Vande Mataram never wholeheartedly embraced after Independence: Amit Shah slams Congress
Siliguri (West Bengal) [India], August 21 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday took aim at Congress, alleging that Vande Mataram was not wholeheartedly embraced after Independence. Addressing a gathering in Siliguri, West Bengal, Shah hailed the 80th Independence Day celebration, which included the full rendition of the national song, Vande Mataram. Amid the row over Vande Mataram, the Union Minister said, I have always been present at the flag-salutation ceremony whenever the Prime Minister hoists the flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort. However, the 80th Independence Day celebration this time was truly unique. After 150 years and 80 years into our independence--the nation and the world heard the full rendition of Vande Mataram from the Red Fort. This immortal masterpiece by Bankim Babu not only infused momentum into our freedom movement but also defined the vision of what an independent India would look like. Through this single song, this single literary creation, he established that independent India must move forward by embracing cultural nationalism. It is unfortunate that even after independence and the partition of the country, Vande Mataram was never wholeheartedly embraced, he added. Shah also termed the enhancement of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026 as a historic decision. The legislation makes any obstruction or insult to the National Song, 'Vande Mataram', a criminal offence. The Ministry of Home Affairs steered a bill through Parliament and decided to make the full rendition of Vande Mataram a part of official programs; this is a historic decision. I believe this will ensure that future generations, our children, adolescents, and youth, receive the immortal message of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the Home Minister said. This comes amid a political row between the Congress and the BJP over the recitation of 'Vande Mataram', after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) declared that only the first two stanzas of the song would be sung at party events, citing its 1937 resolution. On Thursday, Amit Shah accused the Congress of politics of appeasement, alleging that the party's 1937 decision contributed to the circumstances leading to thePartition of the country. (ANI)
Kolkata Fire Triggers Action: 17 Hotels on Mirza Ghalib Street Served Notices
Kolkata, August 21: Following a devastating fire on Mirza Ghalib Street, authorities in Kolkata have taken strict measures. The West Bengal Fire Department issued show-cause notices on Friday to 17 additional hotels in the crowded area for failing to maintain adequate fire safety measures. Earlier, on Thursday, notices were also sent to nine other hotels ... Read more Kolkata Fire Triggers Action: 17 Hotels on Mirza Ghalib Street Served Notices
SC flags fireballs, seeks fresh survey on hulla parties
Amit Shah says Bengal handed over 1,129 acres for border fencing within 45 days of new BJP govt
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said West Bengal has handed over 1,129 acres for border fencing within 45 days of the new government taking office. Speaking in Siliguri, Shah said completing border fencing is crucial to stopping infiltration and protecting national security, while highlighting new SSB infrastructure projects worth 189 crore and criticising the previous Mamata Banerjee government.
SC comes to rescue of 105-yr-old murder convict
New Delhi: A 105-year-old murder convict will now be able to live as a free man after the Supreme Court on Friday, August 21, closed the case against him and waived the remaining period of his life sentence, taking into account his age. Born in 1920 in West Bengals Malda district, Rasik Chandra Mondal was 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 .
Trial by fire: On fire accidents in West Bengal | The Hindu Editorial
West Bengal should rebuild its crumbling, hazardous infrastructure
Sugar prices soar to 70 per kg ahead of festive season in West Bengal
Retail sugar prices have shot up to Rs 70 per kg in Kolkata markets ahead of the festive season, traders said on Friday. Prices have surged by Rs 20 a kg in the past month alone, while the last four to five days have seen a sudden 10 per cent jump, they said. Sugar-associated products such as jaggery, batasa (sugar drop), and nakuldana are also witnessing a similar spike. The Centre on Thursday evening allowed sugar mills to import one million tonne of raw sugar, a measure last resorted to a decade ago, but its impact is yet to trickle down to retail markets, traders said. The government has also imposed a stockholding limit on bulk customers who consume more than 10 tonne of sugar a month, capping their stock at 15 days' consumption. Confederation of West Bengal Trade Association (CWBTA) president Sushil Poddar said there was no control over sugar mills, with wholesale prices already touching Rs 65 a kg. I sold loose sugar at Rs 65 just three days ago, but today I can't sell bel
West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh has spoken out against the rise of anti-national activities on the campus of Jadavpur University, advocating that educational institutions must remain free of such disruptions. He highlighted the vice-chancellor's duty to ensure a secure and orderly environment. This comes in the wake of violent confrontations among student groups last Thursday, prompting the university to implement a restriction on external visitors after evening hours.
Amit Shah reaches Siliguri, set to review border security
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Siliguri for a three-day visit to West Bengal. He will attend inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies for various Sashastra Seema Bal projects. Shah will also interact with SSB personnel and participate in a traditional community meal. The visit includes a review of security arrangements around the strategically important Siliguri Corridor. He is also scheduled to attend an exhibition on India's new criminal laws.
West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh criticises Congress over Vande Mataram decision
The News Mill
Congress Divides the Nation with Vande Mataram: Dilip Ghosh
Kolkata, August 21: Dilip Ghosh, a minister in the West Bengal government, has voiced his opinions on Congresss decision to sing only two verses of Vande Mataram, Rahul Gandhis statements regarding OBCs, the incident at Jadavpur University, and Union Home Minister Amit Shahs visit to Bengal. Regarding Congresss insistence on singing just two verses of ... Read more Congress Divides the Nation with Vande Mataram: Dilip Ghosh
HM Amit Shah to lay foundation for SSB projects, interact with soldiers in Siliguri today
New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to attend a series of programmes in Siliguri on Friday as part of his three-day visit to West Bengal, with the days agenda focused on the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), border security and awareness about Indias new criminal laws. Shah will visit the []
Amit Shah to Launch SSB Projects and Engage with Soldiers in Siliguri
New Delhi, August 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to participate in several events in Siliguri during his three-day visit to West Bengal. The agenda for the day will focus on the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), border security, and raising awareness about Indias new criminal laws. On Friday, Shah will visit the SSB ... Read more Amit Shah to Launch SSB Projects and Engage with Soldiers in Siliguri
HC requests SIR appellate tribunal to decide Saudi resident
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday, August 20, requested the SIR appellate tribunal to decide an appeal by a man from West Bengal working in Saudi Arabia, whose name was allegedly deleted from the voter list during the electoral roll revision exercise. Counsel for the petitioner stated that he works as a driver in 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 .
West Bengal Minister Visits Indore to Learn About Cleanliness Models
Mumbai, August 21: West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh has arrived in Indore to gather detailed information about the citys exemplary cleanliness records established by the Indore Municipal Corporation. Indore has consistently been recognized as Indias cleanest city for nearly eight consecutive years. Ghosh stated, Bengal has a BJP government. For the past 50 years, the ... Read more West Bengal Minister Visits Indore to Learn About Cleanliness Models
16 hotels shut down in fire zone, 13 others get notices
Violence & vandalism rock JU, right-wing mob enters at night
Trial by fire: On fire accidents in West Bengal
West Bengal should rebuild its crumbling, hazardous infrastructure
Mosquito-Borne Diseases Infected Over 1 L In State From 14 To 24: Docs
2 friends, 2 fates: The dinner meet that never happened
Nehru Childrens Museum To Resume Activity Classes For Kids From Aug 22
8+7+2+2 formula behind 9 deaths in Free School Street hotel fire
Last 2 bodies identified: In India for medical care, Satkhira patients to return home in coffins
Edu department snakebite show-cause to school, girl returns home
Lucky escape: Shikha Inn regular survives after choosing another hotel
Youth back from Ludhiana sans kidney, state orders probe
Bengal cabinet nod to Anti-Terrorist Squad, Anti-Narcotics Task Force in security overhaul
Health dept seeks declaration from pvt blood banks on following all rules
Armed robbers loot Rs 1.3 cr from Posta office
TTE arrested for harassing dance students
Shikha Inn leaseholder arrested, owner still on the run
Rakhal-Das Canteen Returns As Cafable On CU Campus
Homeless residents seek shelter with friends, kin
BJP man accused in sweet shop row held in fraud case
Will return later: Many from Bangladesh defer treatment
Right to dissent primary condition of democracy: Samik
JU Professors, Alumni Condemn Violence and Vandalism
JU ABVP chief among injured in hosp
30 retd jawans, 55 guards responsible for security of 15k on 58-acre campus
Battle of emblems: JU logo, designed by Nandalal, damaged in campus clash
Kajal resigns from zilla parishad post
Bengal STF arrests Siliguri man from Delhi over ISI-linked FICN network
Suvendu announces Rs 18L compensation for 2 deaths in flood-hit Sabang
Murder-bid FIR against 11 Left union students
Titumir Sabhagriha renamed Syama Prasad Bhavan in Barasat, sparks row
Amit Shah announces Cabinet decision to set up J-K High Court bench in Ladakh
New Delhi [India], August 20 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to set up a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh. He said the move will improve access to justice for people living in remote areas of Ladakh by reducing the time required to avail legal services. In a post on X, Shah wrote, The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of the PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, has decided to set up a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh. He said the government is committed to the overall development of Ladakh and ensuring constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory. This will significantly enhance access to justice for citizens living in remote areas of Ladakh by reducing the time required to avail themselves of the legal services they are entitled to. The Govt is fully committed to the all-round development of Ladakh and to ensuring constitutional safeguards, the post read. On August 5, 2019, the Centre abrogated Articles 370 and 35A, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Following the move, the state was reorganised into two separate Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, with a legislature and Ladakh, without a legislature. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two significant infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering connectivity and economic growth. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave the green light to four major railway multitracking projects across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu with an estimated cost of Rs 9,450 crore. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the upgradation of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar to a four-lane standard, involving a capital investment of Rs 3,590.73 crore. (ANI)
2 injured in blast at illegal firecracker unit in Champahati
HC refuses to quash case against stone trader Tulu Mondal
Howrah police arrests ex-TMC councillor from UP
6-month-old baby goes missing from moving train, found alive on tracks
Explosion at Firecracker Factory in Champahati Injures Five
Kolkata, August 20: An explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Champahati, located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, injured five people on Thursday. Among the injured, two individuals are in critical condition; they have been identified as Padmarani Naskar (52) and Abbas Ghazi. According to police reports, all injured were initially ... Read more Explosion at Firecracker Factory in Champahati Injures Five
1,761 human deaths, 753 elephant deaths in Bengal in 25 years: Study
Tarakeswar civic body ex-chief arrested after weeks on run, granted bail
HC extends stay on demolition of Abhisheks Amtala office
Brahmaputra Infrastructure emerges L-1 for Rs 78-cr West Bengal project
Brahmaputra Infrastructure said it has been declared the lowest bidder (L-1) for a civil construction project worth Rs 78.09 crore in West Bengal.
Five injured in blast at firecracker factory in West Bengal
A blast occurred at a firecracker unit in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district. Five individuals sustained injuries following the explosion at the Champahati area factory. A subsequent fire engulfed the unit, producing thick smoke visible to locals. Fire brigade teams promptly arrived at the scene to manage the situation. An investigation is currently underway to determine the blast's exact cause.
5 injured in blast at firecracker factory in Bengal's South 24 Parganas
No fire exits, locked windows: How Kolkata's 'Mini Bangladesh' budget hotels house patients
100 days of governments in Keralam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal
Here is a collection of articles from The Hindu as governments in Keralam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal complete 100 days in power
Hotel lease-holder arrested, two detained after Kolkata hotel inferno kills nine
Of the nine, five are Bangladeshi nationals and one each from Bihar and West Bengal; two victims are yet to be indentified; the hotels owner, Bireshwar Mitra, is still absconding, said police.
ABVP, Left-wing students clash at Kolkata's Jadavpur University; several injured | VIDEO
Tensions erupted at the Jadavpur University in West Bengal's capital Kolkata following a clash between supporters and members of Left-wing organisations and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), causing injuries to several students.
ABVP, Left-leaning student groups clash on Jadavpur University campus; several injured
Former Trinamool Leader Uttam Kundu Arrested in West Bengal
Kolkata, August 20: The police in West Bengals Hooghly district have arrested Uttam Kundu, the former head of the Tarakeswar Municipality. Authorities reported that Kundu had been on the run for some time. Uttam Kundu is currently associated with the Ritabrata Banerjee faction of the Trinamool Congress. He faces multiple charges, including corruption and extortion. ... Read more Former Trinamool Leader Uttam Kundu Arrested in West Bengal
West Bengal Court issues arrest warrant against TMC MP Mahua Moitra for repeated non-appearance
A court in West Bengals Nadia district on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra after she repeatedly failed to appear before it in an alleged hate speech case despite being served summons. The 3rd Judicial Magistrate at Krishnanagar directed immediate issuance of the warrant and fixed August 28, 2026, for [] The post West Bengal Court issues arrest warrant against TMC MP Mahua Moitra for repeated non-appearance appeared first on India Legal .
Citizenship Rules 2026: District collectors empowered to grant citizenship
The Union Home Ministry has authorised district collectors in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to process and grant citizenship through registration or naturalisation to eligible applicants
The MHA order is significant as the amendments to the CAA Rules, which first came into effect on March 11, 2024, have been notified after the BJP came to power in West Bengal this year
Bengal CM Adhikari thanks PM Modi for approval of crucial railway project
Kolkata, Aug 20 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the approval of a crucial railway line project connecting Kharagpur in the state with Bhadrak in neighbouring Odisha. I convey my sincere gratitude to the Union Cabinet chaired by the Honble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for []
Kolkata hotel fire: Leaseholder of Hotel Shikha Inn Abu Zafar arrested
District collectors in six border states, J-K and Ladakh empowered to grant citizenship
New Delhi, Aug 20: The Union home ministry on Wednesday authorised district collectors in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam and Tripura (except tribal areas), and Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to grant naturalised citizenship to fit and proper applicants ordinarily residing in these regions. The government notified the Citizenship (Third Amendment) Rules 2026 on Wednesday, granting district collectors in these states and UTs the authority to process citizenship-seeking applications for egistration or naturalisation. . The district collectors in these states will replace the Empowered Committees and Designated Officers that previously held these powers. In the gazette notification, the Home Ministry has authorised district collectors in these areas to eceive, scrutinise, and dispose of such applications in accordance with the laid-down parameters. The new rules apply to citizenship-seeking applicants ordinarily residing in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, as well as the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. In Assam and Tripura, the rules specifically exclude tribal areas. The new rules designate the district collector as the competent authority to receive requests for registration or naturalisation electronically. The government has directed that all applications currently pending with those committees or District Level Committees in the specified regions be immediately transferred to the relevant collector. Upon submission, the system will generate an automated acknowledgement. The collector will then verify all submitted documents and conduct any inquiries necessary to determine the applicant's suitability. The Collector shall verify the documents submitted by the applicant, along with the application, conduct such enquiry as he considers necessary for ascertaining the suitability of the applicant, administer the oath of allegiance as specified in the Second Schedule to the Act and satisfy himself regarding the eligibility of the applicant under section 6B, the notification said. If the collector is satisfied that an applicant is a fit and proper person, they are authorised to grant Indian citizenship directly. As part of the final steps, the collector must administer the oath of allegiance as prescribed by the Act. However, the new rules maintain strict requirements for applicants to appear in person. In case an applicant fails to appear in person to subscribe the application and take the oath of allegiance despite giving reasonable opportunities, the Collector shall reject the application, said the notified rules. The government has also rescinded previous orders except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such rescission.
9 die in Kolkata hotel fire; Bengal minister says Bangladeshis among those dead
At least nine people, including a four-year-old child, died and six were injured in an early Wednesday fire at a dingy five-storey building on Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata that housed several hotels, police said. Five fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze that erupted around 1.45 am. Police and Disaster Management Department personnel reached the spot for the rescue operation. According to a senior official, 80 people have been rescued from the five-storey building. Speaking to PTI, Fire Department Minister Kaushik Chowdhury said the identities of those killed are yet to be established. The deceased include both Indians and Bangladeshi nationals, he said after visiting the site. We are trying to establish their identities. The situation inside this building is very bad. There are several hotels inside this building. I am shocked to see what was going on here, Chowdhury said. Asked about the cause of the fire, the minister said that it could be because of a short circuit. But a forensic examination would reveal what led to the blaze, he said.. The building management did not comply with basic safety and construction norms. It is alleged that there were several irregularities in the functioning of the hotel, the minister added. The injured have been taken to a nearby hospital. Dense smoke made it difficult for firefighters to climb the staircase and reach the upper floors. While nine people have died, more deaths are feared, a police officer told PTI. Our priority is to rescue those trapped and determine the reasons for the fire. The flames have been doused, but the building is very, very hot. The cooling process is underway, he added. West Bengal Fire Department headquarters is located close to the hotel building.. Another police officer said the building owner is currently absconding. A case is being registered at the New Market police station, with police initiating proceedings against the owner, he said, adding that police have begun raids at the owners residence as part of efforts to trace him. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the fire and whether safety regulations were violated. According to the Chief Ministers Office, CM Suvendu Adhikari is likely to visit the site of the fire.
Mysterious Death of Elderly Woman in Asansol Leads to Police Custody of Son and Daughter-in-Law
Asansol, August 20: A suspicious death of an elderly woman occurred in Asansol, West Bengal, on Wednesday. The police have taken her younger son and daughter-in-law into custody for questioning amid suspicions of murder. The incident took place in the Kalipahari area of the Asansol South police station jurisdiction. The deceased has been identified as ... Read more Mysterious Death of Elderly Woman in Asansol Leads to Police Custody of Son and Daughter-in-Law
At least 5 from Bangladesh among 9 who choke to death in sleep in central Kolkata lodge fire
Tragic Hotel Fire in Kolkata: A Result of Negligence, Claims Chief Minister
Kolkata, August 20: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari sharply criticized the previous Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee following a tragic hotel fire on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata. The incident has claimed the lives of nine individuals so far. In a social media post on Wednesday, the Chief Minister attributed this ... Read more Tragic Hotel Fire in Kolkata: A Result of Negligence, Claims Chief Minister
No KMC building panel meet in 6 months, over 300 city realty projects stuck
Shopping day ends in nightmare as fire claims Bdeshi scribes family
E Kol school shut day after snakebite, student safe
Family runs another hotel nearby, owner at large
ATC fire at Kolkata airport exposes lack of backup control facility
Fire tragedy latest blow to Mini Bangladesh
State drops after-hours census duty order for schoolteachers
Islampur lawyers save HC documents, huddle on terrace before rescue
Its a free-for-all on Free School Street, where violations exceed rules
Dad saves son, escapes from burning building after going back to retrieve passports
30-min wait on parapet our longest half an hour, says couple
State focus on accident response schemes
UP duo jumps 15ft from 2nd floor, cheats death
KOZYNAP Accelerates Retail Expansion with Fully Customized Sleep Solutions
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 19: Building on its rapidly expanding retail and hospitality presence, KOZYNAP, one of East India's fastest emerging mattress brands, is now entering its next phase of growth, strengthening its manufacturing ecosystem while expanding its footprint across India and preparing to enter newer international markets.
Fire Brigade HQ 40m Away, Response Takes 1 Min But Alls Lost Before Help Arrives
