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GOAT India Tour: Messi Leaves Fans, Celebrities Mesmerised; Gets Signed India Jersey From Tendulkar
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: He came, he saw, and he conquered hearts -- all in one hour. In one Messi-merising hour spent at the iconic Wankhede Stadium as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025, Lionel Messi interacted with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, some current India and former football players, film stars, celebrities and politicians. By the time he left, exactly one hour after making a grand entry into the stadium at 5.30 pm, the crowd was satisfied, unlike his 20-odd-minute appearance in Kolkata, which left ardent fans fuming and led to chaotic scenes, including rioting by some angry fans and forced the West Bengal government to initiate a judicial inquiry. Mumbai was the third stop on his GOAT India Tour 2025, and the Argentine World Cup winner spent the most time with the fans after making a brief appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata and a slightly longer stay at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. He spent some time talking to Tendulkar with the help of his translator. Tendulkar presented his signed India jersey and was seen pointing to the No 10 on the back, a number he shared with the Argentine great. Tendulkar also addressed the gathering, talking to them initially in Marathi and then switching to English, telling them that his meeting with Messi would be among the memorable moments he spent at the Wankhede. In an iconic moment, the crowd chanted for Messi's name alongside that of Tendulkar and Luis Suarez, who, along with Rodrigo, are accompanying Messi on this GOAT India Tour 2025. Through Messi, the crowd also tried to send a message to FC Barcelona for a visit to Mumbai, chanting 'Barca, Barca'. On the occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis officially launched the Project Maha-deva, of which Bollywood star Tiger Shroff is a mentor and brand ambassador. Project Maha-deva plans to provide transformative support for school-going boys and girls players from the state and help them realise their football dreams. The Chief Minister, in his address, informed Messi & Co, the details of the project and hoped that one day players from this project would rule the football world just like the Argentine legend has done. The Maharashtra government has picked 16 players as an initial intake in the Maha-deva project. Messi reached the Wankhede at around 5.30 pm, around 30 minutes later than what was scheduled. But he looked more relaxed and ready to mingle, at times pointing out to the security personnel and officials the areas of the ground he would like to go to. He came from the nearby Cricket Club of India (CCI) where he participated in a programme promoting Padel and reportedly played some time with businessman Parth Jindal of JSW Sport. He reached the Wankhede Stadium halfway through the Celebrity Football Match involving India XI, versus Mitra XI, which involved Bengaluru FC players like Sunil Chettri, Rahul Bheke, Jayesh Rana and Ashutosh Mehta, along with India woman star Bala Devi. Messi shook hands with the two teams and posed for photographs with them. After that he took a lap of the stadium, kicking footballs into the crowd to carry home as mementos of his visit. Suarez and Rodrigo joined him in the lap of order. Messi also kicked a ball with school kids from the Maha-deva project and also interacted with them. After reaching the make-shift stage, Messi was welcomed by Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife and presented a GOAT Tour jersey to the Chief Minister. He also posed for photographs with Bollywood stars Tiger Shroff, Ajay Devgn and Dino Morea. Messi shook hands with the two teams and posed for photographs with them. After that he took a lap of the stadium, kicking footballs into the crowd to carry home as mementos of his visit. Suarez and Rodrigo joined him in the lap of order. Messi also kicked a ball with school kids from the Maha-deva project and also interacted with them. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Argentine football captain is scheduled to depart for Delhi on Monday morning. Article Source: IANS
Messis Kolkata event chaos: Suvendu Adhikari seeks court-monitored probe, rejects state panel
KOLKATA: Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday demanded a court-monitored inquiry into the chaos that erupted during football legend Lionel Messis event at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, rejecting the state governments decision to constitute an internal probe committee . Stepping up his attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of next years Assembly elections, the BJP legislator from Nandigram said his party does not accept the inquiry committee announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Asim Kumar Roy. We do not accept this committee. Only an investigation monitored by sitting judges can bring out the truth, Adhikari told reporters. Soon after the incident, Banerjee had formed a committee comprising the state chief secretary, home secretary and Director General of Police to look into the vandalism and security breaches at the stadium. Messis brief appearance, lasting barely 15 minutes, at the packed 60,000-capacity stadium triggered widespread frustration among spectators, many of whom complained that they failed to get a proper glimpse of the football icon despite paying hefty ticket prices. The situation soon descended into chaos, with security protocols allegedly breached inside the venue. Messi's India visit: Kolkata event flops, Hyderabad makes up Accusing the state government of attempting to control the narrative through an in-house inquiry, Adhikari held senior TMC leaders responsible for what he termed gross mismanagement of the event. He demanded the arrest of state fire services minister Sujit Bose and sports minister Aroop Biswas, a close aide of the Chief Minister, and sought refunds for disappointed ticket holders. Raising questions over commercial activities inside the stadium, Adhikari asked who had permitted food items to be brought in and who benefited from their sale, alleging that chips were sold at prices ranging between Rs 150 and Rs 200. He also questioned how bottled water, initially barred from being carried inside by spectators, was later available for sale within the premises. Responding to the allegations, TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty said sports minister Aroop Biswas had only been invited to the programme. He also questioned the presence of family members of BJP leaders at the event. Other opposition parties, including the CPI(M) and the Congress, also flagged concerns over the arrangements, particularly the sale of items inside the stadium that were reportedly prohibited. Adhikari was accompanied by several spectators who claimed they were present at the event and suffered due to poor planning. They alleged confusion over entry, lack of clear information and serious crowd-control lapses during the programme. 'We travelled all the way...': Heartbreak for fans as organisers mess up Messi event in Kolkata
It became WB Sports Ministers personal event: Indian football chief
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has slammed the chaos surrounding Lionel Messi's Kolkata visit, attributing it to political interference and protocol breaches. He stated the event became a personal platform for the West Bengal Sports Minister, overshadowing the sporting aspect. Chaubey emphasized strict protocol adherence for international events, warning of future repercussions for Bengal.
Brought untold shame: Bengal governor fumes over Messi event chaos; urges for strict action
West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose has called the chaos at Lionel Messi's event a shame for Kolkata and football lovers. He demanded strict accountability, including a judicial inquiry and arrests of organizers, emphasizing the need for a standard operating procedure for managing large congregations to prevent public suffering during commercialized events.
Watch: After being denied entry, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose visits Salt Lake stadium
A day after chaos erupted during Argentine football icon Lionel Messis event at Salt Lake stadium here, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Sunday visited the venue for a first-hand inspection and called for a judicial inquiry.
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose also visited Salt Lake Stadium and said that he will send a report to the Centre
Messi event chaos: State inquiry panel, Bengal Governor inspect Salt Lake stadium
A day after spectators went on a rampage during Argentine football icon Lionel Messis event at Kolkatas Salt Lake Stadium, members of a Bengal government-appointed inquiry committee visited the venue on Sunday to assess the damage, officials said. The three-member team examined broken plastic chairs, twisted metal barricades and littered galleries during its on-ground inspection of the stadium, one of Indias largest football arenas, they said. Led by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, the committee began its inspection from the point where Messi entered the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and attempted to trace his movement inside the stadium, officials said. The panel, which also includes Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Home Secretary Nandini Chakravorty, inspected entry corridors, security arrangements during the December 13 event and adjoining galleries, they said. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose also visited the stadium separately on Sunday for a first-hand inspection. Accompanied by the chief secretary and senior police officers, Bose inspected different parts of the venue as part of his assessment of the incident, officials said. Bose was denied entry to the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday after chaos and crowd trouble at the venue marred Messis event. He found the gates closed and the stadium lights switched off on his arrival. The governor alleged the move was intended to block his entry and sought a detailed explanation. Bose had earlier described the incident at the Salt Lake Stadium as a dark day for the sports-loving people of Kolkata. He had directed the state government to arrest the event organiser, holding them squarely responsible for the chaos, and also blamed the police for failing the government, the people and the chief minister. What was meant to be a marquee football spectacle descended into widespread violence and disorder on Saturday after Messis brief and tightly ring-fenced appearance his first at the venue since 2011 left large sections of the crowd frustrated. Many spectators failed to catch a glimpse of the football star despite travelling from far and wide and paying hefty sums for tickets. The committee, set up by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has been tasked with fixing responsibility for the lapses and recommending corrective measures to prevent a recurrence at high-profile events. Cleaning and restoration work at the stadium was halted to allow the panel to assess the scale of damage and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the chaos, an official said. Scattered footwear, torn banners, broken railings and damaged fibreglass seats were visible across several blocks of the stadium gallery, while police guarded sections of the venue as the panel examined security arrangements and crowd flow patterns, another official said. Officials accompanying the committee carried out videography and photography throughout the inspection to document the extent of vandalism for the investigation, he said. An FIR has been registered and police have arrested the main organiser on charges of mismanagement and public disorder. Banerjee apologised to Messi and football fans on Saturday and announced the formation of the high-level committee to ensure accountability.
Messi event chaos: Inquiry panel reach Kolkata venue to carry out inspection
Kolkata: Members of a committee, set up by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to inquire about the chaos during Argentine football icon Lionel Messis event in Salt Lake stadium a day ago, reached the venue on Sunday to carry out an on-ground inspection, officials said. The panel members, headed by retired Calcutta High Court Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Messi event chaos: Inquiry panel inspects Salt Lake stadium
Members of an inquiry committee formed by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee reached Salt Lake stadium to inspect arrangements following chaos during Lionel Messis event. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Home Secretary Nandini Chakravorty are also members of the inquiry team
Kolkata's Image Takes Hit In International Media After Chaos At Messi's Event
The New York Times: After the chaos at Yuva Bharati Krirangan, also known as Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata during Lionel Messi's event, the image of Kolkata has taken a beating on the international stage as the vandalism made headlines in major newspapers and media houses across the world. From the US 'The New York Times' to the UK's 'The Guardian' and 'BBC', the chaos and vandalism found a mention there. The incident was also reported in the Spanish and French media. The headline in the New York Times read, Lionel Messi's India tour organiser 'detained', says police after 'deeply disturbing chaos'. When that report was written, the organiser of Messi's 'Goat India Tour', Satadru Dutta, had not yet been arrested. The police had only detained him at first. Later, Satadru was arrested. In a lengthy report, the 'New York Times' described the events at Yuva Bharati. They wrote that Messi was barely visible. Where he was supposed to be at Yuva Bharati for more than an hour, security guards quickly escorted him off the field. West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar's statement and Governor C.V. Ananda Bose's press conference were also included in their report. The report also mentioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's apology regarding the incident and the formation of an inquiry committee. The New York Times also noted state Sports Minister Arup Biswas's comment, I will not say anything. The American newspaper also included a reference to cricket in its report, writing that Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, has a significant number of football fans. Yet, cricket is the most popular sport in India. The BBC's headline read, Angry fans throw chair and bottles at Messi event in Kolkata. In its report, the BBC wrote that officials and politicians surrounded Messi to such an extent that he became annoyed after a short time. After being on the field for only 22 minutes, Messi was taken away for security reasons. This caused the crowd at Yuva Bharati to become aggressive, and they started throwing chairs and bottles. The BBC report stated that Messi's visit to India was marked by chaos in Kolkata. Some people had bought tickets for Rs 12,000 just to catch a glimpse of Messi, but he was barely visible from most parts of the stadium. The BBC report also mentioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's apology, stating that she was deeply saddened and shocked by the incident. The Yuva Bharati incident also made headlines in the media of Spain and France, the two countries where Messi has played club football. The Spanish sports daily 'Marca' ran the headline, Absolute Chaos. They wrote that the Inter Miami player entered the field but left within just 22 minutes. The fans had spent thousands of rupees just to see him. The BBC report also mentioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's apology, stating that she was deeply saddened and shocked by the incident. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Many are saying that West Bengal, and Kolkata in particular, has become a topic of discussion on the international stage after a long time and for the wrong reasons. Article Source: IANS
The BJP has strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following chaos at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's visit. Leaders accused the state government of gross mismanagement, demanding accountability and punishment for those responsible. The incident saw fans protesting, leading to vandalism and a police baton charge, with many ticket holders unable to see the football star.
Queer children face maximum discrimination, bullying at homes, schools: Survey
A recent survey of over 900 LGBTQ+ individuals by a Kolkata-based organisation, 'Bridge', which works for the rights of the community across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, reported that most bullying happens between the ages of 12 and 15 years
Queer children face maximum discrimination, bullying at homes, schools and neighbourhoods: Survey
GUWAHATI: A recent survey found that LGBTQIA+ children and adolescents face the highest levels of discrimination and bullying in their own homes, schools and neighbourhoods, with activists and stakeholders urging for concerted efforts to address these issues to help them get equal opportunities. A recent survey of over 900 LGBTQ+ individuals by a Kolkata-based organisation, 'Bridge', which works for the rights of the community across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, reported that most bullying happens between the ages of 12 and 15 years. Many young people are forced to drop out of school, losing out on education, future employment, and income security, Bridge's founder director Prithviraj Nath told PTI . Even after the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 2018, the NALSA judgment in 2014, and Transgender Protection Act of 2019, LGBTQ+ people continue to face systematic exclusion in education, health care, workplaces, and public life, he said. Basic human rights still remain out of reach for many and it is extremely important that we bring to light the lived realities and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, and have dialogues with the larger society towards equal rights and inclusion of the community, Nath added. Rudrani Rajkumari, founder of 'Xomonnoy', an LGBTQIA+ rights organisation and support group, pointed out that the government and all stakeholders must make collective efforts to create a roadmap to reduce discrimination and promote equal rights. We cannot talk about human rights in India and leave out LGBTQIA+ citizens. Every child deserves safety in their home, respect in their school, and dignity in their workplace. Equality is not a favour, it is a constitutional promise, Rajkumari said. Former vice principal of Guwahati's Dispur College, Sunita Agarwalla, claimed that it is one of the pioneer institutions in Assam, having done commendable work for the education of the children from the community. Besides having a gender-neutral toilet, it has reserved seats for such students in both its higher secondary and degree courses, with education being free if such a student needs it and sensitisation programmes are also for all its students regarding the issues of the community, she said. I, as an educator, feel that it is very important to understand that people from the LGBTQIA+ community are also human beings and citizens of our country, so they have to be treated equally by everyone in every aspect, Agarwalla said. Lalit Chandra Bharali College's professor Kunjalata Brahma Bhatiri said that more and more people are voicing their support for equal treatment of people from the community and judgement-free spaces, but a collective and concerted effort from all stratas of society is needed. Sensitisation and orientation to drive in the very understanding of the basic right to live freely and with dignity is required at all levels, she said. More people should talk, discuss, opine and work in attaining dignified living spaces for the queer community, she said. Tezpur University's faculty from the Department of Social Work, Sammy said, Incredible work is being done by multiple stakeholders in the field of queer-inclusive education at secondary, college and university levels in the northeastern region but with every new initiative, we face a wall of structural resistance which is coated in layers of binary understanding of society. Social systems like family, schools, neighbourhoods, state authorities, community institutions, health care services, workplaces and every sector that completes a human being needs gender inclusive approaches and practices as well, she said. We cannot lose our queer students, children, adults and elders to public scorn, confined spaces, hopelessness and suicides, Sammy said. Every department in higher education institutions needs to create safe spaces, accessibility to queer-affirmative support initiatives such as gender-neutral toilets, transport facilities, hostels and common rooms, livelihood opportunities, and speedy redressal mechanism for complaints and quality healthcare services, she said. Former Cotton University professor and Assamese writer Najma Mukherjee said, As an educator and litterateur, I believe in the power of art -- be it literature or the visual arts. Books and movies have definitely contributed to the shaping of public consciousness in understanding queer experiences all around the world. Nath pointed out that stakeholders, during discussions on the issue, have pointed out that there is a need for capacity building for school teachers and B.Ed trainees to equip them with skills to support LGBTQIA+ students. There is also a need to engage more with parents to build understanding and provide supportive environments at home and introduce comics, storybooks, and visual learning tools on gender and sexuality in school libraries, especially in Assamese and other languages, he said. Rajkumari pointed out that stakeholders have urged the government to include mandatory training for teachers and staffers in all educational institutions, in line with the Supreme Court's guidelines on student mental health, and biannual sensitisation for officials in judicial, police, and administrative departments on laws and rights related to LGBTQIA+ people.
Kareenas mulberry silk and chanderi look is peak effortless chic
Kareena Kapoor Khan effortlessly embodied 'Reclaiming Cool' in a SWGT ensemble featuring West Bengal mulberry silk and Madhya Pradesh Chanderi. The ivory and blue floral appliqu jacket over a simple blouse and tailored trousers exuded quiet confidence. Minimalist accessories, fresh makeup, and relaxed waves completed the understated yet powerful look.
Bengal Guv 'denied' entry into Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium after Messi event fiasco
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose was denied entry to Salt Lake Stadium during a chaotic event featuring Lionel Messi. He deemed the incident an affront to his constitutional position and vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly. The chaos led to vandalism, arrests, and a high-level inquiry by the Chief Minister.
Two die by suicide in Bengal amid alleged fear over SIR process
Kolkata: Two persons died by suicide within a span of 24 hours in West Bengals Malda district, allegedly triggered by fear and anxiety linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, police said on Saturday. On Friday night, a young man reportedly died after panicking over an error related to his fathers name on 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 .
Messi chaos fallout: Bengal governor fumes over denied stadium entry, says not a rubber stamp
West Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose was denied entry to Salt Lake stadium after chaos erupted during a Lionel Messi event. He deemed the incident an affront to his constitutional office and sought an explanation, vowing to inspect the site to finalize his report. The Governor also demanded accountability for the mismanagement and police failures.
Bengal SIR: Over 58 lakh names marked for deletion
West Bengal is set to remove over 58 lakh names from its voter list. More than 31 lakh people will attend hearings. This comes before the Special Intensive Revision draft list is published on December 16. The Election Commission identified over 13 lakh discrepancies. Bihar saw a drop of 47 lakh voters.
Dark Day For Kolkata: West Bengal Governor After Messi Event Descends Into Chaos
Governor CV Ananda Bose said organisers had callously commercialised Messis visit while ignoring the expectations of thousands of fans who had paid high ticket prices.
West Bengal Governor denied entry to Kolkatas Salt Lake Stadium after vandalism during Messi visit
Fans protest mismanagement following footballers appearance; Governor says gates were shut and lights switched off
Chaos erupted at Lionel Messi's GOAT India tour event in Kolkata. Fans expressed anger over mismanagement and high ticket prices. Governor CV Ananda Bose criticized organizers for prioritizing profit over fan emotions. The organizer has been arrested. The state government is considering a judicial inquiry and ticket refunds. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized to fans for the unfortunate incident.
Systemic Failure: West Bengal Governor Slams Messi Event Chaos In Kolkata
CV Ananda Bose's statement came after angry football fans stormed the field and vandalised Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday morning
Major chaos mars Messi event in Kolkata as angry fans storm stadium
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology to Messi and his fans in Kolkata.
KOLKATA: Both ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition BJP lashed out at the organisers of an event featuring Lionel Messi in Salt Lake stadium on Saturday, which ended in chaos as irate spectators went on a vandalisation spree for not having a proper view of the football icon. Demanding action against the organisers, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said in a statement that the overzealousness of the organisers and people close to them to crowd Messi and take selfies with him prevented the spectators from the gallery, who shelled out hefty amounts for the event, from having a proper view of the football star, and it infuriated them. Why should no action be taken against the organisers for this mess? Why was there no proper planning? Why did chaos break out? It forced Messi to leave the stadium and the chief minister of West Bengal could not attend and accord him a warm welcome on behalf of the people of the state, the TMC state general secretary said. Describing the incident as a big let-down for the sport-lovers of the state, Ghosh said that in 2011, when Messi came to the stadium for the first time, the event was so well-organised. I remember there was a match and Messi took the corner kick 50 metres from my press gallery seat. Everything went off so smoothly and Kolkata held its head high then, he said. BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya alleged that some fraudsters, in their greed to mint money, created this situation. Stating that the entire responsibility for this mess lies with the state government, he alleged that TMC leaders indulged greedy organisers, who were busy with self publicity, depriving people, who bought tickets, to have a proper view of the football icon. Bhattacharya said that the incident tarnished the image of the state. Union minister and senior BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar slammed the TMC and the state administration for the chaos. Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari alleged that ministers and leaders clung to Messi like leeches, while football fans who paid thousands of rupees were left watching him on the giant screen for barely a few minutes. In a post on X, Adhikari accused Sports Minister Arup Biswas, Fire Minister Sujit Basu and the organisers of turning the event into a money-making exercise. He also demanded a 100 per cent refund for gallery ticket-holders, arrest of those responsible, and sought Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation for discrediting West Bengal before the world. The Congress also attacked the TMC government, with West Bengal state president Subhankar Sarkar describing the episode as errible mismanagement and a mockery of law and order. He alleged that in the name of Messi, tickets were sold at exorbitant prices to innocent fans, while the footballer was surrounded only by TMC leaders and members of their families. Crores of public money were spent so that TMC leaders could get photographs clicked with Messi. This is a new-age scam after Sarada and Narada, Sarkar alleged, demanding personal accountability of the organiser, and police and sports ministers and the local MLA. Congress spokesperson Suman Roy Chaudhuri echoed similar sentiments, demanding the arrest of the sports minister and questioning the role of the police administration. He alleged that the episode exposed the commercial face of the government and called for legal action over the mess. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty termed the mismanagement a lack day for West Bengal, blaming the TMC government for failure of law and order. Drawing a contrast with the visits of football legend Diego Maradona during the Left Front regime, Chakraborty alleged that the government was more focused on making money in Messi's name than ensuring spectators' safety and experience.
The ruling in Tuhin Kumar Biswas @ Bumba vs State of West Bengal redefines the contours of voyeurism under Section 354C IPC, emphasizing that not every act of nonconsensual photography amounts to a criminal offencereviving the debate on womens privacy rights in Indias digital age The post The Scope of Voyeurism appeared first on India Legal .
Chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's event was foreseen by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose. He conveyed this anticipation and necessary crowd management measures to the government. However, the event saw a huge crowd, with fans leaving after vandalizing posters and throwing bottles. The Governor stated that the police did not implement the suggested steps.
Messi in Kolkata: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose condemns chaos
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the chaos during Lionel Messis visit to Kolkata, calling it a dark day for sports lovers. He blamed poor planning and policing, ordered action against organisers, refunds to fans and sought a judicial enquiry
Police use mild force as chaos erupts at Messis GOAT Tour event in Kolkata
Police used mild force to disperse angry fans at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata after chaos erupted during Lionel Messis GOAT Tour event over alleged mismanagement. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee later apologised and ordered a judicial enquiry
Mamata Banerjee's Public Apology To Messi, Fans After Kolkata Event Chaos
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has apologised to Lionel Messi and his fans over the chaos that unfolded at his event in Kolkata this morning.
WBBSE releases list of holidays for West Bengal schools in 2026: Check details here
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has released its Model Holiday List for 2026, outlining general holidays and vacation periods for all recognized schools. This list serves as a guideline, allowing for minor local adjustments with prior approval. Key holidays and vacation durations are detailed for effective school planning.
Prime organiser of Messi event in Kolkata detained over 'mismanagement' after stadium chaos
The police detained Satadru Datta, the prime organiser of the Lionel Messi football event at Salt Lake stadium on Saturday. Chaos erupted at the stadium after spectators, who had paid hefty sums to see Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, protested after being unable to catch a clear glimpse of the legend as he remained surrounded by security personnel and others. The situation prompted the Argentine World Cup-winning captain to leave the field early. Datta was detained for alleged mismanagement of the event at the Kolkata airport, where he had gone to see off Messi and his entourage on their way to Hyderabad. We are looking into whether there was any mismanagement from the organiser's side, which led to the chaos at the stadium. He has been detained, and the police have now brought the situation under control, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar told PTI. The organiser has given in writing that he will refund the prices of tickets he sold to the disappointed spectators, Kumar added. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was shocked and deeply disturbed by the mismanagement and announced a high-level probe into the incident. Apologising to Messi and fans, she said a committee headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Hill Affairs) as members, would conduct a detailed inquiry, fix responsibility and suggest corrective measures. Henceforth, a Standard Operating Procedure should be in place to ensure smooth conduct and proceedings for such large congregations, said Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose The Lok Bhavan official said the governor has also directed the state government to book the organiser under attempt to murder charges. Bose said the state government should find out how and who was behind making Messi a commodity. Messi is on a three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025. I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi. I Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 13, 2025
Lionel Messis GOAT Tour in Kolkata marred by unrest; organiser detained, refunds announced
Fans expressed anger over mismanagement at Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour event in Kolkata. Ticket holders alleged poor organization and limited access to the football star. Police intervened to control a restless crowd. The main organizer has been detained. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized and ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Chaos erupted at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour. Angry fans, unable to see the football star due to VIP crowds, resorted to vandalism. They threw chairs, tore banners, and hurled bottles. The West Bengal Chief Minister has formed a committee to investigate the mismanagement and fix responsibility.
'Shame on you Mamata!' BJP tears into CM over Messi event mess; makes 3 demands
Chaos erupted at Salt Lake stadium during Lionel Messi's visit, sparking a sharp BJP attack on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the state government of gross mismanagement and demanded Banerjee's resignation, citing fan disappointment and alleged exploitation. Banerjee has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Lionel Messi event organiser detained, trying to ensure refunds for fans: West Bengal DGP
The main organiser of Messis G.O.A.T India tour, Shatadru Dutta, has been detained after violence erupted at Salt Lake Stadium
Mamata Banerjee after chaos at Kolkata stadium as `Sincerely apologise to Messi`
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered a high-level enquiry and apologised to Lionel Messi and fans after chaos erupted at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata over alleged mismanagement during the football icons brief appearance
Lionel Messi's appearance at Kolkata's Vivekananda Yuvabharati Salt Lake Stadium turned chaotic as fans, who had paid up to Rs 5,000, grew restless due to his brief stay on the field. Amid this, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued an apology and ordered an enquiry after fans felt shortchanged by Messi's short appearance, leading to unrest and vandalism at the stadium.
Mandir-Masjid: How competitive faith politics is recasting Bengal's 2026 poll battle
KOLKATA: As West Bengal heads into an election year, a spate of templemosque announcements, scripture spectacles and date-sensitive symbolism is pushing the states politics into unfamiliar territory, sharpening communal polarisation in a borderland shaped by Partition memories, demographic anxieties and a coexistence periodically tested by political mobilisation. From the bordering Murshidabad district to the planned township of Salt Lake on the eastern fringes of Kolkata, faith has emerged as the most audible idiom of political mobilisation, often drowning out conversations on migration, jobs, prices and governance, as rival players test how far religious assertion can stretch Bengals electoral grammar ahead of the Assembly polls. The immediate spark came on December 6, which marks the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir pressed ahead with laying the foundation stone of a mosque modelled on the original Babri structure in Murshidabads Rejinagar, under unprecedented security cover. Kabir argued that the political moment itself had shifted. People are trying to pretend that faith has no place in Bengals politics. That phase is over. Whether one likes it or not, questions of identity, dignity and religious rights will shape the next election. The next elections will be fought on questions of honour and belonging. Anyone denying that is not reading the ground, Kabir told PTI. In nearby Banjatiya in Murshidabad, BJP leaders also conducted groundwork rituals for a Ram temple, framing it as resistance to what they called minority appeasement. Elsewhere, the saffron party sharpened its pitch around cultural assertion, while the TMC moved quickly to distance itself from Kabirs actions. Bengals culture has never supported competitive religious politics. The party believes faith is personal and politics must remain inclusive. We will not allow Bengal to be converted into a laboratory for polarisation experiments borrowed from elsewhere, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said. The response underlined the partys political tightrope managing a minority base that accounts for nearly 30 per cent of the electorate, while arresting signs of Hindu drift amid intensifying identity politics. On December 7, Kolkatas Brigade Parade Grounds, the most politically loaded public stage, hosted a massive Bhagavad Gita recital projected as five lakh voices chanting together. Senior BJP leaders and nationally known monks filled the dais, even as organisers insisted the event was spiritual rather than political. Kabir was quick to announce a similar Quran recital event in Murshidabad district. Political scientist Maidul Islam said this is a very new phenomenon in Bengal politics. Leaders like Humayun Kabir and parties like the BJP and AIMIM are consciously trying to import Hindi heartland narratives into Bengal. Dates, symbols and mass religious performances these are not accidental, he told PTI. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said that when one side uses religious symbolism to consolidate its vote bank, the other cannot be expected to remain silent. The politics of selective secularism will no longer work in Bengal. For decades, Hindu sentiments were pushed to the margins of the states political discourse. This is about to change, he claimed. For decades, Bengals political mobilisation rested largely on class, language and welfare, with religion operating as a secondary identity marker. Even during earlier communal flare-ups, mainstream parties avoided sustained, competitive religious symbolism. However, Murshidabad, where Muslims form a numerical majority and memories of Partition displacement remain alive, has emerged as the epicentre, with mandirmasjid politics increasingly dominating public conversation. In Salt Lake, posters appeared announcing an Ayodhya-style Ram temple complex with a hospital, school and old-age home. The proposed foundation ceremony is slated for Ram Navami next year, signalling how religious symbolism is now being projected deep into spaces associated with governance and power. When templemosque politics moves from border districts to planned urban centres, it signals ambition, not spontaneity, political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty said, adding that it reflects an attempt to normalise religious assertion as mainstream electoral language. The Congress and the Left, reduced to the margins in Bengal, have warned of historical repetition. We know where competitive communalism leads, state Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar said, recalling the countrywide violence that followed the Babri demolition in the 1990s. Bengal is a border state born of Partition, its social fabric shaped by refugee influx, demographic churn and episodic violence. While it never fully followed the Hindi heartlands template of sustained religious polarisation, the scars remain real and politically exploitable. When economic distress dominates daily life, sudden mandirmasjid politics signals a deliberate narrative shift, political scientist Subhomoy Moitra said. With the Assembly elections months away, Bengal appears headed into a season of competitive symbolism, where mosques and temples are no longer merely places of faith but strategic markers on a polarised political map. Whether this moment hardens into lasting division or recedes under electoral pragmatism may shape not just individual political fortunes but the future trajectory of Bengals political culture itself.
A BJP leader claims a Babri Masjid in West Bengal is a plot to create Bangladesh. This comes as a TMC MLA plans to build the mosque and launch a new party. The MLA states the construction is constitutional. The BJP criticizes the Chief Minister's alleged inaction. The mosque project includes a hospital and guesthouse.
Messi mania grips Kolkata as Argentine legend kicks off GOAT India Tour
Thousands of football fans braved the December chill and stayed awake past midnight to welcome Argentine superstar Lionel Messi as he arrived in Kolkata early Saturday for his three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025, triggering scenes of near-hysteria across the city. Messis private Gulfstream V aircraft touched down at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 2.26 am, setting off a frenzy among supporters who had gathered in large numbers at the international arrivals terminal. Chants of Messi, Messi, fluttering Argentina flags and flashing mobile phones turned the airport into a carnival-like scene, with fans running between gates in the hope of catching a glimpse of their idol. However, heavy security arrangements meant that the Barcelona legend was whisked out through a VIP exit and driven straight to his hotel around 3.30 am, leaving hundreds of waiting fans disappointed. Only a handful of airport staff reportedly saw Messi briefly as he stepped off the aircraft, dressed in a black suit over a white T-shirt. Messi arrived in Kolkata along with long-time strike partner Luis Surez and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul. A large police convoy escorted the trio to a five-star hotel, where another crowd had gathered deep into the night. The hotel lobby echoed with chants as fans wearing sky-blue jerseys, scarves and wigs in Argentinas colours waited anxiously, some even booking rooms to stay as close to the football icon as possible. Security was tightened across the city, with barricades, police deployment at key crossings and heightened surveillance around the hotel. The entire seventh floor, where Messi checked into a suite, was sealed off. Despite the disappointment of not seeing him, emotions ran high. Children sat on shoulders, drums rolled and fans waved flags, many calling the moment a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Satadru Dutta, promoter of the GOAT India Tour who received Messi at the airport, said the visit was historic for Kolkata. He had come here in 2011 as Argentina captain. This time, hes here after winning the World Cup and his eighth Ballon dOr. This is special, a celebration, he said, adding that Messis visit could give Indian football a significant boost. Messis Kolkata itinerary includes a sponsors meet-and-greet and a tribute programme at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. The event will feature music, dance and an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan Messi All Stars and Diamond Harbour Messi All Stars. He is also scheduled to interact with young footballers, felicitate Bengals Santosh Trophy-winning team and take a lap of honour. A virtual unveiling of a 70-foot statue of Messi at Lake Town is also planned. From Kolkata, Messi will fly to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, where he is expected to meet political leaders, corporate figures and celebrities, and finally Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. In Hyderabad, he will feature in a short friendly penalty shootout against a team led by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. The programme includes a 1520 minute exhibition match between Singareni RR9 and AparnaMessi All Stars, followed by penalty shootouts. Messi will also take individual penalty kicks as part of the showcase, organisers said. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to attend the event, Telangana Congress sources said. He is expected to arrive in Hyderabad in the evening and proceed to the stadium after meeting Messi at his hotel. A short exhibition match and football clinic are planned in Hyderabad. While Mumbai will host a philanthropic fashion event and sports activities. The tour will conclude in Delhi with a felicitation ceremony and a celebrity match. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has sought a detailed report from the state government on the arrangements for Messis Kolkata programme, following complaints from football enthusiasts over hefty ticket prices. According to Raj Bhavan sources, the governor questioned why common fans were unable to see the star and sought clarification on the role of private organisers in monetising the event. Kolkata, long known for its deep-rooted football culture, has hosted global legends from Pel and Maradona to Oliver Kahn and Diego Forln. Yet, for many in the city, Messis arrival has rekindled memories of its most passionate footballing moments even if, for some, the glimpse of the legend remained elusive.
4X Voters Deleted In Mamata Banerjee's Constituency Than Suvendu Adhikari's
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Bhabanipur constituency has recorded one of the highest voter deletions in West Bengal, logging nearly four times more removals than Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari's Nandigram, according to data.
'Hefty' price for Messi event ticket; West Bengal Governor seeks report from government
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has sought a detailed report from the state government regarding arrangements for Lionel Messi's Kolkata program. This comes after football enthusiasts complained about unaffordable ticket prices preventing them from seeing the star. The governor questioned the state's role and why common people are barred from witnessing the event.
Hefty price for Lionel Messi event ticket; West Bengal Governor seeks report
Thousands braved the December chill and waited past midnight to give a rousing welcome to Lionel Messi as he arrived in Kolkata for his whirlwind three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025
MNREGA gets new name, 125 days of employment
NEW DELHI: Setting the stage for a major overhaul of the countrys flagship rural jobs scheme, the Union Cabinet on Friday approved the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana. The government also proposes to increase the guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days of work per rural household each year. It also plans to revise the minimum wage under the scheme to `240 per day, along with additional budgetary allocations to support the expanded mandate. The decision to rechristen the name comes at a time when the West Bengal government has been pressing the Centre to release its long-pending dues under MGNREGA. The state has repeatedly argued that the freeze on Rs 51,627 crore has crippled wage payments and stalled ongoing works, and has accused the government of withholding money on political grounds. The Centre has stopped funding the rural scheme in West Bengal since March 9, 2022, based on allegations of corruption in the implementation process. The state is on a warpath demanding payment of dues. Enacted in 2005, the existing law is one of Indias largest social security measures, aimed at ensuring the right to work for rural households by providing guaranteed unskilled manual labour. At present, MGNREGA offers 100 days of work at wage rates linked to state-level notifications, though activists have consistently flagged low wages, delayed payments, and severe underfunding. Activists and several organisations have been demanding that the government raise NREGA wages to match state minimum wages, noting that the proposed Rs 240 per day remains below statutory minimum wages in many states, effectively institutionalising wage discrimination. There has been a long standing demand to increase the overall budget substantially, as the programme regularly runs out of funds midway through the financial year, forcing states to halt work or delay wages. Another demand was to remove Aadhaar-linked payment barriers. Since January 1, 2024, ABPS has been made mandatory.
Kolkata Diary | CM to review prep for Gangasagar mela
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will hold a meeting with her cabinet colleagues, chief secretary, home secretary, DGP and senior officials at the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Monday to review preparations for the Gangasagar mela to be held mid-January in South 24 Parganas district. Lakhs of Hindu pilgrims from across the country gather at the fair ground every year on Makar Sankranti to take holi dip at Gangasagar. The fair is likely to draw a bigger turnout this time in the absence of other mega religious festivals like Kumbh Mela, said officials. Its learnt that the CM will distribute responsibilities related to the Gangasagar event among senior ministers. She will also visit Gangasagar to review the situation. Chicken patty sellers beaten up, three held Kolkata Police arrested three people on Wednesday night on charge of beating up two Muslim chicken patty sellers during the Gita recital programme at Brigade Parade Ground on December 7. A video of the incident went viral on social media. Top BJP leaders, including state party chief Samik Bhattacharya, Union MoS for Education Sukanta Majumder and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, attended the Gita recital programme, besides thousands of sadhus. The assault incident prompted lawyer Sayan Banerjee, also a CPI-M leader, to lodge an FIR against some unknown persons. After verifying the video footage, police arrested the accused. Governor wants to vote in Bengal Assembly polls Changing his earlier decision, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose wants to be a voter of the state. On Thursday, poll officials along with a BLO visited Lok Bhavan and gave Bose SIR documents, so that he could become a voter in Bengal. Conventionally a governor votes in the state where he or she is posted. This convention has been going on in Bengal for years. But Bose used to vote in Kerala, his home state, after he became the Bengal governor in 2022. This time he changed the decision and will cast his vote in Bengal assembly polls. Subhendu Maiti Our correspondent in West Bengal subhendu.maiti@newindianexpress.com
Mamta, Ganguly, SRK to greet Messi on his arrival in Kolkata
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Bengal Brand Ambassador Shah Rukh Khan, his successor and former India captain Sourav Ganguly are expected to greet Argentine football great Lionel Messi on his arrival in West Bengals capital on Saturday. Lionel Messi himself has confirmed that he is coming to India between December 13-15, 2025 []
PM Modi To Address Rally In West Bengal On December 20 Amid SIR Row
With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit West Bengal On December 20. During his visit to Bengal, PM Modi will be addressing a rally in Taherpur, Nadia.
BJP targets Mamata over contradictory claims of filing SIR enumeration form
Since the start of the SIR in West Bengal on November 4, Trinamool Congress chairperson has repeatedly said that she will not fill the SIR enumeration form till all the people of the state have filled in their forms.
ECI deletes 59 lakh voters in Bengal; flags serious discrepancies in electoral rolls
KOLKATA: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday revealed about 59 lakh deletions of dead, duplicate, permanently shifted, and absent voters in West Bengal. Besides the deletion of such a massive number of voters, the ECI has also found some serious discrepancies after analysing data from enumeration forms (EFs) in the state. In Bengal, 11 December was the last day for submitting EFs under the SIR exercise. The date released by the national poll panel today showed wide variations across assembly segments, starting from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees constituency, Bhawanipore, to Nandigram in East Midnapore, where Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari had contested with a BJP ticket against Mamata in the last assembly polls in 2021. TNIE in its earlier reports had revealed the variations in connection with deletions of voters in many assembly constituencies in Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas districts. Chowringhee Assembly constituency in Kolkata has recorded the highest number of uncollectable enumeration forms (EFs) in West Bengal at 74,505, while Jorasanko comes next with 67,578. The abnormally high number of such forms in constituencies such as Chowringhee, Jorasanko, Kolkata Port, Ballygunj, and Bhawanipore, where the Chief Minister had contested in the 2021 bypoll and won, has raised eyebrows among Commission officials. The prime reasons for enumeration forms being deemed uncollectable are categorised as ASDD (absent, shifted, dead, and duplicate), indicating individuals who are dead, permanently shifted to a different location or constituency, untraceable or absent, and duplicates who are found to be enrolled in multiple polling stations or have fake entries. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees Bhawanipore Assembly seat under the Kolkata South electoral district has recorded 44,788 uncollectable EFs, ECI said. The Election Commissions release of constituency-wise deletions from the electoral rolls has opened up fresh political chatter in the state. A poll panel official said Bhawanipore constituency, which had 1,61,509 voters in the rolls published in January 2025, has seen 44,787 names removed in the latest revision. In Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikaris seat, the deletions stand at 10,599 out of 2,78,212 voters. According to the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal, a thorough analysis of the data also flagged several highly abnormal irregularities in the voters list. For instance, there has been an abnormal age difference of only 15 years between parents and their children in around 12 lakh EFs. Many officials of the Commission have raised eyebrows after seeing the serious age differences between parents and children. It can be possible in a few forms, but how can it be believable for lakhs of EFs? they questioned, requesting anonymity. CM Mamata files her voter forms on last day after protest; slams misleading media reports
Tej Pratap's JJD to contest assembly elections in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh
PATNA: The Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD), led by former Bihar minister and Lalu Prasads estranged son Tej Pratap Yadav, on Friday announced that it will contest forthcoming assembly elections in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Speaking to the media after launching the partys membership drive in Patna, Tej Pratap said the party will field candidates in the upcoming assembly elections in both states, with the state committee set to take the final decision. The assembly polls in West Bengal are scheduled for 2026, while Uttar Pradesh will go to the polls in February-March 2027. We aim to expand our partys reach at the national level. Party will make members outside the state as well, he said in response to a media query. In the 2025 assembly elections, JJD fielded candidates in 25 constituencies. Tej Pratap Yadav contested from his old Mahua assembly seat but lost. Ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, the party had entered into alliances with some smaller parties. Tej Pratap also announced plans to launch the partys official website soon and said leaders have been assigned the task of expanding the organisation. He extended support to his sister Rohini Acharya, who had left her parental home and announced her decision to quit politics, severing ties with her parents and brother Tejashwi Prasad Yadav following RJDs debacle in the assembly polls. Tej Pratap pleaded for proper security cover for his sister Rohini, who had unsuccessfully contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Saran. I am also not feeling safe these days. I should also be given proper security, he added.
Nearly 58 lakh names may be deleted from West Bengal's voters' list under the SIR, triggering TMC concerns of a Bihar-like setback ahead of the 2025 assembly polls.
Akshaye Khanna Was The School Crush And Mystery Man Of Lovedale, Recalls West Bengal Politician
A nostalgic post by politician Saira Shah Halim recalling Akshaye Khanna's school days at Lawrence School Lovedale has gone viral.
West Bengal Governor makes three-point proposal to ensure safety, security of BLOs involved in SIR
KOLKATA: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Friday recommended a three-point proposal to ensure the safety and security of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who are involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Expressing serious concern over the safety and security of the BLOs, the Lok Bhavan proposed that the Mamata Banerjee government take three protective measures for them. The Governor urged every district administration to take adequate security measures for BLOs when they visit voters at their doorstep in every booth. The state government will have to make adequate police arrangements at every booth when the BLOs work for the SIR exercise. Bose also proposed that the state government provide all kinds of safety arrangements for BLOs, who work round-the-clock virtually. In Bengal, around 39 people, including three BLOs, have died so far due to SIR-related workload and stress and panic triggered by the misplacement of documents required for the exercise. Expressing strong concern over reports that BLOs and officials engaged in SIR 2.0 are being threatened in Bengal, and several other states, the Supreme Court on Tuesday warned the Election Commission that it must flag such incidents or it will cause anarchy. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi urged the poll body to take serious note of state governments lack of cooperation in the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls that had kicked off from 4 November. Bring to our notice instances of lack of cooperation, hindrances to work of BLOs and we will pass appropriate orders, the bench told senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, who appeared for the national poll body. Dwivedi cautioned that if matters worsened, the EC might be compelled to seek police assistanceeven though the police fall under state jurisdiction. Justice Bagchi, however, reminded that the poll panel cannot take the police under its control until the election process formally begins.
ED raids Jharkhand-based traders residence over alleged money laundering through coal trade
RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided the official and residential premises of Dhanbad-based coal trader Manoj Agrawal at Bhelatand and Dhansar. The action is said to be part of an investigation into alleged money laundering through illegal coal trade. According to local sources, the ED teams arrived at both locations simultaneously at around 7 am and cordoned off the premises before they entered the residence and started the search. On November 21, ED teams from Kolkata had conducted similar raids at the residences and offices of five coal traders and transporters in the district. This action reportedly is based on documents and financial activity obtained during a major raid conducted at approximately 18 locations in Dhanbad last month. The ED team has been conducting searches for the last several hours and action is expected to continue further. Last month, the ED simultaneously raided the premises of Dev Prabha Company, which handles outsourcing work for BCCL, its owner, LB Singh, his brother Kumbh Nath Singh and several other locations in Jharkhand. During the raid on November 21, the ED team had recovered cash worth Rs 2.2 crore and seized over 120 land-related documents from Jharkhand. The ED had also seized cash and jewellery during the raid from the locations of the coal mafia. According to information, EDs investigation is being conducted into the matters related to black coal trade, irregular contracts and illegal financial transactions. The ED, during the raids conducted at 44 locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal on November 21, had recovered cash and jewellery worth over Rs 14 crore, along with a substantial amount of incriminating evidence. According to the ED, the action, carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, was linked to a sprawling illegal coal mining, theft, transportation and sale racket that has allegedly been operating across the two states for years. Officials also found various property deeds tied to the coal syndicate, agreements related to land transactions, digital devices and books of accounts belonging to entities allegedly controlled by the accused. According to the ED, raids were conducted at 20 locations spread across Dhanbad and Dumka in Jharkhand. These locations are linked to individuals, including Lal Bahadur Singh, Anil Goyal, Sanjay Khemka, Amar Mondal, and several others associated with their companies and entities. Whereas in West Bengal, ED teams searched 24 premises at Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata, which included residences, offices, illegal toll booths, and coke plants reportedly connected to Narendra Kharka, Krishna Murari Kayal, Yudhishthir Ghosh, Raj Kishore Yadav, Lokesh Singh, Chinmay Mondal, Nirad Baran Mondal, and others. The crackdown stems from multiple FIRs filed by West Bengal and Jharkhand Police regarding an organised coal smuggling racket operating between the two states. The FIRs suggest that a vast network has been transporting coal from Jharkhand into West Bengal using forged or invalid documents. Seized documents, diaries, registers, and digital data have reportedly corroborated allegations of large-scale illegal supply chains and the involvement of local authorities. According to the ED, the syndicate was highly active in border districts, generating huge proceeds of crime. Several registers detailing illegal cash collections and beneficiary lists have also been recovered, offering deep insights into the financial trail of the smuggling network, it said. The investigation is still on and more developments are expected as scrutiny of seized materials progresses.
New NICE Road Connector Cuts Travel Time By 20 Mins For West Bengaluru Commuters
At present, motorists travelling from Mysore Road towards NICE Road have to pass through Nayandahalli Ring Road and Hosakerehalli, a stretch infamous for traffic bottlenecks.
Unity on the menu as PM Modi hosts NDA MPs for a rare dinner at 7 LKM
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hosted a dinner for all NDA MPs from both Houses at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence. The dinner, which featured a range of dishes including several millet-based items, doubled as a show of unity within the NDA under Modis leadership, which he described as a family working towards a Viksit Bharat and a self-reliant nation. Speaking on the meeting, the Prime Minister said the NDA represents a shared commitment to good governance, national development and regional aspirations. Was a delight to have hosted NDA MPs for dinner at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg this evening. The NDA family represents a shared commitment to good governance, national development and regional aspirations. Together, we will continue working to strengthen our nations development journey in the years ahead, he wrote on X. MPs travelled to the prime ministers residence by bus or car, with some opting to car-pool. Several arrived in visibly high spirits, with Union ministers among those displaying renewed enthusiasm. More than 54 tables were arranged, with each table assigned a cabinet minister to represent the Prime Minister and dine with eight MPs. According to sources, Modi played the role of an attentive host, taking time to engage with MPs at each table and ensuring that no one felt overlooked. It was a memorable dinner for us. Indeed, our PM is a great soul who as a host didn't make us feel even a bit overlooked in care and serving the dishes. MPs, belonging to their respective states, were served foods related to their states and PM had interaction over the dinner to us, an MP from Bihar said, adding that the Bihar result had strengthened the NDAs confidence in advancing the country under Modis leadership. While the prime minister interacted with all MPs, senior leaders including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda and Nitin Gadkari remained seated at different tables, discussing the NDAs priorities in Parliament and in upcoming state elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Modis broader vision of shifting India from a developing to a developed nation also reportedly featured in these discussions. During the gala dinner, the prime minister shared remarks on topics ranging from health and managing anger to staying connected with people, food habits and reading recommendations, interspersed with laughter and anecdotes. A senior NDA leader said the most striking aspect of the event was the sense of ease among MPs, who mingled freely across linguistic and regional lines. Many took the opportunity to speak directly with ministers, who noted suggestions and feedback for what they described as a refreshed roadmap for the country. The dinner was also a platform for open discussion on several issues currently being addressed collectively by the NDA at the Centre. Amid delicious dishes, which included many states famous foods, like litti chokha of Bihar and others from West Bengal and South India, we not only enjoyed the dinner as if a NDA family dinner, but also discussed issues which need to be discussed collectively. It was a great to see PM hosting us as the guardian of NDA, several MPs remarked.
KOLKATA: West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has felicitated the three men arrested for allegedly assaulting two chicken patty vendors at the Gita recital event in Kolkata, after they were released on bail. Adhikari said he stood by them as a Hindu performing his duty. The three persons, arrested on Wednesday night for allegedly attacking two vendors at the 'Gita Paath' programme on December 7 at the Brigade Parade Ground, were granted bail by the Bankshall court on personal bonds of Rs 1,000 each. Sharing a photo of the felicitation, Adhikari on Thursday said in a post on Facebook, I want to tell Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal CM) that you cannot suppress 'sanatanis' by unleashing your loyalist police on them. The fight to protect religion will continue, and in this fight, I stand with every Hindu, along with countless supporters of Hindutva. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari said the voice of justice still prevails silently in India. He claimed that Banerjee had arrogantly said she had them arrested, questioning, Who is she to decide arrests? I am a legislator, Leader of the Opposition, a BJP member... all that comes later. First, I am a Hindu. If my Hindu brothers and sisters are in trouble, my primary duty is to protect my 'dharma'. That is what the Gita has taught me, he asserted. Adhikari said he had sent his legal team to the Maidan police station and coordinated with several lawyers, who worked together to help the trio secure bail. Two vendors had complained that a group of youths assaulted them, objecting to the sale of non-vegetarian food at the religious event, and forced them to do sit-ups while holding their ears. Police acted after a purported video of the incident went viral on social media.
West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, felicitated three men arrested for assaulting chicken patty vendors at a religious event, shortly after their bail. Adhikari stated his primary duty is to protect his dharma and Hindu brothers and sisters, asserting his legal team facilitated their release.
West Bengal SIR: Around 30 lakh electors unmapped to 2002 list, likely to be called for hearing
According to sources, the number of uncollectable voter forms in West Bengal has risen to over 58 lakhs, including approximately 24.2 lakhs identified as deceased as of December 11
Standing on humanitarian ground
How a pregnant woman from West Bengals Birbhum was allegedly illegally deported to Bangladesh and came back to India after the Supreme Court asked for her and her child to be repatriated on humanitarian grounds. Her husband and neighbours continue to be entangled in legal battles in both countries, findAlisha DuttaandMoyurie Som
Haven't filled up enumeration form for SIR yet, says Bengal CM Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, recently stirred discussions by revealing that she has yet to complete her enumeration form, raising concerns about the implications of verifying her citizenship. According to officials from the CEO's office, her form is indeed filed but has raised some flags.
PM Modi hosts dinner for NDA; MPs arrive by bus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a dinner for NDA MPs at his residence following the coalition's significant victory in the Bihar polls. Modi emphasized the NDA's commitment to good governance and national development. BJP MP Anurag Thakur expressed confidence in future electoral successes, anticipating the next gathering after a win in West Bengal.
Watch: Mamata vs Amit Shah over SIR, accuses centre of targeting Bengalis
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a fierce attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling him dangerous and alleging that the SIR process is being misused to target Bengalis ahead of the 2026 polls. She warned she would sit on a dharna if even one eligible voter is removed. Banerjee also accused the Centre and BJP of influencing the process through aligned officials.
Suspended TMC leader Humayun Kabir's move to build a Babri Masjid replica has triggered political turmoil in Bengal, exposing Muslim discontent and challenging Mamata Banerjee ahead of 2025 polls.
SC tells HCs to fast-track UAPA trials; ensure legal aid, adequate special courts
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday asked chief justices of all high courts to examine the status of pending trials in their states under laws such as the UAPA, posing a reverse burden of proof on the accused. A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh also directed the State Legal Services Authority to make aware each undertrial of his/her right to representation, either by counsel of their own choice or through a legal aid counsel. For those who choose the latter, assignments to their cases to the counsel should be made expeditiously so that the proceedings can start/continue at the earliest, it added. The top court said when a statute like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act imposes a reverse burden, then the State must also ensure that the trial is expedited. A constitutional democracy does not legitimise burdens by simply declaring them; it must ensure that those burdened are meaningfully equipped to bear them, even those who are accused of the worst offences imaginable. If the State, despite all its might presumes guilt, then the same State must also, with the employment of all the resources at its command, create pathways through which the accused can reclaim their innocence, the bench said. The top court also asked the chief justices to ascertain the number of special courts designated to try the said offences, and if special courts have not been designated, the number of sessions courts dealing with matters under these legislations and to take up the matter with the appropriate authority if it is found that they are not sufficient. The bench asked the chief justices to discern whether posting of judicial officers in these courts, as also staffing is sufficient, thereby foreclosing a ground for delay and adjournment, and if not, then a suitable order for posting be issued expeditiously. It directed that the list prepared shall be organised in order of case registered, to the extent possible and permissible, from the earliest to latest. Requisite directions be issued to the special courts/sessions courts to take up the matters registered earliest, first, unless otherwise warranted. In consultation with the appropriate authority, the High Court to ascertain the position with respect to appointment/allotment of prosecutors/special public prosecutors, as may be applicable, to ensure that the matters, once taken up, are not further delayed on that count, the bench said. The top court said for those cases that have been pending for more than five years, the concerned court be directed to take stock of the situation as and when they are taken up, record detailed order taking note of the previous reasons for adjournment if available, refrain from granting adjournments on routine requests and take up the matter on a day-to-day basis. The High Court concerned will periodically seek reports from the concerned courts dealing with these matters and take up issues that may be confronting the said courts, on the administrative side so as to ensure smooth functioning, it said. The directions came while hearing an appeal filed by CBI against bail granted to certain accused in the 2010 derailment of the Jnaneswari Express in West Bengal's West Midnapore district.
Mamata calls Shah dangerous, alleges SIR being used to delete names of 1.5 crore voters in Bengal
KRISHNANAGAR (WB), Dec 11: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday intensified her attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling him dangerous and accusing the Centre and EC of using the SIR of electoral rolls to unlawfully delete names of lakhs of eligible Bengali voters ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. Addressing a rally in Nadia districts Krishnanagar, Banerjee alleged that Shah was directly guiding attempts to remove as many as 1.5 crore names from the voters list, [] The post Mamata calls Shah dangerous, alleges SIR being used to delete names of 1.5 crore voters in Bengal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CM Mamata Banerjee slams assault at Gita event, says `Bengal is not UP`
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on two food vendors at a Gita recital in Kolkata, saying such intimidation wont be tolerated. She accused the BJP of fuelling communal divisions as police arrested three men based on video evidence
Election Commission's BIG move on SIR, extends deadline for 6 states; check new dates here
New dates have been set for the exercise in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. No extension was given for Goa, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, where elections are due to be held early next year.
Bengal is not UP: Mamata on non-veg food vendors attack
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday condemned the assault on two food vendors at a recent Gita recital in Kolkata, asserting that such acts of intimidation would not be tolerated in the state. Addressing a public meeting in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, the chief minister said, All of them (accused) have been 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 .
SIR of electoral rolls: ECI extends timeline in six States, UTs; no change in West Bengal
In Kerala, the last date for submission of enumeration form will be December 18, 2025, and the draft roll will be published on December 23, 2025
KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has pulled up the district magistrates (DMs), who are traditionally engaged in the election process as district electoral officers (DEOs), for not acting on the ECI proposals for setting up of polling stations inside private housing complexes with multiple high-rise buildings across West Bengal. The ECI, on December 10, sent a letter to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal, directing him to take immediate steps in this regard. The national poll body, as per its guidelines, had directed the DEOs to conduct extensive house-to-house (H2H) survey for setting up of polling stations in 'high-rise/group housing societies/RWA (Resident Welfare Association) colonies that have common facilitation area/community hall at the ground floor within the premises and in slum dwelling clusters of urban areas'. The Commission had also directed the DEOs to finalise the proposal for new polling stations after taking its prior approval. According to the Commission's directive, they were asked to complete the final proposal much before the draft publication of the electoral rolls so that the electoral registration officers (EROs) can update the control table in ECINet and create parts to prepare draft electoral roll. In a strongly worded communication to the office of the CEO, West Bengal, the Commission has warned that it will take strong action against the DMs as well as DEOs for their failure to send proposals for setting up of pooling booths. The Commission has taken a very serious view of the failure on the part of DEOs in performance of their statutory duty as given under Section 25 of the RP Act, 1951, read with Section 160 of the said Act. The DEO are also liable under the said provisions for any lack of sufficiency of polling stations for electors in the above-specified residential colonies, ECI cautioned Agarwal in its letter. ECI appoints five more special roll observers in West Bengal According to Section 25 of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, the DEOs, with prior approval of the ECI, shall provide a sufficient number of polling stations for every constituency. The national poll panel has also stated, during the period after draft publication of Electoral Roll on 16.12.2025, all DEOs shall immediately conduct survey of high-rise buildings, group housing societies, RWA colonies, slums and gated societies having at least 250 houses or 500 voters, with details of available rooms at ground floor level and identify suitable accommodations for polling stations within their premises. The DEOs have also been asked to send assessment reports on the matter to the ECI office through the office of the state CEO latest by December 31. The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, and the Trinamool Congress has been opposing the ECIs idea of setting up new polling booths within private housing complexes. The Chief Minister, last month, wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, objecting to the ECIs proposal for setting up polling stations inside private housing complexes for the Assembly polls scheduled next year. This proposal is deeply problematic. Polling stations have always been, and must remain, located in government or semi-government institutions, preferably within a 2 km radius, to ensure accessibility and neutrality. Private buildings are typically avoided for clear reasons: they compromise fairness, violate established norms, and create discriminatory distinctions between privileged residents and the general public the haves and have-nots, the Chief Ministers letter read.
EC flags delay in sending proposals for setting up booths in high rise buildings in Bengal
The Election Commission has expressed serious concern over the West Bengal CEO's office delay in proposing new polling booths in high-rise buildings and housing societies. With a limit of 1200 electors per booth for upcoming elections, the EC mandated surveys for these areas, but received insufficient proposals by the deadline, indicating potential apathy from district officials.
NEW DELHI: The case of two women migrant workers from West Bengal, who were deported to Bangladesh, was raised in Rajya Sabha on Thursday by Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose, who questioned the hurry in deporting the women without proper verification. Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha in the Zero Hour, Ghose also mentioned the Goa nightclub fire incident, and said most of those who died were migrant workers. On June 21, Sunali Khatun, a 26-year-old heavily pregnant migrant worker, was picked up with her family by the Delhi police and deported to Bangladesh with her family, including her son. Another Bangladeshi migrant worker in Delhi, 32-year-old Sweety and her family were also picked up by Delhi Police and sent to Bangladesh, Ghose said. She said Sunali Khatun could return to India only after the intervention of the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court. She said the Supreme Court questioned the hot haste and the deportation without a fair hearing, and added that a Home Ministry memo of 2025 says immediate deportation is allowed only in emergent circumstances. Why this desire to deport Sunali Khatun and Sweety Bibi without due process? Is it simply because of a political motive to call Bangla speaking people infiltrators and ghuspatiya? she said. Sunali, a pregnant woman who, along with two of her family members and others, was pushed into Bangladesh in June this year on suspicion of being an illegal immigrant, had returned to India through the Malda border on December 6 with her eight-year-old son following the Supreme Court's intervention. Sweety and her two sons, Qurban Sheikh (17) and Imam Dewan (6), were detained by police in Delhi from the same neighbourhood as Sunali on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals and subsequently pushed across the border on June 27. Ghose said Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Delhi and Gurgaon are being hreatened. In Vasant Kunj's Jai Hind Bengali colony, Bangla-speaking migrants are daily threatened. Bangla-speaking migrant workers in Delhi and Gurgaon have found it particularly difficult, since local police brand them as Bangladeshi, when they are bonafied citizens of this country with all identity papers, she said. She also mentioned the Goa nightclub fire, in which 25 people were killed. When a terrible fire at a Goa nightclub killed 25 people over the weekend, many of those who died were migrant labour. When in 2020 Covid lockdown was clamped with a four hour notice it was again migrant labour who suffered the most, she said.
Bangladeshi Man Said His Group Will Rule West Bengal? No, Video Is AI-Generated!
The video had Sora AI's logo revealing that the clip was created using AI and was not real.
'You Have Kitchen Tools': Mamata Banerjee Appeals Women In Bengal To Fight Against SIR
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee appealed to women to lead the fight in the state against the voter list revision, alleging that the Centre was attempting to snatch their rights.
You Have Kitchen Tools: Mamata Banerjee Asks Women To Fight Back Over SIR
In fiery remarks targeting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in poll-bound West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked women of the state to be prepared with kitchen tools if their names are deleted
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on vendors selling non-veg food at a Gita recital event, stating such intimidation won't be tolerated in the state. She criticized the BJP for attempting to import communal division and questioned the need for public religious events for political mobilization.
Mamata calls Shah dangerous, warns of dharna if any eligible voter is deleted from list during SIR
Krishnanagar (WB), Dec 11 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday called Union Home Minister Amit Shah dangerous, and warned that she would sit on a dharna if even a single eligible voters name was struck off from the list during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Launching a blistering attack on Shah, the chief minister said at a rally in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, The countrys home minister is dangerous. You can see it in his eyes its terrifying. In one eye, you see Duryodhan, and in the other, Dushasan. Alleging that the
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday condemned the assault on two food vendors at a recent Gita recital in Kolkata, asserting that such acts of intimidation would not be tolerated in the state. Addressing a public meeting in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, the chief minister said, All of them (accused) have been arrested. This is West Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh. They beat up patty sellers. We arrested everyone last night. She accused the BJP of trying to import a culture of communal division into the state. Training her guns on the saffron party, Banerjee said, I do not believe in communal divisions. I want to walk with all religions. What is the need to hold a public meeting just to read the Gita? Those who pray to God or seek blessings from Allah do so in their hearts. Taking a dig at hose invoking religious texts for political mobilisation, she added, I want to ask those who keep chanting 'Gita, Gita', what did Sri Krishna say about dharma? Dharma means to uphold, not to divide. They want to destroy West Bengal. They want to capture the state and stop people from speaking in Bengali. We all read and recite the Gita. What is the need to hold a meeting for that? Kolkata Police arrested three men on Wednesday night for allegedly assaulting two food vendors at the 'Paanch Lokkho Konthe Gita Paath' (Gita recitation in five lakh voices) at Brigade Parade Ground here on December 7. The arrests were made on the basis of two complaints lodged at Maidan police station, a senior officer said. The complainants, hailing from Topsia in Kolkata and Arambagh in Hooghly district, had gone to the venue to sell chicken patties when they were allegedly attacked. The accused reportedly threw away their stock and forced them to perform sit-ups while holding their ears. A video of the incident went viral on social media. Police said the arrests were made after verification of footage and other evidence.
ISIS-linked module under probe; ED raids at 40 places across multiple states
NEW DELHI : In a major crackdown on a suspected ISIS-linked terror module, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at around 40 places across Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and other regions, targeting accused individuals, their close associates, family members and entities suspected of facilitating illicit financial transactions. The raids were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED teams were provided security by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra for the raid undertaken in the state while central security forces assisted them in other areas, the officials said. The federal agency filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) taking cognisance of a NIA chargesheet that alleged that certain individuals were part of a highly radicalised ISIS-linked module and engaged in recruitment, training, procurement of weapons and explosives and raising funds to sustain their operations. The ED, according to officials, also took into account intelligence inputs from the Mumbai ATS about an illegal Khair (Kaith) wood smuggling racket that used the proceeds of crime (illicit funds defined under the PMLA) for extremist activities. The accused were allegedly involved in recruitment, indoctrination, training, procurement of weapons and explosives and raising funds to for operations.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has condemned an assault on two food vendors during a Gita recital in Kolkata. She stated that such acts of intimidation will not be tolerated in the state. Banerjee asserted that all accused have been arrested. She accused the BJP of attempting to import communal division into West Bengal.
Mamata calls Shah 'dangerous', warns of dharna if any eligible voter is deleted from list during SIR
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has labelled Union Home Minister Amit Shah as dangerous. She warned of a protest if any eligible voter's name is removed from the electoral rolls during the ongoing revision process.
Mamata announces Rs 8,487-crore project to build 20,000 km of roads
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will on Thursday inaugurate one of the states largest road projects, launching work for the construction of over 20,000 km of new roads across the state under the Pathashree and Rastashree schemes, months ahead of the assembly polls, an official said. The rollout of the project will be 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 Ebb And Flow of Muslim Politics In West Bengal: The Humayun Kabir Gambit
Berhampore, in West Bengal, serves as the administrative headquarters of the Murshidabad district. Nestled on the east bank of the Bhagirathi River (the local name for the Ganges as it flows into and divides Murshidabad), it was founded and fortified
Mamata Banerjee to launch Rs 8,487-crore project for constructing 20,000 km of roads
Over 20,000 km of roads will be constructed across rural and urban West Bengal, with 15,011 km of rural roads to be built in rural areas at a cost of Rs 6,987 crore, an official said.
SIR in Bengal: Hearings on claims, objections only at DM offices, directs ECI
Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, to conduct the hearings on the claims and objections in the second stage of the three-stage Special Intensive Revision (SIR) only at the offices of the District Magistrates who are also the District Electoral Officers concerned. 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 .
Coal Remains India's Energy Backbone, House Committee Report Reaffirms 1.5 Bn Tonne Target For 2030
Odisha is expected to produce 494 MT by 2030, followed by Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra by 2030
Lack of clarity clouds the future of disputed waqf properties in Kerala
MALAPPURAM: With the deadline to upload waqf property documents to the UMEED portal expiring last Saturday, uncertainty now hangs over the future of thousands of waqf property in Kerala -- particularly those mired in long-standing disputes. Waqf protection groups say most of the pending entries involve properties locked in legal or historical conflicts, some dating back decades and others to pre-Independence lease arrangements. Many mahals are unable to submit proof of ownership because original documents have been lost, destroyed, or deliberately altered over the years. In Malabar alone, thousands of acres of waqf land are under dispute -- in Thaliparamba, Mattannur, Koyilandi, Thrikkarippur, Thathoor and Kondotty. Many of these are listed with the Waqf Board, but we cannot upload them without documents. When we contacted officials, they had no clear answer on the next steps, said K P M Riyas of the Thaliparamba Waqf Protection Committee. He said some properties in Thaliparamba, leased centuries ago, have no surviving records due to internal tampering. Certain committee members destroyed documents to help their relatives obtain pattas. It is impossible to register such properties, he added. According to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, 42,777 of Keralas estimated 50,000 waqf properties have been registered so far. Mahals that missed the deadline are now preparing to approach the Waqf Tribunal, seeking additional time, citing technical glitches, gaps in paperwork, and unresolved disputes. However, both the Kerala Waqf Board and the local management committees admit they are uncertain about the penalties or legal consequences if no extension is granted. The amended Waqf Act mandates digital registration, raising concerns that properties left off the portal could face challenges to their waqf status or become vulnerable to claims by third parties. Mustafa Mundupara of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham said the figures rose sharply only in the final days. Until December 3, only around 17,000 properties had been registered. The sudden jump happened because many mahals rushed at the last minute. But the bulk of the remaining properties are tied up in disputes. We have no clarity from either the Tribunal or the ministry on what happens next, he said. He noted that while the ministry has allowed a three-month extension for properties facing technical issues, the relaxation does not apply to disputed land. The bigger fear is that mahals may lose their claim, allowing encroachers to gain legal rights. Without clear guidelines or immediate intervention, Kerala could face a crisis similar to Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, where disputed waqf properties are worth thousands of crores, he warned. Deadline expires Deadline to upload waqf property documents to UMEED portal expired last Saturday Most of the pending entries involve properties locked in legal or historical conflicts
Opposition bats for electoral reforms in House
NEW DELHI: Backing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhis call for electoral reform, several Opposition MPs on Wednesday pushed for cleaner and more transparent systems. Their key demands included machine-readable voter lists, a reversal of the 45-day CCTV data wipe-out rule, greater access to EVMs, and an overhaul of what they described as laws that let election commissioners act with impunity. On the second day of the Lok Sabha debate on Electoral Reforms, Congress MP K. C. Venugopal accused the government of influencing the Election Commission and said the poll body was behaving like an election agent of the ruling BJP, buckling under its pressure. Venugopal pointed to several recent Commission decisions that, according to him, showed clear partisanship. In a digital era, he asked, why were machine-readable electoral rolls still not being created? He also reminded the House that a Supreme Court bench led by now-retired Justice K. M. Joseph had directed that, until Parliament passed a law on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, the selection panel must include the PM, the CJI, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. But when the government finally brought a Bill, it proposed a committee in which the Prime Minister would chair, joined by a Union minister chosen by him and the Leader of the Opposition. Parliament passed that version. Venugopal questioned why the CJI was excluded and sought an explanation from the law minister. Holding up a copy of the ECs 2004 SIR orders, he noted that the earlier guidelines gave six months for the exercise. What was the urgency that the current SIR process needs to be completed within just two months? he asked. From the Trinamool Congress, Satabdi Roy attacked the government for turning the once-respectful word sir into a Gabbar Singh-like fearful figure that amounts to torture for the voters. She declared that, however much the BJP shouts SIR, SIR, SIR, the people of Bengal would stand with madam, referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Questioning the aim of the special revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and UTs, she said, These people know nothing about West Bengal You may have won Bihar, but you cannot win West Bengal. DMK leader T M Selvaganapathi said the government was trying to control independent institutions, claiming the current SIR exercise was illegal and unconstitutional without Parliaments approval. SP MP Dimple Yadav called for a return to ballot papers and accused the EC of following government directions.
'Why No Proposal For New Booths In High-Rises?' Poll Body Asks Bengal Unit
The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal is under fire after failure to submit a proposal for new polling booths in high-rise buildings ahead of the Assembly elections in the state scheduled for next year.
