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 .
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.
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
Top States go slow on capex spends in AprilJuly FY27
West Bengals capex had the sharpest decline of 52.9% to 1,670 crore during April-July 2026, from 3,544 crore in the same period last year
Congress MP slams EC over freezing of TMC name, symbol
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Congress MP Imran Masood, reacting to the Election Commissions decision to freeze the Trinamool Congress (TMC)s name and election symbol on Friday, said that the EC has become a oy. Speaking to IANS Masood said, This is very dangerous for democracy. The Election Commission has become a toy and is being used like one. First Shiv Sena, then NCP, and now TMC. This means you will neither spare the parties nor the votes, you will steal the votes as well as the parties. It takes years to make an election symbol reach the people, and you will simply freeze the election symbol. A party is built through its organisation, not just through MPs and MLAs Meanwhile, on the ECIs interim order, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, This party was founded by Mamata Banerjee through her own strength, hard work and struggle, and she built the party. The Trinamool Congress has made a significant contribution to the politics of the state and the country. Just as the Shiv Sena belongs to Balasaheb Thackeray, the Trinamool Congress belongs to Mamata Banerjee, and the Nationalist Congress Party belongs to Sharad Pawar The remarks came after the Election Commission ordered an interim freeze on the name and election symbol of the All India Trinamool Congress and directed the rival factions to choose new names and symbols until the dispute is settled. The Commissions decision has significant implications for the upcoming Assembly by-polls in West Bengal. The EC has announced by-polls in two constituencies, Nandigram and Rejinagar, to be held on October 6. In its order, the EC said it had considered the material available before it and concluded that there were two rival groups within the All India Trinamool Congress, each claiming to represent the party. On due consideration of the totality of information available on record, the Commission is of the opinion that there are two rival groups in the All India Trinamool Congress, one led by Mamata Banerjee and the other led by Shri Arup Roy, and each group is now claiming to be the party and therefore the matter requires a substantive determination by the Commission under Para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order 1968, the EC order said.
TMC split: Mamata Banerjee faction gets football player symbol
The faction led by Banerjee has been allotted the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the Football Player symbol. It will be treated as a recognised political party in West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Tripura
Football player vs Envelope: Rival TMC factions get symbols
New Delhi: The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of Trinamool Congress on Friday, September 18, got the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, while its rival group led by Arup Roy got the name Democratic Trinamool Congress ahead of the October 6 bypolls to two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, an Election Commission order said. According to 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 .
Mahua Moitra alleges discrimination against Muslim bureaucrats
Trinamool MP writes to National Commission of Minorities alleging Muslim IAS, IPS officers were excluded from events involving Amit Shah in West Bengal
ECI allots new names, symbols to rival Trinamool factions
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday allotted new names and election symbols to the two rival factions of the erstwhile All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), pending a final decision on the ownership of the party's original name and its iconic Flowers & Grass symbol. According to an ECI notification issued on Friday, the faction led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, described by the Commission as the original but minority group, has been allotted the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the election symbol Football Player. The faction has been recognised as a political party in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura. The rival faction led by expelled Trinamool Congress legislator Ritabrata Banerjee, which the Commission termed the rebel but majority group, has been allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the symbol Envelope. It has also been recognised as a political party in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura. The ECI clarified that the newly allotted names and symbols will remain in force until it delivers a final verdict on the claim to the original party name, All India Trinamool Congress, and its longstanding Flowers & Grass symbol. Until then, both factions will contest elections under their newly assigned identities. The order will apply to the upcoming Assembly bypolls in Nandigram in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar in Murshidabad district, scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes on October 9. Similarly, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction's candidate in the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll in Assam will contest under the banner of Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the Football Player symbol. Founded in 1998 after Mamata Banerjee's split from the Congress, the Trinamool Congress has fought all elections since its inception under the name All India Trinamool Congress and the Flowers & Grass symbol. The party came to power in West Bengal in 2011 and has remained the state's ruling force since then. With the latest ECI order, West Bengal is set to witness its first election since 1998 without the original Trinamool name and symbol on the ballot.
Allocation of Shiv Sena symbol to rebel faction a multi-crore scam, says Sanjay Raut
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 18 (IANS) In a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Centre, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday alleged that allocating the original 'Bow and Arrow' symbol to the rival faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, was a multi-hundred crore scam. Speaking to reporters, the Rajya Sabha MP accused the Election Commission of operating under political pressure and acting as a tool for the ruling NDA regime at the Centre. Raut claimed the Election Commission has functioned like a domestic servant of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the past 1012 years, compromising its constitutional independence. He alleged that under political pressure, the Election Commission failed to deliver justice to the original Shiv Sena founded by Balasaheb Thackeray. Raut emphasised that the soul of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution is to preserve the identity of the original political partya spirit he claimed was completely ignored in this decision. Raut made scathing remarks against both serving and former Election Commissioners, accusing them of surrendering their autonomy to Home Minister Shah. Drawing parallels outside Maharashtra, Raut pointed out that similar tactics to trigger splits and undermine regional parties are being attempted elsewhere, such as in West Bengal's Trinamool Congress. The statement adds fresh momentum to the ongoing political war of words in Maharashtra between the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the ruling coalition. Raut's move to target the poll panel comes a day after the Election Commission issued an interim order on Thursday freezing the official name 'Trinamool Congress' and its iconic 'Joda Ghash Phool (Twin Flowers in Grass)' election symbol. This decision follows claims staked by two rival factions within the party ahead of the forthcoming Assembly bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar. According to the Election Commission, neither group can use the 'Trinamool Congress' party name or its official symbol for the upcoming October 6 bypolls until a final decision is made. Both factions were directed to submit their newly-chosen temporary party names and preferred free symbols to the Election Commission. The Mamata Banerjee-led faction criticised the order as unconstitutional but indicated it would comply with procedural steps while pursuing further legal remedies, while representatives from the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction welcomed the poll panel's decision.
Democracy in danger if Election Commission acts under pressure: Raut over TMC order
Mumbai, Sep 18 (PTI) Democracy is in danger in India if the Election Commission is issuing decisions under duress, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged on Friday after the poll body ordered freezing of the Trinamool Congresss name and symbol. Speaking to reporters, Raut asserted that the TMC belongs to former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and accused the BJP of engineering a split in the party. In its interim order issued on Thursday night, the Election Commission, after hearing leaders of the two factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Arup Roy, said the matter requires substantive determination
The Election Commission has named Mamata Banerjee's group and allotted a football symbol. A rebel faction received the Democratic Trinamool Congress name and envelope symbol. Both groups are recognized political parties in West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Tripura. The Commission had previously frozen the original party name and symbol. This decision impacts upcoming by-elections in West Bengal and Assam.
Over 37 lakh electoral roll appeals pending in West Bengal
The Election Commission has informed the Supreme Court that over 37 lakh appeals concerning deletions or inclusions in West Bengal's electoral rolls remain pending under the Special Intensive Revision. The apex court-appointed tribunals have disposed of only a fraction of the 38.20 lakh appeals filed, prompting the Supreme Court to seek data and a plan for streamlining the adjudication process.
West Bengal nurse attacked by husband in Bengaluru had complained to police earlier; remains in ICU
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 18 (IANS) Madhumita, a young nurse who was attacked by her husband Venkateshan near the hospital where she worked in Bengaluru, continues to receive treatment in the ICU of a private hospital in the city and her condition still remains critical, police said on Friday. It has emerged that she had complained to the police earlier about his behaviour and the cops had contacted Venkateshan and directed him to appear for questioning. According to the police, Venkateshan allegedly chased Madhumita near the hospital on Thursday, threw an acid-like liquid at her and subsequently attacked her with deadly weapons more than 10 times in full public view. Police said Madhumita and Venkateshan had met through a dating app and got married in 2024 before settling in Bengaluru. However, Madhumita had reportedly been maintaining a distance from her husband for the past six months. According to the investigation, Venkateshan secured a job with an oil company in Chennai and moved there. He had repeatedly insisted that Madhumita accompany him, but she refused to move to Chennai. Madhumita had allegedly told Venkateshan not to touch her and said that she had started disliking him. She also reportedly avoided his calls, leading to frequent arguments between the couple. About six months ago, Venkateshan allegedly came near the clinic where Madhumita worked and created a ruckus following an argument with her. The clinic staff intervened, reprimanded him and sent him away. Following the incident, Madhumita lodged a complaint with a police station in Bengaluru. Police subsequently contacted Venkateshan and directed him to appear for questioning. However, Venkateshan allegedly failed to appear before the police and instead continued to threaten Madhumita over the phone, according to the police. On Thursday, he allegedly came near the hospital carrying an acid-like liquid and deadly weapons and waited for Madhumita. When she arrived, he allegedly chased and attacked her. The incident took place in public view and left Madhumita seriously injured. She was shifted to a private hospital, where she continues to undergo treatment in the ICU. Venkateshan has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Police are continuing their investigation into the attack and the circumstances leading up to it. DCP South, Dr. Vamshi Krishna, who visited the spot, had said the accused Venkateshan, allegedly attacked Madhumita with a machete and a long knife after throwing a liquid suspected to be acid, on her. The incident took place around 9.15 a.m. near Narayana Hospital, where Madhumita works as a nurse. According to the DCP, the accused wore a helmet during the assault and used two deadly weapons in the attack. The accused has used a liquid similar to acid and assaulted the woman with a machete and a long knife. The couple are husband and wife, and the incident is suspected to have taken place against the backdrop of a family dispute, Dr. Vamshi Krishna said. Police said Venkateshan has been arrested and is being questioned.
Vote Chori, Government Chori, Now Party Chori: Rahul Gandhi Hits Out at EC Over TMC Symbol Freeze
Congress leader and leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the Election Commission over its decision to bar Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress factions from using party name and their party symbol 'flowers and grass' in the West Bengal bypolls. He
Mamata Faction Submits New Choices To EC After TMC Name-Symbol Freeze For Bengal Bypoll
The Election Commission has temporarily barred both rival Trinamool Congress factions from using the partys name and its reserved Flowers and Grass symbol in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls. The interim order applies to the October 6 elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar, where both factions have fielded candidates. The Mamata Banerjee-led camp has rejected the order as contrary to law, while the rival faction has welcomed the move. The poll panel has directed both groups to choose separate names and symbols for the bypolls. They must submit three preferred options each. The arrangement will remain in force until the Commission takes a final decision on the dispute under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols Order, 1968.
ECI freezes Trinamool Congress
NEW DELHI, Sept 18: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has barred both rival factions of the Trinamool Congress from using the partys name and reserved Flowers and Grass symbol in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar. In an interim order issued on Thursday, the Commission said neither the faction led [] The post ECI freezes Trinamool Congress name and symbol appeared first on Northlines .
TMC name, symbol frozen: Mamata, Ritabrata factions submit new choices to ECI
The Election Commission has frozen the All India Trinamool Congress name and its Flowers and Grass symbol, prompting the rival Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee factions to submit alternative choices by Fridays 11 am deadline. The move comes ahead of October 6 bypolls in West Bengal, pending a final decision.
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15-Year Hunt Ends: Rs 1-Cr Reward Maoist Commander Asim Mandal Arrested in West Bengal
West Bengal Police arrested Asim Mandal, alias Akash, the last surviving central committee member of CPI (Maoist), from Polerhat on Kolkatas eastern fringes Thursday afternoon. Mandal, 64, had evaded law enforcement for over 15 years across interstate forest belts. He faces 17 cases in Jharkhand and a dozen in West Bengal, and carried a Rs [] The post 15-Year Hunt Ends: Rs 1-Cr Reward Maoist Commander Asim Mandal Arrested in West Bengal appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Rahul Gandhi slams EC over TMC name, symbol ban, says vote chori, govt chori, now party chori
Rahul Gandhi criticized the Election Commission's decision to bar rival Trinamool Congress factions from using the party name and symbol in West Bengal bypolls, alleging a pattern of BJP and EC collusion to split parties and snatch symbols. He stated this undermines democratic decline, comparing it to vote and government theft. The Congress condemned the EC's move as an abdication of responsibility, calling it a irthday gift to PM Modi.
Mamata faction submits choices for names, symbols to EC
The Trinamool Congress has submitted new names and symbols to the Election Commission for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, following an interim order that temporarily barred the party from using its original name and flowers and grass symbol due to an ongoing internal dispute and split. The party submitted its choices under protest.
Mamata-led TMC lodges strongest protest, submits names, symbol choices to EC for Oct 6 bypolls
Expressing resentment, the Trinamool Congress , led by its founder and chairperson Mamata Banerjee, submitted its response to the Election Commission's interim order that temporarily removed the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) name and its flowers and grass symbol from the ballot for the October 6 bypolls in West Bengal. The TMC sent its choices of new names and symbols for the upcoming elections to the poll panel at 11:36 pm on Thursday and submitted them under strongest protest, sources told news agency PTI.
Mamata-led TMC submits names, symbol choices to EC 'under strongest protest'
New Delhi, Sep 18: The Trinamool Congress, led by its founder and chairperson Mamata Banerjee, submitted its response to the Election Commission's interim order that temporarily removed the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) name and its flowers and grass symbol from the ballot for the October 6 bypolls in West Bengal. The party emailed its choices of new names and symbols for the upcoming elections to the poll panel at 11:36 pm on Thursday and submitted them under strongest protest, according to sources. In its interim order issued on Thursday night, the Election Commission directed the two sides in the dispute over the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) not to use the party name and its flowers and grass symbol for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, and asked them to submit their preferred names and symbols by Friday morning. The EC said the proposed name could be similar to All India Trinamool Congress, and the symbol must be chosen from the list of free or available symbols notified for independents and registered unrecognised political parties. The bypolls to Rejinagar and Nandigram are scheduled for October 6. The poll panel said the time available was not enough to complete the proceedings under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, but noted the urgency of the party name and symbol for the upcoming by-elections. The EC said the interim arrangement was made specifically to cover the upcoming bypolls and would remain in force until the dispute is finally determined under Paragraph 15 of the Symbols Order. The EC order comes against the backdrop of a rebellion that began in the TMC legislature party after the Assembly poll defeat in May and later spread to Parliament. In June, 58 rebel MLAs elected expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition instead of the Mamata camp's nominee, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, and secured recognition from the Assembly Speaker, marking the party's first split in its 28-year history. Five days later, the revolt reached Parliament, with 20 Lok Sabha MPs led by senior leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar joining the little-known NCPI and writing to Speaker Om Birla, backing the BJP-led NDA as a separate bloc, deepening the rupture in the party's parliamentary ranks. The move is a setback for Mamata, whose hand-drawn symbol has been central to TMC's journey since its formation in 1998 after breaking away from the Congress. The flowers and grass symbol became a potent expression of the party's grassroots identity for the last 28 years.
30 lakh beneficiaries registered under PM Vishwakarma scheme: Minister
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) The government on Friday said that 30 lakh beneficiaries have already been registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, out of which around 24.50 lakh have received basic skill training. According to Union Minister for MSME, Jitan Ram Manjhi, 18.15 lakh modern toolkits have been delivered through India Post, while 6.18 lakh Vishwakarmas have received loans up to Rs 1 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent per annum, amounting to Rs 5,297 crore. Manjhi highlighted the achievements of the PM Vishwakarma scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023, to empower traditional artisans and craftspeople through skill training, provisioning of modern toolkit, credit and market support. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) celebrated the third Anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata. The occasion highlighted the governments continued efforts to strengthen the livelihoods, skills and entrepreneurial capabilities of traditional artisans and craftspeople. Addressing the gathering, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari highlighted the importance of extending skill training and credit support to traditional artisans and craftspeople in the State. Outlining the progress of PM Vishwakarma in West Bengal, he stated that more than 7 lakh applications have been received under the scheme. The state government will expedite provisioning of facilitative support to enable Vishwakarmas avail the benefits under the scheme, he said. Union Minister of State for MSME, Shobha Karandlaje, congratulated the beneficiaries and extended her best wishes for their entrepreneurial journey. She encouraged them to make full use of the opportunities and support available under PM Vishwakarma and strive towards becoming successful entrepreneurs. Karandlaje noted that the event holds special significance for West Bengal, which joined PM Vishwakarma recently, marking the first programme of Ministry of MSME under this scheme in West Bengal. She emphasised that empowering women entrepreneurs will play a vital role in building stronger families, communities and a prosperous Viksit Bharat.
The Trinamool Congress submitted new name and symbol choices to the Election Commission. This action followed an interim order temporarily removing the party's original name and symbol. The Election Commission directed the submission for upcoming West Bengal bypolls. The party submitted its response under strongest protest late Thursday night. This dispute arose from a recent rebellion within the party's ranks.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Special Court for NIA Cases in Hyderabad has convicted and sentenced nine accused, including eight Bangladeshi nationals, to life imprisonment in a 2019 human trafficking case involving Bangladeshi women who were trafficked into India and subsequently forced into prostitution. According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the special court, in its order passed on September 17, also imposed a total fine of Rs 1,37,000 on the convicted accused. It further awarded three months of simple imprisonment in default of payment of the fine. The case pertains to a human trafficking network that trafficked Bangladeshi women into India by luring them with promises of lucrative employment and decent wages, before forcing them into prostitution. The original case was registered by the Telangana Police at Pahadi Shareef Police Station in Hyderabad following an operation in September 2019. During the operation, three Bangladeshi women were rescued from a brothel being operated in Jalpally village, while another woman was rescued from a house in Mahimood Colony, Balapur, Hyderabad. The NIA subsequently took over the investigation and re-registered the case on October 12, 2019, as RC-03/2019/NIA/HYD. During the investigation, the involvement of the accused in the trafficking network was established. The NIA subsequently filed a chargesheet against 12 accused, including absconding accused A1, A3 and A7, on October 17, 2020. The accused were arrested from different locations, including West Bengal and Telangana, during 2019 and 2020. The accused sentenced by the court were Ruhul Amin Dhali (A2), Mohd Yousuf Khan alias Md Imran (A4), Bithi Begum alias Khadija Shaik (A5), Imamul Ghazi alias Mohd Rana Hussain (A6), Mohammed Al Mamun (A8), Sojib Shaik (A9), Suresh Kumar Das alias Sagor (A10), Mohd Abdulla Munshi alias Abdul Sarkar (A11) and Mohd Ayub Shaik (A12). They were prosecuted under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.
Kanimozhi meets former Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata as DMK outreach fuels third-front talk
DMK leader Kanimozhi met Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Thursday. This meeting follows discussions with Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar. Strains between DMK and Congress have emerged recently. The TMC and Congress have also sparred over a West Bengal bypoll. Kanimozhi's outreach sparks speculation about opposition coordination efforts.
West Bengal needs 7.25% annual growth to achieve 5X economy by 2047: ORF report
A report details West Bengal's path to a fivefold economy by 2047. It identifies growth gaps and proposes six pillars for development. The state budget aligns with productivity and capital formation goals. Investment incentives and single window clearance aim to boost realization. Infrastructure and federal alignment are key steps for future growth.
ORF report outlines roadmap for West Bengal economy growth by 2047
The News Mill
Within democracy, there is no place for dictatorship, says Ritabrata Banerjee on TMC symbol row
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Reacting to the Election Commissions interim decision to freeze the name and election symbol of the Trinamool Congress, West Bengal Assembly Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee said the order underlined that political parties cannot be treated as private entities or passed down through dynastic succession. Speaking on the party symbol row, Banerjee said the development came as a surprise to party leaders, who learnt about the Commissions decision. Just after getting off the plane, we found out that the symbol has been frozen, and the name has been frozen. However, one thing is clear: within a democracy, there is no place for dictatorship, Banerjee said. He further linked the Election Commissions interim order to the broader debate over the control and ownership of political parties, arguing that a party cannot be treated as a private limited company or inherited by an individual as a family possession. This narrative that was going on regarding the symbol and the name, the Election Commissions interim order today proves that there is no room for dynastic politics. A political party is not a private limited company, nor can there be an heir to a political party. This has been proven today, he said. The remarks came after the Election Commission ordered an interim freeze on the name and election symbol of the All India Trinamool and directed the rival factions to choose new names and symbols until the dispute is settled. The Commissions decision has significant implications for the upcoming Assembly bypolls in West Bengal. The EC had announced bypolls in two constituencies, Nandigram and Rejinagar, to be held on October 6. In its order, the EC said it had considered the material available before it and concluded that there were two rival groups within the All India Trinamool Congress, each claiming to represent the party. On due consideration of the totality of information available on recordthe Commission is of the opinion that there are two rival groups in the All India Trinamool Congress, one led by Ms Mamata Banerjee and the other led by Shri Arup Roy, and each group is now claiming to be the party and therefore the matter requires a substantive determination by the Commission under Para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order 1968, the EC order said.
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CBI launches probe into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata Kolkata: After the Calcutta High Courts order, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. The central investigation agency officers raided a three-storey house on the Canal East Road in [] The post CBI launches probe into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
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The News Mill
The State government also observedthePMs Birthday as Annapurna Divas and launched thePM Vishwakarma Scheme; This is the first time West Bengal has joined th scheme launched by the Union government
No culture of cut-money in Bengal anymore: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his birthday, said that no eligible women will be deprived of the benefits of Annapurna Yojana in West Bengal
Mithun Chakraborty Celebrates PM Modis Birthday with Annapurna Day Announcement in West Bengal
Mithun Chakraborty announces Annapurna Day in West Bengal to honor PM Modis birthday, highlighting womens empowerment initiatives. Mithun Chakraborty Celebrates PM Modis Birthday with Annapurna Day Announcement in West Bengal
EC freezes TMC name & symbol, asks rival camps for options
EC bars Trinamool factions from using party name, symbol
The Election Commission has issued an interim order preventing rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), led by Mamata Banerjee and Arup Roy, from using the party name and its Flowers and Grass symbol during the upcoming West Bengal by-elections. Both groups have been directed to submit preferred names and symbols by Friday morning for recognition and allotment for the bypolls, as the EC undertakes a substantive determination of the party dispute.
Election Commission bars TMC factions from using party name, symbol
The Election Commission has frozen the Trinamool Congress party symbol. This decision affects upcoming West Bengal bypolls and two rival factions. Both groups must now choose new party names and free symbols. The commission's order comes before the nomination filing deadline. This action is consistent with past poll panel rulings on symbol disputes.
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West Bengal can catalyse China+1 for revitalization of industry
Eastern state can pave the way for alternative supply chain hub By Subrara Majumder Geographically, West Bengal is placed at a unique place which can leverage it to be an important destination for the development of a formidable alternative supply chain hub. Since May 2026, given the surprise victory of BJP a pro-industrial [] The post West Bengal can catalyse China+1 for revitalization of industry appeared first on Northlines .
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ECI freezes name' and 'symbol for both factions of TMC
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday ordered the freezing of the name and symbol of Trinamool Congress as a political party for the time being, for both the factions in Trinamool Congress the first being the original but minority faction led by the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, and the second faction being the rebel but majority faction led by the expelled party legislator, Ritabrata Banerjee. This means that neither the Mamata Banerjee-led faction nor the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction would be able to use both the party name as well as the party symbol for any election till the Commission takes a final decision in the matter. The decision from the ECI to freeze the party name and symbol comes hours after the full bench of the Commission met five-member delegations from both the factions earlier in the day at ECI's headquarters in New Delhi. Technically, this means that neither of the two factions would be able to use this party name and party symbol for the forthcoming by-elections for Nandigram assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar assembly constituency in Murshidabad District, which are scheduled on October 6, with the results to be declared on October 9. However, things have become even more complicated since the last date of nominations for bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly constituencies was on September 16. Probably, that is why the scrutiny of the nominations filed by the candidates from both the factions had been kept on hold till Friday afternoon. As per the order of the ECI released on Thursday night, both the factions will have to inform the Commission about their newly chosen names and symbols by 11 a.m. on Friday. If any of the two factions fails to update the Commission about their newly chosen names and symbols within that period, both factions will be out of the race in the bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar. Describing the order as unconstitutional, Kalyan Banerjee, Trinamool Congresss four-time Lok Sabha member and the most prominent political as well as the legal face of the Mamata Banerjee-led faction, told media persons that since the Commissions order was unconstitutional, the faction that he represents is not accepting it. We will do whatever is required now. But as of now, if we have to choose a symbol, we have that till 11 a.m. on Friday. We are not accepting this order. Just as illegal things have to be accepted temporarily, this too has to be accepted, he added. Trinamool Congress legislator Akhruzzaman, who is the official Chief Whip of Trinamool Congress's legislative party in the West Bengal assembly, however, welcomed the decision of the ECI in the matter. We are confident that finally, we will have the right over the party name and symbol, he said.
EC bars rival TMC factions from using party name, symbol in Bengal bypolls
The Election Commission has directed rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) not to use the party name and Flowers and Grass symbol during the West Bengal bypolls, and asked them to submit their preferred names and symbols by Friday morning. In its interim order issued on Thursday night, the Commission, after hearing leaders of the two factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Arup Roy, said the matter requires substantive determination by the poll body under provisions of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968. On due consideration of the totality of information available on record... the commission is of the opinion that there are two rival groups in the All India Trinamool Congress, one led by Ms. Mamata Banerjee and the other led by Shri Arup Roy, the interim order said. Each group is now claiming to be the party, and therefore the matter requires a substantive determination by the Commission under Para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservatio
Congress ignoring Mamata outreach depicts turning wheel of political fortune after West Bengal polls
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Trinamool Congress leaders, owing allegiance to Mamata Banerjee, have reportedly confirmed a Congress outreach before next month's bye-elections with a proposal to share one seat each, and the subsequent turndown -- a development indicating trading positions, with the latter now acquiring high political grounds after this year's Assembly poll results in West Bengal. In the Assembly polls held in April this year, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 208 seats and Trinamool 80 in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly. Later, Rejinagar and Bhabanipur were left vacant after the winning candidates, which included Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, opted out and retained the other they had simultaneously won. Reeling from electoral setbacks in West Bengal, followed by several leaders and elected representatives walking out of its folds and many under investigation over alleged malpractices, Trinamool's top leadership had contacted Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal with the seat-sharing proposal. According to a Trinamool MP, the Congress never reverted, rather went on to announce candidates for both seats. When asked later, Venugopal apparently pointed to strong objections from regional party members. Congress leaders are also said to have cited Mamata's earlier decision to end alliances with Congress and allegations of attacks and harassment against its workers under the previous Trinamool Congress government in the state. Reports quoted West Bengal Congress President Shubhankar Sarkar having said the Trinamool Congress should rather support its candidates in both seats and that only then the possibility of a future alliance could be considered. Incidentally, when Sarkar replaced Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as the party leader ahead of state election, it was assumed that the Congress high command intended to send a show of softening in stand in Congress ranks towards Mamata Banerjee. Since the parting of ways began, another bitter war of attrition between the two parties, which escalated with the appointment of Chowdhury as the state Congress Chief. A known Mamata-baiter, Chowdhury upped the ante against the then ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, with the party frequently lodging protests in with Central Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi. The Congress by then had successfully held hands with the Communists against a common political foe at the State Secretariat, forgetting the pitched verbal and physical battles of almost three-and-a-half decades. It was this animosity that made Mamata Banerjee walk out of the Congress fold in 1997 and form the Trinamool Congress next year. She held the view that senior Congress leaders in the state did not intend to seriously take on the Left Front government, rather accusing many of a covert understanding. But in 2011, the Mamata-led Trinamool Congress, in alliance with Congress and the Socialist Unity Centre of India, ended the Left Front's 34-year uninterrupted rule in West Bengal, winning 227 seats. A year later, however, she withdrew support to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), with a comfortable majority in the state Assembly with 187 members of her own. The State Congress leadership had leaned heavily on the party high command in 2006 and 2011 for an alliance with the Trinamool Congress in their fight against the Communists. Of late, with the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Left and Trinamool Congress joined the Congress-led INDIA bloc, yet Mamata Banerjee chose to go alone in West Bengal. Now, the Congress having turned down Mamata's offer for a seat sharing equation for the upcoming bye-elections in West Bengal marks a political lesson in not only that losers can't be choosers but beyond, that it can't even expect a direct answer. Since the 2026 Assembly election, the wheel of fortune has turned and the party that once appeared desperate for an alliance with the same organisation that broke out of it and alleged it of a covert understanding with the Left Front is today ignoring their poll outreach. In the last few months, Trinamool Congress and the Congress seems to have traded places, with the latter taking the upper hand, following the recent mandate despite its comparatively weaker strength still.
The Election Commission has barred both Trinamool Congress factions from using the party's name. They also cannot use the reserved election symbol in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls. This interim order comes ahead of the October 6 bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar. Both groups must now use a different party name and election symbol. They must submit three choices each for their preferred options by Friday morning.
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After meeting ECI, both Trinamool factions confident of getting right over party name and symbol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) After meeting the full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and presenting their respective arguments in support of their claims over the party name and symbol, the leader of the both the rival factions in the Trinamool Congress on Thursday expressed confidence that the final decision of the Commission in the matter will finally come in their favour. The expelled Trinamool Congress legislator, Ritabrata Banerjee, which is leading the ebel but majority faction in the Trinamool Congress told media persons that a five-member delegation of his faction, which met the ECI's full bench first this afternoon, was able to give satisfactory answers to all questions raised in the matter by the poll panel representatives. We have stated our positions. We have answered all their questions. We have made our position clear to the ECI about the party name and symbol. We are hopeful that the verdict will be in our favour. The ECI had not said anything in the matter so far. We have full faith on the ECI. However, I will not say what was actually discussed in the meeting of our delegation with the ECI, Ritabrata said after the meeting. On the other hand, four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member and senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, who represented the delegation of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led original but minority faction, told media persons that all the necessary documents sought by the Commission in the matter have been submitted. On the basis of the documents submitted and arguments put forward by us, we are confident that the Commission's decision will ultimately go in our favour. We think that the Commission should take a final decision on the party name and symbol instead of taking an interim decision in view of any bye-election, Kalyan Banerjee said. Last time, the Commission heard arguments from both the factions on September 12. However, the ECI did not take any decision then. Instead, the Commission asked for some additional documents from both factions of Trinamool Congress. Political observers feel that even if the ECI takes a final decision on the fate of Trinamol Congress' name and symbol on Thursday itself, the matter will not end there. Any faction that would be aggrieved by the decision will surely move the Supreme Court against the decision. Right now, as I can see, there are four possibilities. The first two possibilities are that the ECI allots the party name and symbol to any of the two factions, which will automatically lead to a long legal battle. The second possibility is that the ECI maintains the status quo in the matter for the time being and leaves the decision for later. The third possibility is that the Commission freezes the name and symbol of the party. In case of the fourth possibility, both the factions will have to opt for alternative names and alternative symbols, a Kolkata-based political observer said.
West Bengal police arrest top Maoist leader Akash
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100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan to begin with nationwide Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh tomorrow
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) The Department of Youth Affairs will launch on Friday a 100-week nationwide Youth Pledge and Signature Campaign to mobilise support for a collective commitment for a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat through awareness and community-led activities, an official said. The Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), will commence the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan with the Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh, said the official in a statement. The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 2 through a virtual address to spiritual organisations, industry associations, NGOs and university associations. The campaign is structured around four pillars Prevent, Protect, Recover and Lead. Since its launch, the initiative has recorded participation from over 30,200 locations, more than 2.5 crore viewership and over 1 crore pledges. As part of the opening phase, the Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh will be organised by NSS from September 18 across 300 identified locations. The participating network comprises educational institutions located across States and Union Territories and includes colleges, universities and other institutions identified through NSS Regional Directorates, the statement said. The identified institutions include, among others, institutions in Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Maharashtra and Kerala. The first Sunday of the 100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan will be observed on September 20, with activities being organised across 485 MY Bharat units, including MY Bharat District Offices and Youth Hostels. The Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh will centre on a collective Youth Pledge and Signature Campaign, complemented by thematic street plays, slogan writing and youth-led discussions. These activities will provide young people with platforms to participate in awareness-building and reaffirm their collective commitment towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat. The opening of the 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan will be followed by a structured 12-week activity calendar from September to December 2026, with three thematic phases My Health, My Pride, Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth and Life Skills Month, said the statement. The programme will feature health check-up and BMI camps, meditation and wellness sessions, health walks and runs, Yuva Melas, yoga sessions, traditional sports, mini marathons, cyclothons, sports leagues, decision-making workshops, discussions on peer pressure, problem-solving activities and youth-led role plays and street plays, said the statement. Under the NSS component, activities will subsequently be conducted on Fridays and Saturdays, with 200 locations planned for each of the following 11 weeks, taking the projected NSS coverage to 2,500 events during the 12-week period, it said. MY Bharat will undertake weekly activities across its designated units, with the implementation plan providing for 3,235 MY Bharat unit-level activities during the period, it said.
Last Surviving Maoist Central Committee Member Asim Mandal Arrested In Bengal
The last surviving Maoist Central Committee member, Asim Mandal alias Akash, has been arrested by the Kolkata Police Special Task Force in West Bengals East Midnapore district. Mandal had reportedly been evading law enforcement for more than 15 years. His arrest comes amid intensified anti-Maoist operations across West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha.
Govt launches 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) The Ministry of Coal successfully launched the 16th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions here on Thursday and also handed over Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) to the successful bidders of six coal mines auctioned in earlier rounds. The CMDPAs were executed for Tara (revised), Margo West, Margo East, Mandla South, Dongeri Tal-II and Dip Side of PKoC. The successful bidders include CG Syn-Gas & Chemicals Ltd, Jharkhand Exploration & Mining Corporation Limited, Qube Commercial Pvt Ltd, Gallant Ispat Ltd and The Singareni Collieries Limited, according to an official statement. The six mines together have geological reserves of approximately 1,504 million tonnes and a combined Peak Rated Capacity of 11.62 MTPA. Once operational, they are expected to generate annual revenue of around Rs 1,984 crore, attract capital investment of nearly Rs 1,743 crore and create approximately 15,700 employment opportunities in the respective coal-bearing regions, the statement said. The 16th round offers 25 coal blocks, comprising 21 fully explored and four partially explored mines, across nine coal-bearing statesArunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal. Of these, six coal mines are offered under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act (CMSP) and 19 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR). The blocks are open to experienced mining companies, new entrants and technology-driven enterprises under the liberal commercial coal mining framework, which provides for no end-use restrictions, 100% FDI through the automatic route and low upfront payments adjustable against future revenue share. With the launch of this round, the commercial coal mining programme has now completed sixteen rounds. A total of 147 coal mines have been auctioned to date, with cumulative expected annual revenue of over Rs 47,500 crore and projected capital investment of more than Rs 55,000 crore across nine coal-bearing states. Addressing the launch of auctions, Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey highlighted coals vital role in powering Indias growth, meeting around 55% of the countrys primary energy requirement and over 70% of its electricity generation. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he underlined the remarkable growth in coal production, which has crossed the 1 billion tonne mark for the second consecutive year, reflecting the strength of Indias domestic coal sector and its growing contribution to energy security. He highlighted the Governments efforts to transform the coal sector through greater transparency, competition and technology-enabled processes. He emphasised the importance of providing a level playing field for stakeholders and creating a conducive environment for investment and wider participation in commercial coal mining. The minister also underscored the need to unlock Indias domestic coal resources, enhance production and reduce dependence on imports, while ensuring efficient and sustainable utilisation of the countrys coal reserves. He also called upon stakeholders to actively participate in the commercial coal mine auction process and contribute to strengthening Indias energy security.
The West Bengal government has started distributing the September tranche of 3,000 under the Annapurna Yojana to 1.58 crore beneficiaries, marking an increase of nearly 10 lakh since August.
Coal Ministry launches 16th round of commercial mine auctions
The 16th round offers 25 coal blocks across Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal
Mahua Moitra moves UN body over
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra has written to the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues alleging that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal were excluded from official events linked to Union Home Minister Amit Shahs visits to the state on account of their religion. Moitra had flagged the issue in 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 .
Mahua Moitra moves UN rights body over 'exclusion of Muslim officers' from Amit Shah's Bengal events
Mahua Moitra has written to the UN Special Rapporteur alleging discrimination against Muslim officers. Senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers were reportedly excluded from official events. These exclusions occurred during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent visits to West Bengal. Moitra cited specific instances involving prominent officers and alleged religious bias. She urged the UN to investigate and ensure non-discriminatory practices in government functions.
No Muslim officers in Shah's WB events, Mahua tells UN body
TMC MP Mahua Moitra has formally complained to the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, alleging that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal were deliberately excluded from official events attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Moitra claims these officers were sidelined due to their religion, a pattern she describes as discriminatory and potentially damaging to minority confidence in security establishments.
CM Adhikari lauds Kolkata Police STF for arrest of top Maoist leader Asim Mandal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday congratulated the Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata Police for arresting wanted Maoist leader Asim Mandal alias Akash alias Timir alias Manoj from Patashpur in East Midnapore district earlier in the day. In a statement posted on social media, the Chief Minister commended STF personnel for successfully tracking and apprehending Mandal, who served as a Central Committee member and Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee-I of the CPI (Maoist). He described the operation as a major success, noting that the Maoist leader had allegedly managed to evade law enforcement agencies for more than 15 years across the forested regions of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. I commend the Officers and Personnel of the @KolkataPolice STF in successfully tracking and apprehending Asim Mandal @ Akash, Central Committee Member and Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee-I, CPI (Maoist), from Lalat, Patashpur, Purba Medinipur, the Chief Minister said. I want to make it categorically clear that the West Bengal Government will not tolerate any attempt to revive or expand the network of 'Red Terror' within our state borders. No extremist ideology will be allowed to jeopardize the safety & security of the People and jeopardize the development of our State. The law will take its strictest course to demolish any such audacious attempt, the Chief Minister further said. According to police sources, two bags containing Maoist literature, including books and booklets, as well as electronic communication devices, were recovered from Asim Mandal's possession following his arrest. Investigators said Akash's wife, a resident of the Patashpur area and an alleged CPI (Maoist) activist, was arrested by the Kolkata Police STF in 2010 and is currently in judicial custody. Police officials view the arrest as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the remnants of the Left-Wing Extremist network operating across the tribal and forested belts of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. An award of Rs 2.20 crore had earlier been announced for information leading to Asim Mandal's capture. 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 People's War Group and worked extensively in the Sarenga and Goaltor regions of West Bengal as well as the Gurabanda area of Jharkhand's 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. Mamdal played a key role in the Lalgarh movement in West Bengal's Jangalmahal region and was appointed Secretary of the party's West Bengal State Committee in 2010. He also held responsibilities in the Bengal-Jharkhand-Odisha Regional Committee. Following the 2011 encounter killing of senior Maoist leader Kishanji, he largely remained underground, police sources said.
School holiday tomorrow: On September 18, 2026, school holiday schedules will vary across India. While students in West Bengal observe a holiday for Vishwakarma Puja, schools in Maharashtra may remain closed as part of the Ganeshotsav break. However, September 18 is not a nationwide school holiday, so students and parents should check their respective schools official holiday calendar or latest notice for confirmation, including the reopening date.
PM Modis birthday to be celebrated as Annapurna Divas in West Bengal every year: CM Suvendu Adhikari
WB NEET MDS 2026 Round 2 Schedule Out - Direct Link to Check Registration at wbmcc.nic.in
WBMCC has released the tentative Round 2 counselling schedule for NEET MDS 2026 State Quota and Private Management Quota dental seats in West Bengal. Check the full registration window at wbmcc.nic.in.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 17 (IANS) A family dispute is suspected to have been the reason behind the deadly attack in Bengaluru on a 26-year-old nurse from West Bengal, allegedly by her estranged husband from Tamil Nadu, police said on Thursday. The victim, Madhumita, is in critical condition following the attack near Narayana Hospital in J.P. Nagar Third Phase. DCP South Dr. Vamshi Krishna, who visited the spot, said the accused, identified as Venkateshan, allegedly attacked Madhumita with a machete and a long knife after throwing a liquid suspected to be acid, on her. The incident took place around 9.15 a.m. near Narayana Hospital, where Madhumita works as a nurse. According to the DCP, the accused wore a helmet during the assault and used two deadly weapons in the attack. The accused has used a liquid similar to acid and assaulted the woman with a machete and a long knife. The couple are husband and wife, and the incident is suspected to have taken place against the backdrop of a family dispute, Dr. Vamshi Krishna said. Madhumita and Venkateshan had married in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, in 2024. However, the couple had reportedly not been living together for around one-and-a-half years. Madhumita had been staying in a PG accommodation in Bengaluru, while Venkateshan had earlier worked in Bengaluru before moving to Chennai. Police said Venkateshan had travelled from Madurai to Bengaluru on Wednesday night and allegedly arrived with the liquid and weapons before carrying out the attack. He was arrested and is being questioned by the police. The Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) team has collected and is examining the liquid allegedly used in the attack to determine whether it was acid. According to police sources, the couple had met through a dating application. Venkateshan allegedly suspected Madhumita and frequently fought with her over her social media posts and reels. During questioning, Venkateshan allegedly told police that his wife was not listening to him and that he suspected she was with another man. He allegedly attacked her more than 10 times with the deadly weapons. It can be recalled that Venkateshan allegedly chased Madhumita when she came out of the hospital. She ran towards the cellar parking area of the hospital, where the accused allegedly caught hold of her and threw the acid-like liquid on her. He then allegedly grabbed her by the hair and attacked her repeatedly with a machete and the knife. The assault reportedly took place in full public view. Several people raised an alarm and attempted to intervene, but the accused allegedly waved the machete at those who tried to approach him. Some members of the public reportedly attempted to rescue Madhumita by pelting stones at the accused, but were unable to overpower him. Police have obtained video recordings of the assault that were made by members of the public. The footage is expected to form part of the investigation into the incident. The accused was eventually overpowered and taken into custody after a traffic police officer arrived at the spot. Madhumita, who hails from Kolkata in West Bengal, sustained serious injuries in the attack and was shifted to a private hospital for treatment. Further investigation is on.
Vishwakarma Puja Holiday 2026: Are West Bengal Schools Open Today or Tomorrow?
Is your school open today? Get the latest update on the 2026 Vishwakarma Puja holiday in West Bengal. The state confirmed schools are open Thursday, September 17, with the official holiday on Friday, September 18.
No eligible Bengal women will be deprived of Annapurna Yojana: PM Modi
The West Bengal government aims to ensure that not a single eligible woman is deprived of the benefits of Annapurna Yojana, and it is working relentlessly towards achieving this goal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. Virtually addressing an 'Annapurna Divas' event organised by the West Bengal government, the prime minister said that solving every problem connected to the life cycle of mothers, sisters and daughters has been the priority of the BJP government. Within a few days of forming our government in Bengal, work began on the Annapurna Yojana. Today, many women receive financial assistance directly into their bank accounts. There are no middlemen and no 'cut money'. Our government aims to ensure that not a single eligible woman is deprived of the benefits of Annapurna Yojana. We are working relentlessly towards achieving this goal, Modi said. He added that work is also being done rapidly here for this purpose. The prime minister said that under the scheme, a
