Neelam Meena is New West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer
She was earlier posted as principal secretary at the state consumer affairs department from February of 2024
Arrests, mass resignations, bulldozer action deepen Trinamools crisis across West Bengal
Drives against illegal construction, notices to properties linked to senior Trinamool leaders, and mass resignations in local bodies pile pressure on the TMC three weeks after the BJP assumed power in West Bengal
12 Suspected Bangladeshi Infiltrators Sent to West Bengal Holding Centres
Malda North BJP MP Khagen Murmu said, Those who aren't Indians but illegally entered our country have to return to their homeland. This is very important in making our state and country safe. Trinamul Congress had turned the state into a corridor for Rohingyas and Jihadis. Among the three other suspects in Murshidabad, two were detained from Lalgola while one was caught at Bhagabangola.
Suspense in BJP Over West Bengal Cabinet Expansion
There are also several other prominent party MLAs like Tapas Roy, Ritesh Tiwari, Jagannath Chattopadhyay, Sajal Ghosh, Shankar Ghosh and Noman Rai who have been in the fray to be ministers for the first time.
India's economy faces pressure from the US-Iran conflict, impacting fuel prices, fertiliser subsidies, and forex reserves, Finance Minister Sitharaman warned. Meanwhile, West Bengal opened its first holding centre for suspected illegal Bangladeshi nationals. In Karnataka, a leadership decision for the Congress is imminent, while Iran demands $12 billion in frozen assets before US talks.
Neelam Meena appointed new West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer
West Bengal government had forwarded Neelam Meena, Tanmay Chakrabarty and Moumita Godara Basu to the Election Commission for the selection of the State's next CEO
Neelam Meena appointed new Bengal chief poll officer
Senior IAS officer Neelam Meena has been appointed the new Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. She takes over from Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who was recently elevated to Chief Secretary. The Election Commission officially communicated Meena's appointment to the state government. Meena, a 1998 batch IAS officer, will not hold any additional state government charges.
opinion-when-communities-become-the-first-line-of-defence-for-missing-children
A few years back, in the narrow lanes of North West Delhis resettlement colonies, children going missing was very common and was treated almost as an unfortunate fact of life. Families struggling to survive on daily wages often had little time, support, or institutional access to respond when a child suddenly went missing. In neighbourhoods shaped by continuous migration, overcrowding, economic distress, and social vulnerability, children frequently slipped through the cracks pushed into labour, lured by traffickers, or simply fleeing violence and instability at home. But today, in several of these mohallas of Jahangirpuri, Azadpur Mandi, and Shahbad Dairy, children themselves have become part of an informal vigilance network working to prevent such disappearances. If a child remains absent from school for several days, word spreads quickly through local childrens groups, womens collectives, and community volunteers. Concerns are escalated to the appropriate quarters. And the result? The concerted efforts of CRY Child Rights and You and its partner organisation Saksham created an integrated child surveillance system with the help of children, their family members, and the community an intervention that successfully traced 97 out of 102 missing children and brought them back safely to their families between January 2025 and April 2026. If one of our schoolmates doesnt show up to school for several days, we immediately visit their home, understand the reason, and inform community members and local groups, says a 15-year-old girl associated with one such childrens collective. This is not a formal surveillance mechanism run by local authorities. Children, parents, womens collectives, schools, local organisations, and community volunteers have together built an informal but highly responsive safety net organically embedded within the community to prevent children from disappearing into the shadows of trafficking, exploitation, abuse, or neglect. At a time when India continues to witness a worrying rise in cases related to missing children, this community-driven model emerging from some of Delhis most vulnerable settlements offers an important lesson: Child protection cannot succeed through policing alone. It must be rooted within communities themselves. The scale of the crisis The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Crime in India 2024 report paints a deeply worrying picture. The number of missing children rose from 1,38,609 in 2023 to 1,47,175 in 2024 an increase of 6.2 per cent. Girls constituted nearly 76 per cent of all missing children, exposing the stark gendered nature of vulnerability. Delhi is no exception. According to the state-wise figures from the NCRB report, West Bengal recorded the highest share of missing children, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, and Delhi. Thousands of children also remain untraced long after complaints are filed. Yet these numbers alone fail to capture the lived realities behind such incidents. Children rarely go missing in a vacuum. Poverty, migration, school dropouts, domestic violence, emotional distress, trafficking networks, unsafe labour conditions and fragile family environments often intersect to create pathways of vulnerability. In urban settlements across Delhi NCR particularly among migrant and economically marginalised communities these risks become even sharper. Families struggling for survival often work long hours in informal jobs, leaving children with little supervision or support. Adolescents, especially girls, become vulnerable to trafficking, coercion, online manipulation, or unsafe relationships. Rebuilding protection from within the community Places like Jahangirpuri, Shahbad Dairy, and areas surrounding Azadpur Mandi have long grappled with the consequences of rapid urbanisation, migration, overcrowding, and economic distress. On-ground interactions with families, police, and Saksham officials reveal that economic insecurity pushed children towards child labour, migration, and exploitation. Parvesh Sehgal, a member of the local Child Vigilance Group, shared, School dropouts, disrupted education, family-based violence layered with unsupervised social media exposure, and unresolved adolescent emotional insecurities often push children to elope or become easy targets for traffickers. He further added, Between January 2025 and April 2026, though many of the children were traced, five children remain untraced, including one boy and four girls. What has changed in parts of North-West Delhi is not merely the efficiency of rescue operations, but the social response surrounding them. The intervention recognised that tracing children is only one part of the challenge. Equally critical are rehabilitation, psychosocial support, reducing the risk of re-trafficking, restoring education, and rebuilding trust within families and communities. The intervention, with the support of local schools, the police, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), worked together to facilitate quick reporting, family counselling, and a coordinated response system. In addition to that, the team carried out door-to-door monitoring and awareness sessions on online safety, emotional well-being, and trafficking. Importantly, children themselves became active participants in the protection ecosystem. Local childrens groups now identify school dropouts, report suspicious activities, support younger children, and alert community members when someone suddenly disappears from school or the neighbourhood. The shift is profound: Children are no longer being treated merely as beneficiaries of protection systems. They are becoming stakeholders in safeguarding their own communities. Schools played a pivotal role not only through re-enrolment and monitoring of children, but also through empathetic support to continue education and enhance agency, creating a conducive environment for children to come out of trauma. One school teacher described the systemic approach succinctly: Special attention is now being given to children with prolonged absenteeism. This has resulted in noticeable improvement in childrens school attendance and regular participation in education. It is evident that prevention and rescue-rehabilitation mechanisms did not rely solely on institutional intervention but also on informed, participatory, community-driven efforts deeply rooted in collective trust and accountability. The way forward To sustain the effort, CRY and Saksham are working with the Vigilance Group and Bal Prahari Group, particularly in vulnerable communities, while strengthening collaboration between civil society, communities, and government departments. They are also conducting awareness drives with parents and organising counselling sessions on child protection, cyber safety, and mental health support for children. But just community initiatives are not all. The fight against missing children also demands active involvement of decentralised governance and community-based institutional systems. Police ward committees, Panchayats, Mohalla Committees, School Management Committees, and local child protection bodies must come forward to play a transformative role in identifying early signs of vulnerability, monitoring school dropouts, strengthening community vigilance, and ensuring faster reporting and response. In both rural and urban poor settlements, these institutions are often the first point of contact for distressed families. If properly sensitised and integrated into child protection frameworks, they can function not merely as administrative structures, but as grassroots safety networks capable of addressing safety of children. It is important that these orchestrated efforts translate into measurable impact rather than remain a series of isolated activities. As such interventions are replicated across other geographies, no more children especially girls should have to sink into vulnerability and trauma. Together, we must act beyond numbers, reports, word-crafts, spreadsheets, and fancy presentations ensuring a safe and happy childhood at the grassroots level for every child will be the real measure of our success as a society and as a nation. Puja Marwaha is CEO, CRY Child Rights and You.
West Bengal's BJP government has launched its 'detect, delete and deport' policy, opening a holding center in Malda for illegal foreign nationals. Nine suspected Bangladeshi nationals are currently housed there, awaiting verification and legal procedures. This initiative aims to streamline the deportation process for apprehended individuals, as mandated by a new national law.
Amit Shah to undertake multi-state border tour to review security preparedness
Union Home Minister Amit Shah begins a multi-state tour of India's border regions. He will visit Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tripura, and West Bengal. The visits aim to review security and improve coordination among agencies. Shah will interact with border forces and assess operational challenges. This initiative strengthens India's border management and preparedness.
Watch: Bulldozers raze alleged illegal TMC-linked structures in West Bengal
Kolkata municipality serves demolition notices two days before Bakrid
Kolkata: With only two days for Bakrid, residents of Tiljala-Topsia neighbourhood in West Bengals capital city woke up to demolition notices pasted on their doors from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), declaring their homes unauthorised and asking them to vacate or face bulldozer action. If you fail to comply with the requisition, the Municipal Commissioner 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 changes Bakra Eid 2026 holiday date; schools and colleges to remain closed on May 28
West Bengal has revised its Bakra Eid holiday to May 28, 2026, withdrawing earlier dates of May 26 and 27. This change follows updated moon-sighting reports and Islamic calendar observations. Other states like Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Telangana also mark the holiday on May 28, while Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir observe it on May 27.
IMD forecasts rain for south Bengal from Wednesday
The India Meteorological Department said there will be a gradual fall in maximum temperature across West Bengal from May 28 by two to three notches
Bangladeshi couple held in West Bengal after 14 years of illegal stay
Kolkata: A Bangladeshi couple allegedly living illegally in West Bengal for the last 14 years has been arrested from the Jagacha police station area in Howrah district, police said on Sunday. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ramzan Ghazi, 36, and Arifa Begum, 34. According to police, a raid was conducted at a house 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 .
New Amrit Bharat trains to boost connectivity across India
Indian Railways is set to launch new Amrit Bharat trains connecting Punjab to West Bengal and Delhi to eastern Uttar Pradesh. The post New Amrit Bharat trains to boost connectivity across India appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
'Holding centres' for illegal immigrants in West Bengal districts
Nabin invokes WB-style agitation, warns against complacency in Karnataka
BENGALURU, May 24 : In a politically charged message drawing clear strategic parallels with West Bengal, BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Sunday signalled a sharper street-level mobilisation strategy while stepping up his attack on Karnatakas Congress government for alleged governance failures and internal factionalism. Positioning the BJP as a disciplined cadre-driven force preparing for a renewed political battle in Karnataka, Nabin said the partys focus was on strengthening booth-level organisation, energising workers and ensuring Central welfare schemes reached the [] The post Nabin invokes WB-style agitation, warns against complacency in Karnataka appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
West Bengal: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Welcomes BJPs Victory in Falta By-Election
Kolkata, May 25: Following the BJPs victory in the Falta assembly by-election, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari claimed on Sunday that the Diamond Harbour model associated with Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has politically failed. As soon as the election results were announced, Adhikari launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool ... Read more West Bengal: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Welcomes BJPs Victory in Falta By-Election
Bangladeshi Couple Arrested for Illegal Residency in Howrah, West Bengal
Kolkata, May 25: A Bangladeshi couple has been arrested in the Jagacha police station area of Howrah district, West Bengal, for allegedly residing illegally for the past 14 years. The arrested individuals have been identified as 36-year-old Ramzan Ghazi and 34-year-old Arifa Begum. According to police reports, a raid was conducted at their residence following ... Read more Bangladeshi Couple Arrested for Illegal Residency in Howrah, West Bengal
BJP wins West Bengal's Falta assembly repoll by over 1 lakh votes
The BJP has secured a significant victory in the Falta assembly seat repoll. Debanshu Panda of the BJP won by a margin exceeding one lakh votes. The Trinamool Congress finished fourth. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari commented on the win. Mamata Banerjee alleged EVM rigging and torture of Trinamool workers.
Bengal govt orders 'holding centres' for illegal migrants
West Bengal authorities are establishing holding centres for foreigners apprehended for illegal stay. This move follows a policy announcement to detect, delete, and deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The state government is instructing district magistrates to follow central guidelines for the deportation process. The aim is to ensure Indian nationals remain in Bengal while non-Indians are repatriated.
Modi Celebrates BJP Victory in Bengals Falta as a Triumph for Democracy
New Delhi, May 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy over the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) victory in the Falta Assembly seat in West Bengal. He congratulated newly elected MLA Debanshu Panda for his success in the elections. In a post on the social media platform X, Modi stated that the people of Falta ... Read more Modi Celebrates BJP Victory in Bengals Falta as a Triumph for Democracy
Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission of Aiding BJP in West Bengal
Kolkata, May 24: Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again claimed that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not lose the West Bengal Assembly elections. Speaking three weeks after the election results, she alleged that the Election Commission assisted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in securing victory in the state. Banerjee also asserted that she ... Read more Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission of Aiding BJP in West Bengal
Watch: Falta assembly re-poll: BJPs Debangshu Panda storms to victory
The Bharatiya Janata Party has registered a massive victory in the Falta Assembly re-poll in West Bengal. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda won the seat by a huge margin of 1 lakh 9 thousand and 21 votes on May 24.
Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has called the recent assembly elections a mockery of democracy, alleging widespread rigging and the removal of nearly one crore names. She claims her party would have won over 200 seats if the outcome hadn't been altered, criticizing the current administration and the arrest of municipal councillors.
The BJP's Debangshu Panda on Sunday won the Falta seat in the South 24 Parganas district with a margin of more than 1 lakh votes, replicating the May 4 saffron sweep in West Bengal that saw Suvendu Adhikari installed as CM earlier this month. All 285 polling stations of the constituency were scheduled for a repoll after the Election Commission's (EC) poll assessments of the voting in Falta showed irregularities. After 22 rounds of counting, Panda defeated CPI(M) candidate Sambhu Nath Kurmi by a huge margin of 1,09,021 votes. The Congress' Abdul Razzak Molla trailed far behind Kurmi in third, while the TMC's Jahangir Khan came fourth despite withdrawing from the polls due to personal reasons, as his name was still on the EVMs. However, the TMC's Abhishek Banerjee has now alleged that glaring irregularities had taken place in the Falta repoll, repeating claims of collusion between the BJP and the EC. Notably, it was similar claims of the BJP and the EC working together to tamper ballot boxes that eventually led to repolling taking place on May 2 at two constituencies located in the South 24 Parganas districtMagrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour. This had led to tensions between workers of the two parties at two places housing EVM strongrooms in Kolkata. Banerjee has now questioned how most rounds of counting in Falta had been completed by 3:30 PM on May 24, while on May 4, only till the same time, only 2-4 rounds had taken place. The country deserves an explanation from the ECI.Although more than 1,000 workers from Falta have been forced to flee their homes in the last 10 days the Election Commission continued to turn a blind eye. Party offices were vandalised in broad daylight even when the Model Code of Conduct was in force, he claimed in an X post, attacking the promotion of former CEO Manoj Agarwal to the post of Chief Secretary after the 2026 Assembly elections. This comes amid ongoing tensions within the TMC after its crushing defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, most recently directed at Banerjee over the sudden withdrawal of its Falta candidate. At a recent closed-door meeting chaired by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, several newly elected MLAsincluding Kunal Ghosh, Ritabrata Bandyopadhyay, and Sandipan Sahaquestioned why no disciplinary action was taken against Khan for his last-minute withdrawal, which they said was a serious embarrassment for the party, an Indian Express report said. Notably, Banerjee is not only the party's all-India general secretary, but also the representative of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, under which Falta falls. (Khan) said Pushpa jhukega nahi , then why did he bow down? Falta falls under Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency where Abhishek is our MP. He won there by more than 7 lakh votes. This is not good for the party, Ghosh later told reporters.
The West Bengal government has revised its Bakrid holiday, officially declaring May 28, 2026, as the public holiday for Eid al-Adha. This change follows updated moon-sighting information, leading to the cancellation of previously announced holidays on May 26 and May 27. The new notification ensures the holiday aligns with the actual observance of the festival.
West Bengal shifts Bakrid holiday to May 28 after revised Eid al-Adha schedule
West Bengal has declared May 28 a public holiday for Eid al-Adha, revising its earlier schedule due to updated moon-sighting. This aligns the state's observance with the national calendar, where the festival will now be celebrated on May 28 across many parts of India. Government offices and educational institutions will be closed.
West Bengal Orders Holding Centres for Bangladeshis, Rohingyas Awaiting Deportation
A notification issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department on Saturday referred to guidelines of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the deportation process for Bangladeshis and Rohingyas found to be staying illegally in the country
WBJEEB answer key likely to be released soon at wbjeeb.nic.in: Check steps to download here
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board is set to release the provisional answer key for WBJEE 2026 soon on wbjeeb.nic.in. Candidates can challenge responses for a fee. OMR sheets will also be uploaded. The rank card will detail sectional and overall scores. Last year's timeline suggests an early release, marking the next step in admissions.
Deepfake Shared as Real Video of Dhruv Rathee Praising BJP Govt in West Bengal
The video is a deepfake. There is no evidence of Rathee making positive statements about the BJP in West Bengal.
West Bengal govt orders 'Holding Centres' for illegal Bangladeshi, Rohingya deportees
West Bengal has directed all district magistrates to set up Holding Centres for detained foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation, as part of efforts to deport illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants.
Rahul Gandhi urges party's Muslim leaders to raise issues concerning their community
New Delhi, May 23: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged Muslim leaders of the party to vociferously raise issues concerning their community and to work towards enhancing their representation. Sources said that during a meeting of the advisory council of the party's Minority Department, Rahul Gandhi said that if injustice is done against a Muslim, one should raise their voice specifically as a 'Muslim', rather than merely as a member of a 'minority' group. Similarly, he emphasised that if Dalits, OBCs, or members of the general category face attacks, the issue should be raised by explicitly identifying that specific community. Rahul Gandhi's direct message was that the Congress party should not shy away from using the word 'Muslim'. It has often been observed these days that instead of explicitly saying 'Muslim,' people tend to use the term 'minority', a leader present at the meeting said. Sources further said Gandhi also stressed the need for the Congress party's Minority Department to create a platform that ensures adequate participation for the community within the party structure. According to sources, while touching upon the issue of vote theft, he said that former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had previously not aligned with the Congress on this matter, but has now called for a movement against it. He also remarked in the context of the Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam that these elections were not conducted in a free and fair manner. Sources said that citing the country's current economic situation, the former Congress president claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi lacks the capability to effectively manage the situation over the long term.
West Bengal elections BJP holding a strong lead in Falta repoll
Congress Has Become a Party of Abuses Instead of Gandhian Values: Shahzad Poonawala
New Delhi, May 24: Shahzad Poonawala, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reacted to the West Bengal governments decision to amend the holiday for Bakrid. He stated that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has long been oppressing Hindus. Poonawala further claimed that the Congress party has transformed into a party of abuses. In an interview ... Read more Congress Has Become a Party of Abuses Instead of Gandhian Values: Shahzad Poonawala
Falta counting: Massive lead for BJP in early trends
Kolkata: BJP candidate Debangshu Panda secured a commanding lead of more than 9,000 votes over his nearest rival after the first round of counting in the repoll to West Bengals Falta assembly constituency on Sunday, May 24, according to the Election Commission. After the first of the 21 counting rounds, Panda bagged 9,534 votes, opening 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 .
Election Commission of India Falta Election Result 2026: Vote counting for the Falta Assembly seat in West Bengal is currently underway, with BJP candidate Debangshu Panda taking an early lead. The constituency recently witnessed a full repoll after the Election Commission of India ordered fresh voting over allegations of electoral irregularities and EVM tampering. Tight security arrangements have been put in place at counting centres and strong rooms.
Counting Begins in Falta Amid Tight Security, Results Expected by 1 PM
Kolkata, May 24: The counting of votes for the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district commenced this morning at 8 AM under strict security measures. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the re-polling for the assembly constituency took place on May 21. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer ... Read more Counting Begins in Falta Amid Tight Security, Results Expected by 1 PM
Minister Dilip Ghosh Claims TMC Members Fled During Falta By-Election
Kolkata, May 24: The counting of votes for the Falta assembly by-election in West Bengal is set to take place on Sunday. Minister Dilip Ghosh stated that the outcome of the Falta election is already known, asserting that there was no contest as members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had fled. In a conversation with ... Read more Minister Dilip Ghosh Claims TMC Members Fled During Falta By-Election
West Bengal Announces Free Bus Travel for Women from June 1
Free transportation will be available to all women of West Bengal in both short-route and long-route state-run buses across various categories
West Bengal Governor Orders Departmental Inquiry Against RMO Linked to RG Kar Case
Kolkata, May 24: West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi has ordered a departmental inquiry against Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr. Avik Dey. His name surfaced in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a junior female doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024, as well as financial irregularities linked to ... Read more West Bengal Governor Orders Departmental Inquiry Against RMO Linked to RG Kar Case
West Bengalgained infamy due to recruitment scams, new recruitment policy in next Budget session: CM
The allegation of corruption in government jobs came to hurt the Trinamool Congress and the party lost the recently concluded assembly elections to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
West Bengal: 6 cr people covered under Swasthya Sathi to get Ayushman Bharat benefits from July
Starting in July, six crore Swasthya Sathi card holders in West Bengal will be eligible for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. New applications are now being accepted. Additionally, the recruitment process will see enhanced transparency as OMR sheet carbon copies will be mandatory for all candidates.
Assam hails Bengal's fencing move to secure Siliguri corridor
Assam's government has welcomed West Bengal's move to fence sensitive border areas. This includes the Siliguri Corridor, vital for connecting the Northeast. Governor Lakshman Prasad Achary highlighted past infiltration challenges. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also revealed plans for a rail link across the corridor. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated this strategic breakthrough will secure transportation to the Northeast.
Priyanka Chaturvedi Raises Concerns Over Infiltration and Waqf Issues in West Bengal
Mumbai, May 23: Priyanka Chaturvedi, spokesperson for Shiv Sena (UBT) and former MP, has emphasized that fulfilling promises made to the people of West Bengal should be the governments top priority. Chaturvedi criticized the BJP for failing to deliver on its commitments regarding infiltrators in Bengal. She pointed out that the cabinet is still not ... Read more Priyanka Chaturvedi Raises Concerns Over Infiltration and Waqf Issues in West Bengal
RG Kar Case: Bengal Starts Departmental Proceedings Against Suspended Doctor
The West Bengal government on Saturday initiated departmental proceedings against a doctor suspended following the rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and also ordered a separate enquiry into his admission to a postgraduate course
operation-toofan-kerala-drug-crackdown-police-narco-hunt-launch
Kerala Police has launched a new statewide anti-drug crackdown titled Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt. Announcing the initiative, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the primary objective is to dismantle gangs targeting children and youth with narcotics. Drug users, peddlers, suppliers and distribution networks will all come under strict police surveillance, with a dedicated operational framework already prepared for the project. To tackle interstate drug syndicates, the Kerala DGP will coordinate with police chiefs of other states. Special monitoring will also be introduced to prevent the inflow of chemical and synthetic narcotics, including hybrid ganja. The minister said strict action would be taken against tobacco sales near schools and against drug-linked activities in five-star hotels, DJ parties, and gatherings in backwater and coastal regions. Speaking after a meeting with senior police officials, Chennithala said the government would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards drug trafficking. He also announced a major reform programme aimed at making all 484 police stations in Kerala more people-friendly. Citizens visiting stations, he said, must be treated with dignity and respect, and police personnel would be encouraged to greet visitors with Good Morning or Namaskaram. The DGP has also been directed to improve cleanliness in police stations and dispose of vehicles abandoned for years through auctions. A five-member committee led by the ADGP (Headquarters) has been constituted to study and restructure police station functioning. Chennithala said there was an assessment that the previous governments decision to shift station-level responsibilities from Sub-Inspectors to Circle Inspectors had adversely affected policing. Reforms would be implemented after the committee submits its report. The Janamaithri Police initiative and the Student Police Cadet programme will be strengthened further to steer young people away from crime. Police will also intensify efforts against cybercrime, including loan app frauds, social media abuse, online hate campaigns and cryptocurrency scams. The minister said he would discuss with the chief minister the need for additional personnel and technological infrastructure to handle cybercrime more effectively. New mobile applications and IT systems will also be introduced to help reduce road accidents. Police training syllabi will be revised to reflect changing times. Chennithala also said the government was seriously concerned about the increasing number of suicides within the police force. Senior officers have been instructed to reduce unnecessary pressure on subordinate staff and allow them greater operational freedom. The Home Minister further announced that legal action would begin once the SIT submits its report in the Nava Kerala Sadas assault case. The new Cabinet had earlier decided to order a reinvestigation and constitute a Special Investigation Team into allegations of police brutality during former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme in Alappuzha. Responding to questions over the appointment of former Chief Electoral Officer Ratan U. Khelkar as the Chief Ministers secretary after the recent elections, Chennithala said there was nothing unusual about the decision. He is a capable officer, and the government has the authority to recall him, he said, adding that no allegations of malpractice had been raised against Khelkar during or after the elections. Referring to comparisons with West Bengal, where Rahul Gandhi had criticised the appointment of former Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal as Chief Secretary, Chennithala said the situations were not comparable because allegations had been raised there regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
cpim-raises-concerns-over-appointing-chief-electoral-officer-as-cm-satheesans-secretary
The CPI(M) State Secretariat, through a press statement on Saturday, said that appointing the Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Ministers Secretary raises serious questions about the credibility of the Assembly election itself. Kerala has never before witnessed such an appointment immediately after an election, in what appears to be a reward for services rendered. The developments now unfolding seem to validate the LDFs allegation that the Election Commission had adopted several biased and suspicious positions in favour of the UDF during the election process. It had earlier become controversial when a BJP seal appeared instead of the Election Commissions seal on a letter sent to political parties. When similar appointments were made in West Bengal, Rahul Gandhi had tweeted that the bigger the theft in the deal between the BJP and the Election Commission, the bigger the reward. The AICC had also described those appointments as a shameless nexus and collusion. Rahul and the All India Congress Committee must now clarify whether what happened in Kerala is not similarly a shameless collusion between the Congress, the BJP, and the Election Commission. Under the guise of the SIR process, millions of votes were allegedly removed in Kerala. The Left had raised objections at the time itself against the Commissions stance of deleting genuine voters while retaining ineligible names. The Commission had also insisted on abruptly stopping voter registrations a week before the previously announced deadline, without informing anyone. The suspicion is now strengthening that this haste in finalising the rolls came only after ensuring that UDF votes had already been added. The BJP seal appearing on an Election Commission letter was another instance of such interference. There were also several confusions regarding the allocation of symbols to LDF candidates, including in the Palakkad constituency. Complaints were raised that many LDF symbols were printed on voting machines in a manner that made them unclear. Kerala also witnessed lakhs of election-duty staff being denied voting rights. Even weeks after the election, the Commission was unwilling to release accurate polling percentages. There were also allegations that strong rooms had been opened. This appointment strengthens suspicions that there was a coordinated intervention behind all these developments. In West Bengal, the appointment of Chief Election Officer Manoj Agarwal as Chief Secretary immediately after the election, and the appointment of Subrata Guptawho led the SIR exerciseas the Chief Ministers Principal Adviser, had triggered widespread criticism. Opposition parties, including the CPI(M), had raised the issue nationally. The AICC had demanded a cooling-off period before officials entrusted with election responsibilities could be given senior posts under the victorious government. The Congress party and Rahul Gandhi, who criticised the Bengal appointments at the national level, must explain how they view a similar move in Kerala. At a time when the BJP-led Union government is attempting to undermine the neutrality of the Election Commission, Congress-led state governments too are engaging in similar interference. Election Commissions are increasingly becoming systems that function according to the wishes of political leadership. Strong protest is being registered against the interventions by both central and state governments that are eroding the credibility of the Election Commission itself.
The CM said the State is planning to ink an agreement with the Centre in Delhi for inclusion in the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network to extend the benefits of Ayushman Bharat to its migrant residents
Ayushman Bharat enrollment begins in West Bengal, benefits likely from July: CM Suvendu Adhikari
Enrollment for the Ayushman Bharat scheme has commenced in West Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that beneficiaries can expect to receive benefits starting in July. This central health insurance scheme aims to provide financial protection for healthcare needs. The announcement follows a virtual meeting with Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.
Marco Rubio Meets PM Modi, Highlights India-US Progress Across Sectors
Security has been stepped up at the 'jhalmuri' stall, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited during his campaign for the West Bengal election last month, after its owner allegedly received death threats, police said on Saturday.
Bengal: Security tightened at jhalmuri stall, which PM visited, after owner gets death threats
KOLKATA, May 23: Security has been stepped up at the jhalmuri stall, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited during his campaign for the West Bengal election last month, after its owner allegedly received death threats, police said on Saturday. Bikram Kumar Sau, who runs the jhalmuri stall near Raj College More in Jhargram town, hogged the limelight after the PM stopped at his shop and ate the popular snack while returning from a public rally on April 19. Sau lodged [] The post Bengal: Security tightened at jhalmuri stall, which PM visited, after owner gets death threats appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bengal gets Rs 3,000 cr for healthcare revamp, Ayushman Bharat card rollout from July: Suvendu
West Bengal's healthcare sector is set for a major upgrade with Rs 3,000 crore sanctioned by the Centre. Ayushman Bharat health insurance cards will reach beneficiaries from July. The state is also planning to extend benefits to over one crore migrant residents. Recruitment of healthcare professionals will be prioritized. This initiative aims to improve public healthcare access for all citizens.
188 Job Offers Distributed at National Employment Fair in Kolkata
Kolkata, May 23: The 19th National Employment Fair was successfully held across the country on Saturday. At the Dr. B.C. Roy Auditorium in Sealdah, Kolkata, 188 candidates received their appointment letters. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar were present along with senior railway officials. During the event, Union Minister Sukanta ... Read more 188 Job Offers Distributed at National Employment Fair in Kolkata
West Bengal shifts Bakrid holiday to May 28, cancels earlier dates
The West Bengal government has rescheduled the Id-Ud-Zoha (Bakrid) public holiday to May 28, 2026, cancelling previous dates. Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court upheld the state's notification restricting the slaughter of certain animals ahead of the festival, citing Supreme Court rulings.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state government has directed departments to hand over land for 61 stalled railway projects, aiming to improve connectivity. He highlighted the expedited progress on the New Garia-Airport metro line viaduct, attributing the acceleration to the 'double engine' government's synergy.
Calcutta High Court calls for mechanism to tackle social media attacks on judicial officers
The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal Police to devise a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for addressing social media content targeting judges and the institution of the judiciary. The direction was issued by Justice Jay Sengupta during the hearing of proceedings connected to a petition filed by Hindu monk Swami Pradiptananda, popularly known [] The post Calcutta High Court calls for mechanism to tackle social media attacks on judicial officers appeared first on India Legal .
CPI(M) says TMC melting down faster than ice; hopes to take over Opposition space in West Bengal
The CPI(M) leader Mohammed Salim said the party will fight for the safety of the minorities and any impending danger to the culture of West Bengal and amity among the people
Noting that the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court had to intervene in these illegalities during the previous TMC government, he said West Bengal's image has suffered
The Sacred Status of Cows: A Duty to Uphold Tradition, Says Dilip Ghosh
Kolkata, May 23: The debate surrounding the relaxation of animal slaughter rules during Eid-ul-Azha has intensified following comments from the Calcutta High Court regarding the West Bengal government. In response, Minister Dilip Ghosh emphasized that every person living in India understands the countrys culture and traditions, highlighting the cows special status in Indian society. He ... Read more The Sacred Status of Cows: A Duty to Uphold Tradition, Says Dilip Ghosh
Everything will be responded to: Dilip Ghosh on threats to Jhalmuri vendor who served PM Modi
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh has warned of firm action against those creating tension. This follows alleged threats to a jhalmuri vendor who served Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ghosh stated such attempts to disturb peace will be met with a strong response.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Kolkata as part of his 4-day visit to India
Kolkata, May 23: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata on Saturday for his four-day diplomatic tour to India, with the city marking the opening leg of a visit that carries considerable political and historical resonance. His arrival in the eastern metropolis ended a 14-year hiatus since an American secretary of state last visited the city, coming only weeks after West Bengal witnessed a landmark political transition with a BJP-led government assuming office. In a post on X, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said, Secretary Marco Rubio has landed in Kolkata. This is his first trip to India. Later today, we will call on Prime Minister @narendramodi in New Delhi. Trade, Technology, Defense, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days! Later in another post on X, the US Ambassador said, Honored to welcome my friend @SecRubio to India! We have an ambitious agenda ahead, including the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, focused on advancing @POTUS ' vision for an even stronger U.S.-India partnership. Looking forward to great conversations and making real progress together! Rubio became the first US secretary of state to set foot in Kolkata since Hillary Clinton visited the city in May 2012. The US Department of State said Rubio would visit Mother House, the headquarters of Saint Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in central Kolkata, and the Children's Home in the city. Rubio's India itinerary, scheduled from May 23 to 26 and also encompassing Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi, is being viewed as diplomatically significant for his scheduled energy talks with India and the meeting with ministers from the Quad nations. Well, we want to sell them as much energy as they'll buy. And obviously, you've seen I think we're at historic levels of US production, and US export, Rubio told reporters in Miami before he embarked on the trip to Sweden and India. Responding to a question about India being affected by high energy prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio described India as a great partner and said he was looking forward to meeting with ministers from the Quad nations. The Quad meeting is planned for May 26, and it is scheduled to be attended by Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar presiding over it.
Central Minister Supports Ban on Animal Sacrifice During Bakrid
Patna, May 23: Central Minister Satish Chandra Dubey has endorsed West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikaris decision to prohibit the sacrifice of bulls, cows, and buffaloes during Bakrid. He emphasized that politics should not interfere with this matter. Speaking to reporters, Dubey stated, We worship cows, and sacrificing them is not appropriate. We support the ... Read more Central Minister Supports Ban on Animal Sacrifice During Bakrid
J&K beat West Bengal in Jr National Basketball opener
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: The Jammu & Kashmir Junior Mens Basketball team made a strong start to their campaign in the 76th Junior National Basketball Championship at Puducherry by defeating West Bengal 81-59 in their opening match. West Bengal began on a dominant note and took a commanding 28-10 lead in the first quarter. However, the J&K team staged a remarkable comeback in the second quarter, reducing the margin with a 19-10 performance. The momentum shifted completely in [] The post J&K beat West Bengal in Jr National Basketball opener appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The West Bengal Chief Minister posted on social media that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi re-emphasized his vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikasand reiterated that the development of West Bengal remains a top priority for the Central Government.
Mamata Banerjee Calls Crucial KMC Meeting Amid Internal Party Strife
Kolkata, May 23: The internal turmoil within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) became evident following the partys significant defeat in the recent West Bengal assembly elections. This was highlighted when several Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) councillors failed to attend a crucial meeting called by party supremo and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This situation arose amid ... Read more Mamata Banerjee Calls Crucial KMC Meeting Amid Internal Party Strife
Strict Compliance with Government Regulations Required in West Bengal: Agnimitra Paul
Kolkata, May 23: Agnimitra Paul, the state minister in West Bengal, has taken a firm stance regarding animal sacrifices and preparations for the upcoming monsoon. He emphasized that citizens must adhere to government regulations. The Minister for Women and Child Welfare and Urban Development stated that there are strict laws against the slaughter of cattle ... Read more Strict Compliance with Government Regulations Required in West Bengal: Agnimitra Paul
Punjab Police Arrest Cyber Terrorism Mastermind from West Bengal
Amritsar, May 23: The Punjab Police has been commended for dismantling a major cyber terrorism network and arresting the main suspect from West Bengal. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, the chief spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a legislator, praised the polices efforts during a press conference in Amritsar. Dhaliwal stated that under the leadership ... Read more Punjab Police Arrest Cyber Terrorism Mastermind from West Bengal
'Infiltration remains major concern': Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya in Assembly address
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya addressed the Assembly on border security. He noted efforts to curb infiltration and welcomed West Bengal's land handover for border fencing. The government plans to formalize traditional beverages and implement the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act. Discussions also included enacting a Uniform Civil Code. Opposition parties protested rising fuel prices and inflation.
Madras high court bins DNA test demand for proving biological link for kidney transplant
Madras High Court permitted a West Bengal woman to donate a kidney to her son, rejecting the Directorate of Medical Education and Research's demand for a DNA test. Justice GR Swaminathan noted that birth certificates and other documents established their biological relationship, ordering the authorization committee to grant permission without delay for the transplant.
Muslim cleric wants West Bengal formula of skipping slaughter of cattle for Bakrid
We do not believe that revenue to madrassas or other religious institutions on account of animal hide donation and sale will be a problem. The hide market already collapsed a few years ago, Maulana Husamuddin Sani Jafar Pasha said
DC Edit | New BJP Order Is Shaping Up Rapidly In West Bengal
Moving beyond symbolic politics, the Adhikari government aggressively addressed the issue that the BJP and the Sangh Parivar fundamentally believe reshaped Bengal's demography and electoral arithmetic: Illegal infiltration from Bangladesh
New Delhi, May 22: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the government will launch a tech-enabled smart border project by the next year to make the 6,000-km fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh impenetrable and ensure that the conspiracy to change the demography of the country is defeated. Delivering the annual Rustamji Memorial lecture hosted by the Border Security Force (BSF) here, the minister also reiterated that the government will find each and every infiltrator and send them out of India. K F Rustamji was the founding father and the first director general of the BSF, the world's largest border guarding force with about 2.70 lakh personnel tasked to guard Indian borders with Pakistan on the west and Bangladesh on the east. It was raised in 1965. The government of India has decided that not only will we stop infiltration but we will find each and every infiltrator and send them out of the country, Shah said. He added his government will not allow artificial change in our demography being attempted from the other side. I want to assure BSF troops that we will launch the smart border project within the 60th year of its raising and we will make the Bangladesh and Pakistan borders impenetrable through major technical assistance, Shah said. The smart border will use technology, drones, radars and smart cameras to help create an impenetrable border, he told the gathering. Calling these two borders vulnerable and a cause of concern for the country from the security point of view, Shah said these fronts (about 1,289 km with Pakistan and 4,096 km with Bangladesh) cannot be guarded with raditional methods. The concept of border security should not be seen in isolation but as a erritorial responsibility involving all agencies and state governments, he said. He said these borders currently face threats like illegal infiltration, smuggling of drugs, weapons and arms through drones apart from cattle, fake Indian currency notes and organised crime. It is most important to identify future dangers, and it is our responsibility to stop the artificial demographic change being attempted from the other side (of the border) through infiltration, and, for this, we have to remain alert and vigilant, he told the officers and jawans in attendance. Shah said the Modi government brought a adical change to the security policy and border protection perspective since it took charge in 2014. We have defeated all three attacks carried out by Pakistan whether it was in Uri (2016), Pulwama (2019), or Pahalgam (2026)...we have given them a befitting response by striking deep inside Pakistan, he said. Shah asserted that gone were the days when talks used to happen after a terrorist attack and when Naxalites used to undertake massacres without any fear. We have aligned our security perspective with the spirit of the Constitution to strengthen it... all this, in a way, is a declaration of a new defence doctrine, he said. He said his government took a firm decision to free India from Naxalism and this target was achieved recently. The minister said it was his belief that security agencies and forces should work to uproot the cause of the problem and just not control it. He asked the BSF troops in border areas to establish communication with the local administration so that they can identify any infiltrator living in the area and effectively plug border gaps aiding smuggling and other illegal activities. It is time that the infiltration taking place unhindered for years is stopped. You have done this earlier, for example, by creating a Naxal-free India, he said. Shah said the current state governments in Tripura, West Bengal and Assam -- all led by the BJP -- believe in the policy that there should be no infiltration from across Indian borders. His ministry, Shah added, will soon hold a meeting with the chief ministers of these states on the subject of border security. The minister added that a high-powered demography mission declared earlier by PM Modi will be announced soon by the Union government. Shah declared that the Union government was planning to launch a ig programme within the next one year for the welfare of CAPF jawans, adding that they will also initiate a ig operation against narcotics trafficking in the country. During the event, the minister honoured BSF jawans and officers with gallantry medals including to those who were part of the 'Operation Sindoor'.
West Bengal CM Meets Home Minister, Reaffirms Commitment to Development
New Delhi, May 22: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday in New Delhi. He emphasized that the new government in Bengal will advance under the agenda of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (Together for Everyone, Development for Everyone). Chief Minister Adhikari shared pictures from the meeting on ... Read more West Bengal CM Meets Home Minister, Reaffirms Commitment to Development
Decoding SIR Impact in West Bengal
The post-SIR polls in West Bengal saw the BJP secure a decisive victory, with AITC chief Mamata Banerjee alleging electoral manipulation. Large-scale deletions and opaque additions of electors during the SIR had a major impact on the rolls demographic composition; and appears to have influenced the results alongside anti-incumbency and communal polarisation
Aman Tea Group commemorated International Tea Day through a large-scale initiative conducted across more than 50 locations, bringing together growers, workers, and tea communities in a collective effort to recognise the people behind the industry while reinforcing the importance of sustainability and responsible tea cultivation. Rajeev Baid, Managing Director at Aman Tea Group, highlighting the importance of sustainability, safe farming practices, and supporting tea growing communities The initiative focused on honouring small growers and tea workers who play a critical role in sustaining the tea ecosystem, while also encouraging conversations around safe farming practices, quality awareness, and the long-term future of the industry. As part of its ongoing commitment towards responsible tea cultivation, Aman Tea Group has been consistently engaging with growers and farming communities across tea producing regions, particularly in West Bengal, to create greater awareness around sustainable farming practices and the importance of safe tea production at the source. The programmes organised on International Tea Day reflected this year’s global focus on strengthening livelihoods and advancing sustainability across the tea sector. Rajeev Baid said, “Tea has always been deeply connected to people and communities. Behind every cup are thousands of growers, workers, and families whose contribution often goes unseen. International Tea Day is an important reminder to recognise and appreciate their role in shaping the industry. At Aman Tea Group, we believe sustainability is not just a conversation for the future, but a responsibility that begins today at the ground level. Supporting safe farming practices, building awareness among growers, and strengthening the ecosystem around tea are essential for ensuring the long-term future of the industry.” Over the years, Aman Tea Group has continued to focus on building stronger engagement with growers and tea communities while encouraging practices that support both quality and sustainability. The company reiterated that the future of tea will increasingly depend not only on production and market demand, but also on how responsibly the industry approaches cultivation, community development, and environmental stewardship. About Aman Tea Group Aman Tea Group is a diversified tea enterprise engaged across tea production, sourcing, manufacturing, and brand building. Through its associated brands and tea estates, the group continues to focus on quality, sustainability, and creating differentiated tea experiences while remaining deeply connected to the roots of the industry.
Leader of opposition not allotted room in Bengal assembly: TMC
The Trinamool Congress has raised concerns about the functioning of democratic institutions in the West Bengal assembly. The party alleges that the Leader of the Opposition has not been provided with a room. Trinamool Congress legislators are reportedly sitting in the assembly lobby. The party has warned of a protest if the room allotment is further delayed.
Bengal govt launches verification drive for Annapurna Yojana beneficiaries ahead of rollout
West Bengal is preparing for the Annapurna Yojana, a new financial assistance scheme for women. A thorough verification of beneficiaries is underway to ensure a clean and accurate database. This exercise aims to remove ineligible names and authenticate genuine recipients. The scheme, offering a monthly allowance, will commence on June 1.
BJP-ruled states reinforce ban on cow slaughter ahead of Bakrid
With Bakrid fast approaching, several Bharatiya Janata Party- ruled states have reinforced bans on the slaughter of cattle, including cows, calves, buffaloes, camels, and other protected animals. The West Bengal government, on May 13, issued a notification under the states Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, requiring a fit certificate from veterinary authorities before the slaughter 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 government notifies free bus travel for women in State-run buses from June 1
The Transport Department notification says that a smart card with QR code, photograph, and beneficiary details will be issued to all eligible women upon application
Bengal SIR: Tribunals dispose of 6,581 appeals so far, allow 61.5% cases back in voter rolls
West Bengal's appellate tribunals have processed only a small percentage of nearly 25 lakh appeals concerning electoral roll revisions. Out of over 6,500 cases decided, about 61.5 percent were allowed, reinstating names on voter lists. Many appeals remain pending. Tribunals were formed following Supreme Court directives to address grievances.
West Bengal Land Scam Probe: ED Ramps Up Raids on Sona Pappu, Ex-Kolkata DCP
A total of nine premises, including those in Kasba, Chakraberia and Royd Street areas in Kolkata and the ancestral residence of Biswas in Murshidabad's Kandi, are being raided, they said.
No, HM Amit Shah Didnt Say West Bengal Would Ban Alcohol Sale From 30 September
The graphic is fake. There is no announcement about liquor sales being banned in West Bengal.
West Bengal's Annapurna Yojana will replace the Lakshmir Bhandar program, offering 3,000 monthly assistance to eligible women from June 1.
TMC Union Leader Arrested for Intimidating Voters in West Bengal
Kolkata, May 22: A leader associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) trade union was arrested late last night on charges of intimidating voters. He is set to appear in court on Friday, where he will likely be remanded into custody. The accused has been identified as Sheikh Wasul. Reports indicate that he has previously engaged ... Read more TMC Union Leader Arrested for Intimidating Voters in West Bengal
Complaint filed against Parambrata, Swastika over 2021 posts
A legal complaint has been lodged against actors Parambrata Chatterjee and Swastika Mukherjee in West Bengal, accusing them of inciting post-poll violence via social media. The complaint alleges their May 2021 posts fueled attacks on BJP workers. This follows Chatterjee's recent statement about supporting the previous government under alleged pressure, which sparked online backlash. Read on to know more in detail.
West Bengal makes Vande Mataram compulsory in schools and madrasas
The West Bengal government has made singing of Vande Mataram compulsory during assembly prayers in all schools and madrasas receiving government support
Bengal: Fresh ED raids in 'land grabbing' case against Sona Pappu, ex-Kolkata Police DCP
The Enforcement Directorate is conducting fresh searches across West Bengal. These raids are part of a money laundering investigation. The probe is linked to former Kolkata Police DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas and alleged criminal Biswajit Poddar. Several premises are being searched, including those of associates and relatives. Documents and financial records are under examination.
'Had a fruitful meeting with council of ministers,' says PM Modi
New Delhi, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he had a fruitful meeting with his council of ministers where they exchanged perspectives and best practices to boost 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business'. Modi said the meeting on Thursday evening also discussed how to further reforms to realise the shared dream of a developed India. Had a fruitful meeting of the Council of Ministers yesterday. We exchanged perspectives and best practices relating to boosting 'Ease of Living, 'Ease of Doing Business' and how to further reforms in order to realise our shared dream of a Viksit Bharat, Modi said in a post on X. The meeting, which lasted for over four hours, was attended by all cabinet ministers, ministers of state (independent charge), and ministers of state. This was the first meeting of the council this year. The prime minister had earlier asserted that his government's Reform Express has delivered systemic transformation and benefited the citizens in a significant way. Sources said the prime minister told his council of ministers to set 2047 as the target year to make India a fully developed nation. He told the ministers that their aim and objective should always be to bring comfort to people's lives and ease of living. Modi said that there should not be any interference in the people's lives in any way, the sources said. The prime minister told the ministers to take all possible steps so that people get maximum benefits from the government welfare programmes, they said. He said this is the time to look forward, not dwell on what was done in the past. Modi noted that while the government has been in power since 2014, the focus in 2026 must be on future goals and achievements. He advised ministers to remain focused on governance and delivery, the sources said. The prime minister stressed that there should be no pendency in government work. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave a presentation on the latest visit of Modi to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. A total of nine secretaries gave presentations on the initiatives and performance of their ministries and departments. Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan gave a presentation on overall government reform initiatives and other people-centric measures. Niti Aayog member Rajiv Gauba also gave a presentation. The council of ministers meeting comes after the BJP's massive success in the recently held assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, returning to power in Puducherry again.
