West Bengal News
Text view
UP youtuber's Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes, Thar among luxury vehicles seized in online betting probe
Uttar Pradesh based YouTuber's multiple luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes and Mahindra Thar has been seized by the Enforcement Directorate. ED seized them during searches linked to a money laundering probe suspected illegal online betting networks involving a The investigation stems from a West Bengal Police FIR and is ongoing.
Modi to Visit West Bengal on Dec. 20
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate national highway projects at Ranaghat in Nadia district, West Bengal
West Bengal battling defamation for political reasons, says CM Mamata Banerjee
Trying to hard-sell the State as an investment destination, the Chief Minister said that about 2,800 companies and 2 lakh professionals are working in the IT sector in West Bengal, and Bengals Silicon Valley is attracting an investment of 35,000 crore, which will create over 1 lakh jobs.
IMD Weather update: Delhi has been put on a yellow alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) today. The IMD has predicted partly cloudy sky with moderate to shallow fog in the national capital. Very dense fog is likely to prevail in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, the IMD said.
Mamata Banerjee to rename Karmashree scheme after Gandhi
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shame over Mahatma Gandhi's name being removed from MGNREGA. She announced the state's Karmashree scheme will now be named after the Father of the Nation. This move aims to honor Gandhi and provide over 75 days of work annually. Banerjee highlighted Bengal's potential as a business gateway and its IT sector growth.
Goenka Group commits Rs 15,800 cr investment in Bengal
Kolkata: Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, on Thursday announced a capital expenditure plan totalling Rs 15,800 crore aimed at bolstering infrastructure across energy, education, and healthcare sectors in West Bengal. Addressing the Business and Industry Conclave 2025 here, he praised the decisive leadership of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, which facilitates [] The post Goenka Group commits Rs 15,800 cr investment in Bengal appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Mamata Banerjee To Rename Karmashree Scheme After Mahatma Gandhi Amid 'G Ram G' Row
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced to rename its rural job guarantee scheme 'Karmashree' after Mahatma Gandhi.
Central forces will secure the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's office from Friday following protests by BLOs concerned about work pressure and safety. The Election Commission is increasing scrutiny of the electoral roll revision process after several BLOs died. Meanwhile, a voter received a show-cause notice for being registered in two constituencies.
West Bengal SIR: ECI begins to send notices for hearing over claims, objections to draft voters list
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced the second phase of SIR from Thursday in West Bengal by sending notices for hearing on the claims and objections to the draft voters list. Sources said the ECI has started sending notices to the unmapped voters -- those voters who have no connection with the voters list for 2002 -- either through self-mapping or through progeny mapping. Self-mapping voters are those who have their names in both the current voters list of October 2025 and the list of 2002, the last time the Intensive Summary Revision (ISR) was conducted in West Bengal. On the other hand, the progeny mapping voters include those whose parents names appear on the list for 2002. The number of unmapped voters in West Bengal currently stands at 30,59,273, according to the draft electoral rolls. Those who will be served with notices for hearing will be given seven days to be present for the hearing. The dates, times, and venues for the hearing will be mentioned in the notices, an ECI official said. These 30,59,273 voters are in addition to the 58,20,899 excluded voters from the earlier list of October 2025, which includes deceased voters, shifted voters, untraceable voters, duplicate voters, and voters suitable for exclusion due to other reasons, the officials said. Meanwhile, the ECI has also identified over 1.60 crore voters, in whose cases weird family-tree data has been detected. It added that many of these voters with doubtful family-tree data would also be summoned for a hearing and be asked to explain the weirdness on this count. The voters with weird family data include those who have fathers and mothers names as the same in the last voters list, voters who became fathers at the age of 15 or even below, and voters who became grandfathers at the age of 40 or even below, they added. An instance has surfaced where the voter has been identified, who supposedly became a father of two sons at the age of five, they said. The final voters list for West Bengal will be published on February 14 next year, and following this, the ECI plans to announce the polling dates for the Assembly elections in the State.
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that her government would rename a state-funded job guarantee scheme after Mahatma Gandhi, amidst the ongoing row over the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (G RAM G Bill 2025). The chief minister was addressing in a business and industry conclave in Kolkata today. Now, Gandhijis name is not there in the Bill. I am really sorry and feel ashamed of the move. A Bill has been introduced in the parliament. Gandhijis name will not be there in the NREGA scheme, which was named after him. We are forgetting the name of the Father of the Nation. I cannot blame anybody except me because I belong to this country, Mamata said. The Lok Sabha, during the ongoing winter session of the parliament, today passed the VB-G RAM G Bill, which seeks to replace the Congress-led United Progressive Allianceera (UPA) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) that guarantees employment in rural areas. We launched a scheme called Karmashree in our state. This scheme will be renamed after Gandhiji. We are providing more than 75 days of job under this scheme. We are not beggars. We only want respect and nothing else. If you dont give respect to Gandhiji, we will give him the due respect, she added. The opposition, led by the Congress, has claimed that by withdrawing MGNREGA, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre is insulting Mahatma Gandhi and diluting the provisions of the Act. Reacting to the announcement, BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya said the Bill was introduced to respect Mahatma Gandhi. She alleged, The Central Government has been using its investigating agencies like Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against industrialists and businessmen and harassing them. They are creating an environment of terror in Bengal. The Central Government by using its agencies against the investors has been obstructing industrial development in the state. Fake negative campaigns against the industrialisation process are being initiated to defame the state, she claimed in a conclave where industry honchos were present.
JSW Energy to double Salboni thermal power project to 3,200 MW; investment rising to Rs 40,000 cr
JSW Energy is set to significantly expand its Salboni thermal power project in West Bengal, doubling its capacity to 3,200 MW. This ambitious plan, involving an estimated Rs 40,000 crore investment, aims to meet the state's escalating power needs. The company's initial 1,600 MW phase is already underway, solidifying its commitment to the region's energy infrastructure.
Mustard coverage touches 77.06 lakh hectares, up 6% y-o-y
Notable expansion in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and West Bengal, says SEA
CM Mamata slams Centre over G RAM G bill, says Bengals job scheme will be renamed after Gandhi
West Bengal CM said if some political parties failed to show respect to our national icons, we will do it, without directly naming the BJP
Tenfold increase in Minority Affairs dept budget since TMC came to power in Bengal: Mamata
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that the state Minority Affairs department's plan budget has seen a tenfold increase since the TMC came to power in the state. In a post on X on the occasion of Minority Rights Day, Banerjee extended greetings to the people and stated that the department's plan budget had increased from Rs 472 crore in 201011 to over Rs 5,602 crore in 202526. It is my pride that our government has done unprecedented work and continues to do so for minority development. The plan budget has been increased more than tenfold, Banerjee said in a post on X, reaffirming her government's commitment to protecting minority rights and ensuring equitable development in the state. The chief minister claimed that West Bengal ranks first in the country in the distribution of minority scholarships, with 4.85 crore students having benefited from the state-funded 'Aikyashree' scheme at a cost exceeding Rs 10,200 crore since 2011. She added that minority students are being provided education loans of up to Rs 30 lakh for higher studies in India and abroad, while minority and OBC students are covered under the 'Medhashree' scheme. Over the last nearly 15 years, around 16.31 lakh beneficiaries have received self-employment loans amounting to about Rs 3,926 crore, Banerjee wrote. She also highlighted the state's top ranking in the implementation of the Multi-Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP), under which more than Rs 4,500 crore has been spent on infrastructure creation in minority-dominated areas. Additional investments have been made through the state-funded IMDP scheme and other infrastructure projects, Banerjee said. Referring to education and social infrastructure, the CM said English-medium model madrasas and integrated schools are being established, Aliah University campuses have been developed in New Town and Park Circus, and maintenance allowances for students in minority hostels have been enhanced. She further said Urdu has been granted official language status in areas with over 10 per cent Urdu-speaking population, a new Haj House has been built at Rajarhat New Town, and outreach on welfare schemes is being strengthened through imams, muezzins and dedicated minority development bodies. Urdu has been given the status of an official language wherever more than 10 per cent of the population is Urdu-speaking, she said, adding that regional centres of the Urdu Academy have been opened in Islampur and Asansol.
ITC planning 3 more hotels in West Bengal: Chairman Sanjiv Puri
ITC Chairman Sanjiv Puri announced plans for three new hotels in West Bengal. This expansion taps into the state's growing tourism potential. The company is acquiring land for projects in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Sundarbans. These additions will strengthen ITC's hospitality presence in Bengal.
Consensus reached on appointment of VCs in Kerala varsities, Governor tells SC
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court was informed on Thursday that the Kerala Governor and the state government have agreed on names for the appointment of vice chancellors of the A P J Abdul Kalam Technological University and Kerala University of Digital Sciences. The Attorney General, appearing for the Governor, informed the apex court that the matter had been resolved and that the development duly communicated to Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia. The Supreme Court bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan on Thursday hailed the development as a very happy ending, clarifying that all the questions of law arising from the dispute have been kept open for future adjudication. The apex court said a university cannot run without the vice chancellor as he has an important role to play. Lets put an end to this. We have to make sure that (the candidates) are meritorious, Justice Pardiwala remarked. Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for Kerala government, submitted that an appointment order should not have been issued while the matter was still pending before the Court. Hearing these submissions, Justice Pardiwala, however, observed that the Courts primary concern had always been to ensure that appointments were made. The court also in its order noted that Justice Dhulia was entrusted with the task of recommending at least three names for the Vice-Chancellor posts. Today, we are happy that the Chancellor and the Government, in one voice, have reported that the appointment of the Vice-Chancellors has been made, he said. After our last order referred to above, there has been some positive developments. This case illustrates how timely and decisive intervention can go a long way in protecting rights of citizens. Two prominent universities were ruler less. They had no permanent VC heading them. The only reason was, that a consensus was eluding the governor and state government. Doors of this court was knocked, we were deeply concerned, the bench said. We appointed Justice Dhulia and entrusted him with the task of recommending at least three names for VC in two universities. Today, we are happy that the chancellor and government in one voice have reported that the appointment of the VC has been made. We place our appreciation to the good office of Justice Dhulia, it added. The top court in its order said its endeavour was that the interest of all stakeholders is safeguarded. We place our appreciation to the authorities who have acted in aid of the court in appointment. Curtains have been gracefully brought down by the authorities and we also appreciate the attorney general and senior advocate Jaideep Gupta and to the entire team assisting for bringing around a very happy ending to this saga, the bench said. The top court had earlier said it would intervene to resolve the ongoing deadlock over the selection of vice chancellors for two technical universities in Kerala if the chief minister and the governor do not reach a consensus. On November 28, the top court took serious exception to the Kerala governor and chancellor ot looking at the Dhulia Committee report on the appointment of the vice chancellors of the two universities and remarked that it is not just an ordinary piece of paper. On September 2, the Kerala governor moved the apex court for the exclusion of Vijayan from the selection process of the vice chancellors. The governor said neither of the universities envisioned any role for the chief minister in the selection process. On August 18, to end the impasse between the Kerala governor and the state government over the appointment of vice-chancellors, the apex court appointed former apex court judge Dhulia as head of a panel meant for shortlisting names. Justice Dhulia demitted office as Supreme Court judge on August 9. On July 30, the top court asked both the Kerala government and the attorney general, appearing for the governor, to work out some mechanism in harmony to resolve the dispute. The Governor in the petition filed in the top court, said neither of the universities envisioned any role for the chief minister in the selection process of Vice-Chancellors. The plea of Arlekar said that the role of chief minister in the entire selection process for appointment of VCs for the two universities and referred to State of West Bengal versus Dr Sanat Kumar Ghosh and Others, the directions of which had been applied in the present case. He added in his plea that since the minister is a part of the selection process in the appointment of Vice Chancellors in the State of West Bengal, this court made the Chief Minister a part of the said process. Karlekar pointed out in his petition that the university enactments -- the A P J Abdul Kalam Technological University Act and the Kerala Digital University Act -- had no provision for having the minister for higher education or the state government as a part of the selection process for recommendation for appointment of VCs. Therefore, in the humble submission of the application the role of CM for selection of VCs as mentioned in the order dated August 18, may be modified by this court, the plea of Karlelar said, adding that the chief ministers involvement would violate the principle against a person judging his own cause, a norm embedded in the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations. The Chief Minister being the Executive Head of the State is connected with the number of government colleges, managed by the government and affiliated to the university. Therefore, as per UGC Regulations he cannot have any role whatsoever in the appointment of Vice Chancellors, the application said.
RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group commits Rs 15,800 crore capex in Bengal
RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group Chairman Sanjiv Goenka announced a Rs 15,800 crore capital expenditure plan for West Bengal, focusing on energy, education, and healthcare. A key project is a 5,000 MWh storage facility costing Rs 12,000 crore, aiming to power Kolkata with 50% renewable energy. The group will also invest Rs 1,000 crore in expanding education and healthcare facilities.
West Bengal: How Climate Change is Supercharging Lightning Strikes Across State
As hotter, wetter summers drive up lightning strikes across Bengal, rural families in Hooghly are left to face deadly storms with patchy alerts, thin compensation and a trail of invisible survivors.
No Power For 12 Hours On Dec 19: Check Affected Areas In West Bengaluru
Once the transformer capacity enhancement work is completed, BESCOM expects improved load handling in the Byadarahalli zone.
Messi fiasco in Kolkata: Abhishek Banerjee defendsWest Bengal CM Mamata, government
LoPSuvenduAdhikari barred from entering Salt Lake Stadium; four-person Special Investigation Team visits stadium and probes intolast weeks vandalism
Bengal BJP makes public a report blaming Trinamool regime for States industrial decline
The BJP released the document a day before West Bengal government is likely to hold a high-level business conclave in Kolkata on December 18 to highlight the states industrial progress and new investment prospects
Suspended Trinamool MLA Floats Own Party, Will Contest In 135 Seats In Polls
Humayun Kabir, who was recently suspended by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after repeated clashes with the party's leadership, has decided to float his own political party ahead of the high-stakes assembly elections in West Bengal next year.
Follow Calcutta HC norms on child access, custody: Karnataka High Court
BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court directed all the courts in the state to follow the guidelines approved by the Calcutta High Court for child access and child custody, along with the parental plan, till the Rule Committee frames the guidelines in the state. A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Poonacha passed the order while hearing the suo moto public interest litigation registered by it on the matter in 2023. The court noted that the counsels for the parties stated that the Child Access and Custody Guidelines, along with Parenting Plan 2025, were formulated with the participation of several stakeholders and the said guidelines were placed before the Calcutta High Court. The same have been directed to be circulated in terms of the order dated September 23, 2025. The counsels told the court that those guidelines may be directed to be adopted till the same are considered by the Rule Committee and appropriate changes are made, which may be necessary. Taking on record the guidelines placed before it, the court noted that the High Court of Calcutta, while considering a Public Interest Litigation for a direction to frame appropriate guidelines for child access, child custody, along with a parental plan, had referred the matter to the Rule Committee of the said Court. The Rule Committee invited suggestions from the District Judges, Directors of the Judicial Academy, State of West Bengal, Child Psychologists and other relevant stakeholders, who had held various deliberations with regard to the suggestions made. A Sub-Committee was also appointed for the said purpose, and guidelines have been framed. Pursuant to which, the High Court of Calcutta, by order dated September 23, accepted the same and ordered that till the Rules are framed and approved, the guidelines be followed. In view of this, we direct that the said guidelines be placed before the Rule Committee for considering the necessary changes. In the meanwhile, the Registrar General should circulate these guidelines to all the District Judges, Family Courts and Magistrates in the state exercising jurisdiction in matters relating to the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. We clarify that the said guidelines should be applied till the Rules are made by the Rule Making Committee and are approved in accordance with law, the court observed.
2,081 govt schools in Telangana have no students, highest in country: Centre
Hyderabad: The Union Education Ministry has revealed that 5,149 government schools across India had zero students enrolled during the 202425 academic year, with nearly 70 percent of these located in Telangana and West Bengal. The ministry presented this data in a recent report submitted to Parliament. Nalgonda district tops list in Telangana According to the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Opposition mounts attack on govt over G-Ram-G bill, says rights will be diluted
NEW DELHI: Mounting a sharp attack on the proposed legislation to replace MGNREGA, the Opposition parties on Wednesday accused the government of weakening the rights-based welfare scheme and for attempting to erase Mahatma Gandhis legacy. Initiating the debate on Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-G RAM G), Congress MP from Haryana, Jai Prakash, said the proposed law will create fresh financial liabilities for the states and deprive grassroots-level bodies such as the gram sabhas of their rights to decide on the work to be undertaken under the draft law. Opposing the bill, Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh said that the provisions of the new bill are a blow to states like Kerala, which is already under financial strain due to Centres anti- state policies. Suresh also lamented the deletion of Mahatma Gandhis name from the title of the proposed Bill. However, the treasury benches mounted a strong defence with many citing the increase of working days from 100 to 125 days. Mahua Moitra of the Trinamool Congress said the provision of 60:40 basis of Centre-State expenditure-sharing would prove to be the death knell of the scheme. In an expenditure of `10,000 crore, the distribution of 60:40 Centre-State spending would be `6,000 crore and `4,000 crore. So, the state share has gone up by 430%, said Moitra. Quoting Gandhi, she said, By Ram Rajya I do not mean Hindu Raj, I mean divine Raj, the kingdom of God. Ram Rajya ensures equal rights for all, prince and pauper alike. It is the sovereignty of the people based on moral authority. The MP added, By changing the name and repealing the act you have destroyed Gandhi jis idea of Ram Rajya both in letter and in spirit. She pointed out that before the suspension of fund releases in 2022, Bengal was among the top performers of MGNREGA nationwide. Approximately 2.6 crore job card holders across 1.4 crore rural households were in Bengal. Since March 2022, the government has not released one single paisa to West Bengal. As of today the Centre has outstanding MGNREGA dues of `52,000 crore, Moitra said. When we went to meet the minister we were dragged out by the police, the Trinamool MP said.
The Messi mess definitely did not take us by total surprise. For we, the citizens of this country, have witnessed far worse. We are a nation of hotheads. We can riot and wreak havoc at the drop of a hat and when we do, we become such a formidable force of destruction that no superhero plot can compare. Our busy streets can become World War model battlegrounds and hitherto harmless stones and sticks cluttering our roadsides can turn into lethal missiles. How else can one vent out pent up frustrations from a lifetime of trying to adjust to the glaring faults in our system? Now, combine that anger with a sport that consumes the world and the Messi visit fiasco can be easily understood. The football fever grips India every once in a while, despite being a cricket obsessed country. In the states of Kerala, Goa, and West Bengal however, the sport is a way of life. Entire villages are painted in team colours and the arrival of the FIFA World Cup is enough to convert friendly fans into die-hard fanatics. Every local walks around adorning the colours of his Club. These Clubs logos and designs certainly have a history and an artist who created that history. Guillermo Laborde, an Uruguayan painter, sculptor and designer was one of the founders of the Planismo Movement, a distinctive art style characterised by bold colours and flattened forms. It was this style that was used in his iconic poster design for the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930. Featuring a lone goalkeeper, layered typography, and an emphasis on the drama of the sport, the poster is proof of the artists extraordinary skill and eternally remains not just an immensely prized memorabilia, but also a high standard for aesthetics in sports. Fred Gehrke was an American football player, who had majored in art in college. In 1948, he came up with an idea to paint his teams (the Los Angeles Rams) plain helmet with yellow ram horns on a blue background. His coach approved the design after seeing a sample and offered Gehrke money to paint the rest of the 75 helmets. The painstaking effort paid off and he received a standing ovation from the stunned spectators when the helmets made their debut. His innovation was a revolution in sports identity design. The work of Italian artist, Piero Gratton, is considered a masterpiece in football logo design which ultimately steered team identities away from traditional heraldic crests. He redesigned the crest of Italian Football club AS Roma, thus changing the course of the clubs identity forever. His iconic Lupetto logo, a wolfs head in black with a red eye and a yellow-red border was minimalism at its best. Decades after it was created, the Lupetto still inspires with its cult-like aura. So, while we go about worshipping our players and the sport, take a moment to also notice the art that quietly lends itself to crafting these personas.
Caught in a Limbo: Delays plague R.R. Nagar flyover and underpass projects, commuters bear the brunt
Much like last year, two crucial projects aimed at decongesting West Bengalurus R.R. Nagar have not moved an inch, while one long-neglected project has finally been revived
SIR in Bengal: 45K voters deleted from Mamatas assembly seat
Kolkata: The TMC leadership has decided to instruct its booth-level agents to carry out fresh, door-to-door scrutiny of deleted voters names in Bhabanipur, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees assembly constituency, after nearly 45,000 electors were struck off from the draft rolls under the SIR exercise, party sources said. According to Election Commission data, Bhabanipur 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 SIR: ECI to subject hearings on claims, objections to daily audits
NEW DELHI: After completing the first phase of the three-stage Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal with the publication of the draft electoral rolls on Tuesday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) will now focus on strict monitoring of the hearings on claims and objections, scheduled to begin next week. Sources in the ECI said that, in view of large-scale irregular voters data detected during progeny mapping, where, in several cases, the age difference between father and child was found to be less than 15 years, it has been decided to subject the proceedings of the hearings on claims and objections to daily audits. A source said, The idea is to detect the doubtful cases during the hearing sessions and refer such individuals back to the electoral registration officers (EROs) concerned for rechecking. At the same time, sources said the ECI has also decided to video-record the entire hearing sessions and, if necessary, conduct webcasting of the proceedings. The recorded videos will be preserved and examined to identify doubtful cases, they added. The sources also said the ECI has decided to adopt a two-pronged monitoring mechanism for the hearing sessions, one by the special roll observers appointed by the Commission to review the SIR exercise, and the other by senior ECI officials monitoring the process online directly from the Commissions headquarters in New Delhi. The Commission has also decided to appoint micro-observers for the second stage of the three-stage revision exercise, which will involve the filing of claims and objections and the notice phase, the sources said. They added that the issuance, hearing, verification and decision on enumeration forms, and their disposal, will be carried out concurrently by the EROs. Thereafter, the third stage of the SIR will commence, during which the ECI will publish the final voters list on February 14 next year. Soon after the publication of the final voters list, the ECI will announce the dates for the crucial Assembly elections scheduled to be held next year, the sources said.
The SIR of West Bengal's voter list exposes a twist-unmapped voters are concentrated in Matua-dominated seats, not Muslim areas, denting BJP's migrant narrative.
Telangana, WB Top List of Govt Schools With Zero Enrolment
While Telangana has approximately 2,081 zero enrolment schools, West Bengal has 1,571 such institutions
7.6% Voters Removed From West Bengal Draft Roll, 1.6 Crore Under Scanner
About 58 lakh voters, amounting to 7.6 per cent, were removed from the voter list because they have died, moved away, were absent or were registered more than once.
'Md Salim Awasthi': CPM Leader, A Muslim, Becomes Brahmin In SIR Draft Roll
In an epic error during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in West Bengal, CPM's state general secretary and former MP, Mohammed Salim, and his son, Atish Aziz, have been given a Brahmin last name -- Awasthi -- in the draft roll
BJP slams Mamata government over deindustrialisation in West Bengal
KOLKATA: The opposition BJP on Wednesday alleged that the state has been suffering from deindustrialisation since the Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, came to power in the state in 2011. The Bengal BJP unit today released a booklet, 'West Bengal: Industrialisation graveyard', on the industrialisation scenario in the state, hardly 24 hours before the state government organised Business and Industry Conclave in the city on 18 December, showcasing its industrial investment in the state. The BJP held a press conference today where Samik Bhattacharya, Rajya Sabha MP, the partys Bengal president, and Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, were present. Both Samik and Suvendu gave comparative figures focusing on the Trinamool Congress governments promises in the annual mega show Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) since 2015. They alleged that the state government has been misleading people of the state by giving false figures related to industrial investments and the number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed between the state and industry houses. Samik alleged that large industrial houses have left West Bengal, damaging the state's prospects for industrialisation. Both leaders alleged that the governments much-publicised claim about industrial investments of twenty lakh rupees in the state and 800 MoUs signed so far during the past 10 years is nothing but false propaganda. The investments in industries are very poor in the state, they alleged. The Trinamool Congress government has failed in generating employment in the state, they alleged, adding that MoUs are signed in every business summit without any results in investments. The amount of expenditures in organising BGBS showcasing industrialisations in the state is shooting up every year, according to the BJP leaders. Industrial investment in the state is a big zero despite spending a huge amount of Rs 500 crore for BGBSs during the past 10 years. No major investment has been made in heavy and ancillary industries so far, Suvendu said. He also alleged that the state government has decided to organise the business conclave at Dhan Dhannya auditorium in the city instead of the sprawling Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town, spending hundred crores of rupees.
Pan India SIR: Over 1 crore voters missing from draft rolls, West Bengal tops list
New Delhi: As many as 12.32 crore electors have found their names in the draft electoral rolls of three states and two Union territories published on Tuesday as part of the ongoing special intensive revision as compared to the 13.36 crore people who were part of the voters list on October 27. Election Commission officials 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 .
SC defers hearing in West Bengal VC appointment matter to Jan
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred to January next year a plea related to the appointment of regular vice-chancellors in the state-aided universities in West Bengal. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of the submissions of Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing for the office of Governor 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 .
After Pahalgam attack, Kashmir tourism stakeholders look to winter snowfall for revival
SRINAGAR: After the onset of winter in Kashmir, the stakeholders are eagerly waiting for the seasons first major snowfall, hoping it will revive tourist footfall to the Valley and help offset the severe blow dealt to the tourism sector following the April 22 Pahgalam terror attack . From hoteliers to houseboat owners to ski instructors and tour operators and shikara wallas, everybody is eagerly waiting for the snowfall that could breathe life back into the struggling tourism sector. There is hope that a good spell of snow will once again attract tourists from the country and abroad to the picturesque, snow-clad Valley. People will come to Kashmir as there is no better place than it. We are getting good response from tourists for Christmas and New Year, said tour operator Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo. He said a sizable number of tourists from Gujarat, Maharashtra, South India and West Bengal are visiting Kashmir. Asserting that snowfall remains the key factor, Kuthoo said, If there is good snowfall, the tourist inflow to the Valley will increase manifold and it will help in the revival of tourism. Tour operator and Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) Secretary General Sajad Kralyari said the tourist arrivals has picked up this month only and compared to previous months, the bookings have increased for Christmas and New Year. It may significantly increase if there is snowfall. Many intending tourists have kept their Kashmir visit on hold and are awaiting snowfall. The bookings will spur any time if it snows, he said. According to Kralyari, some hotels are sold out in Gulmarg for Christmas and New Year. The world's highest revolving restaurant, recently opened on Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg, offering 360-degree panoramic views, has emerged as an added attraction for tourists this winter. Kralyari noted that, unlike previous years when Gulmarg used to be fully booked during the Christmas and New Year, the April 22 attack in Pahalgam severely dented tourist confidence and the sector is still in the process of recovery. On April 22, militants attacked tourists at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam killing 25 tourists and a local ponywala. The attack dealt a severe blow to the tourism sector in the Valley and it is yet to revive. Tourist footfall and arrivals will increase significantly if there is snowfall and mountains and plains are covered with snow blankets, Kralyari said. The winter tourist destination of Sonamarg in central Kashmir, once abuzz with visitors during winter, is waiting for tourists. President Hotel Association Sonamarg Farooq Hafiz said there is negligible tourist footfall at the tourist destination. We expect the tourists will return to the place if and when there is snowfall. After snowfall, the Sonmarg turns into a winter wonderland and attracts tourists in large numbers, he said. Kashmir is presently in the grip of intense cold with the night temperature staying below freezing point due to prolonged dry spell. However, in good news, MeT has predicted light snow over upper reaches of Kashmir and light rain over scattered plain areas of J&K from December 20 night to 21st afternoon. Manzoor Pakhtoon, chairman All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (AKHBOA) said at present all houseboats in Dal Lake and Nageen lake are lying vacant. It all depends on snowfall. If there is snowfall, the tourist footfall will definitely increase and occupancy of houseboats and hotels will improve, he said.
Supreme Court transfers RG Kar Medical College trainee doctor rape-murder case to Calcutta HC
NEW DELHI : The Supreme Court on Wednesday transferred the RG Kar Medical College trainee doctor rape and murder case to the Calcutta High Court. The top court had taken suo motu cognisance of the case in 2024. A bench of justices MM Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma directed that the case papers be sent to the high court. The top court also directed that a copy of the status report be given to the parents of the victim. The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found in the hospital's seminar room on August 9 last year. The Kolkata Police arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, the next day. On January 20, a Kolkata trial court awarded convict Roy life term imprisonment till death in the case. The crime triggered nationwide outrage and prolonged protests in West Bengal. The apex court, even after the primary conviction, is monitoring multiple ancillary issues, including regularising the unauthorised absence of doctors. While taking suo motu notice of the case, the bench constituted a National Task Force (NTF) on August 20 last year to formulate a protocol to ensure the safety and security of medical professionals in the wake of the crime.
Around 1.36 crore voters will be called for SIR hearings in West Bengal: CEO
KOLKATA : Around 1.36 crore voters will be called for hearings as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, a senior Election Commission official said. He said the state has completed the SIR exercise within the stipulated timeframe. Among the big states, we finished in time. Others have asked for more time, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal said on Tuesday. Around 1 crore 36 lakh voters will be called for hearings, though this number may reduce. If someone cannot attend a hearing due to a genuine reason, it will certainly be considered, he said. Agarwal said the names of these voters were flagged during the exercise. The Commission on Tuesday published West Bengal's draft electoral rolls following SIR, deleting the names of more than 58 lakh voters on various grounds, including death and migration, and redrawing voter profiles across districts and border belts ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. He said some names have been removed from the draft rolls due to mismatches and procedural reasons. They will also be called, and there will be no difficulty, he said, adding that voters whose names do not appear in the draft rolls should submit Form 6 along with Annexure 4. Booth-level officers (BLOs) have already started making door-to-door visits to notify those who would be called for hearing, he said. The CEO also called for greater delegation of powers. In Bihar, the EROs were given the responsibility for disposals. We are asking that AEROs be given more powers, he said. Agarwal also acknowledged the role of political parties in the process. Agents of political parties have helped us, and we are thanking them for their cooperation, he said. He said complaints or information related to the draft rolls could be shared with the observers. Special camps have been opened, and BLA-BLO meetings have been held, he said.
Around 1.36 Crore Voters To Be Called For SIR Hearings in West Bengal
The Election Commission published West Bengal's draft electoral rolls following SIR, deleting the names of more than 58 lakh voters on various ground
TMC for door-to-door scrutiny after 45,000 voters deleted from Mamata Banerjee's assembly seat
The TMC has instructed its booth-level agents to physically verify all deleted voter names in Mamata Banerjees Bhabanipur constituency after nearly 45,000 voters (about 22% of the electorate) were removed from the draft rolls during West Bengals Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Ministers letter of resignation should come to me, not CM: West Bengal Governor
NEW DELHI: West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose said on Tuesday that he was yet to receive official correspondence from the Mamata government about Arup Biswas regisnation. The constitution stipulates that the resignation of a minister and reallocation of portfolios should be done with the approval of the governor. I am waiting for official correspondence from the government, he told reporters in New Delhi. He added that people made many demands in the case of mismanagement at the Lionel Messi event, including immediate resignation of the state sports minister, who was there at the event on the fateful day. First, through a representative of the Lok Bhavan and, then, in a letter, an advisory was given to the government that the sports minister and those responsible candidly admit their vicarious liability in the matter and resign. Also, an inquiry is needed to establish responsibility of those who committed lapses, Bose said. He also said there was specific, perceptible, and systemic failure in managing the event. It is surprising that a metropolis like Kolkata does not have standard operating procedures for congregation management, he said. The governor demanded an insurance scheme for spectators at such events, with the premium to be paid by organisers.
Bengal Government Took Action After Messi Incident: Abhishek Banerjee
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said the West Bengal government has taken action following the chaos during an event involving Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi.
Over 1.36 crore voters flagged in progeny mapping in West Bengal SIR
ECI says anomaliesemergedduring progeny mapping; claims and objections window now open till January 15
West Bengal Govt Took Action Following Messi Incident: Abhishek Banerjee
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accepted the sports minister's resignation, while the state government show-caused the DGP and other senior officers, and suspended a deputy commissioner.
Phase 2 SIR: Over one crore names left out in three states, two UTs
Electoral rolls in five states and Union Territories have seen over one crore names removed. This is part of a special revision process. West Bengal and Rajasthan reported the largest exclusions. Genuine voters can still be added during a claims and objections period. Final rolls will be published in February 2026.
West Bengal SIR: Matuas fear hearings after many found unmapped
According to the Election Commission data, a total of 31,39,815 voters across the state have been categorised as unmapped and will be required to appear for hearings. These voters could not establish linkage with themselves or their progeny in the 2002 SIR.
200 BLOs demo against voter deletion in West Bengal
Kolkata: Around 200 members of a forum of booth-level officers (BLOs) held a demonstration outside the West Bengal CEOs office here on Tuesday, protesting against the alleged deletion of thousands of genuine voters in the draft electoral roll under the SIR. Members of the BLO Oikyo Manch (BLO Unity Platform) raised slogans against the Election 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 .
WB CM Mamata meets BLAs in Bhawanipore hours after ECI released draft electoral rolls for the State
KOLKATA: Hours after the Election Commission of India (ECI) released the draft electoral rolls on Tuesday, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting with Booth Level Agents (BLAs) in Bhawanipore assembly constituency this evening. Senior leaders and Kolkata civic body councillors of the party and ministers like Firhad Hakim attended the meeting. Bhawanipore constituency recorded around 44,000 dead and bogus voters as per the draft electoral rolls after completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls for West Bengal. The release of the draft rolls has prompted the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition to go for political equations in terms of electoral advantage ahead of the assembly polls scheduled next year in the State. EC releases draft electoral rolls in West Bengal post completion of SIR exercise phase one, 58 lakh voters deleted This afternoon, Mamata asked the party leaders and BLAs to verify the alleged reports of alive voters whose names have been deleted as dead in the draft electoral rolls. The Trinamool Congress supremo, who has been strongly opposing the SIR exercise since the ECI announced dates of voters list revision in the State in October, instructed the party BLA to check the draft rolls so that no genuine voter is deleted. She asked them to conduct door-to-door visits to help voters in every booth. Significantly, the names of 127 voters that have been deleted in the draft roll of Mitra Institution of polling booth (no. 260), is where Mamata casts her votes. Thirteen out of these deleted voters are dead, while the rest have been shifted permanently. The draft rolls seem to be a setback for the BJP camp as well with the deletion of 86,000 voters in the Matua-dominated Bongaon subdivision in North 24 Parganas district. There had been a phenomenal rise for BJP in Matua vote bank in Nadia, North 24 Parganas and parts of Jalpaiguri districts since 2019.
EC Delists 58.20 Lakh Invalid Voters In WB SIR Draft
The exact figure of the deleted voters names is 58,20,898, according to the SIR draft roll published by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal on Tuesday.
ECI publishes draft electoral rolls for five States and UTs
Over 58 lakh names have been removed from the existing voter lists in West Bengal,nearly 42lakhin Rajasthan, 10lakhin Goa, a little more than a lakh in Puducherry andnearly 1500inLakshwadweep.
GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said India would not stay silent on Bangladeshs repeated threats of merging the Northeast with Bangladesh. He called it a reflection of a bad mindset. Statements have been emanating from Bangladesh for the past year with calls to merge the Northeast with that country. But how will Bangladesh do it? Its wrong to even imagine this, Sarma told the media. He mentioned that India is a large and sovereign nation with the worlds fourth-largest economy. If such behaviour continues, we should teach them a lesson that we will not remain silent, he further stated. The remarks came a day after Hasnat Abdullah, a youth leader of Bangladeshs newly formed political outfit National Citizen Party, had threatened to breach Indias territorial integrity. I want to tell Bharat in clear terms that if you keep sheltering those who do not believe in the sovereignty, voting and human rights of our country, we will shelter the separatists of India and separate the Northeast, Hasnat had warned. He accused India of making the patrons of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rise against Bangladesh by giving them money and arms. The provocation from Bangladesh started earlier this year when Chief Adviser of the countrys interim government Prof Mohammed Yunus stated, Seven states of India in its eastern part are a land-locked region. They have no way to reach the ocean. We are the only guardians of the ocean. Later, the threat shifted to the chicken neck, a 22 km-35 km wide corridor in Siliguri connecting the Northeast with the rest of India.CM Sarma had then stated that those who habitually threaten India on the Siliguri corridor must note that Bangladesh has two chicken necks and both are vulnerable. He mentioned that the first chickens neck (80 km) runs from Dakhin Dinajpur in West Bengal to South West Garo Hills in Meghalaya, while the other, Chittagong Corridor (28 km), runs from South Tripura till the Bay of Bengal.
The draft electoral rolls published on Tuesday show the state's electorate shrinking from around 7.66 crore voters to over 7.08 crore, after names were deleted on grounds ranging from death and permanent migration to duplication and non-submission of enumeration forms.
Goa nightclub owners, wanted for a fatal fire, were arrested in Delhi after fleeing to Bangkok. West Bengal's sports minister resigned following the Lionel Messi event chaos, with the CM taking charge. In IPL, Cameron Green was bought for Rs 25.20 crore. Delhi's environment minister apologized for air pollution, while Ukraine claimed responsibility for a Black Sea submarine attack.
West Bengal sports minister resigns amid Messi visit chaos, officials face show-cause notices
West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas resigned following chaos during Lionel Messi's visit to Yuvabharati Stadium. Several top police officials, including the DGP and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, have been show-caused. A high-powered SIT has been formed to investigate the mismanagement and lapses during the event.
Messi event fiasco: CM Mamata Banerjee to take sports charge; Aroop Biswas quits ministry
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is reportedly set to take over the state's sports ministry. This follows Sports Minister Aroop Biswas offering to resign amid allegations of mismanagement and security lapses during the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata. The controversy led to spectator anger and damage to stadium property.
During the Lionel Messi event, angry spectators resorted to an indiscriminate rampage and clashed with the police, causing an estimated damage of Rs 2 crore to stadium furniture.
Draft electoral rolls published in Bengal after special revision process
West Bengal's draft electoral rolls reveal 127 Absent, Shifted, Dead (ASD) voters at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's booth. The Special Intensive Revision process identified over 24 lakh dead voters for deletion. The draft rolls are now available for public scrutiny, with claims and objections to be filed until January 17, 2026.
West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has reportedly offered to resign following allegations of mismanagement and security lapses at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata. The move comes after angry spectators clashed with police, causing significant damage to stadium property. A Trinamool Congress leader shared a purported resignation letter, though its authenticity is being questioned.
West Bengal sports minister resigns over Messi event debacle
West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas resigned on Tuesday, December 16 following the debacle at Lionel Messis match in Kolkata on December 13. In a handwritten letter to chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Biswas, who has faced much of the criticism for the chaos, said he was stepping down to ensure a free and fair investigation 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 authorities have issued show-cause notices to top police officials, including the DGP and Bidhannagar CP, following chaos during the Lionel Messi GOAT Tour event. Lapses in crowd control, security, and coordination led to disorder, vandalism, and the early termination of the program, prompting administrative action and an inquiry.
The first stage of the three-level Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal will end on Tuesday, with over 58.08 lakh names already being identified as excludable for various reasons.
BJPs Suvendu Adhikari had earlier alleged that illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants were present in large numbers in West Bengal and had influenced electoral outcomes in the past
West Bengal SIR draft electoral roll: How to check your name in voter list
The draft electoral roll for West Bengal after the Special Intensive Revision was released on Tuesday.
TMC says Bengal draft rolls 'puncture' BJP's '1 crore Rohingyas' claim as 'ghost voters' at 1.83L
West Bengal's draft electoral rolls have been released ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. The Trinamool Congress claims the rolls refute BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's assertion of one crore illegal voters. The draft rolls show 1,83,328 'fake' or 'ghost' voters.
Bengal SIR: EC publishes draft electoral rolls; over 58 lakh names deleted
Kolkata: The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday published West Bengals draft electoral rolls following SIR, with officials indicating that the names of more than 58 lakh voters have been deleted on various grounds, including death, migration and non-submission of enumeration forms. After these deletions, the states draft electoral rolls are expected to carry the names 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 .
Over 58 Lakh Names Deleted As ECI Publishes Draft Electoral Rolls In West Bengal After SIR Exercise
Bengal SIR: Voters whose names are missing or marked for deletion can file claims and objections within the prescribed period.
Over 58 Lakh Names Deleted As Poll Body Publishes Bengal's SIR Draft List
In a development likely to raise a political storm in poll-bound West Bengal, a total of 58 lakh names have been deleted from the state's draft voter list after the Special Intensive Revision to weed out duplication and errors
EC publishes draft electoral rolls, list of deleted voters in Bengal under SIR 2026
KOLKATA: The EC on Tuesday published the draft electoral rolls of West Bengal based on its enumeration feedback. The commission also published on its website the names of voters whose names were included in the electoral rolls of the state in 2025 but were deleted from the draft rolls of 2026, stating reasons for their deletion. The draft rolls have been made available on the official website of CEO, West Bengal, ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/Electors as well as the voter portal of the EC, voters.eci.gov.in, and also on the ECINET application. The list of deleted voters is currently available on the commission's portal link ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/asd_sir. The number of uncollectable SIR enumeration forms, according to commission sources, exceed 58 lakh and were deleted on grounds of either remaining absent from their registered addresses, permanently shifted, dead or marked as 'duplicate' voters in more than one constituencies. While over 24 lakh voters have been marked as 'dead', more than 12 lakh voters couldn't be traced in their registered addresses, close to 20 lakh voters were found to have permanently shifted from their previous constituencies and another 1.38 lakh voters were found to have duplicate name entries, commission sources said. The names of over 57,000 voters were deleted on grounds of other complications that were unearthed during the enumeration phase, they added. Aggrieved persons can submit their claims in Form 6 along with the Declaration Form and supporting documents after publication of draft roll during the period fixed for receiving claims and objections i.e.16/12/2025 till 15/01/2026, the commission website stated. Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly are due early next year.
Bengal SIR: Draft voters list to be published on Tuesday
Kolkata: The first stage of the three-level Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal will end on Tuesday, with over 58.08 lakh names already being identified as excludable for various reasons. Along with West Bengal, the draft voters lists will also be published during the day for the two other states of Goa and Rajasthan, as 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 SIR 2026: EC publishes list of voters deleted from draft electoral rolls
Bengal SIR 2026: Ahead of West Bengal's draft electoral rolls publication, the Election Commission released a list of over 58 lakh deleted voters on its website. These deletions are due to reasons like absence from registered addresses, permanent shifts, deaths, or duplicate entries. Aggrieved individuals can submit claims for inclusion between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026.
ECI West Bengal SIR Draft roll: In West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) will release the draft electoral rolls for the state today, December 16. If you want to check whether your name is present in the voter list or not, then you need to visit the official website of the Election Commission or the official website of Bengals chief electoral officer.
Nitin Nabin takes charge; Amit Shah, Nadda welcome new president at party HQ
NEW DELHI: A day after being named as BJPs new working president, Nitin Nabin took charge of his new responsibility at the party headquarters here on Monday in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and outgoing national president JP Nadda. Thousands of workers and office-bearers welcomed Nabin (45), who arrived at the party headquarters after a delay of several hours, reportedly due to his flight being late. He was received at the airport by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and several other BJP leaders. He is likely to eventually succeed Nadda as the partys national president, signalling a generational shift in the ruling party. Party leaders described Nabin as dynamic, ideologically rooted and deeply committed to the organisation. They said he interacted with leaders and assured them that he would work under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi. He also comes from a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) background. Prior to his arrival in Delhi, Nitin Nabin said in Patna, I have always worked on the ideas of my father, former BJP MLA Nabin Kishor Prasad Sinha, who considered the party as his mother and prioritised the nation over everything. Meanwhile, his sudden appointment of Nabin as working national president has set triggered speculations with many linking it with the West Bengal Assembly elections due in 2026. Nabin belongs to the Kayastha community. His appointment will certainly help us in delivering an impactful message amongst the voters of Kayastha and sub-castes in Bengal, said a senior BJP leader.
Prez withholds assent to University amendment bills, Guv to continue as chancellor
KOLKATA, Dec 15 : There will be no immediate change in the post of Chancellor of state-aided universities in West Bengal after President Droupadi Murmu withheld assent to two amendment bills proposed by the state government. As a result, the proposal to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as Chancellor has not come into effect, and Governor C V Ananda Bose will continue to hold the post. According to an official communication from Lok Bhawan, formerly Raj Bhawan, Kolkata, [] The post Prez withholds assent to University amendment bills, Guv to continue as chancellor appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Draft electoral rolls of three states, two Union Territories to be published today
Draft voter lists for West Bengal, Rajasthan, Goa, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep are set for publication on Tuesday. This is part of a special voter list revision. Hard copies will be shared with political parties, and lists will be available online. Claims and objections will be accepted until January 17. Final rolls are expected in February 2026.
Poll Body To Publish Bengal Draft Electoral Rolls Today
The Election Commission is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on Tuesday, following the completion of the statewide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the 2026 assembly polls.
Calcutta HC to hear PILs on violence at Messi event; five spectators held
Petitioners have sought the courts intervention in transferring the probe from the West Bengal Police to Central investigating agencies
Election Commissioner to release West Bengal voter list on Dec 16
Kolkata: The Election Commission is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on Tuesday following the completion of the statewide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The election authorities are racing to complete last-minute preparations, with officials saying on Monday that the exercise is on track to meet 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 .
Nitin Nabin takes charge as BJP working president
His immediate challenges will be to face the Assembly elections due in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
KOLKATA: The West Bengal government's bid to make the Chief Minister the chancellor of state universities suffered a setback om Monday when President Droupadi Murmu rejected the West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022. With the Presidents disapproval of the Bill, there will be no change in the post of chancellors in government-aided and sponsored universities in the state. As per the existing system, the Bengal Governor holds the chancellor portfolio in government universities across the state. Governor C V Ananda Bose will remain in the post of chancellor of the universities as usual, according to Lok Bhavan sources. In 2024, Bose had sent the Bill, which was passed in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, to the President for her consideration. The West Bengal cabinet in 2022 had approved a proposal to appoint the CM Mamata Banerjee as the chancellor. The state government had claimed that academic and administrative activities in these universities would gain momentum if the chief minister is made chancellor. Former Governor Jagdeep Dhankar during whose regime the move was initiated had alleged that the state government was appointing VCs in various universities without consulting him. He had alleged that vice-chancellors of 24 universities have been appointed illegally without the chancellor's approval. The Opposition BJP and CPI-M had also come down heavily on the Trinamool Congress government for its bid to make the CM the chancellor. The opposition camp had also alleged that the Mamata government wanted to establish its political influence in higher academic institutes in the state through the Bill.
Draft electoral rolls to be published in West Bengal after large-scale SIR exercise
KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on Tuesday, following the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters lists that began on November 4. Voters will be able to verify their names in the draft rolls either online or offline, according to the Commission. Sources in the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (WBCEO) office said the draft rolls were prepared through a four-step process distribution, submission, digitalisation and data analysis of enumeration forms (EFs). All data related to the EFs have been uploaded on the Booth Level Officer (BLO) app over the past four days. During the SIR exercise so far, 7,08,16,631 voters have been included in the draft rolls, sources said. As of January 2025, the electoral roll had 7,66,37,529 voters. During the revision process, 58,20,898 voters including those who were dead, duplicate, permanently shifted or absent have been deleted, the sources said, requesting anonymity. To check their details online, voters can visit the Commissions website, eci.gov.in, or the official website of the WBCEO, ceowestbengal.gov.in. They can search using the electors name and photo identity card (EPIC) number, after which the voters details will be displayed. If the websites are not available or accessible, voters can approach the BLOs appointed by the national poll body. A copy of the draft electoral rolls for each polling booth will be available with the BLOs. Voters may also seek assistance from Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of political parties. A separate list of names deleted from the rolls will also be published. What should voters do if their names are not included in the draft electoral rolls? Those who have not been able to match their names with those of their kin in the 2002 Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal will be asked to attend a hearing called by the Commission. Electors seeking inclusion of their names will have to explain to the officials conducting the hearing why their names could not be linked and submit proof of Indian citizenship and voting eligibility. Documents required when a voter attends the hearing for inclusion of his or her name in the electoral rolls include: Identity card as a state or central government employee or pension holder Birth certificate Passport Madhyamik or any other educational qualification certificate Residential certificate issued by any organisation under the state government Forest rights certificate Caste certificate Family register issued by the local administration Land allotment or house allotment certificate issued by the government Any document issued before 1987 by a post office, bank, Life Insurance Corporation or any local authority
Messi event chaos: West Bengal Governor flags management lapses, to submit report to Centre
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose called the recent chaos during Lionel Messi's event a management failure. He stated the incident hurt football lovers and undermined common man dignity. The Governor will submit a pro-people report to the Centre and give suggestions to the state government. He also directed a judicial inquiry and refund of ticket prices.
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has released the admit card for the Clerkship Examination (Part II), 2023. Candidates can download their e-Admit Cards from psc.wb.gov.in for the Mains examination scheduled for Sunday, December 28, 2025. Strict reporting and entry times are in place, and candidates must carry valid photo ID.
PILs in Calcutta HC seek CBI, ED probe into Salt Lake Stadium vandalism after Messi event chaos
KOLKATA: Three separate public interest litigations (PILs) were filed in the Calcutta High Court on Monday challenging the West Bengal governments decision to constitute an inquiry committee headed by retired High Court judge Justice Asim Kumar Roy to probe the vandalism at Salt Lake Stadium following the chaos during football legend Lionel Messis showcasing event on Saturday. The petitioners have urged the court to hand over the investigation to central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), citing the scale of the incident and alleged lapses in crowd management and security. The pleas seek transfer of the ongoing state-level inquiry to central agencies for an independent probe into the factors that triggered the violence. The PILs have been filed separately by Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari, and advocates Sabyasachi Chatterjee and Mainak Ghoshal. The petitions are likely to be heard together later this week. Adhikaris counsel, Bilwadal Bhattacharya, sought permission from the court to file the PIL, arguing that a central probe was necessary to unearth the factors that had triggered vandalism in the stadium. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee , who was scheduled to felicitate Lionel Messi along with his teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez at the event, had announced the formation of the inquiry committee under Justice Roy within hours of the violence breaking out at the stadium. Escalating his attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress ahead of the Assembly elections due next year, Adhikari on Sunday said his party did not accept the state governments move to appoint an inquiry committee headed by Justice Roy to probe the incident. 'We travelled all the way...': Heartbreak for fans as organisers mess up Messi event in Kolkata Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Sunday visited the vandalised Salt Lake Stadium complex, a day after he was allegedly denied entry on Saturday afternoon. His visit coincided with the inquiry committees inspection of the site. I came here again to visit the condition of the stadium. Lionel Messi is an international icon to all and vandalism happened during his presence. Its the failure of the government and police that led the mess. I will verify their role thoroughly, the Governor said on Sunday. I have also met the inquiry committee members at the spot and they are probing it. Saturdays incident is a shame for all in Kolkata. There might be several more reasons behind the chaos and these are not being properly cleared so far from outside. I will speak to the aggrieved fans and then submit my report, Bose said. Kolkata Messi event: Chief organiser arrested as Mamata orders high-level probe into alleged mismanagement
Messi event chaos: Bengal police summon six event managers for quizzing, arrest five for vandalism
KOLKATA: The West Bengal Police on Monday sent summons to officials of six organisations, which were in charge of managing various aspects of the Lionel Messi event at the Salt Lake stadium , where spectators resorted to large-scale chaos and vandalism two days ago, alleging gross mismanagement, an officer said. Acting on an FIR on the spectator rampage that led to an estimated loss of over Rs 2 crore of stadium properties, police have also arrested five people so far on charges of vandalism and assault on police personnel. Among the notices which were served to the event organisers included those to Laltu Das, manager of Satadru Datta -- the now arrested prime organiser of the event, police said. Summonses were also dispatched by the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate to Manali Bhattacharya, an event manager, Supriya Dasgupta, Sambaran Karmakar, Aditya Das and Amit Kumar, a senior official of a food delivery aggregator. All six officials, police said, were involved in managing the marquee event at the stadium in their respective capacities. They have been asked to be present for questioning at the commissionerate office on Tuesday, the police officer added. Messi event chaos: State inquiry panel, Bengal Governor inspect Salt Lake stadium Sources said that Das, who represented organiser Satadru Datta at a meeting with senior police officials, where the standard operating procedures were discussed threadbare a day prior to the December 13 programme, will be questioned for allegedly violating the dos and don'ts while organising the event. The police are also trying to pinpoint accountability for allowing unauthorised food and beverage sales inside the stadium, the containers of which were later used as missiles by the irate crowd during the rampage. Meanwhile, the Bidhannagar Police arrested five spectators on charges of vandalism and destruction of public property during the stadium violence. The police said the suspects were identified based on video footage evidence and booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita pertaining to destruction of public property, obstructing public servants from discharging duty and assaulting personnel in uniform. The process of identifying and booking other suspects in the stadium vandalism and violence is currently underway, the officer said. Satadru Datta , the prime organiser of the marquee event, was arrested on Saturday, shortly after the stadium fiasco. The latest bookings take the arrest figure to six. Messi's India visit: Kolkata event flops, Hyderabad makes up
Fearing SIR, another person dies by suicide in Bengal
Kolkata: Another person has died by suicide due to alleged fear of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of the voter list being carried out by the Election Commission, in West Bengals Nadia district, said the police on Monday. An elderly man in the Ranaghat area of the district has taken his own life. The Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Messi event chaos: West Bengal police summon 6 event managers for quizzing, arrest 5 for vandalism
West Bengal Police summoned officials from six organizations involved in managing the chaotic Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake stadium. Alleging gross mismanagement after widespread vandalism and an estimated Rs 2 crore loss, police have arrested five spectators and the prime organizer. Investigations are ongoing to pinpoint accountability for the stadium's damage and unauthorized sales.
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) will soon release the Clerkship Examination (Part II), 2025 admit card for the exam scheduled on December 28, 2025. Candidates can download their e-Admit Cards from the official website, psc.wb.gov.in, and must reach the venue by 10:30 AM. No duplicate admit cards will be issued.
Bengal SIR: Re-verification results into additional eight lakh excludable voters
Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI)s decision for re-verification of data provided in the duly-filled enumeration forms collected by the booth-level officers (BLOs) during the first stage of the three-level ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal has led to the detection of around eight lakh additional excludable voters within just seven days 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 .
