facebook

West Bengal

...

TMC Leaders Stage Protest Outside Assembly Speakers Chamber in West Bengal

Kolkata, May 28: The political landscape in West Bengal has heated up once again. On Wednesday, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay, along with fellow TMC leader Kunal Ghosh, staged a protest outside the Assembly Speakers chamber. They claim they were ignored when they sought a meeting with the Speaker. According ... Read more TMC Leaders Stage Protest Outside Assembly Speakers Chamber in West Bengal

Morningstar 28 May 2026 12:16 am

Illegal Bangladeshis try to return to their homeland

Hundreds of people are gathering at Hakimpur checkpost in North 24 Parganas district. They are trying to return to Bangladesh after a crackdown on illegal immigrants. Some have been held at holding centres. Immigrants claim they have lived in West Bengal for years and received government benefits.

The Economic Times 27 May 2026 11:59 pm

YSRCP chief Jagan warns cadres to stay alert on SIR

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has warned YSRCP cadres about potential voter deletions. He cited large-scale removals in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu polls. Reddy urged vigilance to prevent genuine voters from being removed. He also instructed the party to identify and remove bogus votes, particularly in Kuppam. This move signals a shift in political strategy.

The Economic Times 27 May 2026 11:54 pm

how-west-bengal-s-eid-2026-celebrations-will-differ-from-previous-years

This time, Eid celebrations will be different in West Bengal, with the mass congregation taking place at the Brigade Parade Ground, instead of Red Road, where around three lakh people gather to offer namaz twice a year. The new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has prohibited offering prayers on roads by blocking the traffic, which is why Friday prayers and the Eid namaz are taking place on at the Brigade Parade Ground and within mosques. Preparations have been made on the ground to accommodate the huge turnout. If we didnt get permission on Red Road, we got permission on Brigade Parade Ground, which is a bigger spacethere is no problem. The place has changed but it is an open space, said Shafique Qazmi, the shahi imam of Nakhoda Masjid, while agreeing that the country and the Muslim community needed to progress. People should offer sacrifice responsibly. There is no need to worry. Offer sacrifice responsibly, offer namaz responsibly, he added. Others offering namaz this year at theBrigade Parade Ground were also of the same opinion. If the roads are a hinderance, if the sacrifice of a big animal hurts the sentiments of our fellow brothers, then religiously we should do it. It is not mandatory we sacrifice a cow, said Imran Zaki from Kolkata. We need to build bridges, not wars. We have always been part of a shared future. The permission to use the Brigade Parade Ground was given by the Army and approved by the Kolkata police after a request from the Calcutta Khilafat Committee, which is the organisation that officially sought permission to offer namaz at both locationsboth of which are under their jurisdiction. The BJP's new diktat has been followed over the last few weeks, and on Eid, several people flocking to the mosque for prayers will pray in two batches. The government also invoked the 1950 Animal Slaughter Act, where cows and buffaloes below the age of 14 could not be slaughtered. A certificate has to be obtained by the panchayat veterinary doctor that the animal is ailing and fit for slaughter. Slaughtering also cannot take place in public places and can only take place in municipal slaughterhouses. If there are restrictions on slaughtering one animal there is no problem, noted the imam of Nakhoda Masjid. In contrast, the former Left Front and Trinamool Congress (TMC) governments neither stopped prayers from being offered on roads, nor imposed restrictions on animal slaughter and restrictions in public places.

The Week 27 May 2026 11:45 pm

TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Resigns; Sougata Roy Calls It a Media Stunt

New Delhi, May 27: Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has resigned from all party organizational positions effective immediately. This move has intensified political tensions in West Bengal, especially following BJP MP Soumitra Khans claim that several TMC MPs and MLAs are in contact with the BJP. TMC MP Sougata Roy dismissed Ghosh ... Read more TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Resigns; Sougata Roy Calls It a Media Stunt

Morningstar 27 May 2026 11:11 pm

30 lakh fake names found in West Bengal Lakshmir Bhandar scheme verification: CM Suvendu Adhikari

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said around 30 lakh fake beneficiaries were identified during verification of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme as the state transitions to the Annapurnar Yojana, which promises Rs 3,000 aid to women. The government will begin Direct Bank Transfers from June 1, with enrolment continuing for 90 days through online and offline modes.

The Economic Times 27 May 2026 11:00 pm

30 lakh beneficiaries of TMC govt's direct cash transfer scheme for women ineligible: Suvendu Adhikari

West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has unveiled the 'Annapurna Bhandar' initiative, set to take over from the previous 'Lakshmir Bhandar' program. This revamped financial support scheme will now target eligible women, providing them with a monthly sum of Rs 3,000. Notably, around 30 lakh beneficiaries from the old program were deemed ineligible.

The Economic Times 27 May 2026 8:32 pm

West Bengals Eid al-Adha Regulations: Imam Shafiq Qasmi Clarifies Existing Laws

Kolkata, May 27: Imam Shafiq Qasmi of Kolkatas Nakhoda Mosque has responded to the West Bengal governments new regulations regarding Eid al-Adha. In an interview, he reassured the public that there is no need for concern, as the rules being enforced are not new but rather a strict application of existing laws. He emphasized that ... Read more West Bengals Eid al-Adha Regulations: Imam Shafiq Qasmi Clarifies Existing Laws

Morningstar 27 May 2026 8:31 pm

Jagan asks YSRCP cadres to be vigilant of SIR exercise in Andhra Pradesh

Large-scale deletion of votes during SIR adversely affected the opposition parties in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, he says

The Hindu 27 May 2026 8:27 pm

west-bengal-women-s-welfare-scheme-annapurna-bhandar-application-forms-out-here-s-who-will-benefit

The much-awaited forms for the women's welfare scheme Annapurna Bhandar were launched by the new BJP government in West Bengal on Wednesday. The social welfare scheme promises Rs 3000 for women from low-income households who are not in the income tax bracket. The money will be handed out via the direct bank transfer (DBT) method. We are launching forms (for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme) under the Women and Child Welfare department headed by Agnimitra Paul, said Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. In the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, men were found to be beneficiaries of the scheme, which is against the rule. Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be verified, but there are allegations that names have gone from the voter list and those who have not applied under the tribunal (SIR) or for CAA are still getting Lakshmir Bhandar, noted Adhikari. Women and Child Welfare Minister Agnimitra Paul and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal were also present during the press briefing. Adhikari said that the involvement of the Chief Secretary, Kolkata Municipal Corporation Commissioner, and other departments would be required for the process, which is very technical. This includes filling up forms online and offline, verifying applicants, and transferring beneficiaries from the pervious Lakshmir Bhandar scheme to the new Annapurna Bhandar scheme. The finer eligibility details will also be under the lens. There are 30 lakh names on the voter list who are dead, deleted or illegal voters. Hence their names will not be eligible for the scheme. Adhikari noted that the final number of beneficiaries would drop further to about 2 crore beneficiaries. The process of Ayushman Bharat registration and enrollment is starting, and from July 1, people will get their cards. There will be online and offline registration forms, with a 90-day window from June 1 for this programme online, offline at Block Development Offices, and at municipal corporations. Panchayat officials will go door-to-door in a 30-day drive to explain and help people fill up forms to avail the scheme. Adhikari reiterated that there was no hurry and that there was enough time for people to fill up forms. We want to help these families with these schemes, said the CM. Periodic updates in enrollments will be given by Paul. This is part of the BJP manifesto that the new government is implementing, taking a leaf from the former Trinamool Congress' (TMC) Lakshmir Bhandar scheme launched before the 2021 Assembly elections, which was the trump card for the erstwhile Mamata Banerjee government. The BJP government, however, doubled the dole from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000, which caught the attention of many voters.

The Week 27 May 2026 7:45 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Claims 3 Million Illegal Beneficiaries in Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme

Kolkata, May 27: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari revealed to reporters on Wednesday that nearly 3 million illegal beneficiaries have been receiving monthly payments under the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme initiated by the previous Mamata Banerjee-led government. He further stated that aside from these 3 million illegal beneficiaries, all other eligible individuals receiving monthly allowances ... Read more West Bengal Chief Minister Claims 3 Million Illegal Beneficiaries in Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme

Morningstar 27 May 2026 7:31 pm

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari meets Governor RN Ravi

The meeting was held for more than half an hour, but what transpired was not immediately known, sources said. Adhikari`s meeting with Ravi comes against the backdrop of speculations about an impending cabinet expansion of the newly-formed BJP government in the state

Mid Day 27 May 2026 7:21 pm

30 lakh beneficiaries of TMC governments direct cash transfer scheme for women ineligible: Suvendu

West Bengal CM Adhikari said the CAA applicants and those who have appealed to an SIR-linked tribunal after adjudication for entry on the voter list would, however, be eligible for the 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme

The Hindu 27 May 2026 7:19 pm

Hundreds gather near West Bengals Hakimpur border as BJP Govt begins crackdown on illegal Bangladeshis

The Hakimpur checkpost is an international border crossing situated in the North 24 Parganas district

The Hindu 27 May 2026 6:51 pm

ABVPs Commitment to Combat Educational Discrepancies and Urban Naxalism: Virendra Singh Solanki

New Delhi, May 27: The All India Student Council (ABVP) held a one-day working committee meeting at the Education and Research University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the sacred land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath. The meeting passed a resolution to commend the public for establishing democratic values by ending violence, fear, and appeasement politics in West Bengal. The ... Read more ABVPs Commitment to Combat Educational Discrepancies and Urban Naxalism: Virendra Singh Solanki

Morningstar 27 May 2026 6:37 pm

Annapurna Yojana launched: Who will get Rs 3,000 monthly financial assistance from June 1, 2026

West Bengal's Annapurna Yojana, effective June 1, 2026, will provide Rs 3,000 monthly financial aid to eligible women aged 25-60. This scheme replaces Lakshmir Bhandar for most beneficiaries, with an online application process opening on the same date. The initiative aims to offer assured financial support directly to women's bank accounts.

The Economic Times 27 May 2026 5:03 pm

Rain, thunderstorm to bring relief in Gangetic Bengal till May 30

According to the India Meteorological Department, Gangetic West Bengal might record a fall in day temperatures by two to four notches due to thunderstorms, rain and gusty winds till May 30

The Hindu 27 May 2026 4:25 pm

Trinamool Congress' MLA Dilip Mondal arrested by Bengal police from Puri for making 'provocative' remarks

West Bengal TMC MLA Dilip Mondal was arrested in Puri, Odisha on Wednesday. Police apprehended him following a complaint about provocative remarks made during a victory rally. Mondal was reportedly staying at a hotel. He is being brought to Kolkata on transit remand. A video of his alleged threats to BJP workers went viral. Searches were conducted at his properties.

The Economic Times 27 May 2026 3:59 pm

Annapurna Yojana: How to enrol in West Bengals new cash aid scheme for women

Under the Annapura Yojana scheme, women will receive 3,000 per month. The existing Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will continue until the new programme is fully implemented

The Hindu 27 May 2026 2:28 pm

CIL arm BCCL begins commercial operation at coal washery in West Bengal

Bharat Coking Coal Limited has started commercial operations at its new 2 million tonne per annum Bhojudih coking coal washery in West Bengal. This facility will increase the supply of washed coal to India's steel industry. The move aims to reduce the country's heavy reliance on imported coking coal.

The Economic Times 27 May 2026 2:14 pm

Old Video From Tripura Shared as Clash With Police Over Cattle Trade in Bengal

The viral video is almost two months old and has nothing to do with cattle trade in West Bengal.

The Quint 27 May 2026 1:59 pm

West Bengal Gramin Bank & Canara HSBC Life Insurance Partner to Deepen Rural Insurance coverage

Bancassurance alliance aimed at expanding life insurance access and protection across underserved rural communities

The Hindu 27 May 2026 1:51 pm

BJPs Dilip Ghosh Issues Warning to Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants in West Bengal

Kolkata, May 27: The BJP has intensified its stance on the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants possessing voter and Aadhaar cards in West Bengal. Minister Dilip Ghosh stated on Wednesday that action against these immigrants should have been taken long ago. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh questioned, Why should they stay here? They are living in ... Read more BJPs Dilip Ghosh Issues Warning to Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants in West Bengal

Morningstar 27 May 2026 10:37 am

Bengal: FIR against Mamata Banerjee for remarks hurting religious sentiments

Kolkata: An FIR has been lodged against former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for hurting religious sentiments based on a complaint by a lawyer, police said on Wednesday, May 27. The complaint was filed at the Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station on May 20 by advocate Rinki Chattopadhyay Singh. She also alleged that 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 .

The Siasat Daily 27 May 2026 10:09 am

Long queues at Bangladesh border seen as hundreds return after Suvendu Adhikari's 'jaldi jaldi bhago' warning

Hundreds of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals rushed to the West Bengal border, fearing detention under the state's new detect-delete-deport policy. The crackdown follows the opening of holding centers for illegal immigrants, prompting fear and a voluntary return for many. Officials are expediting the deportation process, directly handing over detainees to Border Guard Bangladesh after verification.

The Economic Times 27 May 2026 9:04 am

CM Suvendu Adhikari calls for deportation of alleged infiltrators in West Bengal

The CM has rolled out an anti-infiltration framework and declared that his government had adopted a detect, delete and deport policy

Mid Day 27 May 2026 8:35 am

Hundreds try to flee West Bengal as anti-infiltration drive triggers 'reverse exodus'

Suspected illegal immigrants are gathering at the Hakimpur border in West Bengal seeking to return to Bangladesh. This follows the state's new BJP government's announcement of a detect, delete and deport policy. Holding centres are being set up across districts for apprehended foreigners. The move revives scenes from last winter's voter revision exercise.

The Economic Times 27 May 2026 7:48 am

Dr Jitendra, Suvendu Adhikari hold meeting; Bengal to implement StartUp, healthcare initiatives immediately

Excelsior Correspondent KOLKATA, May 26 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Jitendra Singh held an extensive meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata, during which it was decided that all major Central schemes related to science, research, innovation and StartUps would be implemented in West Bengal with immediate effect. The meeting also arrived at two key [] The post Dr Jitendra, Suvendu Adhikari hold meeting; Bengal to implement StartUp, healthcare initiatives immediately appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 27 May 2026 4:04 am

Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Eviction Campaign Against Street Vendors in West Bengal

Kolkata, May 27: Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress and former Chief Minister, has strongly condemned the eviction campaigns against street vendors initiated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal. In a social media post, Banerjee expressed her anger and deep sadness over the treatment of street vendors. On the ... Read more Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Eviction Campaign Against Street Vendors in West Bengal

Morningstar 27 May 2026 12:49 am

Suvendu Adhikari's Bengal recipe: Machh Bhaat at 5; no liquor near schools, temples

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has introduced a new fish and rice meal at subsidized rates in canteens. Liquor shops will now be banned near schools and temples. A new scheme, 'Annapurna Yojana', will provide 3,000 monthly to women. Adhikari also stressed working with constructive ideas and coordination between representatives and administration.

The Economic Times 27 May 2026 12:44 am

TMCs Previous Government Compromised National Security for Votes: Agnimitra Paul

Kolkata, May 27: The issue of illegal immigrants has intensified in West Bengals political landscape. In a recent statement, BJP leader and minister Agnimitra Paul made serious allegations against the former TMC government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He noted that since the notification for establishing centers to repatriate individuals at the border was issued, ... Read more TMCs Previous Government Compromised National Security for Votes: Agnimitra Paul

Morningstar 27 May 2026 12:34 am

Lawyer Rinki Chatterjee Singh Accuses Police of Ignoring FIR Against Former CM Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata, May 27: Lawyer Rinki Chatterjee Singh has claimed that she faced refusal from the police in Siliguri, West Bengal, when attempting to file a complaint against former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Singh alleged that she tried to register an FIR for two separate incidents but was denied by the authorities. The first incident dates ... Read more Lawyer Rinki Chatterjee Singh Accuses Police of Ignoring FIR Against Former CM Mamata Banerjee

Morningstar 27 May 2026 12:20 am

All central science and innovation schemes to be rolled out in West Bengal

Major central science and innovation schemes are now active in West Bengal. Union Minister Jitendra Singh met with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to finalize the rollout. Programs like INSPIRE and Vigyan Jyoti will boost science and technology participation. CSIR will also begin studies on arsenic poisoning in the state.

The Economic Times 26 May 2026 10:30 pm

Tripura CM Manik Saha meets PM Modi, congratulates on 12 years in office

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. He congratulated the Prime Minister on completing 12 years in office and on the West Bengal Assembly election victory. Discussions covered Tripura's development, economic strategies, and organizational strengthening. Saha also presented a photo frame of the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple.

The Economic Times 26 May 2026 9:37 pm

Central Government Initiates Key Science and Innovation Programs in West Bengal

New Delhi, May 26: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh held a comprehensive meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata. The meeting concluded with the decision to implement all major central schemes related to science, research, innovation, and startups in West Bengal with immediate effect. Two significant regional decisions were ... Read more Central Government Initiates Key Science and Innovation Programs in West Bengal

Morningstar 26 May 2026 9:19 pm

Tension Rises Among Illegal Immigrants in West Bengal, Says Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari

Kolkata, May 26: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Tuesday that the state government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, is in the process of repatriating arrested Bangladeshi illegal immigrants back to their home country. The decision to establish detention centers has instilled fear among these immigrants, who previously lived in the state ... Read more Tension Rises Among Illegal Immigrants in West Bengal, Says Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari

Morningstar 26 May 2026 9:00 pm

TMC Fears Switch of MPs, MLAs to BJP in West Bengal

Meanwhile, another heavyweight TMC MP, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, sent a cryptic message using a historical context to his party through social media, hailing the people for ending it's misrule in the state.

Deccan Chronicle 26 May 2026 8:37 pm

Major Gold Scam Uncovered in Mumbai: Accused Arrested in West Bengal

Mumbai, May 26: A significant breakthrough has been achieved by the Shivaji Nagar police in a case involving the alleged embezzlement of gold worth crores in Mumbai. The police have arrested the fugitive accused, Tanmay Maity (30), in West Bengal. The court has placed him under transit remand until May 30, and police are currently ... Read more Major Gold Scam Uncovered in Mumbai: Accused Arrested in West Bengal

Morningstar 26 May 2026 8:24 pm

Tripura CM meets PM Modi, discusses state development

Manik Saha on Tuesday met Narendra Modi in New Delhi and congratulated him on completing 12 years in office and the BJPs victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The two leaders also discussed Tripuras development, governance, and organisational matters during the meeting

Mid Day 26 May 2026 7:37 pm

is-tmc-imploding-rumours-rife-as-mp-kakoli-ghosh-dastidar-mlas-attend-cm-suvendu-adhikaris-admin-meeting

In what seemed unusual, Trinamool Congress (TMC)s elected representatives from North 24 Parganas and Nadia districts attended an administrative meeting in Kalyani in Nadira district chaired by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday. The meeting was to review development and welfare work in these districts. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidars presence raised speculations of a party switch, though Dastidar said an administrative meeting was for all and not party-specific. It is not a party programme. It is an administrative meeting and administration belongs to everyone, said Dastidar. Adhikari said he asked the government to invite representatives from opposition parties as they seemed keen to express their views. I told the government to call them, they surely want to cooperate. They spoke, cooperated. They shook hands and said this is the first time a good meeting was held. She said she was called for many meetings but not allowed to speak, said CM Adhikari. On Sunday, Dastidar quit as Barasat organisational district president, taking moral responsibility for the partys downfall in the area in the recently concluded assembly elections. Dastidar is a four-time MP from Barasat constituency, which is in North 24 Parganas district. A few days ago, Dastidar was removed as TMC chief whip in the Lok Sabha with Kalyan Banerjee replacing her. Other TMC leaders who attended the meeting were Dedanga MLA Anisur Rahaman, Searupnagar MLA Bina Mondol and Haroa MLA Abdul Matin. The presence of TMC leaders in a BJP government-led administrative meeting comes at a time when former chief minister Mamata Banerjee is fighting hard to keep her party together with several leaders speaking out against the party and others quitting as councillors across the state. Dastidar is one of Mamatas oldest associates. She resigned from post of Barasat district president on Sunday. Her letter to state TMC president Subrata Bakshi mentioned that difficult work cannot be accomplished by fly-by-night agencies, indirectly hinting at the political advocacy wing, Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), also speaking later at a press conference. My appeal to leader Mamata Banerjee is that if you work with the dedicated, old workers, just like in the past, it will write in the partys image, said Dastidar in her letter while also pointing out the crime and corruption in the state raises questions in the minds of the general public. To strengthen democracy further, greater importance must be given to transparency, accountability, commitment, decorum, and responsibility towards the people, along with core values, added Dastidar. Dastidar has been with TMC since its inception in 1998 by its supremo Mamata Banerjee and was considered a core member of the old guard.

The Week 26 May 2026 6:47 pm

No liquor shops within 1 km of temples, education institutes; maach-bhaat in 400 canteensfor 5, says Suvendu

West Bengal Chief Minsiter Suvendu Adhikari says AnnapurnaBhandarscheme benefits of 3,000 will be available for women of the State from May 27 and no Bangladeshi coming from outside will get these benefits

The Hindu 26 May 2026 6:23 pm

Jaldi jaldi bhago nahi toh : Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari warns illegal Bangladeshis, seeks fast deportation

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged authorities to expedite the deportation of alleged illegal Bangladeshi nationals gathered at the Hakimpur checkpoint. He emphasized the state's 'detect, delete and deport' policy, aiming to remove infiltrators and protect Indian citizens.

The Times of India 26 May 2026 4:55 pm

will-tmc-split-kakoli-ghosh-dastidars-attendance-at-government-meeting-fuels-rift-rumours

In a major break from tradition, Trinamool MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and two other MLAs attended the administrative meeting called by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata on Tuesday. The meeting, held with administrative officials and elected representatives from North 24 Parganas and Nadia districts, is considered a politically unusual scene in West Bengals current landscape. Besides Kakali, Trinamool MLA from Deganga, Anisur Rahman, Trinamool MLA from Swarupnagar, Veena Mandal, Trinamool MLA from Harwa, Abdul Matin, and six other legislators were present in the meeting. Interestingly, the TMC never invited BJP MLAs to any administrative meetings. So, the BJP's invitation to the TMC lawmakers is seen as a politically loaded move. Kakolis move comes just days after resigning from the post of president of the Barasat organisational district. She had also criticised TMC chief Mamata Banerjee after she replaced Kakoli with Kalyan Banerjee as chief whip in Lok Sabha. She had also openly criticised Mamata Banerjee and the party for the decision to hire political consultancy firm I-PAC, which, she said, created havoc and ruined the party. Kakoli also put up a post lashing out after she was replaced by Kalyan Banerjee. The TMC leaders decision to attend the meeting has also stoked speculation that the party, reeling under the defeat, could be heading for a split. However, Kakoli clarified her attendance, stating that she received an invitation and emphasised that administration is not owned by any single political party. Administration belongs to everyone. This is not a party programme, she said. Shuvendu Adhikari also justified the meeting, stating they haven't received any invitations for 5 years, but the party had made it clear that they would call all the MLAs for the administrative meeting. We will call special MPs. We offered a special invitation to Kakli Ghosh Dastidar, who attended, he added. Meanwhile, speculations are rife that over 12 TMC MPs are preparing to join or support the BJP. Furthermore, five to six more names are also considering defecting.

The Week 26 May 2026 4:45 pm

Love hills to escape pollution? Study finds smoke from plains is now reaching the Himalayas

Air pollution across eastern India and the Indo-Gangetic Plain has worsened sharply over two decades. Bihar and West Bengal are now highly polluted regions. Pollution is spreading from the plains into the Himalayas. India's clean air efforts focus on cities but neglect rural biomass burning, a major pollution source. This is a growing regional crisis.

The Economic Times 26 May 2026 4:45 pm

homes-reduced-to-rubble-livelihoods-shattered-as-kolkata-demolition-drive-intensifies

The West Bengal government is going on a demolition drive against illegal constructions across Kolkata, sparking protests from affected citizens. While many of the demolished structures were occupied by residents, several buildings that were still under construction have also been razed. Buildings have been demolished in Kolkata's Tiljala, Kasba and Beliaghata areas over the past two weeks, including six demolition drives carried out on Sunday. Several structures, including some five-storey buildings, were reduced to rubble by bulldozers. I bought a house for Rs 25lakh and was given no property papers, but just a receipt, said Babu Mondol from Beliaghata, where angry residents protested against local strongman and promoter Raju Naskar. His close aide was heckled by locals in the area on Monday after residents were shocked by illegal construction notices by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). There are many more buildings on the radar for which KMC is preparing a list. In some cases, residents have received receipts for properties but no proper papers to establish that they are the rightful owners. There are many (buildings), we are preparing a database. We have given notices before, too. Some are entangled in court cases. We also get court orders, which we need to implement. When we implement them, there are obstacles. But wherever we dont have any hurdles, we are clearing those, said Smita Pandey, KMC Commissioner. Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul asserted that the law will take its course if the government land has been encroached upon. We will not do anything above the law. We will try to relocate people. But the encroachment of private land carried on for 15 years and even 34 years before that for vote-bank politics and under-the-table cash dealings will not happen under our government, she said. Paul, who was present on Sunday at the site of the demolition drive, referred to the chief ministers assurance that no ones livelihood would be affected. We will try for an alternative. The rules have been made for the public. No road, footpath or land will be used for a party office, house or bathroom, she said. Those who are under the scanner are promoters seen close to the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) government and land sharks like Sona Pappu alias Biswajit Poddar, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate(ED) earlier this month. Businessman Joy Kamadar and police officer Shantanu Sinha were also arrested by the ED for their alleged involvement in Pappu's dealings. The government has said that those involved in illegal constructions without sanctioned building plans will be held accountable. The demolition of buildings and the eviction of hawkers from footpaths have triggered strong protests by the TMC, which termed the new regime as a 'bulldozer government'. Hawkers have been evicted from outside the Howrah and Sealdah railway stations, as well as from several other parts of the city. Bulldozer politics against hawkers, traders and low-income groups is unacceptable without notice, discussion, rehabilitation or alternative arrangements. Hawkers are part of Bengals long-standing urban ecosystem, and many entered this profession out of economic necessity. If restructuring or eviction is required, it should be implemented with humanity, planning and compassion rather than force, said TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh. Hawkers tried to protest, but due to heavy police deployment, there was nothing they could do while their shops were torn down. They alleged that no notice was issued to them in advance. Railway authorities, however, said notices had been served. On Friday, the Calcutta High Court issued an interim stay on the eviction drive outside Howrah station, stating that hawkers have a right to present their cases. The interim stay is in effect until June 10, when the court will hear the case again. However, this does not pertain to hawker eviction drives outside other railway stations. What this means for the BJP is that, while it may help build voter confidence and signal a strong stance on cleaning up the city, many of those affected include migrant labourers who have also supported the party. BJP says they will rehabilitate hawkers and those who have lost their homes after the demolition of illegal constructions. The government, however, is yet to come up with a concrete rehabilitation proposal.

The Week 26 May 2026 8:45 am

ECI Names Neelam Meena New Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission and former West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal, alleging bias and collusion during the electoral process

Deccan Chronicle 26 May 2026 6:49 am

West Bengal to attend NITI Aayog meet after years of Centre-State tension

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has directed departments to prepare for the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting on June 11, a departure from Mamata Banerjee's previous non-participation. Draft proposals are due by June 5. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the resumption of the 100-day work scheme, known as GRAM, across all districts except South 24 Pargana and Murshidabad.

The Economic Times 25 May 2026 11:54 pm

Neelam Meena is New West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer

She was earlier posted as principal secretary at the state consumer affairs department from February of 2024

Deccan Chronicle 25 May 2026 10:58 pm

Arrests, mass resignations, bulldozer action deepen Trinamools crisis across West Bengal

Drives against illegal construction, notices to properties linked to senior Trinamool leaders, and mass resignations in local bodies pile pressure on the TMC three weeks after the BJP assumed power in West Bengal

The Hindu 25 May 2026 9:25 pm

12 Suspected Bangladeshi Infiltrators Sent to West Bengal Holding Centres

Malda North BJP MP Khagen Murmu said, Those who aren't Indians but illegally entered our country have to return to their homeland. This is very important in making our state and country safe. Trinamul Congress had turned the state into a corridor for Rohingyas and Jihadis. Among the three other suspects in Murshidabad, two were detained from Lalgola while one was caught at Bhagabangola.

Deccan Chronicle 25 May 2026 8:56 pm

Suspense in BJP Over West Bengal Cabinet Expansion

There are also several other prominent party MLAs like Tapas Roy, Ritesh Tiwari, Jagannath Chattopadhyay, Sajal Ghosh, Shankar Ghosh and Noman Rai who have been in the fray to be ministers for the first time.

Deccan Chronicle 25 May 2026 7:08 pm

Evening news wrap: Sitharaman flags concerns over '3Fs' amid Gulf conflict; Bengal govt opens first 'holding centre' & more

India's economy faces pressure from the US-Iran conflict, impacting fuel prices, fertiliser subsidies, and forex reserves, Finance Minister Sitharaman warned. Meanwhile, West Bengal opened its first holding centre for suspected illegal Bangladeshi nationals. In Karnataka, a leadership decision for the Congress is imminent, while Iran demands $12 billion in frozen assets before US talks.

The Times of India 25 May 2026 6:31 pm

Amit Shah to visit borders areas

New Delhi, May 25: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit the country's border areas within the next two weeks, taking stock of security during his interactions with local officials and senior BSF officers, officials said on Monday. Shah will arrive in Bikaner on Monday, where he will visit the border outpost of the BSF at Sanchu on Tuesday. He will attend the 'Prahari Sammelan' and virtually inaugurate barracks for women personnel. Later in the day, he will review the border security with senior BSF officers in Bikaner. The meeting will also include representatives from the Union Home Ministry and senior officers from the five districts that share a border with Pakistan, officials informed. The home minister will travel to Bhuj in Gujarat on May 29, where he is scheduled to visit another BSF border outpost. In June, Shah is likely to visit the nation's eastern borders with Bangladesh, starting with a trip to Tripura on June 5, followed by a visit to West Bengal later in the month.

Greater Kashmir 25 May 2026 6:26 pm

Neelam Meena appointed new Bengal chief poll officer

Senior IAS officer Neelam Meena has been appointed the new Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. She takes over from Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who was recently elevated to Chief Secretary. The Election Commission officially communicated Meena's appointment to the state government. Meena, a 1998 batch IAS officer, will not hold any additional state government charges.

The Economic Times 25 May 2026 6:09 pm

opinion-when-communities-become-the-first-line-of-defence-for-missing-children

A few years back, in the narrow lanes of North West Delhis resettlement colonies, children going missing was very common and was treated almost as an unfortunate fact of life. Families struggling to survive on daily wages often had little time, support, or institutional access to respond when a child suddenly went missing. In neighbourhoods shaped by continuous migration, overcrowding, economic distress, and social vulnerability, children frequently slipped through the cracks pushed into labour, lured by traffickers, or simply fleeing violence and instability at home. But today, in several of these mohallas of Jahangirpuri, Azadpur Mandi, and Shahbad Dairy, children themselves have become part of an informal vigilance network working to prevent such disappearances. If a child remains absent from school for several days, word spreads quickly through local childrens groups, womens collectives, and community volunteers. Concerns are escalated to the appropriate quarters. And the result? The concerted efforts of CRY Child Rights and You and its partner organisation Saksham created an integrated child surveillance system with the help of children, their family members, and the community an intervention that successfully traced 97 out of 102 missing children and brought them back safely to their families between January 2025 and April 2026. If one of our schoolmates doesnt show up to school for several days, we immediately visit their home, understand the reason, and inform community members and local groups, says a 15-year-old girl associated with one such childrens collective. This is not a formal surveillance mechanism run by local authorities. Children, parents, womens collectives, schools, local organisations, and community volunteers have together built an informal but highly responsive safety net organically embedded within the community to prevent children from disappearing into the shadows of trafficking, exploitation, abuse, or neglect. At a time when India continues to witness a worrying rise in cases related to missing children, this community-driven model emerging from some of Delhis most vulnerable settlements offers an important lesson: Child protection cannot succeed through policing alone. It must be rooted within communities themselves. The scale of the crisis The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Crime in India 2024 report paints a deeply worrying picture. The number of missing children rose from 1,38,609 in 2023 to 1,47,175 in 2024 an increase of 6.2 per cent. Girls constituted nearly 76 per cent of all missing children, exposing the stark gendered nature of vulnerability. Delhi is no exception. According to the state-wise figures from the NCRB report, West Bengal recorded the highest share of missing children, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, and Delhi. Thousands of children also remain untraced long after complaints are filed. Yet these numbers alone fail to capture the lived realities behind such incidents. Children rarely go missing in a vacuum. Poverty, migration, school dropouts, domestic violence, emotional distress, trafficking networks, unsafe labour conditions and fragile family environments often intersect to create pathways of vulnerability. In urban settlements across Delhi NCR particularly among migrant and economically marginalised communities these risks become even sharper. Families struggling for survival often work long hours in informal jobs, leaving children with little supervision or support. Adolescents, especially girls, become vulnerable to trafficking, coercion, online manipulation, or unsafe relationships. Rebuilding protection from within the community Places like Jahangirpuri, Shahbad Dairy, and areas surrounding Azadpur Mandi have long grappled with the consequences of rapid urbanisation, migration, overcrowding, and economic distress. On-ground interactions with families, police, and Saksham officials reveal that economic insecurity pushed children towards child labour, migration, and exploitation. Parvesh Sehgal, a member of the local Child Vigilance Group, shared, School dropouts, disrupted education, family-based violence layered with unsupervised social media exposure, and unresolved adolescent emotional insecurities often push children to elope or become easy targets for traffickers. He further added, Between January 2025 and April 2026, though many of the children were traced, five children remain untraced, including one boy and four girls. What has changed in parts of North-West Delhi is not merely the efficiency of rescue operations, but the social response surrounding them. The intervention recognised that tracing children is only one part of the challenge. Equally critical are rehabilitation, psychosocial support, reducing the risk of re-trafficking, restoring education, and rebuilding trust within families and communities. The intervention, with the support of local schools, the police, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), worked together to facilitate quick reporting, family counselling, and a coordinated response system. In addition to that, the team carried out door-to-door monitoring and awareness sessions on online safety, emotional well-being, and trafficking. Importantly, children themselves became active participants in the protection ecosystem. Local childrens groups now identify school dropouts, report suspicious activities, support younger children, and alert community members when someone suddenly disappears from school or the neighbourhood. The shift is profound: Children are no longer being treated merely as beneficiaries of protection systems. They are becoming stakeholders in safeguarding their own communities. Schools played a pivotal role not only through re-enrolment and monitoring of children, but also through empathetic support to continue education and enhance agency, creating a conducive environment for children to come out of trauma. One school teacher described the systemic approach succinctly: Special attention is now being given to children with prolonged absenteeism. This has resulted in noticeable improvement in childrens school attendance and regular participation in education. It is evident that prevention and rescue-rehabilitation mechanisms did not rely solely on institutional intervention but also on informed, participatory, community-driven efforts deeply rooted in collective trust and accountability. The way forward To sustain the effort, CRY and Saksham are working with the Vigilance Group and Bal Prahari Group, particularly in vulnerable communities, while strengthening collaboration between civil society, communities, and government departments. They are also conducting awareness drives with parents and organising counselling sessions on child protection, cyber safety, and mental health support for children. But just community initiatives are not all. The fight against missing children also demands active involvement of decentralised governance and community-based institutional systems. Police ward committees, Panchayats, Mohalla Committees, School Management Committees, and local child protection bodies must come forward to play a transformative role in identifying early signs of vulnerability, monitoring school dropouts, strengthening community vigilance, and ensuring faster reporting and response. In both rural and urban poor settlements, these institutions are often the first point of contact for distressed families. If properly sensitised and integrated into child protection frameworks, they can function not merely as administrative structures, but as grassroots safety networks capable of addressing safety of children. It is important that these orchestrated efforts translate into measurable impact rather than remain a series of isolated activities. As such interventions are replicated across other geographies, no more children especially girls should have to sink into vulnerability and trauma. Together, we must act beyond numbers, reports, word-crafts, spreadsheets, and fancy presentations ensuring a safe and happy childhood at the grassroots level for every child will be the real measure of our success as a society and as a nation. Puja Marwaha is CEO, CRY Child Rights and You.

The Week 25 May 2026 5:45 pm

Detect, delete and deport push: BJP government opens first migrant holding centre in West Bengal, houses 9 suspected Bangladeshis

West Bengal's BJP government has launched its 'detect, delete and deport' policy, opening a holding center in Malda for illegal foreign nationals. Nine suspected Bangladeshi nationals are currently housed there, awaiting verification and legal procedures. This initiative aims to streamline the deportation process for apprehended individuals, as mandated by a new national law.

The Times of India 25 May 2026 5:41 pm

Amit Shah to undertake multi-state border tour to review security preparedness

Union Home Minister Amit Shah begins a multi-state tour of India's border regions. He will visit Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tripura, and West Bengal. The visits aim to review security and improve coordination among agencies. Shah will interact with border forces and assess operational challenges. This initiative strengthens India's border management and preparedness.

The Economic Times 25 May 2026 5:04 pm

Kolkata municipality serves demolition notices two days before Bakrid

Kolkata: With only two days for Bakrid, residents of Tiljala-Topsia neighbourhood in West Bengals capital city woke up to demolition notices pasted on their doors from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), declaring their homes unauthorised and asking them to vacate or face bulldozer action. If you fail to comply with the requisition, the Municipal Commissioner Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 25 May 2026 4:28 pm

West Bengal changes Bakra Eid 2026 holiday date; schools and colleges to remain closed on May 28

West Bengal has revised its Bakra Eid holiday to May 28, 2026, withdrawing earlier dates of May 26 and 27. This change follows updated moon-sighting reports and Islamic calendar observations. Other states like Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Telangana also mark the holiday on May 28, while Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir observe it on May 27.

The Times of India 25 May 2026 2:40 pm

Not mangoes. Meet the fruit that helps India beat the heat in summer. It also improves digestion

Beat the summer heat with ice apple, a refreshing fruit popular across India. Known by different names like Taal in West Bengal and Nungu in Tamil Nadu, this translucent jelly fruit offers hydration and energy. It is rich in electrolytes and natural sugars. Ice apple also boosts immunity and aids digestion. Enjoy its cooling properties and health benefits this season.

The Economic Times 25 May 2026 12:26 pm

Bangladeshi couple held in West Bengal after 14 years of illegal stay

Kolkata: A Bangladeshi couple allegedly living illegally in West Bengal for the last 14 years has been arrested from the Jagacha police station area in Howrah district, police said on Sunday. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ramzan Ghazi, 36, and Arifa Begum, 34. According to police, a raid was conducted at a house Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 25 May 2026 9:26 am

New Amrit Bharat trains to boost connectivity across India

Indian Railways is set to launch new Amrit Bharat trains connecting Punjab to West Bengal and Delhi to eastern Uttar Pradesh. The post New Amrit Bharat trains to boost connectivity across India appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .

Fusion WeRIndia 25 May 2026 7:31 am

Nabin invokes WB-style agitation, warns against complacency in Karnataka

BENGALURU, May 24 : In a politically charged message drawing clear strategic parallels with West Bengal, BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Sunday signalled a sharper street-level mobilisation strategy while stepping up his attack on Karnatakas Congress government for alleged governance failures and internal factionalism. Positioning the BJP as a disciplined cadre-driven force preparing for a renewed political battle in Karnataka, Nabin said the partys focus was on strengthening booth-level organisation, energising workers and ensuring Central welfare schemes reached the [] The post Nabin invokes WB-style agitation, warns against complacency in Karnataka appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 25 May 2026 4:28 am

West Bengal: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Welcomes BJPs Victory in Falta By-Election

Kolkata, May 25: Following the BJPs victory in the Falta assembly by-election, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari claimed on Sunday that the Diamond Harbour model associated with Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has politically failed. As soon as the election results were announced, Adhikari launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool ... Read more West Bengal: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Welcomes BJPs Victory in Falta By-Election

Morningstar 25 May 2026 3:34 am

Bangladeshi Couple Arrested for Illegal Residency in Howrah, West Bengal

Kolkata, May 25: A Bangladeshi couple has been arrested in the Jagacha police station area of Howrah district, West Bengal, for allegedly residing illegally for the past 14 years. The arrested individuals have been identified as 36-year-old Ramzan Ghazi and 34-year-old Arifa Begum. According to police reports, a raid was conducted at their residence following ... Read more Bangladeshi Couple Arrested for Illegal Residency in Howrah, West Bengal

Morningstar 25 May 2026 2:09 am

BJP wins West Bengal's Falta assembly repoll by over 1 lakh votes

The BJP has secured a significant victory in the Falta assembly seat repoll. Debanshu Panda of the BJP won by a margin exceeding one lakh votes. The Trinamool Congress finished fourth. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari commented on the win. Mamata Banerjee alleged EVM rigging and torture of Trinamool workers.

The Economic Times 25 May 2026 12:43 am

Democracy won, intimidation lost: PM Modi hails BJP's massive win on Falta seat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Debangshu Panda of the BJP for a significant victory in Falta, West Bengal. The seat saw re-polling due to earlier irregularities. Panda secured a win by over 1 lakh votes. This win strengthens the BJP's presence in the state assembly. The Election Commission reported high voter turnout during the re-polling.

The Economic Times 25 May 2026 12:00 am

Modi Celebrates BJP Victory in Bengals Falta as a Triumph for Democracy

New Delhi, May 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy over the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) victory in the Falta Assembly seat in West Bengal. He congratulated newly elected MLA Debanshu Panda for his success in the elections. In a post on the social media platform X, Modi stated that the people of Falta ... Read more Modi Celebrates BJP Victory in Bengals Falta as a Triumph for Democracy

Morningstar 24 May 2026 11:18 pm

Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Kolkata, May 24: Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again claimed that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not lose the West Bengal Assembly elections. Speaking three weeks after the election results, she alleged that the Election Commission assisted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in securing victory in the state. Banerjee also asserted that she ... Read more Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Morningstar 24 May 2026 10:33 pm

Watch: Falta assembly re-poll: BJPs Debangshu Panda storms to victory

The Bharatiya Janata Party has registered a massive victory in the Falta Assembly re-poll in West Bengal. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda won the seat by a huge margin of 1 lakh 9 thousand and 21 votes on May 24.

The Hindu 24 May 2026 9:46 pm

Was this an election or mockery?: Mamata Banerjee alleges rigging in Bengal polls, says TMC would have crossed 200 seats

Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has called the recent assembly elections a mockery of democracy, alleging widespread rigging and the removal of nearly one crore names. She claims her party would have won over 200 seats if the outcome hadn't been altered, criticizing the current administration and the arrest of municipal councillors.

The Economic Times 24 May 2026 9:09 pm

west-bengal-bjp-s-debangshu-panda-sweeps-falta-seat-by-more-than-1-lakh-votes-but-abhishek-banerjee-alleges-glaring-issues-in-counting

The BJP's Debangshu Panda on Sunday won the Falta seat in the South 24 Parganas district with a margin of more than 1 lakh votes, replicating the May 4 saffron sweep in West Bengal that saw Suvendu Adhikari installed as CM earlier this month. All 285 polling stations of the constituency were scheduled for a repoll after the Election Commission's (EC) poll assessments of the voting in Falta showed irregularities. After 22 rounds of counting, Panda defeated CPI(M) candidate Sambhu Nath Kurmi by a huge margin of 1,09,021 votes. The Congress' Abdul Razzak Molla trailed far behind Kurmi in third, while the TMC's Jahangir Khan came fourth despite withdrawing from the polls due to personal reasons, as his name was still on the EVMs. However, the TMC's Abhishek Banerjee has now alleged that glaring irregularities had taken place in the Falta repoll, repeating claims of collusion between the BJP and the EC. Notably, it was similar claims of the BJP and the EC working together to tamper ballot boxes that eventually led to repolling taking place on May 2 at two constituencies located in the South 24 Parganas districtMagrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour. This had led to tensions between workers of the two parties at two places housing EVM strongrooms in Kolkata. Banerjee has now questioned how most rounds of counting in Falta had been completed by 3:30 PM on May 24, while on May 4, only till the same time, only 2-4 rounds had taken place. The country deserves an explanation from the ECI.Although more than 1,000 workers from Falta have been forced to flee their homes in the last 10 days the Election Commission continued to turn a blind eye. Party offices were vandalised in broad daylight even when the Model Code of Conduct was in force, he claimed in an X post, attacking the promotion of former CEO Manoj Agarwal to the post of Chief Secretary after the 2026 Assembly elections. This comes amid ongoing tensions within the TMC after its crushing defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, most recently directed at Banerjee over the sudden withdrawal of its Falta candidate. At a recent closed-door meeting chaired by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, several newly elected MLAsincluding Kunal Ghosh, Ritabrata Bandyopadhyay, and Sandipan Sahaquestioned why no disciplinary action was taken against Khan for his last-minute withdrawal, which they said was a serious embarrassment for the party, an Indian Express report said. Notably, Banerjee is not only the party's all-India general secretary, but also the representative of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, under which Falta falls. (Khan) said Pushpa jhukega nahi , then why did he bow down? Falta falls under Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency where Abhishek is our MP. He won there by more than 7 lakh votes. This is not good for the party, Ghosh later told reporters.

The Week 24 May 2026 8:45 pm

West Bengal cancels May 26, 27 Bakrid holidays; May 28 declared sole public holiday: Check complete details here

The West Bengal government has revised its Bakrid holiday, officially declaring May 28, 2026, as the public holiday for Eid al-Adha. This change follows updated moon-sighting information, leading to the cancellation of previously announced holidays on May 26 and May 27. The new notification ensures the holiday aligns with the actual observance of the festival.

The Times of India 24 May 2026 7:44 pm

West Bengal shifts Bakrid holiday to May 28 after revised Eid al-Adha schedule

West Bengal has declared May 28 a public holiday for Eid al-Adha, revising its earlier schedule due to updated moon-sighting. This aligns the state's observance with the national calendar, where the festival will now be celebrated on May 28 across many parts of India. Government offices and educational institutions will be closed.

The Times of India 24 May 2026 7:31 pm

Bengal asks districts to build holding centres for illegal foreigners as anti-infiltration drive gathers pace

West Bengal is setting up holding centers for suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners. This move institutionalizes the state's 'detect, delete and deport' policy. District administrations will manage these centers for individuals awaiting repatriation. The initiative follows a tougher anti-infiltration framework announced by the Chief Minister.

The Economic Times 24 May 2026 5:46 pm

WBJEEB answer key likely to be released soon at wbjeeb.nic.in: Check steps to download here

West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board is set to release the provisional answer key for WBJEE 2026 soon on wbjeeb.nic.in. Candidates can challenge responses for a fee. OMR sheets will also be uploaded. The rank card will detail sectional and overall scores. Last year's timeline suggests an early release, marking the next step in admissions.

The Times of India 24 May 2026 5:43 pm

Deepfake Shared as Real Video of Dhruv Rathee Praising BJP Govt in West Bengal

The video is a deepfake. There is no evidence of Rathee making positive statements about the BJP in West Bengal.

The Quint 24 May 2026 4:29 pm

West Bengal govt orders 'Holding Centres' for illegal Bangladeshi, Rohingya deportees

West Bengal has directed all district magistrates to set up Holding Centres for detained foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation, as part of efforts to deport illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants.

The Economic Times 24 May 2026 2:49 pm

Rahul Gandhi urges party's Muslim leaders to raise issues concerning their community

New Delhi, May 23: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged Muslim leaders of the party to vociferously raise issues concerning their community and to work towards enhancing their representation. Sources said that during a meeting of the advisory council of the party's Minority Department, Rahul Gandhi said that if injustice is done against a Muslim, one should raise their voice specifically as a 'Muslim', rather than merely as a member of a 'minority' group. Similarly, he emphasised that if Dalits, OBCs, or members of the general category face attacks, the issue should be raised by explicitly identifying that specific community. Rahul Gandhi's direct message was that the Congress party should not shy away from using the word 'Muslim'. It has often been observed these days that instead of explicitly saying 'Muslim,' people tend to use the term 'minority', a leader present at the meeting said. Sources further said Gandhi also stressed the need for the Congress party's Minority Department to create a platform that ensures adequate participation for the community within the party structure. According to sources, while touching upon the issue of vote theft, he said that former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had previously not aligned with the Congress on this matter, but has now called for a movement against it. He also remarked in the context of the Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam that these elections were not conducted in a free and fair manner. Sources said that citing the country's current economic situation, the former Congress president claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi lacks the capability to effectively manage the situation over the long term.

Greater Kashmir 24 May 2026 12:32 pm

Congress Has Become a Party of Abuses Instead of Gandhian Values: Shahzad Poonawala

New Delhi, May 24: Shahzad Poonawala, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reacted to the West Bengal governments decision to amend the holiday for Bakrid. He stated that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has long been oppressing Hindus. Poonawala further claimed that the Congress party has transformed into a party of abuses. In an interview ... Read more Congress Has Become a Party of Abuses Instead of Gandhian Values: Shahzad Poonawala

Morningstar 24 May 2026 11:24 am

Falta counting: Massive lead for BJP in early trends

Kolkata: BJP candidate Debangshu Panda secured a commanding lead of more than 9,000 votes over his nearest rival after the first round of counting in the repoll to West Bengals Falta assembly constituency on Sunday, May 24, according to the Election Commission. After the first of the 21 counting rounds, Panda bagged 9,534 votes, opening Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 24 May 2026 10:59 am

ECI Falta Election Result 2026: BJPs Debangshu Panda leading with massive margin amid strict security arrangements

Election Commission of India Falta Election Result 2026: Vote counting for the Falta Assembly seat in West Bengal is currently underway, with BJP candidate Debangshu Panda taking an early lead. The constituency recently witnessed a full repoll after the Election Commission of India ordered fresh voting over allegations of electoral irregularities and EVM tampering. Tight security arrangements have been put in place at counting centres and strong rooms.

The Economic Times 24 May 2026 10:38 am

Falta constituency results 2026: Why are the votes for the West Bengal seat being counted now?

Voting for the Falta Assembly constituency seat was originally held on April 29 2026, as part of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

The Hindu 24 May 2026 10:08 am

Counting Begins in Falta Amid Tight Security, Results Expected by 1 PM

Kolkata, May 24: The counting of votes for the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district commenced this morning at 8 AM under strict security measures. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the re-polling for the assembly constituency took place on May 21. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer ... Read more Counting Begins in Falta Amid Tight Security, Results Expected by 1 PM

Morningstar 24 May 2026 9:38 am

Minister Dilip Ghosh Claims TMC Members Fled During Falta By-Election

Kolkata, May 24: The counting of votes for the Falta assembly by-election in West Bengal is set to take place on Sunday. Minister Dilip Ghosh stated that the outcome of the Falta election is already known, asserting that there was no contest as members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had fled. In a conversation with ... Read more Minister Dilip Ghosh Claims TMC Members Fled During Falta By-Election

Morningstar 24 May 2026 9:13 am