strong leadership qualities. That is great to have in the dressing room and on the field. We are happy to get him and I look forward to working with him. When you plan well and have a good strategy, you know your limits. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On RCB's careful strategy to maintain stability within their squad after the auction, Kumble said, Venkatesh Iyer will not be in the playing eleven at the start. You do not want to create doubt in a winning team. That is probably why they did not go after a Ravi Bishnoi, so that Suyash Sharma does not feel threatened by a senior India spinner. They have done well to keep the core the same, back their players, and just have a few backups in case something goes wrong. Article Source: IANS

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Receives PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar From President Droupadi Murmu, BCCI Congratulates

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: President of India Droupadi Murmu on Friday conferred on India's 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his exploits in the field of cricket. The President conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on children for their exceptional achievements in the fields of Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture and Science & Technology at a ceremony held in the national capital. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is Indias highest civilian honour for individuals aged five to 18, instituted to recognise exceptional achievements across diverse fields like art and culture, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports and instances of bravery. Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the recipients of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar and said, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made a name for himself in the highly competitive and talent-filled world of cricket and has set many records. The teenager is also slated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day. Following the ceremony in Delhi, he will rejoin the India Under-19 squad and travel to Zimbabwe for preparations ahead of the Under-19 World Cup, which begins from January 15. The BCCI also congratulated the youngster for his achievement. Congratulations to our explosive young batter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, on being conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmuji, it posted on X. Earlier this week, Suryavanshi smashed 190 off 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, becoming the youngest centurion in List A history. The knock also broke AB de Villiers record for the fastest 150 in List A cricket and his 15 sixes in the innings are the most by any Indian in the 50-over format. Earlier this month, Suryavanshi smashed an unbeaten century for Bihar against Maharashtra in an Elite Group B Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He scored an unbeaten 108 off 61 balls, his maiden ton in the T20 domestic cricket tournament and third overall in the format. His century also made him the youngest batter to score a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, at 14 years and 250 days. The 14-year-old cricketer also smashed the record for the highest score by an Indian in U19 Asia Cup history with his 171 off just 95 against the UAE. The explosive southpaw also slammed a ton against the Australia U19 team in Brisbane during a Youth Test match in November. His most recent jaw-dropping innings came in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, where he scored 144 off 42 balls for India A against UAE, smashing 11 fours and 15 sixes. His 32-ball hundred made him the youngest man to score a century for any national representative side at senior level, breaking a 20-year-old record. Suryvanshi was the most-searched Indian on Google and ranked sixth overall worldwide. Last month, social media platform Instagram chose to spotlight Suryavanshis journey on its official page - making him only the second Indian cricketer after Virat Kohli to receive the honour. His 32-ball hundred made him the youngest man to score a century for any national representative side at senior level, breaking a 20-year-old record. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He then stunned everyone nine days later by becoming the youngest centurion in the leagues history. Vaibhavs explosive 35-ball 100 against the Gujarat Titans was the fastest IPL century by an Indian and the second-fastest overall, behind only Chris Gayle. Article Source: IANS

Hoteliers in Siliguri impose ban on Bangladeshi tourists amid Dhaka's political turmoil

KOLKATA: An association of hoteliers in West Bengal has decided to temporarily stop providing accommodation to Bangladeshis in and around Siliguri in view of political turmoil in the neighbouring country. According to a recent notice issued by the Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association, the decision was linked to incidents that have strained India-Bangladesh relations, including alleged disrespect towards the Indian flag and provocative statements by a section of Bangladeshi citizens. The hoteliers' organisation said the move was aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of guests and hotel staff in the current sensitive climate. Members of the association will not permit the check-in of Bangladeshi nationals until further notice, a functionary of the organisation said. Siliguri, located close to the international border in north Bengal and the strategically sensitive Siliguri corridor, connecting mainland India with the northeastern states, has been a major entry point for Bangladeshi visitors travelling to India on tourist, medical and student visas. The association said the restriction would be reviewed periodically based on the evolving situation, with the possibility of reinstating accommodation facilities once conditions are deemed safe and respectful. Member hotels have been urged to strictly adhere to the decision to maintain uniformity and solidarity across the association. Sources said the association has around 180 member hotels in and around Siliguri, all of which are following the decision. Nearly 50 additional hotels, which are not members of the association, have also voluntarily begun adhering to the restriction, they said. Hoteliers in West Bengal's Malda district are considering a similar move. The Malda Hotel Owners Association, which has around 250 member hotels, is expected to hold a meeting to discuss whether to impose restrictions on accommodating Bangladeshi nationals, the sources said.

Amit Shahs Year-End Visit To Bengal: Kolkata Camp To Set BJPs 2026 Pitch | Exclusive

CNN-News18 has reliably learnt that Shah will spend the evening of December 29 to 31 in Kolkata, packing his brief visit with high-level political and organisational engagements.

Students protest against alleged Islamophobia at Jadavpur University convocation

KOLKATA: Two students held a poster reading ''there is no place for Islamophobia at Jadavpur University'' while receiving their citations and certificates from the Vice-Chancellor (VC), triggering controversy. Speaking to media, the students alleged that during an English semester examination held on Monday, an invigilator had asked a third-year undergraduate female student wearing a head scarf to help her classmate partially remove her hijab to verify whether she was using any wireless headphone. We thought such type of conduct is undesirable in a prestigious university like JU, which is known for its liberal and secular views. We had no intention to create any ruckus but we thought we must protest against this conduct. Thats why we had held a poster while receiving undergraduate degrees during the convocation programme, said one of two protesting girls on Wednesday evening. Distancing itself from the protest, the CPI(M)-backed Students Federation of India (SFI) leader said, ''What they did is entirely their own decision. It had nothing to do with SFI's demonstration during the convocation demanding immediate student union polls, representation in ICC, or campus security. We do not support any act which may hurt the sentiments of an individual. Dismissing the allegations, an English faculty member said, ''We deny allegations of Islamophobia. Several students were caught attempting to cheat during the exam, following which vigilance was tightened. If anyone's conduct seemed suspicious, re-checking was carried out. At least four examinees were caught using headphones last week, none of whom belonged to the minority community.'' If teachers are targeted in this manner, it would become impossible for them to carry out their duties, the faculty member said requesting anonymity. Its learnt that the JU authorities have started looking into the allegations after students submitted a letter to the VC.

Bangladesh should repeat 1971 to save its minorities: BJP leader

Kolkata: Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday said that the right-thinking citizens of Bangladesh may have to repeat the 1971-type situation to establish true democracy and save minorities in the neighbouring country, which has currently been in turmoil. In 1971, Muktijoddhas (liberation warriors) defeated the Pakistanis, Adhikari said, adding that he was commenting on 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 .

TMC slams BJP over lynching of Bengal migrant worker in Odisha

KOLKATA: The Trinamool Congress on Thursday intensified its attack on the BJP, alleging that the lynching of a Bengali migrant worker in Odisha was a direct result of what it called a sustained campaign of harassment against Bengalis in BJP-ruled states. Reacting to the killing of 21-year-old Juel Sheikh from Murshidabad district of West Bengal in Sambalpur, the TMC said the incident reflected a dangerous narrative portraying Bengali-speaking Indians as infiltrators. In a post on X, the party alleged that Sheikh was beaten to death because a mob suspected him of being an illegal Bangladeshi immigrant. The lynching of a Bengali migrant worker in Sambalpur is the direct outcome of @BJP4Indias sustained campaign against Bengalis. A citizen of India was beaten to death because a mob believed the lie that Bengalis are infiltrators who must constantly prove their right to exist, the TMC alleged. Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sheikh Samirul Islam said incidents of violence against Bengali-speaking migrant workers were becoming frequent in BJP-ruled states, particularly Odisha. Around 30 lakh migrant labourers from West Bengal work outside the state in the unorganised sector. The Bengal government has already moved the Supreme Court seeking justice on this issue, he told the TNIE . Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has earlier expressed concern over repeated incidents of harassment of migrant workers from West Bengal. In August, she urged migrant labourers to return to the state and start their own businesses. Addressing a programme on MSMEs, she said her government was working to prepare a list of migrant workers, which would be done at the 'Duare Sarkar' (government at doorstep) camps. The incident occurred on Wednesday night in Shantinagar under the Ainthapalli police station area in Sambalpur district, where Sheikh and other migrant workers from West Bengal were employed in construction work. Police said the group was stopped by six local men while returning from work, allegedly over a request for a bidi, which led to an altercation and a scuffle. Sheikh was allegedly thrashed severely and later died while undergoing treatment at a Sambalpur hospital. Police said all six accused have been arrested. Six held in migrant labourer murder in Odisha; lynching on suspicion of being Bangladeshi ruled out According to state labour department sources, around 1.2 lakh migrant workers have applied under the Shramasree scheme, expressing interest in returning to West Bengal. Of these, verification has begun and over 1,500 workers have been receiving a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 since October. Under the Shramasree scheme, launched in mid-August, the state government offers returning migrant workers a one-time assistance of Rs 5,000 and a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 for a year during the rehabilitation period. Applications are processed through a mobile app, with police verification underway. For years, BJP leaders have deliberately branded Bengali-speaking Indians as infiltrators, outsiders, and suspects. That poisonous narrative has now reached the streets, where anyone feels empowered to act as immigration officers and executioners, Mamata alleged while addressing on issues in connection with migrant workers working outside Bengal.

Bengal SIR: ECI orders two-level document checks during voter hearings

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed a two-level verification to confirm the authenticity of the supporting identity documents of voters during the hearing session on claims and objections on the draft voters list starting from December 27. The unmapped voters, who are the ones not having any link with the 2002 voters 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 .

Mathura Junction: Indias Railway crossroads

Mathura Junction lies on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata routes. The post Mathura Junction: Indias Railway crossroads appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .

Bangladesh Violence: ISKCON Vice President Radharaman Das makes SHOCKING claims after Hindu homes set on fire, says, 'doors were locked..., trapped inside...'

In another horrific attack on Hindu minorities, two homes of Hindu families were set on fire in Bangladesh's Chittagong. Talking about the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and their houses being set ablaze, ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharaman Das has made shocking claims.

Kolkata Diary | Starter gun firing prompts Bengal Governor to order probe

Starter gun firing prompts Guv to order probe An incident involving the firing of a starter gun during flagging-off of a marathon run in the city on December 21 prompted the West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose to order a probe into the matter. The incident occurred when the Governor was firing from the gun to kick-off the event. Bose, on Tuesday, formed a probe committee to assess the matter by exploring multiple angles, officials at the Lok Bhavan said. The order followed a report submitted by the Aide-de-Camp on duty, Major Nikhil Kumar, which stated that the starter gun had been arranged by the event organisers. According to the report, the Governor had followed all prescribed safety instructions. CM Banerjee to visit Gangasagar on Jan 5 CM Mamata Banerjee is likely to visit Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas district on January 5 to review preparations for the annual Gangasagar Mela likely to be held in the second week of the month, an official said on Wednesday. During the visit, CM will hold a preparatory meeting with the district administration and is set to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several development projects. She will also lay the foundation stone for a 4-km bridge over the Muriganga river. Soon, rail bridge over Rupnarayan river South Eastern Railway is constructing a new rail bridge over the Rupnarayan river in the Howrah-Kharagpur section of Kharagpur Division to improve section capacity in suburban section of Howrah-Kharagpur. This modern state-of-the-art bridge will replace the old Kolaghat Bridge no. 57 over which the Middle line and Down Main line currently runs between Deulti and Kolaghat stations of SER. The old Kolaghat bridge was opened in the year 1900 and has served as a vital link of SER providing connectivity to Howrah and Kolkata area to the rest of the country. This 804 metre long iconic steel girder bridge has served as a major railway asset for the past 125 years.

Christmas is when Kolkatans abroad return home to sweets, savouries and the ambience

Kolkata in winter has a different charm altogether, the city touches the soul around this time, a visiting academic said

Clash erupts between rival Matua groups in Bengal over voter deletion remarks by Union minister Shantanu Thakur

KOLKATA: Violence broke out between two rival Matua groups affiliated to Union minister of shipping and BJP MP Shantanu Thakur and Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mamatabala Thakur in Thakurnagar, the administrative headquarters of the Matua community in West Bengal, on Wednesday. The clash took place amid heightened tensions over the deletion of nearly one lakh Matua voters names following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. The clash followed comments made by Shantanu Thakur at a BJP meeting on Monday night, where he said the names of nearly one lakh Matuas could be excluded from the draft electoral rolls and remarked that a sacrifice was necessary, even as he spoke of disenfranchising 50 lakh Muslims. His remarks triggered anxiety within the Matua community and intensified political confrontation in Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for next year. On Wednesday, several hundred supporters belonging to the Mamatabala Thakur group brought out a protest procession and marched towards the Union ministers residence in Thakurnagar, demanding clarification over the comments made on Monday night. However, followers of Shantanu Thakur attacked the protesters when they attempted to reach his house, triggering a scuffle between the two groups. The area near the ministers residence turned into a battlefield as the rival groups clashed. Several Matuas were injured in the violence, following which a large police contingent rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. The All India Matua Mahasangha alleged, The aggrieved Matuas were organising a peaceful demonstrations in protest against deletion of their names from electoral rolls but they were attacked. BJP has been duping the Matuas giving false promises to them. Why did the party leadership organise camps and distribute cards assuring them to include names of Matua voters to the electoral rolls? Mamatabala Thakur said. The conspiracy of Shantanu Thakur and the BJP to delete one lakh Matua voters names has come to light through his statement, she added. Addressing a BJP meeting at Hanshkhali-Garapota on Monday night, the BJP MP from Bongaon appeared to ask members of the community to be prepared for what he described as a sacrifice for a good cause. Even if it is a problem, we should accept this, he added. Shantanu Thakur acknowledged the likelihood of a large number of Matua voters being dropped from the electoral roll and reiterated that applying for citizenship under the amended citizenship law was, in his view, the only solution to resolve what he described as the identity crisis of Hindu migrants from Bangladesh, including the Matuas. A large number of voters from Matua-dominated areas in North 24 Parganas, Nadia and parts of Jalpaiguri districts are among the 58 lakh dead, duplicate, permanently shifted and absentee electors dropped from the electoral rolls during the SIR exercise in West Bengal. Shantanu Thakur is the chief of the BJP-leaning faction of the All India Matua Mahasangha. His remarks, however, have put the BJP on the back foot, raising concerns within the party about a possible erosion of its Matua vote base. BJP leaders have sought to portray the omission of voters names as temporary, claiming it would ultimately lead to a permanent resolution of the citizenship issue faced by the community. Within the BJP, concerns over the potential fallout among Matua voters are also rising. BJP MLA Subrata Thakur, brother of Shantanu Thakur, has called for fast-track hearings of Citizenship (Amendment) Act applications to ensure citizenship and voter enrolment for eligible members of the community.

Anti-Bangladesh protests held at land ports in West Bengal

Kolkata: Members of a pro-Hindu organisation held demonstrations at several land ports along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal on Wednesday over the killing of a man belonging to the minority community in the neighbouring country. Scuffles also broke out between police personnel and BJP supporters during a protest in Howrah district. Trouble started after 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 .

In search of the lost women

Histories of theatre often remember movements, institutions, and landmark productions. What they forget are the people in rehearsal rooms and backstage corners the women who acted, wrote, and sustained the stage, yet rarely entered official histories. For the Love of Art: The Lost History of Women in Kerala Theatre, Jayasree Kalathils English translation of Sajitha Madathils acclaimed Malayala Nataka Sthree Charithram, steps into this silence with urgency, restoring women to the centre of Malayalam theatres cultural memory. Widely recognised for its depth and courage, Sajithas original work traces womens presence in Kerala theatre from the late 19th to the early 21st century. These women were not just peripheral participants; they shaped performance traditions, labour practices, and political movements. Yet their contributions remained scattered or overshadowed by dominant male narratives. Jayashrees translation now brings this vital archive to English readers without flattening its texture or intent. Jayashree says she was looking for a book that was significant, genuinely engaging with a social-cultural or political question in relation to Kerala, and was drawn to Sajithas refusal to treat women as marginal. Instead, the book places women firmly at its centre as rightful creators and owners of its cultural capital. Sajitha begins by examining the structures that kept women away from the stage. Rather than repeating the familiar narrative of male actors performing female roles, she probes deeper anxieties around caste, morality, and respectability that rendered womens public performance suspect. The argument is incisive without being academic, and Jayashree preserves this clarity, allowing complex ideas to unfold with narrative ease. The book turns to the first women who entered the theatre despite stigma, surveillance, and exploitation. Sajitha writes about them not as romanticised pioneers but as workers negotiating family resistance and low wages to remain connected to their art. Among the most compelling figures is Palluruthy Lakshmi, The Anarkali of the Stage. Her hunger for performance was elemental. Sir, I cant live without singing Its like how we need water or air, she tells a policeman in a dramatised retelling, explaining why she left home. Even as tuberculosis confined her to bed, Lakshmi insisted on being buried in her stage costume a final gesture that captures the intensity of womens artistic labour in a society that offered them little security. But not all stories culminate in recognition. Sajitha is equally attentive to the women forced to leave the stage. One retired actor reflects: I cant tell you how it suffocates me, not being able to be on stage. And when I see drama troupe vehicles passing by... my heart breaks. This reveals the quiet cost of a system that treated womens artistic ambition as expendable. A significant section focuses on political theatre. The writer traces how Left cultural movements, particularly Kerala Peoples Arts Club (KPAC), expanded opportunities for performers like KPAC Lalitha, KPAC Sulochana, Nilambur Ayisha, and Adoor Pankajam. Their work shaped Malayalam theatres evolution, with figures like KPAC Lalitha carrying this legacy into cinema. Reflecting on the broader conditions of their practice, Sajitha writes: The experiences of these women show that they have made every effort to understand and apply the grammar of a medium they were not familiar with. Several women described theatre as consuming, like an ember smouldering slowly, yet impossible to abandon. The book concludes by charting how women gradually carved out institutional spaces theatre collectives and feminist groups as an ongoing, unfinished journey. Sajitha positions these women as the thinkers and innovators who formed the spine of Malayalam theatre. Jayashrees translation amplifies this clarity while retaining the earthy, textured voice of the original. For readers of gender studies, cultural history, or powerful nonfiction, For the Love of Art is indispensable. It asks us to look again at the stage this time with attention to the women who shaped it against all odds. The book is available on Amazon for `499 Theirchest hurtswhen they cant perform What first pushed you to write this book? I wrote this book in 2010. However, its roots go back to my earliest years in theatre. I began my long tryst with theatre in 1988, with the street plays of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad. The discussions on gender between 1986 and 89 influenced me deeply, and they eventually took me to Kolkata to study drama. I was already an activist and a feminist by then. When I returned to Kerala and started reading theatre history, I realised there was nothing on women. That silence pushed me. I had studied theatre for my MPhil and worked on a project for the Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi, and slowly, through research and interviews, the book began to take shape. When written records were scarce, how did you remain truthful to their stories? Each chapter demanded its own method. I had to read between the lines of existing texts, dig deeper, listen to memories, conduct interviews, and run surveys. I knew I couldnt rely on the usual method of writing theatre history, as those had ignored women in the first place. History keeps on growing. So, I added new findings to the second edition. While researching, was there a story or memory that stayed with you? There are so many. I vividly remember my conversations with actor M K Kamalam. She acted in just one film and chose to return to the theatre right after. Another is of an actress whose name I cant reveal because shes still living. She had to stop acting after marriage, and only returned to the stage at 60. She told me she would watch when vehicles of theatre troupes drive past her home in Kozhikode and weep, saying,My chest physically hurts that I cant perform.You can understand a whole life in that one line. Theres also my visit to KPAC Leela in 1991 or 92. Someone pointed me to what they said was her home. She opened the door but refused to acknowledge that she was KPAC Leela at all. I had to keep insisting, and only then did she finally speak so beautifully. But that denial, that refusal of her own artistic identity, broke my heart. I still think of Velukkutty Aashan, known for playing Vasavadatta at a time when men performed for women. His style shaped how women were expected to act. When he fell ill, and they needed someone for a fundraiser, they convinced Mavelikkara Ponnamma to perform. She told me,I had to become Velukkutty first, then Vasavadatta.What you can see is that men had determined how female characters should be played, even by women. When piecing together the lives of these women, what responsibility did you feel? It was a strong one. Ive always been a feminist, and whenever I asked male theatre artists about women, they would brush it off Oh, women havent done much. They were just there for money. Of course, money mattered as it does for anyone but when you talk to these women, you know thats not what kept them there. Thats why theirchest physically hurtswhen they cant perform. What was the most challenging part of writing a book of this scale, and what kept you going? Structuring it. Everything was scattered stories, interviews, fragments. Organising them into meaningful chapters felt overwhelming. The more I researched, the more the material grew. Eventually, I decided to structure the book by themes and periods so readers could follow it without getting lost. Convincing publishers and even people around me that such a book was necessary was another battle. But here we are. How do you see womens presence in Malayalam theatre today compared to the period you documented? I see a big change. More young women are studying theatre now and entering it simply out of passion. Theyre brave, hardworking and willing to work as a team. As someone inside the field, I have real faith in the coming generation. Is it the exact scale of change we once hoped for? Maybe not. But the change is definitely there. What do you hope English readers take away from this translation People in Kerala may know these women, but outside the state, almost no one is aware of their contribution to theatre. Theyre rarely spoken about, unlike the women artists from the Northern belt. I still remember the National School of Dramas Poorva festival back in 2003. There were mentions of women even from Tamil Nadu, but not Kerala. I hope Jayasrees English translation carries these stories further, to readers whove never encountered this lineage before. Even Anuradha Kapur said much of it was new to her, and Revathy described it as a powerful testament to womens courage and tenacity in theatre. Above all, I want readers to know these women were here working, shaping, and leaving their mark on theatre history.

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

Fresh demonstrations in Kolkata and other districts in WB in protest against Mymensingh incident

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

Virat Kohlis First ODI Century Turns 16 The Knock That Started An Era

Virat Kohli registered his first ODI century against Sri Lanka, scoring 107 runs on December 24, 2009, in Kolkata.

Kolkata Police SI admit card 2025 released at wbpolice.gov.in: Direct link to download here

The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board has released the Kolkata Police SI admit card 2025 on its official portal. Registered candidates can download the hall ticket using their application number and date of birth. The written examination begins on December 30, 2025, and the admit card includes key details on exam timing, venue, and mandatory instructions.

13 sentenced to life over lynching of father, son during anti-Waqf Act protests in West Bengal

KOLKATA: 13 persons were sentenced to life imprisonment for the lynching of a man and his son during the protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act by a court in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Tuesday. The court also directed the state to give Rs 15 lakh compensation to the family of the victims. Special public prosecutor Bivas Chatterjee said this is the country's second conviction in a mob lynching case and first in West Bengal. Haragobinda Das (72) and his son Chandan Das (42) were killed by a mob at their house in Jafrabad in the Samserganj police station area on April 12. The court had convicted 13 accused on Monday: Dildar Nadab, Asmaul Nadab, Injamul Haque, Ziaul Haque, Fekarul Sheikh, Azfarul Sheikh, Manirul Sheikh, Ekbal Sheikh, Nurul Islam, Saba karim, Hazrat Sheikh, Akbar Ali and Usuf Sheikh. The accused were arrested from West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand. Each of the 13 convicts was also sentenced to 10 years in prison for dacoity, 10 years of imprisonment for house trespass and a five-year term for rioting. All the sentences will run concurrently, the court said. While speaking to reporters, Additional Director General of Police Supratim Sarkar said, police had framed a chargesheet in connection with the case within 56 days following prompt investigations. The Das family has expressed their discontentment with the court verdict. Haragobinda's wife, Parul Das, said, We want the death penalty for three of the convicts, whom we have already identified. We are not happy with the court order. Leader of Opposition in the state legislative assembly Suvendu Adhikari said, the BJP will assist the family move the high court seeking death penalty for three of the 13 convicts. We are not happy with this judgment, he claimed. Adhikari alleged that the charges against the three main accused were watered down by the SIT formed to probe the case. The SIT could not live up to the expectation of ensuring exemplary punishment to the main culprits, he said. (With inputs from PTI)

India, Bangladesh summon envoys amid widespread protests

NEW DELHI: India and Bangladesh on Tuesday summoned each others envoys to register formal protests over a series of developments that have further strained bilateral ties between the countries. The move came as widespread demonstrations erupted across India over the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh , prompting authorities to tighten security around Bangladeshi diplomatic missions. Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Tuesday morning to express concern over what it described as an unsatisfactory security situation at Bangladesh's missions in India. According to sources, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam called in the envoy at around 9:30 am and raised issues related to protests outside the country's diplomatic premises in New Delhi, Kolkata and Agartala. The foreign secretary conveyed Bangladeshs serious concern over recent incidents and emphasised the host countrys responsibility to ensure full protection of diplomatic premises under the Vienna Convention, a source said. Just hours later, India summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah for the second time in a week, amid concerns over the security of Indian diplomatic missions in Bangladesh. India told the envoy that rather than blaming New Delhi, a thorough investigation must be carried out into the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. New Delhi noted that unverified claims of Indian involvement in the killing has sparked anti-India protests in Bangladesh, including a recent attempt to storm the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong. The diplomatic exchanges came as protests by Hindu extremist groups broke out in several Indian cities against the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old garment factory worker, in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh on December 18. Das was allegedly attacked by a mob over accusations of blasphemy, triggering outrage in India. In New Delhi, hundreds of supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal attempted to march towards the Bangladesh High Commission. Holding saffron flags and chanting slogans, protesters broke through barricades and clashed with police near the heavily fortified diplomatic enclave. Authorities had deployed around 1,500 police personnel and erected multiple layers of barricades to prevent protesters from reaching the mission, managing to stop them about 800 metres away. Similar protests were reported from Kolkata, Mumbai and Jammu. In Kolkata, demonstrators tried to march to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Beckbagan, breaching barricades and prompting police to use lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Several protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries, and at least 12 demonstrators were arrested as a preventive measure. In Mumbai, VHP and Bajrang Dal activists staged protests outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission and later at Azad Maidan, while in Jammu, lawyers affiliated with the J&K High Court Bar Association demonstrated and urged the Indian government to ensure the protection of Hindus in Bangladesh. Protesters across cities accused Bangladeshi authorities of failing to protect minorities and demanded strong diplomatic steps by India. Effigies of Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, were also burnt during some demonstrations.

BJP cries foul as police quell violence at Bangladeshi mission in Kolkata

Suvendu Adhikari said police violence proved that there is no difference between Mamata Banerjees government in Bengal and Mohammad Yunuss government in Bangladesh

Indian, Bangladesh envoys summoned; protesters clash with cops in New Delhi and Kolkata

Tensions flared as Bangladesh summoned India's envoy following protests near its New Delhi mission and Siliguri visa center. India also summoned Bangladesh's envoy. Protests erupted over alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Protesters stopped from marching to Bangladesh mission in Kolkata, Suvendu warns

Kolkata: Hundreds of people attempted to march to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata 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. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari criticised the state government over 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 .

News18 Evening Digest: EC Publishes SIR Draft Voter Lists For MP, Kerala, Chhattisgarh And Other Top News

We are also covering: BJP Alleges Police Action Against Kolkata Protests Over Bangladesh Lynching and other top stories.

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir may face Speakers action after floating new party

KOLKATA: A day after floating his new political platform, the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP), the suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir may face action from Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. On Tuesday, the Speaker said he may summon the rebel MLA to the Assembly to clarify his present political status as a legislator. Humayun has already been suspended by the leadership on charge of violating party discipline. Documents related to his suspension are lying with the Assembly. But he has announced the formation of his new political party from Murshidabad on Monday without informing anything about the move to the Assembly. He has to clarify with which party he is associated, Biman said. We will also look into the issue if any complaint related to the anti-defection law against him is lodged with us, the Speaker added. Humayun, the Trinamool Congress legislator from Bharatpur, was suspended by the party leadership on charges of anti-party activities, including allegedly making communal statements and laying the foundation stone of a mosque at Beldanga in Murshidabad district, modelled after the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya. 'Will be kingmaker in 2026', claims suspended MLA Humayun Kabir; TMC says 'daydreaming' On Monday, he announced the formation of his new party, JUP. Addressing a public meeting in Beldanga on Monday, he named eight candidates whom his new party would field in the 2026 Assembly elections in the state. Significantly, he withdrew on Tuesday the name of Nisha Chatterjee, whom he had announced as the partys candidate from the Ballygunge Assembly constituency in south Kolkata for the forthcoming elections. He said he was unhappy after coming to know about her photographs that became viral on social media posts. He has decided to field a Muslim candidate from the Ballygunge seat, which is a minority-dominated belt. Humayun said he would contest the Assembly polls from two seats, Rejinagar and Beldanga in Murshidabad, and would release the names of other candidates of his party who would contest the forthcoming elections in the state. The JUP would field candidates in 90 Assembly constituencies across the state, and his party would be a decisive factor in the elections, he claimed. People have already dethroned the Congress. Now they will also bring the Trinamool Congress and the BJP down from power in the state and at the Centre respectively. My party will fight for the cause of the common people in the state, the JUP chairman said. He also said that table would be the symbol of his party and that he would apply to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking recognition for his new political platform. The rose may also be proposed as his party symbol as an option if the national poll body does not recognise the table. In the 2016 Assembly elections, he had contested as an Independent candidate using the same symbol.

Zuno SmartDrive Clocks Over 1 Crore kms, 1.5 Lac Trips as Young India Embraces Usage-Based Car Insurance

Zuno General Insurance , a new-age digital insurer committed to making insurance easy, friendly and transparent, today shared increasing early traction for Zuno SmartDrive, its app-led usage-based car insurance (UBI) launched in March 2025. In less than nine months, Zuno SmartDrive users have logged over 1 crore kms, signalling a clear shift towards behaviour-driven, personalised insurance among Indias new generation of drivers. Zuno Smart Drive To share the benefit of UBI with a larger audience, Zuno has launched its flagship initiative of Zuno Driving Quotient (ZDQ) Challenge to non Zuno users too. In this 5-day free trial, customers can simply download the Zuno app, complete a five-day driving assessment and receive a personalised driving score at no cost. This score unlocks additional discounts on car insurance and gift vouchers, making Zuno the first insurer in the country to offer a large-scale, app-based, pre-purchase driving test that delivers real, measurable financial benefits to customers. The feature marks a major step in usage-based insurance adoption, as young India increasingly embraces behaviour-driven, personalised motor insurance. Launched in March 2025, Zuno SmartDrive has already captured over 1.5 lac trips from digital-first drivers across the country, with an average score of 92%. Early participation has been dominated by users aged 2840, signalling strong traction among Indias most mobile, tech-savvy consumers. Zunos telematics driven model also shows that behaviour, not geography or type of car, is the most reliable predictor of risk. Across regions, two driving patterns consistently bring scores down are frequent hard braking and rapid acceleration. These behavioural markers have emerged as the strongest indicators of trip quality and future risk, regardless of where a driver lives or drives. Among the most striking findings: Major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata, showed an average driving score of 91%. This might be due to congestion, peak-hour density and erratic traffic flow. Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Tamil Nadu emerge as Indias safest driving states, with consistently low rates of harsh braking and rapid acceleration and each maintaining average driving scores above 92%. Speeding was more prevalent in Pune and Kolkata, while harsh braking was frequently observed in Guntur and Vizianagaram. These findings reveal how real-world driving environments shape behaviour across regions. Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO, Zuno General Insurance said, With SmartDrive, we want to build a fair, transparent and personalised insurance experience that truly reflects how young India drives. The early numbers show that young India is driving safer, smarter and more mindfully, and theyre getting rewarded for it. Our focus is to keep building a simpler, more intuitive and rewarding ecosystem where good drivers finally receive the benefits they truly deserve, making roads in India safer . Indias road safety crisis shows little sign of easing. Provisional data for 2024 released by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) indicates that the country recorded over 4.7 lakh road accidents and more than 1.7 lakh fatalities during the year, underscoring the continued risk on Indian roads. Some states are yet to share the data post which the final data will be released by MoRTH. Despite incremental improvements in select states, unsafe driving behaviour, over speeding and low compliance with helmets and seat belts remain dominant contributors to fatal accidents. The challenge is consistent with final MoRTH data for 2023, which reported 4.81 lakh road accidents, 1.73 lakh deaths and over 4.6 lakh injuries nationwide; that works out to roughly 20 deaths and 55 accidents every hour. Together, the data highlights an urgent need to shift focus from reactive protection to prevention-led, technology-driven road safety solutions. At Zuno we have adopted this mission to encourage India to drive safer. Zunos Smart Drive App provides customers with real time feedback on their driving quality and nudges for safer driving behaviour. Zunos telematics insights also highlight notable exposure trends: Drivers with top-tier scores between 96 and 100 show a striking 40% lower claims risk, underscoring how consistent, disciplined behaviour behind the wheel directly translates into fewer incidents. The data also dispels some common assumptions. Gender has almost no impact on driving safety. Women recorded an average score of 92.83%, only marginally higher than men at 92.81%, indicating that both groups demonstrate virtually the same risk profile on the road. When drivers take their trips matters as well. High-scoring behaviour (80100) is most common during weekday , daytime driving, reinforcing the well-known risks associated with night-time travel. Structured, predictable daytime journeys tend to support steadier driving patterns and safer outcomes. Across regions and vehicle types, two behaviours emerge as the strongest predictors of lower scores and higher risk: Frequent harsh braking, and High, rapid acceleration. Regardless of where a person drives, these two actions consistently signal a risky trip. Seasonal behaviour also tells an important story. Even with changing conditions, rain does not turn safe drivers into risky ones. Those with high scores (80100) maintain similarly strong performance across both summer and monsoon seasons, showing that core driving habits remain stable despite weather shifts. Zuno SmartDrive car insurance also includes Indias first real-time crash detection feature. It uses advanced mobile telematics to automatically sense an accident and trigger an alert to Zunos support team. Once triggered, the team coordinates emergency support, roadside assistance and priority claims handling, ensuring that help reaches the customer without requiring them to make a call. About Zuno General Insurance Zuno General Insurance, formerly known as Edelweiss General Insurance, is a new-age digital insurer with an aspiration to reimagine Insurance to make it easy, friendly, and transparent. Amidst all the jargon and seriousness, Zuno is the friendly voice speaking in a language you understand, and listening to what you have to say, stepping in at the right time, so that you dont have to worry when things dont go as planned. Zuno is the friend you can always turn to for help, with the confidence that we will have your back at all times. At Zuno GI, the focus is on building trust through digital solutions that are intuitive and responsive, using consumer insights and data analytics to drive innovation and experience. Our consumer insight driven strategy focused on customers experience; innovative solutions and an intuitive digital platform differentiate us in a competitive market. Zuno GI started operations in 2018. We have over 8 million customers and a growing omnichannel distribution on digital rails. The company has presence across key digital marketing places and partnerships with Maruti, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Skoda, Volkswagen, Jeep, Royal Enfield, PolicyBazaar, Turtlemint, PhonePe, Insurance Dekho, Fedbank Financial Services, Dvara KGFS, Repco Home Finance, Renewbuy, Bajaj Capital, Anand Rathi Global Finance, Avanse Financial Services, Spinny,Nido Home Finance, ECL finance, Mehsana Urban Co-Operative Bank, PolicyBoss, Jio insurance brokers, Coverfox, ORIX leasing & financial Services India Ltd, SMAS auto leasing India Pvt Ltd.s www.hizuno.com .

Brutality: BJP Alleges Police Action Against Kolkata Protests Over Bangladesh Lynching

The allegation came after demonstrations near the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata turned violent, prompting police action to disperse protesters.

Anti-Bangladesh protests erupt near Deputy High Commission in Kolkata; 12 arrested

KOLKATA: Hundreds of supporters of a pro-Hindutva outfit, protesting the alleged attack on minorities in the neighbouring nation, tried to march to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission here on Tuesday afternoon and clashed with the police when they were stopped by the personnel in uniform. Police resorted to baton charge to disperse the protestors after they breached barricades, both human and iron guard rails, in their attempts to move closer to the Deputy High Commission office at Beckbagan in central Kolkata. At least 12 protestors were arrested. Several protestors and police personnel sustained minor injuries in the clashes. The situation in front of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission has been brought under control. Those who attempted to gather there illegally have been removed. So far, 12 people have been arrested in the area. These are preventive arrests, a senior Kolkata Police officer said. He added that a large police contingent remains deployed near the Deputy High Commission office to ensure the security of the foreign diplomatic staff and resist further attempts to lay siege to the premises. The march titled 'Hindu Hunkar Padayatra' was organised under the banner of 'Bongiyo Hindu Jagaran Mancha' with protestors carrying saffron flags and shouting slogans against alleged violence on minority Hindus in Bangladesh. The rally started from Sealdah and was proceeding towards the diplomatic office when it was stopped by police in the Beckbagan area, and the activists were pushed back. The march titled 'Hindu Hunkar Padayatra' was organised under the banner of 'Bongiyo Hindu Jagaran Mancha' with protestors carrying saffron flags and shouting slogans against alleged violence on minority Hindus in Bangladesh. The police here are acting like they want to protect those who are lynching our brothers in Bangladesh. They showed no such enthusiasm when Hindus were lynched in Murshidabad earlier this year, a protestor alleged. The protesters raised slogans Hindu Hindu Bhai Bhai, safety for Hindus in Bangladesh and cries denouncing the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. Earlier in the day, a similar protest was organised outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday. However, chaos erupted after soon after as hundreds of protestors affiliated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal clashed with police. Carrying saffron flags and shouting slogans, the protesters broke through multiple barricades despite a heavy police presence. The high security area witnessed a beefed-up police presence in the morning ahead of the protest announced by VHP. Authorities had deployed additional forces and set up three layers of security to prevent a breach. 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. The protests follow the death of 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, who was lynched on December 18 in Baluka, Mymensingh. According to the police, Das was first beaten up by a mob outside the factory and then hanged from a tree. The crowd left the body of the deceased by the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway and later set it on fire. The protesters in Kolkata demanded action against those responsible for the death of Das and security for Hindus in Bangladesh. On Monday, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari along with other party leaders and supporters, had 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 had threatened.

Three, including TMC leader, his son sentenced to life imprisonment in Hanshkhali schoolgirl gang rape case

KOLKATA: Three persons, including a ruling Trinamool Congress leader and his son, were sentenced to life imprisonment after they were found guilty in the gang rape and death of a schoolgirl in Hanshkhali of Nadia district in West Bengal. The incident took place in April 2022, prompting Opposition parties like the BJP, CPI-M and Congress to intensify protests against the ruling party in the State, demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees resignation. The nine convicted in the case are Trinamool leader Samarendra Gayali, his son Brajagopal aka Sohail and seven others Prabhakar Samaddar, Ranjit Mullick, Surajit Roy, Akash Baroi, Dipta Gayali, Pijush Kanti Bhakta, and Anshuman Bagchi. The court, today, pronounced the sentence giving Sohail, Prabhakar and Ranjit imprisonment till death, while Samarendra, Dipta and another were sentenced for five years jail each. One of the nine convicted is a minor boy who has been granted conditional bail for now. The court will makdecide him after a year. However, the family members of the victim are not happy with the verdict, as they expected that the court would sentence the convicts to death. We are not happy with the judgment because we had demanded their death sentences. I had so many expectations and dreams for my daughter, but the bastards ruined all, the victims mother said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigated the case following a Calcutta High Court order. They were pronounced guilty under various sections of the BNSS related to gang rape, criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, destruction and suppression of evidence, along with Section 6 of the POCSO Act. According to the prosecution, on April 4, 2022, the minor girl attended a birthday party organised for Brajagopal, where she was gang-raped. She returned home bleeding profusely and died the next day. The victims parents said that they were prevented by the convicts from taking her to a hospital. Her body was forcibly taken away and cremated locally without a post-mortem. She did not even get a death certificate.

Most common surnames deleted during SIR from Kolkata are Das and Singh reveals analysis

The surname analysis indicates that non-Bengali surnames have dominated the deletions during the first phase of SIR