Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 8 (IANS) Huge quantities of marijuana and other narcotics substances were recovered by the West Bengal Police from two locations in two districts on Sunday, officials said. The first seizure took place early this morning at Chandipur village under Jhargram Police Station in Jhargram district, where the police seized three sacks full of marijuana. Being tipped off by their sources, the cops of Jhargram Police Station conducted a raid and search operation at the residence of a person named Biswajit Shil of Chandipur village. Initially, nothing was found in the house. However, during the detailed search, the police became suspicious after seeing the floor of the house, which was quite uneven after they started digging the soil. After removing the soil, three sacks were arranged in rows. After removing the soil, the police took out the sacks. When the sacks were opened, they saw huge quantities of marijuana packed there. An officer of the Jhargram Police station confirmed that a total of 43 kg and 222 gm of marijuana were recovered from the three sacks. Jhargram Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rishabhraj Dev said that Biswajit has been arrested and has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. In a separate development, the state police arrested one person at Lalgola in Murshidabad district on Sunday with 324 gm of heroin in his possession. The estimated price of the narcotics seized from his possession is around Rs 37 lakh. The person arrested in this connection had been identified as Muhammad Mahfuz Alam. The police have also seized his mobile phone and motorcycle. He is currently being questioned, and the investigating officers are trying to squeeze information from him about his aides in the racket. He had also been booked under the NDPS Act, 1985. On Saturday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a social media message complementing the roles of West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police of busting organised narcotics rackets in different parts of the state. In his social media message, the Chief Minister claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government maintained a zero-tolerance policy against illicit narcotics. During a statewide Special Drive conducted from October 31 to November 7, our law enforcement forces achieved decisive results, making 378 arrests across 212 NDPS cases and seizing illicit narcotics valued at Rs 64 crore (along with Rs 17 lakh in cash) and disposed of seized drugs worth Rs 101 crore, CM Adhikari said. During the same period, the Chief Minister claimed that the police destroyed illicit marijuana cultivation to the tune of 10,000 kg and attached Rs 1 crore in property and launched 68 financial probes against 110 accused. I commend our police personnel for their relentless commitment to keeping West Bengal safe and drug-free in line with the #NashaMuktBharat Abhiyan, he added.
West Bengal to institute 'Seema Mitra' award for BSF, SSB, police personnel from 2027: Suvendu
A selection committee would be constituted to decide the awardees, he said, while addressing BSF personnel at a border outpost in Hingalganj in North 24 Parganas district, which shares a boundary with Bangladesh
Bengal's push to bring workers home raises concerns in Keralam
Building contractor Vijayakumar is keenly awaiting the return of his expert worker, a native of Murshidabad district in West Bengal, after he left for home to celebrate Durga Puja. Only, the worker's return remains uncertain now. The uncertainty stems from an appeal by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari asking workers to stay back, citing livelihood opportunities under the VB-G RAM G scheme, which guarantees 125 days of work and enables them to earn a livelihood while living with their families. His employee in question has been working in the construction sector in Keralam for years. He left for his native village a few weeks ago to celebrate Durga Puja. He is an expert in building houses in the traditional Keralam style, according to Vijayakumar, from Veliyanadu village in this district. The West Bengal government's announcement has triggered anxiety in Keralam, which depends heavily on migrant workers across several sectors, particularly construction, where their service
Mamata Banerjee Offers Prayers At Kali Puja Pandal In Kolkata
ormer West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visits a Kali Puja pandal near her residence in Kalighat, Kolkata, and offers prayers during the festive celebrations.
Rajnath Singh Celebrates Diwali With IAF Personnel At Bagdogra
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrates Diwali with Indian Air Force personnel at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, as IAF air warriors sing songs during the festive gathering.
FairPoint: A mother's defence cannot hide a son's electoral failures
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) It is not uncommon for a mother to defend her child, whatever the circumstances. It is a deeply ingrained human instinct. So, when Sonia Gandhi says Congress and other Opposition parties have not had a level playing field since 2014, it appears to be little more than a mother coming to her son's defence. She says the BJP has a complete stranglehold over all institutions, particularly the Election Commission. The veteran leader also claims that the mainstream media has been controlled, and that the ruling party is using money power and exploiting religion. No doubt, this is a mother's explanation for her son's inability to gain power despite having been in politics and 'working so hard' since 2004, when Rahul Gandhi took the political plunge. A mother's defence of her son is understandable and, in many ways, even praiseworthy. But the repeated electoral defeats since she and, subsequently, her son took charge of the Congress party raise a much bigger question. Sonia Gandhi became the party president in 1998, several years after the death of Rajiv Gandhi in a major terror attack in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. Since then, Congress has seen a steady decline, except once, in 2009, when it went past 200 in the Lok Sabha on its own. No matter whom she blames for the losses, the truth about the grand old party today is that its decline has been gradual, with each successive election taking it further down the political ladder. Over the past three decades, the party has struggled to retain its position as the country's dominant political force. In 2004, Congress won 145 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, with a vote share of 26.53 per cent (10,34,08,949 votes). The BJP won 138 seats. Congress, along with its allies, formed the government at the Centre under the UPA banner, with outside support from the Left Front, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Sonia Gandhi became UPA chairperson, while Manmohan Singh took over as Prime Minister. It was also in 2004 that Rahul Gandhi entered active politics by contesting and winning his first Lok Sabha election from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. He did not hold any ministerial portfolio or formal Cabinet position, but his political standing within the party was already significant. In 2009, Congress won 206 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, gaining 61 seats over its 2004 tally. Its vote share rose to 28.55 per cent (11,91,11,019 votes). Sonia Gandhi continued as UPA chairperson, and Manmohan Singh remained Prime Minister in UPA-II. Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, had become the General Secretary of the party in September 2007 and was given charge of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI). He was appointed Congress Vice-President on January 19, 2013, and, four years later, in December 2017, succeeded his mother as party president. The party lost power in 2014, and when the defeat was repeated in 2019, Rahul Gandhi resigned as Congress president, taking moral responsibility for the party's electoral performance. In a four-page open letter, he stressed that accountability was critical for the party's future and called upon the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to find his successor. Since Rahul began exercising considerable influence over the party's decision-making, particularly from 2009 onwards, Congress has reportedly lost 71 of the 83 Assembly elections it has contested. This is apart from its continued inability to return to power at the Centre. From being in power in 11 states in 2014, the party is now down to four. The success of any political leader is ultimately measured by electoral victories, and Rahul Gandhi's record falls woefully short. Considering his political lineage, his performance so far has been particularly disappointing. His great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru's Congress dominated the country's political landscape and ruled more than three-fourths of the states. His grandmother, Indira Gandhi, won three Lok Sabha elections, two of them with huge majorities, and under her leadership, Congress ruled over more than two-thirds of the states. Even his mother, Sonia Gandhi, did a commendable job, achieving what had seemed almost impossible. Despite the party being out of power at the Centre from 1996 to 2004, she managed Congress's return in 2004. Rahul Gandhi may no longer be the president of his party, but he continues to remain its principal power centre and de facto chief. No major or minor decisions are taken without his involvement and approval. So, when the party continues to slump, he cannot escape responsibility. Yet, he has failed to find the right strategy or take the necessary steps to arrest the decline, let alone bring about a revival. He has consistently failed to present an alternative model of governance. Instead, his principal political ammunition has been to demean Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launch personal attacks, question Indian democracy on foreign shores, and even hold meetings and parleys with individuals known for their anti-India positions. There has been little in the way of a positive political narrative or a credible governance model that the electorate can look forward to. His politics has largely revolved around attacking the ruling dispensation rather than presenting what a Congress government would do differently. What he has found instead is the SIR and 'vote chori' narrative. He tried hard to make it a major electoral issue in Bihar and West Bengal, but the results did not go his way. Despite the lack of any widespread public acceptance of these allegations, Rahul continues to raise the issue of vote theft. And standing firmly behind him is his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who appears equally convinced that her son is losing elections because of electoral manipulation. The decline of Congress as the country's dominant political party is a fact. Blaming institutions, the media or the ruling party may provide temporary political comfort, but it cannot explain away repeated electoral failures. A political party cannot keep fighting elections on the premise that the system is against it. At some point, it has to look within and ask why voters are unwilling to give it another chance. There cannot be a bigger disappointment than watching a rocket firecracker fail to take off, only to fizzle out near the very glass bottle from which it was supposed to make a grand launch. The excitement disappears, the claps stop midway, and the expected spectacle never materialises. Yet, there are always voices urging another attempt, hoping that the next launch will finally succeed. But merely lighting another firecracker will not change the outcome. Sometimes the entire approach needs to change, and a fresh beginning is required to get the desired result. It is high time Sonia Gandhi understood this. A mother can certainly help her child find the right direction, but she cannot keep defending every failure. In a democracy, it is the people's mandate that decides who governs the country. No amount of street protests, allegations, or political rhetoric can substitute for that mandate. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
New Delhi, Nov 7:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the armed forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, with particular focus on domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to effectively counter emerging security threats. Interacting with Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali, he said the security environment had become increasingly complex, with warfare extending beyond conventional border engagements to include asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone swarms and information operations. He cautioned that adversaries were increasingly avoiding direct confrontation and attempting to exploit vulnerabilities through misleading information and social media campaigns. Through social media, the adversary may attempt to sow doubt in the minds of the local population and our soldiers by spreading misleading information. In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier, he said. Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important location and a crucial link in Indias security framework, particularly for the North-Eastern region, Rajnath Singh praised the courage and dedication of the personnel deployed there. He said the Air Warriors stationed in the region served as a strong shield for the security of the eastern sector and that their preparedness was essential for maintaining regional stability. The Defence Minister also stressed that discipline and courage remained indispensable despite rapid technological advancements. He said the conduct, language and restraint of armed forces personnel shaped the militarys image among local communities. Urging the personnel to strengthen their engagement with people in and around Bagdogra, he said building public trust was equally important for national security. The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversarys conspiracies will become, he said. Reaffirming the governments commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing contribution of Indian start-ups and industries to the development of drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment. He appreciated the armed forces for adopting indigenous technologies and acquiring new skills in drone operations and cyber security, emphasising that the military must become increasingly technology-driven to meet future challenges. Referring to the Cabinets approval of the Second Tour of Duty for Agniveers, the Defence Minister said the decision would provide them another opportunity to serve the country. He said that after completing the two-year engagement period, all Agniveers would have an opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of selection criteria. He described the decision as a significant Diwali gift for Agniveers. Rajnath Singh also extended Diwali greetings to the Air Warriors and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices made by personnel who remain away from their homes during festivals to protect the country. He expressed gratitude to their families for their contribution and assured them that the nation would always stand by them and look after their welfare. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Bagdogra, Air Commodore Manish Sharma, and other senior IAF officials were present on the occasion.
The National Conference (NC), one of Jammu and Kashmirs oldest political parties, is once again witnessing an internal revolt against the Abdullah family. Nearly two dozen party legislators have openly raised the banner of rebellion against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and party president Dr Farooq Abdullah, while former Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has taken the confrontation a step further by resigning from the party and his parliamentary seat. What makes the latest political crisis particularly significant is its historical context. This is not the first time that the Abdullah family has faced an open revolt within the National Conference. In fact, over the past eight decades, the party has witnessed three major rebellions against three generations of the Abdullah familyfrom its founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, to his son Dr Farooq Abdullah, and now his grandson Omar Abdullah. The unfolding crisis raises a fundamental question: Is the National Conference heading towards another historic split, or will Dr Farooq Abdullah succeed in containing the rebellion before it threatens the stability of the government? The first major rebellion against the Abdullah family dates back to August 1953, when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference and then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, was removed from office. At that time, Jammu and Kashmir had a Prime Minister rather than a Chief Minister, as the constitutional nomenclature had not yet been changed. Sheikh Abdullahs government was dismissed on August 8, 1953, amid serious political differences with the Centre and allegations that he was pursuing an independent political course for Kashmir, including the possibility of independence and contacts with Pakistan. On August 9, 1953, Sheikh Abdullah was arrested and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, his close associate and then Deputy Prime Minister, was appointed in his place. Bakshis political break with Sheikh Abdullah marked the beginning of a major division within the National Conference. A section of the party's legislators supported the new leadership, while Sheikh Abdullah remained in detention for nearly 22 years, apart from periods of release. In 1975, following the historic Indira-Sheikh Accord, Sheikh Abdullah returned to power as Chief Minister. The then Congress Chief Minister, Mir Qasim, resigned to facilitate his return. The 1953 episode became the first major example of a political revolt that fundamentally altered the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir. The second major rebellion against the Abdullah family occurred on July 2, 1984, when 12 legislators withdrew their support from the government headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah. The political crisis had been building for months. Farooq Abdullah was facing growing opposition from within his own party, but he failed to address the grievances of the dissident legislators. The political atmosphere of that period was also marked by controversy surrounding Farooq Abdullah's personal style and public image. His association with film personalities, including actress Shabana Azmi, and his public motorcycle outings became subjects of political and media discussion. Shabana Azmi was later associated with the popular description of Farooq Abdullah as the Disco Chief Minister. However, the fall of his government was the result of a political and legislative revolt rather than these social controversies. With 12 legislators withdrawing support, Farooq Abdullah lost his majority in the 78-member Assembly. Governor Jagmohan dismissed his government, paving the way for another dramatic political realignment. His brother-in-law, Ghulam Mohammad Shah, led the rebellion and formed a government with Congress support. Shah remained Chief Minister for approximately 20 months, until his government was dismissed in March 1986. He became popularly known as Gul Shah, while his tenure was also associated with the controversial political expression Gul Curfew because he did not allow protests in Kashmir and put Srinagar city under strict curfew. He was known as the best administrator during his 20-month tenure. The 1984 revolt demonstrated that even a powerful political family could lose control of its own legislators when internal grievances were allowed to accumulate. Eighty years after Sheikh Abdullah founded the National Conference, and more than four decades after Farooq Abdullah lost power following an internal rebellion, the third major confrontation has emerged against Omar Abdullah. This time, nearly 24 National Conference legislators and one Member of Parliament have reportedly joined hands to challenge the leadership of both Omar Abdullah and his father, Dr Farooq Abdullah. The irony is that the rebellion gathered momentum at a time when Omar Abdullah was occupied with his personal life and his reported second marriage to television journalist Nidhi Razdan in Delhi. At the forefront of the political challenge was Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a prominent Shia leader and the National Conference MP from Srinagar. On November 3, Ruhullah resigned from the National Conference as well as his Lok Sabha membership, accusing the Abdullah leadership of betraying the people of Kashmir after securing votes in the 2024 Assembly elections. Ruhullah's principal allegation is that the National Conference sought public support by promising to fight for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A, besides restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. However, he argues that after forming the government, the Abdullah leadership has effectively pushed the demand for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A into the background and is now concentrating primarily on the restoration of statehood. The issue has become a major source of political dissatisfaction among a section of the party's legislators and supporters. The dissident legislators have placed several demands before Omar Abdullah and Dr Farooq Abdullah, making it clear that they want substantial changes in both the party organisation and the government. Their principal demand is the immediate removal of Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, who is considered one of Omar Abdullah's closest associates. Wani previously served as Home Minister during Omar Abdullah's earlier tenure as Chief Minister and continues to enjoy considerable influence within the Chief Minister's inner circle. The dissidents are also reportedly seeking changes in the Chief Minister's political team, including the role of Rajya Sabha MP Shammi Oberoi, and have raised questions about Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. Another major demand is a Cabinet reshuffle. The legislators want ministers who have been in office for the past two years to be replaced with leaders having a clean public image and a stronger political standing. They also want the National Conference to revive its political campaign for the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A and full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. The dissident group reportedly met on October 30 at the residence of Lolab MLA Qaisar Jamsheed Lone 8n Srinagar . During the meeting, the legislators decided that no member would independently negotiate with the party leadership or take a separate political decision. Instead, they would collectively maintain pressure on the leadership until their demands were addressed. One of the immediate triggers for their resentment was Omar Abdullah's public statement that the decision regarding Cabinet appointments had already been taken. The Chief Minister reportedly remarked that legislators were sending their biodata through WhatsApp, making telephone calls and using political pressure to secure ministerial positions. The statement reportedly offended several legislators, who felt that their political concerns and grievances were being dismissed as an exercise in ministerial lobbying. The biggest question now confronting Jammu and Kashmir politics is whether the rebellion can actually bring down Omar Abdullah's government or whether Dr Farooq Abdullah will manage to extinguish the political fire within the party. Political observers believe that the government faces no immediate threat unless the BJP succeeds in engineering a major political realignment through what is commonly described as 'Operation Lotus'. Dr Farooq Abdullah has reportedly convened a meeting with the dissident legislators in Srinagar on Friday, November 6. Omar Abdullah is also expected to participate in the meeting. The meeting is being viewed as crucial because the party leadership will have to decide whether to accommodate the dissidents' demands or risk allowing the internal confrontation to escalate. Among the dissident legislators is Mubarak Gul, a six-time MLA and former Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. He was reportedly preparing to address a press conference in Srinagar on November 4 but did not go ahead with it following efforts by the party leadership to manage the situation. This suggests that both Omar and Farooq Abdullah are already engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations to prevent the rebellion from becoming an organised political movement outside the party. Political analysts believe that the dissident legislators may continue to criticise the leadership, but are unlikely to formally split the National Conference. They understand that openly joining hands with the BJP could carry serious political consequences in the Kashmir Valley. The historical experience of the 1953 and 1984 rebellions is also an important consideration. On both occasions, internal divisions in the National Conference resulted in alternative political arrangements involving Congress support. However, the political circumstances in Kashmir today are very different. The BJP faces a major political challenge in the Kashmir Valley because of the widespread resentment following the August 2019 constitutional changes, when the Centre abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A and reorganised Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. The National Conference has consistently maintained that restoration of special status and statehood remains central to its political position. Consequently, any attempt by dissident National Conference legislators to form a government with BJP support could expose them to serious political backlash among their constituents. Salman Sagar, son of senior National Conference leader and Cabinet Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar, has expressed confidence that the internal dispute will be resolved within the party. He has argued that the BJP's alleged Operation Lotus, which has been discussed in connection with political developments in Punjab, West Bengal and Maharashtra, will not succeed in Jammu and Kashmir. According to Salman Sagar, several agencies and BJP leaders may be attempting to exploit the differences within the National Conference, but their efforts will not succeed. He has also drawn attention to the Jammu visit of BJP national vice-president Ram Madhav, which coincided with the meeting of dissident National Conference legislators in Srinagar. Salman Sagar questioned Madhav's reported remarks suggesting that the BJP had its blessings behind the public meetings organised by Aga Syed Ruhullah. He believes that such statements reveal the BJP's interest in exploiting divisions within the ruling party. Salman Sagar further alleged that since the BJP came to power at the Centre, efforts have been made to weaken and divide the National Conference. He, however, acknowledged that the BJP had succeeded to some extent in weakening the party's political base in Jammu by inducting two prominent former National Conference leaders, Devender Singh Rana and Surjit Singh Slathia, into its ranks. But he remains convinced that a similar political strategy will not work in the Kashmir Valley. Kashmir-based political observers believe that Ram Madhav's reported statement about the BJP's blessings behind Ruhullah's public meetings could prove politically damaging for the former National Conference MP. They argue that once Ruhullah's political activities become associated with the BJP in the public perception, it could become difficult for him to maintain his independent political identity in the Kashmir Valley. Ruhullah has emerged as an important voice among sections of the Kashmiri electorate, particularly on the question of Article 370 and the political promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. However, any perception that he is working in coordination with the BJP could complicate his political position. The dissident legislators are also aware of the political consequences of the 2014 alliance between the BJP and the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The BJP had formed a coalition government with the PDP under Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, followed by Mehbooba Mufti after his death. However, the PDP suffered a major electoral setback in the 2024 Assembly elections. Mehbooba Mufti's party was reduced to just three seats, reflecting the erosion of its political influence. Political observers believe that the National Conference dissidents would be reluctant to repeat the PDP's experience by entering into an alliance with the BJP. They also point to the political decline of several leaders who were once influential in Jammu and Kashmir but subsequently struggled to retain their political relevance. These include former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Deputy Chief Minister and PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig, PDP leader , Dr Mehboob Beigh, Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone and Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari. The argument among political observers is that the dissident NC legislators know that breaking away from the party and aligning with the BJP would not necessarily guarantee them political survival. Moreover, without substantial political backing from New Delhi, they may find it difficult to split the National Conference and establish an alternative government. Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, vice-president of the Awami National Conference and son of former Chief Minister Ghulam Mohammad Shah, also believes that there is little possibility of the Omar Abdullah government collapsing at this stage. Interestingly, Muzaffar Shah is Dr Farooq Abdullah's nephew, but the two reportedly do not share cordial relations. Despite these family differences, Muzaffar Shah believes that the present dissident legislators do not have the political strength that the 12 rebel legislators possessed in 1984 when his father brought down Farooq Abdullah's government. He expects Dr Farooq Abdullah to cool down the dissidents during Friday's meeting and persuade them to remain within the party. According to political assessments, the party leadership may agree to some of their demands, particularly those concerning changes in the Chief Minister's advisory team and the distribution of Cabinet responsibilities. However, removing Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary altogether could prove politically difficult. Choudhary is currently the only Hindu minister in the Omar Abdullah Cabinet and represents an important political face for the government in the Jammu region. Political observers believe that the government may consider withdrawing the Public Works Department (PWD) portfolio from him or redistributing some of his responsibilities, while retaining him as Deputy Chief Minister. Such a compromise could allow the leadership to address some of the dissidents' concerns without creating another political controversy in Jammu. The numbers in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly are another important factor in assessing the possibility of a government collapse. According to the political arithmetic cited by the ruling alliance, the National Conference has 41 MLAs, while Congress has six, the CPI(M) one and six independent legislators are supporting the government. This gives the ruling arrangement a strength of 54 legislators, against the 46 required for a simple majority in a fully constituted 90-member Assembly. National Conference(41 ) Congress (6 ), CPI(M) (1 ), Supporting independents (6) and Majority mark in 90-member House is 46 MLAs Political analysts argue that even if around 20 National Conference legislators resign, the government would not automatically collapse. The actual outcome would depend on whether the remaining legislators continue supporting Omar Abdullah and whether the resignations are formally accepted. There is, however, an important distinction in the Assembly arithmetic. If 20 NC legislators actually resign and their seats become vacant, the effective strength of the House would fall to 70 and the majority requirement would ordinarily become 36. But the government's support would also have to be recalculated: it cannot continue to count the support of legislators who have resigned. Therefore, the government could survive such a development only if it retained the support of at least the required number of remaining members. At present, however, there is no clear indication that the dissident legislators are preparing to resign from the Assembly. Their principal strategy appears to be putting pressure on the party leadership from within. For the past several months, BJP Legislature Party leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma has repeatedly predicted that the Omar Abdullah government would fall. However, when asked about the latest internal rebellion within the National Conference, Sharma has maintained that the BJP has nothing to do with the party's internal affairs. His position is significant because the National Conference leadership has been alleging that the BJP is attempting to exploit the situation to destabilise the elected government. The BJP, on the other hand, has publicly distanced itself from the internal developments within the ruling party. Political observers believe that Omar Abdullah's government is not facing an immediate threat of collapse, but the rebellion has exposed serious differences within the National Conference leadership. The dissident legislators appear determined to extract political concessions, including changes in the Cabinet, removal or curtailment of the influence of certain political advisers, and a renewed commitment to the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A and statehood. The November 6 meeting in Srinagar could determine whether the crisis is resolved through negotiations or develops into a prolonged confrontation between the party's younger leadership and its traditional political establishment. The National Conference has survived two major revolts against the Abdullah family in 1953 and 1984. On both occasions, the rebellion fundamentally changed the political direction of Jammu and Kashmir. The present crisis, however, is different. The dissidents are not yet openly seeking an alternative government, nor have they demonstrated the numbers necessary to bring down Omar Abdullah. Their immediate objective appears to be to force the Abdullah family to share political authority, reconsider its governing style and restore the party's focus on the promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. The central political question is no longer simply whether Omar Abdullah will remain Chief Minister. It is whether the Abdullah family can continue to exercise unquestioned control over the National Conference, as it has done for generations. The November 6 meeting could provide the first clear indication of whether this third rebellion will end in a compromise or become another defining chapter in the eight-decade political history of the Abdullah family. (The Author is the former bureau chief at Aaj Tak TV, Jammu) ence, as it has done for generations
Policemen guard Baguiati jewellers hub for Dhanteras
Makeshift shelters to sound-proof kennels, pawrents turn homes into safe havens
CM reiterates coordinator plan for KMC
Mamata Banerjee, BJP Trade Charges Over 'Attack' On Abhishek Banerjee's Home
The alleged attack on Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee's residence has triggered a sharp face-off between the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal
History made in Asia: EB women make AWCL knockouts
Diwali gift hampers: Sweets, chocolates steal the show as dry fruit prices go nuts
Run-up to Kali Puja bodes ill for citys air, your ears
Political slugfest on campus over expulsion
Covid precedent: All KMC councillors became coordinators in 2020
CBSE, ICSE exams on time, worry for state board students
Bengal Oncologists Link Passive Smoking, Pollution to Aggressive Lung Cancer Rise
Smog pockets choke Kolkatans as crackers roar
West Bengal's Anti-Drug Drive Yields Major Results
West Bengal authorities conducted a week-long special drive against drug trafficking and illicit cultivation, resulting in 378 arrests and the seizure of narcotics worth approximately Rs 64 crore. The operation also led to the destruction of illegal ganja cultivation across 300 bighas and the initiation of financial investigations against accused persons.
RBU declares all 3 campuses tobacco-free zones
Indranil in judicial custody till Nov 21
Biswajit Basu becomes fourth retired judge to resign from West Bengal SIR tribunal
Others who quit are former Calcutta HC Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, former judges Ranjit Kumar Bagh and Indrajit Chatterjee; judges heading the 19 tribunals have complained about the slow pace of disposal of 38 lakh pending appeals
Another judge, third in 7 months, quits SIR tribunals
Bengal govt issues notification directing ISKCON to provide mid-day meals in state
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) The West Bengal School Education Department on Saturday issued a notification authorising the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to provide mid-day meals in all state-run and state-aided schools in the state. Till now, ISKCON had been providing mid-day meals in state-run and state-aided schools within the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). However, as per the notification issued on Saturday evening, ISKCON had been, henceforth, authorised to provide mid-day meals in all state-run and state-aided schools throughout the state. As per the notification, a copy of which is available with IANS, all schools in the state are being brought under the Union government's scheme of Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman or PM Poshan scheme, and under this arrangement ISKCON had been authorised to provide mid-day meals in all state-run and state-aided schools in the state. After the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government came to power in the state, new rules were introduced for the provision of midday meals. ISKCON was given the responsibility of providing mid-day meals to provide nutrition to school children. It was started in government schools in Kolkata in August. However, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had announced at that time that although it was being started on an experimental basis, the responsibility of mid-day meals to ISKCON would be given to all districts of the state in a phased manner. A notification was recently issued saying that mid-day meals would be provided to government schools in Howrah and Purba Medinipur. However, it was withdrawn later. On Saturday, a fresh notification has been issued authorising ISKCON to provide mid-day meals to all government schools throughout the state. However, this system will be implemented in all districts in a phase-wise manner. As per the notification, to prepare this mid-day meal, a suitable place for the central kitchen will have to be identified. For this, the concerned district administration will cooperate with ISKCON authorities. As per the present system, while ISKCON is providing nutritious vegetarian food as mid-day meals, eggs are provided separately to the students, arranged by the women-run self-help groups. The same system will prevail throughout the state now, a source from the state school education department said.
Rajnath Singh reviews preparedness of Trishakti Corps at Sukna
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the operational preparedness of Trishakti Corps at Sukna in West Bengal on Saturday. He was briefed on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the deployment of advanced military equipment and emerging technologies to enhance operational capabilities and combat effectiveness during his visit, according to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry. The minister expressed satisfaction with the operational preparedness of the Corps and appreciated its contribution to nation-building through infrastructure development and community welfare initiatives in border areas, aimed at strengthening ties with local communities. Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen VMB Krishnan; and General Officer Commanding, 33 Corps, Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann were present on the occasion, along with other senior army officers. Later, addressing the soldiers during Barakhana on the eve of Diwali, the Defence Minister commended their courage, professionalism and unwavering dedication towards safeguarding the nation's frontiers under challenging operational conditions. Underlining the importance of logistics in national security, he described Sukna and its surrounding region as a critical hub for the movement of supplies, weaponry, food, medical provisions and personnel to forward locations. He stated that Sukna serves as a vital link in the security architecture of Eastern India and its geographical sensitivity necessitates round-the-clock operational readiness. He added that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is continuously working to strengthen supply chains and ensure that soldiers deployed at forward locations have access to all essential requirements. Rajnath Singh highlighted that budgetary allocations for roads, tunnels, border infrastructure and modern equipment have been increased, with the nation steadily progressing towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Highlighting the changing nature of modern warfare, the Defence Minister emphasised that security challenges are no longer confined to conventional exchanges of gunfire or artillery along the borders, but encompass hybrid warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone incursions and information warfare. He said that adversaries increasingly resort to spreading rumours through social media, monitoring sensitive locations using drones and attempting to compromise military systems through cyber-attacks. He exhorted the personnel to remain vigilant and prepared to safeguard national security across all domains. The minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to taking every possible step to boost troop morale and urged officers to spend quality time with soldiers whenever possible. Such interactions, he said, would foster a strong sense of belonging among personnel and reinforce their confidence that the Government and the entire nation stand firmly with them. Describing the North-Eastern region as the 'first edge' rather than the 'last edge' of India, Rajnath Singh said that the region represents the beginning of the nation's geographical and cultural landscape, as it receives the first rays of the morning sun.
Better coordination might have preempted Chorbagan disaster: CM
Fourth Judge Quits West Bengal SIR Tribunal
His resignation comes amid a backlog of more than 37 lakh appeals from voters seeking restoration of their names to the electoral rolls.
Agniveers can seek permanent enrolment after 2-yr extension: Rajnath
New Delhi: After completing an additional two-year tenure, all Agniveers will be eligible for enrollment as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and meeting the selection criteria, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday. Singhs remarks during an interaction with air warriors at West Bengals Bagdogra Air Force station came three days after the government 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 .
Rajnath Singh Celebrates Diwali With IAF Personnel In West Bengal
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with Indian Air Force personnel and distributes sweets to them during Diwali celebrations in West Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee Objects To Puja Pandal Blocking Road Access
Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleges that a puja pandal was illegally set up on the main road near her residence, blocking access to her own puja. She accuses authorities of high-handedness and strongly opposes the move.
New Delhi, Nov 7: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon the Defence Forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, with special focus on strengthening domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to effectively counter emerging security threats. Interacting with the personnel of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the eve of Diwali at Air Force Station, Bagdogra, West Bengal, on Singh emphasised that the security landscape has become increasingly complex, with warfare extending beyond conventional engagements along the borders to encompass asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone swarms, information operations and narrative management. Often, the adversary avoids direct confrontation and instead seeks to exploit our vulnerabilities. Through social media, the adversary may attempt to sow doubt in the minds of the local population and our soldiers by spreading misleading information. In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier, said Defence Minister. Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important region and a crucial link in India's security framework, particularly for the North-Eastern region, Rajnath Singh commended the courage and dedication of the defence forces personnel towards safeguarding national interests. He stated that the Air Warriors deployed in the region serve as a robust shield for the security of the eastern sector, and their preparedness is fundamental to maintaining stability in the region. Defence Minister underscored that discipline and courage remain indispensable, irrespective of technological advancements, stating that the conduct, bearing, language and restraint of the Defence Forces personnel shape the image of the military among local communities. Lauding the soldiers for discharging their duties with these qualities, he urged them to strengthen their engagement with the local population, particularly in and around Bagdogra, and nurture the deep bond of trust and affection between the people and the Defence Forces. The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversarys conspiracies will become, he said. Reaffirming the Government's resolve to achieve Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing contribution of Indian start-ups and industries in developing drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment. He appreciated the defence forces for embracing indigenous technologies and acquiring new skills in drone operations and cyber security. He underlined the importance of making the military increasingly technology-driven to effectively address future security challenges. Referring to the Cabinets approval of the 'Second Tour of Duty' for Agniveers, Defence Minister stated that the decision would provide Agniveers with another opportunity to serve the nation. He added that upon completion of the two-year engagement period, all Agniveers will get an opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers subject to their willingness and their meeting selection criteria. He termed the decision as a significant Diwali gift for Agniveers, reiterating the Government's commitment to the welfare of the Defence Forces personnel and their families. Rajnath Singh extended his Diwali greetings and wished the Air Warriors and their families good health, happiness and prosperity. He said that the personnel, despite missing their families during the festival, remain steadfast in ensuring the security of their fellow citizens. He expressed gratitude to their families for their sacrifices and contributions. He emphasised that while the soldiers remain committed towards safeguarding the borders, the nation will always stand by their families and ensure their well-being. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit; Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Bagdogra Air Commodore Manish Sharma; and other senior officials of the IAF were present on the occasion.
Adhikari gives police free hand to tackle crimes against women, drug smuggling in Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said he had given the police a free hand to deal with crimes against women and narcotics smuggling in the state, warning that political interference in these matters would not be tolerated. At the same time, Adhikari, who also holds the police portfolio, issued a stern warning against attacks on police personnel and vandalism of police stations and outposts, saying those involved would face prolonged imprisonment. I have given the police a free hand in tackling two issues. The first is crime against women and the second is narcotics smuggling. I will not tolerate any kind of political interference in these two issues. At the same time, as the police minister of the state, I will not tolerate any incident of attack on a cop or ransacking of any police station or police outpost. Those attacking police personnel will have to spend years behind bars, Adhikari said. He also warned that those responsible for vandalising police establishments would have to pay for the damage, along with interest. We will recover damages, along with interest, in case of ransacking of police stations or police outposts from those responsible, the Chief Minister said while distributing appointment letters to newly recruited police sub-inspectors at Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters in central Kolkata. Adhikari advised the newly appointed officers to maintain strict discipline in their daily duties and follow the instructions and orders of their superiors. Highlighting the challenges faced by the police force, he said West Bengal's vast geographical diversity, large population and varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds made policing particularly demanding. There are 11 crore people in West Bengal. On one side are mountains, on the other side are jungles, and on the other are several isolated islands. The police's responsibility is to ensure that public life remains normal. Till now, they did not get any facilities. The police did not have financial security. Now the police will be provided with financial security, he said. The Chief Minister said the state government would focus on modernising the police force and improving the quality of its training. An MoU had been signed with a police training centre in Assam for this purpose, while steps would also be taken to strengthen coordination between the state police and the Central forces. Claiming that police recruitment had remained neglected during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, Adhikari said the new administration had already recruited 11,000 personnel into the state police force. He acknowledged that 46,000 posts were still vacant and said the government would fill them in phases. The recruitment drive would include 6,345 women police personnel and 4,000 constables, he said, adding that further appointments would be made over the coming months. Recruitment in the police will be done again in December-January, Adhikari said, indicating that the government planned to accelerate the process to strengthen the state's policing infrastructure.
Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP Over Attack On Abhishek Banerjee
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday hit out at the BJP over an alleged attack on the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkatas Kalighat. Challenging the BJP over the alleged use of bulldozers, she said, How many bulldozers do you have? Come, I am standing right in front []
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari warns legal action against attacks on police
The News Mill
They will end up behind bars: WB CM Suvendu Adhikari warns against attacks on police in West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday warned of strict legal action against anyone attacking police personnel, asserting that those involved in such incidents would be arrested and brought to justice through legal channels. Speaking about law and order in the state, Adhikari referred to the vandalism of police outposts in Asansol and said the government had ensured that those responsible faced consequences. The law exists... In Asansol, they vandalised police outposts; we ensured they paid the price. In the future, if anyone dares to raise a hand against the police, we will ensure they are taught a lesson, strictly through legal channels. They will end up behind bars. The State Government
'Run Bulldozer Over Me': Mamata After Attack At Abhishek Banerjees House Ahead Of Kali Puja
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of disrupting traditional Kali Puja celebrations following an alleged attack on TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kolkata. Abhishek alleged that BJP workers attacked his residence around 2 am on Saturday and questioned the Kolkata Police's response. Reacting to the incident, Mamata claimed that traditional puja permissions were revoked while new celebrations were allowed. She also questioned why a locality known for Kali Puja processions was being disturbed ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali. Mamata further alleged political hostility, linking it to the TMC's association with the INDIA alliance.
Fourth judge resigns from Bengal SIR Tribunal in a month; 15 members remain now
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) Former Calcutta High Court judge Biswajit Basu resigned from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Tribunal on Saturday, becoming the fourth member to step down from the panel constituted to hear appeals from voters excluded during the electoral roll revision in West Bengal. Basu cited personal reasons for his decision. He conveyed his resignation in a letter to Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge. His exit comes days after former Justice Indrajit Chatterjee quit the tribunal, citing the distance he had to travel to attend its office. Chatterjee had said that commuting 22 km every day was difficult. He had accepted the assignment believing that the tribunal's work would be completed in two to three months. However, the large number of pending cases indicated that the process would take considerably longer, prompting him to resign. Former Justice Ranjit Kumar Bagh had also stepped down, citing personal reasons, without specifying them. Earlier, former Calcutta High Court Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam resigned from the tribunal, referring to family issues. The tribunal was constituted on the Supreme Court's directions and comprises 19 retired judges and magistrates. It was set up to provide a mechanism for people whose names were omitted from the final electoral roll after the SIR exercise to seek inclusion. With Basu's resignation, four of the 19 members have now left the panel. The final electoral roll in West Bengal, excluding around 60 lakh cases referred for judicial adjudication, was published on February 28. The Election Commission had said supplementary lists would be published as the adjudication process progressed. West Bengal had 7,66,37,529 registered voters before the SIR notification was issued in November last year. The draft electoral roll, published in December, removed 58,20,899 names. The final roll published on February 28 this year recorded a total of 63,66,952 deletions. The tribunal's workload is linked to the cases arising from these deletions. The supplementary rolls are expected to reflect the outcome of the judicial scrutiny, allowing eligible applicants whose claims are accepted to have their names added to the electoral list.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday threatened to approach the Supreme Court over clashes allegedly involving Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC) supporters outside the residence of her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, in south Kolkata. She accused the BJP and the police of conspiring to create tension in the area. Mamata visited Abhisheks residence in Kalighat, close to her own home, and spoke to reporters. Abhishek is the Trinamool Congresss Lok Sabha member from Diamond Harbour. Mamata said she would pursue the matter at the highest judicial level if required, alleging that the police had failed to act during the incident. The two residences are located in the same south Kolkata neighbourhood. A group of lumpen elements backed by the BJP orchestrated the attack on Abhisheks house after 2 a.m. The police remained silent spectators, she alleged. She singled out Bolai Bag, officer-in-charge of Kalighat police station, which has jurisdiction over both residences. She cautioned the officer that his actions could trigger public anger. The former Chief Minister also accused the police of trying to disrupt the annual Kali Puja organised at her residence and prevent people from visiting her home for the festival. She alleged that restrictions and police deployment had created tension in the neighbourhood ahead of the celebrations. An atmosphere of unrest has been deliberately created in this area before the Kali Puja. The pujas of old clubs are being prevented. However, new pujas are starting overnight. The entrance to my house has been practically blocked, and new pujas have been organised. The police vehicles have deliberately been kept blocking the entrance to my house. The police have also issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, she said. Mamata claimed that surveillance had been stepped up to prevent people from gathering outside her residence. As a result, the police have intensified surveillance to ensure that no gathering takes place in front of my house. All this is done to prevent people from coming to my house on the occasion of the Kali Puja, she said. She accused the BJP of engineering the tension outside Abhisheks residence during the early hours of Saturday, and questioned the partys stated commitment to democracy. On one hand, they are organising Save Democracy, Eliminate Anarchy rallies in the state, and on the other hand, they are the ones who are trampling the democratic structure, she said. Mamata also criticised the state administration, referring indirectly to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. I am not blaming all from BJP. But the one who is leading the administration in West Bengal is behind all these, she alleged.
Two Indian restaurants make The 50 Best Restaurants list for the first time in 19 years
Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of hooliganism, says
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of hooliganism and alleged that a gang of thugs attacked a Kali Puja celebration in Kolkata's Kalighat area in the early hours of the day, following an alleged attack on the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee. Police reached Abhishek Banerjee's residence after he alleged that his house was attacked around 2 am. Mamata Banerjee, reacting to the incident, questioned the alleged disruption of traditional puja celebrations in the locality ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali. Tomorrow is Kali Puja and Diwali. Last night, at 2:00 AM, an attack was carried out at Abhishek Banerjee
West Bengal elections not legally valid, says former CEC S.Y. Quraishi
Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi questions the legal validity of the West Bengal elections, flags alleged voter deletions during the SIR process and says Election Commission decisions must be taken by majority.
Fake Durga Puja pass case: Indranil Sen's daughter echoes mother, blames father for firm operations
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS)Former West Bengal Tourism Minister and former Minister of State for Information & Cultural Affairs Indranil Sen appears increasingly isolated within his own family in the multi-crore fake UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja pass scam, for which he was arrested last month. First, his wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, who owns Mass Art, the entity through which the fake passes were allegedly sold, said during interrogation that the said entity was in her name only on paper and all administrative and operational decisions about the entity were taken by her husband. She also claimed that her role in Mass Art was just limited to signing on the dotted lines as instructed by her husband. Now, Sens daughter, Averi Sen, who was also questioned for several hours by investigating officers at Kolkata Police headquarters, Lalbazar in Central Kolkata, earlier this week, almost echoed her mother on this issue, confirmed a city police source. Averi was questioned about the huge sums of money transferred to two corporate entities in her name, ISCAPE and Myra. Like her mother, she also claimed that the two corporate entities were in her name just on paper and her role was limited to signing on the dotted lines as instructed by her father. The statements of Sens wife and mother corroborate the findings of the investigating officers that, in an attempt to keep himself in the fake pass case as well as other cases relating to tendering irregularities in both the state tourism and information & cultural affairs departments, Sen operated from behind in all these corporate entities, keeping his family members in the forefront. In fact, instead of using his own bank accounts, he used the accounts in the names of his family members or the corporate entities in their names for financial transactions, the city police insider said. Meanwhile, he added, Sen, who is in police custody now, had started passing the buck to Dhrubojytri Basu, a top official of Mass Art, who was arrested earlier this week. Sen will be produced before a lower court in Kolkata on November 10. On the other hand, Basu will be presented at the same court on November 13. Besides, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police, the fake puja pass case is also being probed by the ED.
Will recruit 27,556 personnel, ensure fair recruitment process: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday announced that the state government would recruit 27,556 personnel, as approved by the Cabinet, and assured that the recruitment process would be conducted fairly and transparently, with further appointments planned across departments, including the Forest Department. Addressing an event for the distribution of appointment letters to newly recruited police personnel, CM Adhikari said the government would introduce fair recruitment rules and provide age relaxation in certain cases, considering that recruitment had not taken place over the past few years. A tug-of-war was going on between the two pillars of democracy. We have resolved that issue. We will recruit 27,556 personnel, as approved by the Cabinet. We will carry out more recruitments in the coming months. Recruitment will not be limited to the police; departments such as the Forest Department will also see new appointments, the Chief Minister said. Emphasising the need to...
The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, on Saturday called on the armed forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, with a focus on domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to counter emerging threats. Singh was speaking to Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on the eve [] The post Rajnath Singh tells forces to stay at peak readiness against cyber and information threats at Bagdogra air base appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relations with local residents in sensitive border areas, saying the conduct of soldiers and their interaction with civilians shape the Armed Force's image and help weaken enemy plots. Addressing soldiers in Bagdogra, Singh said their behaviour, discipline and restraint were important in maintaining public trust in the armed forces. At the post where you serve, your conduct, your uniform, your language and your restraint shape the army's image in the minds of local people. The people of Bagdogra and the surrounding areas have great affection for the army. It is also your responsibility to preserve that affection. The more you connect with local people, the weaker the enemy's plots will become, he said. Bagdogra is located close to the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the 'Chicken's Neck', a narrow stretch of land in northern West Bengal that connects mainland India with the northeastern states....
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 7: What makes a destination memorable? It is often more than its landscapes or monuments. It is the food, the flavours, the traditions and the warmth of the people who welcome visitors. Recognising the importance of these experiences to tourism, the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), part of the Indismart Group, has entered into a three-year Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, through the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority.
Pay Commission: West Bengal's 7th panel will cover non-teaching staff of state-aided universities and education boards and examine their existing pay structure and service conditions. Here's all we know
Calcutta High Court restrains KMC polls until challenge on delimitation decided
The West Bengal government, through a delimitation, has increased the number of wards of KMC from 144 to 209. The petitioner argued that the State government and its agencies have resorted to gerrymandering in order to secure partisan advantage to the ruling political party in West Bengal on the premise of previous electoral results.
West Bengal election is not legally valid:Former CEC S.Y. Quraishi
The former top poll official alsoreinstated thatthe Election Commission of Indiais supposed to makedecisions based on a majority
Coordinators in all 209 KMC wards after Nov 30: Suvendu
Participants from 11 countries attend SRFTI media training
In Salt Lake, road repairs enter lanes and bylanes inside blocks
New Alipore locals band together to save strays
5 friends douse teen in petrol, set him on fire to create reel
Ashoke Sen delivers lecture at IACS, his 2nd in Kol after Oskar Klein Medal win
IIT Kgp director elected intl science body fellow
Green norms go up in smoke as illegal crackers flood markets
Extended Metro services on Kali Puja
From Dial 100 calls to locked terraces and rocket ban, condos tighten cracker curbs
ER lens on cracker transportation by trains, steps up vigil at stations
Police step up neighbourhood patrolling, announcements
Catch them young: Police take message of green fireworks to students at schools, apartments
Kolkata sees 22% rise in registered Kali Pujas
Gold, silver prices down, jewellers see a 25% rise in Dhanteras sales
West Bengal may get 1 lakh crore investments in a few months: Suvendu Adhikari
Suvendu Adhikari said the BJP-led government would offer incentives starting May 9, but would be unable to clear the industrial incentives backlog of nearly Rs 50,000 crore owing to the state's debt burden of Rs 8 lakh crore. He promised to clear the backlog once West Bengal becomes a financially stronger state like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu in the next two years.
3 BJP workers arrested for extortion and vandalism
Rare bird sightings raise hopes, birders warn Chhath could undo Sarobars ecological recovery
New Market hotel file: Charge sheet likely next wk, to focus blaze source, flammable interior decor
Ex-Minister's Home Searched In Puja Pass Scam
Police conducted a search at the Kasba residence of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in connection with the alleged Durga Puja pass scam, days after his arrest. The investigation involves the unauthorised use of the UNESCO name and logo to sell VIP passes and preview show tickets, with Sen's wife and daughter also under scrutiny for their alleged roles and financial irregularities.
RPF seizes 6 kg of ganja worth 3 lakh at Thrissur railway station
19-year-old West Bengal native held; says he was promised 20,000 to deliver the consignment at Aluva
Dasgupta says there is enough land available at present in the State to take care of the initial demand for the next two to three years
Train enroute to Bengal catches fire in Punjab, all passengers escape unhurt
Digital Desk | Patiala, Nov 6 (IANS) A major tragedy was averted in Punjab on Friday after four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express, which was enroute to West Bengal, caught fire near Sarai Banjara in Patiala district, officials said. All passengers of the Express train escaped unhurt. Ambala Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Vinod Kumar Bhatia told reporters that the train was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. He said: The fire incident was reported between Rajpura and Sadhu Garh railway stations. When the loco pilot and guard noticed automatic chain pulling (ACP) and dropping of pressure, they quickly brought the train under control. After getting down, they noticed fire and smoke and immediately took precautions. Bhatia added that all the passengers were evacuated and the affected coaches were isolated to prevent the fire from spreading to other coaches. As soon as the guard informed our control room, we regulated and controlled the trains on the other line as well, he said. The DRM also said that initially, one coach was affected, but as strong winds were blowing at the time of the incident, the fire spread to other coaches. A total of four coaches were affected. No one was injured and there were no casualties, he added. A similar incident was reported from Bihar in August, when a massive fire broke out on the Samastipur-Saharsa Passenger train (63344) at Simri Bakhtiyarpur railway station in the state's Saharsa district. The incident triggered panic among passengers and railway staff. According to information, the fire started near the train's middle engine and rapidly spread to three coaches. Thick smoke and towering flames created a chaotic situation at the station. A large number of passengers were travelling on the train when the fire broke out. As soon as they noticed the flames, passengers began getting off the coaches. A potentially serious tragedy was averted as all passengers reportedly managed to evacuate safely. After receiving information about the fire, multiple fire tenders and railway officials reached the station. Firefighters launched an immediate operation and eventually brought the blaze under control.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 6 (IANS) West Bengal Finance Department issued a notification announcing the state governments decision to bring all non-teaching employees in 25 state universities and all employees of three state education boards and councils under the 7th Pay Commission. The three education boards and councils whose employees will be brought under the 7th Pay Commission are West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE), West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) and the West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education (WBBME). As per the notification issued by Prabhat Kumar Mishra, the Additional Chief Secretary to the State Finance Department, while the state government had constituted the 7th Pay Commission for State Government employees as well as certain other categories of employees and decided the terms of reference, the Governor, R.N. Ravi, had decided that the Commission will also examine the existing pay structure and conditions of service of the regular non-teaching employees in the state-aided universities and all employees in the three education boards and councils. The Commission will make necessary recommendations as early as possible, read the notification. However, the notification did not provide any information on the rate at which the salaries of the concerned education workers will increase. The notification had also not given any clarification on what the new salary structure will be, when it will be effective, and how the arrears will be settled. It is believed that a decision in this regard can be taken only after the commission's recommendations. After the new government took over, there have been expectations among the state government employees regarding the Pay Commission, dearness allowances at par with those of central government employees accrued on it. The Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, had also announced that the 7th Pay Commission would be formed to restructure the pay structure of the state government employees. After that announcement, the state government started the initial process of forming the 7th Pay Commission.
Karmabhoomi Express catches fire in Punjab, 4 coaches affected; 1,500 passengers escape unhurt
Patiala, Nov 6: More than 1,500 passengers had a narrow escape after a fire broke out in the Karmabhoomi Express near Sarai Banjara railway station in Punjab's Patiala district on Friday, engulfing three coaches and partially damaging a fourth, officials said. The train, travelling from Amritsar to West Bengal's New Jalpaiguri, was immediately brought to a halt after the fire was detected, and the affected coaches were detached from the rest of the train to prevent the blaze from spreading. No casualty or injury was reported. According to officials, the fire broke out on the Rajpura-Sirhind railway section when the train was passing near Sarai Banjara railway station. Eyewitnesses and local residents who rushed to the spot said thick smoke could be seen billowing into the sky as the coaches caught fire. The passengers rushed out of the affected coaches and managed to escape safely. Senior railway officials, who reached the spot, said the fire initially broke out in one coach but spread to other coaches due to strong winds. Initially, it was one coach, but as wind was blowing at speed (and as fire spread), a total of four coaches were affected, Ambala Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Vinod Kumar Bhatia told reporters. Three general coaches were primarily affected by the fire, while a fourth coach suffered minor damage, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Ambala Division of Northern Railways Yashanjit Singh said. The train was unreserved, Singh said, adding that alternate arrangements had been made to ensure passengers reached their destination safely by another train. Asked about the cause of the fire, Singh said, It is a matter of inquiry. Bhatia said both overhead equipment (OHE) lines were shut down after the fire was detected. The guard and loco pilot separated the affected coaches from the rest of the train to prevent the blaze from spreading. The guard also informed the control room, following which trains operating on other lines were regulated, he said. The cause of the fire will be investigated, officials said.
Urgent: SVMCM Scholarship Deadline Tonight! Complete Your Submission Before Colleges Close Portals
Facing an SVMCM scholarship deadline? Colleges are setting internal cut-offs for November 6, 2026. Complete your application and document uploads tonight to secure your West Bengal merit-cum-means financial aid.
Akhilesh Yadav says BJP will be forever defeated in UP, alleges electoral roll manipulation
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to manipulate electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and alleged that the ruling party was conspiring to deprive people of their right to vote. Claiming that the BJP would be defeated in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav alleged that similar practices were used in West Bengal, where voters' names were removed from electoral rolls and central security forces were deployed to influence the election. The Bharatiya Janata Party will be forever defeated in UP. People from various states, several political parties, and especially the Opposition, raised questions about the SIR process, but the Election Commission had no answers. Look at the recent election in Bengal, where the Bharatiya Janata Party manipulated the entire process in its favour by using SIR and deploying central forces, Yadav said, addressing a press conference. He further alleged that t...
Fire breaks out in train coach in Punjab, passengers escape unhurt
According to officials, the incident occurred in a general coach of a train headed from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal
'For a social media reel': Kolkata teen blindfolded, doused in petrol and set on fire
Keralam Construction Sector Faces Uncertainty as Bengal Seeks Return of Migrant Workers
The uncertainty stems from an appeal by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari asking workers to stay back, citing livelihood opportunities under the VB-G RAM G scheme, which guarantees 125 days of work and enables them to earn a livelihood while living with their families
Key takeaways from the West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy, 2026
The announcement of incentives marks a policy shift for West Bengal as the previous Trinamool Congress government had passed the Revocation of West Bengal Incentive Schemes and Obligations 2025
