West Bengal to Conduct Extensive Survey to Identify Encroachments on Government Land
The West Bengal government is launching a statewide survey to identify encroachments on public land and reclaim it. West Bengal to Conduct Extensive Survey to Identify Encroachments on Government Land
SP MP Mohibullah Nadvi Criticizes BJP, Claims Youth Sentiments Are Being Stifled
SP MP Mohibullah Nadvi condemns BJP, alleging suppression of youth sentiments and undermining of institutions ahead of West Bengal by-elections. SP MP Mohibullah Nadvi Criticizes BJP, Claims Youth Sentiments Are Being Stifled
Across Bihar and West Bengal, lakhs of voters were deleted from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, leaving them unable to vote in the 2025 and 2026 Assembly elections. Over 47 lakh names were deleted in Bihar and nearly 91 lakh in West Bengal. Shrabana Chatterjee and Senjuti Sengupta met some of those affected, documenting the uncertainty, paperwork, and repeated attempts to prove their citizenship and eligibility that followed the deletions
Shadow of Annapurna demand over KMC doorstep camps
Rescue act: On tiger reintroduction in West Bengals Buxa
Preventing ecological degradation is the way to protect wildlife
State Cong chief seeks EC clarification
BJP attributes Rahul Gandhi's 'silence' on Captain Smit Machchhar to 'vote bank politics'
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday lashed out at the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying that the latter is silent on the bravery showcased by Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar due to his compulsion for vote bank politics and disregard for India's honour. Addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said: Every Indian and every person of Indian origin across the world is proud that Captain Smit Machchhar prevented a 9/11-style terror attack. The entire world is saluting India and thanking the country for the bravery displayed by Captain Smit Machchhar, who is an Indian. Yet, the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who is a public figure and not a private individual, has not said a word in support of Captain Smit Machchhar. He has not posted a single social media post or shared a video message for the pilot or his family, despite regularly speaking on a range of issues on his social media account, Bhandari added. It is not a mere coincidence. Rahul Gandhi's silence on Captain Smit Machchhar, who saved over 170 lives, is driven by a calculated 'vote-bank' compulsion, he claimed. Adding to the criticism, Bhandari said: Rahul Gandhi can express his views separately at INDIA bloc meetings and speak independently on issues concerning vote-bank politics, but he cannot say a single word in support of Captain Smit Machchhar. The BJP leader accused the LoP of following a pattern, saying: Whenever India feels proud as a nation, including for cross border surgical strikes against terrorism like Operation Sindoor, Congress doesn't take part in the celebrations and Rahul Gandhi is silent. He remarked that LoP Gandhi's silence on the Indian pilot's rave act reflects the former's hatred for India and its Constitution, love for his vote bank and disregard for India's growing global respect. Pradeep Bhandari also pointed guns at the other INDIA bloc leaders, including former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The BJP national spokesperson said: Mamata Banerjee and other key leaders of the INDIA bloc, have also remained silent. The INDIA bloc knows that Captain Smit Machchhar brought honour to the country and that he is being discussed across the world. Yet, they (INDIA bloc) are not speaking in his support because they are behaving like vote-bank-driven terror apologists. The terror apologists are silent because they prioritise vote-bank politics over India's pride and honour. There can be no greater hatred or contempt for Indian democracy than what Rahul Gandhi has shown, Bhandari added.
Bengal CM explains decision to retain Bhabanipur seat
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 2 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday explained why he chose to retain the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata instead of his original constituency, Nandigram, in East Midnapore, after winning simultaneously from both constituencies in the West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year. Had I not retained Bhabanipur, then the bypoll would have been for Bhabanipur and not Nandigram. In that case, the Trinamool Congress candidate whom I defeated would have contested from Bhabanipur in the bypoll, CM Adhikari said at Nandigram while campaigning for Hasirani Rath, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the bypoll there, which is scheduled for Oct 6. In the Assembly elections earlier this year, Adhikari, as a BJP candidate, was elected simultaneously from Nandigram and Bhabanipur. At Bhabanipur, he defeated his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of over 15,000 votes. Later, he retained Bhabanipur, necessitating a bypoll for Nandigram. Speaking on the occasion, he also appealed to the voters of Nandigram to vote in such a manner that the deposits of the principal opposition parties are forfeited. The sin committed by Trinamool Congress has crossed all limits. So, Oct 6, the polling day, will be the day to teach them a lesson, the Chief Minister said. Referring to the assassination of his former personal assistant, late Chandranath Rath, who was killed on a public road at Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district on May 6 this year, and whose mother is Hasirani Rath, CM Adhikari urged voters to respond democratically. The voters of Nandigram will have to take a democratic revenge on Oct 6 for the murder of Chandranath Rath merely for being my assistant, CM Adhikari said. Speaking on the occasion, he also referred to the recent arrest of Sumit Roy, the executive assistant of Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the partys Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, on charges of corruption. Sumit Roy has already been arrested on charges of corruption. Now a bigger thief will be behind bars soon, the Chief Minister said, without clarifying whom he was indicating as the bigger thief.
Will fall at Shahs feet if CM ignores Rejinagar: Humayun Kabir
Official says this could create two parallel re-enrolment routes, one through the tribunals and one through Form 6 applications to Electoral Registration Officers
RSS doesnt believe in religious divisions, works for society
Past regime looted natural resources, wont happen anymore: Bengal CM
West Bengal FM Swapan Dasgupta calls for scrapping Urban Land Ceiling Act
Finance minister urges organised real estate players to invest in West Bengal, saying land laws and tenancy issues remain impediments to the state's development
CPM meet vandalised in Birati, party blames BJP
Bengal: Eight Pujas selected for inaugural Durga Puja Adani Preview 2026
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 2 (IANS) Adani Group, this year, is participating in a major way in the forthcoming Durga Puja festival in West Bengal by organising the Durga Puja Adani Preview 2026, a three-night public preview designed to give people the time and space to experience the artistry, craftsmanship and stories behind the celebrations before the city enters the full rhythm of Puja. This year, ahead of the main Puja days, eight of the citys Pujas will come together for the inaugural Durga Puja Adani Preview 2026, and more than 70 artists have registered to participate in the initiative, while over 30,000 visitors have already registered for the preview, said Adani Group on Friday. The eight Pujas were selected independently by a four-member jury comprising Padma Shri award winner, artist-cum-sculptor Paresh Maity; industrialists and art connoisseur, Harshavardhan Neotia; acclaimed architect, Abin Chaudhuri; and Kolkata Restorer and heritage conservationist, Mudar Patherya The selection process was conducted at arms length from Adani, with the jury independently assessing the entries and determining the final selections. Adani had no role in choosing the selected Pujas, said the statement. The selected artists and Puja organisers are Anirban Das of Alipore Sarbojanin Durgotsav, Bhabatosh Sutar of Yuba Sangha, Debasis Barui of Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha, Eshika Chandra & Deep Das of Barisha Club, Pradip Das - Behala Club Sarbojonin, Purnendu Dey of Rajdanga Amra Kayjan Kalyan Samity, Raju Sarkar of Thakurpur State Bank Park Sarbojanin and Sanatan Dinda of Nalin Sarkar Street Sarbojanin Durgatsob Samity The Preview will take place on October 10, 11 and 12, ahead of the main Puja days, and it will remain open from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. across all three nights. Entry to the Preview is free with a Preview Pass. Registrations are being accepted, with access subject to capacity and applicable arrangements. The experience has also been designed with senior citizens and persons with disabilities in mind, to make the Preview more accessible, reads the statement. According to it, visitors will have an opportunity to explore the selected Puja installations, discover the art and craftsmanship behind them and understand the stories that shape them ahead of the main Puja period. The Preview is also intended to help guests from outside Bengal engage more deeply with Kolkatas Durga Puja traditions, building greater awareness of its artistic and cultural richness and encouraging them to carry those stories beyond Bengal as informed ambassadors of the experience, the statement added.
Mamata Banerjee has no right to talk about democracy: BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday hit back at former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee over her allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the conduct of the 2026 state Assembly polls, saying she has o right to talk about democracy and democratic rights. Speaking to reporters on Banerjee's remarks, Ravi Shankar Prasad said,
Saroj Poddar Group, Keventer launch real estate-focussed AIF, target 400 crore corpus
The category II Alternative Investment Fund, the first AIF launched by a real estate developer from West Bengal, is expandable to 600 crore through a 200 crore greenshoe option
Govt orders drinking water test in all state schools
50% Puja discount on food sold through PDS
Credai stresses Bengals real estate potential, calls for affordable housing reform
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has made claims regarding Mamata Banerjee's injury during the 2021 elections, alleging it was not genuine. He asserts to have documents showing that her doctors found no fracture. Adhikari revisited the incident, implying that Banerjee inflated her injury for political leverage. This event, occurring during her campaign in Nandigram, significantly influenced her electoral endeavors, exemplifying the fierce rivalry between the BJP and Trinamool Congress.
Adhikari Alleges 'Bhaipo Gang' Link In PA's Murder
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the CBI has completed 90% of its investigation into the murder of his personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, with only the alleged money trail left to be established. Adhikari claimed the murder involved shooters from Uttar Pradesh, a hirer from Bihar, and a Bhaipo gang in the Rs 2 crore contract money. He urged voters to seek evenge for Rath's death in the Nandigram bypoll.
CM Adhikari To Watch India-Brazil Football Match In Kolkata
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will attend the India-Brazil international football friendly in Kolkata on October 3. The city is preparing for the historic match, with Brazil's five-time world champions having arrived and security measures stepped up.
Tripura launches innovation challenge, Digi-SAPNE 3.0 for start-ups
Three arrested for extortion, attacking woman police officer in Tripura
Dog bites over 40 people in East Burdwan in one day
Saroj Poddar, Keventer launch Rs 400cr real estate AIF, first from eastern India
Bengal launches Reform Utsav across 9,593 gram panchayats
West Bengal finance minister says Urban Land Act has to go
Swapan Dasgupta highlighted the need to repeal the Urban Land Ceiling Act for development in West Bengal. Developers expressed challenges in acquiring large land parcels due to existing regulations. The local real estate market is expected to thrive with government reforms and improved infrastructure. Kolkata's economic position can facilitate greater investment opportunities and development networks. Overall, sustained demand and rising land prices indicate a promising future for the sector.
Keventer, Saroj Poddar groups launch Rs 400-cr real estate debt fund
Keventer Group and Saroj Poddar Group proudly unveil a Rs 400-crore investment fund tailored for real estate ventures. This fund implements a secured debt financing approach, focusing its efforts on projects within the Delhi-NCR and West Bengal regions. The enthusiastic sponsors, having pledged Rs 80 crore, are optimistic about the fund's prospects, which aims for a substantial gross internal rate of return between 18 and 22 percent.
Judicial panel begins probe against Indranil Sen over Bengal tender irregularities case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 2 (IANS)A judicial inquiry commission, set up by the West Bengal government to investigate alleged institutional corruption during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime, has started an investigation against former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen over alleged multi-crore irregularities in the tendering process of the Information & Cultural Affairs Department. During the previous Trinamool Congress regime, Sen had served as a cabinet minister with two portfolios, first as the Minister of State for the Information & Cultural Affairs Department and second as the state Tourism Minister. The judicial panel is probing alleged irregularities in contracts awarded for the Moder Gorob Bangla (Bengal, Our Pride) project, launched during his tenure in the department. Confirming the development, a member of the judicial probe panel told IANS that the investigation had started based on specific allegations. Right now, I am unable to divulge further information for the sake of the investigation, the probe panel member said. The project Moder Gorob Bangla was launched by the West Bengal Information & Cultural Affairs department to promote Bengal's folk culture, handicrafts, history and tourism potential and also provide opportunities to local artists in every district of the state. Fairs were organised in each district. As part of the project, fairs, exhibitions and handicraft stalls were organised in different parts of the state. The judicial panel received a complaint that in 2022 and 2023, all the tenders for this fair and exhibition were given to a few special organisations close to Indranil Sen It was alleged that Sen used his influence to arrange for tenders worth crores of rupees for select entities of his choice and confidence, some of them being Sens relatives. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is already conducting a probe into two corporate entities linked to Sen and his wife Madhuchhanda Sen. One such entity is Mass Art, which is accused of issuing passes for Durga Puja Preview Shows by using the name and logo of the UNESCO without the latters authorization. The second entity, Octave Records, is a proprietorship firm owned by Sen. In connection with the probe, the ED has also named former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Buxa Tiger Reserve gets its first tigress from Bihars Valmiki reserve
West Bengal has reintroduced a tigress into Buxa Tiger Reserve after translocating it from Bihars Valmiki Tiger Reserve, with three more tigers expected to be brought in over the next two months. The wider programme aims to rebuild a viable tiger population by improving prey availability, habitats and wildlife corridors while reducing human-wildlife conflict.
West Bengal government raises pay for contractual school education employees from October 2026
The News Mill
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 2: For Gulam Ashraf, Chairman and Managing Director of Phonex Group, business growth and social responsibility are closely connected, with the logistics entrepreneur looking to expand the company's operations while increasing its contribution towards education, healthcare, skill development and livelihood opportunities.
Intruder Lynched By Locals In Bengal
A man identified as Gopal Halder was beaten to death by locals in Sonarpur, West Bengal, after he and two accomplices allegedly broke into a house with a firearm. Halder was reportedly an accused in the homeowner's son's murder case from several years ago. Police are investigating the incident.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh Defends National Security Measures Amid Controversies
Dilip Ghosh addresses various issues, emphasizing the importance of national security and criticizing political opponents in West Bengal. West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh Defends National Security Measures Amid Controversies
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Friday hit out at the Opposition over its protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying that the Opposition parties were only looking for an excuse in the name of the Election Commission. Reacting to the protest, Rajbhar said, These people are just looking for an excuse in the name of the Election Commission. They should know that in 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party won 303 seats. After Gyanesh Kumar came, it came down to 240. If there was theft, would it have increased or decreased? He further said, And secondly, before 2014, the entire system was under the control of Congress. So, did Congress get the Election Commission to commit irregularities and make Modi ji the Prime Minister? Rajbhars remarks came amid the Oppositions continued criticism of Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have been demanding his resignation over the issue. Speaking on the Oppositions protest against the CEC, Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said that the Opposition had no faith in democratic and constitutional institutions. The people in the Opposition have no faith in democracy. They also have no faith in constitutional institutions. These are people who are murderers of democracy and do not believe in the Constitution. The Election Commission is a constitutional institution, and Gyanesh Kumar is heading it, he said. Meanwhile, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh criticised the Congress over the protest. As the winter session of Parliament approaches, Congress MPs sit outside and inside Parliament, basking in the sun. Others also join them. This will continue for a month, two months or even three months during winter, with them sitting in the sun. This is how the Congress conducts its publicity campaigns, Ghosh said. The Opposition parties have been criticising Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR of electoral rolls and demanding his resignation after it was reported by a section of media that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months to decisions and orders, some of which they said were issued without their knowledge. The Election Commission, however, has clarified that the three-member Commission had taken all decisions, including those relating to the SIR, unanimously.
Clear skies continue in Delhi; heavy rainfall likely in Arunachal, Kerala
The IMD expects isolated to scattered rainfall over parts of northeast India, Odisha, West Bengal, central India, Maharashtra and the southern peninsula over the coming days.
Prove you are Indian, Calcutta HC tells SIR-deleted Bangladeshi
Brazil land in Kolkata for much-anticipated India friendly at Salt Lake Stadium
Brazil's national football team has arrived in Kolkata for an upcoming friendly match against India. The match is scheduled to take place at Salt Lake Stadium on October 3, marking a significant event in Indian football history. Advanced security arrangements are being implemented to prevent issues such as ticket black marketing. The West Bengal government is also upgrading infrastructure, aiming for a World Cup-like experience.
Chhattisgarh & West Bengal Score Easy Wins
Chhattisgarh boys comfortably defeated Manipur 90-50 while Kerala beat Odisha with a 92-74 scoreline.
West Bengal CM Adhikari meets family of girl who died in Rejinagar rally stampede
The News Mill
With over 18,000 pending appeals in 2 seats, SIR spectre looms over Bengal bypolls
Rejoin Cong, lead Bengal unit: Adhirs appeal to Mamata
Indranil Sens record firm paid Rs 30 lakh to ex-CM: ED
Judge cites flydubai cockpit stabbing during airport mosque case hearing
Buxa to get its first tigress as Bengal begins tiger reintroduction drive in north
A tigress translocated from Bihars Valmiki Tiger Reserve will be released into West Bengals Buxa Tiger Reserve on Friday, marking the first such exercise in Bengal and eastern India. The move aims to restore the reserves tiger population, strengthen the ecosystem and boost tourism in the Dooars region, officials said.
ET Graphics: Factory engine revs up jobs and earnings rise
Indias factory workforce crossed 20 million in 2024-25, driven by gains in West Bengal, Telangana, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and sectors such as food products and electrical equipment. Industrial GVA rose 9.6% to Rs 26.9 lakh crore, while average earnings increased to Rs 3.8 lakh. Productivity edged up to Rs 11 lakh per worker.
Egg Attack On Arrested YouTuber At Court
May Differ With Left Ideologies But Insult Not Okay: BJP Seniors
Clot From Uterine Tumour Moves To Heart, Woman Safe After Op
SRFTI girls film wins laurels at Kerala film festival
West Bengal Government Issues Alert Over Fake Calls Impersonating Governor
The West Bengal government warns citizens about fake calls claiming to be from the governors office and unauthorized use of his image. West Bengal Government Issues Alert Over Fake Calls Impersonating Governor
Newborn With Fluid-Filled Lungs Goes Home After Surgery In Womb
Private hospitals worry about govt pairing plan, seek clarity on emergency referrals
City retail leasing doubles in Q3, high streets lead demand
Revise Ayushman Bharat rate for pacemakers, urge cardiologists
Calcutta High Court to Hear PIL on Egg Pelting Cases November 27
HC sets aside KMC closure order against hotel
Localised showers flood Kolkata pockets
Cops learn lessons from Messi mess, no VIP guard on field for Brazil match
Bengal weighs pooling closed PSUs, sick firms for land bank
West Bengal is preparing to create a land bank from closed Central PSUs, State PSUs, and sick industries. Several parcels of land have been identified, but challenges include legal issues and encroachments. An industrial policy meeting was conducted by a group of ministers led by the industry department. The strategic blueprint, named Project BhoomiShakti, aims to promote investment-ready industrial land.
Womans threat plaint against delivery man
Special sessions, buddy systems in city schools for mental well-being of students
Knife attack: School suspends class 9 student for a week
Pre-puja cop crackdown on Gariahat parking
Bengal: Judicial panel probes former Trinamool Minister over loan from farm credit society
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) A judicial inquiry commission constituted by the West Bengal government to investigate alleged institutional corruption during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime has started an investigation against former West Bengal Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty. The investigation relates to allegations that, despite not being a farmer, Chakraborty obtained a loan of Rs 85 lakh from an agricultural cooperative society in the state during the previous regime. It is also alleged that he facilitated another loan for one of his relatives from the same agricultural cooperative society by using his influence as a then state Cabinet minister and ruling party legislator. Chakraborty, a three-time Trinamool Congress legislator from the Jangipara Assembly constituency in Hooghly district between 2011 and 2026, was defeated in the Assembly elections earlier this year by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Prosenjit Bag by less than 1,000 votes. He is currently associated with the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel but majority faction in Trinamool Congress. Trinamool Congress legislator Kunal Ghosh, from the Beliaghata Assembly constituency in Kolkata, first alleged the loan from the agricultural cooperative society. Kunal Ghosh is associated with the original but minority faction of Trinamool, led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. Kunal Ghosh alleged that although only farmers were eligible to receive loans from agricultural cooperative societies, Chakraborty secured a loan from the Singti Agricultural Cooperative Society by posing as a farmer, violating lending norms. He also questioned whether Chakraborty had been repaying the loan from the Singti Agricultural Cooperative Society. After Kunal Ghosh flagged the issue, society employees Swapan Patra and activist Ramesh Patra were arrested. The state government-appointed judicial panel has now begun investigating the matter. According to sources, the panel will soon collect relevant documents from the cooperative society. On July 14, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the formation of a judicial commission to investigate allegations of institutional corruption during the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government between 2011 and 2026. Former Calcutta High Court judge Justice Biswajit Basu (Retd) heads the commission. A senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer is supervising the investigation. An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer is handling the commission's administrative work, while a West Bengal Revenue Service officer oversees its technical aspects.
Kolkata airport starts flyer feedback exercise
Mamata Banerjee named in ED statement over probe in money laundering case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and ex-Cabinet Minister Indranil Sen had been named by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in relation to the central probe agency's investigation into a case of money laundering, other than that of Mass Art, which had been accused of selling Durga Puja Preview Show Passes in 2024 and 2025. Sen is already under the ED scanner in connection with the Mass Art case. In this particular case, where both Mamata Banerjee and Sen, a singer-turned-politician, had been named by the ED is in relation to the agency's investigation against Sen's proprietorship concern christened Octave Records. According to a statement issued by ED on Thursday evening, during Sen's tenure as the West Bengal Tourism Minister during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, multiple tenders from both the state tourism as well as cultural departments of more than Rs 85 crore, were awarded to the entities owned by Dhrubajyoti Bose and Dipesh Roy, both of whom were close aides of Sen. These entities subsequently transferred large sums of money to entities controlled by relatives of Indranil Sen. Furthermore, massive cash withdrawals have been observed from the bank accounts of the entities that secured these tenders, the ED statement said. In the same statement, the ED claimed that a detailed investigation in the matter had revealed that cash of more than Rs 3.3 crore was deposited into the bank accounts of Sen and his proprietorship entity, Octave Records. Also, from the bank account of Octave Records, a sum of nearly Rs 30 lakh was transferred via banking channels to Mamata Banerjee, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, which Indranil Sen has claimed was paid in the form of royalty, the ED statement added. According to the central agency, during search and seizure proceedings, incriminating digital devices and documentary evidence were found and seized under appropriate provisions. Further investigation is under progress, the ED statement said. There was no reaction from the faction in Trinamool Congress, which is still loyal to Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. Sen too had kept himself incommunicado and hence his reactions were also not available in the matter. As regards to the Mass Art case, ED officials on Tuesday conducted a marathon raid and search operation at the residence of Sen and his wife Madhuchhanda Sen at Kasba in South Kolkata. Sen was also questioned for about 10 hours at ED's Salt Lake office in the matter on Wednesday. The singer-turned-politician on Thursday had been served with a fresh notice asking him to be present at ED's Salt Lake office next week for another round of questioning in the matter.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) Former West Bengal Congress President and five-time previous Lok Sabha member, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, on Thursday gave an open call to the former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to directly come under the fold of the Congress leader but after leaving behind her aggage attached to the Trinamool Congress. Mamata Banerjee will take the right decision if she joins Congress directly with the existing MPs and MLAs who are still loyal to her. We will accept it. When she had already taken shelter under the leadership of Congress, which is like a banyan tree, she should join the party directly instead of carrying along a separate entity. She should do that just leaving behind the 'baggage' and the 'one' which is her biggest problem, Chowdhury told media persons. Although Chowdhury did not specify what he exactly meant while using the 'term' baggage, political observers say that this is a clear hint towards Mamata Banerjee's nephew and Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who is also the party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member. The former State Congress President's call in the matter is significant on two counts, political observers say. The first factor is that Mamata Banerjee floated Trinamool Congress in 1998, breaking away from the Congress accusing the then state leadership of the country's oldest national party of not being serious in carrying forward movements against the then CPI-M-led Left Front government in West Bengal. Secondly, Chowdhury, throughout his political career had established his image as a dyed-in-the-wool 'anti-Mamata' personality. Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee attended the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday where she spoke to Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee also supported each other on various issues in the meeting following which Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's message on Thursday is perceived to be quite significant. There was no however no reaction either from Mamata Banerjee or any of the leaders from the faction led by her in the matter.
KMC to hold camps to bring govt services to citizens doorsteps
We Will Accept Her Leadership: Adhir Invites Mamata Banerjee To Rejoin Congress With TMC MLAs, MPs
A day after Mamata Banerjee attended the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury urged the TMC supremo to rejoin the Congress along with the partys remaining MLAs and MPs. Chowdhury said the Congress would accept Mamatas leadership in West Bengal, but suggested she leave behind her baggage, an apparent reference to her nephew and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. He also appealed to the Congress high command to facilitate a possible merger and urged Mamata to support the Congress candidate in the upcoming Rejinagar assembly bypoll as a friendly gesture. Mamata had earlier asserted that the INDIA bloc remained united and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The remarks come amid reported organisational challenges facing the TMC in West Bengal.
Indranil Sens firm sent nearly Rs 30 lakh to Mamata Benerjee, ED says; ex-minister claims royalty
Bengal GoM clears industrial policy to boost investment
Bengal plans annual TET, syllabus to fit 200-210 teaching days
Eight BJP supporters injured in North 24-Parganas bomb attack
Kolkata Cardiologists Urge Ayushman Bharat to Revise Pacemaker Rates
Snehasish Chakraborty faces probe over Rs 1 crore loan irregularities
Bengal govt plans major Mayapur development project
State eyes Rs 2,500cr investment to boost tourism infra
State transfers 1,177 acres to BSF for Bangla border fencing
HC extends interim protection to Mahua Moitra
Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of 'hooliganism' outside her Kolkata residence
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that goons linked to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engage in hooliganism outside her Kolkata residence while claiming police inaction in atrocities in the state. Addressing a press conference here, Banerjee said: Police officers are knocking on the doors of my party leaders, warning them to join the rival faction or go to jail...terrible atrocities are going on in Bengal. I am not allowed to move out of my house without court orders. More than 70 people have been murdered, more than 45 rapes have taken place, including of girl children and 'adivasis'...but police are not taking any cognisance, she added. Referring to attacks on the vehicles of her Trinamool faction leaders, the former CM asked: Have you ever heard leaders of the ruling party being attacked? Local police stations in Bengal have become BJP's block office and the headquarters of District officers have been converted to their 'Zilla office'. The police headquarters have become their state Committee office, she alleged. Further, Banerjee claimed that security has been withdrawn by the BJP government from her residence. Now they are lying that I am availing Z plus security. On the instructions of the present government, 200-300 hooligans are engaging in hooliganism in front of my house...even women are not safe, she alleged. People are unable to open their shops now. Kolkata used to be so lively; now there are no people on roads after 8 pm...hawkers are homeless, their livelihoods have been snatched. In fact, people linked to the BJP are even looting the donation boxes at temples, calling it their property, she alleged. MoreoverBanerjee claimed that during the Assembly polls in West Bengal, security personnel went door to door, threatened people against voting for the Trinamool Congress; CRPF personnel were also involved. War vehicles which are used in Kashmir, have been used by BJP leaders for campaigning. Is this a mockery of democracy? People cannot be treated like this, she asserted. Meanwhile, Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC) MP Abhishek Banerjee, who was also present at the press conference, asked why the BJP is responding to the questions being raised at the ECI. Referring to the NCPI seeking Bharat Ratna for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, he retorted: If he can be given 'Bharat Ratna' for 'vote chori', then please reward him. Reiterating the former Chief Minister's allegations that the number of voter deletions is more than the winning margin in many constituencies in the state, Abhishek Banerjee said: We received many such reports where the serial numbers of EVMs control unit and balloting unit at the counting centre did not match with what was recorded in Form 17C. Further, he claimed that several MLAs and leaders of Mamata Banerjee's faction are still languishing in jails, as they didn't join the dishonest group.
ED summons Indranil Sen again in Durga Puja money laundering probe
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday issued a fresh notice to former West Bengal Tourism Minister Indranil Sen for a second round of interrogation at the EDs Salt Lake office on the northern outskirts of Kolkata next week in connection with a money laundering case. The ED officials had already questioned Sen, a singer-turned-politician, on Wednesday for a marathon 10-hour session at the EDs Salt Lake office in connection with the same case. Earlier, on Tuesday, a team of ED officials conducted extensive raid and search operations at Sens residence in Kasba in south Kolkata in the same matter. On Tuesday, ED officials also conducted raids and search operations at nine other locations in Kolkata in the same matter, including the residences of Sens relatives and the residence of event manager Arijit Dasgupta. The assets, properties and bank accounts of Sen and his wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, are also under the scanner of ED investigating officials in the matter. The main charge against Sen and his wife is the alleged sale of fake passes in the name of Durga Puja tours using the UNESCO tag. It is initially estimated that around Rs 60 crore was involved. The ED began its investigation based on a complaint lodged by Joydeep Mukherjee, an alleged victim of fraud, at Bowbazar Police Station in June. However, Sen has denied all the allegations since the beginning. UNESCO recognised Kolkatas Durga Puja in 2021. Thereafter, an organisation called Mass Art was formed, claiming to be UNESCOs official partner. The organisation started promoting Durga Puja, and the sale of passes for Durga Puja parikrama began. However, according to the allegations, those passes, sold at high prices, were fake. Sens wife, Madhuchhanda, was closely associated with the organisation. Entry passes, or tickets, were allegedly sold at high prices by illegally using the UNESCO name and logo in the name of preview shows or Durga Puja parikrama tours of Kolkatas Durga Pujas. According to the allegations, around Rs 60 crore was misappropriated. It is further learned that passes for about 24 Durga Puja preview shows in Kolkata were sold at high prices. In some cases, these passes ranged from Rs 1,749 to Rs 5,499. The entity reportedly claimed that UNESCO had selected those 24 puja pandals. However, sources familiar with the development have found no evidence to support that claim so far. It is alleged that funds were embezzled in the name of preview show passes. An initial investigation found that about 19,000 people registered to receive these passes in 2022, 34,000 in 2023, and 61,000 in 2024. Sources familiar with the development said the entity planned to organise preview shows for the forthcoming Durga Puja this month and had even issued an advertisement on its website for that purpose. However, those plans were cancelled immediately after the ED started its investigation into the matter.
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