No reason to doubt West Bengal speaker: SC dismisses petition
Supreme Court has dismissed a plea seeking directions to the West Bengal Assembly Speaker to decide disqualification petitions against 10 rebel Trinamool Congress MLAs. A bench headed by CJI Surya Kant said there was no reason to doubt the Speaker, noting that the petitions were filed on July 8 and that disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule are ordinarily expected to be decided within three months.
RSS uniform, Vande Mataram and SIR: Ktaka BJP targets Congress
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 28 (IANS) Responding to Congress criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, on Monday said the sticks carried by RSS members during route marches were part of their ceremonial uniform and had never been used to commit injustice or attack anyone in the organisations 100-year history. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Narayanaswamy said, It is not a weapon. It is only part of the uniform worn during the route march. In 100 years, no one has been cheated, wronged or deceived by carrying the uniform. No one has been beaten with that stick. Taking a dig at the Congress, he asked whether anyone could drive people out of Bengaluru, adding that the partys earlier methods belonged to a different era. Those were the days when people used to roam around carrying swords. Can they do that now? he asked. Narayanaswamy alleged that, apart from what he described as fabricated statements by the Congress against the RSS, no cases were pending against the organisation. He said Home Minister Priyank Kharge, a strong opponent of the RSS, had himself stated that no cases were pending against it. He also questioned the value of recent remarks made by senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad. He criticised the Congress over the Vande Mataram controversy, saying, This is not the era of swords. This is the era of Vande Mataram. We used to sing the entire song in the Assembly. Why did the Congress stop it? Targeting KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad, Narayanaswamy alleged that his political style was based on hitting, beating and cutting. He further alleged that Congress workers had been sent to throw stones at his residence over his remarks on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Narayanaswamy claimed that Karnataka had a large number of Bangladeshi nationals after West Bengal and alleged that Congress leaders were sheltering them. He said some were working in coffee estates and hotels and claimed their presence in Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Dharwad and Kalaburagi. Referring to the SIR exercise in Kerala, Narayanaswamy said Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had stated that the exercise benefited the party by preventing bogus voting by Communists. He questioned why the Congress was not alleging vote theft in Kerala. He also alleged that the Congress had not raised the issue of vote theft after winning 136 seats in Karnataka or after winning in Telangana. There has been no vote theft in the country. Voters did not vote for the Congress thieves, he said.
Bengal: Bail plea of Congress candidate in Nandigram bypoll deferred
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 28 (IANS) The crucial final hearing on the bail plea of Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the forthcoming Nandigram assembly bypoll in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, was postponed on Monday. Pradhan is currently in judicial custody in connection with two old cases, including a 2007 murder case. The hearing was scheduled before the Calcutta High Courts single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh in the second half of the day. However, Justice Ghosh informed that the final hearing would now take place on Tuesday, after which judgment will be delivered. During last weeks hearing, Justice Ghosh had observed that Pradhan should be allowed to contest the polls freely like other candidates and even indicated that bail would ultimately be granted. This had raised expectations that Pradhan might be released on Monday to join the campaign. The bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly constituencies in Murshidabad district are scheduled for October 6, with results to be declared on October 9. Pradhan was arrested on September 18, hours after former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that her Trinamool Congress faction would support the Congress candidate in Nandigram. The announcement followed the dramatic withdrawal of Trinamools candidate, Sanchita Dey Pradhan. The move was seen as a fresh step towards Opposition unity in the state after Banerjees defeat in the assembly polls earlier this year. In those elections, current West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari contested and won simultaneously from Nandigram and Bhabanipur in South Kolkata. He later chose to retain Bhabanipur, necessitating the Nandigram bypoll.
No blanket penalty, urge Kol hospitals
Canal-dredging to mitigate flooding in Behala pockets
10 Bdeshis fly to Kolkata from across globe for Hasina bday at Syama home
Taslima to visit Vidyasagar, Sarat Chandra homes in Oct
30k bite cases, 3k dogs jabbed: Kolkatas rabies gap widens
Jadavpur University attack: 1 out of 19 records statement
Will not let anyone insult Vivekananda: Bengal BJP
SC rejects plea to advance hearing on Bengal SIR ahead of byelections
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to advance the hearing of pleas challenging the pendency of appeals linked to the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, ahead of the October 6 bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar.
Video proof of campus attack: SRFTI alumni stand by students
CCTV evidence against arrested accused in Bypass hotel disco molest case
Sonarpur condos write to CM over bad road stretch
White-goods sellers bank on clearance sale, discounts to bring back festive buyers
Kartik Maharaj to head new Durga Puja forum
Now, RPF comes into play in Sealdah puja row; venue locked, prep halted
Newspapers important: Baguiati club recycles for Durga Puja pandal
Pickpockets target festive shoppers in Gariahat
Buxa tiger reintroduction: As rain eases, foresters set up 7 machans in Valmiki, ready airlift plan
WBSSC releases revised interview list for HS level
Bengal: Drugs, pistol seized near India-Nepal border; two arrested
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 28 (IANS) In a major operation, troops of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), in coordination with local police, raided a house close to the India-Nepal border on Monday and seized narcotics and a sophisticated firearm with two magazines. Authorities took two people into custody and are questioning them to identify others involved in the racket. A senior SSB official said the operation began around 4 a.m. and continued till 11.05 a.m. after specific intelligence inputs were received about narcotics stored at the house of Madan Mohan Paswan in Hathiduba village, Churli, under Galgalia Police Station in Kishanganj, Bihar. The raid was conducted by personnel of the G Company, Bhatgaon, Quick Response Team of A Company, Nimuguri, Galgalia police, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force of Bihar Police. The house is located about 3.83 km inside Indian territory from border pillar number 102, the official said. During the search, police seized 455 grams of brown sugar in five plastic pouches, a factory-made pistol, two magazines, and a digital pocket weighing machine. Police took Madan Mohan Paswan (29) and Ramjapo Paswan (57), the property owner, into custody. Police handed over the seized items and the accused to Galgalia police station for interrogation and legal action. Officials noted that substantial quantities of narcotics have been seized in joint operations along the international border in recent months, with several arrests made. The India-Nepal border runs through West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Criminal activities along this stretch range from narcotics smuggling to human trafficking. Criminals exploit cross-border movement as citizens of both countries can cross unchecked without documentation. Operations span across states, with criminals taking advantage of jurisdictional changes, another official said. Beyond managing the border, the SSB monitors criminal activities within its jurisdiction. It has built a credible intelligence network that has helped curb such activities. Recently, a human trafficking racket was busted and six girls, including four minors from Tripura, were rescued while being taken across the border into Nepal. The SSB also busted a cattle smuggling racket involving animals transported from Uttar Pradesh to Assam. The SSB has also rescued girls from West Bengal districts who were being trafficked into Nepal to work at dance bars, the official added.
West Bengal CM assures land for IOC's proposed expansion project in Haldia
Kolkata to host India Energy Week 2027; public sector oil and gas companies have 17,600 crore worth of projects underway in West Bengal, says Puri
Bengal: Dengue deaths in 2026 lower than past two years
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 28 (IANS) The number of dengue-related deaths in West Bengal through August 2026 has been significantly lower than the figures recorded in 2025 and 2024, according to state health department statistics. A senior health department official said that till the end of August, 10 dengue-related deaths were recorded. As per the findings of the death review committee, in seven of those cases dengue was the cause of death. In the other three, although the patients were affected by dengue, the deaths were due to other medical complications, the official explained. He added that while the dengue situation in West Bengal was largely under control, the department was not leaving room for complacency. The administration has declared October and November as the high-risk period. On Monday, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal held a virtual meeting with all district magistrates. He instructed them to keep all precautions in place, given the likelihood of increased infections in the coming months. Although the situation is now under control, the possibility of a rise in infections cannot be ruled out. That is why all relevant departments, including health, municipal affairs & urban development, and panchayat affairs & rural development, have been directed to monitor the situation regularly, the official said. The Chief Secretary emphasised that merely collecting reports would not be sufficient. He directed district administrations to monitor the situation directly, focusing on cleaning drives, larval destruction work, and strengthening awareness programmes to ensure mosquito breeding grounds are eliminated.
Nitin Naveen Prepares Jhalmuri in Kolkata During Visit
BJP National President Nitin Naveen showcases his culinary skills by making jhalmuri in Kolkata, a popular street food of West Bengal. Nitin Naveen Prepares Jhalmuri in Kolkata During Visit
ER introduces tech at weighbridges to prevent accidents
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 28 (IANS) To ensure safe and efficient freight movement, Eastern Railway (ER) has begun introducing technology at weighbridges. Officials said this would help reduce derailments, prevent accidents, and protect tracks, calling it a significant technological leap forward in ensuring the safety and punctuality of freight train movements and maintaining uninterrupted supply chains across the network. As part of this ongoing modernisation drive, ER is installing advanced Wheel-wise Load Imbalance Detection Systems at strategic weighbridges. This technology is designed to detect deviations from safe load limits before service interruption, enabling proactive maintenance and preventing potential transit hazards, a senior official said. Under the system, sensors collect load data and send it to a central controller. Software then determines static and dynamic wheel loads, left-to-right load ratios and impact load factors to flag uneven loading, overloaded axles or flat spots. Real-time alerts are passed directly to officials, who can take corrective measures. The first Wheel-wise Load Imbalance Detection System on ER was successfully commissioned at the Pakur In-Motion Weigh Bridge recently. Initial trial results have been encouraging. The system will be made fully operational following final certification from the state government. Installation work for a similar weighbridge is underway at Kotalpukur. This forms part of ERs broader roadmap to extend the safety installation to other critical freight handling locations across the zone. Pakur, a major freight hub in Jharkhand, moves large quantities of coal from the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd (WBPDCL) siding and Gati Shakti Terminal to power plants in West Bengal and Punjab. Pakur is also known for its stone quarries, with ER transporting large volumes of crushed stone chips, aggregates and track ballast in specialised wagons.
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 28 (IANS) Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday announced a series of promises ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, including steps towards implementing the Old Pension Scheme, improving the status of Shiksha Mitras, and clearing pending salaries of madrasa teachers. Addressing reporters at the SP office, Akhilesh Yadav said that if his party forms the government in 2027, it would work to reform the education system and address the concerns of teachers and employees. He said the status of Shiksha Mitras would be improved by granting them the same facilities as regular teachers, while issues concerning Sanskrit schools would also be resolved. He claimed that addressing the problems of Shiksha Mitras could also help in reopening schools that had shut down. He also promised to clear the long-pending salaries of teachers associated with modern madrasas. On the Old Pension Scheme, he said that his party would take steps towards its implementation after consultations with the Finance Department. Akhilesh Yadav also targeted the BJP government over its handling of education and alleged that it was dividing society rather than addressing issues concerning jobs and education. He alleged that madrasas had faced discrimination and accused the government of providing what he described as substandard jobs and inadequate education. The SP chief also raised allegations concerning electoral rolls and the deletion of voters' names during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. He claimed that a large number of SP supporters' names were deleted and alleged that BJP workers had sought deletions through Form 7 applications. He cited an example from Lucknow, claiming that one person had applied for deletion of more than 100 names. The Election Commission's Form 7 guidelines, however, state that an application can be made by an elector registered in the constituency, including an objection against another elector's entry or a request to delete the applicant's own name. He further alleged that fake voter entries were still being created in Noida and questioned the Election Commission's role in the electoral process. He also said courts should take suo motu cognisance of reports concerning alleged vote theft and consider ordering re-elections in West Bengal and Bihar. The SP President also referred to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, saying his party had defeated the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, and said the BJP would be completely ousted from the state in the 2027 Assembly elections. He alleged that the BJP worked in the interests of capitalists and large business groups. The remarks come as the SP steps up preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party has recently intensified its outreach and campaign activities ahead of the polls.
TMC Name, Symbol Fight: Supreme Court Gives EC 3 Months, Speaker Gets October 10 Deadline
The battle for control of the Trinamool Congress has entered a crucial phase. The Supreme Court has indicated that the West Bengal Assembly Speaker should decide disqualification petitions against 10 rebel MLAs by October 10. At the same time, the court has directed the Election Commission to decide the dispute over the TMCs original name and Flowers and Grass symbol within three months after both factions complete their pleadings. The EC has temporarily frozen the original name and symbol and allotted separate names and symbols to the rival camps for upcoming bypolls.
Kasturirangan report: BJP MP urges expert commission for land survey
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 28 (IANS) BJP MP Kota Srinivas Poojary on Monday urged the Karnataka government to form an expert commission to conduct a detailed land survey in the state under the Kasturirangan report, similar to the exercise undertaken in Kerala. Poojary represents the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency, where concerns over the report remain high. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Poojary said the commission should be given six months to one year to complete the survey and submit its report to the Centre. He emphasised that the exercise should clearly demarcate forest and non-forest areas and recommend measures to prevent hardships to farmers and affected communities. He noted that the BJP would stand with the state government on behalf of the people of Karnataka. If there were shortcomings in the Kasturirangan and Madhav Gadgil reports, he said, the role of decisions taken by the then Central government should also be mentioned. Poojary explained that the Centre had issued the notification in view of directions and proceedings before the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal. He recalled urging both previous and incumbent chief ministers to constitute a commission to address concerns arising from the proposed implementation of the recommendations. There should be no politics over the Kasturirangan report. Do not create confusion. If protecting the interests of farmers is the governments position, we will fully support it, he said. On the drought situation in Karnataka, Poojary urged political parties not to politicise the issue and called for equal treatment of farmers and constituencies. He stressed that measures should protect cattle and assist people forced to migrate in search of work. He suggested incorporating the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) into drought-relief measures to provide employment and support to affected people. The BJP, he said, would cooperate with the government in resolving peoples problems. On the controversy surrounding Vande Mataram, Poojary accused Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and the Congress government of opposing the national song for political and electoral reasons. He urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to ensure that Vande Mataram is respected instead of confronting the Union government. Reacting to the Election Commission controversy, Poojary said the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners had clarified that the Commission had no internal confusion. He alleged that the clarification had left Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and the Congress in an awkward position. He also criticised what he described as inconsistent positions on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), alleging that the Congress accepts EVMs when it wins in Karnataka and Kerala but questions them when the BJP wins in West Bengal. Poojary said such allegations and complaints should be assessed on factual grounds rather than being made without considering the relevant facts.
Cow should be declared national animal; its milk has healing properties: Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi
Digital Desk | Bareilly, Sep 28 (IANS) Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi said on Monday that cow should be declared the national animal because it would solve many conflicts and that cow's milk has healing properties. He added that cows have been an issue in our nation for a long time. Muslims have always demanded that cows be declared the national animal. If cows are declared national animal, many of the incidents can be controlled and it will solve a lot of problems. I also want to express how Islam views cows. Someone asked Paigambar in Islam, so he replied that a cow's milk has 'Shifa' (healing properties) and cow's meat has diseases. Meaning that we should drink cow's milk. If someone is weak, then they should consume cow's milk, so that they are healthy. This is Islam's stance on cows. If it is declared as the national animal, then certain incidents can be curbed. Many issues can be solved with it; many incidents that are caused can be averted, and then every individual will try to protect it, Bareilvi said. According to reports, in a Vishva Hindu Parishad programme celebrating late Ashok Singhal's birth anniversary, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said many copycats said that one should declare the cows as the national animal; to them I say, you are the animal; for us, a cow is our mother. We are connected to cows for more than a lifetime. In the aftermath, Congress Spokesperson Surendra Rajput said, The cow is our mother; there are no doubts in that. Not just in Sanatan, but in the entire country, the cow is considered a mother. The only people who think that a cow is just an animal are the members of the Bharatiya Janata Party. That's why West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that a cow older than fourteen years could be butchered. That's why Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the Northeast region said that butcher cows and eat them at home.... a Goa Minister said that because cow meat is scarce, we had to import it. So for the BJP, cow is an animal; they are trying to cause communal hatred. This is a medium for seeking votes. For them, Lord Ram is not for devotion, and stealing donations and committing sins. For you, Lord Ram is a tool for vote theft; for us, Lord Ram is a matter of devotion, and the cow is our mother, but not for BJP, he added. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said that people who call 'cows' animals have animal tendencies themselves, and people who use derogatory terms against Ayodhya should be avoided.
Bengal CID, STF probe murder of BJP leader in Bolpur
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 28 (IANS) West Bengal Polices Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Special Task Force (STF) on Monday began investigating the murder of 47-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Chandan Bhalla, who was shot dead by miscreants last night in Birbhum districts Bolpur. Police started the investigation at the crime spot in the morning. DIG and District Superintendent of Police Vidit Raj Bhundesh personally supervised the probe. Investigators are examining both political conflict and land dispute angles. The SP said they were pursuing all possible leads. The incident occurred on Sunday night in the Milpara area of Trishulapatti, ward number 12 of Bolpur Municipality. According to the family, Bhalla, who worked as a cashier in the Bolpur Land and Land Reforms Department and was also involved in land transactions, had left home to show a plot to a potential buyer. Two assailants allegedly arrived on a bike and shot him at point-blank range before fleeing. Bhalla was the BJP president of booth number 202 in ward number 11 of Bolpur Municipality. His younger son Subhrakanti Bhalla lodged a written complaint at Bolpur police station, though no specific names were mentioned in the FIR. Police cordoned off the scene immediately after the murder. Police brought a dog from Asansol on Monday morning. The German Shepherd Lucky tracked a trail to Aarti Cinema intersection, about five kilometres away, suggesting the miscreants may have escaped via Bahiri village. Later, a six-member forensic team collected samples including blood, bike tyre marks and shoe prints. Investigators are probing the type of firearm used, the firing distance and the weapons source. Investigators have collected CCTV footage from the scene and nearby areas to identify suspicious movements before and after the incident. Investigators are also checking Bhallas mobile call records to determine who contacted him before the murder and whether any calls were made during the incident. The deceaseds family suspects a political motive. His wife Shyamoli Bhalla said: It is a political murder. My husband was called from his house and shot dead. Let the police arrest the culprits. We want punishment. Our family is broken. BJPs Birbhum organisational district president Udayshankar Banerjee said the matter was under investigation. He added that he had asked police to probe thoroughly and arrest the culprits, and would report the matter to the partys top leadership.
Bengal CM makes big announcement for ICDS centres at 'Angan Milan Sewa' event
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 28 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, in the presence of BJP National President Nitin Nabin, on Monday, made big announcements for the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) workers and the ICDS centres in the state. Speaking at the Angan Milan Sewa program at Panihati in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Monday, CM Adhikari said that while a decision to increase the wages of ICDS workers, popularly known as Anganwadi workers, had already been taken by the state Cabinet, there are proposals for thorough upgradation of the Anganwadi centres in the state. Speaking on the occasion, he added that the government had also decided to supply electricity for the Anganwadi centres free of cost in the coming days. In August this year, the salaries of the Anganwadi staff were increased by Rs 5,000 a month. They have been included in the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Under this, treatment up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided free of cost in 38 government and private hospitals in the country, the Chief Minister said at the program. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the Anganwadi centres in the state, which are currently operating from the rented premises, will soon have their own premises. At the moment, 19,000 Anganwadi centres are operating from rented premises. In the future, they will be at the state government-owned premises. Funds have also been allocated for that. At the same time, free electricity will be provided to all ICDS centres in the state, the Chief Minister said. He also announced higher budgetary allocation for the ICDS staff and ICDS centres in the next state budget. Speaking on the occasion, Nabin praised the role of the Anganwadi workers in West Bengal. The ICDS workers, in a sense, are the first teachers of the children, who are the future of our country. So in that way, the future of the country is also in the hands of the ICDS workers, the BJPs National President said. Nabin was also all praise for CM Adhikari and said that under the latters leadership West Bengal will progress towards all round development. I want to assure the sisters associated with the ICDS centres, that your brother Suvendu Adhikari is always there for you and with you. So, keep the good work going, Nabin said.
The plea by Prasenjit Bose, petitioner in the West Bengal SIR case and chairperson of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committees SIR panel, seeks a stay of further proceedings pursuant to the SIR undertaken in 20 States and Union Territories during the period of the proposed inquiry
Former Trinamool MLA Arrested with Weapons in West Bengal
Former Trinamool Congress MLA Biswajit Das was arrested in Kolkata for illegal possession of firearms during a police search. Former Trinamool MLA Arrested with Weapons in West Bengal
Assam, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, West Bengal and more Today we take a look at the full list of states that have announced DA and DR hikes this year, besides paying arrears for employees and pensioners.
Shiv Sena UBT targets EC over SIR, alleges voter disenfranchisement
The editorial criticised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged that the Election Commission's neutrality had been compromised. It claimed that 13 crore voters in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Bihar were systematically disenfranchised as part of an attempt to influence electoral outcomes
Calcutta HC concludes hearing on AISF's plea to restore electoral symbol, reserves verdict
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 28 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Monday reserved its verdict after concluding the hearing on the All India Secular Front's (AISF) plea challenging the Election Commission of India's decision to withdraw the envelope symbol allotted to it and give it instead to the Ritabrata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress faction ahead of the bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies. The single-judge bench of Justice Krishna Rao, despite keeping the judgment on reserve, once again expressed anguish over the ECIs decision in the matter, which had led to a political row in West Bengal. During the hearing on Monday, he said that the controversy in the matter would not have arisen if the ECI had kept the symbol on freeze without allotting it to anybody. Justice Rao also questioned the justification behind allotting the symbol to the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool when the AISF had contested in the last few elections on that symbol. Justice Rao said that when the envelope was among the free symbols, then why was it allotted to another party after being allotted earlier to a particular party? However, the ECIs counsel argued that no party can be allotted a free symbol more than twice. In the petition filed by Nawsad Siddique, the lone AISF legislator in the West Bengal assembly, the main contention was how the ECI could allot the envelope symbol, when he contested and got elected twice in 2021 and 2026 with it. Earlier this month, the ECI announced its decision to freeze the Trinamool's official name of the All India Trinamool Congress and the electoral symbol of Flowers & Grass. The 'original but minority' faction of the Trinamool led by the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, was allotted the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the symbol football player. On the other hand, the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction was allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the envelop as its electoral symbol. Siddique got irked by that decision and approached the Calcutta High Court challenging it. --IANS
Badal Sircar's 'Pagla Ghora' to open Paris's Gange sur Seine Festival
India to face five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time champions Uruguay on October 6 at Kolkatas Salt Lake Stadium Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 28:
Digital Desk | Kalimpong, Sep 28 (IANS) The Eastern Himalayas should be recognised for their contribution to Indias economic growth, environmental security, regional connectivity and engagement with its neighbourhood, top experts reckoned on Monday during a dialogue held in West Bengal's Kalimpong on the region's strategic significance, economic potential, climate resilience and local aspirations. Jointly convened by the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) and the Eastern Himalayan Centre for Public Policy (EHCPP), the 'Eastern Himalayan Dialogue 2026' held under the theme 'The Eastern Himalayas: Towards a Strategic, Resilient, and Inclusive Future', brought together policymakers, scholars, practitioners, institutional leaders and regional stakeholders. The analysts examined the changes shaping one of India's most strategically and ecologically significant regions and spotlighted that the Eastern Himalayas need an integrated policy approach that brings together development, climate resilience, security and the aspirations of local communities. Participants called for policy frameworks that address connectivity, security, climate change and development together. The region lies at the intersection of cross-border trade, expanding infrastructure, environmental vulnerability, changing demographic patterns and national security concerns. The discussions considered how to pursue economic opportunities while protecting fragile ecosystems, strengthening institutions and accounting for the interests of local communities. In his inaugural address, CRF President Shishir Priyadarshi emphasised the need for sustained policy attention to the Eastern Himalayas and for stronger links between local realities and national priorities. Holding a dialogue about the Eastern Himalayas in the Eastern Himalayas changes who can take part and what we are likely to hear. It gives those who work and live here a more direct place in a discussion that too often takes shape at a distance, he mentioned. Delivering the keynote address, 'The Eastern Himalayas and India's Future', Mahendra P Lama, Emeritus Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of Sikkim and Senior Adviser at International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), highlighted the region's disproportionate exposure to climate impacts and the need to rethink prevailing policy approaches. The Eastern Himalayas are confronting a threatening triangular trap: communities that contribute little to climate change are bearing its consequences, while local knowledge remains under-recognised, Prof. Lama emphasised while calling for a different policy lens, positioning connectivity as an instrument of integration, borders as opportunities, and community knowledge as a resource for resilience. Hosted in Kalimpong, a historic gateway for Himalayan trade, culture and exchange, the Eastern Himalayan Dialogue seeks to become a sustained platform for policy discussion, evidence-based research and institutional collaboration on the region's future. Climate resilience was a major focus of the dialogue, with discussions examining how glacier retreat, changing river systems, extreme weather and mounting pressure on mountain ecosystems affect communities and have wider implications for water security, disaster preparedness, biodiversity, infrastructure and livelihoods. In a special address on 'Transformative Approaches for Developing Resilient Himalaya', Padma Shri Eklabya Sharma, Strategic Advisor and Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), stressed the need to view the Himalayas through a more systemic lens. The Himalayas need to be recognised not merely as areas for conservation or beneficiaries of development, but as natural infrastructure that sustains lives, economies and ecosystems far beyond the mountains. We need to move beyond fragmented projects towards systemic approaches that bring science, policy and practice together, with communities as co-owners of the solutions. The discussions also examined how migration, urbanisation and the changing aspirations of younger generations are reshaping local economies and social structures. Participants identified sustainable livelihoods, human capital, service delivery and stronger institutions as priorities for regional development. The participants called for stronger links between infrastructure and ecology, national priorities and local aspirations, and economic transformation and institutional capacity. /as
No shortage of coal at power plants: Kishan Reddy
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 28 (IANS) Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy said on Monday that there was no shortage of coal in the country despite the higher demand for thermal power due to lower hydropower generation and some monsoon-linked disruptions in mining. The minister said the temporary disruptions should not be seen as a coal shortage and observed that the overall situation was normal. Sufficient coal is being moved to the power plants both by road and rail, he said in answer to a question. Reddy said thermal power demand had increased by around 12-15 per cent as hydropower generation had come down due to the weaker monsoon while the rains had also impacted coal mining operations. The situation is normal. There is no tension, he remarked. Speaking on the sidelines of the Angul Aluminium Roadshow here organised by the business chamber Assocham, Reddy also alleged that West Bengal's coal industry suffered under Jungle Raj and mafia control for years, and that the Central government is pushing reforms to bring transparency and increase state revenues. The minister is undertaking a comprehensive two-day review of government-owned mining giant Coal India Limiteds operations, project progress, and post-monsoon dispatches in Kolkata. Coal India has driven a strategic shift towards modernising both underground (UG) and open-cast (OC) operations for greater efficiency, safety and sustainability. It has rapidly moved away from conventional mining technology and methods to more advanced tools and practices. Advanced digital interventions IoT, AI and data analytics are reducing hazard exposure, improving recovery rates and enabling predictive maintenance, smart control rooms, automated dispatch and Smart Mines, according to a Coal Ministry statement. CIL is also committed to raising UG production to around 100 million tonnes using Continuous Miner, Longwall, and Highwall technology. Continuous mining has already been adopted, with large-scale Longwall now being introduced. Major investments are planned in Paste Fill to unlock high-grade coal otherwise locked in pillars, alongside enhanced ventilation and strata management to strengthen safety. Besides, CIL is strengthening coal evacuation through First Mile Connectivity (FMC) and critical railway infrastructure such as Rapid Loading Systems. Complementing this, four of seven critical railway projects involving an investment of Rs 23,465 crore have been commissioned, with the rest targeted by FY 2027-28.
Congress protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar spread across states, IYC marches to Jantar Mantar
Congress workers staged protests across India against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar for his handling of electoral roll revisions. The protests took place in multiple states, including Delhi, Telangana, and West Bengal. Demonstrators called for greater accountability and transparency in the electoral process during these protests. Police intervened by detaining several protesters and using water cannons in some locations.
Fresh low-pressure area may bring more rain to Bengal ahead of Durga Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 28 (IANS) More rain is expected in West Bengal ahead of the Durga Puja festivities as a fresh low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, the Met office said on Monday. The weather system has formed over southern coastal Myanmar and adjoining areas and is currently concentrated near the Myanmar coast. It is likely to strengthen into a depression over the next few days, meteorologists said. If the system develops into a depression, it is expected to move gradually northwards. In view of the developing weather system, fishermen have been advised against venturing into the east-central and northeast Bay of Bengal along the Myanmar-Bangladesh coast. The Met office said the depression is unlikely to directly affect West Bengal, though its future movement could have a partial impact on the state. Last week, several districts of South Bengal received heavy rain under the influence of a deep depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal. Kolkata also witnessed prolonged spells of rain during the period. The deep depression subsequently moved towards the coast and made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coast. Its influence has weakened since Saturday, resulting in a significant reduction in rainfall across the state. The Met Office said there is currently no indication of widespread thunderstorms in West Bengal, though the weather forecast could change with the system's movement. There is a low-pressure area over southern coastal Myanmar and adjoining areas. It moved into the Andaman Sea and became a well-marked low-pressure area on Sunday afternoon. It is expected to move further northwestwards by Monday and intensify into a depression. Thereafter, it will move northwards towards the sea adjoining the Myanmar-Bangladesh coast within two days, a Met department official said. Under its influence, gusty winds of 45 to 55 kilometres per hour are likely over the sea in the region, with wind speeds occasionally reaching 65 kilometres per hour. A warning has been issued to fishermen operating in the east-central and northeast Bay of Bengal near the Myanmar-Bangladesh coast from Monday to Wednesday for the time being. No warning has been issued for the West Bengal coast so far. Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 26.5 degrees Celsius on Monday morning, 0.5 degrees above normal. The city's maximum temperature on Sunday was 32.4 degrees Celsius, 0.1 degrees below normal.
Park Street got back an old favourite, and it still serves butter chicken khichdi
SC fixes time frame for EC to decide dispute over TMC's name, symbol
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission to decide the dispute between the two rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress over the party name and flowers and grass election symbol. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana asked the rival factions to complete their pleadings in the proceedings before the poll panel within four weeks. The bench directed the Election Commission to decide the issue within three months after the parties complete their pleadings. The top court passed the order while hearing a plea filed by former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee against the EC's decision to freeze the TMC's name and party symbol. The Election Commission had allotted separate names and symbols to the two rival factions following its interim decision to bar both groups from using the 'All India Trinamool Congress' name and its reserved symbol pending a substantive determination of the dispute. In its interim orde
Quiz sparks curiosity and confidence among students
Believe Bengal Speaker aware of deadline on TMC rebels disqualification: SC
The Supreme Court on Monday said it has every reason to believe that the West Bengal Assembly speaker is fully cognisant of the apex court's order fixing a three-month time frame to decide the disqualification petition against 10 rebel TMC MLAs. The observations came from a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana during the hearing of a plea filed by Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction MLA Sohandeb Chattopadhyay. In his petition, Chattopadhyay sought direction to the speaker to expeditiously decide the disqualification petition filed against the rebel MLAs. We have every reason to believe that the speaker is fully cognisant of the decision of this court and he will make an endeavour to take an appropriate decision within the time-frame fixed, the bench said while disposing of the plea. The top court noted that in this case, the three-month period would expire on October 10. Chattopadhyay had earlier approached Speaker Rathin Bose
The Supreme Court expressed confidence in the West Bengal Assembly Speaker regarding disqualification petitions. This comes in the context of ten rebel Trinamool Congress MLAs facing disqualification proceedings. These proceedings involve responses to notices issued by the Assembly Secretariat earlier this month. The rebel camp is led by Ritabrata Banerjee, who is among the MLAs affected. The court emphasized the need for timely action on these petitions.
HYC nabs 2 suspected Bangladeshis, case filed
Shillong, Sep 27: Two persons, including a transgender, claiming to be residents of West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh but suspected to have entered from Bangladesh were intercepted by the Hyniewtrep Youths Council (HYC), Nongtrai Unit at Nongtrai village in East Khasi Hills district. They were caught around 10 am on Saturday while travelling through a [] The post HYC nabs 2 suspected Bangladeshis, case filed first appeared on Highland Post .
SC Declines Plea To Advance Hearing In West Bengal SIR Matter
Request Came Ahead Of October 6 Bypolls In Rejinagar And Nandigram
It is only bypolls: Supreme Court assures hearing in West Bengal SIR on October 5
Thousands of appeals filed by voters against their exclusion from the State electoral roll were still pending
Shiv Sena(UBT) accuses EC of voter disenfranchisement, warns of public unrest in 'Saamana'
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) The Shiv Sena(UBT) on Monday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of eroding democratic institutions and using key constitutional bodies for political gain. The criticism follows media reports which uncovered severe internal rifts within the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party said that there has been rising public anger and political friction culminating in widespread demonstrations across major Indian cities, following revelations surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Strongly condemning the Chief Election Commissioner's alleged bias, the Thackeray camp in the party's mouthpiece, 'Saamana', described the current situation as a direct assault on Indian democracy. The Saamana editorial asserted that constitutional offices are being used as partisan instruments, alleging that 13 crore voters were systematically disenfranchised in key states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Bihar as part of a strategy to influence election outcomes. The Chief Election Commissioners actions have compromised the neutrality of an autonomous institution. Rather than acting as a neutral arbiter of democracy, the Election Commission is functioning under political influence, the editorial stated, calling for the immediate resignation and accountability of top officials. The editorial said that controversy has triggered a wave of public outrage. In New Delhi, thousands of protesters, student groups, and political activists gathered at Jantar Mantar over the weekend, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, it claimed. According to the editorial, heavy police and security personnel surrounded the protest site and key areas in Central Delhi, making several arrests as demonstrators raised slogans against the government. Protests were also witnessed in Mumbai, with demonstrators gathering near metro stations, railway platforms, and public places to voice their anger over the reported electoral malpractices and administrative overreach. Tensions mounted further after former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson disclosed that CEC Gyanesh Kumar -- while still serving as a senior bureaucrat -- had attempted to persuade him to join the BJP, contest the Lok Sabha elections on a party ticket from Kerala, and promised a central ministerial berth if he won, stated the editorial. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena said that the political fallout has united opposition forces. West Bengal former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly reached out to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Left parties, urging a united front under the INDIA bloc to formulate a coordinated strategy against the government and demand transparency in the electoral process, it added. While BJP spokespersons and leaders from BJP-ruled states defended the Election Commission and dismissed the allegations as political rhetoric, opposition leaders insisted that public discontent was rapidly reaching a tipping point. The editorial concluded by warning that unless constitutional integrity is restored, widespread public unrest will continue to challenge the government's legitimacy.
BJP leader shot dead in Bengal
BJP leader shot dead in Bengals Bolpur Kolkata: In a shootout, a BJP leader was shot dead in Birbhum districts Bolpur in West Bengal. The deceased has been identified as Chandan Bhalla (47). He was the BJPs mandal president. He was shot dead at close range on the road in the Trishulapatti area of ward [] The post BJP leader shot dead in Bengals Bolpur appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Christian groups in West Bengal face Hindutva outfits
Shillong, Sep 27 (Alt News): In the hinterlands of Bengal, mostly hidden from the attention of the mainstream media, Hindutva outfits are mounting a sustained assault against small Christian communities. Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in West Bengal earlier this year, these minority communities have faced rising hostility, a report by independent [] The post Christian groups in West Bengal face Hindutva outfits ire first appeared on Highland Post .
Twice in two days: Mob targets Mamata TMC MLA on road
Madhyamgram house church vandalised during Sunday service
30 SRFTI students, 2 profs hurt in clash with outsiders
Easy hawker loans: PMO adviser in Hwh
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
HC seeks PCB roadmap to curb air pollution
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.
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
Chingrighata-Sector V Orange Line trial run set to start on Oct 10
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
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
West Bengal Ghosh Alleges Second Attack Within A Day
Ghosh claimed some attackers threatened him with a gun: Reports
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
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
Warrants served on Nandigram TMC netas ahead of bypoll
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
