Heavy rain disrupts life across North India; 6 killed in UP
Heavy rainfall has severely impacted Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand, leading to casualties, widespread flooding, and significant disruptions. The Char Dham Yatra was suspended, flights were cancelled, and standing crops were damaged. Other regions like Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Delhi also experienced varied weather conditions, including snowfall and light rains.
Maha: Congress protests demanding Gyanesh Kumars dismissal
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Saturday escalated its confrontation with the Election Commission of India (ECI), announcing a statewide agitation on September 28. The party is demanding the dismissal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of acting in a partisan manner to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and undermining democratic institutions. The announcement comes amid mounting political friction following allegations by the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding widespread Vote Chori (vote theft). Congress claimed these allegations were substantiated by reports of internal dissent within the poll panel, where fellow Election Commissioners reportedly flagged procedural irregularities. At the centre of the partys offensive is the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The MPCC alleged that over 3 crore eligible voters have been erased from Maharashtras electoral rolls under the SIR process. Nationwide, the party alleged 13 crore voters have been deprived of their rights. Congress highlighted that while Maharashtras voter base expanded by 47 lakh electors before the 2024 Assembly elections, the Commission has not verified the current status of these newly added voters. Similar purges of legitimate voters were allegedly carried out in other non-BJP-ruled states, including West Bengal and Bihar. Deleting the names of legitimate, eligible voters from the electoral rolls is an outright assault on the Constitution. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars authoritarian conduct is a direct attack on Indian democracy, MPCC president Harshwardhan Sapkal said in an official statement. The agitation follows media reports revealing that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded dissent on at least 14 occasions over the past 10 months regarding decisions made during the SIR rollout.
Watch: TMC MLA Kunal Ghoshs car allegedly vandalised in Hooghly
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that TMC leaders were being kept under house arrest and accused BJP workers of blocking the route to a party rally in Serampore. She also alleged that police had turned a blind eye to attacks on TMC leaders and workers.
President Has Not Returned West Bengals Anti-Gunda Bill, PIB Clarifies Misleading Media Reports
PIB clarifies that the Anti-Gunda Bill from West Bengal is still under review and has not been returned by the President. President Has Not Returned West Bengals Anti-Gunda Bill, PIB Clarifies Misleading Media Reports
Websol Energy secures 54-acre land in West Bengal for 4GW solar manufacturing plant
Websol Energy System has secured 54 acres in West Bengals Falta Industrial Park to set up a new solar manufacturing facility.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday hit back at the Congress over its allegations against the Election Commission, calling it shameful and accusing the grand old party of attempting to attain power at any cost. This follows the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a press release after its afternoon meeting to quell reports of internal differences and clarify the context in which ECI functionaries wrote a letter to the Cabinet Secretary. Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad accused the Congress and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi of making aseless and shameful allegations against the Election Commission. This is very unfortunate, and we condemn it. Today, the Election Commission issued a press note stating that the process was conducted with the consent of the Chief Election Commissioner and both Election Commissioners, he said. Citing that the Supreme Court found the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls valid and legally permissible, Prasad said: Congress, CPI-M and Trinamool Congress (undivided) had challenged the process before the Supreme Court, which approved the SIR after hearing everyone. Accusing the Opposition of creating a ruckus whenever they lose polls, the BJP MP said: Does Rahul Gandhi ever think about why he was wiped out from Tamil Nadu? Does Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi ever think about why they've been wiped out from Bengal for the last 40 years?... Today they are running from pillar to post, hoping that Akhilesh Yadav will form an alliance with them in Uttar Pradesh, but the latter isn't even giving them time. Why does Rahul Gandhi keep banging his head over his own failures and over his party's weaknesses? he remarked. Ravi Shankar Prasad further highlighted that the Supreme Court also allowed Form 6 of the SIR process. Did the Election Commission not exist during the 50 years of the Congress party's rule? Did it not exist during the Communist and the DMK's reign in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, respectively? When Akhilesh Yadav or his father became Chief Minister of UP and Lalu Yadav became CM of Bihar multiple times, was it without the Election Commission? the BJP leader questioned. Accusing the LoP of defaming the ECI and being jealous of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said: Rahul Gandhi, you are a 'non-serious politician.' The people of the country do not take you seriously. Echoing a similar view, BJP MP Sambit Patra said the press release issued after the meeting of the three Election Commissioners today has clarified the allegations levelled by the Congress. The Congress party was attacking constitutional institutions for its own interests and seeking to undermine their credibility, he alleged. Referring to the allegation that the BJP was using the Election Commission as a pawn to defend itself, Patra called it a conspiracy by the Congress to weaken the country's constitutional institutions. The people know why the Opposition is doing all this. Rahul Gandhi's sole objective is to come to power at any cost. Since Rahul Gandhi has been unable to attain power, he is attacking the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, and India's constitutional institutions. His motto seems to be: 'If we cannot win, let us disrupt the entire democratic system', Patra alleged.
Rahul Sinha Critiques Mamata Banerjees Political Shift in West Bengal
BJP MP Rahul Sinha comments on Mamata Banerjees changing political alliances amid claims of her contacting former opponents. Rahul Sinha Critiques Mamata Banerjees Political Shift in West Bengal
Man Held For Alleged Obscene Act Against Stepdaughter In Gurugram
A 38-year-old man from West Bengal was arrested in Gurugram for allegedly committing an obscene act against his 17-year-old stepdaughter. He was traced to Malda district after fleeing following the registration of an FIR under the POCSO Act.
'Stop me if you can': Mamata alleges house arrest
Mamata Banerjee, former West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo, alleged that her party leaders were kept under house arrest and prevented from attending a rally in Serampore. She accused BJP workers of blocking routes and the police of inaction, comparing the situation to atrocities seen in African countries.
Bengal: Nitin Nabin to visit Kolkata tomorrow
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin will be in Kolkata on a one-day visit on Sunday, with a packed schedule. His visit is significant ahead of the forthcoming bypolls for the Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district next month, as well as elections for seven urban civic bodies in West Bengal in November. State BJP insiders said Nabins schedule is focused on organisational activities. He will land at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at 10 a.m. and proceed to a hotel in Newtown. At 11 a.m., he will reach the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modis radio programme Mann Ki Baat with party workers and leaders until 11:30 a.m. The first phase of the BJPs organisational meeting will begin thereafter, chaired by Nabin. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the partys core committee will meet, attended by top office bearers of the state BJP, conveners of various departments, organisational district presidents, MPs and other key representatives. A state committee member said Nabin is expected to give suggestions on strengthening the partys organisational network in West Bengal. From 3 to 4 p.m., he will hold separate meetings with party MPs and MLAs at the Convention Centre. This will be followed by special discussions with state cabinet members from 4:30 to 6 p.m. His final meeting of the day will be with the BJPs core committee for West Bengal from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. According to party insiders, this meeting will be crucial in determining the partys future strategy in the state amid the current political situation.
SIRs sole aim was to capture Bengal: Mamata Banerjee
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday alleged that the sole intention of the Election Commission of India (ECI) behind conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was to ensure that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could capture power in West Bengal. Referring to reported differences within the top brass of the ECI, she said that since the beginning of the SIR exercise, she had been claiming that the roles played by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the Commissions Information Technology Chief, Seema Khanna, were doubtful. Banerjee, while addressing a public meeting at Sreerampore in Hooghly district, referred to the CEC as Vanish Kumar and declared that her movement along with other anti-BJP forces would continue until Kumar stepped down or was removed. Just as we caught the tricks of Vanish Kumar, we will similarly catch the others behind such wrongdoings. Vanish Kumar must go. Until he goes, our united movement will continue, she said. She added that opposition parties were uniting at the national level to demand Kumars removal. Banerjee referred to her telephonic conversation with CPI(M) leader M.A. Baby, stressing that when the issue was common, she would not look at party lines. We will have to fight this issue together, she said. Referring to the upcoming I.N.D.I.A. bloc meeting in New Delhi on September 30, Banerjee said the entire country was coming together on the issue. We will fight unitedly. There is no need to see who is red, blue or yellow. We will all fight shoulder to shoulder to restore democracy. If the issue is of the people, there is no need to see which party joins the movement, she remarked. She also questioned the role of the West Bengal police during her rally. The police are not my enemies. Their job is to protect people. But what are they doing today? Last night, they found and arrested Trinamool supporters from their houses in Serampore to prevent anyone from coming to my meeting, Banerjee alleged.
60 anti-Christian incidents in Bengal since May 2026: Report
New Delhi: West Bengal witnessed at least 60 incidents targeting Christians across 13 districts between May 13 and September 20, 2026, according to a report by India Hate Lab (IHL), a project of the US-based think tank, the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH). The incidents increased since the BJP came to power 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 .
Vanish Kumar must go: Mamata Banerjee renews demand for CEC's resignation amid SIR row
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday renewed her demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whom she referred to as Vanish Kumar, accusing him of vanishing voters' names from the rolls with SIR. She said her party would continue protest until the issue was resolved and demanded compensation from the voters.
Fatal Hacking In West Bengal Linked To Political Rivalry
A man identified as Samsher Khan was hacked to death in West Bengal's Paschim Medinipur district following a clash between two groups. Locals allege the incident stemmed from political factionalism within the BJP, a claim denied by a party official who stated the deceased was not a BJP worker. Police are investigating the matter.
Security deployment for Bengal urban polls to depend on district law & order assessment
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) West Bengal State Election Commission (WBSEC) will take a final call on security deployment for the forthcoming elections to seven urban civic bodies in the state only after receiving detailed law and order assessments from the respective district magistrates, sources in the Commission said on Saturday. According to WBSEC sources, the reports submitted by district magistrates will play a key role in determining whether deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is necessary for the elections, which will cover two municipal corporations and five municipalities slated to go to polls later this year. Based on the law & order reports from the district magistrates, the Commission will decide whether CAPF deployment would be required at all for the polls and accordingly send security-related guidelines to the district administrative authorities concerned, said a WBSEC source. However, officials indicated that given the limited scale of the exercise, covering only seven urban civic bodies, the elections are likely to be conducted primarily with state police deployment. They expressed confidence that the polling process could be managed smoothly and peacefully without additional central forces. The official added that the situation could change if any political party approaches the Calcutta High Court seeking CAPF deployment and the court issues specific directions in that regard. In that case, the Commission will have to comply with the courts order, the source said. The two municipal corporations scheduled to go to polls are Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Howrah Municipal Corporation. Elections will also be held in Haldia Municipality (East Midnapore), Bally Municipality (Howrah), Dhupguri Municipality (Jalpaiguri), Kalimpong Municipality (Kalimpong) and Kurseong Municipality (Darjeeling). Voting is expected to take place at 6,301 polling booths across these seven civic bodies. As per the Commissions tentative schedule, notifications for the elections are likely to be issued on October 27 or 28, shortly after Durga Puja. Polling may be held on November 28 or 29, once the festive season concludes, while counting of votes and declaration of results are tentatively scheduled for December 2.
Delhi SIR: ECI extends deadline for filing claims and objections to Oct 30
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) The ECI on Saturday extended the deadline for Delhi electors to file SIR-related claims and objections by one month or till October 30 and fixed November 30 as the last date for disposal of notices and claims and objections, an official said on Saturday. The earlier deadline for Delhi electors, whose names were missing in the draft electoral roll, to file Form-6 along with supporting documents was September 30. In view of the request received from CEO Delhi, the period for filing claims and objections has been extended by the Commission till 30th October, 2026. The period for disposal of notices and claims & objections has been extended till 30th November 2026, said the ECI after a meeting at Nirvachan Sadan. The meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and attended by Election Commissioners S.S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, also relaxed the provisions related to physical appearance of electors who have received SIR notice and allowed them or their representatives to attend hearings before election officials through online mode. In case of any person to whom notice has been issued during the ongoing SIR, for being unmapped and logical discrepancies, BLOs will visit the homes of such persons for collection of documents and thereafter upload them on the ECINet, for decision by the ERO, said the ECI statement. Such persons need not be called for hearing to the ERO/AERO office. Only in exceptional circumstances, as decided by the ERO, the hearing will be held preferably online. Any adult member of the family can be authorised by the elector to attend the hearing on their behalf, if required, the statement said. Facilities for the online hearing to be strengthened. DEOs (District Election Officers) will create adequate number of help desks/hold special camps for the people living in night shelters, labourers, poor people, homeless, etc as per requirement, it said. The CEC-chaired meeting also extended the deadline for filing claims in Maharashtra. As per the request received from CEO Maharashtra, the period for filing claims and objections in Maharashtra has been extended by the Commission till 12th October, 2026. The period for disposal of notices and claims & objections in Maharashtra has been extended till 10th November 2026, said the ECI. Earlier, the deadline for disposal of claims and objections was October 3. The poll panel said that SIR has already been completed in 20 States/UTs including Bihar and West Bengal. Any person whose name has got left out during SIR or thereafter, and any person, including young/ first-time voter, may apply to the concerned ERO for inclusion of their name in the electoral rolls under the process of continuous updation. In recent months, the Commission has taken numerous decisions, including SIR across the country. The order for the SIR issued on June 24, 2025, for all the States/UTs, starting with Bihar, followed by West Bengal and 30 other States/UTs, was issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission, said the statement. The same has been upheld by the Supreme Court. The schedule for SIR for 12 States and UTs was issued on October 27, 2025, and those for 19 States/ UTs was issued on May 14, 2026 with the unanimous approval of the Commission, said the ECI. The final figure of the number of electors will be known only after final publication in the remaining 12 states of Phase-III, it said.
Only CJP can remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar, says TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee on Saturday told a vernacular news channel that only the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) can remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar if it posed a serious challenge. He said CJP's focused approach could help it achieve results quickly. Banerjee spoke about efforts by opposition parties to protest against the CEC. The leader also criticised political parties over defections in West Bengal.
Kunal Ghosh attacked in Bengal; Mamata alleges attempts to disrupt her partys public meetings
If you (the BJP) have genuinely won in the elections, then why are you not allowing Opposition parties to hold rallies? former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asks
IMA advises against antibiotic use as seasonal swine flu cases rise
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged people not to use antibiotics for swine flu symptoms, warning that indiscriminate use of drugs such as azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate and cefixime during the ongoing seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) surge could worsen antimicrobial resistance without offering any benefit against the viral infection. In an advisor, the IMA said Influenza A (H1N1) is a viral illness, and antibiotics should only be prescribed if a qualified physician confirms a secondary bacterial infection based on clinical and laboratory findings. It also cautioned against self-medication with antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir, saying these are prescription medicines meant only for specific clinical categories under medical supervision. The advisory comes amid a seasonal rise in H1N1 cases during the monsoon, with Delhi reporting more than 1,770 laboratory-confirmed infections and additional cases being recorded in Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal. According to the IMA, surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) shows that the circulating virus remains the seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) strain, with no evidence of new genetic mutations. The association said most H1N1 infections remain mild and self-limiting and there is no cause for panic, though people should remain vigilant. The IMA said common symptoms include sudden high fever, dry cough, sore throat, severe body aches, fatigue, headache, nasal congestion and, particularly in children, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. It advised immediate medical attention if patients develop breathing difficulty, chest pain, bluish discolouration of the lips or fingers, coughing up blood, confusion, seizures, persistent vomiting or inability to drink fluids. In children, poor feeding, lethargy, grunting and severe chest retractions require urgent evaluation. The association also reiterated preventive measures, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded enclosed spaces, staying home until at least 24 hours after fever subsides, and annual influenza vaccination for healthcare workers, pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic illnesses.
Amitabh Bachchan reveals his favourite from Jaya Bachchans family
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan found himself on the other side of the questioning on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 when contestant Aheli turned the tables on the veteran host and playfully quizzed him about his life as Bengals son-in-law. Aheli began the light-hearted exchange by reminding Bachchan of his connection to West Bengal through his marriage to actress Jaya Bachchan, whose family is from Bengal. Aap Bengal ke jamai ho, isliye main aapse kuch sawal jawab karne wali hoon. (You are Bengals son-in-law, so Im going to ask you a few questions.) She then asked the actor a rather personal question about his in-laws, asking him to choose between his father-in-law and mother-in-law. Aap... aapke shoshur aur aapki shashuri mein... kaun zyada bahut pasand? (Between your father-in-law and mother-in-law, who do you like more?) Without taking much time to answer, Bachchan simply replied, Sasumaa. (My mother-in-law.) Aheli then continued her playful interrogation, asking Bachchan what he misses the most about his in-laws home. Sasural ke baare mein kya zyada miss karte ho? (What do you miss most about your in-laws home?) Bachchan responded with his trademark wit, turning the question around. Jo sasural jaaye woh miss kare, hum kyu miss kare? (The person who goes to their in-laws home should miss it why should I?) The answer brought Jaya Bachchans family into the playful conversation. Jaya, whom Amitabh married in 1973, is the daughter of writer and journalist Taroon Kumar Bhaduri and Indira Bhaduri. The couple have two children, Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan Nanda. Earlier, Amitabh had spoken about his simple wedding with Jaya Bachchan five decades ago. He highlighted how he was not in favour of any fancy and loud wedding.
Kolkata college students allege pressure to participate in 'Namo Seva' play; Principal denies charge
State-run higher educational institutions have been asked by the West Bengal government to stage the play and organise drawing and elocution competitions for students as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Karnataka Congress protests at Freedom Park, demands CEC's resignation
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 26 (IANS) Karnataka Congress leaders and workers staged a protest at Freedom Park here on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the Election Commission of India (ECI) was misusing its constitutional authority and excluding eligible voters from electoral rolls. The protest was led by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President B.K. Hariprasad and attended by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, former Chief Minister and Union Minister Veerappa Moily, AICC Secretary Gopinath Palaniyappan and several party leaders. Addressing the gathering, Hariprasad said the agitation had been organised to safeguard the Constitution and democratic values. Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's campaign against alleged electoral irregularities, he said the party would continue its nationwide struggle against what it termed the misuse of powers by election authorities. Hariprasad alleged that eligible voters had been removed from electoral rolls in several states after the BJP came to power in 2024. He claimed that large numbers of voters were excluded in Bihar and West Bengal and alleged that similar exercises had affected voters in Haryana, Maharashtra and other states. He further claimed that in Karnataka, over one crore voters had been removed from electoral rolls, while lakhs of entries had been categorised as fake or placed under other classifications. These figures and allegations were presented by Hariprasad during his address and were not independently verified. The electoral roll is the foundation of democracy. Every citizen has a constitutional right to vote and elect a government once every five years, Hariprasad said, alleging attempts were being made to weaken that foundation. He also urged younger voters, including members of Gen Z, to remain vigilant about protecting their voting rights. Targeting the BJP leadership, Hariprasad alleged that electoral victories could not be attributed solely to political strategy and claimed that electoral-roll manipulation through the Election Commission was being used to influence outcomes. He further alleged that the two other Election Commissioners had differed with decisions taken by the CEC on multiple occasions but that their views had not been adequately considered. The KPCC chief also criticised the 2023 law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, alleging that the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel had weakened institutional checks and balances. Hariprasad asserted that the Congress agitation would continue until Gyanesh Kumar stepped down and called upon party workers to intensify the campaign across district headquarters from Monday. The Election Commission has maintained that decisions related to electoral-roll revision and other electoral processes are taken in accordance with the prescribed statutory framework. According to the Commission's official website, Gyanesh Kumar is the Chief Election Commissioner, while Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi serve as Election Commissioners.
Resign Vs Padma Bhushan: Gyanesh Kumar Caught In Political Crossfire
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar finds himself at the heart of a brewing political imbroglio as Opposition parties and protestors demand his resignation while the West Bengal BJP lauds his performance. While Congress and others have staged protests seeking his recall,
INDIA bloc likely to meet on September 30 over EC row, SIR concerns
Opposition INDIA bloc parties are likely to meet in New Delhi on September 30 to discuss concerns over the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, besides other issues, sources said. The proposed meeting comes amid increased coordination among opposition parties over the Election Commission following reports of differences within the poll panel over aspects of the SIR exercise. The parties have been in touch with each other on the issue and are discussing a joint response, sources added. The CPI(M), CPI and CPI(ML)-Liberation have demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and an immediate halt to the SIR, while the Congress has also stepped up its attack on Kumar. The Congress Working Committee is scheduled to meet on September 29 to discuss its strategy on the issue. The developments have also brought West Bengal's bitter political rivals, the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC and the CPI(M), on the same page on the Election
Ankush Hazra on Raandhuni Na Kaanduni: Everyone brings their own humour to the kitchen
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Actor Ankush Hazra, who is all set to be seen in the unscripted comedy cooking show titled Raandhuni Na Kaanduni, said the show will bring everyones own personality, humour and energy to the kitchen. Ankush Hazra, Host - Raandhuni Na Kaanduni, said in a statement: The moment I heard the concept, I knew Raandhuni Na Kaanduni was something very different. It brings together people who audiences already know and love, but puts them in a completely unfamiliar setting where anything can happen. And with such a diverse ensemble cast, there can never be a dull moment. Everyone brings their own personality, humour and energy to the kitchen, which makes my job as a host even more exciting. I think the real fun for audiences will be watching these familiar faces come together and seeing where the chaos takes them. Hosted by Ankush Hazra, the immersive Kitchen Takeover premieres on October 3, 2026 on Sony AATH and Sony LIV. Hosted by Ankush Hazra, the show features prominent personalities like Kanchan Mullick, Sreemoyee Chattoraj, Iman Chakraborty, Rupanjana Mitra, Darshana Banik, Prerna Das, Ushasi Ray, Sushmit Mukherjee, RJ Sayan Ghosh, Anwesha Hazra and Soumitrisha Kundu, with Chef Doma Wong and Chef Priyam. Chef Doma Wong added: Raandhuni Na Kaanduni is as much about the joy of cooking as it is about the people and laughter around the food. Wong shared: Its wonderful to see the cast get into the kitchen, experiment and have fun. There are some delicious dishes, a few unexpected ones, and plenty of chaotic moments that will make audiences smile. Talking about Ankush Hazra, he is known for his portrayals of men often battling social norms. Having starred in over 26 films in his career, he has received several accolades including the Mahanayak Samman by by the Government of West Bengal.
Gyanesh Kumar Deserves Padma Bhushan for SIR: Bengal BJP Chief
In a border state like West Bengal, Gyanesh Kumar took the initiative to remove the names of Bangladeshi infiltrators from the voter list, Bhattacharya said
Trinamool RS MP Samirul Islam files PIL in Calcutta HC over water crisis in Kolkata colony
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam has moved the Calcutta High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), seeking restoration of municipal drinking water supply to residents of Jyotinagar Colony in north Kolkata's Cossipore area. Announcing the move in a social media post on Saturday, the Trinamool MP said the petition was filed a day earlier, on Friday, and expressed confidence that the judiciary would ensure justice for the affected residents. According to him, the case concerns the right of nearly 5,000 people to access safe drinking water. I filed a PIL in the Calcutta High Court not over voter list issues, but to secure the right of around 5,000 residents to drinking water. We have faith in the judiciary and hope justice will prevail, Islam said. He further said, Unfortunately, precious drinking water was snatched away from a section of people after the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) stopped water supply to Jyotinagar Colony. This place isn't located in some remote village in a corner of West Bengal -- it's in the heart of the city of joy, Kolkata. He further claimed that the affected residents belonged to a particular religious community and questioned whether access to drinking water should be influenced by religious considerations. After the BJP came to power, the water supply was discontinued -- and it was done so because those affected belong to a particular religion. Is this what development looks like -- where access to drinking water depends on religion? We have faith in the judiciary, and I hope we will get proper justice, he added. The issue has affected around 5,000 residents of Jyotinagar Colony, who are also facing uncertainty over eviction from land claimed by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. Since July 29, the colony's five public taps have remained dry, compelling residents to depend on distant water sources and periodic water tanker supplies reportedly arranged by the CPI(M). According to residents, the crisis began after the Kolkata Municipal Corporation carried out pipeline-related work between July 26 and July 28. They alleged that the work disrupted water supply to a 150-metre stretch within the colony, although taps in nearby areas continued to function normally.
These elections should be held on ballot paper; Gyanesh Kumar should be jailed immediately; all the wrong decisions of the Election Commission should be revoked, said Uddhav Thackeray
SAIL signs MoU with BCCL for joint development of coal blocks
SAIL has signed an MoU with BCCL for the joint development and operation of SAIL's Indikatta Ramnagore and BCCL's East of Damagoria (Kalyaneshwari) coal blocks in West Bengal.
BJP President Nitin Naveen to Visit West Bengal for Two-Day Program
BJP President Nitin Naveen will visit West Bengal on September 27-28 for organizational meetings and discussions with party leaders. BJP President Nitin Naveen to Visit West Bengal for Two-Day Program
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) The West Bengal Health Department has started the process of identifying junior doctors getting chances for higher studies under the service quota in state-run medical colleges and hospitals during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, without fulfilling the necessary criteria for that. At the same time, said an insider from the state health department, the process has also started of identifying those erstwhile influential officers in the department without whose support such irregularities in utilisation of service quota would not have been possible. The general rule is that any junior doctor getting opportunity for higher studies in any state-run medical college and hospital under the service quota is required to mandatorily render three years of service in remote rural areas in the state to avail that opportunity. However, a recent probe by a state health department-appointed committee had identified instances where junior doctors close to the previous ruling party got chances for doing higher studies under the service quota without rendering three years of service in remote, rural areas, said an insider from the state health department. At the same time, he added, the probe committee had also mentioned about the involvement of some erstwhile influential officers in the state health department, without whose direct patronage such irregularities in the utilisation of the service quota would not have been possible. The state health department, he added, will now take action on this count against the department officials as well. The four-member state health department-appointed committee had already submitted its report on the matter. Now, it is up to the state health minister and other top brass in the department to decide on the fate of both the junior doctors availing the service quota opportunity without fulfilling the criteria, as well as the departmental officials patronising them, said the health department official. State health minister, Dr Sharadwat Mukherjee, who is himself a medical practitioner, said that he is yet to go through the probe report and after studying the report he will announce the next steps necessary. It is learnt that one of the junior doctors who had been identified by the probe committee as taking advantage of the service quota without fulfilling the criteria is Avik Dey, whose name surfaced during the controversy surrounding the R.G. Kar rape and murder case in August 2024.
Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh cited an instance where acity-based YouTuber raised a hue and cry over beef served to him at a Kolkata restaurant; the YouTuber has been paid 2.5 lakh by the BJP; details of BJP election expenditure have been revealed
Bengal to Release Reserved Ward List for Upcoming Urban Elections Next Month
The list of reserved wards for seven urban local bodies in West Bengal will be released next month, ahead of elections. Bengal to Release Reserved Ward List for Upcoming Urban Elections Next Month
West Bengal Allocates Land for 33 New Industrial Projects Worth
West Bengals CM announced land allocation for 33 industrial projects, promising significant investment and job creation. West Bengal Allocates Land for 33 New Industrial Projects Worth 60,000 Crore
111 MPs, MLAs changed parties since 2022: Poll watchdog ADR
PTI New Delhi 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, []
Land ceiling set to stay, govt mulls relaxation for industry
Alls well with anti-gang law: CM after no-prez-nod reports
Lung disease admissions at city hospitals rise 10%, doctors point at infection severity
Syama Prasad in, Singur, Kanyasree out of state school syllabus
Trader thrashed after wifes legal dispute plaint
Woman set to marry after vaginal reconstruction
92 child marriages across greater Kol in 2 yrs, top cop orders strict vigil
Stop new construction at demolition site, HC tells KMC
Profs stage protest against transfer bill
ER launches real-time level-crossing monitoring system in Murshidabad
CU, JU urge govt to scrap decentralised e-counselling
Cops puja to get theme this year
Woman accuses boss of sexual harassment at office
HC dismisses PIL seeking nod for rooftop Durga Puja
Birati club cites apathy, suspends puja
Rain eases in city as deep depression weakens
Bay system rain washes away patchwork on key city roads
Tree falls on biker, crushes parked car
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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 .
West Bengal govt to auction limited parcels to industry associations
The government has already identified three-four land parcels which would be handed over to industry bodies
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.
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.
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
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.
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 .
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.
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.
Former TMC MLA Arrested in West Bengal for Alleged Financial Fraud
A former TMC MLA was arrested in Kolkata for allegedly taking bribes in exchange for party positions, raising concerns over political motivations. Former TMC MLA Arrested in West Bengal for Alleged Financial Fraud
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 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
Adani, with CM by his side, promises Rs 1 lakh crore investment in Bengal
Fed up, you are adding to courts burden: Cal HC to Election Commission on symbol row
Ayah accused of stealing Rs 10L
Bizman loses Rs 33L to e-scammers
S Kol residents duped in realty, bike sale scams
Man held for raping woman after threatening her child
3 touts held for selling SSKM OPD tickets
Father blames flatmates after BBA students suicide
Woman booked for attacking woman constables during extortion arrest in Santoshpur
100 new AC buses before puja, trams on Puja Parikrama map, says minister
11,596 on Bengal Police final constable list
7 months on, dad seeks cop help to find daughter
Civic polls likely in Nov last week, notification before Oct 31
Durga Puja chanda extortion? Get in touch with us, says Kolkata Police
Cannot pay civic taxes? KMC website still under the weather
Rain Forces Kumartuli Artisans To Move Idols Indoors
Downpour Floods Kol Pockets, Jodhpur Park Gets Maximum Rain
16-yr-old gives birth, 19-yr-old held for rape
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
TMC ready to back Cong-led fresh motion in Parl against CEC
