SC fixes Oct 16 pleas of West Bengal deleted voters for early disposal of appeals
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on October 16 regarding deleted voters in West Bengal. These voters are seeking to participate in the upcoming civic polls. The court is aware of the challenges faced by the SIR tribunals and aims to resolve them effectively. Lawyers representing petitioners emphasized the need for a swift resolution of pending appeals.
West Bengal bypoll: BJP's Hasi Rani Rath leads in Nandigram AC; Congress, CPI follows
Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Hasi Rani Rath is leading by a margin of 1,02,712 votes in the Nandigram Assembly constituency, as per official ECI trends. Congress' Milind Pradhan and Communist Party of India's (CPI) Santi Gopal Giri are trailing with 21,905 and 3,951, respectively. Earlier, BJP party workers celebrated as Hasi Rani Rath secured a lead in the electoral race. Speaking to ANI, Rath said, I am grateful to our organisation, our leadership, and our BJP workers who didn't rest day or night and worked for the party. My party is grateful. They fought this battle for Suvendu Adhikari. Victory to the people of Nandigram, and victory to Suvendu Adhikari. In Rejijinagar Assembly constituency, BJP candidate Shakaharavh Sarkar is leading with 48,101 votes, followed by Aam Aadmi Unnayan Party candidate Golam Nabi Azad with 13,600 votes, and Mamata All India Trinamool Congress candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhary with 2,516 votes. Congress' Abdullahil Kafi has garnered 2,407 votes, follo...
ED Conducts Raids in Odisha and West Bengal Over SI Recruitment Paper Leak
The Enforcement Directorate is probing a paper leak in Odishas SI recruitment exams, conducting raids across multiple locations in Odisha and West Bengal. ED Conducts Raids in Odisha and West Bengal Over SI Recruitment Paper Leak
One arrested over attack on former CPI(M) MP's residence, counter complaints filed
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 9 (IANS) West Bengal Police on Friday arrested a 29-year-old person in connection with the attack at the residence of senior advocate and former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya at Purbalok near Jadavpur in South Kolkata early Thursday morning, officials said. The person arrested has been identified as Bappa Guchait. He has been taken into custody from his residence in Garia, on the southern outskirts of Kolkata. He has been slapped with various charges including wilful destruction of property, disturbing peace in an area, insulting and intimidating others, destruction of evidence of crime, and forgery. The police will produce the arrested person in court on Friday, and the public prosecutor will seek police custody. The police informed the Calcutta High Court on Friday that one person has been arrested in connection with the attack on Bikash's house, said a state police officer. On Thursday, Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge expressed concern over the series of attacks on advocates at different courts in the state and also directed the state government to submit a report on actions taken. The police learnt to have arrested Guchait based on the evidence collected from CCTV cameras installed near Bhattacharyas residence. He is being interrogated to ascertain whether other persons were also involved in the attack on the former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member. A photograph of the arrested person has surfaced on social media in which he is seen wearing a scarf around his neck with the Trinamool Congresss original electoral symbol printed on it. However, police have so far not released his photo to the media, nor have they authenticated the photo. It is believed he might have been associated with the Trinamool Congress at some point in time. However, it is not clear whether he changed his political affiliation after the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly polls. Meanwhile, a pro-Hindutva Group has filed two counter complaints at Topsia and Garfa Police Stations, both under the Kolkata Police, where the former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member had been accused of making derogatory remarks targeting a particular religion.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has launched a strong critique of the Election Commission of India. Allegations include voter list manipulation and mass deletions targeting specific communities. Protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation continue, representing various political outfits and citizens. Congress leaders have highlighted issues in West Bengal's electoral rolls and procedural deficiencies within the Election Commission.
Bypolls: TVK, AIDMK lead in TN; BJP ahead in Bengal, Assam
Discover the latest by-election results and emerging leads from key assembly and Lok Sabha seats across Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry, and Assam, as vote counting progresses after the October 6 polling.
West Bengal SIR: Supreme Court mulls having tribunals first hear deleted voters seeking re-inclusion
The Court suggested lakhs of voters seeking inclusion in the West Bengal electoral roll should be heard first, while appeals for exclusion are taken up last
West Bengal Speaker Delays Decision on Disqualification of 10 Rebel MLAs
The West Bengal Speaker has requested a new application regarding the disqualification of ten rebel MLAs due to procedural errors. West Bengal Speaker Delays Decision on Disqualification of 10 Rebel MLAs
BJP widens lead in Nandigram, Rejinagar as Bengal bypoll counting continues
BJP candidates are showing strong leads in Nandigram and Rejinagar seats during the ongoing by-elections. Hasarani Rath, linked to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, is ahead by over 9,500 votes. Milan Pradhan from Congress is trailing in second position. The by-elections function as an early electoral test for West Bengal's political dynamics following recent Assembly elections. Counting commenced at 8 am amid robust security measures at the counting centers.
Opposition alleges rigging as West Bengal bypoll counting begins
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West Bengal Minister Criticizes Opposition Protests as Political Drama
West Bengals Dilip Ghosh defends the governments actions, calling opposition protests political theatrics amid public support for PM Modi. West Bengal Minister Criticizes Opposition Protests as Political Drama
Bengal Speaker seeks fresh application in 10 Trinamool MLAs' disqualification case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 9 (IANS) The West Bengal Assembly Speaker, Rathindra Bose, has sought a fresh application to correct some procedural errors in the previous petition due to which the decision on the disqualification of the ten rebel Trinamool Congress legislators has been kept pending. The ten MLA group includes the leader of the rebel faction and expelled party legislator, Ritabrata Banerjee, who is currently the official Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly. The decision was made by the Speaker after he conducted a crucial hearing on the matter on Thursday, the information on which surfaced on Friday morning. However, sources aware of the development said the Speaker had made it clear that his seeking a fresh application in the matter has nothing to do with the main issue, which is the disqualification of the 10 rebel legislators. It is learnt that during the examination of the main application by veteran Trinamool Congress legislator, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, a leading face in the former Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee-led faction in Trinamool Congress, it was revealed that while the application was proper as per procedural norms, the documents attached to it were not examined and signed as per the procedural norms. As per the West Bengal Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Grounds of Defection) Rules, it is mandatory that the documents attached to the petition be signed on every page and examined in the same manner as the original application. The Speaker observed that procedures were not met as per norms. Each page of the attached documents should be duly examined and signed, which was not followed in this case. Hence, the Speaker sought a fresh application in the matter correcting the procedural errors, a source aware of the developments at Thursdays hearing said. However, he added, the most important part of the order was that the Speaker had not taken any decision on the merits of the allegations of defection against the 10 rebel legislators. This means that the Speaker had not expressed any opinion on whether the allegations of defection against these rebel MLAs are true or false. Sovandeb Chattopadhyay has been given the freedom to file a fresh application in accordance with the law and to fill all the necessary forms, the source added.
BJP Leads in Early Trends of Bengal By-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar
BJP candidates show strong leads in Nandigram and Rejinagar by-elections in West Bengal, with counting ongoing. BJP Leads in Early Trends of Bengal By-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar
West Bengal bypolls: BJP leads in Nandigram and Rejinagar
BJP was leading in the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls in early counting trends on Friday. Hasirani Rath was ahead in Nandigram, while Sakharav Sarkar led in Rejinagar as postal ballots were counted following polling on October 6
India, Mali commemorate World Cotton Day, discuss opportunities to boost value chains
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Leaders and experts, commemorating the World Cotton Day at the UN, discussed opportunities to strengthen cotton value chains, support smallholders and artisans, improve processing capacity and market access, encourage use of technology and advanced science in the sector and deepen international partnerships, according to an official statement on Friday. The Permanent Missions of India and Mali to the United Nations jointly organised the event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, said the Ministry of Textiles. The event brought together Members of Parliament from India, representatives of Member States and international organisations to discuss cottons contribution to livelihoods, value addition and the Sustainable Development Goals. Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, recalled Mahatma Gandhis association of cotton and the spinning wheel with self-reliance, dignity and Indias freedom struggle. Parvathaneni highlighted four priorities: supporting producers livelihoods; expanding value addition and access to markets; promoting sustainability; and strengthening technology and partnerships. He also emphasised the need for affordable inputs and finance, support for smaller enterprises, and South-South and triangular cooperation to help cotton-producing countries retain more value and advance the SDGs. Ambassador Issa Konfourou, Permanent Representative of Mali to the UN, highlighted cottons importance to Malis economy and rural livelihoods. He underscored the challenges posed by limited processing capacity, input costs, market access, and trade-distorting support. Outlining Malis efforts to expand domestic processing and create employment, he welcomed mutually beneficial partnerships, including South-South cooperation, and acknowledged India as a key partner. Asit Kumar Mal, Member of Parliament, drew on the experience of Kantha embroidery in Bolpur, West Bengal, to highlight how traditional craftsmanship adds value to cotton, supports womens livelihoods and promotes reuse and resource efficiency. He emphasised the importance of fair remuneration, affordable credit, design support, and market access for artisans. LK Sudhish, Member of Parliament, highlighted Tamil Nadus experience in cotton knitwear and garment manufacturing, including the contribution of smaller enterprises, shared infrastructure and skilled workers. He referred to the integrated textile park being developed under the PM MITRA initiative and wastewater recovery and reuse in textile processing, said the statement.
Kolkata Police Constable Final Answer Key 2026 Out - Download Final Key PDF
West Bengal Police Recruitment Board released the Kolkata Police Constable Final Answer Key 2026 on 8 October 2026 for the Preliminary Written Test held on 21 December 2025. Check how to download the PDF, whether objections are allowed, marking scheme, how to calculate marks and what comes next.
Nandigram, Tamil Nadu In Focus As Counting On In 6 High-Stake By-Poll Battles
Test of Vijay's star power to a changed political landscape in West Bengal with a resurgent BJP and a divided Trinamool, to the high-stakes Nagaon Lok Sabha contest in Assam
Delhi-NCR likely to witness light rain, strong winds; AQI remains moderate to poor
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) The plains of North India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, may experience light rain, overcast skies, and strong winds over the next few days as weather conditions change amid the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon. Cyclonic activity associated with the retreating monsoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall over the next three days, particularly across Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jharkhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rain alerts for 14 states, warning of heavy showers in several regions. The effects of the retreating monsoon are likely to be felt across West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand over the next three to four days. Meanwhile, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to receive heavy rainfall between October 9 and 11. Delhi, Punjab and Haryana are likely to witness cloudy skies and light rain till October 14. Western and eastern Uttar Pradesh may receive rainfall from October 9 to 11. Light rain is expected in eastern Rajasthan on October 12, while Delhi-NCR may experience light showers accompanied by strong winds on October 10 and 11. Western Rajasthan is also likely to witness strong winds on October 11. According to the IMD, Uttarakhand is likely to receive heavy rainfall till October 14, while Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh may experience heavy showers on Friday and Saturday and again on October 13 and 14. In Uttarakhand, districts including Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Rudraprayag have been placed under a heavy rain alert. The department has advised pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, particularly those visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath, to remain vigilant. In Himachal Pradesh, Chamba, Kullu, Manali and Shimla are likely to receive rainfall on October 13 and 14. Jammu and Kashmir may also witness significant weather changes, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds forecast in areas including Doda, Pulwama, Anantnag, Poonch, Udhampur and Srinagar. Bihar and Jharkhand are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in some areas till October 11. Patna, Ranchi and Dhanbad are among the places where thunderstorms and lightning are possible. The IMD has also warned of heavy rainfall in Bihar and the Gangetic plains of West Bengal. Rainfall is expected to continue in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura until October 14. Eastern Madhya Pradesh may receive rain till October 11, while Chhattisgarh is likely to witness showers on October 14. Rewa, Satna and Shahdol in eastern Madhya Pradesh may experience rainfall accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate to poor categories, with monitoring stations recording varying levels of pollution. Dwarka Sector 8 recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 231, followed by R.K. Puram at 219, Punjabi Bagh at 211, Narela at 210, and Pusa and NSUT Jaffarpur at 203 each. Other stations, including Burari, Badarpur, Mandir Marg, Aya Nagar, CRRI Mathura Road, Chandni Chowk, JNU, Burari Crossing, Ashok Vihar, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Jahangirpuri and Rohini, recorded AQI readings ranging from 115 to 198.
Bypoll Results for 5 Assembly, 1 Lok Sabha Seat to Be Announced Today
Bypolls were held in the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, in Chengalpattu district and Dharapuram (SC) in Tiruppur district in Tamil Nadu.
By-elections Today: Results for Five Assembly Seats and One Lok Sabha Seat in Assam to Be Announced
Vote counting for by-elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry, and Assam begins today, with significant implications for local parties. By-elections Today: Results for Five Assembly Seats and One Lok Sabha Seat in Assam to Be Announced
Election Results: Vote counting for six constituencies across Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry commenced on October 9. Key contests in Tamil Nadu involve the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK. West Bengal's results will provide insight into voter sentiment towards the BJP government led by Suvendu Adhikari. The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat's results will reveal the performance of BJP, Congress, and AIUDF.
Bengal bypoll counting begins in Nandigram, Rejinagar in first electoral test for BJP government
Vote counting began at 8 am for the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls in West Bengal. The BJP aims to assess its performance after winning significant seats in the recent elections. Both constituencies recorded a high voter turnout with polling described as largely peaceful despite opposition allegations. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari previously won Nandigram, while the Rejinagar seat became vacant after a party chief vacated.
Counting of votes for bypolls to five assembly seats in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, along with one Lok Sabha seat in Assam, will take place from 8 am today. In Tamil Nadu, counting for...
The counting of votes to declare the results for byelection to the Rejinagar assembly constituency in West Bengal will take place on Friday. The byelection was called in Rejinagar after Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP)...
The counting of votes to declare the results for byelection to the Nandigram assembly constituency in West Bengal will take place on Friday. The byelection in Nandigram, which was the epicentre of former Chief Minister...
Bypoll results to be declared today for five Assembly seats, one Assam LS constituency
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Counting of votes for by-elections to Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, along with a Lok Sabha constituency in Assam, will take place on Friday, with the results expected to provide an electoral indicator for the parties involved. In Tamil Nadu, counting will be held for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies, with the outcome set to provide an early electoral test for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government. Postal ballots will be counted first when the process begins at 8 a.m., followed by votes recorded in electronic voting machines (EVMs). Both constituencies, reserved for Scheduled Castes, went to the polls on October 6 following an intensive campaign involving prominent leaders from the ruling party and the Opposition. The contests carry considerable political significance for TVK, which came to power after winning 108 seats in the Assembly election, short of the 118 required for a majority. In West Bengal, counting will take place for the Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar in Murshidabad district. Voting in both constituencies was conducted under unprecedented security arrangements. The Nandigram contest has drawn particular attention after Sanchita Pradhan Dey, the candidate of the Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), withdrew her nomination at the last moment. Her withdrawal has led political observers to anticipate a possible victory for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Hasi Rani Rath. Dey is the mother of late Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who was assassinated in Madhyamgram on May 6. Earlier on Tuesday, Adhikari said that Rath's victory margin in the Nandigram bypoll could surpass the margin he secured from the same constituency in 2016. Meanwhile, counting will also be held for the Thattanchavady Assembly constituency in Puducherry and the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in Assam. The results across these constituencies will determine the electoral fortunes of the candidates and parties contesting the bypolls.
By-Election Results 2026 LIVE: Counting to Begin at 8 AM Across 5 Assembly Seats
The results for bypolls held across five Assembly constituencies - two each in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, and one in Puducherry alongside one Lok Sabha seat in Assam will be declared on Friday. The counting of votes will begin at
P Chidambaram highlights 91-93% appeal success rate against voter deletions in West Bengal
The News Mill
Bypoll results LIVE: Vote counting to start soon for five Assembly seats, one Lok Sabha constituency
The results from West Bengals Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls will likely indicate the political mood in the State after the BJP replaced the TMC after 15 years in power
No due process: Calcutta HC pauses Bengal mans deportation
Kolkata Gets Scattered Rain, Mahalaya May Be Sunny
Deleted West Bengal voters move SC against SIR
The applicants said uncertainty over their appeals against exclusion continues even as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Howrah Municipal Corporation elections near
Durga Puja Organisers Cover Pandals, Opt For Plywood & Make Shelters To Reduce Rain Pain
Calcutta High Court Demands Report on Attacks Against Lawyers in West Bengal
The Calcutta High Court has requested a report from the West Bengal government regarding recent attacks on lawyers across the state. Calcutta High Court Demands Report on Attacks Against Lawyers in West Bengal
Board may advance ICSE start time to 10am from 2027
Charging of 3rd rail starts beyond Beleghata, Orange Line rolls towards Mahalaya trial run
Many shades of Nana Patekar: Tollywood recalls the perfectionist, rebel and vulnerable soul
Behala police div to get new DCP office
Cops launch raids to nab Karaya parking extortionist
Actor heckled, dragged with app cab after fare dispute
CBI Arrests 4 in Multi-State Exam Racket
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested four people, including a CGST inspector, in connection with an alleged impersonation and cheating network operating across Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and West Bengal.
Woman with infant steals gold chain from auto passenger
KMC resumes food safety drive with an eye on puja
Collapse zone: 10 families get keys to new homes
Take cue from Matribhog, opt for a healthy diet, advise experts
Barowari pujas take extra-short Ashtami anjali window in stride
Mamata Banerjee likely to join CJP protests on October 10
Former West Bengal Chief Minister says she intends to approach the President on the issue of vote theft and Special Intensive Revision; she is also likely to join the march of India bloc MPs to the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday
I want to stay permanently in Kolkata, says Taslima
West Bengal BDO Challenges High Court Ruling in Supreme Court Amid Murder Charges
A suspended BDO from West Bengal has approached the Supreme Court after failing to surrender as ordered by the High Court in a murder case. West Bengal BDO Challenges High Court Ruling in Supreme Court Amid Murder Charges
Calcutta HC seeks report from Bengal govt on action against attacks on advocates in state
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 8 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Thursday sought a report from the West Bengal government on the action taken by the police administration over the attacks on advocates in different parts of the state during the last few months. Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge directed the state government to submit the report to the court by Friday. On Thursday, a section of the advocates of the Calcutta High Court, led by senior advocate and four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee sought the attention of the bench of the Chief Justice regarding the attack at the residence of senior advocate and former CPI-M Rajya Sabha member Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya at Purbalok near Jadavpur in South Kolkata early Thursday morning. Seeking the court's intervention in the matter, Kalyan Banerjee submitted in the court that the advocates who are against the current ruling dispensation and the Bharatiya Janata Party government were going through a critical phase because of constant threats of attacks on them. Chief Justice Ghuge said that the court had already asked the police to enhance and strengthen security arrangements within the high court premises. However, at the same time, he also requested the advocates to have faith in the court instead of going for cease-work. The state's additional advocate general, Rajdeep Majumdar, assured the court that the police administration would take action in such matters. He also recalled how Calcutta High Court's Justice Rajasekhar Mantha was harassed and slanderous postering was done on the wall of his residence in South Kolkata during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in the state. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee, too, had issued a social media statement expressing solidarity towards Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya regarding the attack on his residence early Thursday morning. After Baruipur Court, Bankshall Court, Chandannagar and Salboni, another brutal attack today. This time at the residence of Senior Advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya in Kolkata. Evidence on video confirms the brazenness such attackers have towards law enforcement in West Bengal. I strongly condemn such continuing attacks on the legal fraternity. It is true that in the past 15 years Bikash da and us have often been on different sides of the ideological and legal divide. However, the line of decency was never crossed, the former Chief Minister said in a social media statement.
Bengal CEO seeks EC clarity on Form 6 for voters tribunal appeals
Fin irregularities: ACB at co-op bank to probe former mins role
KMC announces property tax waiver scheme, 100% interest, 99% penalty to be exempt
SRFTI Students Continue Boycott, Demand FIR and Probe Into Campus Violence
Bengal: Absconding BDO moves SC, skips HC deadline to surrender
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 8 (IANS) Prashant Burman, the absconding Block Development Officer (BDO) from Raiganj in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal and an accused in the murder of a gold trader in the state, failed to comply with the deadline set by the Calcutta High Court to surrender within 48 hours of its October 6 order. Instead of surrendering, Burman approached the Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta High Court's order in the matter. On October 6, a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court headed by Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge and Justice Om Narayan Rai directed that steps be initiated for the attachment of Burman's properties unless he surrendered in connection with the murder of gold trader Swapan Kamilya. The Division Bench also directed the state government to stop payment of his salary with immediate effect. However, the matter has now taken a new turn, with Burman choosing to move the apex court instead of complying with the High Court's direction to surrender. In October last year, Prashant Burman, the suspended BDO of Rajganj in Jalpaiguri district, was named as an accused in the murder of gold trader Swapan Kamilya, a resident of West Midnapore. He did not surrender before the lower court despite a Supreme Court order directing him to do so in January. Burman was subsequently arrested in a separate case involving alleged violations of road-safety rules and was granted bail the following day. The state government had informed the High Court that Burman was untraceable. The court had earlier questioned the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over its failure to locate him. Last year, Burman, then serving as the BDO of Rajganj, was identified as the principal accused in the alleged kidnapping and murder of gold trader Swapan Kamilya in the Duttabad area of Salt Lake. He has remained absconding since then.
The Supreme Court has been moved by five voters whose names were deleted from the West Bengal electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), seeking expeditious adjudication of their appeals pending before the Appellate Tribunals in Kolkata and Howrah ahead of the forthcoming municipal elections. The application has been filed in the pending proceedings [] The post West Bengal SIR:5 deleted voters move Supreme Court for expeditious disposal of appeals ahead of Kolkata, Howrah civic polls appeared first on India Legal .
INDIA bloc steps up anti-EC protest, BJP accuses Opposition of targeting institutions (Lead)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Opposition continued its protest in Delhi for the third consecutive day on Thursday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and MPs of the Opposition INDIA bloc first gathered for lunch at the Connaught Place in the national capital before travelling by buses to Rajghat. Heavy security arrangements were put in place in view of the protest. The opposition leaders had to wait for nearly an hour before being allowed inside Rajghat, where they paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had said that the leaders would pray to Mahatma Gandhi for wisdom for the Union government and urge it not to take away people's right to vote. While Wednesday's destination was Jantar Mantar, the leaders headed to Rajghat on Thursday. Earlier, the Opposition had also taken out a march from Parliament to the Election Commission. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the protest would continue until their demand for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation was met. Even as Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a sit-in at Rajghat, it drew a sharp counterattack from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Opposition of attempting to pressure constitutional institutions. The Rajghat protest marked the third consecutive day of demonstrations by opposition parties in the national capital. The INDIA bloc has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the electoral process and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected the allegations. CPI-M MP John Brittas said the Opposition's agitation would continue until CEC Gyanesh Kumar resigns. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the country was united in seeking the CEC's resignation and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond to the concerns being raised by the Opposition. The INDIA bloc has also sought a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu amid the ongoing standoff. Congress sources said the Opposition was yet to receive a response from Rashtrapati Bhavan. Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal said the INDIA bloc had first sought an appointment on October 2 and subsequently submitted the names of participating leaders. The leaders had sought a meeting on October 7, 8 or 9. The Opposition is considering further options as it seeks to maintain pressure on the Union government and the poll panel. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also arrived in Delhi as opposition parties prepared to intensify their mobilisation. The BJP, however, questioned the rationale behind the protests. Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar said that the SIR issue is already before the Supreme Court and accused the Opposition of attempting to create an atmosphere of anarchy. He said people had lost faith in the Opposition. BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari also criticised Rahul Gandhi's street protests ahead of the Supreme Court hearing, alleging that the Congress was seeking to pressure constitutional institutions and undermine the credibility of the judiciary through demonstrations. The political exchange also drew criticism from Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who contrasted the Congress-led protests with Mahatma Gandhi's movements. Maurya said Gandhi's campaigns always maintained dignity and avoided confrontation, while alleging that recent protests involving Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had witnessed scuffles and a disregard for decorum.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 8 (IANS) A Calcutta High Court judge on Thursday recused himself from hearing a petition filed by Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee seeking a ban on publishing news on ongoing probes in different matters by different state and central agencies against him. In his petition, Abhishek Banerjee, also the nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, alleged that his personal information and investigation-related matters are being leaked to the media. He claimed that his right to privacy was hampered since confidential information, progress of the investigation and interrogation issues were being leaked to the media during the investigation process. He claimed this was not only affecting the investigation, but also his reputation and dignity were being tarnished. Reminding him of his right to personal privacy, Banerjee requested the court to impose a ban on the publication of such news matters. However, Justice Krishna Rao recused himself from hearing the matter, though he did not dismiss the petition. Instead, he advised Banerjee to approach the appropriate bench in the matter, considering that in the matter, the investigating agencies have been accused of leaking information to the media. Multiple probes in various matters against Abhishek Banerjee were being conducted by the central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for quite some time. After the change of regime in West Bengal in the Assembly elections earlier this year, the state agencies like the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) also started probes against him in certain other matters, and the CID sleuths had also questioned him a number of times in relation to such probes. The contention of Abhishek Banerjees counsel was that details of the interrogation exercise, including what questions were asked, were also leaked to the media. He also said that some news reports were published about his client's foreign travels and other personal matters, which are not directly related to the cases. As a result, counsel argued, his clients rights to personal privacy, dignity and reputation were being violated.
BJP launching election campaign through investigative agencies, says Punjab CM
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 8 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raid at his camp office here, saying it signals that the state elections will be held on time, and accusing the BJP of launching its election campaign in the state through investigative agencies. Pointing to similar raids ahead of elections in Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, Mann said no amount of raids would yield even a rupee of corruption against the Aam Aadmi Party government, asserting that he had entered politics to serve Punjabis, not to loot Punjab. The CBI search at the Chief Minister's Camp Office itself means that the Punjab Assembly elections will be held on time. The BJP has started preparing for the elections in Punjab and has chosen to begin its election campaign through the CBI, Chief Minister Mann told the media. The Chief Minister said that the BJP was trying to create fear and tarnish the image of an elected government through central investigative agencies. But no matter how many raids they conduct, they will not find even a single rupee of corruption with us. We are neither afraid of these actions nor will we allow them (BJP) to divert us (AAP) from our commitment to the people of Punjab. We have entered politics to serve Punjabis, not to loot Punjab, he added. Chief Minister Mann said, Our politics is about giving people their rights, creating employment, strengthening public services and putting Punjab back on the path of progress. We have come into politics with a commitment to serve the people and transform the state. He added that the people of Punjab had repeatedly rejected politics based on fear and intimidation. They (BJP) can conduct raids, send agencies and create pressure, but they cannot raid the hearts of Punjabis or silence their voice. The people of Punjab will continue to stand with truth and development, he said.
CBI arrests 4 imposters who wrote bank job exams on behalf of candidates
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday busted an impersonation and cheating network operating across Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and West Bengal and arrested four key operatives, including one CGST Inspector, who undermined the integrity of public examinations for bank jobs. The CBI had registered a First Information Report (FIR) registered on a complaint filed by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), a statement said. The CBI Special Task Branch Mumbai executed coordinated, multi-state raids and arrested four individuals who fraudulently infiltrated multiple stages of the selection process, including written examinations and interviews by physically posing as candidates, the statement added. The imposters appeared in exams, on behalf of original candidates, undermining the integrity of public examinations and depriving genuine, hardworking aspirants of their rightful opportunities, the CBI said. In a separate case, the CBI arrested the Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Madhya Pradesh's ltarsi, and a middleman on October 7 in a bribery case. The CBI registered the case immediately on allegations that the accused demanded an undue advantage of Rs 3 lakh from Bhopal-based firms which were awarded the renovation work at the school. The bribe amount was demanded for releasing payment of pending bills -- amounting to Rs 8 lakh -- of the firms pertaining to work orders issued to these firms by school through Government e-Marketplace (GeM), a CBI statement said. The CBI laid a trap and caught the accused Principal Shraddha Pathak and middleman while accepting an undue advantage of Rs 3 lakh. Searches were conducted at the residential and office premises of the accused in Itarsi and Agra and property-related documents have been seized. The complaint was filed by Rishi Jain whose firm R.J. International Supplier was awaiting release of payment from Pathak. The CBI's Bhopal Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), verified the complaint received from Jain on October 6 in the presence of independent witness, the statement said. During the said verification, demand of Rs 3 lakh in lieu of releasing of payment of pending bills on the part of Shraddha Pathak, Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Itarsi, was confirmed, the CBI FIR said, which was filed after approval from Ganga Ram Punia, CBI/Special Police Establishment's Superintendent of Police of Bhopal ACB.
Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry brace for closely watched bypoll verdicts
The bypolls were held on Tuesday, October 6, in Nandigram and Rejinagar in West Bengal, Madurantakam and Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu, Nagaon in Assam and Thattanchavady in Puducherry. Counting of votes in all six constituencies is scheduled for Friday, with the process beginning at 8 am. The results across these six contests, by the end of the day, would provide more than individual winners and losers.
States welcome GST reforms, focus on ease of doing business
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) States have welcomed the decisions taken at the 57th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Thursday, describing the latest reforms as an important step towards simplifying the tax regime, easing compliance and addressing the concerns faced by businesses and taxpayers. The meeting, which focused largely on procedural and structural reforms, drew positive reactions from finance ministers and chief ministers of several states, who said the changes would make the GST framework more efficient while improving ease of doing business. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said one of the key strengths of the GST Council is that it brings states together to discuss ways to make the tax framework simpler and provide greater convenience to citizens. She said the meeting also focused on improving the implementation of GST and making the system more effective for taxpayers. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also welcomed the reforms, saying the measures would help reduce difficulties faced by people and make the overall GST system more convenient. West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said GST has remained beneficial for states such as West Bengal, with a significant share of the state's revenue coming from the tax. He said the latest structural reforms placed considerable emphasis on rationalising various provisions and strengthening the ease of doing business. Such measures, he added, would provide long-term benefits to states by making the system easier to operate. Dasgupta also acknowledged that ensuring compliance with GST rules had often been a challenge for the state, but said awareness around compliance had improved. He described the Council's deliberations as highly positive. Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said the GST Council has consistently served as an appropriate forum for addressing grievances raised by businesses and simplifying procedures. He praised the efforts of the Central government and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to make the GST system more taxpayer-friendly and protect businesses from unnecessary difficulties. Khanna also recalled the rate rationalisation undertaken at the September 3 meeting, saying it had provided relief to the common people without compromising government revenues. He said the latest meeting shifted the focus towards easing procedures for businesses, particularly in areas where taxpayers had faced difficulties. From registration to refunds, wherever businesses were facing problems, the processes have now been simplified, Khanna said. He described the measures as a major Diwali gift for the business community and welcomed the steps aimed at providing relief from unnecessary arrests under the GST law. Khanna said the government's approach had been to first provide relief to consumers through rate rationalisation and subsequently address the difficulties faced by businesses through procedural reforms.
Centre seeks fishers views for national action plan on small-scale fisheries
Digital Desk | New Delhi/Kochi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Centre has begun a nationwide consultation with fishing communities to frame a National Plan of Action for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF). The Union Department of Fisheries is leading the exercise, while the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) is facilitating and coordinating it. The draft action plan is expected to be released on World Fisheries Day on November 21. It will then be opened for public review before finalisation and notification in 2027. Union Fisheries Secretary Dr Abhilaksh Likhi said the consultations were central to the process. These consultations are not a formality to be completed before the plan is drafted. They are where the plan is written, he said. The plan is aimed at protecting the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on small-scale fishing and allied activities. The Centre has asked coastal states and Union Territories to hold consultations and submit the views of fishing communities for inclusion in the plan. Community-led consultations have already been held at Kakdwip in West Bengal and Baleswar in Odisha. More than 20 consultations are planned across the eastern and western coasts and the island territories. The Department has asked Fisheries Departments in coastal states and UTs to appoint nodal officers or teams. They have been asked to organise consultations this month and submit the feedback to the National Task Force drafting the action plan. The exercise is intended to ensure that the concerns and priorities of fishing communities are reflected in the national policy. Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr Surabhi Rai said the proposed framework must reflect the realities of fishing communities. The consultations would help record the voices of fishers and fish workers and incorporate them into the policy. About 30 million people in India are linked to fisheries and allied activities, according to Rai. The sector also plays an important role in the country's food and nutritional security. Fourteen fisher community and civil society organisations have joined the community-led consultation process. They include the National Federation of Small-Scale Fish Workers, the National Fishworkers' Forum, and the South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies. The consultations will cover issues such as access to fisheries resources, sustainable management, livelihood security, decent work, gender equality, climate change, and disaster risks. The consultations will be held in local languages. They will include fishers, crew and share workers, migrant fish workers, fish vendors, dry-fish processors, and youth. Separate discussions will also be held for women and young participants. The NPOA-SSF is being prepared in line with the Food and Agriculture Organisation's Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries and India's National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017.
West Bengal Moves to End Madrasah Service Commission
The West Bengal government has initiated a major overhaul of the states madrasa teacher recruitment system, announcing plans to abolish the Madrasah Service Commission and merge its functions with the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC). Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the decision on Tuesday, October 6, saying that recruitment for recognised madrasas would subsequently [] The post West Bengal Moves to End Madrasah Service Commission appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Four Arrested As CBI Busts Exam Impersonation Ring
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled an alleged impersonation and cheating network spanning Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, and West Bengal. Four individuals, including a CGST inspector, have been arrested for fraudulently infiltrating public examination selection processes by posing as candidates. The CBI's investigation is ongoing to identify further accomplices.
Migrant worker from Bengal arrested with heroin worth Rs 45K
Hyderabad: The State Task Force of Prohibition and Excise Department seized 15.49 grams of heroin worth Rs 45,000 from a migrant worker from West Bengal during a raid in the Narsingi area of Gandipet on Thursday. Sujit, a 32-year-old daily wage labourer, was arrested during a search operation. Officials recovered 15.49 gram of heroin from 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 .
Floating classrooms for NCC cadets reach Kolkata after 410-km voyage
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 8 (IANS) The 410-km sailing expedition by National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, Hooghly Sankalp - MENU 2026, was flagged off at the Man o' War Jetty on Thursday. There was appreciation and applause as the 60 Naval NCC cadets (both boys and girls) rested their oars after the gruelling expedition that started from Farakka. Hundreds watched as the whaler boats, accompanied by an Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) vessel and dedicated safety boats, gracefully glided into Kolkata. The cadets were greeted with enthusiastic applause by senior dignitaries and proud family members. The grand flagging-in ceremony marked the successful culmination of a gruelling yet immensely rewarding journey from Farakka to Kolkata under the leadership of expedition commander Cdr Sanjib Sharan and safety officer Cdr Mrinmoy Ghosh. Launched to foster civil-military synergy and youth empowerment, Hooghly Sankalp far transcended a conventional adventure mission. Over the course of the voyage, the 'floating classroom' touched countless lives through impactful community outreach and ecological and river-health initiatives, championing Gangetic river dolphin conservation, conducting live water-purity tests, and demonstrating practical rainwater harvesting and cost-effective purification models, an official said. The cadets, during stopovers, also encouraged the consumption of millets and urged people to be part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The cadets, while interacting with locals, also discussed the importance of cyber safety, not only to protect devices from misuse but also to prevent cyber fraud. They discussed issues such as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer, and the need for young girls to get vaccinated, the official said. The NCC cadets also participated in anti-child marriage campaigns. By connecting with people at the grassroots level, they conveyed a message of national integration. They also visited the India-Bangladesh border and interacted with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. As a mark of appreciation for their role in defending the border, the cadets tied rakhis on their wrists. As part of the learning process, they visited an NTPC power plant, apart from several historical sites. The voyage also promoted the use of waterways as a viable transportation option to reduce emissions and costs, the official added. The expedition worked closely with IWAI to highlight the immense potential of National Waterway-1 for the sustainable transportation of goods and people. As a greener mode of transport, waterways provide savings of 50-60 per cent in costs compared with road transport. The government has been actively exploring the use of waterways for the movement of cargo. The expedition was undertaken by cadets of the West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate. They started their voyage from the Farakka lock gate on Sept. 25. The expedition was flagged off by Major General A.P.S. Chahal, ADG, NCC, West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate.
Ariv Dutta, Saksya Santosh Emerge U-13 National TT Champions
Ariv Dutta of West Bengal and Saksya Santosh of Karnataka secured the Under-13 boys' and girls' titles, respectively, at the second National Ranking Table Tennis Championships held in Panchkula on Thursday. Rajvardhan Tiwari and Phalgun Gupta also won the U-11 boys' and girls' titles. The championships featured intense matches across various age categories, highlighting emerging talent in Indian table tennis.
GST is always useful for a state like West Bengal, says Swapan Dasgupta
West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta calls the 57th GST Council meeting very, very positive, highlighting ease of doing business and improved compliance.
School Holiday Tomorrow: October 9 will see schools across India operating as usual, with no national holiday declared. Specific state announcements affirm that areas such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal will remain open for education. However, weather conditions may influence potential closures, making it essential for parents to stay informed through school communications and local advisories to ensure their childrens safety in unpredictable weather.
Tripura Zoo celebrates birth of three tiger cubs, two male and one female
A tigress brought from West Bengal has given birth to three cubs at Tripura's Sepahijala Zoological Park. The two male and one female cubs are healthy and will remain under observation for a year before public viewing
In the recent 57th GST Council meeting, West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta emphasized the crucial role of GST in bolstering state revenue. He noted the intended structural reforms aimed at streamlining the ease of doing business. These proposed adjustments look to enhance GST compliance and expedite refund processing. The Council is optimistic about implementing improvements to GST regulations and automating registration processes, rolling out changes progressively until 2027.
Chef Gomes has received a major honour - Lifelong Excellence in Culinary Leadership from EICA
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 8: Everything else should explain why this honour matters and why he deserves it.
WB NEET UG Round 3 Allotment Result 2026 - Seat Allotment on October 8
West Bengal Medical Counselling Committee (WBMCC) published the WB NEET UG Round 3 Seat Allotment Result 2026 on October 8 after 4 PM. Candidates can check their MBBS and BDS allotment at wbmcc.nic.in. Reporting is scheduled from October 12 to 14, 2026.
Mamata likely to join CJP protest at Jantar Mantar
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indicated her potential participation in a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She strongly criticised the BJP and the Election Commission over alleged electoral malpractices and SIR anomalies in Bengal. Banerjee also expressed solidarity with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra regarding their treatment during recent protests and plans to approach President Droupadi Murmu.
May join CJP's Jantar Mantar protest on Oct 10, will decide later: Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee has signaled her intent to join a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, voicing strong criticisms against the BJP and the Election Commission for alleged electoral misconduct in West Bengal. She expressed her support for Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, highlighting their treatment during recent demonstrations.
West Bengal CM Announces Rs. 242 Cr Compensation for Malda Flood Victims
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Thursday that his government will provide Rs 1.8 lakh as financial aid to families whose houses were destroyed in recent floods across the Malda district, alongside Rs 90,000 for partially damaged homes. Speaking at a flood-relief distribution programme in Raghunathpur, Adhikari sanctioned Rs 242 crore in compensation [] The post West Bengal CM Announces Rs. 242 Cr Compensation for Malda Flood Victims appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
CR Paatil hails PM Modi's vision on integrating water into school, college education
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil on Thursday highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision on integrating water into education with school curricular carrying water-specific content and higher educational institutions offering water management and governance courses. Chairing the 20th Meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF), Paatil emphasised that such academic initiatives can contribute to building a strong knowledge base and a cadre of professionals equipped to address the ecological, social, cultural, economic and policy dimensions of river management. He said that the courses may be promoted at the city and state levels for river professionals and students, and students undertaking these courses may be considered for river-related assignments in cities. He reiterated the Union government's commitment towards holistic river rejuvenation and reviewed the progress of the Namami Gange Programme. The Union Minister also led deliberations on key interventions aimed at accelerating river rejuvenation, including improved sewage infrastructure, scientific water management, safe reuse of treated wastewater, ecological restoration, groundwater management, nature-based solutions and enhanced coordination among stakeholders. The meeting reviewed the status of sewage infrastructure, detailed project report (DPR) preparation and appraisal, land availability, safe reuse of treated wastewater (SRTW), aquifer mapping, wetlands, City Sanitation Action Plans (CSAP), aerial drainage mapping and regular meetings of State Ganga Committees, an official statement said. It was told that the revised DPR for the Barauni Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has been received and sent to IIT-BHU for appraisal, while the DPR for Shantipur STPs in West Bengal has been approved by the Executive Committee. Bihar and West Bengal have notified their policies on reuse of treated wastewater, while Jharkhand is in the process of obtaining State Cabinet approval. The meeting reviewed the overall status of projects under the Namami Gange Programme and the programme's performance during FY 2025-26. As of August 2026, 527 projects have been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs 43,266 crore, of which 368 projects have been completed. Under sewerage infrastructure, 219 projects have been sanctioned, creating a treatment capacity of 6,603 MLD along with a sewer network of 5,245 km. Of these, 147 projects have been completed, creating 4,339 MLD of sewage treatment capacity and completing 4,615 km of sewer network. The meeting was also joined by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary; Department of Water Resources Secretary, Archana Varma; Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation Secretary Ashok K.K Meena and Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Rajeev Kumar Mital.
Congress should introspect instead of blaming EC for poll defeats: MP CM
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 8 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday criticised the Congress for blaming the Election Commission for its electoral setbacks, saying the party should instead introspect on its organisation and leadership. Yadav's remarks came as the Madhya Pradesh Congress prepared to hold a foot march in Bhopal in support of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, amid an intensifying Opposition campaign against the Election Commission in New Delhi. The Chief Minister said the Congress had itself benefited from the electoral process that it was now questioning, pointing to its governments in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. If there is distrust in the Election Commissions process, then what is the meaning of Congress victory in Kerala? Mohan Yadav said. He is on a visit to Mumbai. Talking to the media, Yadav said Congress should examine why its political base had weakened in several states instead of holding the poll panel responsible for repeated electoral defeats. Yadav referred to Congress's prolonged absence from power in West Bengal and its weak position in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, saying these issues required introspection within the party. Congress should introspect and strengthen its organisation instead of blaming the Election Commission for every defeat, he said. He said India was the world's largest democracy and elections were conducted through a constitutional framework under the Election Commission. According to Yadav, electoral defeats should not be used as a reason to question constitutional institutions. The Chief Minister also said Rahul Gandhi should introspect on the Congress's electoral performance and leadership. The remarks came amid protests by Congress and other Opposition parties against the Election Commission over electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. On October 6, Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several INDIA bloc leaders were detained by police during a march towards the Election Commission office in New Delhi. The Opposition leaders were protesting over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demanding accountability from the poll panel. On October 7, Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs were again detained during a protest in Delhi after they attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar. The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process and has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In Bhopal, state Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar are scheduled to lead a foot march at 5 p.m. on Thursday in solidarity with Gandhi. The state Congress had earlier staged a protest outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Bhopal following Gandhi's detention in Delhi on October 6.
West Bengal To Abolish Madrasah Service Commission, Merge It With School Service Commission
Bengal govt restores rights of DMS, DMHS doctors to issue birth and death certificates
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 8 (IANS) West Bengal's Health Department has restored the authority of Diploma in Medicine and Surgery (DMS) and Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (DHMS) practitioners to issue birth and death certificates following widespread protests by members of the two medical streams. The state health department has already issued a notification in this regard. The notification was issued after hundreds of DMS and DHMS doctors, under different associations, staged protests in front of Swasthya Bhaban, the state health department headquarters, at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Wednesday. They also submitted a memorandum in support of their demands to the officials of the state health department. According to sources, DMS doctors were first granted the authority to issue birth and death certificates in 1964. Although the right was withdrawn following the introduction of the DHMS course, it was restored in 1999 after a prolonged movement by DMS and DHMS practitioners. However, a gazette notification issued by the state health department on July 9 this year again revoked these powers, triggering strong protests across the state. The protesting doctors argued that practitioners holding DMS and DHMS qualifications had been included in the Second Schedule after years of agitation and were legally entitled to issue such certificates. They termed the July notification unfair, unreasonable and undemocratic. Currently there are 34,000 DMS and DHMS doctors in West Bengal. The July notification from the state health department pushed their future into grave uncertainty. People started doubting our professional credibility. In fact, residents of remote areas, where DMS and DHMS practitioners play a crucial role in healthcare delivery, faced difficulties following the withdrawal of these rights. Now, as the state government has restored these rights, this development has come as a victory for us, said an office bearer of the Medical Service Centre, the association leading the movement.
INDIA Bloc leaders detained during Save Democracy protest in Hyderabad
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Leaders of Congress and other constituents of the INDIA Bloc were detained in Hyderabad on Thursday as they tried to march towards Lok Bhavan demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the alleged irregularities in Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Telangana Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud, MLC Kodandaram, CPI MLA and partys state Secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, CPI-M state Secretary John Wesley, were among those detained by police as they tried to break the police cordon and proceed towards Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor. Several Telangana ministers and leaders and workers of the ruling Congress, CPI, CPI-M and other parties participated in the Save Democracy march. Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, Sridhar Babu, Adluri Laxman Kumar, Vakati Srihari, and Mohammed Azharuddin participated in the protest. The protestors gathered at the Indira Gandhi statue on Necklace Road and marched to Lok Bhavan. They were holding flags of their respective parties and raising slogans against the CEC and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some of the banners carried by the participants read 'Desh Drohi', 'Gyanesh, Its done Bro', 'Vote Chor Gyanesh Kumar', and 'Impeach Gyanesh Kumar'. The rally was stopped at Khairatabad crossroads as police erected a barricade to block the Lok Bhavan Road. A large number of police personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incident. As the protestors tried to remove barricades to proceed towards Lok Bhavan, the police detained them. Goud was among those whisked away in police vehicles. He told media that they were condemning the manner in which Narendra Modi government was acting against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi and others protesting in Delhi. He alleged that the Modi government was indulging in Vote Chori and undermining the Constitutional bodies. This is a fascist approach. People will continue their protest to remove such fascist leaders from power, he said. He alleged that after Bihar and West Bengal, Telangana is the next target of BJPs Vote Chori. He claimed that attempts are being made to delete 93 lakh out of 3.5 crore voters in Telangana. Goud also alleged that BJP was resorting to Vote Chori in Telangana in collusion with the BRS.
NH-10, Sikkim's Lifeline To Get Rs 993-Crore Upgrade
A crucial stretch of NH-10 connecting land-locked Sikkim with West Bengal reopened in August this year after remaining closed for more than a month.
Why is the role of SIR tribunals in West Bengal under scrutiny | Explained
How are SIR tribunals functioning ? Fresh re-enrolment drive of electors? Lakhs to lose right to vote in the civic polls?
ECI West Bengal Data: TMC Won Top 5 Seats Affected by SIR Deletions
Official data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) has revealed that the five West Bengal assembly constituencies that experienced the highest number of voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections were all won by the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The figures come amidst sustained protests by Opposition parties [] The post ECI West Bengal Data: TMC Won Top 5 Seats Affected by SIR Deletions appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Delhi to remain warm today; heavy rain likely in parts of South, East India
Heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Kerala and Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal and Sikkim on Thursday
63-Year-Old Man Arrested in West Bengal for Alleged Online Minority Scholarship Fraud
Ajmer, October 7 (Udaipur Kiran): Clock Tower Police have arrested a 63-year-old man from West Bengal for allegedly obtaining minority scholarship funds through fraudulent online applications submitted through private institutions. The accused has been identified as Mohammed Alauddin, son of Shaharuddin, a resident of Nayabari under Chopra police station in Uttar Dinajpur district of West ... Read more 63-Year-Old Man Arrested in West Bengal for Alleged Online Minority Scholarship Fraud
PM, HMlikely to skip West Bengal govts mega Mahalaya event
The West Bengal government is holding the grand Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens cricket stadium and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was supposed to attend the grand event.
5 underpass plan on NH-327 between Bagdogra and Panitanki for safe elephant crossing
