Suvendu targeting Opposition like Mamata did, says Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has accused BJP Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari of targeting the Opposition similarly to Mamata Banerjee. He stated that Adhikari is using state power against Opposition parties, mirroring Banerjee's tactics. Chowdhury pointed out the inconsistency of TMC candidates in the ongoing byelections for West Bengal assembly. He emphasized that only Congress remains as a consistent force opposing the BJP's actions.
Milan Pradhan can contest Nandigram bypoll, Calcutta HC observes
The Calcutta High Court recorded the West Bengal government's submission that five of the six cases challenged by Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan had been closed. The court verbally observed that Pradhan should contest the polls. Pradhan's lawyer said the court had granted protection until October 12, while Congress leaders urged Nandigram voters to support the jailed candidate.
Penalty waiver, 10% property tax rebate likely in Howrah
Kolkata Police buys detectors worth Rs 4 crore to track trackers
Old cybercrime tricks return to haunt Kolkata ahead of Durga Puja
Rani Shiromani temple in W Midnapore to get into Bengals heritage tourism map
Over Rs 90 lakh recovered from 2 passengers at Howrah Station
Cannot alter degree of disability in ID for MBBS admission: HC to IPGMER
Bldgs, labs & hostels cry for repairs, JU writes to higher edu dept
Covid fin irregularity: Plaints to be filed against 64 govt health units
Ex-MLA Humayun injured in TMC-BJP clash in S Kolkata
Fire guts Batasia police outpost, tourists unaffected
Sittong homestay sealed after honeymoon fire incident
All industrialists are ready to invest in West Bengal, says Suvendu Adhikari
Salboni BDO vehicle intercepted, influencer held
Gurung writes to CM for probe into 280 water projects by GTA
Ensure less politics, propagation of national interests on college campuses: BJP to governing bodies
NIA Summons TMC MLA Sabina Yasmin Over Attack on Judicial Officials in West Bengal
The NIA has summoned TMC MLA Sabina Yasmin for questioning regarding an attack on judicial officials during an inquiry process in Malda, West Bengal. NIA Summons TMC MLA Sabina Yasmin Over Attack on Judicial Officials in West Bengal
Four arrested as Bhangar remains tense after clashes
Bengal wont tolerate any wildlife crime: CM on World Rhino Day
A 12-Year Wait to Vote? West Bengal SIR Backlog Raises Questions for CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Imagine being told that your name has been removed from the electoral roll and that you have the right to challenge the decision. You file your appeal, submit your documents and wait. Then comes the shocking part: the system hearing your
Army jawan arrested for helping Bdeshi duo cross into India illegally
Fresh FIR against TMC strongman Naskar, police lens on promoters
No relief in HC for Nandigram Cong candidate
Centre studying plan for 4 new airports in West Bengal
Centre studying plan for 4 new airports in West Bengal
Rajya Sabha polls announced, all eyes on UP's 10th seat
The Election Commission has announced elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal on October 16. The BJP is expected to retain eight seats in UP and gain one in West Bengal, increasing its overall strength. The Samajwadi Party is also likely to gain one seat in UP, while Mayawati's BSP faces the prospect of losing its representation in Parliament.
Suvendu Meets Mukesh Ambani to Seek Investments in West Bengal
The two discussed possibilities for industrial growth and employment generation in West Bengal.
Big players will invest in West Bengal for the love of the country: CM
Suvendu Adhikari meets Mukesh Ambani in Mumbai; West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya met Kumar Mangalam Birla on September 20; Gautam Adani will visit Kolkata on September 24
The Election Commission has scheduled Rajya Sabha elections for twelve seats on October 16th. A heated rivalry is anticipated in Uttar Pradesh for ten seats, with the BJP expected to secure eight. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the BJP aims to capture the lone contested seat. In Uttarakhand, the ruling BJP party is also projected to maintain its control over one seat.
Mukesh Ambani hosts WB CM Suvendu Adhikari to discuss investment oppurtunities
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari met Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani & discussed the possibility of fresh investments and expansion of existing business activities in the State.
Ensure Milan Pradhan contests Nandigram, SC tells Bengal govt
The Calcutta High Court has verbally directed the West Bengal government to allow Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan to contest the election properly, provided he secures bail in five criminal cases. Pradhan was recently arrested in connection with multiple long-pending cases, raising questions about his ability to campaign for the upcoming bypoll.
The Calcutta High Court asked the West Bengal government to ensure Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan is able to contest the election properly, provided he secures bail in the five cases in which he has been arrested. The court was also informed that five other cases against Pradhan had been withdrawn and that he was not an accused in another.
Kolkata art auction brings Indian masters to global collectors
HC asks WB to let Congress Nandigram candidate contest if bailed
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday, September 22, asked the West Bengal governments counsel that the Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan be allowed to contest properly, provided he gets bail in five criminal cases in which he has been arrested. Pradhan was sent to judicial custody on Saturday by the Haldia Sub-Divisional Court Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
West Bengal govt restricts land registrations in nine mouzas for proposed Kalyani Greenfield Airport
India gives UDAN another decade to fly & generate Rs 60,000 crore; MoUs in 2-3 weeks
The Centre expects to finalize UDAN scheme agreements with all states soon. West Bengal will sign its memorandum of understanding on September twenty-eighth. The UDAN scheme has been extended for another decade, projecting significant economic impact. Faster airport construction is planned through a challenge model under the new framework. The government also monitors SpiceJet's operational and financial matters closely.
West Bengal Shuts 933 Schools With Zero Student Enrolment For Up To 20 Years
An order had earlier been issued to constitute a committee to explore alternative uses for the buildings and properties of the closed schools.
Rajya Sabha polls for 12 seats in UP, Uttarakhand, West Bengal on October 16
The polls will cover 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh and one in Uttarakhand, where the terms of the sitting members are ending on November 25. A separate by-election will be held for one vacant Rajya Sabha seat in West Bengal
Rajya Sabha polls for 12 seats on October 16
New Delhi: Elections to 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal will be held on October 16, the Election Commission announced on Tuesday, September 22. The elections will cover 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh and one from Uttarakhand, where the terms of the sitting members end on November 25, along with 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 .
The Election Commission has announced Rajya Sabha elections for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal, with voting scheduled for October 16. Rajya Sabha Elections Announced for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal; Voting Set for October 16
West Bengal bypolls emerge as battle for opposition space
West Bengals October 6 bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar have become a contest for the opposition space after the TMC split and loss of its original name and symbol. The Congress and Left seek to regain voters, while rival TMC factions compete for the partys political inheritance, with BJP also in contention.
The Election Commission on Tuesday (September 22) announced the schedule for biennial elections to 11 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as a by-election for one seat from West Bengal. According...
GRSE gains as board approves Rs 2,896 crore Raichak shipyard outlay
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) gained 1.57% to Rs 2,410 after the company's board approved a capital budgetary outlay of Rs 2,896 crore for construction of a greenfield shipyard at Raichak in West Bengal.
Diphu, Sep 22: Assam Police seized approximately 3 kilograms of morphine valued at around 3 crore during a routine operation in Karbi Anglong district. Three suspected traffickers were taken into custody following the discovery. Officials reported that the interception occurred in the Dillai area when a vehicle bearing West Bengal registration, traveling from Manipur to... The post Assam: Morphine Worth 3 Crore Seized In Karbi Anglong, Three Held first appeared on Northeast Today .
Fishermen Race 3 Km To Rescue Elephant Calf Swept Away In West Bengal River
After seeing the elephant being carried away by the water, the fishermen turned their boat towards it without worrying about their own safety.
Delhi-NCR to remain dry as IMD forecasts clear skies; mercury to touch 34 degree Celsius
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 22 (IANS) The national Capital is likely to witness clear skies and relatively pleasant weather on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a minimum temperature of around 24 degree Celsius and a maximum of nearly 34 degree Celsius. According to the weather agency, Delhi is expected to remain largely dry throughout the day, marking a change from the cloudy conditions and occasional showers witnessed recently. The forecast of clearer skies could provide some relief from the persistent humidity experienced across the city over the past few weeks. The relative humidity is likely to remain around 60 per cent, while weather conditions are expected to be generally comfortable for residents. However, temperatures are likely to rise during the afternoon before easing later in the day. Among the weather stations in the national Capital, Palam is likely to record a minimum temperature of around 23 degree Celsius. Lodi Road and Ayanagar may register minimum temperatures of 24.3 degree Celsius and 24.2 degree Celsius, respectively. The Ridge could witness a comparatively cooler morning, with the minimum temperature expected to settle at around 22.5 degree Celsius. While Delhi-NCR is likely to remain dry on Tuesday, several other parts of the country are expected to experience rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days due to a weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal. Odisha is likely to witness some of the most intense weather activity as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal becomes more organised. The system is expected to move towards the South Odisha-North Andhra Pradesh coast and reach the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal near the coast around the morning of September 23. The IMD has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam and Puri on September 23. A similar red alert has been issued for Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Rayagada for September 24. Rainfall is expected to remain active across Odisha until September 27, with different districts placed under red, orange and yellow alerts depending on the anticipated intensity of rainfall. Kerala is also likely to experience wet conditions during the week. Light to moderate rainfall has been forecast in several areas between September 21 and 25, while isolated heavy showers are possible in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur. The IMD has advised residents in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and landslides to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local authorities. Weather activity is also expected to increase across parts of the Northeast and eastern India. Assam and Meghalaya may experience thunderstorms and lightning on September 22, followed by heavy rainfall between September 23 and 25. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim could witness thunderstorms, lightning and squally conditions on September 22. Heavy rainfall is likely in these areas on September 23 and 24, while very heavy showers are possible on September 25. East Uttar Pradesh is expected to see increased rainfall activity from September 24, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and squall-like conditions. Similar weather is likely to develop over West Uttar Pradesh from September 25. In contrast, Delhi-NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad, is unlikely to receive significant rainfall on Tuesday. The region is expected to remain predominantly dry as the southwest monsoon continues to withdraw from northwest India. However, weather conditions could become more active towards the end of the week, with the IMD forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and squall-like conditions over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi between September 25 and 27. The developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to remain the primary factor influencing rainfall and thunderstorm activity across several parts of the country in the coming days.
Is your school or college closed for Karam Puja 2026? Get the latest updates on holiday declarations, government office shutdowns, and exam rescheduling for students across West Bengal and Jharkhand today.
Students From Kolkata Schools Battle It Out At Science Quiz
App-biker threatens woman with rape
Noise Demon To High Spirits, Trouble Brews At Immersions In Kolkata
Car catches fire on Maa, traffic hit for 40 mins
Encroachment On Canal Bund Land Blocks Access To East Kolkata Wetlands Bheris
Study Flags Antibiotic Resistance Gene Spread Through Soil & Water
DC Edit | Voters Cannot Be Termed Discrepancies, EC Must Act
The EC has invented a new tool called discrepancies (it was logical discrepancies in West Bengal) to deny people their basic right as citizens of this country: the right to vote. The Supreme Court itself had once remarked that some of the discrepancies the EC talks about, such as minor variations in the spellings in surnames or age differences between parents and children, are very normal and natural in Indian conditions
Class 12 student Prithwish developed the idea of a soundproof hammer after renovation work at his home exposed him to prolonged construction noise. Interested in science and technology, he proposed covering the hammer with a foam-like material to absorb impact and reduce noise. While economics is his favourite subject, he reads science books and hopes to become a businessman like his father.
JU VC convenes meet to form IoE, PM-USHA panels
Mithu Mukherjee, the girl next-door from Mouchak, passes away
Kolkata airport gets new charging points to juice up your laptops
Matri Bhavan should be a model for other hosps: Min
Coughless cold joins cough and cold in season of viral infections
Microplastics found in packaged, fresh cow milk: Study
Kol crime hotspots: Jadavpur leads in petty thefts, Port in break-ins
Min: State to repurpose 933 unused schools
Met sounds rain alert for Kolkata, coastal districts
West Bengal Medical Council Launches Audit of Doctor Registrations Amid Fake Practitioner Concerns
In response to rising cases of fake doctors, the West Bengal Medical Council has initiated a comprehensive audit of doctor registrations spanning 17 years. West Bengal Medical Council Launches Audit of Doctor Registrations Amid Fake Practitioner Concerns
State committee considers renaming roads after Sri Chaitanya, slain cop Vinod Mehta
KIFF extends submission deadline to Sept 30
6 youths harass doc couple & friends at multiplex, arrested
Tension outside BDO office, highway & roads blocked as Annapurna protests spread in distss
Bengal: RSP withdraws from Rejinagar bypolls after ECI changes its traditional electoral symbol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Revolutionary Social Party (RSP), a constituent of the West Bengal Left Front, which fielded its own candidate for the forthcoming Rejinagar assembly bypolls after declaring revolt against the Left Front, on Monday night, announced its decision to refrain from contesting in the Rejinagar bypolls. A statement has been issued by the RSPs state secretary in West Bengal, Tapan Hore, in which he claimed that the decision to withdraw its candidate in the Rejinagar bypolls had been prompted by the last-moment decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to deprive the party of its traditional electoral symbol of spade & stoker and instead allot the bucket symbol for the Rejinagar bypolls. After the West Bengal Left Front officially nominated the CPI(M) candidate Sayeed Asad Ali as the official Left Front candidate, the RSP leadership declared a revolt and announced the name of Bikash Chandra Mishra as the RSP candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls. However, amid the ECIs decision to allot the bucket symbol to RSP, denying the partys rights over the traditional electoral symbol of spade & stoker, the RSP leadership became furious and hence announced the decision to withdraw its candidate from the electoral race at Rejinagar. However, the withdrawal of the candidate will be just symbolic since the last date for withdrawal of nominations had already expired on September 19. After the scrutiny ended on Saturday, the Commission informed us that it was not possible to give us our traditional symbol of the spade & stoker, and we will have to contest the by-election with the bucket symbol. Hence, we have decided to withdraw from the contest in protest against this, said Tapan Hore in his statement issued on Monday night. The bypolls for Rejinagar, as well as the Nandigram Assembly Constituency, will be conducted on October 6 and the results will be declared on October 9.
Supreme Court Agrees to Urgent Hearing on TMC Symbol Freeze Plea
The bypolls in West Bengal were necessitated as chief minister Suvendu Adhikari won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur and chose to vacate Nandigram, while AJUP leader Humayun Kabir won from both Naoda and Rejinagar and decided to give up the Rejinagar seat.
IIT-Kharagpur director urges students not to stress over exams
West Bengal Medical Council starts registration audit of practicing doctors
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Amid instances of fake doctors surfacing in the state, the West Bengal Medical Council on Monday began the registration audit of practising medical practitioners in the state for the last 17 years. State Medical Council sources said that the medical registration audit started on Monday, and under this exercise, registration information for the last 17 years will be under the scanner to check whether cases of fake or inconsistent registration took place during that period. If a fake doctor is found, his MBBS registration will be cancelled, and an FIR will be lodged with the police against the persons concerned for legal action. We have requested the agencies concerned to send the information for the last 17 years in Excel format, a source said. The agencies concerned have been asked to provide details of the registrations done in the last 17 years, including the names of the doctors concerned, the registration numbers allotted to them, the names of their fathers, gender details, current addresses, primary educational qualifications, and the name of the university that awarded the MBBS degree. In addition, the Medical Council source said, if a doctor has additional educational qualifications, details of those qualifications and the name of the university that awarded these will also have to be provided Arrangements are being made to check not only the registration numbers or the doctor's names, but also the information about the detailed educational qualifications and the degree-granting institutions, the source said. On September 15, the secretary of the Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHN), Rajeev Pandey, lodged a complaint with the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate seeking an investigation into senior officials of the West Bengal Medical Council over the alleged increase in registrations of fake doctors in the state. The complaint named the council's President Sudipta Roy, Secretary Sushanta Roy, Registrar Manas Chakraborty, council member MLA Nirmal Maji, among others. Both Roy and Maji are former Trinamool Congress legislators.
Opposition candidates raise allegations of intimidation during bypoll campaigning in West Bengal
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan seeks bail as his wife claims the arrest was based on fake cases; AJUPs Humayun Kabir alleges harassment of his supporters while adding that he will see things on polling day
Humayun Kabir alleges police targeting ahead of Rejinagar bypoll
Mahua moves HC over cop inaction
Will Delhi-NCR Schools Be Closed On September 22? Check Latest Update
Schools in West Bengal and Assam will be closed on September 22 for Karam Puja as per state government holiday notifications.
West Bengal Joins PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, Fishermen to Receive Loans and Benefits
West Bengal officially joins the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, providing loans and benefits to fishermen, enhancing the fishing sector. West Bengal Joins PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, Fishermen to Receive Loans and Benefits
Passenger Arrested at Howrah Station with
A passenger was detained at Howrah Station, West Bengal, with 67 lakh in cash, raising concerns about the source of the money. Passenger Arrested at Howrah Station with 67 Lakh in Cash
West Bengal, Centre To Sign UDAN Agreement For Purulia Airport On 28 September
With deadlines missed twice, Bengals new Industrial Policy unlikely before Durga Puja end
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) With deadlines missed twice, West Bengal's new industrial policy is unlikely to be announced before October, after the end of the Durga Puja by the middle of the next month, state Secretariat 'Nabanna' sources said. The initial deadline for finalising and announcing the new industrial policy was August 15 on the occasion of Independence Day. However, that deadline was missed, and the middle of September was fixed as the time for the announcement of the new policy. However, the Secretariat source involved in the process said that since some work to give the final shape to the new policy is yet to be done, the announcement will be made in the next month and, in all probability, after the Durga Puja. According to the source, while the other aspects of the policy are complete, the main complications are related to finalising the policy for land procurement for industries, maintaining a balance in protecting the interests of both the state government as well as the landowners. In case of procurement of agricultural land for industries, besides the landowners, the interests of the sharecroppers and agricultural workers will also have to be protected. So, a combination of all these factors has made the process of finalising the policy for land procurement for industries a bit complicated. After all, past experiences show that land is a very sensitive issue in West Bengal considering the highly fragmented nature of landholding in the state, which often makes it quite difficult to get huge plots of land at one go for big industries in the manufacturing sector, the source said. According to him, the state government is clear about one thing on this issue - that neither will it apply the archaic acquisition rules to get land nor leave the entire responsibility of land procurement to the investors or industrialists concerned. Considering the extremely fragmented land-holding nature in West Bengal, it is impossible for the investors to contact and negotiate with so many land-owners to get the land for the state. So, the policy of the new government is that the state will do the negotiation part, directly purchase from landowners and subsequently hand over that purchased land to the investors, the source said. At the same time, the source added, the state government is also trying to work out a formula where the landowners could be made stakeholders in those industrial units for which the land will be procured. There could be two options for achieving that goal. The first option is to provide employment to one member of the land-owning family a job in the proposed industrial unit. The second option is enabling the landowners to set up 'indirect support' entrepreneurship catering to the main industrial unit, the government official said.
Bengal school job scam accused seeks to become approver from ED after similar plea to CBI
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Santu Gangopadhyay, a Kolkata-based businessman accused in the multi-crore school recruitment scam in West Bengal, has approached the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking to become an approver in the case, days after making a similar request to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Gangopadhyay had made a similar plea to the CBI on September 12 to become an approver in the case. Both the CBI and the ED had been conducting parallel probes in the school job case during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime in West Bengal. Sources aware of the development said that in his letter to the ED, Gangopadhyay named a couple of top Trinamool Congress leaders as the mastermind behind the alleged multi-crore scam. In the letter, Gangopadhyay also claimed that despite being willing to divulge secrets in the school job scam much earlier, he was forced to remain silent because of a life threat during the previous Trinamool Congress government regime. Now, as the Kolkata-based businessman claimed to the CBI, with the change of government in West Bengal after the Assembly elections earlier this year, Gangopadhyay gained confidence to reveal everything to the central probe agency, and hence he pleaded to become an approver. Named in the charge sheet of the CBI in the case of recruitment of primary teachers in the state-run schools, Gangopadhyay was arrested earlier. However, he is currently out on bail. He was known as an extremely close confidant of former West Bengal Education Minister and former Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee, who had also been in jail for more than three years because of his involvement in the school job case. Chatterjee is also out on bail. Sources said that in his communications to both the ED and the CBI, Gangopadhyay alleged that he and another accused, Kuntal Ghosh, had delivered money collected through the recruitment racket to a senior Trinamool Congress leader.
Four injured as armed gang goes on stabbing spree in southwest Bengaluru
Six to seven men travelling on three to four motorcycles and armed with machetes and long knives allegedly attacked a group of four friends standing by the roadside.
Bengal: RPF arrests Maha man at Howrah with Rs 67 lakh cash
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) A passenger was caught with bundles of notes at Howrah station in West Bengal, police said on Monday. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrested Sujit Kale, a resident of Maharashtra, and recovered around Rs 67 lakh in cash from him. Kale failed to provide a satisfactory explanation about the source of the money and was taken into custody. On Sunday night, RPF personnel were patrolling the New Complex of Howrah station when they noticed Kale. His movements appeared suspicious, prompting questioning. As his answers were unsatisfactory, the RPF searched his bag and found bundles of notes amounting to Rs 67 lakh. According to RPF officials, Kale is a resident of Solapur in Maharashtra. During interrogation, he claimed to own a shop in the Gaya Township area and said he had travelled to Howrah by Mumbai Mail on Sunday night. He told officials he had brought the money to buy gold and silver from Burrabazar in Kolkata. However, his explanation did not convince the RPF. Officials said Kale could not explain the source of the bundled notes or produce any documents for the cash. He was arrested, and the Income Tax Department was informed. Sources said the recovered money and the arrested person will be handed over to the Income Tax Department. Authorities noted that surveillance in railway and metro stations has been heightened ahead of the Durga Puja festive season. Special checks are also being conducted on the movement of large amounts of cash in view of the Assembly byelections in Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies on October 6. Naka checking is being carried out on highways to prevent transfer of cash in pollbound constituencies.
AISF moves Calcutta HC against ECI symbol allotment
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) All India Secular Front (AISF), with Nawsad Siddique as the lone party representative in the West Bengal Assembly, on Monday approached the Calcutta High Court against the Election Commission of India (ECI)s decision last week to allot the Envelope symbol to Ritabrata Banerjeeled rebel but majority faction in Trinamool Congress. Last week, the ECI allotted the Ritabrataled faction the new name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the new symbol Envelop. AISF, instead, was allotted the Almirah symbol. The decision irked the AISF leadership, especially Siddique, who contested and was elected twice from the Bhangar Assembly Constituency in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, first in 2021 and then in 2026, with the Envelop symbol. Siddique told media persons last week that he had already sent a letter to the Commission highlighting AISFs objections and might also challenge the decision in court. Accordingly, on Monday afternoon he approached the Calcutta High Courts singlejudge bench of Justice Krishna Rao, challenging the ECIs decision on the Envelop symbol. AISF has been contesting with the Envelope symbol since 2021, the year the party was formed. Even I got elected twice in 2021 and 2026 with that symbol. In that case, how can the same symbol be allotted to the Democratic Trinamool Congress, which was formed just a couple of days back? Siddique questioned. AISF was not the only political party from West Bengal allotted a new symbol by the ECI last week. Humayun Kabirfounded Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) was given the symbol table, replacing its earlier whistle. Kabir had contested and won simultaneously from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies in Murshidabad district with the whistle symbol earlier this year. However, Kabir did not raise any objection about the allotment of the new symbol for the party he founded. While AJUP is contesting the Rejinagar bypoll, AISF is contesting from Nandigram in East Midnapore district next month. The bypolls for both constituencies will be held on October 6, and the results will be declared on October 9.
Temporary health workers protest around Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul's car, demand a salary hike
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) A section of temporary health workers protested around the car of West Bengals Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Monday, demanding a hike in their salary. In the morning, the state minister joined the anti-dengue campaign in the Chitpur area of north Kolkata. While leaving the programme, a section of temporary health workers of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) protested around her car. The protesters demanded a salary increase. The state minister said that she will look into the demands of the health workers. The minister said that a decision will be taken considering the poor financial condition of the state. In Agnimitra's words, They get only Rs 303 per day. We will try to increase the salary. No one's salary has been stopped. No one's salary will be stopped during this new government's tenure. Rather, it will increase. At the same time, the state minister added, We will have to take a decision after seeing the state's treasury. The previous government has incurred debts. We are giving women Rs 3,000 per month. There are also many projects currently underway. We will also have to look at the state's treasury before taking a decision in this regard. Meanwhile, regarding the dengue awareness campaign in the city, she said, Everyone should be careful not to allow water to accumulate anywhere near the house or roadside. Because dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Even if iron, nails or other materials used in building a house are left for a long time, water can accumulate there. Therefore, action will be taken if construction materials are left on the roadside or anywhere else. The Minister gave a clear message that if the rules are not followed, in addition to fines, those materials can also be confiscated if necessary. She warned of hefty fines in this regard. According to her, awareness and active cooperation of the general public, along with the administration, is also very important in preventing dengue. Agnimitra Paul said that last year the number of dengue cases in Kolkata was 585. So far this year, the number has been 539. However, she said that the goal is to reduce this number to zero.
Bengal govt joins Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) West Bengal on Monday formally joined the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a Union Government initiative to reduce infrastructural gaps and strengthen the fisheries sector. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh in Newtown, Kolkata, to finalise the decision. After the one-and-a-half-hour meeting, Adhikari announced that West Bengal had been brought under the PMMSY scheme. He said, There is a lot of potential in the states fisheries sector. We have discussed it repeatedly. Today I thank Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh in particular. He listened to our concerns and handed over Rs 9 crore for fisheries development. From today, fishermen will get loans as needed along with other benefits. Adhikari accused the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government of depriving fishermen by not allowing West Bengal to join the scheme earlier. Singh seconded the Chief Minister, saying the Union Government's efforts had stalled due to non-cooperation from the previous regime. Adhikari added that coastal areas, including the Sundarbans, would be further developed. We have seas and rivers in South Bengal. Fishermen there have their own problems. Following our proposals, the Union Minister has approved six Amrit Sarovars in Bankura and Purulia districts, he said. Singh noted that a lot of work pending for the last five years has been cleared in the last four months.
School holiday tomorrow, September 22: Check if schools will remain closed in your state
Schools in parts of India will observe a holiday on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, mainly because of Karam Puja. West Bengal has declared a state holiday covering educational institutions under government control, while Assam's official calendar also lists Karam Puja on the date. Students in other states, including Delhi-NCR, should check their school's individual holiday calendar before assuming classes are cancelled.
