CPI(M) Launches Online Fundraising for Upcoming By-Elections in West Bengal
The CPI(M) seeks online donations for by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar, facing internal challenges amid political competition. CPI(M) Launches Online Fundraising for Upcoming By-Elections in West Bengal
Suvendu to drop cases against Kurmis filed under TMC rule
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the withdrawal of all cases against the Kurmi community filed by the previous TMC government. He also pledged to include Kurmali and Rajbanshi languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and reactivate the Kurmi Development Board, allocating Rs 50 crore for community development.
Mamata-Cong bypoll tie-up: A new Bengal Oppn equation?
Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.
Suvendu Adhikari Sings Devotional Songs At Gaudiya Math On Radha Ashtami
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari participated in Radha Ashtami celebrations at Sri Gaudiya Math in Kolkatas Bagbazar, where he sang devotional songs and joined devotees in kirtan. He also offered prayers and participated in the religious celebrations.
Finance Ministry calls meeting with banks ahead of 3-day nationwide strike
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) The Finance Ministry has convened a meeting of chief executives of public sector banks (PSBs), regional rural banks (RRBs), the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and NABARD on Monday to review preparedness and contingency plans ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike beginning September 28. The meeting, which will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), is expected to focus on measures to ensure continuity of banking operations and the availability of essential customer services during the strike period. Officials are likely to discuss contingency arrangements to minimise disruptions, particularly as the proposed industrial action coincides with the half-yearly closing period for banks. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body representing seven bank employee and officer unions. The unions have raised several demands, with the implementation of a five-day banking week emerging as a key issue. UFBU had earlier organised a nationwide strike on September 11 over the same demand. The previous strike affected over-the-counter banking services, cash transactions and cheque clearances in several parts of the country. While banking operations remained largely normal in Mumbai, disruptions were reported in states including Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, particularly in smaller cities and towns. Apart from a five-day work week, the unions are seeking improvements in pension benefits, implementation of a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to switch to the old pension scheme. UFBU has claimed that it represents nearly 90 per cent of the country's banking workforce. The proposed strike could have a wider impact on customers because September 26 and 27 fall on a weekend. As a result, normal branch operations could remain affected for up to five consecutive days, from September 26 to 30, increasing concerns about cheque processing, cash transactions and other branch-dependent services. The unions had served a strike notice on August 26, following which conciliation meetings were held involving union representatives, the IBA and government officials. However, discussions failed to produce a breakthrough on the demand for a five-day banking week.
Bengal: Over 33 pc wards in Kolkata and Howrah are reserved for women post-delimitation
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 20 (IANS) Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC), the two major urban civic bodies in West Bengal, will go to polls by the end of 2026 with a substantial number of wards reserved for women candidates. As per the draft delimitation proposal for KMC, the total number of wards is set to increase to 209 from the current 144. Out of the proposed 209 wards, 70 will be reserved for women, accounting for over 33 per cent of the total. Similarly, in HMC, the number of wards is slated to increase to 68 from the current 50. Out of these, 23 will be reserved for women, which comes to nearly 34 per cent. Political parties with complaints or suggestions on the draft delimitation list can submit them to the concerned authorities by October 5. The preparatory process for the elections in both civic bodies has already begun. Elections to form new boards in KMC and HMC are likely to be held in November this year, immediately after the festive season beginning with Durga Puja next month. However, an official involved in the process said the excitement usually associated with civic polls is missing this time, largely because of the lack of enthusiasm among the two factions of the Trinamool Congress, which is officially the principal opposition party in West Bengal. Political observers feel it is uncertain whether the two factions of the Trinamool Congress, especially the original but minority faction led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, will be able to field candidates in all wards of both KMC and HMC.
CPI (M) seeks online donations for Bengal bypolls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 20 (IANS) CPI(M), the lead party in the West Bengal Left Front, has issued a social media message seeking online donations for the forthcoming bypolls in Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district. CPI(M) Politburo member and state secretary Md Salim shared the appeal on social media, attaching a QR code through which people can contribute online to the partys election fund. The bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar will be held on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9. The appeal comes as the Left Front faces internal challenges, particularly in Rejinagar. While CPIs Shanti Gopal Giri is the unanimously accepted Left Front candidate in Nandigram, both CPI(M) and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) have fielded candidates in Rejinagar. After CPI(M)s Syed Asad Ali was chosen as the Front-nominated candidate in Rejinagar, the RSP revolted and fielded its own candidate, Bikash Chandra Mishra. Salim urged supporters: Help as much as you can by donating to the election fund for campaigning for the upcoming Rejinagar and Nandigram assembly by-elections. During the last West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, CPI(M) had also appealed for funds through social media. At that time, Trinamool Congress ridiculed CPI(M) for seeking online donations, arguing it was contradictory given the Left Fronts opposition to computerisation in government offices during its 34-year rule from 1977 to 2011. CPI(M) leaders dismissed the criticism, saying many left-minded voters, though not active party members, wish to support the party financially during elections. This online donation system is aimed at making it easy for such voters to donate. Remember, our party does not have electoral bonds like others. Our leadership believes in the help from common people, a state committee member said.
West Bengal Considers PPP Model for 4,133 Government Schools with No Students
The West Bengal government is exploring a PPP model for 4,133 empty government schools amid ongoing teacher placements. West Bengal Considers PPP Model for 4,133 Government Schools with No Students
Bengal tea stall owner claims assault for serving minorities
Kolkata: A tea stall owner has claimed that a group of men assaulted him in West Bengals Paschim Bardhaman for serving Muslim customers and that he has previously received threats. The alleged assault took place on September 13 under the Kanksa police stations jurisdiction in Dangal villages Agaro Mile area. Shop owner Pratap Ghosh said 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 .
Before tigers return, Buxa steps up dog vaccination drive
Cases against Kurmis slapped by TMC government to be withdrawn: Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari
The West Bengal government will withdraw all cases slapped against Kurmis during their stir by the then TMC government. Attending a Karam festival programme in Purulia district,Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged that previous dispensation did nothing for the Kurmis other than creating divisions within the community.
Mamata backs Congress in Nandigram, hints at Bengal opposition reset
Kolkata: Former West Bengal chief ministers support to the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll is a striking reversal of decades of political rivalry, observers feel, signalling a possible recalibration of opposition politics in the state at a time when the TMC is battling its deepest organisational crisis. Banerjees decision to back Milan Pradhan 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 to withdraw TMC govt cases against Kurmis over 2025 stir: Suvendu Adhikari
Missing eight-month-old from Nashik found safe by officials after three days
Digital Desk | Nashik, Sep 20 (IANS) An eight-month-old baby girl who went missing in Maharashtra's Nashik district three days back was found safe on Sunday, police said. The infant, who had gone missing from the Manyad police outpost region in Nandgaon taluka of Nashik on September 17, was found abandoned near the Vaibothi village in neighbouring Yeola taluka. Yeola taluka police reached the spot and took her into their custody. Subsequently, the infant was taken to the Yeola Sub-District Hospital for a medical examination after being identified by her mother and the Nandgaon police. Her safe recovery brought relief to the family and the police. However, the circumstances under which the baby reached Vaibothi, who brought her there, and why she was abandoned at the spot remain unclear. Police are investigating the matter to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the infants disappearance and subsequent recovery. In Odisha, Operation Anweshan, conducted by the state's Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAW & CW) Department, along with the state police, rescued 101 missing children. The children included 54 boys and 47 girls. The teams conducted field-level searches, verified the leads, and coordinated with local authorities, along with various child care institutions during the operation. As part of the operation, as many as 17 specialised teams were deployed to several states and Union Territories where Odia children are frequently found. The youngest among those rescued was a three-month-old infant found institutionalised alongside her minor mother. Another child who was found was institutionalised for the longest duration and had spent more than five years away from home. The states in which the children were found include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
In a notable political shift, a former West Bengal chief minister endorses a Congress candidate for the Nandigram bypoll, suggesting a realignment of opposition politics within the state. Amidst unrest, the Election Commission has suspended the use of the Trinamool Congress's name and symbol. The former chief minister emphasizes Congress as a vital ally in safeguarding the country's interests, as TMC faces its most serious internal crisis to date.
Dilip Ghosh Claims BJPs Strong Support Ahead of By-elections in West Bengal
Dilip Ghosh asserts BJPs backing in upcoming by-elections, criticizing opposition for lack of candidates and coherence. Dilip Ghosh Claims BJPs Strong Support Ahead of By-elections in West Bengal
WB bypoll: After Nadigram, Rejinagar candidate arrested
An Independent candidate for the Rejinagar assembly bypoll in West Bengal, Saiful Islam, was arrested in a five-year-old case related to a clash during the 2021 state elections. This follows another bypoll nominee's arrest, highlighting pre-election tensions. The AJUP chief also faces a notice, and a party secretary was arrested with illegal arms and fake currency.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh confident BJP will secure support in October bypolls
The News Mill
Assam Seeks Bengal's Support To Revamp Historic Madhupur Satra In Cooch Behar
Himanta Biswa Sarma also proposed that a delegation from West Bengal visit Batadrava Than in Assam
After Nandigram, Rejinagar bypoll candidate arrested in Bengal
Kolkata: An Independent candidate for the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll in West Bengal was arrested on Saturday, September 19, in a five-year-old case of a clash between two groups during the 2021 state elections, police said. The arrest of Saiful Islam, who is associated with the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) led by Humayun Kabir, came 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 .
Motorcyclist killed, pillion rider injured in Sopore road mishap
Sopore, Sep 19:A motorcyclist was killed while another sustained injuries after their motorcycle collided with a Tata Matador Video Coach at Botingoo area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as Mohinoor Mir Ali, a resident of West Bengal, who was reportedly working as a goldsmith in Srinagar. The injured motorcyclist has been identified as Minhaj Mir Ali. According to officials, the motorcycle bearing registration number JK01BC-6080 collided with a Tata Bus Video Coach number (JK05N-9576), which was reportedly travelling towards Sopore from Bandipora. Following the accident, a team from Police Station Warpora rushed to the spot and shifted both persons to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore for medical treatment. However, doctors declared Mohinoor Mir Ali brought dead upon arrival, while the injured rider was admitted for treatment. Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the accident.
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West Bengal MLA Humayun Kabir Summoned by Police Over Audio Clip Controversy
West Bengal MLA Humayun Kabir faces police summons regarding a controversial audio clip. He is set to appear for questioning on September 21. West Bengal MLA Humayun Kabir Summoned by Police Over Audio Clip Controversy
West Bengal Minister Orders Special Audit for GTA and Hill Panchayats Amid Corruption Allegations
West Bengals minister announces a special audit for GTA and hill panchayats to combat corruption and ensure transparency in governance. West Bengal Minister Orders Special Audit for GTA and Hill Panchayats Amid Corruption Allegations
Woman held for fake rape threat against doc
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Assam CM's 'deflated football' swipe at Mamata after her faction gets new poll symbol
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a swipe at Mamata Banerjee after the Election Commission froze the Trinamool Congress name and symbol amid a factional feud. He predicted Banerjee would not return to power and commented on the rival factions' new names and election symbols ahead of the October 6 West Bengal bypolls.
Rahul Gandhi a mad person: Assam CM
Guwahati, Sep 19: Rahul Gandhi is a mad person; sometimes you see him with a beard, sometimes clean-shaven, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a swipe at the former Congress chief after his murder of democracy remark following the arrest of the partys bypoll candidate in West Bengal. He defended the arrest of [] The post Rahul Gandhi a mad person: Assam CM first appeared on Highland Post .
Cong neta alleges police coercion over Nandigram nomination withdrawal
Election Commission Allocates New Symbols for Bengal By-elections in Nandigram and Rejendranagar
The Election Commission has assigned new symbols to AJUP and AISF for the upcoming by-elections in West Bengals Nandigram and Rejendranagar. Election Commission Allocates New Symbols for Bengal By-elections in Nandigram and Rejendranagar
AJUP loses whistle, gets table as EC reshuffles symbols for bypolls
West Bengal Party Leader Arrested with Fake Currency and Weapons
A leader of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party was arrested in Kolkata with counterfeit notes and firearms during a police checkpoint. West Bengal Party Leader Arrested with Fake Currency and Weapons
Mamata Banerjee moves SC against EC party symbol freeze
New Delhi: Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commissions decision to freeze the Trinamool Congress name and party symbol amid a dispute between two rival factions of the TMC. The Election Commission on Friday allotted separate names and symbols to the two rival factions following its 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 .
Mamata-Rahul alliance would send big message: Saayoni
Bengal Minister orders special audit for GTA, hill panchayats
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) The West Bengal Minister in charge of Panchayat Affairs & Rural Development, Dilip Ghosh, on Saturday announced a special audit to identify corrupt activities in the functioning of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and panchayats in the hills of North Bengal. Ghosh, also the former national vice president and state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, warned that the new BJP-ruled government will adopt a zero-tolerance approach against corruption in administrative functioning. He chaired an administrative review meeting at the North Bengal Branch Secretariat Uttarkanya in Siliguri, Darjeeling district, to assess rural development progress in the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions. He sent a strong message to curb corruption in GTA and panchayat bodies. No corruption in public service activities will be tolerated. Special audits will be conducted in at least 10 per cent of the panchayats, including GTA areas in the hills, where serious charges of corruption exist. Work is underway to fill infrastructure gaps in coordination with the new GTA chief and administrative officials. Initiatives are being taken to quickly recruit people to fill around 11,000 vacancies in the state Panchayat & Rural Development Department to keep services running, Ghosh said. He added that people in West Bengal had brought change in the regime for the sake of development. They are satisfied with the functioning of the new government. This satisfaction will be reflected in the results of the bypolls for two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal next month. BJP candidates will win by heavy margins from both constituencies, Ghosh asserted.
Congress rules out electoral alliance with Trinamool despite backing Mamata faction in symbol row
The Congress has ruled out any electoral understanding with the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal for now, despite backing the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the ongoing party name and symbol dispute.
West Bengal SIR: Over 22 lakh excluded voters filed appeals against exclusion from electoral roll
The number of voters challenging the deletion of their names from the electoral roll is significant as approximately 27 lakh voters were excluded on the ground of logical discrepancies, which would mean that a lions share of the 27 lakh voters may be contesting their exclusion
West Bengal is now second in farmer registrations under the PM Crop Insurance Scheme, covering 3.2 million farmers, says CM Suvendu Adhikari. West Bengal Ranks Second in Farmers Registration Under PM Crop Insurance Scheme, Claims CM Suvendu Adhikari
Bengal: Congress candidate for Nandigram bypoll sent to 14-day custody
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the Nandigram Assembly bypoll in East Midnapore district next month, was on Saturday denied bail by a district court in East Midnapore after being arrested in an old murder case registered against him. The judge remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody, which means he will remain behind bars until October 3. The bypolls for Nandigram, as well as for the Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district, will be held on October 6, with results to be declared on October 9. This effectively prevents Pradhan from participating in the campaign process, and he will likely have to contest the bypoll from jail unless a higher court grants him bail in the meantime. Milan will be produced before the same district court on Monday in connection with another old case registered against him. He was arrested on Friday evening from Chandipur in East Midnapore in connection with a 2007 murder case linked to the anti-land acquisition movement at Nandigram during the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee-led Left Front regime. A total of four cases related to rioting, murder, and criminal intimidation were registered against him during that period. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations for the Nandigram by-election ended on Saturday. Rumours had suggested that the Congress candidate, like Sanchita Dey Pradhan of the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in Trinamool Congress, would also withdraw. However, that did not happen. The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee launched a scathing attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state government over Milans arrest. State Congress leader Ajitesh Pandey said, The police told the district court that they had not found Milan for the last 19 years. Now they have found him after he became a candidate in the election. Isnt it strange? Multiple cases have been filed against him. After this, Milan will be produced in the same court again on Monday in relation to another case registered at Khejuri Police Station in East Midnapore. However, we are not leaving the voting ground.
Congress' Nandigram Bypoll Pick Milan Pradhan Sent To Judicial Custody Till October 3
The West Bengal Police said Pradhan was arrested based on four pending arrest warrants for his alleged involvement in non-bailable cases related to rioting, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping and criminal intimidation.
Nandigram bypoll: Congress candidate in 14-day judicial custody
Haldia (West Bengal): The Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan was on Saturday, September 19, sent to judicial custody till October 3 by a local court, a day after his arrest on multiple charges, including murder, that dates back 19 years. Pradhan was produced before the Haldia Subdivisional Court following his arrest on Friday. 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 .
Cong's Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan sent to custody till Oct 3
The Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan was sent to judicial custody till October 3 by a local court, a day after his arrest on multiple charges, including murder, that dates back 19 years. Pradhan was produced before the Haldia Subdivisional Court following his arrest on Friday. The West Bengal Police said Pradhan was arrested based on four pending arrest warrants for his alleged involvement in non-bailable cases related to rioting, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping and criminal intimidation, which were filed during the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram. He was also booked under relevant sections of the Arms Act, police said. A counsel appearing for Pradhan said, The court has remanded Milan Pradhan to judicial custody for 14 days in connection with the three warrants associated with cases in Nandigram police station. He will be produced before the Contai court on Monday in connection with the fourth warrant issued in cases registered with the ..
Cong won't withdraw Nandigram candidate despite arrest
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that the Congress would not withdraw its candidate Milan Pradhan from the Nandigram Assembly bypoll in West Bengal, despite his recent arrest. Pradhan was apprehended in connection with a 2007 anti-land acquisition movement case, shortly after the Trinamool Congress extended its support to him. Venugopal alleged political pressure and questioned the Election Commission's silence, vowing to elevate the issue to a national level.
Mamata Banerjee Calls TMC Dispute Developments A Black Day For Democracy
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the developments surrounding the Trinamool Congress internal factional dispute a black day in Indias democratic history after her camps Nandigram bypoll candidate withdrew her nomination. Banerjee also described the developments as unconstitutional, illegal and undemocratic.
Bangladeshi national held at Ezhimala Naval Academy with forged documents
Digital Desk | Kannur, Sep 19 (IANS) A Bangladeshi national who had been working for nearly a year in the Naval laundry section of the highly secure Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala using alleged forged documents, was arrested by the police and Intelligence agencies, raising serious questions over security verification at the strategic military establishment. The accused, 32-year-old Soren, was taken into custody from the academy following confidential inputs received by the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Police and Intelligence officials are now questioning him to establish how a foreign national managed to secure employment and remain at the naval establishment for nearly a year without being detected. Soren had allegedly used a fake Aadhaar card showing him as an Indian citizen and a fake Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) purportedly issued by the police in West Bengal to obtain the job. Preliminary investigation has indicated that Soren is a Bangladeshi national who entered India through West Bengal after allegedly obtaining forged documents. The circumstances under which he secured employment at the Naval Academy are also under investigation. Police are looking into the role of the contractor or agency through which he was engaged and whether proper background and identity verification was carried out before he was allowed to work inside the sensitive establishment. The arrest comes amid a wider police crackdown in Kannur following the detection of Bangladeshi nationals allegedly staying in the district using forged Indian documents. Four Bangladeshi women were arrested in Kannur in the past few days after police raided a rented house at Odenparambu. They were allegedly working at a spa in Kannur city. Police recovered Bangladeshi identity cards as well as suspected fake Indian identity documents from the women. During interrogation, they allegedly told investigators that they had obtained the forged documents from Assam before travelling to Kerala in search of employment. With the arrest at Ezhimala, police are investigating whether there is an organised network involved in bringing Bangladeshi nationals into Kerala and arranging forged identity documents and employment for them. The investigation will also focus on whether there were lapses in the verification process followed by contractors and agencies recruiting temporary workers for the Naval Academy.
Body of Missing Teen Found in Abandoned House in Purulia, Family Suspects Murder
The body of a 16-year-old girl was discovered in Purulia, West Bengal, with her family alleging murder linked to a local boy. Body of Missing Teen Found in Abandoned House in Purulia, Family Suspects Murder
India shifts counter-terror strategy, moves to bust terror plots before attacks
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) India's counter-terrorism operations have undergone a strategic shift, transitioning from a reactive security apparatus to a pre-emptive, intelligence-driven doctrine aimed at dismantling terror modules before execution, according to senior security officials. Since coming to power, the Narendra Modi government at the Centre has maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. A significant shift has been the move by the security establishment handling terror-related cases towards a more pre-emptive approach, aimed at identifying and neutralising threats before they can materialise. An official said that recent events relating to terror clearly indicate that the national counter-terrorism strategy policy for Response against Hostile Activities and Radicalism, or PRAHAAR, that was introduced in February this year has already started to take effect. The official said that the clear directive to the agencies is not to wait for an incident to take place and then react to the same. The focus is on preventing terror attacks and ensuring that terror modules do not grow to such an extent that bringing them under control becomes a Herculean task, the official added. An Intelligence Bureau official said that this is the same pattern that is being applied across the country, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. The Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has been in overdrive mode and plotting big strikes in the Valley. In the last several months, it has tried to work on its overground worker (OWG) network, while also trying its best to get the infiltrations moving. However, the success has been very low thanks to the new doctrine that focuses on busting these plans rather than reacting after something has taken place, the IB official said. In the past couple of months, security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have neutralised terrorists, busted multiple modules and ensured that the overground worker network remains grounded. These have been among the major challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, and the agencies have ensured that plotting and carrying out terror attacks is now harder than what the ISI may have anticipated, the official added. Another official said that while terror attacks remain one part of the problem, the bigger challenge confronting the country is radicalisation. He said the issue is not confined to any particular region but has spread across the country. Although unconnected, these radicalisation modules have thrived in states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Kerala, the official said. The Islamic State, in particular, has focused only on radicalisation and has been largely successful in infiltrating the minds of the youth in a big way. As the security agencies realised the scale at which the problem was taking place, immediate action was taken, and these modules were busted. The busting of the pan-India radicalisation module in Andhra Pradesh is an example of how the agencies have been handling such cases. The module was threatening to become a massive problem but was nipped in the bud in the nick of time. Officials said security agencies no longer wait for terror modules to grow before taking action. If intelligence is actionable, the agencies move immediately to disrupt the module and prevent it from developing further, the officials added. Similar action was reported in Gujarat when a Jaish-e-Mohammad-linked module was busted. This was a self-styled module that subscribed to the views of the Jaish-e-Mohammad. The security agencies, after busting this module, found extremist material in large numbers. This module was becoming a ticking time bomb, but was busted just in time. The approach has been the same when it comes to tackling terror and radicalisation from the Bangladesh side. Multiple attempts made by the Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI) and the Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have been thwarted. These groups were looking to target West Bengal and the northeastern states. An official said that this was an important shift in Indias counter-terrorism and anti-radicalisation strategy. While PRAHAAR has ensured a pre-emptive, rather than reactive, strategy, it has also ensured seamless integration between the Intelligence agencies, the state police and the central agencies, an official said.
BJP MP Claims TMC is Dwindling in West Bengal Amid Political Turmoil
BJPs Khagen Murmu asserts TMC is nearing its end, citing corruption and violence as key factors in West Bengals political landscape. BJP MP Claims TMC is Dwindling in West Bengal Amid Political Turmoil
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Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, over his criticism of the Election Commissions interim decision concerning rival Trinamool Congress factions in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls. Singh claimed that LoP Rahul Gandhi merely repeated what was given to him and compared him to a robot, while also questioning his understanding of the Congress partys own history. Whatever is written and given to Rahul Gandhi, he speaks it out, just like a robot speaks out whatever is fed into it. Rahul Gandhi should now be called Rahul Robot, because so much has been fed to him. Does he have any knowledge? During the Congress era, how many times did the party split? Congress split five or six times, the Congress (O), Congress (I), Congress Jagjivan, Congress Murarji How many versions of Congress have there been?.. Singh told IANS. His remarks came after LoP Rahul Gandhi criticised the Election Commissions interim decision to bar rival Trinamool factions from using the partys name and its twin-flowers-on-grass symbol in the Bengal Assembly bypolls. LoP Gandhi said that the same pattern had been followed in previous cases involving other political parties, referring to the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party. First Shiv Sena, then NCP, and now Trinamool Congress. Every time, the same patternBJP and the Election Commission join forces to split a party. Then its election symbol is snatched away, LoP Gandhi said in a post on X. The Congress leaders remarks drew further criticism from Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, who alleged that the Congress did not only break political parties but also joined hands with forces that, according to him, seek to divide the country. The Congress party not only breaks parties but also joins hands with forces that seek to divide the country. It works by taking support from people who act against the interests of the country, he alleged. That is why I believe the Congress party is continuously declining. I believe the Congress party will decline further in the coming days. The people of Bihar and the country will not allow such people to continue. This is what I believe, Yadav told IANS. The exchange comes amid a political dispute over the use of the Trinamool Congress' name and its election symbol in the Bengal Assembly bypolls. LoP Gandhi has alleged that the BJP and the Election Commission were acting together in the matter, while Singh questioned Gandhis comments and pointed to the history of splits within the Congress.
1965 War Hero Alfred Tyrone Cooke Passes Away; IAF Pays Tribute
Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, a Vir Chakra awardee and decorated veteran of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, passed away on Friday at Base Hospital in New Delhi. The Indian Air Force paid tribute to Cooke, recalling his courage during the 1965 war and his legendary dogfight over Kalaikunda in West Bengal. IAF Recalls Legendary Dogfight [] The post 1965 War Hero Alfred Tyrone Cooke Passes Away; IAF Pays Tribute appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
West Bengal: Mamata's Rejinagar bypoll candidate announces withdrawal from contest, retracts later
Rabiul Alam Chowdhury withdrew and then retracted his Rejinagar by-election candidacy. He cited harassment and symbol familiarity issues for his initial decision. Chowdhury later stated he would contest after police assured security and Mamata Banerjee intervened. Meanwhile, Nandigram candidate Sanchita Pradhan Dey withdrew her nomination after meeting Suvendu Adhikari. Banerjee then supported Congress's Nandigram nominee, who was later arrested.
BJP Bengal chief seeks RRTS network linking Kolkata with South Bengal towns
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) West Bengal president and Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya has urged Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to consider developing a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) network connecting Kolkata with important townships across South Bengal. In a letter to Khattar, Bhattacharya said a well-researched preliminary feasibility proposal for a West Bengal Regional Rapid Transit System (VVB-RRTS) had been prepared. He said the proposal merited detailed examination by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, given that connectivity between Kolkata and several industrial and tourism hubs was largely dependent on conventional railway routes and highways. Bhattacharya said these conventional transport routes were often congested and, therefore, ill-suited for high-frequency commuter travel. An RRTS network on the lines of NCRTC's Namo Bharat corridors can address this gap through metro-like, high-speed regional connectivity, Bhattacharya pointed out in his letter. The VVB-RRTS proposal, according to him, envisages connecting Kolkata with important townships including Kalyani, Krishnanagar and Mayapur in Nadia district, Bardhaman in East Burdwan district, Durgapur and Asansol in West Burdwan district, Falta and Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, and Haldia in East Midnapore district, among others. The proposal is designed to minimise land acquisition by aligning corridors along existing highways and railway corridors. It also recommends a special purpose vehicle, the West Bengal Rapid Transit Corporation (WBRTC), on the lines of NCRTC, with joint ownership between the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal, Bhattacharya pointed out in his letter. The proposed network is intended to improve mobility, strengthen links with industrial centres and tourism destinations, and ease pressure on transport infrastructure. He requested Khattar to examine the proposal and, if found suitable, direct a detailed feasibility study covering engineering, demand forecasting and financial analysis in coordination with the West Bengal government. I would be glad to facilitate an interaction with the report's authors, should that be of assistance, and trust this proposal will receive your kind and favourable consideration, Bhattacharya said.
Rejinagar bypoll drama continues as Mamata faction candidate revokes withdrawal decision (Ld)
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) High drama continued ahead of the upcoming bypoll of the Rejinagar Assembly constituency in West Bengal's minority-dominated Murshidabad district, with Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, the candidate of the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress, withdrawing his earlier decision to pull out of the contest. Earlier in the day, Chowdhury had told reporters that he intended to withdraw his nomination, citing reluctance among party workers to campaign under the new symbol allotted to the faction by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and what he described as administrative pressure. He had also claimed that the decision was taken after discussions with Mamata Banerjee. However, within hours, the political situation took a dramatic turn when Chowdhury announced that he would remain in the fray following appeals from the party leadership, including Mamata Banerjee. Reacting to the development, Abu Taher Khan, Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP from Murshidabad, criticised the decision to field a candidate in Rejinagar. She had always been misled by some people. She had been misled this time as well, Khan said, referring to Mamata Banerjee. Polling for the Rejinagar bypoll, along with the Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, is scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes on October 9. The developments come a day after Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate of the Mamata-led faction in the Nandigram bypoll, withdrew her nomination following a meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Subsequently, Mamata Banerjee announced support for the Congress candidate in Nandigram. The Rejinagar bypoll became necessary after AJUP leader Humayun Kabir, who won both the Rejinagar and Naoda Assembly seats in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, chose to retain the latter. His son, Golam Nabi Azad, is contesting the bypoll as the AJUP candidate. Earlier on Friday, the Election Commission of India allotted the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the symbol Football Player to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. The rival faction headed by Ritabrata Banerjee was allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the symbol Envelope. Earlier, the poll panel had frozen the original party name All India Trinamool Congress and its traditional symbol Flowers & Grass.
Mamata moves SC against EC order on party name, symbol
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has filed a plea in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's interim decision to freeze the Trinamool Congress' name and party symbol. The EC had allotted separate names and symbols to two rival TMC factions ahead of upcoming bypolls, a move Banerjee has strongly criticised as a lack day for democracy.
16-year-old girl found dead in West Bengal's Purulia, family suspects murder
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) The body of a 16-year-old girl was recovered from an empty house in West Bengals Purulia district on Saturday morning, with her family alleging that she was murdered by a minor boy with whom she was reportedly in a relationship and his family members. The police have launched an investigation following a complaint lodged by the girl's family. The body was recovered from an empty house in the jurisdiction of Purulia Mufassil Police Station in Purulia town. The girl's brother-in-law told local media persons that she had gone missing on Friday night. The girl had been missing since last night. We searched throughout the night but could not find her. This morning, she was found dead, he said. We came to know that the girl was in a relationship with a local teenager. She used to go to their house for tuition. But later, she refused to go there for tuition. We suspect that the girl was murdered. We have appealed to the government to ensure that she gets proper justice, he alleged. According to the family, the girl had been missing since around midnight. Her body was found on Saturday morning inside an empty house belonging to the family. Her headscarf was allegedly tied around her neck. The incident triggered mourning in the area, with local residents gathering near the spot. Officers from Purulia Mufassil Police Station reached the location, recovered the body, and sent it to Purulia Medical College and Hospital for an autopsy. The police said the exact cause of death would be established only after the autopsy report is received. A case of unnatural death has been registered, and an investigation is underway. The police are also examining the allegations made by the girl's family. The body has been recovered and has been sent for autopsy. A complaint has been lodged by the girl's family. The allegations made by the family are being looked into. No one has been arrested as of yet. Investigation is on, a senior officer of Purulia district police said. The incident comes days after a young man was arrested in Purulia for allegedly killing his girlfriend and carrying her body in a bag on a motorcycle. According to police, the accused rode around with the woman's body for nearly three to four hours before he was caught by personnel from Balarampur Police Station on September 12.
The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress suffered another setback ahead of the West Bengal Assembly bypolls after its Rejinagar candidate, Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, withdrew his nomination on Saturday. The development came a day after the factions Nandigram candidate, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, also withdrew from the contest. Chowdhury cited the difficulty of contesting the [] The post After Nandigram, Mamatas Rejinagar Candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury Withdraws appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Arrest of Nandigram Congress candidate lawful step: West Bengal Police
BothRahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee have condemned the arrest and criticised the move days ahead of the bypoll
Arrest of Nandigram Congress candidate lawful step: West Bengal Police
BothRahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee have condemned the arrest and criticised the move days ahead of the bypoll
Another setback for Mamata Banerjee as her Rejinagar bypolls pick withdraws
Rabiul Alam Chowdhury's announcement came a day after Sanchita Pradhan Dey, the faction's candidate in Nandigram, withdrew her nomination. She had met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari with her husband on Thursday, but did not publicly explain her decision to quit. After Dey's withdrawal, Mamata's faction backed Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in Nandigram.
Motorcyclist killed, pillion rider injured in road accident at Botingoo Sopore
Sopore, Sep 19: A motorcyclist was killed while another sustained injuries after their motorcycle collided with a Tata Matador Video Coach at Botingoo area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday. Officials said the deceased has been identified as Mohinoor Mir Ali, a resident of West Bengal, who was reportedly working as a goldsmith in Srinagar. The injured motorcyclist has been identified as Minhaj Mir Ali. According to officials, the motorcycle bearing registration number JK01BC-6080 collided with a Tata Bus Video Coach number (JK05N-9576), which was reportedly travelling towards Sopore from Bandipora. Following the accident, a team from Police Station Warpora rushed to the spot and shifted both persons to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore for medical treatment. However, doctors declared Mohinoor Mir Ali brought dead upon arrival, while the injured rider was admitted for treatment. Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the accident.
Mamata Moves SC Challenging EC's Decision to Freeze Party Name, Symbol
In her plea filed in the apex court, Banerjee has made the Election Commission and Ritabrata Banerjee, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, as party respondents
Ministry of Rural Development to begin DDUGKY 2.0 training batches in Oct
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) The Ministry of Rural Development will roll out Deen Dayal UpadhyayaGrameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY) 2.0 training batches across most states and union territories (UTs) from October 2026, an official statement said on Saturday. As many as 1,164 batches enrolling 34,920 rural youth will start training in October, against a sanctioned target of 3,57,112 rural youth to be trained by December 31, 2027, in these 14 jurisdictions. The statement from the Ministry of Rural Development said preparedness for the commencement of training batches was reviewed with 14 States and UTs in the first phase. Preparedness was evaluated at Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, Karnataka, Telangana and Bihar. As per the DDU-GKY 2.0 portal, allocation of 5.6 lakh targets towards more than 1,200 projects has been done by 24 states or UTs. Other states are in the advanced stages of target allocation. Review meetings in phases will expedite the processes of batch commencement. The Ministry emphasised that that scheme is in a crucial phase and called upon implementing States/UTs to accelerate the allocation of targets to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and to commence batches as per envisaged timelines. DDU-GKY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for poor rural youth providing placement-linked skill training. The duration of the training varies from 3 months to 12 months. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of states/UTs for implementation of DDU-GKY 2.0. The targets have been allocated to all the 31 participating states or UTs for a 2-year period 2026-28. States or UTs are supposed to ensure allocation of targets to PIAs for commencement of training latest by October 31, 2026. Over 5 lakh targets have already been allocated to PIAs for mobilisation of eligible rural youths, the statement noted.
One killed, 22 injured as lightning strikes football match in Bengal's Jhargram
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) At least one person was killed, and 22 others were injured after lightning struck a group of football players and spectators who had taken shelter under a tree during a rainstorm at a football tournament in West Bengal's Jhargram district, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred on Friday evening in Kumarbandh village under the Lalgarh police station area, where a two-day football tournament had been organised for Vishwakarma Puja. According to local residents, play was halted after sudden rain accompanied by lightning. Players and spectators gathered under a tarpaulin erected beneath a tree when a lightning bolt struck the shelter. Officers of Lalgarh police station reached the spot after receiving the information. The injured were rescued and first taken to the Lalgarh Primary Health Centre, where doctors declared one person dead. The condition of four others was critical. They were quickly shifted to the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital. Later, on the instructions of the district administration, the remaining 17 injured were also taken to the same hospital. One person is undergoing treatment at the Lalgarh Rural Hospital. The deceased was identified as Deepen Murmu (19), a Class 11 student and a resident of Kumarbandh village. According to police, a two-day football tournament for 16 football teams was organised at Kumarbandh on the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja. This was the first day of the football tournament when the tragedy struck. Recalling the incident, eyewitness Sagen Hansda said a powerful lightning strike plunged the area into darkness. When he regained his senses, he found most of those gathered lying on the ground and helped move them from a waterlogged area of the playground to safer ground. Manav Singla, Superintendent of Police, Jhargram, said police acted swiftly to rescue the victims and ensure their transfer to hospitals for treatment. Local MLA Lakshmi Kanta Sau visited the hospital and met the injured. He said the state government had directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment and extend all necessary support to the affected families.
Wanted to turn Bengal into Bangladesh: Giriraj Singh attacks Mamata Banerjee ahead of bypolls
Union Minister Giriraj Singh attacked Mamata Banerjee's administration for crime and extortion in West Bengal. He claimed the ruling regime wanted to turn Bengal into Bangladesh, which is a serious allegation. Singh also called Rahul Gandhi a robot with a polluted mind for his election manipulation claims. He reminded the Congress of its own history of splits and the origin of the TMC party.
Nandigram by-poll, a reset for Mamata and Congress ties
There appears to be a vacuum in the Opposition space in the State. The emerging understanding between the Congress and Mamata Banerjee could reshape the Oppositions strategy in West Bengal
West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh criticized Mamata Banerjee's Supreme Court challenge. He suggested elections will pass before her faction can contest the polls. Banerjee moved the Supreme Court over the Election Commission's interim order. The poll panel froze her party's original name and symbol amid a dispute. This development escalates political tensions ahead of upcoming by-elections.
Demand for Regional Rapid Transit System Grows in West Bengal
Samik Bhattacharya urges the central government to consider an RRTS network in South Bengal to enhance connectivity and urban development. Demand for Regional Rapid Transit System Grows in West Bengal
Mamatas Nandigram nominee deserts, Congress pick arrested
New symbols: Football player for Mamata unit, envelope for rebel bloc
HC raps Bengal govt for detaining Murshidabad man without citing reason
