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Calcutta HC to hear PILs on violence at Messi event; five spectators held
Petitioners have sought the courts intervention in transferring the probe from the West Bengal Police to Central investigating agencies
Nagesh Trophy National T20: Uttarakhand Stun Holders Andhra; Gujarat, Goa Win On Day 1
Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju MSK Prasad: Uttarakhand outplayed defending champions Andhra Pradesh by 47 runs, while Gujarat and Goa won in the Nagesh Trophy Mens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 (8th Edition Phase II), currently being held in different venues across the country. Besides, Cricket Association of Blind (CAB) Delhi, Jharkhand, Goa, and CAB Vidarbha also registered wins on the opening day of matches held in three venues -- Vijayawada, New Delhi, and Gandhinagar. The next phase of the Nagesh Trophy was inaugurated on Monday at the Dr. Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju MSK Prasad Cricket Ground in the presence of dignitaries, including Supreme and High Court judges and key officials. In a landmark announcement, the Blind Premier League was declared to be hosted in 2026, with Andhra Pradesh proposing to take up the hosting rights. In a bold step to strengthen grassroots development, 26 blind cricket teams will be immediately established across all 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh. CABI Chairman, Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, also pledged that Andhra Pradesh will host one international bilateral tournament per year. Adding to the celebrations, World Cup champions captain Deepika and 16-year-old Andhra Pradesh prodigy Karuna were felicitated with cash awards of 1 lakh each by Shri Sarat Babu Chenna, practising advocate, recognising their outstanding contributions to blind cricket, including their triumph in the SBI Womens T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind. Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority Chairman, Ravi Naidu, highlighted various schemes and policies being introduced for blind and differently-abled players. He emphasised that Andhra Pradesh will lead in job opportunities, cash awards, and sports initiatives for these athletes and reiterated the states willingness to host the Blind Premier League in 2026. The excitement continued on the field as CAB Uttarakhand pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the defending champions CAB Andhra Pradesh by 47 runsa result reminiscent of Indias historic 1983 World Cup victory over the West Indies, a classic underdog triumph. Uttarakhand start with an upset Batting first, CAB Uttarakhand posted a formidable 146/4 in 16 overs, anchored by skipper Deepak Singh Rawats commanding 82 off 58 balls. CAB Andhra Pradesh were restricted to 99/6 in 16 overs in reply. Rawats all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, as Uttarakhand strengthened their position in the league stage. Gujarat cruise to victory In the second match of the day at the Dr. Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju Cricket Ground, CAB Gujarat delivered a commanding performance to register a 10-wicket victory over CAB Tamil Nadu. Batting first, CAB Tamil Nadu were restricted to 83/8 in 16 overs, as Dinesh Rathva (B3) wreaked havoc with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 wickets for 10 runs. In reply, CAB Gujarat made light work of the modest target, storming to 84 without loss in just 5.4 overs, powered by Rathvas blistering 52 off 23 balls, alongside Kalpesh Nimbadkars unbeaten 24. For his decisive all-round performance, Dinesh Rathva (B3) was rightly named Player of the Match, as CAB Gujarat stamped their authority in the league stage. CAB Delhi, Jharkhand win in Delhi In the Phase II matches played in the men's section, CAB Delhi delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat CAB West Bengal by 9 wickets at the Talkatora Cricket Ground in New Delhi. After opting to bat, CAB West Bengal were bowled out for 107 in 17 overs, with Rambir Singh leading a clinical bowling effort (4 wickets). In reply, CAB Delhi chased down the target in just 10.1 overs, powered by a fluent, unbeaten 58 off 37 balls by Rambir Singh, who was named Player of the Match. The emphatic win underlined CAB Delhis strong intent as the league phase gathered momentum. In the second match of the day at the Talkatora Cricket Ground, CAB Jharkhand produced a clinical run chase to register a commanding 9-wicket victory over CAB Telangana. Batting first, CAB Telangana posted 147/6 in 20 overs, led by skipper Ghazanfarullah Khan (42). CAB Jharkhand responded with authority, cruising to 149/1 in just 15.2 overs, powered by an unbeaten 67 off 48 balls by Rohit Oraon and a fluent 53 off 49 balls by Sanjeev Kerketta. Rohit Oraon was named Player of the Match. The emphatic win further strengthened CAB Jharkhands momentum as the league stage intensified. CAB Goa beat Manipur CAB Goa produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat CAB Manipur by 58 runs in the IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy Mens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 (8th Edition League Matches) at Kameshwar International School, Gandhinagar. Opting to bat first, CAB Goa posted a competitive 169/5 in 16 overs, led by a fluent 55 off 40 balls from Nilesh and an aggressive 50 off 34 balls from Jignesh Panjya (B3). Goa maintained a strong scoring rate throughout the innings, aided by valuable extras, to put Manipur under early pressure. In reply, CAB Manipur were bowled out for 111 in 12.2 overs, despite a spirited 76 off 45 balls from Pradeep Singh (B2). CAB Goas disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured regular breakthroughs, preventing any sustained partnership. For his impactful contribution with both bat and ball, Nilesh (CAB Goa) was deservedly named Player of the Match, as CAB Goa registered a convincing victory in the league stage. CAB Vidarbha crush Railways In Match 2 at Gandhinagar, CAB Vidarbha delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat CAB Railways by 77 runs. Batting first, Vidarbha posted a formidable 156/3 in 16 overs, anchored by Gaurav Zades brilliant 52 off 52 balls, with vital contributions from Akshay Chaudhary (21) and Nitesh Bhojne (10). Extras added a significant 74 runs through wides and byes, bolstering the total. In Match 2 at Gandhinagar, CAB Vidarbha delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat CAB Railways by 77 runs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gaurav Zade was named Player of the Match for his match-winning batting effort, as CAB Vidarbha strengthened their position in the league stage. Article Source: IANS
Election Commissioner to release West Bengal voter list on Dec 16
Kolkata: The Election Commission is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on Tuesday following the completion of the statewide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The election authorities are racing to complete last-minute preparations, with officials saying on Monday that the exercise is on track to meet 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 .
Nitin Nabin takes charge as BJP working president
His immediate challenges will be to face the Assembly elections due in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
KOLKATA: The West Bengal government's bid to make the Chief Minister the chancellor of state universities suffered a setback om Monday when President Droupadi Murmu rejected the West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022. With the Presidents disapproval of the Bill, there will be no change in the post of chancellors in government-aided and sponsored universities in the state. As per the existing system, the Bengal Governor holds the chancellor portfolio in government universities across the state. Governor C V Ananda Bose will remain in the post of chancellor of the universities as usual, according to Lok Bhavan sources. In 2024, Bose had sent the Bill, which was passed in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, to the President for her consideration. The West Bengal cabinet in 2022 had approved a proposal to appoint the CM Mamata Banerjee as the chancellor. The state government had claimed that academic and administrative activities in these universities would gain momentum if the chief minister is made chancellor. Former Governor Jagdeep Dhankar during whose regime the move was initiated had alleged that the state government was appointing VCs in various universities without consulting him. He had alleged that vice-chancellors of 24 universities have been appointed illegally without the chancellor's approval. The Opposition BJP and CPI-M had also come down heavily on the Trinamool Congress government for its bid to make the CM the chancellor. The opposition camp had also alleged that the Mamata government wanted to establish its political influence in higher academic institutes in the state through the Bill.
Draft electoral rolls to be published in West Bengal after large-scale SIR exercise
KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on Tuesday, following the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters lists that began on November 4. Voters will be able to verify their names in the draft rolls either online or offline, according to the Commission. Sources in the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (WBCEO) office said the draft rolls were prepared through a four-step process distribution, submission, digitalisation and data analysis of enumeration forms (EFs). All data related to the EFs have been uploaded on the Booth Level Officer (BLO) app over the past four days. During the SIR exercise so far, 7,08,16,631 voters have been included in the draft rolls, sources said. As of January 2025, the electoral roll had 7,66,37,529 voters. During the revision process, 58,20,898 voters including those who were dead, duplicate, permanently shifted or absent have been deleted, the sources said, requesting anonymity. To check their details online, voters can visit the Commissions website, eci.gov.in, or the official website of the WBCEO, ceowestbengal.gov.in. They can search using the electors name and photo identity card (EPIC) number, after which the voters details will be displayed. If the websites are not available or accessible, voters can approach the BLOs appointed by the national poll body. A copy of the draft electoral rolls for each polling booth will be available with the BLOs. Voters may also seek assistance from Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of political parties. A separate list of names deleted from the rolls will also be published. What should voters do if their names are not included in the draft electoral rolls? Those who have not been able to match their names with those of their kin in the 2002 Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal will be asked to attend a hearing called by the Commission. Electors seeking inclusion of their names will have to explain to the officials conducting the hearing why their names could not be linked and submit proof of Indian citizenship and voting eligibility. Documents required when a voter attends the hearing for inclusion of his or her name in the electoral rolls include: Identity card as a state or central government employee or pension holder Birth certificate Passport Madhyamik or any other educational qualification certificate Residential certificate issued by any organisation under the state government Forest rights certificate Caste certificate Family register issued by the local administration Land allotment or house allotment certificate issued by the government Any document issued before 1987 by a post office, bank, Life Insurance Corporation or any local authority
Messi event chaos: West Bengal Governor flags management lapses, to submit report to Centre
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose called the recent chaos during Lionel Messi's event a management failure. He stated the incident hurt football lovers and undermined common man dignity. The Governor will submit a pro-people report to the Centre and give suggestions to the state government. He also directed a judicial inquiry and refund of ticket prices.
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has released the admit card for the Clerkship Examination (Part II), 2023. Candidates can download their e-Admit Cards from psc.wb.gov.in for the Mains examination scheduled for Sunday, December 28, 2025. Strict reporting and entry times are in place, and candidates must carry valid photo ID.
PILs in Calcutta HC seek CBI, ED probe into Salt Lake Stadium vandalism after Messi event chaos
KOLKATA: Three separate public interest litigations (PILs) were filed in the Calcutta High Court on Monday challenging the West Bengal governments decision to constitute an inquiry committee headed by retired High Court judge Justice Asim Kumar Roy to probe the vandalism at Salt Lake Stadium following the chaos during football legend Lionel Messis showcasing event on Saturday. The petitioners have urged the court to hand over the investigation to central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), citing the scale of the incident and alleged lapses in crowd management and security. The pleas seek transfer of the ongoing state-level inquiry to central agencies for an independent probe into the factors that triggered the violence. The PILs have been filed separately by Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari, and advocates Sabyasachi Chatterjee and Mainak Ghoshal. The petitions are likely to be heard together later this week. Adhikaris counsel, Bilwadal Bhattacharya, sought permission from the court to file the PIL, arguing that a central probe was necessary to unearth the factors that had triggered vandalism in the stadium. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee , who was scheduled to felicitate Lionel Messi along with his teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez at the event, had announced the formation of the inquiry committee under Justice Roy within hours of the violence breaking out at the stadium. Escalating his attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress ahead of the Assembly elections due next year, Adhikari on Sunday said his party did not accept the state governments move to appoint an inquiry committee headed by Justice Roy to probe the incident. 'We travelled all the way...': Heartbreak for fans as organisers mess up Messi event in Kolkata Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Sunday visited the vandalised Salt Lake Stadium complex, a day after he was allegedly denied entry on Saturday afternoon. His visit coincided with the inquiry committees inspection of the site. I came here again to visit the condition of the stadium. Lionel Messi is an international icon to all and vandalism happened during his presence. Its the failure of the government and police that led the mess. I will verify their role thoroughly, the Governor said on Sunday. I have also met the inquiry committee members at the spot and they are probing it. Saturdays incident is a shame for all in Kolkata. There might be several more reasons behind the chaos and these are not being properly cleared so far from outside. I will speak to the aggrieved fans and then submit my report, Bose said. Kolkata Messi event: Chief organiser arrested as Mamata orders high-level probe into alleged mismanagement
Messi event chaos: Bengal police summon six event managers for quizzing, arrest five for vandalism
KOLKATA: The West Bengal Police on Monday sent summons to officials of six organisations, which were in charge of managing various aspects of the Lionel Messi event at the Salt Lake stadium , where spectators resorted to large-scale chaos and vandalism two days ago, alleging gross mismanagement, an officer said. Acting on an FIR on the spectator rampage that led to an estimated loss of over Rs 2 crore of stadium properties, police have also arrested five people so far on charges of vandalism and assault on police personnel. Among the notices which were served to the event organisers included those to Laltu Das, manager of Satadru Datta -- the now arrested prime organiser of the event, police said. Summonses were also dispatched by the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate to Manali Bhattacharya, an event manager, Supriya Dasgupta, Sambaran Karmakar, Aditya Das and Amit Kumar, a senior official of a food delivery aggregator. All six officials, police said, were involved in managing the marquee event at the stadium in their respective capacities. They have been asked to be present for questioning at the commissionerate office on Tuesday, the police officer added. Messi event chaos: State inquiry panel, Bengal Governor inspect Salt Lake stadium Sources said that Das, who represented organiser Satadru Datta at a meeting with senior police officials, where the standard operating procedures were discussed threadbare a day prior to the December 13 programme, will be questioned for allegedly violating the dos and don'ts while organising the event. The police are also trying to pinpoint accountability for allowing unauthorised food and beverage sales inside the stadium, the containers of which were later used as missiles by the irate crowd during the rampage. Meanwhile, the Bidhannagar Police arrested five spectators on charges of vandalism and destruction of public property during the stadium violence. The police said the suspects were identified based on video footage evidence and booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita pertaining to destruction of public property, obstructing public servants from discharging duty and assaulting personnel in uniform. The process of identifying and booking other suspects in the stadium vandalism and violence is currently underway, the officer said. Satadru Datta , the prime organiser of the marquee event, was arrested on Saturday, shortly after the stadium fiasco. The latest bookings take the arrest figure to six. Messi's India visit: Kolkata event flops, Hyderabad makes up
Fearing SIR, another person dies by suicide in Bengal
Kolkata: Another person has died by suicide due to alleged fear of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of the voter list being carried out by the Election Commission, in West Bengals Nadia district, said the police on Monday. An elderly man in the Ranaghat area of the district has taken his own life. The Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Messi event chaos: West Bengal police summon 6 event managers for quizzing, arrest 5 for vandalism
West Bengal Police summoned officials from six organizations involved in managing the chaotic Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake stadium. Alleging gross mismanagement after widespread vandalism and an estimated Rs 2 crore loss, police have arrested five spectators and the prime organizer. Investigations are ongoing to pinpoint accountability for the stadium's damage and unauthorized sales.
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) will soon release the Clerkship Examination (Part II), 2025 admit card for the exam scheduled on December 28, 2025. Candidates can download their e-Admit Cards from the official website, psc.wb.gov.in, and must reach the venue by 10:30 AM. No duplicate admit cards will be issued.
Bengal SIR: Re-verification results into additional eight lakh excludable voters
Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI)s decision for re-verification of data provided in the duly-filled enumeration forms collected by the booth-level officers (BLOs) during the first stage of the three-level ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal has led to the detection of around eight lakh additional excludable voters within just seven days 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 .
EC appoints five nodal officers for EVM first-level checking ahead of 2026 Bengal assembly polls
KOLKATA: T he Election Commission said it has appointed five nodal officers for first-level checking (FLC) of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) ahead of next year's West Bengal assembly polls. All the officers hailed from other states, the poll panel said in a statement. The EC has introduced rules by which the image of each candidate would be displayed on the EVM. The five nodal officers were appointed as observers at different FLC venues for assembly polls, said the statement issued on Sunday. The five officers are Shania Kayem Mize (deputy CEO, Arunachal Pradesh), Yogesh Gosavi (deputy CEO, Maharashtra), P K Boro (additional CEO, Meghalaya), Ethel Rothangpuii (joint CEO, Mizoram) and Kanishka Kumar (under secretary of ECI). In the 2021 elections, West Bengal had over 80,000 booths. An EC official said that following the enumeration, the number of booths is likely to go up by over 10,000.
CJI advises lawyers to avail hybrid mode of appearance in view of prevailing weather conditions
NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has advised members of the Bar and parties-in-person to avail the hybrid mode of appearance through video-conferencing in matters listed before the Supreme Court in view of the prevailing weather conditions. A circular issued on Sunday by the apex court administration said, In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the Chief Justice of India has advised, if convenient, the members of the Bar/parties-in-person to avail hybrid mode of appearance through videoconferencing facility in their matters listed before the courts. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi climbed to 461 on Sunday, marking the city's most polluted day this winter and the second-worst December air quality day on record, as weak winds and low temperatures trapped pollutants close to the surface. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 'severe'. Health experts have warned of serious public health risks due to prolonged exposure to hazardous air. On November 26, the CJI, while considering the possibility of shifting apex court hearings to the virtual-only mode due to the severe air pollution, said he felt unwell when he went for an hour-long walk a day before. The observations were made by the CJI at the outset of the hearing on pleas challenging the Election Commission's decision to conduct Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and other states. Presently, the top court functions through a hybrid mode where proceedings are conducted through both physical and virtual modes. On November 13, apex court judge Justice P S Narasimha advised lawyers to appear virtually instead of attending court in person, citing the hazardous air quality in Delhi-NCR. Delhi chokes under dense smog as AQI remains 'severe' even with GRAP-IV in force
Why are OBC lists in West Bengal being scrutinised? | Explained
Why have communities, mainly Muslim, been recommended to be excluded from West Bengals Central list of Other Backward Classes? What has the National Commission for Backward Classes said? Is there a clash between the current stance of the NCBC and the erstwhile NCBC of 2011?
West Bengal Governor calls for judicial probe into Messi event mess
KOLKATA: A day after chaos erupted during Argentine football icon Lionel Messis event at Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Sunday visited the venue for a first-hand inspection and called for a judicial inquiry. Members of an inquiry committee, set up by CM Mamata Banerjee, also visited the stadium during the same time. The panel is headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Ashim Kumar Ray. Governor Bose urged the government to frame standard operating procedures (SOPs) for managing such events in future. He said all those responsible for the chaos must be arrested and the organiser must immediately refund ticket prices to spectators. Satadru Datta, the chief organiser of the Messi event, was on Saturday for mismanagement. When private parties are allowed to commercialise sports and make money, the public should not be the sufferers, Bose said. He said he would submit a detailed report containing recommendations to the state government and Centre after interacting with some of the victims. My report is almost ready and will be sent to all authorities concerned, he said, declining to reveal the details. I have also met the inquiry committee members at the spot probing it. Saturdays incident is a shame for all in Kolkata. There might be several more reasons behind the chaos. I will speak to the aggrieved fans and then submit my report, Bose said. He was denied entry into the stadium on Saturday after chaos and crowd trouble. Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari demanded a court-monitored inquiry into the chaos at the Messi event. We do not accept this committee. Only a probe monitored by sitting judges can bring out the truth, he said. Holding TMC ministers and leaders responsible for what he described as mismanagement at the venue, Adhikari demanded the arrest of Sujit Bose, fire brigade minister, and Aroop Biswas, sports minister. Reacting to Adhikaris charges, TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty said, Sports minister Aroop Biswas was invited to the show. Why family members of BJP leaders were present at the programme?
Insider track: PMs engagement style
PMs engagement style Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent dinner for NDA MPs at his former official residence offered a few telling moments about his approach to engagement. One scene that set tongues wagging featured the Prime Minister walking alongside a Cabinet minister, his hand briefly resting on the ministers shoulder. Such gestures from Modi are rare, which is why they rarely go unnoticed. A cautious NDA MP said it hinted at a level of comfort or trust, adding that the ministers visible role in the recent Bihar Assembly elections may have registered. Throughout the evening, Modi worked the room, greeting MPs, asking after families, and exchanging pleasantries. Veterans recalled a similar shoulder-touch moment with Yogi Adityanath during an earlier campaign. With the BJP set to pick a new national president after finalising its Uttar Pradesh state chief, party insiders say the Prime Minister is quietly assessing leadership strengths through understated, personal methods. Rahuls cake walk wins smiles Amid the grind of the ongoing Parliament session, Rahul Gandhi added a warm, personal touch during the birthday celebration of his mother and CPP leader Sonia Gandhi. Rushing to his office in the Old Parliament House for the cake-cutting, Gandhi suddenly made a U-turn and headed towards Makar Dwar instead. Much to the surprise of those watching, he walked straight up to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, took him by the hand, and escorted him along with Dimple Yadav and other SP MPs to the celebration. Asked later about the cake, Akhilesh smiled and said it was tasty. Moments later, Gandhi was seen taking DMK MP Kanimozhi along for a slice. The gesture did not go unnoticed. Quiet pitch for Chinese tech hands Big players in the solar energy sector are knocking on the governments doors, seeking visa clearances for Chinese technical experts. With approvals moving at a crawl, executives say project timelines are beginning to fray. Industry insiders point out that many specialised engineering skills needed for large-scale solar installations remain concentrated among Chinese professionals, leaving firms with few short-term alternatives. As delays start to translate into higher costs, companies have stepped up their engagement, though carefully and out of the public eye. Sources say representations are being made through established channels, with a sense of urgency but little noise. For now, the file remains open, and the industry is watching closely to see which way the Centre leans. Bengal needs a different playbook Another round of digital brainstorming for West Bengal recently brought BJP IT Cell members to Bengaluru. Though the meeting stayed off the radar, it drew social media managers from across the country. The consensus was clear: what worked in Bihar may not work in Bengal. While issues like Vande Mataram are being pushed politically to counter Mamata Banerjee and the Congress, the social media team is searching for something extra. A Bengal-based manager admitted that the Special Intensive Revision has failed to gain traction. With presentations due before the Prime Minister and Amit Shah by the month-end, pressure is mounting. A strategist close to the PMO quipped that Bengalis, who eat a lot of fish, have sharper minds and are not easily persuaded, while language barriers pose a challenge for BJP leaders from the Hindi-speaking belt. Fever or not, Shah takes the floor A bout of fever failed to keep Amit Shah away from the thick of parliamentary battle during the Lok Sabha discussion on electoral reforms. Despite being unwell, the senior BJP leader chose to take on the Opposition head-on, delivering a forceful response on the SIR issue. NDA MPs later remarked, half-jokingly, that his intervention shifted the mood of the House and preceded the Opposition walkout. Point by point, Shah countered allegations of vote manipulation. Sources said he had been advised to rest but remained determined to speak, with his temperature reportedly rising to 102 degrees. MIB overdrive on govt outreach The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting appears to be firmly in overdrive when it comes to the governments publicity and outreach efforts. Officials say communication plans and event schedules circulated by the MIB are sometimes acted upon even before other ministries are fully looped in. Officers from the ministry are said to be seeking quick inputs and clearances from communication wings elsewhere, often within timelines of 24 hours or less. One information officer summed it up with a wry smile, invoking the phrase Muddai sust, gawaah chust. The suggestion: while principal departments may move at a measured pace, the publicity machinery is already several steps ahead.
Survey finds LGBTQIA+ youth face highest discrimination at home and school
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
EC appoints 5 nodal officers for EVM first level checking ahead of Bengal assembly polls
The Election Commission has appointed five nodal officers for the First Level Checking of electronic voting machines. These officers are from different states. This preparation is for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections.
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
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 tour organiser denied bail, remanded to 14 days police custody over Kolkata stadium vandalism
KOLKATA: Sports promoter and organiser Shatadru Dutta, who had prominently claimed that bringing G.O.A.T Lionel Messi to India was his initiative, was denied bail and remanded to 14 days of police custody on Sunday. Shatadru was arrested by West Bengal Police on Saturday afternoon while he was attempting to board the chartered flight carrying the Argentine football star to Hyderabad. An FIR was filed against him on Saturday at the Bidhannagar South Police Station following suo motu cases initiated by the Bidhannagar police, under whose jurisdiction the stadium falls. Police framed charges including provocation with intent to cause a riot, mischief leading to wilful damage of property at the stadium complex, and serious offences involving injuries, disruption of water supply, and use of fire or explosives. On Sunday, police produced the accused before the Bidhannagar sub-divisional court, seeking police custody. Heavy security arrangements were made to prevent any untoward incident. Tension mounted outside the court as people shouted slogans of chor, chor and threw sandals at Shatadru when he was taken out of the prison van and escorted into the court complex. Shatadrus lawyer told the court that his client was not responsible for the chaos inside Salt Lake Stadium during Messis G.O.A.T India Tour event and sought bail. Rejecting the bail plea, the court remanded him to police custody. The state government pleader opposed bail and sought custody to enable a proper inquiry, including probing whether others were involved in Saturdays vandalism at the stadium. Shatadrus arrest came hours after the West Bengal Chief Minister announced on social media that an inquiry committee, chaired by Justice Asim Kumar Roy, a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court, had been formed to investigate the incident at Salt Lake Stadium, which left thousands of fans furious over alleged mismanagement by the organiser and the administration.
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
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 governor denied entry to Salt lake stadium amid Messi chaos
Kolkata: West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose was denied entry into the Salt Lake Stadium, after chaos and crowd trouble at the venue marred an event featuring football legend Lionel Messi. Bose described the denial of entry on Saturday evening as an affront to the constitutional position of the governor, and sought a reply 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 .
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.
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
WB Sports Minister reacts to chaos during Messi's visit - 'I will not ...'
West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas announced an investigation into the chaotic events at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour. Fans reacted with disappointment and unrest after Messi's early departure, leading to property damage and police intervention. The All India Football Federation clarified its non-involvement in the privately organized event.
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 .
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.
Messi event chaos: The BJP attacked West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over chaos at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's appearance, alleging mismanagement and VIP culture. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari demanded Banerjee's resignation, arrests, and refunds for disappointed fans. The state government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
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.
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.
Mandir-Masjid: How competitive faith politics recasting Bengal's 2026 poll battle
As West Bengal gears up for its elections, a notable uptick in religious symbolism is evident. Political rallies are increasingly hosted at temples and mosques, diverting attention from critical issues like job creation and migration challenges. This shift is amplifying communal differences, with leaders strategically using religious identity to cement their voter appeal.
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 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 []
Blueprints for a revival | Indigo is finding modern champions
From reintroducing theIndigoferaplant to West Bengal, to experiments with dyeing stone, and even a perfume in the offing, Indias blue gold is strong finding champions
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
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.
70-foot iron statue of Messi unveiled, West Bengal Minister touts it as world's largest
The statue will be inaugurated on December 13 when Messi arrives in Kolkata for his GOAT Tour
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 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.
CM Mamata files her voter forms on last day after protest; slams misleading media reports
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee finally filled up her own enumeration forms (EFs) and handed them over to the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO) at her Harish Chatterjee Street residence on Thursday afternoon, hours after she addressed a rally organised by the Trinamool Congress in Nadia district and claimed that she had not filled out her EF. Do I now need to prove my citizenship to a party of rioters? she said while addressing the crowd at the Nadia rally. Thursday was the last day for submission of EFs to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Confirmed sources in the ECI said, The EFs, which she had accepted from the concerned BLO more than a month ago, were lying at her Kalighat residence since then. She handed over the filled-up form, duly signed by her, to the BLO this afternoon. To intensify her attack on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, the Chief Minister had repeatedly said she would not fill up her own EF as a mark of protest against the Commission and the exercise. On November 4, she said she had not personally received any EF form for the SIR from any official. The Trinamool Congress supremo had dismissed media reports claiming she accepted the forms in person at her residence on Wednesday as completely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt at spreading misinformation. She issued the rejoinder after a section of the media, including Trinamools mouthpiece Jago Bangla , reported that she personally received her EFs from the local BLO. A BLO had come to our area yesterday in discharge of his electoral duties. He came to the office at my residence, enquired about the number of voters in the premises and handed over forms, she had said. A section of the media has reported that I came out of my residence and accepted the enumeration forms personally. This information is completely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt at spreading misinformation, she reiterated. She has been launching scathing attacks on the Commission and the BJP-led Centre, alleging that the SIR exercise is being implemented in a partisan manner by the ECI in the state. She has frequently claimed on social media and in party meetings that she has not and will not fill up any form until all citizens in the state have completed filling theirs.
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 .
