Bengal CM promises BJP win on all 42 LS seats in 2029
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday, while speaking at Vadnagar in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, the people of West Bengal would gift PM Modi victories for BJP candidates from all 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. He made the statement while speaking at an event in Vadnagar marking 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public administrative journey, first as Gujarat Chief Minister and subsequently as Prime Minister. In West Bengal, I am trying to replicate the kind of development work that has been achieved in Gujarat, Adhikari said. He added that PM Modi had taught 1.4 billion people the mantra of Nation above all, and claimed that welfare of the poor and the curbing of terrorism had been achieved under PM Modi's leadership. Speaking on the occasion, Adhikari also launched sharp attacks on both the former Left Front government and the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal. First the Left Front and then the Trinamool Congress were in power in West Bengal, Adhikari said. He alleged that the two political formations together had created a threat to the country's security and claimed that more than three lakh Bangladeshis had been expelled from Gujarat after entering India through the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal. According to Adhikari, during the Trinamool regime in West Bengal, around 600 km of the international border with Bangladesh effectively remained open. He further said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised in an election manifesto that land would be provided to the Border Security Force within 45 days of the BJP coming to power in West Bengal. Adhikari claimed that the commitment had been fulfilled and asserted that PM Modi had guaranteed the development of West Bengal. He also claimed that, after 50 years, a nationalist government had finally been formed in West Bengal.
Bengal: Mithun Chakraborty appointed advisor to Information & Cultural Affairs Dept
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mithun Chakraborty was officially appointed on Wednesday as Advisor to the West Bengal Information & Cultural Affairs Department. The state government issued an official notification on Wednesday announcing the appointment. The notification also clarified that the post carries a status equivalent to that of a state Cabinet Minister. An indication in this regard was given by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari last month while addressing a programme marking the birth centenary of Bengali screen legend Uttam Kumar. An official notification on the matter was issued by the state government on Wednesday evening. The notification stated that the appointment takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders. The notification, signed by the state's Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agrawal, said that Chakraborty was appointed by order of the Governor and with the approval of the competent authorities. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is himself in charge of the Information & Cultural Affairs Department. However, from the notification issued on Wednesday evening, it is not clear what responsibilities Chakraborty will perform as Advisor to the department. Chakraborty, a former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member, had severed all ties with Trinamool and also resigned from the Rajya Sabha after several leaders of the party were named in the multi-crore Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund controversies. He later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has since played an important role in campaigning for BJP candidates in various elections, especially the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year.
Bengal: Roadshow for Extended Port Gate System held at Balagarh
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPA) formerly Kolkata Port Trust together with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), hosted the Balagarh Road Show for Development of Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, West Bengal, at The Bengal Club in Kolkata on Wednesday. The Extended Port Gate System is being considered one of eastern Indias most significant port opportunities. Subrata Gupta, advisor to West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, was the chief guest at the occasion, which was attended by Rathendra Raman, chairman, SMPA. The programme was attended by major trade partners including Adani, JSW Infrastructure, IWAI and leading logistics companies. The deputy chairman and other senior officers of SMPA were also present. Balagarh is a unique example of centre-state coordination, Gupta said. He said that rail, road and waterways connectivity is being provided by the central government, while industrial land is being made available by the state. Environmental clearances have already been obtained, he mentioned, saying that the project will be a big boost for trade and industry in West Bengal. Through a coordinated effort by the central and state governments, Raman, Chairman, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently laid the foundation stone for the IWT Terminal and Road Over Bridge at Balagarh. The project will decongest the Kolkata Dock System (KDS), he said. Being waterways-based, it will be environment-friendly and sustainable, he added. Balagarh is located 85 km upstream of KDS on the River Hooghly. SMPA is using a natural island on the river to create a loading and unloading hub for both incoming and outgoing cargo. It will have jetties for barges and storage facilities. There will also be road and rail connectivity. The idea is to use barges to move cargo arriving at the Netaji Subhas Dock or Kidderpore Dock under KDS to the island. The cargo can then move further north by road or rail. Outgoing cargo, loaded on trucks or trains, can also be unloaded at Balagarh and taken to the facility, from where barges would be used to take it directly to the port. In this way, trucks will no longer have to enter the city limits. As it is, there are restrictions on the movement of trucks to prevent traffic jams during office and school hours. The Balagarh project would allow movement of cargo at all times. It will also provide direct and indirect employment in the region. The cost of the project is Rs 538.20 crore, and it will have a capacity of 2.7 MTPA.
We will do it: CM Patel urges Gujarat youth to carry forward PM Modis development vision
Digital Desk | Vadnagar, Oct 7 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday called upon the youth to take forward Prime Minister Narendra Modis message of We will do it and contribute to the goal of a developed India by 2047, as a Varanasi to Vadnagar Seva Yatra marking PM Modis 25 years in public service concluded in Vadnagar. Patel was addressing the concluding ceremony of the yatra, organised under the nationwide Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and state BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma were among those present. Welcoming bikers and Seva Yatris who had travelled from different parts of the country, Patel said PM Modi began his public service journey as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, and had completed 25 years of public service and good governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always viewed power as a means to serve the people, rather than as a position, Patel said. He said PM Modis approach had focused on the welfare of the poor, middle class, farmers, women and youth while encouraging citizens to participate in the countrys development. Referring to Gujarats development trajectory, Patel said: Challenges, including the earthquake, had been converted into opportunities, while initiatives such as the Vibrant Gujarat Summit had helped position the state as a 'Global Gateway to the Future'. He cited the Statue of Unity, Bullet Train, GIFT City and the semiconductor hub as examples of projects reflecting PM Modis vision for Gujarat. Patel also referred to claims that 25 crore people had come out of poverty and that India had emerged among the worlds top-five economies. India has demonstrated its capabilities globally through vaccine assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting COP-21 green-energy targets, the abrogation of Article 370 and efforts towards self-reliance in space and defence, he added. The Chief Minister congratulated PM Modi on completing 25 years in public service and said youth had a role in taking the development agenda forward. Gujarats youth power will lead the way with the resolute commitment of We Will Do It to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat-2047, Patel said. The yatra saw 500 bikers and other young participants travel through hundreds of villages and cities across 10 states, undertaking activities including cleanliness drives, tree plantation, de-addiction campaigns and public interactions.
Mithun Chakraborty appointed as advisor to West Bengal Government, gets Cabinet rank
West Bengal CEO seeks clarity on re-enrolment of voters stuck in tribunal cases
At a meeting with the CEOs recently, the ECI asked them to proceed with the special enrolment drive on a war footing by holding camps and followed by door-to-door visits by Booth Level Officers
Mithun Chakraborty Appointed Cultural Advisor in West Bengal Government
Actor Mithun Chakraborty has been appointed as an advisor to West Bengals Information and Cultural Affairs Department with cabinet minister status. Mithun Chakraborty Appointed Cultural Advisor in West Bengal Government
Supreme Court declines West Bengal plea against Nandigram bypoll Congress candidates interim bail
The Bench did not comment on the merits of the cases registered against Congress Milan Pradhan but said the State was free to raise all contentions against him in an appropriate court if he seeks an extension of interim bail or regular bail
Haryana's U-11 Table Tennis Talent Advances To Semifinals
Haryana's Under-11 table tennis players showcased a strong performance at the second National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Panchkula, with Sreeja Aggarwal, Mahi Kumari, and Phalgun Gupta securing spots in the girls' semifinals. The tournament also saw competitive matches in the boys' U-11 category, with players from Maharashtra and West Bengal advancing.
GST Council may clarify tax treatment of e-commerce logistics system
While the West Bengal Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling (WBAAAR) denied the exemption to Flipkarts logistics model, the Tamil Nadu AAR has ruled in favour of exemption.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) The Seva Sankalp Yatra, from Vadnagar to Varanasi and Varanasi to Vadnagar, which began on September 17 to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday and also the completion of his 25 years as head of government, culminated on Wednesday, with grand closing ceremonies held at both places - Varanasi and Vadnagar. The culmination ceremony in Varanasi was addressed by BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJYM national president Hemang Joshi. The Seva Yatris who travelled from Vadnagar to Varanasi, carrying sacred water from the rivers of Gujarat, offered Jalabhishek at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and sought blessings of Lord Vishwanath. The 21-day Yatra, organised with the spirit of Seva, traversed 20 routes across the country, carrying the message of service, social responsibility and nation-building. On October 7, all 20 Yatra routes successfully reached their respective destinations, marking the completion of the nationwide campaign. The closing ceremony at Vadnagar, PM Modis birthplace, was attended and addressed by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi and BJP National office-bearer V.D. Sharma. The Seva Yatris, who embarked on a journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, carrying sacred water from the rivers of Uttar Pradesh, offered it at Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir in Vadnagar, completing the spiritual connection between the two sacred destinations. BJYM national president Hemang Joshi said, The Seva Sankalp Yatra has given powerful expression to the spirit of Seva that Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated throughout his 25 years of public life. For every BJYM Karyakarta, Seva must remain the core sentiment of life, serving society, respecting our cultural heritage and contributing to the building of a Viksit Bharat. During the month-long programme, the yatris also participated in extensive social service activities including tree plantation, cleanliness drives, water conservation, Gau Seva, service at old-age homes, beneficiary interactions and organ donation pledges. These initiatives ensured that the Yatra was not merely a journey across geographical distances, but a movement that touched communities and translated the spirit of Seva into meaningful action. The Seva Sankalp Yatra concluded with a message that continues beyond the Yatra itself: Seva is not a one-time campaign, but a lifelong commitment.
Nothing concrete found in extensive CBI search, claims Punjab CM
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 7 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the 12-hour Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raids, asserting that the agency's teams returned empty-handed and that nothing was found despite an extensive search in the state. He said the outcome was a clear reflection of the state government's integrity and accused the BJP of using central agencies to intimidate and tarnish the image of an elected Chief Minister ahead of elections. He affirmed neither he nor the Punjab government would be cowed down by such tactics, asserting that they had entered public life to serve Punjab, not to make money. Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of an event in Sangrur town, Chief Minister Mann said neither he nor the state government would be intimidated by such tactics. We are not going anywhere. We will face the central agencies and answer every question. The BJP should understand that Punjabis are not going to be frightened by threats or arm-twisting tactics, he added. The Chief Minister said the timing of the CBI raids was significant and showed that the BJP had started preparing for the upcoming state Assembly elections. Whenever elections approach, a familiar pattern emerges in states where the BJP faces a political challenge. In Delhi they arrested Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Satyendar Jain before the elections. In Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana and other states, whenever elections approach, central agencies suddenly become active, he added. The Chief Minister said that Punjab would not fall prey to this politics of intimidation. The teams that came to raid Punjab have already returned empty-handed. They came with a purpose, but what did they find? Nothing. They went back empty-handed, he said, adding when there was no wrongdoing, such raids became nothing more than an attempt to create fear and tarnish reputations. Chief Minister Mann said the attempt was not confined to targeting him politically, but was also aimed at tarnishing the image of his family and the work being done by the Punjab government. This is an attempt to defame me, my family and the work being done by our (AAP) government. But such conspiracies will not stop us from serving the people of Punjab. The BJP is making futile and desperate attempts to harass us, he added.
School holiday news: On October 8, 2026, most schools across India are set to operate normally and hold classes. Local disruptions, particularly due to weather, may lead to specific closures in certain areas. Parents are encouraged to verify school schedules and follow district notifications closely. Schools in states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are expected to remain operational.
Mithun Chakraborty appointed advisor to West Bengal government, gets Cabinet Minister rank
Veteran actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mithun Chakraborty has been appointed as an Advisor to the Government of West Bengal in the rank of Cabinet Minister. According to the appointment order, Chakraborty will serve as an Advisor to the government in the Information & Cultural Affairs Department. His appointment takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders.
Repo rate hike may raise borrowing costs, but real estate demand likely to be resilient: Realtors
The Reserve Bank of India increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 percent. Real estate companies in West Bengal anticipate a slight rise in borrowing costs for home loans. Developers believe that genuine homebuyers will remain undeterred in the long term. Concerns about affordability for first-time buyers may arise during the festive season. Developers are introducing flexible payment plans to sustain demand despite these pressures.
Bengal SIR: 18L+ voter appeals have no tribunal decision record
More than 18.78 lakh appeals filed by voters deleted during the adjudication phase of West Bengals Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 had no recorded tribunal decision as of September 28, according to a dataset compiled by the Civic Research Group (CRG), a group of researchers, analysts and field contributors in West Bengal. The CRGs Tribunal Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to interfere with the Calcutta High Courts interim bail order for Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan, allowing him to campaign and participate in vote counting. The court said the West Bengal government can raise its objections before the high court if Pradhan seeks an extension.
Controversial 2021 Photo Resurfaces Amid Political Tensions in West Bengal
A 2021 photo of Mamata Banerjee in a wheelchair reignites political debate and raises questions about medical ethics and privacy. Controversial 2021 Photo Resurfaces Amid Political Tensions in West Bengal
Indias green economy could support 1.3 crore jobs by 2035: iFOREST
2,454 Rapes, 600 Murders in Five Months Under BJP Rule in West Bengal
According to the SCRB data, the number of rape cases stood at 349 in May, 389 in June, 786 in July, 459 in August and 471 in September while the number of murder cases were 125 in May, 134 in June, 133 in July, 111 in August and 97 in September.
'West Bengal' may soon become 'Paschim Banga'; state BJP chief says Bill coming
West Bengal likely to be renamed Paschim Banga, says state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya confirmed that the state's name will soon change to 'Paschim Banga'. He emphasized the significance of this change for preserving the state's historical identity. Bhattacharya stated that a legislative bill will be introduced in the upcoming session. Additionally, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address commemorating his 25 years in leadership. He also supported the Assam government's education policies aimed at inclusivity.
West Bengal NEET UG 2026 Round 3 Seat Allotment Result on October 8
West Bengal NEET UG 2026 Round 3 Seat Allotment result is scheduled to be released on October 8, 2026 after 4 PM. Candidates allotted MBBS or BDS seats are required to complete reporting and admission between October 12 and 14, 2026.
Fake Doctor Arrested at Delhi Airport in Connection with Childs Death in West Bengal
A fake doctor linked to a childs death in West Bengal was arrested at Delhi Airport after fleeing to Dubai. Fake Doctor Arrested at Delhi Airport in Connection with Childs Death in West Bengal
Centre extends West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta's tenure by 6 months
West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta received a six-month extension in service approved by the Cabinet. He was originally set to retire on October 31 after previous extensions. The Appointments Committee made this decision based on public interest reasons. Gupta, a 1992-batch IPS officer, was appointed police chief by the Election Commission earlier this year. This extension relaxes rules governing retirement benefits for All India Services.
'They will improve' after Uruguay thrashing: AIFF boss
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and West Bengal Minister Indranil Khan offered their perspectives on the Indian football team's 6-1 defeat against Uruguay. Chaubey highlighted the team's strong start and confidence, suggesting rain disrupted momentum, and stressed the importance of playing top-level opposition. Khan called the match a landmark moment for Indian football exposure but also criticised political interference in West Bengal's football ecosystem.
West Bengal poll office says eligible deleted voters can apply through Form 6 to restore name in rolls
West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta Receives Six-Month Extension in Tenure
The Indian government extends Siddh Nath Guptas tenure as West Bengal DGP for six months, marking his second service extension. West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta Receives Six-Month Extension in Tenure
SOS to PMO after 'orders from above' hold up 300 raw petroleum coke trucks at Assam-Bengal border
Weather today October 7: Delhi, Haryana receive thunderstorms warning; check latest IMD update
Weather today October 7: India Meteorological Department has issued thunderstorm and lightning warnings for several states today, October 7. Delhi-NCR stays partly cloudy with temperatures between 22C and 34C. Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are all on alert for thunderstorms, while Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand could see rain turning into snowfall. Rajasthan is the only state with no warning, staying completely dry today.
Rigorous verifications lead to identification of Bangladeshis in Kashmir
Srinagar, Oct 6:Months-long verification drive by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, targeting migrant workers at orchards, brick kilns and construction sites, has led to the identification of Bangladeshi nationals living and working in Kashmir, officials said. The exercise, which has been underway for nearly seven months, involved calling migrant workers to police stations and verifying their identities and documents, including Aadhaar cards. A senior J&K Police officer said discrepancies found during the registration process prompted further scrutiny of some workers. The workers were asked to produce their Aadhaar cards during a registration exercise and discrepancies in the information provided by them led to further verification, the officer said. The official said fresh data was being collected on migrant workers across Kashmir following intelligence inputs regarding the presence of foreign nationals. Following their initial identification, the suspected foreign nationals were placed in a designated camp while authorities began the process of establishing their nationality. The details of these nationals were shared with authorities in Bangladesh. Once their nationality was confirmed, we initiated the process to deport them under provisions of the Foreigners Act, the officer said. The development comes a day after the Jammu and Kashmir administration deported the first batch of 150 Bangladeshi nationals from the Union Territory. The group was flown from Srinagar to Bagdogra in West Bengal in an Indian Air Force aircraft and subsequently handed over to the Border Security Force for further movement towards the international border. Another batch of 150 Bangladeshi nationals is scheduled to be deported on October 7, officials said. According to the Police, around 600 Bangladeshi nationals are currently believed to be living in Jammu and Kashmir, with the majority residing in Kashmir and a smaller number in the Jammu region. A majority of them are putting up illegally in Kashmir and a very small number in Jammu. We have flown the first batch of 150 to Bagdogra from Srinagar. We will be flying another batch tomorrow, the officer said. The deportation process is being carried out in coordination with the central agencies and authorities in Bangladesh. The BSF is expected to escort the deportees to designated transit points in West Bengal before they are taken across the international border. The action against Bangladeshi nationals comes amid a separate eviction drive targeting Rohingya settlements in Jammu. Landlords have been served notices to clear plots occupied by Rohingya settlements, following which settlements in areas including Narwal, Karyani Talab and Sunjawan have been evicted, leaving several families displaced. The developments also come months after a Centre-appointed High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes, headed by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navalkar, began examining demographic changes and alleged illegal immigration in Jammu and Kashmir. The committee was constituted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a High-powered Demography Mission during his Independence Day address last year. The committee subsequently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in July before undertaking a field visit to Jammu and Kashmir. It toured parts of the Jammu region from August 10 to 12 and also visited the Rohingya settlement at Karyani Talab in Narwal.
PM Modi to address nation today; BJP to hold 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra' across Gujarat
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation virtually on Wednesday as Gujarat unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organises a 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra' across all districts and metropolitan areas to mark his completion of 25 years in public service. PM Modi will address the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha' around 9 a.m. and lead a collective pledge to create 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047'. The Prime Minister's address will be broadcast live from the yatra's departure points across the state. The programme is part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', being organised to mark 25 years of his public service, first as the Gujarat Chief Minister and subsequently as the country's Prime Minister. Before PM Modi's address, BJP National President Nitin Nabin will also address the gathering. Following the Prime Minister's address, local leaders will light the 'Seva Jyot', after which the 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra' will begin from designated locations in each district and metropolitan area. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will participate in the Ahmedabad programme at Pujya Pramukh Swami Marg-Riverfront Road near Riverfront House. State BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma will attend the programme at the Arts and Commerce College on New Civil Hospital Road in Sabarkantha district. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will participate in the programme at Shri Vardayini Mataji Temple in Rupal village of Gandhinagar district. State BJP General Secretaries Aniruddh Dave, Prashant Korat, Ajay Brahmbhatt and Hitendrasinh Chouhan will attend programmes in Rajkot, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara respectively. State Ministers, BJP office-bearers, MPs, MLAs, party leaders, workers and local residents are also expected to participate at designated locations. The nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Yatra', which began on September 17, will also conclude on Wednesday at Vadnagar in Gujarat and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The two locations are associated with PM Modi's birthplace and political career. In Vadnagar, the concluding programme will include a water offering at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Chief Minister Patel, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi, State BJP President Vishwakarma and Yatra In-charge V.D. Sharma are scheduled to attend.
80% vote in West Bengal bypolls amid rigging, intimidation charges
Bypolls across Nandigram and Rejinagar saw an 80% turnout despite allegations of rigging and voter intimidation. In Tamil Nadu, turnout dipped compared to previous elections, with results showing 86% and 80% participation. Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency recorded 76% turnout during the bypolls, while Puducherry's Thattanchavady seat had a turnout of 78% by 5pm. Various candidates and parties reported incidents of interference and blocked agents during the polling process.
Kolkata High Court Mandates Licensing for Animal Sales in West Bengal
The Kolkata High Court has ruled that animal sales in West Bengal require proper licensing, ensuring compliance with wildlife protection laws. Kolkata High Court Mandates Licensing for Animal Sales in West Bengal
In Rejinagar, police detain last times winner hours after by-election starts
Ease of voting becomes a divide between 2 Nandigram blocks
KMC procures 28 bio-toilets ahead of Puja
Kolkata gets 4th CNG station for buses
Hand towels, bed sheets, blankets among most stolen items from Eastern Rly AC coaches
Cancer care in state set for infrastructure boost with 750 more beds in 2 years
City students chart their future at career meet
State sub-assistant engineer arrested for Rs 20,000 bribe
Tensions Rise in West Bengal as Rahul Gandhis Protest Faces Criticism
Tensions escalate in Kolkata as Tapas Roy criticizes Rahul Gandhis protest, questioning his credibility against PM Modi. Tensions Rise in West Bengal as Rahul Gandhis Protest Faces Criticism
KMC restores 'nearly dead' water body near New Alipore
Graffiti row erupts at SRFTI after police advisory
Court clears hurdle for Sealdah Durga Puja
Evening rain sends shoppers scurrying for cover, leaves puja organisers worried
Red Road shut to traffic till Oct 11 morning
Go for a lottery: HC blasts New Town blocs over puja rivalry
Bail for ex-OSD to former mayor, top officials transferred in KMC rejig
HC orders Raiganj ex-BDO to surrender
JU dissolves panel that okayed Neha event
Bengal bypolls: 79 pc turnout in Nandigram, Rejinagar amid violence, intimidation claims
In the West Bengal Assembly bypolls, a robust turnout of nearly 79 percent was recorded, despite disturbing reports of violence and intimidation. Opposition parties alleged that their agents faced eviction from voting booths, heightening tensions. The arrest of AJUP chief Humayun Kabir during a confrontation sparked further unrest. While the BJP defended the voting process, Congress accused local police of bias.
Abhishek security scale-down: What was the urgency, asks HC
Rajya Sabha ethics panel lens on Ananta Maharaj over Netaji remarks
Khardah BJP extortion row, late-night bomb attack leave 5 people injured
Warehouse project to come up in Dankuni
BJP take control of Malda zilla parishad with TMC support
Bengal to adopt best practices for highway projects: Minister
West Bengal Bypolls: Nandigram Records 79.39% Voting, Rejinagar 78.42%; MLA Humayun Kabir Arrested
Kolkata, October 6 (Udaipur Kiran): By-elections in West Bengals two high-profile and sensitive Assembly constituencies, Nandigram in East Midnapore and Rejinagar in Murshidabad, concluded on Tuesday amid tight security. According to preliminary Election Commission figures, voter turnout remained high, with 79.39% polling recorded in Nandigram and 78.42% in Rejinagar. Despite heavy security arrangements, reports of ... Read more West Bengal Bypolls: Nandigram Records 79.39% Voting, Rejinagar 78.42%; MLA Humayun Kabir Arrested
Voter turnout in the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls stood at 80.87 per cent and 80.07 per cent, respectively
State-wise school holidays in October due to Navaratri, Durga Puja 2026
The festive season is approaching and to celebrate schools will be closed state-wise for students. For the Durga Puja celebration has the schools in the eastern part of India- West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Bihar have announced holidays for educational institutions- schools, colleges. The West Bengal government has already announced school holiday on the occasion of Durga Puja.
West Bengal Ration Card Update: 2 Crore Families to Get Subsidised Sugar, Flour and Suji
With food prices putting pressure on household budgets, the West Bengal government has announced a major subsidy initiative aimed at providing essential food items at lower prices to eligible families. Under the plan, around 2 crore families are expected to receive subsidised sugar, wheat flour and...
Weather Tomorrow: On October 7, expect partly cloudy skies over Delhi-NCR, with temperatures hovering between 22C and 34C. Thunderstorms paired with lightning are anticipated in Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, while West Bengal faces similar weather. Conversely, Rajasthan will remain dry without any IMD warnings. In the hills, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand might see rain or even snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms.
Huge turnout in Assam, TN, Bengal, Puducherry bypolls
By-elections across several Indian states, including Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal, concluded peacefully with high voter turnouts. The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam recorded 76% polling, while Tamil Nadu's Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly Constituencies saw 83.86% and 78.53% respectively. Puducherry's Thattanchavady registered 78.83%, and West Bengal's Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies had nearly 79% turnout.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah questions recent action by Centre against Rohingyas
Digital Desk | Srinagar, Oct 6 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday questioned the recent administrative action against Rohingyas, asserting that the latter were being targeted for no reason. Talking to reporters here, Omar Abdullah said, People who have come from Bangladesh without permission, it is a different matter for them. But the Rohingyas, who are being targeted for no reason, when they were deported from their country, we gave them a place here. We allowed them (Rohingyas) to live here until their country's situation improves. I find it strange to take action against them suddenly. But we do not have it in our hands. This is the Government of India, he added. It must be recalled that 250 Bangladesh nationals found illegally staying in Jammu and Kashmir were taken in an IAF flight to West Bengal on Monday to be deported to Bangladesh. On the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Chief Minister said the Jammu and Kashmir government would not implement it. Such a legislation (UCC) should be debated and enacted by the Parliament. If you have the courage, bring a law in the Parliament. Debate it in the Parliament. See if it passes in Parliament or not, he added. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposal to create a single set of personal laws that apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their religion. UCC would replace separate religion-based rules for marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession. At present, different religious communities currently follow their own distinct personal laws based on scriptures and customs. UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution as a Directive Principle of State Policy, meaning it guides state policy but is not legally enforceable by courts. Supporters of UCC say it promotes gender justice, equality before the law, secularism, and national integration by removing discriminatory traditions. Critics raise concerns about protecting cultural diversity, minority rights, and freedom of religion.
PM Modi marks a milestone in India, records name among few global leaders
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) With his tenure starting from swearing-in as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, to his present-day responsibilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 25 years in uninterrupted executive office, joining a relatively small group of leaders who have spent a quarter-century or more continuously as heads of government or in similar leadership roles. In India, he has already surpassed a record, held earlier by Pawan Kumar Chamling, who was in office as the longest-serving head of an elected government, being the Chief Minister of Sikkim from December 1994 to May 2019. That marked the Sikkim Democratic Front leaders term in office at 24 years and 165 days. Among other Chief Ministers who have served continuously in office over long periods are Naveen Patnaik in Odisha and Jyoti Basu in West Bengal. In Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal leader served in office between March 2000 and June 2024, totalling 24 years and 99 days. Patnaik, now 79, remains popular among political parties, where he has largely been hailed for a clean image, disaster management capabilities, and promoting womens empowerment programmes. Jyoti Basu served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal between June 1977 and November 2000, recording 23 years and 137 days in office. He is known to have implemented land reforms with his Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front government, concentrating on rural development. Globally, Singapores first and longest-serving Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was in office from 1959 to 1990, a continuous 31 years, and is often cited as the modern benchmark for democratic executive longevity. When he declared Singapores independence from Malaysia in 1965, it was a bold gamble, but by 1990, a once-impoverished island had made its place among the worlds wealthiest nations per capita. In Cambodia, meanwhile, Hun Sen served as Prime Minister from 1985 until 2023, making him one of the longest-serving heads of government in the contemporary world. And in Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, as Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003, and again from 2018 to 2020, served a cumulative tenure of over 24 years. Although not continuous, he remains among the longest-serving elected leaders in modern Asia. Also, Russias Vladimir Putin has been in office twice, as President and Prime Minister, serving a cumulative period of 27 years and continuing. Among other leaders who have served long terms are Helmut Kohl (1982-1998) and Angela Merkel (2005-2021), in office for over 16 years as Germanys Chancellor, where the former scored comparatively 10 days more in power. While in China, Xi Jinping is said to have been the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and chairman of the Party Central Military Commission (CMC) since 2012. He has been the President of China since 2013. Back in India, what makes Prime Minister Modis 25-year mark unusual is not just the length of the term, but that it has been achieved through repeated electoral mandates in a highly competitive and the worlds largest democracy. And the journey continues to make Viksit Bharat. There are other instances across the world where leaders have served decades in executive offices but hold controversial records as rulers.
Bengal bypolls: Candidate from Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool faction seeks re-polling in Rejinagar
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, the candidate from Mamata Banerjee-led Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, on Tuesday wrote a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking cancellation of the ongoing bypolls at Rejinagar Assembly constituency in West Bengal's Murshidabad district and had also demanded repolling there. Chowdhury is the second candidate for the Rejinagar seat to demand repolling there. Earlier in the day, the Congress candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls, Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi, had also raised the same demand and even staged sit-in-demonstration in front of the Rejinagar Police Station in support of his demand. However, the BJP candidate from Rejinagar, Shankharav Sarkar denied allegations of electoral malpractices there on Tuesday. The voting at Rejinagar is taking place in a festive mood. People were able to vote freely and peacefully after a long time, standing in line. We (BJP) were ahead in the campaign and will be ahead in the counting as well. The Opposition will say a lot. But the reality is different, Sarkar said. Meanwhile, the average polling percentage at Rejinagar and Nandigram Assembly constituencies in East Midnapore district had continue to be quite high at 70.54 per cent till 3 p.m., which, according to the sources from the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) had been quite high for bypolls. Till 3 p.m. the polling percentage at Rejinagar stood at 69.29 per cent, while at Nandigram the figure was even higher at 71.79 per cent. Considering that the polling will be till 6 p.m., It can be comfortably said that the final average polling percentage will be well above 80 per cent, a CEO's office source said. He also added that because of the pleasant weather throughout the day, the voter's enthusiasm was high even between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., the period which the voters generally avoid because of heat. Meanwhile, after receiving a detailed report from the Murshidabad district administration regarding the arrest of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder-cum-legislator, Humayun Kabir, earlier on Tuesday, the CEO's office had forwarded the report to the ECI's headquarters in New Delhi. It is learnt that in the report it had been said that Kabir was arrested for violating election rules.
Union Minister Rammohan Naidu invites West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari to attend Vijayawada Utsav
The utsav being organised under the theme, One City One Celebration, from October 11 to 20 showcases Vijayawadas spiritual and cultural heritage, the Union Minister says
Rajasthan CM urges youth to adopt Yoga, announces TOPS for Olympics
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 6 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Tuesday urged people, especially the youth, to make Yoga a part of their daily lives, stay away from substance abuse and contribute towards building a Developed India and a Developed Rajasthan. Addressing the closing ceremony of the 51st Sub-Junior and Junior National Yogasana Sports Championship at Alankar PG College in Jaipur, Sharma described Yoga as an invaluable heritage of Indias ancient culture and said it has taught the world the art of living a healthy, disciplined and balanced life. The Chief Minister said Yoga helps improve concentration, strengthens decision-making abilities and promotes positivity. At a time when changing lifestyles and health challenges are affecting people across the world, Yoga remains a simple, accessible and effective means of maintaining a healthy mind and body, he said. Sharma also highlighted the global spread of Yoga, saying that the efforts and diplomacy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi contributed to the United Nations declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. He said Yoga, meditation and pranayama have today become part of the daily routine of millions of people across the world. The Chief Minister said the youth are the countrys future and their energy will play a crucial role in achieving the goal of Developed India 2047. He said the state government is establishing Atal Gyan Kendras in villages, equipped with facilities such as online classes and e-libraries. Sports grounds are also being developed in every panchayat. Sharma said the states double-engine government has so far provided appointments to 1.93 lakh posts, while recruitment for another 1.18 lakh posts is under way. A recruitment calendar for 1.25 lakh posts has also been released. He said employment has been provided to 5 lakh youths in the private sector. A language centre has also been launched in Jaipur to teach the languages of five countries to young people aspiring to work abroad. Sharma alleged that paper leaks had occurred frequently during the previous governments tenure but claimed that not a single paper leak had taken place under the present government. He urged candidates to work hard for competitive examinations and assured them that the government would not allow their aspirations to be jeopardised. Highlighting the governments focus on sports, Sharma said Rajasthan has released the Rajasthan Youth Policy-2025 and is taking rapid steps to strengthen sports infrastructure and provide greater opportunities to young athletes. The Chief Minister announced that the Rajasthan TOPS scheme has been implemented to prepare athletes from the state for the Olympic Games. He said 17 new Khelo India Centres are being established in Rajasthan, while grants amounting to Rs 40.12 crore have been sanctioned for 1,786 athletes. Sharma said the government aims to establish Rajasthan as a leading state in sports at both the national and international levels. During the ceremony, he honoured the winners of the National Yogasana Championship. West Bengal secured first place, Haryana finished second, and Maharashtra secured third place, with trophies presented to the respective teams. The Rajasthan team also presented a musical Yogasana performance during the event. MP Rao Rajendra Singh, Alankar PG College Chairman Lalchand Kataria, Padma Shri awardee Gulabo Sapera, Asian Yoga Federation President Ashok Kumar Agarwal, elected representatives, delegates from various yoga federations and a large number of participants from across the country attended the ceremony.
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 6: Koninika Bhattacharjee has launched Windward Law Office, a specialist transactional law office focused on Private Equity & Venture Capital, Mergers & Acquisitions, Capital Markets and Investment Funds.
Strong Turnout In Assam, West Bengal Bypolls; Voting Largely Peaceful
Nagaon records 70.25% polling, while Nandigram and Rejinagar register 71.79% and 69.29%
Young voices lead Sundarbans call to save tigers
West Bengal bypolls: 19,000 voters barred as crippled tribunals leave appeals pending
Nearly 19,000 voters in Nandigram and Rejinagar were barred from voting in the West Bengal bypolls as Appellate Tribunals cleared just 93 appeals ahead of polling, leaving 99.5% of local petitions unresolved. The systemic disenfranchisement unfolded alongside widespread polling disruptions, including the detention of AJUP chief Humayun Kabir in Rejinagar and a Congress leader in Nandigram, amid allegations of booth capturing and EVM glitches.
Bengal police arrest MLA Humayun Kabir, drag him by shirt
West Bengal's bypolls in Rejinagar and Nandigram were marked by significant tension, including the arrest of AJUP chief Humayun Kabir, allegations of voter intimidation, and polling irregularities. The incidents highlighted the charged political atmosphere in these key constituencies, with competing claims from various parties amidst sustained voter participation.
Suvendu Adhikari Predicts Larger Victory Margin for BJP in Nandigram By-Election
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari anticipates a bigger victory margin for BJP candidate in Nandigram by-election than his own in 2016. Suvendu Adhikari Predicts Larger Victory Margin for BJP in Nandigram By-Election
West Bengal to retain name as BJP govt moves to settle debate
Party plans bill to keep
West Bengal Set to Change Name to Paschim Bang in Upcoming Bill
The West Bengal government plans to introduce a bill to rename the state Paschim Bang, eliminating previous names like West Bengal. West Bengal Set to Change Name to Paschim Bang in Upcoming Bill
West Bengal Bypolls: Nandigram records 60.32% turnout, Rejinagar at 56.43% till 1 PM
Polling in West Bengals Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly bypolls recorded 58.37% turnout till 1 pm, with voting largely peaceful amid heavy security. Nandigram polled 60.32%, while Rejinagar recorded 56.43%. The contests feature multiple rival factions and carry significant political weight following the 2026 assembly elections.
Violence Erupts Between BJP Factions in West Bengal Over Extortion Claims
Two BJP leaders arrested in Kolkata after violent clashes over alleged extortion in the fish farming sector. Violence Erupts Between BJP Factions in West Bengal Over Extortion Claims
Bengal to get rain for five more days as monsoon retreats, light showers likely during Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) Rain is likely to continue across West Bengal for the next five days as the southwest monsoon withdrawal remains underway, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata said on Tuesday. The weather office, however, ruled out the possibility of widespread heavy rainfall during this period. Light to moderate rain is expected at several places, with isolated heavy showers likely in parts of north Bengal. Eastern Regional Director of the RMC Habibur Rahman Biswas said a low-pressure area extending from Uttar Pradesh to Bangladesh in the lower levels of the atmosphere was influencing the weather over the state. A cyclonic circulation over Bihar is also contributing to the rainfall activity. Under its influence, light to moderate rain is likely in all districts of north Bengal, while heavy rain may occur at one or two places in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts. The weather office has also warned of thundershowers in several areas. On Tuesday, partly cloudy skies and light to moderate rain were expected in the state. In south Bengal, districts including Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas may receive rain accompanied by thundershowers over the next few days. Several districts of south Bengal are likely to receive light to moderate rain with thundershowers until the weekend. Rainfall will also continue in north Bengal, with isolated heavy showers possible in one or two places. Kolkata is also likely to receive light to moderate rain on Tuesday. The city is expected to remain cloudy during the morning, with partly cloudy skies likely in the afternoon. The possibility of rain is expected to increase from Wednesday through Friday. The RMC said there was no forecast of heavy rain during Durga Puja, which begins on October 17. However, light to moderate rain may occur around Mahalaya on October 10. On Monday, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 32.08 degrees Celsius, which was normal, while the minimum temperature was 26.06 degrees Celsius, 0.08 degrees above normal. Relative humidity ranged between 69 and 97 percent.
BJP's Hasirani Rath may surpass my 2016 victory margin in Nandigram: Bengal CM
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said that the victory margin of Hasirani Rath, the BJP candidate in the bypoll in Nandigram Assembly Constituency, may surpass his own victory margin from the same constituency in 2016. In 2016, he was elected from Nandigram as a Trinamool Congress candidate by a margin of over 80,000 votes. I got elected from here in 2016 by a margin of over 80,000. I believe that the winning margin of the BJP candidate in the Nandigram bypolls will surpass my own winning margin in 2016, said CM Adhikari after casting his vote at a polling booth in Nandigram. The Chief Minister came to the polling station riding a toto without his own convoy and security personnel and explained why he did that. As a Chief Minister, I am entitled to security. But today I came to the polling station as a voter of Nandigram. So, I chose to come like a common person. I also stood in the queue and cast my vote without taking any special advantage as the Chief Minister, CM Adhikari said. He also said polling in Nandigram had been going on peacefully, with voters casting their vote with the spirit of a festival of democracy. The polling percentage at Nandigram as of now is quite high, which generally does not happen in any bypoll, the Chief Minister said. He once again explained why he chose to retain Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency in South Kolkata instead of Nandigram. He won from both the constituencies in the assembly polls earlier this year. Had I not retained Bhabanipur, the person whom I defeated would have contested from Bhabanipur in a bypoll. I also defeated that person at Nandigram in 2021. But my emotional attachment with Nandigram will always be there, the Chief Minister said. He was indirectly referring to his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was defeated by him first at Nandigram in 2021 and then at Bhabanipur in 2026. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also justified the arrest of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder-cum-legislator, Humayun Kabir, at Rejinagar in Murshidabad district earlier in the day. He is an elected legislator. But he is not a candidate for the Rejinagar bypoll. He is neither an election agent. So even as an elected legislator he could not move from booth to booth influencing the voters, the Chief Minister said.
Nandigram bypoll peaceful so far, Suvendu Adhikari eyes 85% turnout
Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, reported peaceful polling in the Nandigram by-election. Around 50 percent of voters had participated by midday as he cast his vote. He anticipated a turnout exceeding 85 percent based on historical trends in the constituency. Adhikari mentioned he would continue to serve as the MLA for Bhabanipur while promising to remain a voter in Nandigram.
Bengal bypolls: Cong candidate stages sit-in, seeks repolling at Rejinagar
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi, the Congress candidate for bypolls in Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, accompanied by his associates, on Tuesday began a sit-in demonstration in front of the Rejinagar Police Station demanding total repolling in the constituency. Kafi alleged that BJP supporters were preventing voters from exercising their franchise at several booths, particularly targeting minority community voters. He also accused the police and central security forces of failing to intervene. The polling at Rejinagar has become a farcical exercise. So, our demand is its immediate cancellation and a total repolling in Rejinagar, Kafi told media persons. However, the BJPs state president in West Bengal and the partys Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya said the Congress candidate is raising such baseless allegations fearing his imminent landslide defeat. By-elections are underway in Rejinagar and Nandigram in East Midnapore district. BJP candidates will win from both the constituencies. Many people still cannot believe that BJP can win in minority-dominated areas. We are going to win by five times the margin of victory we won last time in Nandigram. Rejinagar is a minority-dominated area. We will win there too, Bhattacharya said. Meanwhile, after the first four hours of polling till 11 a.m., the average polling percentage at Nandigram and Rejinagar has been recorded at 41.33. While the percentage in Rejinagar till then is 38.71, the same had been higher at 43.95 in the case of Nandigram. Reports of sporadic tension have come from both the constituencies in the last two hours as well. The Congress candidate in Nandigram, Milan Pradhan, alleged that the BJP supporters started terrorising the voters in the constituency for the last two days and on Tuesday the ruling party activists crossed all limits. Everyone has the right to participate in elections. But there is no situation in Nandigram to exercise that democratic right. The pockets in Nandigram, which are known as anti-BJP pockets, are being specially targeted by the ruling party activists. We are updating the Election Commission of India of such instances, Pradhan said. A source in the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office said the majority of the complaints received by them since Tuesday morning had been from Congress.
Bengal: Humayun Kabir Arrested in Rejinagar, Allegations of Bypoll Irregularities in Nandigram
West Bengal's bypolls began on a tense note on Tuesday, with a police confrontation leading to the arrest of AJUP chief and MLA Humayun Kabir in Rejinagar and allegations of voter intimidation and polling irregularities surfacing in Nandigram, putting the spotlight
West Bengal Bypolls: 41.33% Turnout In Nandigram, Rejinagar Till 11 AM
Nandigram records 43.95% polling, while Rejinagar sees 38.71%; voting largely peaceful despite a few incidents
