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West Bengal orders 21 closed tea gardens to reopen in 10 days

West Bengal Transport and Labour Minister Arjun Singh visited North Bengal to address the closure of tea gardens. The state government has mandated the reopening of 21 closed tea gardens within ten days. Additionally, tea garden owners are required to pay a 20% bonus to workers by October 5, 2026. Singh emphasized the need for effective revenue collection and vehicle fitness checks in the Transport Department as well.

The Economic Times 25 Sep 2026 10:36 pm

Bengal: FIR against Maktoob over report on Moitra complaint

New Delhi: The West Bengal Police has registered a case against Maktoob Media following a social media post on Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitras allegations that Muslim IPS officers were kept out of meetings during Union Home Minister Amit Shahs visit to the state. Even as the police have denied the report, there has 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 .

The Siasat Daily 25 Sep 2026 10:24 pm

Bengal: List of reserved wards for seven poll-bound civic bodies to be announced next month

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) The list of reserved wards for seven poll-bound urban civic bodies in West Bengal will be announced next month. The notification announcing the reserved wards for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) will be issued on October 7. Meanwhile, the notification declaring the reserved wards for five other municipalities, Haldia in East Midnapore district, Dhupguri in Jalpaiguri district, and Kalimpong and Kurseong in Darjeeling district, will be issued on October 6. The decision was taken after a meeting of West Bengal State Election Commissioner Krishna Gupta with the district magistrates concerned on Friday afternoon. It is learnt that the meeting also discussed targets for completing the elections for these seven civic bodies. As per the plan, notifications for the polls might be announced either on October 27 or October 28, soon after Durga Puja. The elections are likely to be held either on November 28 or November 29, after the festive season. The tentative date for counting and announcement of results is December 2. Voting will be held in 6,301 booths across these seven civic bodies. Meanwhile, the terms of the current boards of 112 more urban civic bodies in the state will expire in the first quarter of 2027. The biggest challenge for the new government and the State Election Commission will be to complete elections for 127 municipalities within the next nine months. Currently, 15 urban civic bodies across 12 districts of West Bengal lack elected municipal boards. Administrators run municipal services in these civic bodies. Notable among them is the Howrah Municipal Corporation, where no elections have been held for the last 13 years. The last election was held in 2013, and its term ended in 2018. Since the formation of the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government in West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has been emphasising the need to move the election process forward quickly at the administrative level. Soon after the new Cabinet was formed, State Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul met the Chief Minister to discuss the polls for these civic bodies.

bhaskarlive 25 Sep 2026 8:55 pm

Land allotted for 33 new industrial projects worth Rs 60k crore: Bengal CM

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said the state government had completed land allotment for 33 industrial projects involving a total investment of Rs 60,000 crore. The Chief Minister announced this while addressing a public rally in Bardhaman, East Burdwan district, following an administrative review meeting held on Thursday. The process of handing over land allotment papers to 33 industrial units has already been completed. According to our estimates, the projects have a proposed investment of about Rs 60,000 crore and the potential for direct and indirect employment of about 62,000 people. The list of projects includes semiconductors, defence, solar power, electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, steel, food processing, textiles, engineering and MSME, Adhikari said. He added that the state government was ensuring that work on these projects would not stall after land allotment. Conditions require work to begin within a specific time frame. At the review meeting, Adhikari announced a power subsidy of Rs 2 per unit for nearly four lakh farmers. He also said farmers would receive enhanced support of Rs 9,000 under the PM-Kisan Sanman Nidhi scheme, up from Rs 6,000. The Chief Minister further said the government would procure all paddy that farmers wished to sell and ensure the minimum support price of Rs 2,700 per quintal. Issuing a warning against corruption, Adhikari said: Each person involved in such corruption will be tracked, the money will be recovered from them, and they will be sent behind bars.

bhaskarlive 25 Sep 2026 8:44 pm

Bengal: BJP announces major reshuffle in organisational committees

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday announced a major organisational reshuffle at all levels. The party replaced seven district presidents. The districts include Barasat and Bangaon in North 24 Parganas; Arambagh and Sreerampore in Hooghly; Medinipur in West Midnapore; and Burdwan and Katwa in East Burdwan. In addition, the party also changed the presidents of four affiliated fronts. The reshuffle was announced a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and the partys state president in West Bengal and Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya met BJP National President Nitin Nabin in New Delhi on Thursday. According to state BJP insiders, the move aims to strengthen the organisation ahead of the bypolls. That is why this reshuffle was made. Apart from this, the one person, one post policy in the party was also followed to a great extent in the reshuffle, said a state committee member. It is learnt that seven members of the current BJP-ruled West Bengal cabinet, State Municipal Affairs & Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Pal, State Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay, State Commerce & Industries Minister Tapas Roy, State School Education Minister Deepak Barman, State North Bengal Development Minister Nishith Pramanik and Minister of State for Sport Indranil Khan, have been relieved of their organisational responsibilities. All of them are members of the current state cabinet. They were also in various organisational positions at the same time. They have been removed by implementing the one person, one post policy, the insider said. At the same time, the party has appointed new faces as chiefs of four party-affiliated fronts, youth, women, Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Class (OBC). The new youth wing president is Amit Samanta, MLA from Amta Assembly Constituency in Howrah district. Actress-turned-politician Anjana Basu is the new chief of the womens wing. Dhananjay Ghosh has been appointed president of the OBC wing, while Biswajit Samanta has been appointed president of the Scheduled Caste wing.

bhaskarlive 25 Sep 2026 8:40 pm

Congress Launches Nationwide Protests Against ECI, Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar

The Congress on Friday launched nationwide protests against the Election Commission of India (ECI), with party workers demonstrating in several states and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protests were reported in Delhi, Bihar, Assam, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In Delhi, Congress workers gathered at Jantar Mantar and [] The post Congress Launches Nationwide Protests Against ECI, Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumars Resignation appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Pragativadi 25 Sep 2026 7:50 pm

JSW Thermal bags order for balance two 800MW steam turbine generators for Salboni TPP

JSW Thermal Energy (JSW Thermal), a wholly owned subsidiary of JSW Energy, has entered into a contract with its associate company, Toshiba JSW Power Systems (Toshiba JSW) for the procurement of two steam turbine generators (TG) of 800 MW each for Phase 2 of its Salboni Thermal Project in West Bengal.

Business Standard 25 Sep 2026 6:38 pm

President Murmu returns West Bengal anti-goonda bill

President Droupadi Murmu has returned the West Bengal government's proposed anti-goonda bill for reconsideration. The objection stems from a provision in the bill that may overlap with a central anti-narcotics law, specifically concerning offences under the NDPS Act, 1985, and the PITNDPS Act, 1988. This raises concerns about potential duplication and repugnancy under Article 254 of the Constitution.

Rediff 25 Sep 2026 6:06 pm

BJP national president Nitin Nabin to visit West Bengal on Sept 27-28

The News Mill

The News Mill 25 Sep 2026 4:02 pm

111 MPs, MLAs changed parties after winning elections since 2022: Report

As many as 111 MPs and MLAs changed their parties after winning elections to Parliament or state assemblies between 2022 and 2026, with the highest number of such switches recorded in Nagaland and West Bengal, according to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch. The analysis, which covered elections and bypolls during the period, found that 26 Lok Sabha members, seven Rajya Sabha members and 78 MLAs changed parties. ADR said the cases covered individual defections, party mergers, resignations followed by bypoll victories and disqualification followed by winning a seat in a bypoll. Nagaland accounted for the highest number of cases at 32, all involving MLAs. The bulk of these cases were linked to a realignment involving the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Naga People's Front (NPF), with the NPF emerging as the largest recipient of lawmakers in the ADR analysis. Overall, 25 legislators originally elected

Business Standard 25 Sep 2026 3:50 pm

111 MPs, MLAs changed parties after winning polls since 2022

An analysis by ADR and National Election Watch reveals that 111 MPs and MLAs changed parties after winning elections between 2022 and 2026. Nagaland and West Bengal recorded the highest number of switches. The report also highlights party-level impacts and suggests reforms to the anti-defection framework.

Rediff 25 Sep 2026 3:47 pm

Calcutta HC takes suo motu cognisance of egg attack on CPM leader Sayan Banerjee

Calcutta HC takes suo motu cognisance of egg attack on CPM leader Sayan Banerjee Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Friday initiated a suo motu case regarding the recent egg attack on Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sayan Banerjee at the Baruipur District Court premises in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district. A Division [] The post Calcutta HC takes suo motu cognisance of egg attack on CPM leader Sayan Banerjee appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Mangalorean 25 Sep 2026 3:38 pm

111 MPs, MLAs changed parties after winning elections since 2022: ADR

A total of 111 MPs and MLAs changed parties in India between 2022 and 2026. Nagaland and West Bengal recorded the highest instances of such defections, with Nagaland having 32 cases. Most of the changes were linked to realignments among political parties like the NDPP and NPF. The Association for Democratic Reforms suggested reforms to the anti-defection laws in light of these changes.

The Economic Times 25 Sep 2026 3:28 pm

West Bengal rain alert: Darjeeling landslide, heavy rain forecast till Saturday

Heavy rains have caused significant landslides in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. A landslide affected Takdah Rural Hospital, resulting in minor injuries to one individual. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall through Saturday. Rainfall data indicates that Darjeeling recorded the highest amounts in the state recently. Similar weather patterns are expected to persist in surrounding districts until the weekend.

The Economic Times 25 Sep 2026 2:09 pm

BJP's 529 Crore Poll Spending Revealed; Bengal Alone Accounted For 287 Crore, EC Data Shows

BJP spent 529 crore across five Assembly elections held in April 2026, with West Bengal accounting for 287 crore, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission. The party also reported spending 83 crore in Kerala, 96 crore in Assam, 52 crore in Tamil Nadu and 12 crore in Puducherry. Congress reported 249 crore in total spending, while CPM reported 39 crore. BJP's central headquarters received 1,473 crore during the election period, while its balance rose to 7,627 crore. Congress' combined balance across five state units fell to 103 crore.

The Times of India 25 Sep 2026 10:46 am

Adani promises 1 lakh crore investment in West Bengal by 2035, looks to diversify in power generation and transmission

The Adani Group's proposes to invest in power distribution in Kolkata, which has so far remained the monopoly of R.P. Sanjiv Goenka Group, through its flagship company CESC

The Hindu 25 Sep 2026 3:47 am

Amitabh Chakraborty Reappointed as BJPs State General Secretary in West Bengal for Third Consecutive Term

Amitabh Chakraborty has been reappointed as the BJPs state general secretary in West Bengal, marking his third consecutive term. Amitabh Chakraborty Reappointed as BJPs State General Secretary in West Bengal for Third Consecutive Term

Daily Kiran 25 Sep 2026 2:28 am

Ayah accused of stealing Rs 10L

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:54 pm

Bizman loses Rs 33L to e-scammers

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:53 pm

S Kol residents duped in realty, bike sale scams

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:51 pm

3 touts held for selling SSKM OPD tickets

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:46 pm

Father blames flatmates after BBA students suicide

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:43 pm

11,596 on Bengal Police final constable list

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:25 pm

7 months on, dad seeks cop help to find daughter

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:25 pm

Cannot pay civic taxes? KMC website still under the weather

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:22 pm

Rain Forces Kumartuli Artisans To Move Idols Indoors

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:22 pm

Downpour Floods Kol Pockets, Jodhpur Park Gets Maximum Rain

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:22 pm

16-yr-old gives birth, 19-yr-old held for rape

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:21 pm

West Bengal considers allowing changes to projects on allotted land: Chief Secretary

The proposal comes as several projects in the Bengal Silicon Valley Tech Hub have yet to materialise despite land allotments

The Hindu Businessline 24 Sep 2026 11:21 pm

TMC ready to back Cong-led fresh motion in Parl against CEC

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 11:17 pm

West Bengal Police Allegedly Intimidating Opposition Party Workers, Claims Humayun Kabir

Humayun Kabir accuses West Bengal police of harassing his party members ahead of the upcoming by-elections, alleging political bias. West Bengal Police Allegedly Intimidating Opposition Party Workers, Claims Humayun Kabir

Daily Kiran 24 Sep 2026 9:59 pm

Adani Pledges

Adani announces a major INR 1 lakh crore investment in West Bengal, spanning ports, logistics, energy, roads and healthcare, plus cultural and heritage initiatives.

Oneindia 24 Sep 2026 8:32 pm

West Bengal Opposition Leader Accuses Police of Bias Ahead of By-Election

Humayun Kabir protests outside police station, alleging bias against his party ahead of the October 6 by-election in West Bengal. West Bengal Opposition Leader Accuses Police of Bias Ahead of By-Election

Daily Kiran 24 Sep 2026 8:23 pm

Rahul Gandhi's anti-incumbency claims draw sharp response from BJP

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi countered Rahul Gandhis remarks on anti-incumbency, citing Congresss electoral record in states including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, and argued that the sentiment remains strong against the Congress

Mid Day 24 Sep 2026 8:21 pm

Adani outlines road map for big Bengal push, says East must rise for Viksit Bharat to be a reality

Gautam Adani spotlighted West Bengal's pivotal role in enhancing India's economic power, citing its strategic location and other key strengths. He unveiled ambitious plans for investments surpassing Rs 1 lakh crore across diverse sectors in the state over the next ten years.

The Economic Times 24 Sep 2026 7:12 pm

Gautam Adani Emphasizes Eastern Indias Role in Indias Next Trillion-Dollar Economy

Gautam Adani highlights the importance of Eastern India, especially West Bengal, for Indias economic growth and future investments. Gautam Adani Emphasizes Eastern Indias Role in Indias Next Trillion-Dollar Economy

Daily Kiran 24 Sep 2026 7:03 pm

Watch: Adani Group to invest over 1 lakh crore in Bengal by 2035: Gautam Adani

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari laid the foundation stone for a 2,000-bed hospital in New Town near Kolkata. The 4,000-crore multi-speciality hospital is expected to create 10,000 jobs.

The Hindu 24 Sep 2026 6:19 pm

TMC MP Mahua Moitra files police complaint against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleges voter list manipulation

Mahua Moitra, a Member of Parliament from Trinamool Congress, filed a complaint against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She accused him of violations regarding electoral processes and decision-making within the Election Commission. Moitra highlighted allegations related to tampering with voter registrations that excluded millions in West Bengal. The complaint follows reports of internal dissent among election commissioners about unilateral decisions taken by Kumar.

The Economic Times 24 Sep 2026 4:25 pm

BJP spent more in Bengal poll than Cong did in 5 state polls

The BJP spent Rs 286.99 crore on the West Bengal elections, surpassing the Congress's total expenditure of Rs 248.55 crore across five states and a Union territory. The report details spending by major parties in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, highlighting significant financial disparities and campaign outlays.

Rediff 24 Sep 2026 4:19 pm

Adani Group to invest over 1 trillion across sectors in West Bengal

The conglomerate will invest across ports, logistics, energy, roads, green cement and data centres, while its Rs 4,000-crore hospital project is under way in New Town

Business Standard 24 Sep 2026 3:26 pm

Iris Clothings Showcases Its Kidswear Brand Doreme at Saudi Fashion & Tex Expo, Expands Reach Across Middle East & Africa

Howrah (West Bengal) [India], September 24: Iris Clothings Limited (NSE: IRISDOREME), a readymade garment company engaged in designing, manufacturing, branding, and selling garments for kids wear, participated in the Saudi

bhaskarlive 24 Sep 2026 2:52 pm

BJP announces 24 organisational appointments across states; check full list of leaders and responsibilities

Nitin Nabin, the BJP's national president, introduced 24 immediate organizational appointments to strengthen the party's framework. The changes encompass vital roles including National Joint General Secretaries and State General Secretaries, focusing on enhancing operational effectiveness in states like Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.

The Economic Times 24 Sep 2026 2:43 pm

Adani Group to invest over 1 lakh crore in West Bengal by 2035 for ports, logistics, power, data centres and more

Adani Group plans to invest over 1 lakh crore in West Bengal by 2035, enhancing sectors like healthcare, logistics, and power. The investment aims to transform infrastructure and create job opportunities, with a commitment to building a 2,000-bed medical institution in New Town.

Livemint 24 Sep 2026 2:40 pm

Adani Group sets Rs 1 lakh crore Bengal investment target, unveils Rs 4,000 crore hospital

Gautam Adani announced plans to invest over Rs 4,000 crore in a healthcare facility in West Bengal. This investment will establish a 2,000-bed not-for-profit medical institution by 2035. Of these beds, 1,000 will be allocated for economically weaker sections under health insurance schemes. The overall plan aims for investment exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore in various sectors.

The Economic Times 24 Sep 2026 12:58 pm

BJP spent more in Bengal than Congress did across five state polls: Election Commision filings

According to the Election Commission's expenditure statements, BJP spent 286.99 crore on the West Bengal elections alone, which is than the Congress' expenditure across four states and a Union territory that went to polls earlier this year. Bengal accounted for more than half of the BJP's Rs 529.38-crore expenditure on the five elections with the other four being in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The party also reported spending Rs 54.93 crore on general campaigning in Kerala and Rs 27.74 crore on candidates as well as spending Rs 96.27 crore in Assam, Rs 51.56 crore in Tamil Nadu and Rs 11.90 crore in Puducherry. BJP's central headquarters received Rs 1,472.8 crore during the election period.

The Economic Times 24 Sep 2026 12:57 pm

As it is, we are being accused of interfering with Parliamentary and Executive functions: SC Bench to petitioner

Justice B.R. Gavais remark was in response to a plea to direct the Union government to invoke emergency powers and protect the State of West Bengal from violence

The Hindu 24 Sep 2026 12:52 pm

Adani Group to invest over 1 lakh crore in Bengal by 2035: Gautam Adani

Adani Group investments in West Bengal will be in ports, logistics, power, roads and data centre, the industrialist added.

The Hindu Businessline 24 Sep 2026 12:43 pm

Adani Group to invest over 1 trillion in West Bengal by 2035: Gautam Adani

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Thursday announced that the conglomerate would invest more than Rs 1 lakh crore in West Bengal by 2035. Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation for a 2,000-bed hospital in the New Town area near Kolkata along with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Adani said the group would spend Rs 4,000 crore on the multi-speciality 'Adani Arogya Mandir', and the project would create 10,000 jobs. Adani Group investments in West Bengal will be in ports, logistics, power, roads and data centre, the industrialist added.

Business Standard 24 Sep 2026 12:37 pm

CEC should resign; scrap SIR process, conduct fresh electoral roll revision: Karnataka CM Shivakumar

Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 24 (IANS) Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called for the scrapping of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and a fresh revision of electoral data to protect democracy and every citizens right to vote. Speaking to media in Bengaluru, CM Shivakumar said, The right to vote is the right to live. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi have raised their voices in defence of the voting rights of the people of the country. He alleged that attempts were being made to misuse the voting rights of ordinary citizens for political purposes. Similar attempts have been made in West Bengal, Bihar and several other states. Now they are trying to do the same everywhere, including Karnataka. I had also requested the Election Commission yesterday to give more time, he said. Referring to differences among members of the Election Commission, CM Shivakumar claimed that the autonomy given to the poll panel was being misused. When a majority of the members do not agree with an opinion, a decision cannot be imposed unilaterally. It would be better if the Chief Election Commissioner voluntarily resigns on moral grounds, he said. The Chief Minister demanded that the ongoing SIR process be scrapped and a fresh exercise be undertaken. We are not talking about Congress votes or BJP votes. Every citizen has the right to vote, and that is the right to live. Nobody can suppress that right, he said. Referring to Forms 6, 7 and 8 used in the electoral roll revision process, CM Shivakumar questioned the manner in which the current exercise was being conducted and alleged that it could particularly affect illiterate and disadvantaged sections of society. This is not merely a matter of opinion. It is a fundamental right. This is the voice of the common man, he said. He also said that the issue should be debated on a larger platform, including in Parliament, and opposed any alleged pressure or intimidation of officials in different states in the name of the Election Commission. We want a fresh SIR to be conducted. Everyone should be given their rights. The situation must be reviewed comprehensively to ensure the right to every vote, and the electoral data must be re-examined, CM Shivakumar said.

bhaskarlive 24 Sep 2026 11:58 am

Dilip Ghosh Questions Opposition Claims Against Election Commission

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh challenges opposition accusations against the Election Commission, citing lack of evidence. Dilip Ghosh Questions Opposition Claims Against Election Commission

Daily Kiran 24 Sep 2026 11:23 am

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani to Meet West Bengal CM in Kolkata

Gautam Adani is set to meet West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata, discussing future investments and inaugurating a new hospital. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani to Meet West Bengal CM in Kolkata

Daily Kiran 24 Sep 2026 10:58 am

Raj Thackeray demands resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, scrapping EVMs

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 24 (IANS) The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), asserting that recent media revelations have conclusively exposed the complete erosion of the poll body's constitutional autonomy. Citing an investigative media report, which revealed that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded written dissent on at least 14 occasions over 10 months against steps taken by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Thackeray stated that the findings validate what opposition parties in Maharashtra have been alleging all along. Thackeray, in his long post on X, alleged that the CEC did not act independently but was compelled to take arbitrary decisions to suit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He argued that the concept of an autonomous poll panel now exists solely in textbooks, alleging that under the current political dispensation, autonomy is defined as complete subservience to the ruling party. The objections raised by Election Commissioners Sandhu and Joshi are too severe to be swept under the carpet. When two out of three commissioners are kept in the dark and sidelined, it proves that electoral rolls were manipulated at will, remarked Thackeray. Highlighting specific instances from the report, Thackeray questioned how key directives regarding voter list software, modification of statutory forms, and mass legal appeals -- such as the 1.61 million appeals filed in West Bengal -- could be issued without the approval of the full commission. He also cited technical glitches in Goa that led to the disenfranchisement of 97 verified voters as evidence of deliberate centralisation and systemic manipulation. Commending the two dissenting Election Commissioners for recording their objections on file, Thackeray urged all opposition parties across India to unite for a larger struggle. He declared that the battle against electoral irregularities must now expand into a nationwide movement demanding a return to paper ballots. The MNS Chief has demanded an immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a high-level independent probe into the alleged masterminds directing ECI decisions, resignation of the current government on grounds of compromised election integrity and scraping of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in favour of traditional paper ballots for all upcoming elections. The Chief Election Commissioner ought to resign, certainly, but the government that came to power by leveraging such a spineless Election Commission should also step down. The fact that there were no celebrations on the streets following the election of a government claiming a majority mandate speaks volumes. This is precisely what I have been saying all along. Therefore, everyone must realise the ultimate truth that only if the Election Commission becomes truly autonomous, as it ought to be, can the ruling dispensation be brought down to earth; otherwise, this battle will be endless, he commented. Responding to queries often posed by political commentators regarding high turnout at his rallies not translating into seats, Thackeray remarked that internal disclosures from within the ECI provide the definitive answer to who steals the votes and how. He concluded with a warning that unless the Election Commission's neutrality is restored, democratic contests in the country will remain fundamentally compromised.

bhaskarlive 24 Sep 2026 10:57 am

Bengal govt to shut down 250 madrasas after December over low enrolment, poor infrastructure

The West Bengal government has taken an in-principle decision to close around 250 government-recognised private madrasas after December, citing very low student enrolment and inadequate infrastructure at these institutions. The decision was taken by the...

India TV 24 Sep 2026 9:26 am

Eastern Railway Enhances Safety at Level Crossings in West Bengal

Eastern Railway introduces advanced safety systems at level crossings in Kolkata following a tragic accident that claimed five lives. Eastern Railway Enhances Safety at Level Crossings in West Bengal

Udaipur Kiran 24 Sep 2026 7:47 am

West Bengal to unveil new industrial land policy before Durga Puja: Suvendu Adhikari

The announcement comes as 33 industrial projects receive around 580 acres of land, with proposed investments of about 60,000 crore

The Hindu Businessline 24 Sep 2026 7:10 am

West Bengal CM asks Ministers to concentrate on work rather than being hyperactive on the street

Two Ministers of the Suvendu Adhikari cabinet- Minister for Municipal Affairs Agnimitra Paul and Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee have been seen being active visiting streets and hospitals respectively

The Hindu 24 Sep 2026 3:07 am

West Bengal Cabinet Approves Recruitment of 100,000 Government Employees

West Bengals Cabinet has approved the recruitment of 100,000 government employees, starting in October and lasting until March 2027. West Bengal Cabinet Approves Recruitment of 100,000 Government Employees

Daily Kiran 24 Sep 2026 2:48 am

Suvendu cabinet clears hiring for 1.5 lakh govt posts

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 1:37 am

Jammu Police arrest fugitive after seven-month manhunt

Jammu, Sep 23: Jammu Police have arrested Karanjeet alias Gugga, a wanted criminal who had escaped from the Juvenile Home at R.S. Pura in February this year, after a nearly seven-month-long manhunt, SSP Jammu said on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, the SSP said Karanjeet was among three inmates who escaped from the juvenile home following an incident in February. The other two, both Pakistani nationals, were later arrested in Ambala with the assistance of Punjab and Haryana Police. Following the escape, the investigation was handed over to the DSP SOG and a Special Investigation Team headed by the SP Operations was constituted to trace those involved. Eight people were arrested in that case. The investigation continued and at the same time we were trying to arrest Karanjeet alias Gugga, the SSP said. He said Karanjeet was involved in around 12 to 13 FIRs and police tracked his movements by developing information about his associates and gang links. Police teams followed leads in several locations, including Gorakhpur, Kolkata, Delhi and Maharashtra, but he managed to evade arrest. The SSP said police recently received information that Karanjeet was staying with some associates in Chandigarh. A team raided the suspected location but did not find him there. During the follow-up investigation, police learnt that he was staying at a hotel in Delhi. An SOG team subsequently travelled to Delhi and arrested him, the SSP said. He said the arrest was significant for the ongoing investigation into the juvenile home incident, as police had identified additional persons linked to the case. The SSP said Karanjeets interrogation would help establish missing links in the investigation, including how weapons and mobile phones reached the juvenile home. Police had earlier arrested the person who allegedly supplied the weapons, while further investigation is underway to establish the complete chain, he said. The SSP said Karanjeet had been moving between different locations to evade arrest, with police following leads across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Delhi. On security arrangements at the juvenile home, the SSP said the police had taken up the matter with the concerned department and another location had also been identified for housing inmates. He said further details would emerge as the interrogation of Karanjeet progresses.

RisingKashmir 24 Sep 2026 1:35 am

Agartala newborn goes home after abdominal cavity operation

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 12:20 am

Robotic surgery removes twin tumours from heart

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 12:18 am

Airport-bound traffic faces VIP Road hurdles

The Times of India 24 Sep 2026 12:05 am

Engineering student stabs classmate at mall over girl

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:58 pm

Eastern Railway Implements Advanced Safety System at Level Crossings in West Bengal

Following a tragic accident, Eastern Railway enhances safety at level crossings in West Bengal with a new automated system. Eastern Railway Implements Advanced Safety System at Level Crossings in West Bengal

Daily Kiran 23 Sep 2026 11:58 pm

KP app to keep eye on officers

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:51 pm

Bangladesh cancels import permits for hilsa from India

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:50 pm

Kolkata set to witness 3-horse race among hospital majors

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:47 pm

KMC deploys teams, pumps for rain response

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:47 pm

Bengal govt employees salary with revised DA on Oct 15

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:46 pm

HC orders probe into egg violence at Baruipur court

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:46 pm

Pandals, adverts must not cover CCTV cams: Cops

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:45 pm