BJP Leader Shot Dead in Bolpur, West Bengal: Calls for Action Intensify
A BJP leader was shot dead in Bolpur, West Bengal, sparking demands for justice and heightened police presence in the area. BJP Leader Shot Dead in Bolpur, West Bengal: Calls for Action Intensify
Rohingya youth caught by police in Bengal's Jalpaiguri with help of trained dog
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 27 (IANS) The police in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district on Sunday caught a prisoner with the help of a trained dog, hours after he escaped from a holding centre in Rajganj area of the district. According to the police, Mohammad Soleiman was recently arrested on suspicion of being a Rohingya. He was lodged at a holding centre in Rajganj. On Sunday, the youth tried to escape by climbing over the wall of the holding centre. However, his attempt was unsuccessful as he was caught with the help of a trained dog. According to the police, the prisoner had left the holding centre on Sunday morning on the pretext of going to the toilet. Taking the opportunity, he climbed over the wall and started running through the bushes. After a while, the security guards realised the matter and started running after him and informed the Rajganj police station. Later, the police searched various places since Sunday morning. Unable to find the escaped prisoner anywhere, the help of the forest department was sought. The forest department sent their trained dog 'Orlando' in the operation following which the accused was arrested from a tea garden adjacent to Panikauri intersection, about a kilometre away from the holding centre. On September 20, a group of four people were arrested from New Jalpaiguri area and taken to the holding centre. Among them was Soleiman, a resident of Myanmar. In search of the fugitive prisoner, the Malbazar Subdistrict Police contacted the Jalpaiguri Wildlife Department for trained dogs. Later, 'Orlando', who was in the Gorumara National Park, was taken. Following the scent of the clothes worn by the escaped youth, 'Orlando' led the police team ahead. He stopped at the tea garden adjacent to Panikauri intersection, about a kilometre away from the holding centre. After a brief search, the police arrested the accused from that place. Rajib Dey, District Assistant Forest Officer of Jalpaiguri Wildlife Department, said, The Malbazar Sub district Police had asked us for a trained dog. We sent a trained dog. Our dog was able to track down the Rohingya youth who escaped from the holding centre. Our trained dog has been useful in police and administrative work. We are happy with this. For so long, 'Orlando' was used in the forest department's surveillance and search operations in the Gorumara National Park. He has tracked down poachers several times. This time, he found the escaped prisoner. On the other hand, questions have started to arise about the security arrangements of the holding centre. Police sources said they are investigating how the accused escaped from police surveillance.
Sunday workday: Sr citizens rush to banks fearing three-day strike
Completely baseless: Gujarat CM rejects Cong's claim of differences in EC over SIR
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 27 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday said that the Election Commissions clarification that decisions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were taken unanimously by all three Election Commissioners had disproved Congress allegations of differences within the poll panel. Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar, Patel said the Election Commission is an autonomous institution and that elections in the country were conducted through a transparent process. The fact that all three Election Commissioners, including the Chief Election Commissioner, have clearly stated that all decisions regarding SIR were taken unanimously proves that the allegations of differences within the Election Commission are completely baseless, Patel said. He said the Election Commission is working to ensure that the names of all eligible citizens were properly included in electoral rolls and that they were able to exercise their right to vote. Referring to the enrolment of new voters, Patel said: The Supreme Court had considered Form 6 appropriate for registration in the electoral rolls and the poll panel had stated that care is being taken to ensure that no eligible citizen was deprived of the right to vote. CM Patel accused Congress of adopting different positions on the Election Commission depending on electoral outcomes. Congress has two different sets of teeth one for chewing and another for showing, he said, alleging that the party spoke of democracy and the impartiality of the Election Commission when it won elections, but raised allegations of vote theft and irregularities when the mandate went to the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Congress, the Communist Party, the CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress had approached the Supreme Court challenging the SIR process. According to Patel, the Supreme Court heard the parties and considered the SIR process appropriate. Referring to Kerala, Patel said Congress had itself considered SIR appropriate and had said that the exercise contributed to its victory there. In West Bengal, the Supreme Court had appointed a Special Observer for the elections following a demand from the TMC, he said. Patel questioned Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi over Congress prolonged absence from power in West Bengal, saying the party had been out of power there for 40 years. Congress had lost its political position in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar since 1990, he said. Referring to the electoral rolls in West Bengal, he alleged that names that had been illegally added were removed and fake voters were exposed, after which the BJP won the election. The Chief Minister also alleged that those who had curtailed the autonomy of the Election Commission during their time in government were now making baseless allegations against the institution. Patel said the development-oriented politics pursued under PM Modis leadership had strengthened peoples faith in democracy. Indias growth rate had reached 7.8 per cent and the country is moving towards becoming the worlds third-largest economic power, he added. He also referred to the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan being held to mark PM Modis 25 years in public life and public service. He alleged that Opposition leaders were tarnishing Indias image globally by making serious allegations against constitutional institutions without basis. Patel said people in a democracy had the right to question institutions, whether they were in the Opposition or in government, but maintained that discussions concerning sensitive institutions such as the Election Commission should be based on facts, law and confidence in constitutional institutions.
2,318 pujas apply on Sahaj portal, 270 new among them
Kolkata Police Urge Urgent Road Repairs Ahead of Durga Puja Festival
PoK calling Kolkata: Digi arrest takes a new route
BJPs National President Nitin Naveen Strengthens Organizational Ties in West Bengal Meeting
Nitin Naveen leads a crucial BJP meeting in Kolkata, focusing on strengthening organizational efforts and improving public relations. BJPs National President Nitin Naveen Strengthens Organizational Ties in West Bengal Meeting
Shopping Hubs Bustle With Crowd, Sales Yet To Pick Up
Damodar, Adi Ganga Among 17 Polluted Rivers
Mamata Banerjee Alleges SIR Was Conducted To Help BJP Capture Bengal
Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was aimed at helping the BJP by deleting names of valid voters. She also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying protests would continue until he steps down.
BJP worker shot dead in West Bengal's Birbhum; police launch probe
BJP worker shot dead in West Bengal's Birbhum; police launch probe More to follow...
Students, Teachers Injured In Clashes At Kolkata Film Institute
Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (West Bengal Chapter), have hit back, claiming that their posters and banners were torn down and they were beaten up, despite having permission to hold the event.
Modi praises Sundarbans widows for leading mangrove restoration
Pragati Maidan Police Arrest Man for Assaulting Woman at Kolkata Nightclub
BJP booth president shot dead in Bolpur
World Rhino Day: 105 rhino horns destroyed in West Bengal to combat trafficking
The forest department said the disposal was intended to make it clear that seized wildlife parts should not be allowed to re-enter illegal trade or be reused by wildlife smugglers
Suvendu Adhikari slams Mamata, CPI(M) coming together on CEC issue
West Bengal Chief Minister accuses Opposition of deliberately creating confusion and controversy; he also claims that the responsibility for the deletion of 27 lakh names in Bengal SIR lies with Mamata Banerjee
Bengal BJP workers put up I support Gyanesh Kumar DPs after call to build counter movement
Nabin calls for tighter BJP-govt coordination in Bengal
Didi, not EC, responsible for 27 lakh voter deletions in Bengal: Suvendu
Centre plans major aviation infra push in West Bengal
AAI, State government to sign MoU next month covering Hasimara, Kalaikunda, Malda and Balurghat, say sources
Bengal govt sets up panel to assess flood disaster risk in the Hills
2 killed in Midnapore BJP clash, 17 arrested
CM Suvendu Adhikari defends EC, blames Mamata for deletions in Bengal SIR
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday mounted a strong defence of the Election Commission amid an escalating political row over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, blaming former CM Mamata Banerjee for the deletion of 27 lakh names and asserting that neither the BJP nor the poll panel could be held responsible for the exclusions. Addressing a press conference here, Adhikari also seized on Saturday's meeting of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, saying the meeting and the subsequent statement issued by the poll panel made it clear that decisions relating to the SIR were not taken unilaterally by the CEC. Showing a photograph of the CEC and the two election commissioners sitting together, as released by the poll panel a day ago, the BJP leader said the meeting of the three proved that the decisions were taken collectively. The Election Commission said on Saturday that the June 24 ord
West Bengal Government Pledges to Protect Cows, Vows Jail for Insulting Saints
West Bengals Chief Minister promises to safeguard cows and punish those who insult saints during a religious event in Kolkata. West Bengal Government Pledges to Protect Cows, Vows Jail for Insulting Saints
Rural & urban edu quality gap reducing due to govt measures: Tripura CM
CPM alleges attack on ex-Tripura CMs convoy
Women's football team to make historic Kolkata debut with two friendlies against Russia
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 27 (IANS) The Indian women's national team will play their first-ever international matches in Kolkata, taking on Russia in two friendlies at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on October 8 and 11, 2026, during the FIFA Women's International Match Window, the AIFF announced on Sunday. The fixtures will be India's first international matches since they were crowned champions of the SAFF Women's Championship for a record-extending sixth time in June 2026. The October window will provide 69th-ranked India with an opportunity to test themselves against a strong European opposition. Russia are ranked 27th in the world. It will also mark India's first appearance in West Bengal since the 2016 SAFF Women's Championship, which was held in Siliguri and saw the Blue Tigresses lift the title. That remains the only previous occasion on which the Indian women's national team has played in the state. The Russian women's national team last travelled to India in 1994 for the eight-nation Jayalalitha Cup in Chennai. India were eliminated in the group stage, while Russia, who were placed in a different group, went on to finish runners-up. The October fixtures will be the third and fourth meetings between India and Russia. Their previous two encounters both came in international friendly tournaments in neutral venues. India suffered a 0-8 defeat to Russia at the Turkish Women's Cup in 2021, before losing 0-2 at the Pink Ladies Cup 2025 in the UAE. Indian women's national team head coach Crispin Chettri said, Playing against quality opposition is always valuable for the development of the team. We have already faced Russia at the Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai, where we lost 2-0, so these matches will give us another opportunity to test ourselves against a strong side. While results are important, we also have to look at these games with a long-term vision. It is important to give opportunities to upcoming players, expose them to high-level opposition and continue developing a squad that can perform at the international level in the future, he added. The Blue Tigresses have been training in Kolkata since September 18. Chettri will finalise and name the squad closer to the matches. Having Kolkata host these matches will also be a huge opportunity for the players. They will not only get to play against a quality team like Russia, but, hopefully, in front of a good crowd as well. Experiencing the expectations and atmosphere that come with playing in front of fans is also part of their development. These are the habits and experiences we need to build if we want to compete at a higher international level, he said.
Maid, hubby, arrested for stealing Rs 1 cr
Bengal govt would protect 'gaumata', will jail those who insult saints: CM Adhikari
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 27 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Sunday that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government would protect 'gaumata' (cow) and will take action against those who will insult sadhus and will send them to jail. Speaking at a Bhagavad Gita recital event organised by Bangur Jagaran Mancha at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, Chief Minister Adhikari added that the insult of any saint or sage will not be tolerated in West Bengal. The statement from the Chief Minister comes at a time when political controversies have been surfacing in the state regarding religious statements of saints over eating habits of Bengalis during Durga Puja. He also said that there was nothing to fear while following or promoting a faith. Recite and distribute the Bhagavad Gita, distribute Hanuman Chalisa without any hesitation. Chant Hare Krishna mantras, blow conches; there is nothing to be scared of. The winds have changed, he added. At the same time, Chief Minister Adhikari outlined the state government's priorities regarding religious and cultural traditions. The government of tika, sikha, dhoti, tulsi has arrived. The (BJP) government to protect 'gaumata' is here. The government would imprison those who insult monks. Insult against saints and gurus will not be tolerated here, the Chief Minister said. He also urged the gathering to remain alert against divisive forces. We all have to remain united and alert against the 'tukde tukde' (anti-national forces) gang who raise 'Kashmir maange azadi' slogans, CM Adhikari said. The event saw 11,000 people recite the Bhagavad Gita in unison. The Chief Minister also said, I am not here as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. I am here as a Sanatani, as a child of Mata Bharati, and I have come to sit here among you. I have come to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for the awakening that you have recently brought about in West Bengal. He told that on December 29, a historic programme of Gita recitation by ten lakh voices is being organised in Kolkata.
'Called us Naxalites...': Scuffle at Kolkata's SRFTI over a programme by Hindutva group
A scuffle broke out between student groups over an event at the Kolkata 's Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). It is alleged that a verbal altercation, followed by clashes broke out between students and the organizers during a programme held by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (West Bengal Chapter).
Cong to Stage Protest Across Jharkhand on September 28, Seeking Resignation of Gyanesh Kumar
State Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh on Sunday accused the EC of working as an agent of the BJP and extended unfair advantages to secure its victory in assembly polls in Bihar and West Bengal
Anti-Goonda Bill: Centre Refutes Return Reports
A controversy over the status of West Bengals Anti-Goonda Bill has intensified after the Union government and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari rejected reports that President Droupadi Murmu had returned the legislation without granting assent. The clarification puts the Anti-Goonda Bill at the examination stage, rather than at a completed presidential rejection or return. The legislation, [] The post Anti-Goonda Bill: Centre Refutes Return Reports appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Bengal government will protect 'gaumata', jail anybody who insults monks: CM Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari assured that his government will protect 'gaumata' and take strict action against those who insult monks. Speaking at a Bhagavad Gita recital event, he encouraged citizens to freely practice their faith while emphasizing the need for unity against divisive forces.
Sibal escalates SIR row, demands CECs removal and review of elections
Kapil Sibal has raised concerns over the Election Commission's decision-making under Gyanesh Kumar during a ten-month period. His allegations include that decisions were made unilaterally, bypassing other commissioners and statutory protocols. Sibal has called for an investigation into the electoral rolls and recent elections conducted in Bihar and West Bengal. In response, the Election Commission acknowledged concerns and proposed several corrective measures to address them.
Nitin Naveen Highlights Mann Ki Baat as a Platform for Inspiring Stories
Nitin Naveen praises PM Modis Mann Ki Baat for showcasing inspiring stories and addressing youth issues during his visit to West Bengal. Nitin Naveen Highlights Mann Ki Baat as a Platform for Inspiring Stories
Ahead of October 6 bypoll, West Bengal Police searches house of TMC leader in decades-old cases
A team from Nandigram Police Station conducted the search at Sheikh Shahabuddin's residence, but he was not at home at that time.
If SIR removed anti-BJP votes, how did TMC perform? Fadnavis questions Rahul Gandhi's allegations
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed allegations made by Rahul Gandhi regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He highlighted that in West Bengal, constituencies experiencing significant vote reductions still saw TMC victories. Fadnavis asserted that all political parties could appoint Booth Level Agents for electoral roll objections.
Suvendu blames Mamata for 27 lakh voter deletions in Bengal
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday, September 27, blamed former CM Mamata Banerjee for the deletion of 27 lakh names from the states electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision, asserting that neither the BJP nor the Election Commission could be held responsible for the exclusions. Adhikari said the deletions were carried 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 .
ITC expands dairy play in East India, bets on branded milk
ITC is enhancing its Aashirvaad dairy brand in Eastern India to leverage growing market demand. The company aims to convert households from loose to packaged dairy products, especially curd and paneer. ITC's current operations cover Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand with several processing plants.
Should apologise to nation for undermining institution: Assam CM Himanta Sarma to INDI alliance
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday that the INDI Alliance should apologise to the nation for undermining, spreading rumours, and stoking controversy about the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Himanta Biswa Sarma, referring to the meeting between CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi at Nirvachan Sadan, said that the all decisions taken on SIR were unanimous. Yesterday, the full bench of the Election Commission of India informed the public that all decisions taken regarding the SIR submission were unanimous. The Commission took the decisions unitedly, and there was no internal difference of opinion within the Commission regarding the SIR or Form 6. He said that until the Commission's clarification came out, Rahul Gandhi, the Congress ecosystem, and the Naxalite ecosystem created an uproar across the entire country, claiming that there were differences of opinion within the Commission, that the SIR was wrong, that the SIR should be rolled back, and that the Chief Election Commissioner should resign. He added that if there were three Election Commissioners and two agreed on a decision, then it follows the majoritya 2-1 outcome. He reiterated that the Commissions decisions were made on consensus, which, according to him, made the ruling even stronger. When the Election Commission issued its clarification, after hearing their statements, will Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation? Will this Congress ecosystem apologise to the nation? Will these 'Dimagi Naxals' apologise to the nation?, he asked. Escalating his attack, he said, It is completely established that Rahul Gandhi is trying to weaken the Republic; he is trying to weaken the institutions of the nation. Before this Election Commission was in place, Rahul Gandhi lost elections 90 times. Even when Gyanesh Kumar was not serving as the Chief Election Commissioner, Rahul Gandhi was defeated even then, Sarma said. Speaking on former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, he said, Banerjee has lost the election. She lost her own assembly seat even last time without SIR as well. You have seen the mood of the people in Bengal now. Her own MLAs are deserting her; her own MPs are deserting her. People are not allowing her to even come out on the street; protests start against her immediately. What does this mean? It reflects the anger of the people of Bengal toward her. The people of Bengal will answer her even more aggressively, because you are not attacking the Election Commission; you are attacking the people of Bengal. You are attacking the democratic decision of the people of Bengal. Even in the constituency where SIR has not removed even 2,000 votes, there too you lost the election, he claimed. Himanta Sarma further stated, The INDI Alliance is an alliance of defeated people, an alliance of frustrated people. So their coming together was not going to cut any ice with the people of India. Rahul Gandhi has lost many elections; now he should celebrate a hundred losses as a ceremony. CM Sarma said that the INDI Alliance should celebrate their losses because people are not voting for them; thus, they were attacking people and are attacking the constitutional institutions of our country. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday sought to quell reports of differences within the poll panel, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi holding a full commission meeting at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi.
Marriage of convenience, says CM Adhikari on emerging Trinamool-CPI(M) closeness
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 27 (IANS) Amid speculations over the emerging national-level understanding between Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) over the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar issue, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, on Sunday, indirectly described this evolving understanding as a marriage of convenience. CM Adhikaris observation came in relation to the recent exchange of communiques between former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the CPI(M)s general secretary, M.A. Baby, on the issue of differences among the top brass in the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as reported by a media house recently. The exchange of communiques between Baby and Mamata Banerjee was clearly intended to reach a political understanding. Once, the people of West Bengal brought Trinamool Congress to power in the state to remove CPI(M). And now the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) have become friends. Mamata Banerjee has joined hands with CPI(M). Now CPI(M) has become her friend. All this is being done only to keep them relevant. But even after all this, she will not be able to turn around in the state, the Chief Minister said. CM Adhikari also described Mamata Banerjees allegations that SIR resulted in the deletion of over 27 lakh genuine voters in West Bengal. Now she is putting the blame for her defeat on the BJP, ECI and the SIR. But the reality is that she approached the Supreme Court against the SIR. The judicial officers were appointed following the order of the Supreme Court. These judicial officials took decisions, the Chief Minister said. He also claimed that the opposition leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, have been using the SIR as an excuse for their defeats in subsequent elections. In West Bengal, we won 208 seats. Trinamool Congress got reduced to just 80. Mamata Banerjee is not able to accept the verdict of the people. Now she has lost the name and symbol of the party founded by her, the Chief Minister said. Speaking on the occasion, CM Adhikari also ridiculed the miniscule presence of Trinamool Congress supporters at Mamata Banerjees rally at Sreerampore in Hooghly district on Saturday afternoon. She took to the field on the SIR issue at the virtually deserted Serampore Court Maidan. There were 150 party supporters and 170 police personnel. The rest were media persons. She should understand that trying to deny the mandate given by the people is actually disrespecting the democratic verdict, CM Adhikari said.
Go, Protest In Kerala: Bengal CM Suvendu Attacks Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi Over SIR-EC Row
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari attacked Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and the partys political position. Adhikari questioned the oppositions public support and referred to a recent meeting in Serampore. He also claimed the party had split into several factions. On SIR, Adhikari said 27 lakh entries were rejected out of 60 lakh flagged for logical discrepancies, describing the process as judicially supervised. He urged opposition leaders to protest in Kerala over SIR.
ITC expands dairy business in East India, bets on value-added products
ITC is strengthening its presence in the fresh dairy segment in Eastern India through its flagship Aashirvaad brand, betting on rising demand for branded milk and value-added dairy products across Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand. The diversified conglomerate, which entered the fresh dairy business in 2018 with the launch of Aashirvaad milk in Bihar and later expanded to West Bengal and Jharkhand, has emerged as the second-largest dairy player in Bihar with a lineup ranging from fresh milk to curd, paneer, lassi and Mishti Doi. As part of its expansion strategy, ITC has tailored its dairy portfolio to regional tastes, local consumption patterns and evolving consumer preference for quality-assured dairy products. When asked about expansion to other regions, Hemant Malik, Chief Executive Officer, Foods Division, and Executive Director, ITC, said Eastern India will remain a key focus market for the company's dairy expansion plans, which offers significant headroom for expansion. East
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari and MHA PIB unit refuted media reports that claimed that the state's Anti-Goonda Bill was returned, stating that it remains under consideration.
'Mamata Banerjee To Blame': Suvendu Adhikari On Deleted Names From SIR
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the deletions were carried out by judicial officers pursuant to directions of the Supreme Court in a case filed by Mamata Banerjee herself.
Kunal Ghosh attacked again in Bengal, car vandalised; Mamata camp MLA claims death threats
Kunal Ghosh, an MLA from Mamata Banerjee's faction of the Trinamool Congress, was allegedly attacked again on Sunday while travelling to Beleghata in West Bengal. His car was reportedly vandalised in the latest incident. Ghosh alleged that a group of bikers surrounded his car and attacked it. He blamed the BJP for the incident. A day earlier, eggs were hurled at his car in Uttarpara.
Consumers brace for 3-day bank strike; certain banks open on Sunday
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda (BoB), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and several other public sector banks are open on Sunday (September 27), giving customers an opportunity to complete their banking work before a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to September 30. The special Sunday opening applies to public sector banks (PSBs) and regional rural banks (RRBs), following a direction aimed at ensuring the availability of regular banking services ahead of the proposed strike. Customers who need to visit a branch for important banking work can therefore use the additional working day, subject to the operational arrangements and staffing at individual branches. The decision to open PSBs and RRBs on Sunday was taken following a meeting held on September 21 between officials from the Finance Ministry, public sector banks, regional rural banks, the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and NABARD. The move assumes significance as September 26 and 27 fall on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. With the proposed bank strike scheduled immediately after the weekend, customers could otherwise have faced several consecutive days with limited access to physical branch services. The Sunday opening has consequently been planned to provide an additional opportunity to complete important banking transactions before the strike. Among the public sector banks operating today are State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Indian Bank, Union Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank. The arrangement also covers 28 regional rural banks across the country. These include Andhra Pradesh Grameena Bank, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, Assam Gramin Bank, Bihar Gramin Bank, Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank, Gujarat Gramin Bank, Haryana Gramin Bank, Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Grameen Bank, Jharkhand Gramin Bank, Karnataka Grameena Bank, Kerala Grameena Bank, Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank, Maharashtra Gramin Bank, Manipur Rural Bank, Meghalaya Rural Bank, Mizoram Rural Bank, Nagaland Rural Bank, Odisha Grameen Bank, Puducherry Grama Bank, Punjab Gramin Bank, Rajasthan Gramin Bank, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, Telangana Grameena Bank, Tripura Gramin Bank, Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, Uttarakhand Gramin Bank and West Bengal Gramin Bank. However, the Sunday opening arrangement does not automatically extend to private sector banks. The special Sunday banking arrangement comes ahead of the proposed three-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and other bank unions from September 28 to September 30.
Kunal Ghosh's car attacked with eggs, stones in Bengal's Hooghly; rear windshield smashed
TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh's car was allegedly attacked with eggs and stones by a group in West Bengal's Hooghly while he was travelling to Mamata Banerjee's rally. The vehicle's rear windshield was damaged, forcing Ghosh to return to Kolkata. Ghosh and TMC leaders blamed BJP workers, while police are investigating the incident.
Bengal minister hits back at Kunal Ghosh over Hooghly attack claims, says BJP has no role
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 27 (IANS) BJP leader and West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh has hit back at Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool faction MLA Kunal Ghosh over the attack on his vehicle in Hooghly, questioning the circumstances surrounding the incident and rejecting any BJP involvement. Reacting to the incident, Dilip Ghosh said, The public meeting was in the evening, and they were travelling in the morning. Why were they going, where were they going, and who pelted stones? BJP has no role in this Ghosh also dismissed allegations that the incident was linked to attempts to prevent Trinamool Congress leaders from holding public meetings, saying such claims were being made for publicity. They held several public meetings and delivered speeches, and no one stopped them. They are only making such claims because they have no people and their meetings are not happening, so they want to make such statements to get media coverage. Nothing else The remarks came after Mamata All India Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh claimed that his vehicle was attacked by a mob in Hooghly while he was travelling to attend a rally addressed by party chief Mamata Banerjee. In a video of the incident, a mob can be seen surrounding Ghoshs vehicle, banging on it and throwing eggs and stones. The crowd also raised slogans of Kunal Ghosh go back. The rear windshield of the vehicle is seen shattered following the incident. Ghosh was subsequently forced to return to Kolkata after his vehicle was damaged. He said he would approach the police and lodge a complaint over the incident. This is jungle raj. They attacked my car with stones and eggs and blocked the road. No police personnel were present there. I am now returning to Kolkata and will go straight to Lal Bazaar or Bhawani Bhawan to lodge a complaint. Dilip Ghosh also hit out at former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while speaking about the political situation in the state and the circumstances surrounding the previous electoral contest. There was so much oppression during their time that people were forced to bring about a change. There was such a high percentage of voting, but there was no rigging, and no one could file any complaints. The result was exactly what was expected
BJP president Nitin Nabin to review party ahead of West Bengal polls
The News Mill
Bengal Minister Denies BJPs Involvement in Attack on TMC MLA Kunal Ghoshs Car
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh refutes BJPs role in the attack on TMC MLA Kunal Ghoshs car, questioning the MLAs claims. Bengal Minister Denies BJPs Involvement in Attack on TMC MLA Kunal Ghoshs Car
BJP President Nitin Naveen to Strengthen Party Organization in West Bengal
Nitin Naveens two-day visit to West Bengal aims to bolster BJPs grassroots organization ahead of key elections. BJP President Nitin Naveen to Strengthen Party Organization in West Bengal
BJP chief Nitin Nabin begins two-day West Bengal visit today
Kolkata: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin will undertake a two-day organisational and outreach visit to West Bengal starting on Sunday. The visit will focus on strengthening the partys grassroots organisation and engaging with party workers across the state. Nabin is also expected to provide organisational direction and interact with BJP karyakartas during 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 .
23 IPS transferred in a latest rejig in West Bengal police
Demography & culture top priorities, says Suvendu
CM Suvendu Adhikari Addresses Rumors on Anti-Social Activities Bill
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari urges the public not to believe rumors regarding the Anti-Social Activities Bill, asserting that the truth will prevail. CM Suvendu Adhikari Addresses Rumors on Anti-Social Activities Bill
Nandigram and Rejinagar bypoll: Ballot without the battle
Bypolls for two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal Nandigram and Rejinagar scheduled for October 6, are turning out to be an electoral exercise without much contest on the ground. Shrabana Chatterjee and Senjuti Sengupta report on the dropouts and intimidation that candidates from non-BJP parties are allegedly facing
ECI clarifies: SIR decisions unanimous, upheld by SC
New Delhi, Sep 26: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturdayaddressed the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls,asserting that all major decisions, including the SIR order issued on June 24, 2025, for all States and Union Territories, were taken with the unanimous approval of the full Commission. The Commission also clarified that the letter to the Cabinet Secretary was ot related to any policy matter of the Commission or IT division but related to the working of an officer on deputation to ECI. Addressing the controversy directly at the Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr S S Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi,stated that the work re-distribution orders issued by the concerned officer were not actually implemented after the orders of the two Commissioners, and the oversight over the IT division by the DEC was never actually withdrawn. This clarification appears to counter the narrative that there was a breakdown in the Commission's internal functioning or that the IT division's oversight had been compromised. The Commission said the order for SIR issued on June 24, 2025, for all States and UTs, starting with Bihar, followed by West Bengal and 30 other States and UTs, was issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission. The same has been upheld by the Supreme Court of India vide its order dated May 27, 2026. The schedule for SIR for 12 States and UTs was issued on October 27, 2025, and for 19 States and UTs on May 14, 2026, again with the unanimous approval of the Commission. The final figure of the number of electors will be known only after final publication in the remaining 12 states of Phase-III, the CEC said. The Commission said SIR has already been completed in 20 States and Union Territories, including Bihar and West Bengal. Any person whose name has been left out during SIR or thereafter, and any person, including young and first-time voters, may apply to the concerned ERO for inclusion of their names in the electoral rolls under the process of continuous updation. The ECI said the CEOs have been directed to facilitate the same. The CEOs, DEOs and EROs will immediately launch a special drive for enrolment of these electors. The Commission extended the period for filing claims and objections in Delhi till October 30, 2026, and in Maharashtra till October 12, 2026. The period for disposal of notices and claims and objections has been extended till November 30, 2026, in Delhi and till November 10, 2026, in Maharashtra. BLOs will visit the homes of persons issued notices for being unmapped and for logical discrepancies, for collection of documents and uploading them on ECINet. Such persons need not be called for hearing to ERO/AERO offices. Only in exceptional circumstances, as decided by the ERO, will a hearing be held, preferably online, the CEC said. He said DEOs will create adequate help desks and hold special camps for people living in night shelters, labourers, poor people and homeless persons. A Committee headed by the Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and including an independent expert from IIT/IIIT will review ECINET to double-check that it complies with the provisions of the Acts and Rules.
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'BJP will make him President': Gaurav Gogoi targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar over poll panel functioning
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 26 (IANS) Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday stepped up his attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, questioning the BJPs praise for him and alleging that the functioning of the Election Commission of India under his leadership had raised concerns over the electoral process. Addressing reporters in Nagaon, Gogoi took a dig at BJP Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal Samik Bhattacharyas reported remarks that Kumar deserved the Padma Bhushan. Gogoi said the praise reflected the BJPs support for the Chief Election Commissioner. Padma Bhushan? The BJP will make him the President, Gogoi said, while alleging that BJP leaders had consistently backed Kumar amid criticism of the Election Commission. Gogoi further claimed that questions had also been raised by officials within the poll panel over its functioning. He alleged that an IT cell had emerged within the office of the Chief Election Commissioner and was influencing decisions concerning the electoral rolls. Now, Gyanesh Kumar's IT cell will determine whether or not a new 18-year-old voter gets included in the electoral roll, he said. The Congress leader also targeted the BJP over the ongoing political controversy surrounding electoral rolls. He alleged that the ruling party was seeking greater control over voter lists, drawing a comparison with traditional allegations of electoral malpractice. We used to hear about booth capturing or the seizure of ballot boxes; now, the BJP wants to capture the entire voter list itself, Gogoi alleged. He reiterated the Congress demand for Kumars resignation and referred to party leader Rahul Gandhis call for the Chief Election Commissioner to turn approver. Gyanesh Kumar should openly reveal who is making him carry out illegal and unconstitutional acts, and who is issuing the directives that have shattered the integrity of the Election Commission of India, Gogoi said. The remarks come amid a continuing political confrontation between the Congress and the Election Commission over electoral-roll issues and the functioning of the poll panel.
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Maha: Congress protests demanding Gyanesh Kumars dismissal
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Saturday escalated its confrontation with the Election Commission of India (ECI), announcing a statewide agitation on September 28. The party is demanding the dismissal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of acting in a partisan manner to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and undermining democratic institutions. The announcement comes amid mounting political friction following allegations by the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding widespread Vote Chori (vote theft). Congress claimed these allegations were substantiated by reports of internal dissent within the poll panel, where fellow Election Commissioners reportedly flagged procedural irregularities. At the centre of the partys offensive is the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The MPCC alleged that over 3 crore eligible voters have been erased from Maharashtras electoral rolls under the SIR process. Nationwide, the party alleged 13 crore voters have been deprived of their rights. Congress highlighted that while Maharashtras voter base expanded by 47 lakh electors before the 2024 Assembly elections, the Commission has not verified the current status of these newly added voters. Similar purges of legitimate voters were allegedly carried out in other non-BJP-ruled states, including West Bengal and Bihar. Deleting the names of legitimate, eligible voters from the electoral rolls is an outright assault on the Constitution. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars authoritarian conduct is a direct attack on Indian democracy, MPCC president Harshwardhan Sapkal said in an official statement. The agitation follows media reports revealing that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded dissent on at least 14 occasions over the past 10 months regarding decisions made during the SIR rollout.
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