Assam CM's 'deflated football' swipe at Mamata after her faction gets new poll symbol
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a swipe at Mamata Banerjee after the Election Commission froze the Trinamool Congress name and symbol amid a factional feud. He predicted Banerjee would not return to power and commented on the rival factions' new names and election symbols ahead of the October 6 West Bengal bypolls.
Rahul Gandhi a mad person: Assam CM
Guwahati, Sep 19: Rahul Gandhi is a mad person; sometimes you see him with a beard, sometimes clean-shaven, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a swipe at the former Congress chief after his murder of democracy remark following the arrest of the partys bypoll candidate in West Bengal. He defended the arrest of [] The post Rahul Gandhi a mad person: Assam CM first appeared on Highland Post .
Election Commission Allocates New Symbols for Bengal By-elections in Nandigram and Rejendranagar
The Election Commission has assigned new symbols to AJUP and AISF for the upcoming by-elections in West Bengals Nandigram and Rejendranagar. Election Commission Allocates New Symbols for Bengal By-elections in Nandigram and Rejendranagar
West Bengal Party Leader Arrested with Fake Currency and Weapons
A leader of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party was arrested in Kolkata with counterfeit notes and firearms during a police checkpoint. West Bengal Party Leader Arrested with Fake Currency and Weapons
Mamata Banerjee moves SC against EC party symbol freeze
New Delhi: Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commissions decision to freeze the Trinamool Congress name and party symbol amid a dispute between two rival factions of the TMC. The Election Commission on Friday allotted separate names and symbols to the two rival factions following its Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bengal Minister orders special audit for GTA, hill panchayats
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) The West Bengal Minister in charge of Panchayat Affairs & Rural Development, Dilip Ghosh, on Saturday announced a special audit to identify corrupt activities in the functioning of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and panchayats in the hills of North Bengal. Ghosh, also the former national vice president and state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, warned that the new BJP-ruled government will adopt a zero-tolerance approach against corruption in administrative functioning. He chaired an administrative review meeting at the North Bengal Branch Secretariat Uttarkanya in Siliguri, Darjeeling district, to assess rural development progress in the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions. He sent a strong message to curb corruption in GTA and panchayat bodies. No corruption in public service activities will be tolerated. Special audits will be conducted in at least 10 per cent of the panchayats, including GTA areas in the hills, where serious charges of corruption exist. Work is underway to fill infrastructure gaps in coordination with the new GTA chief and administrative officials. Initiatives are being taken to quickly recruit people to fill around 11,000 vacancies in the state Panchayat & Rural Development Department to keep services running, Ghosh said. He added that people in West Bengal had brought change in the regime for the sake of development. They are satisfied with the functioning of the new government. This satisfaction will be reflected in the results of the bypolls for two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal next month. BJP candidates will win by heavy margins from both constituencies, Ghosh asserted.
Congress rules out electoral alliance with Trinamool despite backing Mamata faction in symbol row
The Congress has ruled out any electoral understanding with the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal for now, despite backing the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the ongoing party name and symbol dispute.
West Bengal SIR: Over 22 lakh excluded voters filed appeals against exclusion from electoral roll
The number of voters challenging the deletion of their names from the electoral roll is significant as approximately 27 lakh voters were excluded on the ground of logical discrepancies, which would mean that a lions share of the 27 lakh voters may be contesting their exclusion
West Bengal is now second in farmer registrations under the PM Crop Insurance Scheme, covering 3.2 million farmers, says CM Suvendu Adhikari. West Bengal Ranks Second in Farmers Registration Under PM Crop Insurance Scheme, Claims CM Suvendu Adhikari
Bengal: Congress candidate for Nandigram bypoll sent to 14-day custody
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the Nandigram Assembly bypoll in East Midnapore district next month, was on Saturday denied bail by a district court in East Midnapore after being arrested in an old murder case registered against him. The judge remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody, which means he will remain behind bars until October 3. The bypolls for Nandigram, as well as for the Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district, will be held on October 6, with results to be declared on October 9. This effectively prevents Pradhan from participating in the campaign process, and he will likely have to contest the bypoll from jail unless a higher court grants him bail in the meantime. Milan will be produced before the same district court on Monday in connection with another old case registered against him. He was arrested on Friday evening from Chandipur in East Midnapore in connection with a 2007 murder case linked to the anti-land acquisition movement at Nandigram during the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee-led Left Front regime. A total of four cases related to rioting, murder, and criminal intimidation were registered against him during that period. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations for the Nandigram by-election ended on Saturday. Rumours had suggested that the Congress candidate, like Sanchita Dey Pradhan of the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in Trinamool Congress, would also withdraw. However, that did not happen. The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee launched a scathing attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state government over Milans arrest. State Congress leader Ajitesh Pandey said, The police told the district court that they had not found Milan for the last 19 years. Now they have found him after he became a candidate in the election. Isnt it strange? Multiple cases have been filed against him. After this, Milan will be produced in the same court again on Monday in relation to another case registered at Khejuri Police Station in East Midnapore. However, we are not leaving the voting ground.
Congress' Nandigram Bypoll Pick Milan Pradhan Sent To Judicial Custody Till October 3
The West Bengal Police said Pradhan was arrested based on four pending arrest warrants for his alleged involvement in non-bailable cases related to rioting, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping and criminal intimidation.
Nandigram bypoll: Congress candidate in 14-day judicial custody
Haldia (West Bengal): The Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan was on Saturday, September 19, sent to judicial custody till October 3 by a local court, a day after his arrest on multiple charges, including murder, that dates back 19 years. Pradhan was produced before the Haldia Subdivisional Court following his arrest on Friday. The Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Cong's Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan sent to custody till Oct 3
The Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan was sent to judicial custody till October 3 by a local court, a day after his arrest on multiple charges, including murder, that dates back 19 years. Pradhan was produced before the Haldia Subdivisional Court following his arrest on Friday. The West Bengal Police said Pradhan was arrested based on four pending arrest warrants for his alleged involvement in non-bailable cases related to rioting, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping and criminal intimidation, which were filed during the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram. He was also booked under relevant sections of the Arms Act, police said. A counsel appearing for Pradhan said, The court has remanded Milan Pradhan to judicial custody for 14 days in connection with the three warrants associated with cases in Nandigram police station. He will be produced before the Contai court on Monday in connection with the fourth warrant issued in cases registered with the ..
Cong won't withdraw Nandigram candidate despite arrest
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that the Congress would not withdraw its candidate Milan Pradhan from the Nandigram Assembly bypoll in West Bengal, despite his recent arrest. Pradhan was apprehended in connection with a 2007 anti-land acquisition movement case, shortly after the Trinamool Congress extended its support to him. Venugopal alleged political pressure and questioned the Election Commission's silence, vowing to elevate the issue to a national level.
Mamata Banerjee Calls TMC Dispute Developments A Black Day For Democracy
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the developments surrounding the Trinamool Congress internal factional dispute a black day in Indias democratic history after her camps Nandigram bypoll candidate withdrew her nomination. Banerjee also described the developments as unconstitutional, illegal and undemocratic.
Bangladeshi national held at Ezhimala Naval Academy with forged documents
Digital Desk | Kannur, Sep 19 (IANS) A Bangladeshi national who had been working for nearly a year in the Naval laundry section of the highly secure Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala using alleged forged documents, was arrested by the police and Intelligence agencies, raising serious questions over security verification at the strategic military establishment. The accused, 32-year-old Soren, was taken into custody from the academy following confidential inputs received by the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Police and Intelligence officials are now questioning him to establish how a foreign national managed to secure employment and remain at the naval establishment for nearly a year without being detected. Soren had allegedly used a fake Aadhaar card showing him as an Indian citizen and a fake Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) purportedly issued by the police in West Bengal to obtain the job. Preliminary investigation has indicated that Soren is a Bangladeshi national who entered India through West Bengal after allegedly obtaining forged documents. The circumstances under which he secured employment at the Naval Academy are also under investigation. Police are looking into the role of the contractor or agency through which he was engaged and whether proper background and identity verification was carried out before he was allowed to work inside the sensitive establishment. The arrest comes amid a wider police crackdown in Kannur following the detection of Bangladeshi nationals allegedly staying in the district using forged Indian documents. Four Bangladeshi women were arrested in Kannur in the past few days after police raided a rented house at Odenparambu. They were allegedly working at a spa in Kannur city. Police recovered Bangladeshi identity cards as well as suspected fake Indian identity documents from the women. During interrogation, they allegedly told investigators that they had obtained the forged documents from Assam before travelling to Kerala in search of employment. With the arrest at Ezhimala, police are investigating whether there is an organised network involved in bringing Bangladeshi nationals into Kerala and arranging forged identity documents and employment for them. The investigation will also focus on whether there were lapses in the verification process followed by contractors and agencies recruiting temporary workers for the Naval Academy.
Body of Missing Teen Found in Abandoned House in Purulia, Family Suspects Murder
The body of a 16-year-old girl was discovered in Purulia, West Bengal, with her family alleging murder linked to a local boy. Body of Missing Teen Found in Abandoned House in Purulia, Family Suspects Murder
India shifts counter-terror strategy, moves to bust terror plots before attacks
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) India's counter-terrorism operations have undergone a strategic shift, transitioning from a reactive security apparatus to a pre-emptive, intelligence-driven doctrine aimed at dismantling terror modules before execution, according to senior security officials. Since coming to power, the Narendra Modi government at the Centre has maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. A significant shift has been the move by the security establishment handling terror-related cases towards a more pre-emptive approach, aimed at identifying and neutralising threats before they can materialise. An official said that recent events relating to terror clearly indicate that the national counter-terrorism strategy policy for Response against Hostile Activities and Radicalism, or PRAHAAR, that was introduced in February this year has already started to take effect. The official said that the clear directive to the agencies is not to wait for an incident to take place and then react to the same. The focus is on preventing terror attacks and ensuring that terror modules do not grow to such an extent that bringing them under control becomes a Herculean task, the official added. An Intelligence Bureau official said that this is the same pattern that is being applied across the country, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. The Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has been in overdrive mode and plotting big strikes in the Valley. In the last several months, it has tried to work on its overground worker (OWG) network, while also trying its best to get the infiltrations moving. However, the success has been very low thanks to the new doctrine that focuses on busting these plans rather than reacting after something has taken place, the IB official said. In the past couple of months, security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have neutralised terrorists, busted multiple modules and ensured that the overground worker network remains grounded. These have been among the major challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, and the agencies have ensured that plotting and carrying out terror attacks is now harder than what the ISI may have anticipated, the official added. Another official said that while terror attacks remain one part of the problem, the bigger challenge confronting the country is radicalisation. He said the issue is not confined to any particular region but has spread across the country. Although unconnected, these radicalisation modules have thrived in states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Kerala, the official said. The Islamic State, in particular, has focused only on radicalisation and has been largely successful in infiltrating the minds of the youth in a big way. As the security agencies realised the scale at which the problem was taking place, immediate action was taken, and these modules were busted. The busting of the pan-India radicalisation module in Andhra Pradesh is an example of how the agencies have been handling such cases. The module was threatening to become a massive problem but was nipped in the bud in the nick of time. Officials said security agencies no longer wait for terror modules to grow before taking action. If intelligence is actionable, the agencies move immediately to disrupt the module and prevent it from developing further, the officials added. Similar action was reported in Gujarat when a Jaish-e-Mohammad-linked module was busted. This was a self-styled module that subscribed to the views of the Jaish-e-Mohammad. The security agencies, after busting this module, found extremist material in large numbers. This module was becoming a ticking time bomb, but was busted just in time. The approach has been the same when it comes to tackling terror and radicalisation from the Bangladesh side. Multiple attempts made by the Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI) and the Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have been thwarted. These groups were looking to target West Bengal and the northeastern states. An official said that this was an important shift in Indias counter-terrorism and anti-radicalisation strategy. While PRAHAAR has ensured a pre-emptive, rather than reactive, strategy, it has also ensured seamless integration between the Intelligence agencies, the state police and the central agencies, an official said.
BJP MP Claims TMC is Dwindling in West Bengal Amid Political Turmoil
BJPs Khagen Murmu asserts TMC is nearing its end, citing corruption and violence as key factors in West Bengals political landscape. BJP MP Claims TMC is Dwindling in West Bengal Amid Political Turmoil
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Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, over his criticism of the Election Commissions interim decision concerning rival Trinamool Congress factions in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls. Singh claimed that LoP Rahul Gandhi merely repeated what was given to him and compared him to a robot, while also questioning his understanding of the Congress partys own history. Whatever is written and given to Rahul Gandhi, he speaks it out, just like a robot speaks out whatever is fed into it. Rahul Gandhi should now be called Rahul Robot, because so much has been fed to him. Does he have any knowledge? During the Congress era, how many times did the party split? Congress split five or six times, the Congress (O), Congress (I), Congress Jagjivan, Congress Murarji How many versions of Congress have there been?.. Singh told IANS. His remarks came after LoP Rahul Gandhi criticised the Election Commissions interim decision to bar rival Trinamool factions from using the partys name and its twin-flowers-on-grass symbol in the Bengal Assembly bypolls. LoP Gandhi said that the same pattern had been followed in previous cases involving other political parties, referring to the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party. First Shiv Sena, then NCP, and now Trinamool Congress. Every time, the same patternBJP and the Election Commission join forces to split a party. Then its election symbol is snatched away, LoP Gandhi said in a post on X. The Congress leaders remarks drew further criticism from Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, who alleged that the Congress did not only break political parties but also joined hands with forces that, according to him, seek to divide the country. The Congress party not only breaks parties but also joins hands with forces that seek to divide the country. It works by taking support from people who act against the interests of the country, he alleged. That is why I believe the Congress party is continuously declining. I believe the Congress party will decline further in the coming days. The people of Bihar and the country will not allow such people to continue. This is what I believe, Yadav told IANS. The exchange comes amid a political dispute over the use of the Trinamool Congress' name and its election symbol in the Bengal Assembly bypolls. LoP Gandhi has alleged that the BJP and the Election Commission were acting together in the matter, while Singh questioned Gandhis comments and pointed to the history of splits within the Congress.
1965 War Hero Alfred Tyrone Cooke Passes Away; IAF Pays Tribute
Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, a Vir Chakra awardee and decorated veteran of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, passed away on Friday at Base Hospital in New Delhi. The Indian Air Force paid tribute to Cooke, recalling his courage during the 1965 war and his legendary dogfight over Kalaikunda in West Bengal. IAF Recalls Legendary Dogfight [] The post 1965 War Hero Alfred Tyrone Cooke Passes Away; IAF Pays Tribute appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
West Bengal: Mamata's Rejinagar bypoll candidate announces withdrawal from contest, retracts later
Rabiul Alam Chowdhury withdrew and then retracted his Rejinagar by-election candidacy. He cited harassment and symbol familiarity issues for his initial decision. Chowdhury later stated he would contest after police assured security and Mamata Banerjee intervened. Meanwhile, Nandigram candidate Sanchita Pradhan Dey withdrew her nomination after meeting Suvendu Adhikari. Banerjee then supported Congress's Nandigram nominee, who was later arrested.
BJP Bengal chief seeks RRTS network linking Kolkata with South Bengal towns
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) West Bengal president and Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya has urged Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to consider developing a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) network connecting Kolkata with important townships across South Bengal. In a letter to Khattar, Bhattacharya said a well-researched preliminary feasibility proposal for a West Bengal Regional Rapid Transit System (VVB-RRTS) had been prepared. He said the proposal merited detailed examination by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, given that connectivity between Kolkata and several industrial and tourism hubs was largely dependent on conventional railway routes and highways. Bhattacharya said these conventional transport routes were often congested and, therefore, ill-suited for high-frequency commuter travel. An RRTS network on the lines of NCRTC's Namo Bharat corridors can address this gap through metro-like, high-speed regional connectivity, Bhattacharya pointed out in his letter. The VVB-RRTS proposal, according to him, envisages connecting Kolkata with important townships including Kalyani, Krishnanagar and Mayapur in Nadia district, Bardhaman in East Burdwan district, Durgapur and Asansol in West Burdwan district, Falta and Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, and Haldia in East Midnapore district, among others. The proposal is designed to minimise land acquisition by aligning corridors along existing highways and railway corridors. It also recommends a special purpose vehicle, the West Bengal Rapid Transit Corporation (WBRTC), on the lines of NCRTC, with joint ownership between the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal, Bhattacharya pointed out in his letter. The proposed network is intended to improve mobility, strengthen links with industrial centres and tourism destinations, and ease pressure on transport infrastructure. He requested Khattar to examine the proposal and, if found suitable, direct a detailed feasibility study covering engineering, demand forecasting and financial analysis in coordination with the West Bengal government. I would be glad to facilitate an interaction with the report's authors, should that be of assistance, and trust this proposal will receive your kind and favourable consideration, Bhattacharya said.
Rejinagar bypoll drama continues as Mamata faction candidate revokes withdrawal decision (Ld)
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) High drama continued ahead of the upcoming bypoll of the Rejinagar Assembly constituency in West Bengal's minority-dominated Murshidabad district, with Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, the candidate of the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress, withdrawing his earlier decision to pull out of the contest. Earlier in the day, Chowdhury had told reporters that he intended to withdraw his nomination, citing reluctance among party workers to campaign under the new symbol allotted to the faction by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and what he described as administrative pressure. He had also claimed that the decision was taken after discussions with Mamata Banerjee. However, within hours, the political situation took a dramatic turn when Chowdhury announced that he would remain in the fray following appeals from the party leadership, including Mamata Banerjee. Reacting to the development, Abu Taher Khan, Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP from Murshidabad, criticised the decision to field a candidate in Rejinagar. She had always been misled by some people. She had been misled this time as well, Khan said, referring to Mamata Banerjee. Polling for the Rejinagar bypoll, along with the Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, is scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes on October 9. The developments come a day after Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate of the Mamata-led faction in the Nandigram bypoll, withdrew her nomination following a meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Subsequently, Mamata Banerjee announced support for the Congress candidate in Nandigram. The Rejinagar bypoll became necessary after AJUP leader Humayun Kabir, who won both the Rejinagar and Naoda Assembly seats in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, chose to retain the latter. His son, Golam Nabi Azad, is contesting the bypoll as the AJUP candidate. Earlier on Friday, the Election Commission of India allotted the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the symbol Football Player to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. The rival faction headed by Ritabrata Banerjee was allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the symbol Envelope. Earlier, the poll panel had frozen the original party name All India Trinamool Congress and its traditional symbol Flowers & Grass.
Mamata moves SC against EC order on party name, symbol
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has filed a plea in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's interim decision to freeze the Trinamool Congress' name and party symbol. The EC had allotted separate names and symbols to two rival TMC factions ahead of upcoming bypolls, a move Banerjee has strongly criticised as a lack day for democracy.
16-year-old girl found dead in West Bengal's Purulia, family suspects murder
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) The body of a 16-year-old girl was recovered from an empty house in West Bengals Purulia district on Saturday morning, with her family alleging that she was murdered by a minor boy with whom she was reportedly in a relationship and his family members. The police have launched an investigation following a complaint lodged by the girl's family. The body was recovered from an empty house in the jurisdiction of Purulia Mufassil Police Station in Purulia town. The girl's brother-in-law told local media persons that she had gone missing on Friday night. The girl had been missing since last night. We searched throughout the night but could not find her. This morning, she was found dead, he said. We came to know that the girl was in a relationship with a local teenager. She used to go to their house for tuition. But later, she refused to go there for tuition. We suspect that the girl was murdered. We have appealed to the government to ensure that she gets proper justice, he alleged. According to the family, the girl had been missing since around midnight. Her body was found on Saturday morning inside an empty house belonging to the family. Her headscarf was allegedly tied around her neck. The incident triggered mourning in the area, with local residents gathering near the spot. Officers from Purulia Mufassil Police Station reached the location, recovered the body, and sent it to Purulia Medical College and Hospital for an autopsy. The police said the exact cause of death would be established only after the autopsy report is received. A case of unnatural death has been registered, and an investigation is underway. The police are also examining the allegations made by the girl's family. The body has been recovered and has been sent for autopsy. A complaint has been lodged by the girl's family. The allegations made by the family are being looked into. No one has been arrested as of yet. Investigation is on, a senior officer of Purulia district police said. The incident comes days after a young man was arrested in Purulia for allegedly killing his girlfriend and carrying her body in a bag on a motorcycle. According to police, the accused rode around with the woman's body for nearly three to four hours before he was caught by personnel from Balarampur Police Station on September 12.
The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress suffered another setback ahead of the West Bengal Assembly bypolls after its Rejinagar candidate, Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, withdrew his nomination on Saturday. The development came a day after the factions Nandigram candidate, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, also withdrew from the contest. Chowdhury cited the difficulty of contesting the [] The post After Nandigram, Mamatas Rejinagar Candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury Withdraws appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Arrest of Nandigram Congress candidate lawful step: West Bengal Police
BothRahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee have condemned the arrest and criticised the move days ahead of the bypoll
Arrest of Nandigram Congress candidate lawful step: West Bengal Police
BothRahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee have condemned the arrest and criticised the move days ahead of the bypoll
Another setback for Mamata Banerjee as her Rejinagar bypolls pick withdraws
Rabiul Alam Chowdhury's announcement came a day after Sanchita Pradhan Dey, the faction's candidate in Nandigram, withdrew her nomination. She had met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari with her husband on Thursday, but did not publicly explain her decision to quit. After Dey's withdrawal, Mamata's faction backed Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in Nandigram.
Motorcyclist killed, pillion rider injured in road accident at Botingoo Sopore
Sopore, Sep 19: A motorcyclist was killed while another sustained injuries after their motorcycle collided with a Tata Matador Video Coach at Botingoo area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday. Officials said the deceased has been identified as Mohinoor Mir Ali, a resident of West Bengal, who was reportedly working as a goldsmith in Srinagar. The injured motorcyclist has been identified as Minhaj Mir Ali. According to officials, the motorcycle bearing registration number JK01BC-6080 collided with a Tata Bus Video Coach number (JK05N-9576), which was reportedly travelling towards Sopore from Bandipora. Following the accident, a team from Police Station Warpora rushed to the spot and shifted both persons to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore for medical treatment. However, doctors declared Mohinoor Mir Ali brought dead upon arrival, while the injured rider was admitted for treatment. Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the accident.
Mamata Moves SC Challenging EC's Decision to Freeze Party Name, Symbol
In her plea filed in the apex court, Banerjee has made the Election Commission and Ritabrata Banerjee, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, as party respondents
Ministry of Rural Development to begin DDUGKY 2.0 training batches in Oct
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) The Ministry of Rural Development will roll out Deen Dayal UpadhyayaGrameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY) 2.0 training batches across most states and union territories (UTs) from October 2026, an official statement said on Saturday. As many as 1,164 batches enrolling 34,920 rural youth will start training in October, against a sanctioned target of 3,57,112 rural youth to be trained by December 31, 2027, in these 14 jurisdictions. The statement from the Ministry of Rural Development said preparedness for the commencement of training batches was reviewed with 14 States and UTs in the first phase. Preparedness was evaluated at Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, Karnataka, Telangana and Bihar. As per the DDU-GKY 2.0 portal, allocation of 5.6 lakh targets towards more than 1,200 projects has been done by 24 states or UTs. Other states are in the advanced stages of target allocation. Review meetings in phases will expedite the processes of batch commencement. The Ministry emphasised that that scheme is in a crucial phase and called upon implementing States/UTs to accelerate the allocation of targets to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and to commence batches as per envisaged timelines. DDU-GKY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for poor rural youth providing placement-linked skill training. The duration of the training varies from 3 months to 12 months. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of states/UTs for implementation of DDU-GKY 2.0. The targets have been allocated to all the 31 participating states or UTs for a 2-year period 2026-28. States or UTs are supposed to ensure allocation of targets to PIAs for commencement of training latest by October 31, 2026. Over 5 lakh targets have already been allocated to PIAs for mobilisation of eligible rural youths, the statement noted.
One killed, 22 injured as lightning strikes football match in Bengal's Jhargram
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) At least one person was killed, and 22 others were injured after lightning struck a group of football players and spectators who had taken shelter under a tree during a rainstorm at a football tournament in West Bengal's Jhargram district, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred on Friday evening in Kumarbandh village under the Lalgarh police station area, where a two-day football tournament had been organised for Vishwakarma Puja. According to local residents, play was halted after sudden rain accompanied by lightning. Players and spectators gathered under a tarpaulin erected beneath a tree when a lightning bolt struck the shelter. Officers of Lalgarh police station reached the spot after receiving the information. The injured were rescued and first taken to the Lalgarh Primary Health Centre, where doctors declared one person dead. The condition of four others was critical. They were quickly shifted to the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital. Later, on the instructions of the district administration, the remaining 17 injured were also taken to the same hospital. One person is undergoing treatment at the Lalgarh Rural Hospital. The deceased was identified as Deepen Murmu (19), a Class 11 student and a resident of Kumarbandh village. According to police, a two-day football tournament for 16 football teams was organised at Kumarbandh on the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja. This was the first day of the football tournament when the tragedy struck. Recalling the incident, eyewitness Sagen Hansda said a powerful lightning strike plunged the area into darkness. When he regained his senses, he found most of those gathered lying on the ground and helped move them from a waterlogged area of the playground to safer ground. Manav Singla, Superintendent of Police, Jhargram, said police acted swiftly to rescue the victims and ensure their transfer to hospitals for treatment. Local MLA Lakshmi Kanta Sau visited the hospital and met the injured. He said the state government had directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment and extend all necessary support to the affected families.
Wanted to turn Bengal into Bangladesh: Giriraj Singh attacks Mamata Banerjee ahead of bypolls
Union Minister Giriraj Singh attacked Mamata Banerjee's administration for crime and extortion in West Bengal. He claimed the ruling regime wanted to turn Bengal into Bangladesh, which is a serious allegation. Singh also called Rahul Gandhi a robot with a polluted mind for his election manipulation claims. He reminded the Congress of its own history of splits and the origin of the TMC party.
Nandigram by-poll, a reset for Mamata and Congress ties
There appears to be a vacuum in the Opposition space in the State. The emerging understanding between the Congress and Mamata Banerjee could reshape the Oppositions strategy in West Bengal
West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh criticized Mamata Banerjee's Supreme Court challenge. He suggested elections will pass before her faction can contest the polls. Banerjee moved the Supreme Court over the Election Commission's interim order. The poll panel froze her party's original name and symbol amid a dispute. This development escalates political tensions ahead of upcoming by-elections.
Mamatas Nandigram nominee deserts, Congress pick arrested
New symbols: Football player for Mamata unit, envelope for rebel bloc
HC raps Bengal govt for detaining Murshidabad man without citing reason
Pillow, scissors, chappals, AC, computer mouse on Election Commissions list of 184 free symbols
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Fight over money, not symbol: BJP's Samik Bhattacharya
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya claimed factions fight over money. He stated the Trinamool party symbol will cease to exist soon. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari said the ECI made a decision as per rules. He attributed the current situation to pride and divine wrath. Adhikari mentioned Mamata Banerjee's remarks on religious events and processions.
KP to get high-tech drones, GPS-enabled radio handsets
ECI freezes AITC name & symbol, allots new ones to rival factions
The Election Commission has assigned new names and symbols to two factions of the All India Trinamool Congress. Mamata Banerjee's group will now be known as Mamata All India Trinamool Congress with a football player symbol. The Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction received the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and an envelope symbol. Both groups will use these new identities for upcoming by-elections in West Bengal.
Cops arrest Bangla youth for stealing mobiles on Kol streets
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The Calcutta High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation challenging the West Bengal governments saffron painting of public properties. Calcutta High Court Dismisses PIL Against Government Properties Painted Saffron
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TMC Faces Internal Strife as Election Commission Allocates New Names and Symbols
TMC leaders express concerns over new election symbols and internal conflicts as political tensions rise in West Bengal. TMC Faces Internal Strife as Election Commission Allocates New Names and Symbols
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Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal's former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday sharply criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over Congress' Nandigram candidate's arrest, describing it as a political vendetta and a murder of democracy.
'Farce election': Oppn attacks BJP after Congress Nandigram candidate's arrest
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Congress and the Trinamool Congress on Friday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while referring to the upcoming bypoll in West Bengal's Nandigram Assembly constituency as farce, after the grand old party's candidate was arrested in an old murder case. Earlier in the day, former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had extended support to Congress' Milan Pradhan after, Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate of the Trinamool Congress faction led by Banerjee, withdrew her nomination from the Nandigram bypoll. In a self-made video, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said: When other opposition parties started extending support to Milan Pradhan, BJP got scared and out of desperation it has arrested Pradhan, in order to thwart our bright prospects in the bypoll and turn the election into a farce one. Targeting the BJP, Chowdhury remarked: It is really a stain on our democracy that election is being conducted by the same (BJP) government who are ruling the state (West Bengal) and who are controlling all the existing institutions in our country. They themselves are trying to make the election as a laughing stock, as a farce. While condemning the arrest, the Congress leader said that he wants to draw the attention of Election Commission into the matter. Congress leader Udit Raj added: If the Congress candidate had also agreed to sit out or refused to contest, he wouldn't have been arrested. Therefore, the Trinamool Congress candidate must have been threatened, or bribed (due to which she withdrew). This is completely undemocratic. Echoing similar view, Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh termed Padhan's arrest as panic reaction of the BJP. He (Milan Pradhan) was arrested right after Mamata Banerjee announced that she and her party are going to support the Congress candidate contesting the Nandigram bye-election. This is a panic reaction...This is a fascist government, he told reporters. He also alleged: 'Police Raj' is going on here. The BJP is scared as it does not trust the public. Ghosh demanded that the Congress candidate should be immediately released. Nandigram, along with Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district, is going to bypolls on October 6 and the results will be declared on November 9.
Fast-paced developments mark dramatic times in Bengal politics
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Amidst fast-paced developments on Friday, West Bengals electoral politics stand poised for a major shift, with Trinamool Congress founder and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee facing the prospect of going unrepresented in the high-profile Nandigram Assembly seat when the by-election is held on October 6. Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate nominated from the Mamata-led Trinamool faction for Nandigram, withdrew her nomination after meeting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. With the last date for nomination over, Mamata had no option but to announce support for Congress candidate Milan Pradhan. Soon after, reports emerged of his arrest in an old case. The Congress blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the development, which the ruling party promptly denied. With the model code of conduct in place, the state election commission acquires administrative control. BJP leaders pointed out that it can direct police to execute all non-bailable warrants issued earlier. Subsequent developments, following the Election Commission of India (ECI) decision earlier in the day to allot new names and symbols to two rival factions in the Trinamool Congress, one led by Mamata and the other by expelled party legislator Ritabrata Banerjee, escalated the war of attrition. The two factions of the Trinamool Congress, which ruled West Bengal for 15 uninterrupted years under Mamata Banerjee, were set to contest the upcoming by-elections at Nandigram in East Midnapore district and also Rejinagar in Murshidabad. The Mamata All India Trinamool Congress with Football Player as its symbol, and the Democratic Trinamool Congress with Envelope as its symbol, were in the fray alongside other political parties. The importance of the original name and symbol of the twin florets was reflected in the words of a leader owing allegiance to Mamata Banerjee, who said she had expressed intent to join her candidates on the campaign trail if the Election Commission officially granted them. If not, Didi said she will think about it, he said, referring to Mamatas remarks ahead of the poll bodys interim decision late on Thursday. For rebel Ritabrata Banerjee, the decision came as he rose from yet another political leader to being the principal disruptive face against Mamata Banerjee, long regarded as West Bengals greatest political disruptor. His camp was reportedly content that the original name and symbol were not awarded to Mamata, which would have given her additional strength in the upcoming by-election. Meanwhile, rebel Trinamool Lok Sabha MPs who chose to join the little-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) but have yet to be granted official recognition by the Speaker face a longer wait to navigate their path ahead. The BJP has ruled out admitting any more Trinamool leaders into its fold. However, the rebel MPs have chosen to support the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Now, all rebels, about 60 MLAs, 20 MPs, other leaders, workers, and supporters, await the final decision of the Election Commission. For recognition of political parties in an election, the poll body stipulates that a reserved symbol is for a recognised political party for exclusive allotment to contesting candidates set up by that party, while a free symbol is any other than a reserved symbol. With the two factions battling over ownership, allotment of the twin florets will be announced once the real Trinamool is established, deciding who gains access to party funds and other assets. In the meantime, neither faction can use the name All India Trinamool Congress or the twin florets symbol, both of which depict grassroots. Since the Trinamool Congress came into being on New Years Day in 1998, its meteoric rise, spearheaded by Mamata Banerjee, culminated in the fall of the states red bastion and turned her into a political cult figure. Most leaders and workers, who swore by the Trinamool, however, had trouble with the r. Thus, in rallies and processions, slogans often went: Who goes there Tinamool, Tinamool? or Wholl win Tinamool, Tinamool. Despite the distorting but harmless renaming, this slightly warped version echoed in debates and discussions at tea stalls and street corners. Yet the name and symbol stood for Mamatas achievements, with followers revering her as benefactor and final authority. Over time, however, that reverence was tested amid allegations of misconduct and misappropriation within the ranks, leading to the regime's fall and subsequent erosion and division.
West Bengals rival Trinamool factions receive new names and symbols, alongside controversies over bureaucratic discrimination, a massive welfare scam in Odisha, and diplomatic talks with Bangladesh. More about all this in todays above the fold episode.
West Bengals rival Trinamool factions receive new names and symbols, alongside controversies over bureaucratic discrimination, a massive welfare scam in Odisha, and diplomatic talks with Bangladesh. More about all this in todays above the fold episode.
12,000 CISF personnel deployed against coal mafia in Jharkhand, West Bengal
Force says 10 units involved in operations against pilferage of coal; more than 10,000 tonnes of coal recovered since July
Cong claims its candidate for Nandigram bypoll arrested over 2007 protest
Congress candidate for the upcoming Nandigram assembly bypoll, Milan Pradhan, was arrested on Friday for his alleged involvement in the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement there, a senior party leader claimed. Another party leader, Subhasish Bhattacharya, was also arrested for allegedly preventing the police from apprehending Pradhan, he said. Pradhan, who has been named in more than 12 cases over the Nandigram land movement, was picked up from a hotel in Chandipur in Purba Medinipur district, the Congress leader said. This is nothing but a dirty game of the BJP. Milan had been spearheading the Nandigram movement in 2007. He had been named in at least 12 cases since then. But today, because he has successfully filed his nomination, the police were made to arrest him, he told PTI. Earlier in the day, former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had announced her party's support for the Congress in the October 6 Nandigram bypoll, hours after her candidate withdrew from the ...
Nandigram bypoll: Congress candidate Milan Pradhan arrested in 2007 case
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested ahead of the October 6 Nandigram bypoll in West Bengal. The action came hours after Mamata Banerjee announced support for Pradhan following her factions candidate's withdrawal from the contest
Milan Pradhan Arrested Hours After Mamata Backs Congress Candidate In Nandigram Bypoll: Reports
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested in West Bengal on Friday in connection with an old alleged murder case, hours after former chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced that her faction would support his candidature in the October 6 Nandigram Assembly bypoll. The arrest triggered a fresh political controversy in West Bengal, with Congress leaders questioning [] The post Milan Pradhan Arrested Hours After Mamata Backs Congress Candidate In Nandigram Bypoll: Reports appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
After Mamata vows support, Congress Nandigram candidate held
Kolkata: Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the forthcoming bypoll for the Nandigram Assembly constituency in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, was arrested on Friday, September 18, in an old case, confirmed an official of the East Midnapore district police. The arrests took place hours after Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate from 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 .
TMC Mine Until...: Mamata Supports Congress In Nandigram Bypoll; Ritabratas Cult Jibe At Didi
Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday called the developments surrounding the Trinamool Congress internal factional dispute a black day in Indias democratic history after her camps Nandigram bypoll candidate Sanchita Dey Pradhan withdrew her nomination. Mamata alleged that the developments were unconstitutional, illegal, undemocratic and a biased vendetta. The withdrawal came after Pradhan met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, with a photograph of the meeting circulating on social media, though its authenticity could not be confirmed. Mamata announced support for the Congress candidate in Nandigram and Assam. The Election Commission assigned Mamatas faction the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the football player symbol, while the Arup Roy-led rebel camp was given Democratic Trinamool Congress with the envelope symbol.
Bengal: Congress candidate for Nandigram bypoll arrested in an old case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the forthcoming bypoll for Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, was arrested on Friday in an old case, confirmed an official of the East Midnapore district police. The arrests took place hours after Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress for the bypoll in Nandigram, withdrew her nomination and the former West Bengal Chief Minister announced her support towards Congress in Nandigram. An insider from the district police said that the Congress candidate from Nandigram was accused in an old murder case. A warrant was already also issued in his name, and he was arrested in connection with it on Friday, said the district police officer. The Congress candidates arrest before the bypoll created a stir in the political circles in West Bengal. The Congress alleged that the BJP did not want to have anything called opposition before the elections. West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) president Subhankar Sarkar told media persons that suddenly a case was filed against Milan, and he was arrested thereafter. In this way, the BJP is trying to create a one-party rule in West Bengal. Will there be no opposition politics in this state as well as in the country? questioned Sarkar and said the current ruling party in the state hatched a political conspiracy in the arrest of his party's candidate. However, the BJPs East Midnapore district rubbished the allegation and claimed that the party had no connection with the arrest of the Congress candidate. Nandigram, along with Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district, is going to bypolls on October 6 and the results will be declared on November 9. In the Assembly elections held earlier this year, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur. He defeated former CM and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur and chose to retain that seat, leaving Nandigram vacant and necessitating the bypoll. BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath, mother of Adhikaris personal assistant Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas on May 6, soon after the Assembly election results were announced. Her candidature has added an emotional element to the campaign.
Bengal: Mahua Moitra files complaint against BJP workers over egg attack
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Trinamool Congress (TMC) Lok Sabha member from Krishnanagar constituency in Nadia district of West Bengal, Mahua Moitra, on Friday lodged a complaint at Tehatta Police Station in the same district against eight Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists over the alleged egg attack on her while she went to attend a party meeting at Tehatta on September 16. Among the eight BJP activists named in the complaint are the panchayat samiti chief and deputy chief of Tehatta-I block. Confirming the development, a district police officer said that based on the complaint filed by the Lok Sabha member, the police had started an investigation. CCTV and video footage of the entire incident is being examined, the officer said. Meanwhile, the BJPs Nadia district leadership denied the allegations. BJP legislator from Tehatta Assembly Constituency, Subrata Kobiraj, said no BJP worker or supporter was involved in the incident. He added that the protest against the MPs controversial comments about Hindu gods and goddesses had aroused strong anger among the people, and Wednesdays development was a manifestation of that spontaneous public anger. On Wednesday, Moitra shared videos of the incident on social media and claimed that BJP office-bearers surrounded the venue of her party meeting and targeted her convoy as she departed. Referring to a recent observation by Supreme Court judge Justice Dipankar Datta that politicians should not be overly concerned about egg attacks when freedom fighters had faced bullets, she said she had confronted the situation in the same spirit. Moitra remarked that on Wednesday she was both an MP in independent India and also a freedom fighter. BJP office-bearers, not the public, surrounded my meeting and pelted eggs as I left. Thank you, MiLord, for upholding our Constitutional protections, she said. She also criticised the officer-in-charge of Tehatta Police Station for allegedly claiming that she attended the meeting without informing him. The Tehatta IC, Supriya Ranjan Maji, said on camera that nobody informed him about my visit. Whereas, the district police superintendent of Nadia issued a letter, cc to him, about my Tehatta visit. Does Mr Maji also have the BJP disease of short-term memory loss? Disgraceful, Moitra added.
Rahul Gandhi Speaks To Mamata Banerjee After ECI Freezes TMC Name, Symbol
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke with former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday after the Election Commission of India (ECI) froze the All India Trinamool Congress name and its traditional Flowers and Grass symbol ahead of the upcoming state bypolls. Banerjee later said that she and Gandhi discussed working together against the BJP. [] The post Rahul Gandhi Speaks To Mamata Banerjee After ECI Freezes TMC Name, Symbol appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Have You Tried Bapuji Cake? This West Bengal Favourite Is Pure Nostalgia
Bapuji Cake is a simple, old-school Bengali treat that has been a familiar part of West Bengals local bakery culture for generations
Bengal: Maoist leader remanded to police custody till Sep 29
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) A lower court remanded senior CPI (Maoist) leader Asim Mandal, alias Akash, Timir and Manoj to police custody until September 29 on Friday. He was arrested on Thursday by the Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata from Patashpur in East Midnapore district After being presented in court, counsel for the Kolkata Police STF told the court that there were 55 cases against Akash in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The Jharkhand and Odisha governments had announced a reward of Rs 2.2 crore. Akash is an active member of a banned organisation. His activities harmed the sovereignty and integrity of the state. He was also responsible for creating a cycle of illegal activities and sabotage involving the three states. He used to hide himself by frequently changing names, the STF counsel told the court. No bail application was moved on behalf of Akash. His counsel, Yasin Rahman, told the court that accusations of sabotage had been made against Akash for decades. However, many people involved in this force before 2011 have since become heroes in society and mainstream political figures. Akashs arrest is being viewed as a significant success for security agencies and a major setback to Maoist activities in the tribal and forested regions spread across the three eastern states. A native of Fulchak village under Chandrakona Police Station in West Midnapore district, Mandal is said to have become involved in Left-Wing extremist activities during his student years in the 1980s. He later joined the Peoples War Group and worked extensively in the Sarenga and Goaltor regions of West Bengal as well as the Gurabanda area of Jharkhands East Singhbhum district. Security agencies records show that nearly 55 serious criminal cases are registered against him across Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. Several of these cases relate to attacks on security forces and armed encounters in Jharkhand. Following the formation of CPI (Maoist) in September 2004, he returned to the Jangalmahal region spanning parts of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore districts. He became actively involved in the outfits activities. He also played a key role during the Lalgarh movement, after which he was entrusted with the responsibility of Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee in 2010. He later held important positions in the Bengal-Jharkhand-Odisha Regional Committee. According to police sources, the Maoist network in West Bengal suffered a major setback after the November 2011 encounter killing of senior Maoist leader Kishanji. Thereafter, Mandal is said to have gone completely underground and remained elusive for years until his arrest on Thursday.
Candidate from Mamata Banerjee-led faction withdraws nomination in Nandigram
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress for the bypoll in Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, withdrew her nomination on Friday afternoon after a meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Soon after, at a press conference at her residence in Kalighat, South Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee, the former West Bengal Chief Minister, announced that she would extend her support to Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in Nandigram. Both developments followed the Election Commission of India (ECI) decision earlier in the day to allot new names and symbols to two rival factions in the Trinamool Congress: one led by Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and the other by expelled party legislator Ritabrata Banerjee. After Sanchita Dey Pradhan withdrew her nomination following the meeting with the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee told media persons at her residence that she had decided to support the Congress candidate in Nandigram. We will not contest in Nandigram. We will support our sister party, Congress. This will strengthen the INDIA bloc, the former West Bengal Chief Minister said. She added that the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, had called her on Thursday night, after which she decided to support the Congress. We are all together; we will fight together. We will support all normal alliances. We will support our sister parties, she said. Regarding the Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district, which is also going for bypolls next month, Mamata Banerjee said that a decision would be taken later. After seizing power in the state with the Congress in 2011, ending the 34-year Left Front rule, this is the first time Mamata Banerjee has publicly expressed support for a Congress candidate in Nandigram. Political observers believe this move is possibly a face-saving exercise for the former Chief Minister amid the current situation within her party. Tension over the symbol began Thursday night when the ECI announced its decision to freeze the name All India Trinamool Congress temporarily and the symbol Flowers & Grass. On Friday, the Commission allotted the Mamata Banerjee-led faction the new name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the symbol Football Players. The rival Ritabrata-led faction was allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the symbol Envelope. The dramatic turn in the Nandigram by-election came after Sanchita Dey Pradhan met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the state secretariat Nabanna and subsequently withdrew her nomination at the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Haldia.
Major Reshuffle in West Bengal BJP as Samik Bhattacharya Approves New Appointments
The BJP in West Bengal announces key appointments to strengthen its organizational structure under Samik Bhattacharyas leadership. Major Reshuffle in West Bengal BJP as Samik Bhattacharya Approves New Appointments
The new symbol for Mamata's party is...
The Election Commission has allotted the 'Football Player' symbol to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, while the rival Arup Roy-led group will contest with the 'Envelope' symbol.
TMC Split: Mamata Banerjee Faction Gets Football Player Symbol, Arup Roy Camp Gets Envelope
The Election Commission on Friday has allotted new names and election symbols to the two rival factions of Trinamool Congress ahead of West Bengal bypolls. The move comes after the poll panel stopped both the factions using the original TMC name
