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Kolkata To Expand Birth, Death Certificate Services As SIR Nears End
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will expand its facilities for issuing birth and death certificates from next week, as West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll enters its final stage.
West Bengal becomes first State in the country to rename Raj Bhavan as Lok Bhavan
KOLKATA: Implementing a Central Government notification, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Saturday renamed the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata to 'Lok Bhavan'. The governor's office claimed that West Bengal is the first State in the country to change the name of the Raj Bhavan into Lok Bhavan. In a video posted by the office on X, Bose is seen replacing three letters L, O and K with R, A and J before Bhavan. The Union Home Ministry had issued a directive on the renaming of Raj Bhavan on November 25. On 27 March 2023, at the request of the Hon'ble Governor Dr C. V. Ananda Bose, the Hon'ble President Droupadi Murmu handed over the symbolic key of the then Raj Bhavan to the Hon'ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. It was in this historic moment that a new chapter began for Raj Bhavan Jan Raj Bhavan. , . . . , - Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, Social Media (@BengalGovernor) November 29, 2025 In pursuance of the communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 25.11.2025, it is hereby notified that the name of the holdings of 'Raj Bhavan' in Kolkata, Flagstaff House and Darjeeling, has been modified and renamed as 'Lok Bhavan', a notification said. This notification comes into force with immediate effect, it also said. In a post on X, Bose said, The concept of the 'Jana Raj Bhavan' by the then Raj Bhavan, Kolkata, was prompted by the urge to make the establishment alive to the needs of the people, their aspirations, hopes, their problems and challenges. Simultaneously, the move was to shed its aura of 'awe and fear' and be open to people from all walks of life. The Raj Bhavan, now renamed as Lok Bhavan, serves as the governor's official residence and also houses his office. During the last three years, Raj Bhavan has initiated several constructive people-centric programmes. A key element of the Jana Raj Bhavan initiative was its proactive role in the service of people -- to be with them in their need. Whenever there was a situation of exigency -- be it violence, natural calamity, or even complaints of atrocities, in any corner of West Bengal, Jana Raj Bhavan reached out to people in need, he said. In tune with the transformational and inspirational leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has ensured the participation of people across all segments of society in the spectacular march towards Viksit Bharat, the Raj Bhavan and Raj Niwas across the country were uniformly decided to be renamed as Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas respectively, as per a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 25 November, 2025, Bose added.
KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has expressed serious concern over the alleged reluctance of many BLOs in West Bengal to mark cases such as absent, shifted, dead and duplicate in enumeration forms during their door-to-door visits for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal and senior officials held a virtual conference with district magistrates (DMs), who also serve as district electoral officers (DROs), and electoral registration officers (EROs), seeking reports on forms without such markings. Subrata Gupta, retired IAS officer and newly appointed state special observer for electoral rolls revision, held a meeting with 12 other serving IAS officers assigned as observers in districts by the national poll body. Sources said the ECI has received numerous complaints against a section of BLOs. The poll body also noted that forms of voters identified as 'absent', 'shifted', 'dead' or 'duplicate' are being collected elsewhere without being marked or digitalised in the BLO App. DEOs and EROs have been directed to maintain strict vigilance and take appropriate action against the BLOs responsible. In the virtual conference, the CEO focused on data related to the assembly-wise number of forms collected by BLOs without 'absent', 'shifted', 'dead' or 'duplicate' markings and digitalisation. Meanwhile, a section of BLOs, backed by the ruling Trinamool Congress, staged a demonstration in front of the CEO office protesting the deaths of several colleagues, which they attributed to the unbearable workload, stress, and strain caused by ongoing SIR-related duties. They demanded compensation for the families of the deceased BLOs. The agitating BLOs, along with relatives of the deceased, attempted to meet Agarwal, but police prevented them from entering the CEO building at BBD Bagh in the heart of the city, resulting in a scuffle with deployed officers. On 26 November, expressing concern over the safety and security of Agarwal, other officers, and staff at the office, ECI secretary Surjeet Kumar Mishra wrote a strong letter to the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, seeking an action-taken report (ATR) on the BLO protest inside the CEO chamber. A section of BLOs under the banner of BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee, backed by the ruling party, organised a march from Sealdah to the CEO office on Monday to protest against the excessive work pressure caused by the SIR duty. On Monday night, the group gheraoed the CEOs chamber and refused to leave. The following morning, the standoff continued. Additional CEO Dibyendu Das spoke with the 10-member representative team, asking them to wait in his chamber, but they declined, stating they would remain outside the CEOs office.
ECI directs Kolkata Police to relocate West Bengal CEO office following security breach
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a fresh directive to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma on Friday night, instructing him to ensure the immediate relocation of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officers (CEO) office to a secure ...
KOLKATA: The Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal has directed district magistrates (DMs) across the state to upload details of Waqf properties to the Central Governments Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal. The state minority affairs and madrasa education department has sent the directive to the DMs at a time when some officials in the department felt that the exercise was a time-bound compliance requirement set by the Centre. The Centre has asked states to upload information on all undisputed Waqf properties by 6 December, prompting the state administration to begin the data-entry process immediately, according to officials. The directive sent to DMs lists four primary issues. They have been asked to convene meetings with imams, muezzins (those who give the call to prayer) and madrasa teachers to explain the uploading procedure, one of the officials said. The DMs have been told that only uncontested properties are to be entered in the portal, he added. All districts have been asked to set up facilitation centres wherever technical support is necessary, the official added. Earlier this year, the Central Government amended several provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995. While some of these amendments remain under consideration before the Supreme Court, a senior state government official pointed out that there is no stay on the implementation of the Centres proposed changes. The state is obliged to follow the directive within the given timeframe, he said. Under the amended rules, mutawallis (caretakers of a waqf) of 8,063 Waqf estates in Bengal must register complete property details on the UMEED portal by 6 December, he elaborated. The Bengal governments order to upload details of the states waqf properties onto the UMEED portal has triggered a political controversy, as the state had earlier said it would not implement the amended Waqf Act that came into force in April. Senior BJP leaders in the state held the chief minister responsible for the April communal violence in Samserganj, Murshidabad, which arose from a protest against the amendment. Will Mamata Banerjee apologise to Hindus in Mothabari (Malda) where 68 shops belonging to them were vandalised? Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday. Haragobinda Das and Chandan Das (father and son slain in Samserganj) were killed because Mamata Banerjee instigated people against the Waqf Amendment Act. Can you compensate those families? he alleged. Bengal is home to around 82,000 waqf properties under nearly 8,000 waqf estates. Suvendu used the issue to appeal to Muslim voters. I want to tell the Muslim community that if you are really against the (amended) Waqf Act, boycott Mamata Banerjee. If you dont, it will be proved that your movement was never against the Waqf Amendment Act, it was against those poor Hindus. The BJP wants to sell off waqf properties to its crony private players like Adani and Ambani. Our stance against the (amended) Waqf Act has not changed, a senior ruling party leader said.
ECI writes to West Bengal DGP directing police to ensure BLO safety
In the letter, the ECI directed the police to ensure that there is no perceptible atmosphere of fear, threat, and undue influence on these field functionaries (BLOs) and that no untoward incident occurs at any place
5 Visits In 30 Days: Why BJPs Bhupendra Yadav Is Quietly Camping In Bengal
The BJPs backroom strategist has visited poll-bound West Bengal at least five times in the last one month to firm up poll strategy
Appointment Of West Bengals Top Police OfficerFaces Legal Battle | Exclusive
Dr Rajesh Kumar, a 1990-batch IPS officer, has challenged UPSCs decision to exclude him and two other senior-most officers from the panel for appointment as DGP
EC Asks Bengal DGP to Ensure Safety of Poll Officials During SIR Exercise
This is EC's second letter to the state government in three days, expressing concern over the security of poll officials in West Bengal
EC appoints retired bureaucrat Subrata Gupta as 'Special Roll Observer' for SIR in West Bengal
KOLKATA: The Election Commission appointed retired IAS officer Subrata Gupta as the 'Special Roll Observer' for the SIR exercise in West Bengal, an official said. The EC also appointed 12 IAS officers as 'Electoral Roll Observers' to oversee the key aspects of preparation of the electoral rolls following the SIR and help the district election officers (DEOs) and electoral registration officers (EROs) in taking corrective measures, he said. Gupta, a 1990-batch IAS officer of West Bengal cadre, will be overseeing that the process of special intensive revision or SIR was carried out as per the directions of the EC, and ensure that no eligible person is left out of the electoral rolls and no ineligible elector is included in it, the official said on Friday. Meanwhile, Smita Pandey was appointed the Electoral Roll Observer for Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Bardhaman and Birbhum districts, Tanmay Chakraborty for Murshidabad and Malda, Randhir Kumar for North 24 Parganas and Kolkata Uttar, C Murugan for South 24 Parganas and Kolkata Dakshin, R Arjun for Coochbehar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts, he said. Rajeev Kumar was named the Electoral Roll Observer for Howrah, Neelam Meena for Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram districts, Ashwini Kumar Yadav for Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur, Niranjan Kumar for Darjeeling and Kalimpong, Devi Prasad Karanam for Purulia and Bankura, Rachna Bhagat for Nadia and Vishwanath for Hooghly district, he added.
West Bengal: CEC under fire as TMC alleges blood on his hands over SIR deaths
The 10-member delegation, led by TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek OBrien, met the EC officials amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Speaking to reporters, OBrien said the party raised five questions, but CEC Gyanesh Kumar did not give any answers
Around 15 lakh dead voters identified in Bengalso far
Meanwhile, 12 electoral roll observers and one special electoral roll observer have been appointed for the scrutiny of the SIR process in West Bengal
TMC delegation meets EC, alleges 40 death-related to SIR till now in WB
A Trinamool Congress delegation accused the Election Commission of lood on their hands over 40 deaths, including BLOs, during West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The party alleged an unplanned and heartless execution, questioning the EC's focus on Bengal as a border state and its alleged bias against the state.
ECI shifts West Bengal CEO office; AITC team meets CEC
The commission directed the Kolkata police commissioner to ensure security to the existing and the new offices, ECI sources said.
ECI rejects AITCs allegations on SIR as baseless, urges party to avoid misinformation
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday said that during its meeting with an All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) delegation, the full panel gave a point-wise rebuttal to all apprehensions and termed each baseless allegation made by the party as unfounded. A senior ECI official, while speaking to TNIE , said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, also requested the AITC delegation to give claims and objections after December 9, when the draft list is shared with them. Till then, they should not interfere with the independent functioning of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs), who are State government employees on deputation to election-related work, the official said. The Commission also told the AITC delegation not to influence or fallethreaten BLOs regarding dead, shifted and duplicate voters, he said. The delegation was informed that only Indian citizens are entitled to vote as per Article 326 of the Constitution of India and that foreigners cannot be allowed to vote. According to the official, the Commission clearly asserted during the meeting that the preparation of electoral rolls, as well as the conduct of elections in India, are carried out strictly as per the Constitution and electoral law, and that the AITC should abide by the same. As the AITC is the ruling party in West Bengal, the official said the delegation was told that it was very strange that the enhanced honorarium approved by ECI has not yet been disbursed by the State government and this should be done without any further delay. While noting that political rhetoric was the partys prerogative, the ECI urged the delegation that its leaders should refrain from spreading misinformation relating to election procedures, the official said. Meanwhile, the ECI has written to the West Bengal Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner to ensure that BLOs are not pressurised or threatened by political party workers. The official added that even though the AITC opposed the move, the ECI has directed all DEOs to ensure new polling stations in slums, high-rise buildings and gated residential colonies as is being done across India based on the instructions. Based on recent incidents relating to the breach of security at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, the ECI has issued directions to shift the office to a security-appropriate location and directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner to ensure complete security of the existing as well as the new office of the CEO, the official said.
ECI asks West Bengal DEOs to complete polling station rationalisation by Dec 2025
The Election Commission of India is directing officials in West Bengal to finalize polling station changes by December 2025. The focus is on urban areas, including group housing societies and slum clusters. This exercise aims to ensure adequate facilities for voters. A former IAS officer has been appointed as a Special Rolls Observer to oversee the voter list revision process.
Trinamool MLAs Babri Masjid construction claim triggers political row in West Bengal
BJP alleges attempt to turn West Bengal into West Bangladesh as Murshidabad remarks spark controversy ahead of elections
Trinamool Leader Shot Dead In West Bengal, Aide Critically Injured
A Trinamool gram panchayat member was shot dead and his associate critically injured after unidentified assailants opened fire at them in West Bengal's Howrah late on Thursday night, police said
Not In Touch With Him: Trinamool Congress On MLA's 'Babri Masjid' Plan
A major controversy erupted in poll-bound West Bengal after TMC MLA Humayun Kabir announced he would lay the foundation stone of a mosque modelled on Babri Masjid in Murshidabad district on December 6.
2 Dead As Trinamool Groups Clash At Kangaroo Court Meet In Bengal's Malda
Sticks and swords flew in West Bengal's Malda as two Trinamool Congress factions clashed at a kangaroo court meeting on Thursday, leading to the death of one party worker.
Gardener Gets RI for Life for Violating Minor Girl in Secunderabad
The court held the accused Gowtham Rajbangshi, a resident of Karkhana and native of Murshidabad district in West Bengal, guilty in the case registered in 2024 under Section 65(2) of BNS, and Section 5(n) read with 6 of POCSO Act and sentenced him to imprisonment for the remaining of his natural life
What is West Bengals student credit card scheme that crossed a milestone of one lakh cards?
The student credit card scheme is aimed at supporting higher education, allows students to avail themselves of loans up to 10 lakh at a nominal interest rate, and the entire interest subsidy is borne by the state government
TMC claims 40 SIR-related deaths in West Bengal; says CEC has blood on his hands
The delegation consisted of Lok Sabha MPs Mahua Moitra, Satabdi Roy, Kalyan Banerjee, Pratima Mondal, Sajda Ahmed, and Rajya Sabha MPs Dola Sen, Mamata Thakur, Saket Gokhale, and Prakash Chik Barik
Fourth death of BLO reported in Bengal during SIR, incident triggers political row
KOLKATA: A booth-level officer (BLO) engaged in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls died of cardiac arrest in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, with his family alleging that mounting work pressure pushed him to the brink. This is the fourth such death reported in the state since the exercise began on November 4, sparking a political blame game. Officials identified the deceased as Zakir Hossain, a teacher at a state-run primary school who had been deployed as a BLO. He collapsed on Thursday afternoon after complaining of severe chest pain and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died later that night, family members said. Relatives claimed Hossain had been under remendous pressure juggling SIR duties and regular teaching work. The strain increased, they alleged, because the primary school authorities refused to relieve him despite repeated requests, forcing him to manage both responsibilities simultaneously. With Hossain's death, the number of BLO fatalities linked to alleged SIR-related stress has climbed to four. Hasty SIR implementation reminiscent of demonetisation and Covid lockdown, says Congress on BLO deaths Earlier, a BLO in Purba Bardhaman district died of a heart attack, while two others -- one in Nadia's Chapra and another in Jalpaiguri's Malbazar -- allegedly took their own lives, reportedly unable to cope with the workload. The deaths have fuelled sharp political exchanges. Trinamool Congress leaders, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have accused the Election Commission (EC) of burdening BLOs with an inhumane and unplanned workload. Addressing a rally in Bongaon earlier this week, Banerjee claimed that at least 10 BLOs deployed for SIR had been hospitalised and three had already died. In Murshidabad, one more BLO has died due to the pressure put by the EC in connection with SIR. The total number of deaths is four, and nearly 14 others are undergoing medical treatment, a senior TMC leader said on Friday. The BJP, however, rejected the allegation, contending that the stress felt by BLOs stemmed not from the Election Commission's directives but from political and administrative pressure exerted by the ruling party in the state. Tension flares as BJP workers reach BLO workers protest site outside Bengal CEO's office
Demolition of Bidhan Bhavan: Meghalaya High Court orders status quo
Bidhan Bhavan was constructed before 1923 by Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who later became West Bengal CM, and it served as a summer retreat for his family
The Staff Selection Commission has announced 7,948 vacancies for MTS and Havaldar posts in 2025. With 6,810 MTS positions and 1,138 for Havaldars, Delhi, Maharashtra, and West Bengal show the highest openings. Candidates should prepare for the Computer-Based Test and, for Havaldars, physical tests. Exam dates are expected soon.
Rs 1.02 Crore Gold Hidden In Bicycle Tyre Seized At India-Bangladesh Border
The Border Security Force (BSF) has seized gold worth nearly Rs 1.02 crore along the India-Bangladesh border in the Malda district of West Bengal, officials said on Thursday.
Pushing the panic button in West Bengal
With the start of SIR in West Bengal, all the major political parties in the State have taken a stand on the revision of electoral rolls. Except the BJP, all parties, including the ruling Trinamool Congress, are opposing the exercise, though they are participating in the process. Among the electorate, confusion and apprehension prevail, The Hindu reports
West Bengal BLOs claim facing technical glitches
Block-level officers in West Bengal are experiencing significant technical issues with the BLO app. This is hindering the crucial digitisation of enumeration forms. The Election Commission of India is addressing server problems. BLOs report work pressure and app malfunctions, leading to delays. Digitisation continues until December 4, with draft rolls to be published on December 9.
Indian Woman Found In Bangladesh 20 Years After Going Missing At Bengal Fair
A woman from Madhya Pradesh, presumed missing at the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal nearly 20 years ago, has been traced to Bangladesh. Efforts are now underway to bring her back to India and reunite her with her family.
West Bengal Govt Transfers 10 SPs Ahead Of Assembly Polls, More Police Reshuffles Expected
The districts affected by the transfers include Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Raiganj, Jhargram, Baruipur, Bankura, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, and Purulia
Trinamool Worker Hacked To Death During Kangaroo Court Meeting
A TMC worker was hacked to death and five others were injured after a meeting of a 'salishi sabha', a kangaroo court, turned violent in West Bengal's Malda district on Thursday.
West Bengal School Service Commission releases full details of 1,806 tainted teacher recruits
Calcutta High Court also directs SSC to publish in the public domain answersheets of candidates who took the recently held selection test
WB school jobs scam: SSC updates list of tainted teachers but their school names remain a mystery
The West Bengal School Service Commission has republished a comprehensive list of 1,806 tainted candidates today from the 2016 SLST, after the Calcutta High Courts order. But while names, parents names, roll numbers and subjects are out, the schools they taught in remain hidden. The op-ed tracks nine years of rot in Bengals teacher recruitment scam, from SLST to Supreme Court.
Exercise to identify illegal foreign nationals to be launched in UP
LUCKNOW: Tightening the noose around the illegal immigrants living in the state, the Uttar Pradesh authorities are set to launch a major exercise to identify them. The campaign will commence from western UP, the Rohilkhand region of Terai, comprising Bareilly, Badaun, Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur districts falling under Bareilly division. As per the senior officials, the divisional commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary has issued directives to all the DMs concerned of Bareilly Division, to set up temporary detention facilities where identified illegal immigrants would be housed until the verification is complete, and, if necessary, they are deported to their native countries as per procedure. The move has come after UP CM Yogi Adityanath had recently directed the respective district administrations to identify, detain and deport illegal immigrants residing across Uttar Pradesh. As per Chaudhary, several Bangladesh nationals are suspected to be engaged in factories, brick kilns and other establishments in the Rohilkhand region. Posing as residents of Assam or West Bengal, they are even in possession of Indian identity documents. However, their language and mannerisms had raised suspicion, said the officer. The sources claimed that Bareilly district officials and police had begun ground-level checks to identify illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, the divisional commissioner said that the administration would call linguistic experts from Tripura if needed to aid the identification process. Local Bengali-speaking residents will also assist in the verification process, he added. According to Bareilly Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anurag Arya, any person found with fake Aadhaar, voter ID, or other forged documents would face criminal proceedings. Cross-checking of suspicious individuals, identified during a special verification drive earlier this year, would also be undertaken. It may be recalled that Bareilly police had set up special police station-wise teams for the campaign under the supervision of Additional Superintendents of Police and Circle Officers. The team of officials, who were part of the drive, had identified several suspected individuals living in slums and nomadic settlements during a two-month-long operation in June this year. At the end of the drive, over a dozen Bangladesh nationals were confirmed to be residing in the district, illegally. In August this year, three Bangladesh-origin sisters were arrested from the Premnagar area for allegedly residing with forged documents for years. All three sisters were booked on charges of cheating, impersonation, forgery, and provisions of the Foreigners Act, Passport Act, and Aadhaar Act. In another instance, a Bangladeshi national living under a fake identity was arrested.
7.64 crore enumeration forms distributed in Bengal during SIR exercise so far: EC official
KOLKATA: An estimated 7.64 crore enumeration forms have been distributed among voters till November 27, the 24th day of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, an Election Commission official said on Thursday. The exercise, for updating electoral rolls ahead of the 2026 assembly polls in the state, began on November []
'Why is ECI hiding details?': TMC slams poll body over use of 'mysterious' AI app for SIR in Bengal
NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale on Thursday questioned the mysterious AI application that the Election Commission has said it will use for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal. In a post on X, the TMC MP said no details about the app and its functionality are available. The ECI's mysterious 'AI app'... Now, the Election Commission says they will use an 'AI app' during the SIR exercise in Bengal. As is typical, there are zero details of who made this app and its functionality, Gokhale said. According to officials of the Election Commission, the poll panel is set to introduce AI-based verification systems during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal to prevent the inclusion of fake or deceased voters. By analysing facial similarities across photographs in the voter database, the AI system will help identify individuals registered at multiple locations. Gokhale sought to inquire about the details of the vendor and the developer of the app and whether the app was audited for artificial intelligence (AI) bias. Why is AI required for searching duplicate entries when existing PDF software can do it easily? he questioned. In 2019, I had exposed how the ECI had hired an agency associated with the BJP IT cell in Maharashtra, he said. Gokhale mentioned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's letter to the ECI raising concerns over the hiring of 1,000 data-entry operators and 50 software developers from outside. Why is the ECI hiding details of this 'AI app'? What is the guarantee that this mystery app has not been developed by someone with BJP links?' he said. Gokhale alleged that there is zero transparency in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise which he said is being rushed in a very suspicious manner. Why is the ECI not coming clean? he said.
WBSSC releases fresh list of 1,806 tainted teachers after Calcutta HC directive
KOLKATA: After being pulled up by the Calcutta High Court (HC), the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) on Thursday released a fresh comprehensive list of 1,806 tainted teachers who had been recruited earlier through the State Level Selection Test (SLST) conducted in 2016. The WBSSC, which recruits assistant teachers for these schools through SLST, uploaded the list containing the names of the tainted candidates and their parents, the subjects they taught, their SLST roll numbers, and dates of birth, as directed by the High Court. However, the updated list did not specify the schools where these tainted teachers had worked for nearly a decade. The court had instructed the Commission to republish the names of the undeserving teachers along with detailed identification information. When asked if these candidates were among those who appeared for the fresh recruitment test held on 7 and 14 September 2025, some WBSSC officials denied the possibility. We had earlier uploaded the same list of tainted teachers. But this time, as directed by the High Court, we have included the additional details to ensure full transparency, one of the officials said, requesting anonymity. The development comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Courts earlier order invalidating the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff selected through the 2016 SLST, ruling that the entire recruitment exercise was tainted and vitiated beyond redemption. Giving a clean chit to the WBSSC, state education minister Bratya Basu told reporters, The School Service Commission has done the job with transparency and impartiality. Our target is to complete the fresh recruitment process by 31 December, the deadline set by the apex court. Coming down heavily on the opposition BJP, CPI(M) and Congress, the minister said it was the oppositions duty to stop the recruitment initiatives taken by the Mamata Banerjee government, but our duty is to recruit teachers. On 17 April, the Supreme Court allowed the sacked but untainted teachers to continue in their posts till 31 December, by which time the fresh recruitment must be completed, offering relief to both the teachers and the Bengal government. Earlier, on 3 April, the apex court had cancelled en masse the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching school staff recruited through the 2016 SLST, saying the entire process had been vitiated. The teachers, all appointed as assistant teachers for Classes IX to XII, were among those affected.
62.50% of groundwater samples from Punjab have uranium levels above safety threshold limit: Report
CHANDIGARH: A staggering 62.50 per cent of groundwater samples from Punjab have uranium levels above the safety threshold limit, the highest contamination intensity ever recorded in the country, followed by Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. This fact was revealed in the latest Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025 by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Meanwhile, across the country, nitrate contamination was the most widespread, followed by fluoride and salinity. As per the report, the highest intensity of uranium contamination was recorded in the state, as 53.04 per cent of samples exceeded the permissible limit before the monsoon and 62.50 per cent afterwards. It highlighted that uranium concentrations exceeding the safe limit of 30 ppb were detected sporadically in Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Rajasthan. A total of 3,754 groundwater samples were tested across India during Pre- and Post-Monsoon 2024 to check uranium concentration. Samples with uranium levels above the safe limit of 30 ppb were found in 6.71 per cent during the Pre-Monsoon and 7.91 per cent during the post-monsoon, showing a slight increase after rainfall. The highest uranium contamination was observed in Punjab, where over half of the samples (53.04 per cent pre-monsoon and 62.50 per cent post-monsoon) exceeded the limit, it read. Meanwhile, Haryana also reported significant levels, with 15 per cent of pre-monsoon and 23.75 per cent of post-monsoon samples above the limit, followed by Delhi, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. High levels were also found in Haryana (1523.75 per cent), Delhi (1315.66 per cent), Karnataka (68 per cent), and Uttar Pradesh (56 per cent). Moderate contamination occurred in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, while most other states showed uranium levels within safe limits, it stated. The report further stated, Spatially, northwestern India (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) emerged as the main hotspot of uranium contamination, likely due to geogenic factors, groundwater depletion, and aquifer characteristics. In contrast, eastern and southern India recorded minimal contamination. Overall, the study shows that while most groundwater in India is safe, certain regions face rising uranium levels, emphasising the need for regular monitoring and local mitigation measures to protect drinking water quality and health. Meanwhile, fluoride levels exceeding 1.5 mg/L were detected in 11.24 per cent of samples in Punjab, while the national exceedance was at 8.05 per cent. Interestingly, Rajasthan topped this category with 41.06 per cent, followed by Haryana with 21.82 per cent. High fluoride occurrences are prominently observed in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and parts of Odhisa. Excessive fluoride in groundwater used for drinking poses a significant health concern, as prolonged consumption can lead to waterborne fluorosis, manifesting in dental and skeletal disorders, it stated. It adds that nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern. It mainly comes from excessive use of fertilisers, animal waste, and sewage seeping into groundwater. In India, nearly 20.71 per cent of groundwater samples have been reported to exceed the permissible limit of 45 mg/L, as prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 10500) for drinking water quality, report states. In the pre-monsoon, Nitrate ranges from BDL to 2070 mg/L with a mean value of 32 mg/L. High nitrate concentrations are prominently observed in northwestern and central India, particularly in the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, extending further into parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These areas correspond largely to alluvial and hard-rock aquifers, where intensive agricultural practices, excessive fertiliser application, and improper disposal of domestic and animal wastes contribute to nitrate enrichment. Elevated nitrate remained one of the most widespread contaminants. The highest levels in Rajasthan 50.54 per cent followed by Karnataka 45.47 per cent, and Tamil Nadu 36.27 per cent, Punjab 14.6 per cent and Haryana 14.18 per cent as the national exceedance was 20.71 per cent. Elevated nitrate levels in the Indo-Gangetic plains (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal) indicate impacts of shallow groundwater vulnerability due to unlined sanitation systems and leaching from agriculture fields. During the pre-monsoon period, about 73.53 per cent of samples were within the permissible limit, while 26.47 per cent exceeded it. In the post-monsoon period, compliance remained nearly similar, with 72.95 per cent of samples meeting the standard and 27.05 per cent exceeding it. Meanwhile, the Arsenic contamination in groundwater has been reported in several Indian states, including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. But it continued to pose a serious health hazard in the Indo-Gangetic alluvial belt, with major contributions from West Bengal, Bihar, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Assam. Punjab reported 9.1 per cent pre-monsoon and 9.5 per cent post-monsoon exceedance, placing it among the significant contributors despite wide variations between districts. Due to high Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) irrigation water could lead to alkalinity buildup, soil degradation, and declining crop yields if left unmanaged. As this index determines whether irrigation water can damage soil structure and long-term land productivity, as 11.27 per cent of groundwater samples nationally exceeded the permissible limit of 2.5 meq/L, indicating sodicity hazards in several areas. The highest in Delhi at 51.11 per cent followed by Uttarakhand 41.94 per cent, Andhra Pradesh 26.87 per cent, Punjab 24.60 per cent and Rajasthan 24.42 per cent. The other parameter was Electrical Conductivity, which is a marker of water salinity, and topped the list with 47.12 per cent, followed by Delhi 33.33 per cent, Haryana 0.59 per cent and Gujarat 18.28 per cent recorded the highest percentages of samples above the BIS permissible limit of 3000 S/cm. Meanwhile, Punjab recorded 7.01 per cent of samples above the limit. Due to excessive saline water, agricultural productivity is affected. The report concluded that the Central Groundwater Board has undertaken an extensive assessment of groundwater quality across India during the Pre-Monsoon and Post-Monsoon periods of 2024, covering approximately 5368 monitoring wells. About 71.67 per cent of samples complied with BIS standards, while 28.32 per cent exceeded permissible limits for one or more parameters.
Nepal Rastra Bank issues Rs 100 bank notes with map of Nepal comprising disputed areas with India
KATHMANDU: Nepal's central bank on Thursday issued new Rs 100 denomination bank notes that have a revised map of the country, including the controversial Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura territories, termed as artificial enlargement by India. The new note from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) bears the signature of previous Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari. The date of issuance of the bank note is mentioned as 2081 BS, which denotes the previous year, 2024. During the Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli-led government, Nepal had updated the map, comprising Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura territories, through a Parliament endorsement in May 2020. Clarifying the matter regarding the updated version of map, an NRB spokesperson said that the map is already there in the old Rs 100 bank note and it has been revised as per the government's decision. Among various denominations of bank notes such as Rs 10, Rs 50, Rs 500, and Rs 1,000, only the bank note with Rs 100 denomination bears the map of Nepal, others do not, he clarified. India maintains that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belong to it. India had in 2020 reacted sharply, calling Nepal's revised map a unilateral act and cautioned Kathmandu that such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it. Nepal's new Rs 100 bank note has Mt Everest on its left side while there is a water mark of Rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal, on the right. There is a faint green colour map of Nepal printed in the background at the centre of the bank note. The Ashok Pillar is also printed near the map with the text Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha. On the back side of the bank note, there is a picture of one horned rhino. The bank note also has a security thread and an embossed black dot, which helps blind people to recognize it. Nepal shares a border of over 1850 km with five Indian states - Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
I Cant Do This Anymore: Indias SIR Turns Into Graveyard For BLOs/Teachers
From consuming poison in Uttar Pradesh to hanging in West Bengal, the Deadly Deadline of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) triggers a suicide wave among teachers and Anganwadi workers, employees unions cry 'institutional murder' while families mourn loved ones broken by state pressure.
SIR in West Bengal: Reform or a Tool For Exclusion?
With charges of systemic flaws by people and political parties, the onus is on ECI to ensure a transparent process to restore voters trust.
BJP asks its leaders to be ready for West Bengal after Bihar assembly results
NEW DELHI: In a show of collective appreciation and organisational discipline, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday evening hosted a grand dinner in New Delhi to felicitate more than 45 leaders and workers who played significant roles in securing the NDAs historic mandate in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections . The event, held at the official residence of outgoing BJP national president J P Nadda, brought together senior party heavyweights, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh and several MPs and MLAs mobilised from other states during the Bihar campaign. Addressing the gathering, Shah -- widely credited as the chief architect of the BJPs electoral strategies praised the teamwork that powered the victory and underlined the partys core principle of collective performance. What you all have achieved in Bihar is a matter of pride. This is the hour to keep the organisation blooming for a Viksit Bharat , he reportedly said. Be ready to conquer Bengal after conquering Bihar. Shah cautioned against individual credit-taking, saying no leader should assume victory was achieved because of him. This leads to pride. Our role is: where there is less, there we are, he added, reiterating that every BJP worker bears responsibility for strengthening the organisation wherever gaps exist. Be prepared for the battle of Bengal. Any one of us can be assigned anywhere in the state. Party sources said the dinner served both as a gesture of gratitude and as a reminder of the BJPs emphasis on discipline, unity and readiness for upcoming electoral battles. The party often holds such gatherings to build camaraderie and acknowledge those who deliver on the ground. BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde, among the strategists behind the Bihar campaign, posted that the banquet was organised to honour dedicated workers whose efforts ensured the NDAs sweeping victory. Appreciating its dutiful workers and boosting their morale is the biggest identity of BJP, he wrote, noting that Shah conveyed his gratitude to all present. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, who was also felicitated, said he received guidance and encouragement from the top leadership. Gratitude was expressed to all conscientious and dedicated workers whose hard work led to the NDAs landslide win, Sinha posted. He added that the leaderships blessings would inspire further efforts to strengthen organisational unity and advance the goal of making Bihar a developed state. With the celebrations concluding, Shahs message was clear: the Bihar victory is only a milestone, and the BJPs organisational machinery must now shift its focus to West Bengalidentified as the next major political battleground.
Could defer date of post-SIR draft roll in TN, WB: SC
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would not hesitate to extend the deadline for the publication of the draft electoral rolls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu if the petitioners make a strong case, while the Election Commission of India (ECI) claimed that some political parties were trying to create a scare about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the oral observation while hearing petitions challenging the SIR exercise in the two states. The remark about extending the deadline for publication of the draft rolls came after the parties appearing in the SIR for West Bengal raised concerns about the court fixing the next date of hearing to December 9, which they claimed was the date for publication of the draft roll as per the SIR schedule. So what? If you make out a case, then we can direct them to extend the date. Can that date (publication of draft roll) be a ground for the court to say we dont have any power now? Court can always say, the CJI said. For its part, the ECI told the court that some political parties are creating a scare about the SIR being undertaken Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala. Political parties are creating unnecessary scare, the poll panel said. Advocate Prashant Bhushan said the SIR was being conducted in a great hurry. The bench asked the ECI to file its counter-affidavit to the petitions relating to Tamil Nadu and West Bengal by December 4 and December 9, respectively. The bench also posted the pleas seeking deferment of the Kerala SIR to December 2, while asking the ECI and State Election Commission to file their responses by December 1. SIR in Tamil Nadu has been challenged by DMK, CPI(M), and actor Vijays TVK. The AlADMK, on the other hand, has filed an application supporting the SIR. During the hearing, the bench observed that the EC has inherent power to determine correctness of entry in Form 6. The hearing will continue on Thursday. Reason to challenge not good enough That the SIR was never conducted before is not a ground to challenge the Election Commissions decision to carry out this exercise in several states, the SC said
Amid Bengal SIR, Kolkatas Sonagachi sex workers fear loss of rights
Three welfare organisations from one of Asias largest red light areas have written to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal seeking special considerations and assistance during SIR for the sex worker community
EC seeks report in 48 hours on breach at Bengal CEO office
The Election Commission of India has demanded an action taken report from Kolkata's Police Commissioner regarding a serious security breach during BLO protests on November 24. Three senior EC officials from New Delhi have been appointed to assist the West Bengal CEO in overseeing the ongoing SIR work, marking their first deployment in the state.
Kyun Nahi Bolenge? Mamata Banerjee Slams Rajya Sabha's Slogan Guidelines
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed strong views on the Rajya Sabha bulletin's guidelines on slogans in Parliament, emphasising the significance of Jai Hind and Vande Mataram as national slogans.
'Will Cancel Bail': Judge To Trinamool Leader After Court No-Show
A special CBI judge on Wednesday warned former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee that his bail in the primary teachers recruitment corruption case would be cancelled after he did not appear in person for the hearing in the court.
Dont resort to suicide, Mamata urges BLOs
CMs appeal comes after two booth level officers in West Bengal died by suicide during the ongoing SIR process
'Infiltrators Like Cancer': Kangana Slams Mamata Over 'Will Shake India' Remark Amid SIR Row
Kangana Ranaut criticized Mamata Banerjee over her opposition to SIR in West Bengal, calling infiltrators a cancer and defending the Election Commission's revision drive.
Electoral Rolls SIR Wasn't Held Earlier Not Ground to Challenge: SC
The top court, meanwhile, also fixed the schedule of hearing on several pleas specifically challenging SIR in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal
West Bengal CM says SIR exercise is putting BLOs under stress, expresses solidarity with them
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday, once again, slammed the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the plights of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls exercise in the State. Mamata, while delivering her speech in a state government programme to commemorate the Constitution Day on Red Road in the city today, said, BLOs have died in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Bengal. The ongoing SIR exercise in nine states and three Union Territories has landed a large number of BLOs, the main workforce in the electoral rolls revision drive, in stress and strain. 'How many more need to die for SIR?': Mamata attacks EC after another BLO dies by suicide in Bengal They had to wait for 48 hours at the CEO's office to get themselves heard. Why so much arrogance? BLOs are dying. Wont they speak out? How can a work that requires three years be completed in two months? the Chief Minister asked. Her crusade against the ECI remained unabated as the national poll panel wrote a strong letter to Manoj Agarwal, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, expressing serious concern with the safety and security of the state CEO, Manoj Agarwal, other senior officers and staff in his office at B B D Bag. A section of agitating BLOs backed by her party, Trinamool Congress, gheraoed Agarwals chamber for about 30 hours since Monday afternoon, protesting against the inhuman workload generated by the SIR-related duties like distributions and collections of enumeration forms during door-to-door visits. ECI expresses concern over security of officers, staff at Bengal CEO's office; seeks action taken report Trinamool Congress is attributing many of the Bengal deaths to suicides driven by SIR-related stress. On Tuesday, an assistant teacher in Uttar Pradeshs Jaunpur district, serving as a BLO in Khempur gram panchayat, died by suicide. Last week, Mamata wrote to the chief election commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, urging him to stop the SIR exercise in Bengal. She had claimed that 28 lives, including three BLOs, have already been lost in the State due to work pressure and stress caused by the SIR drive. Now, we must protect the valuable guidance that the Constitution provides, especially when democracy is at stake, when secularism is in an endangered situation, when federalism is being bulldozed, at this critical time, Mamata wrote on her X. On this sacred day, we reaffirm our commitment to the core democratic values enshrined in our Constitution. Voting rights are being snatched. Communal and social divisions are being encouraged. All rights are being snatched. We have to fight against this together, she said. Nearly 14 lakh SIR forms identified as 'uncollectable' so far in West Bengal BJP trying to implement CAA through SIR in border areas, alleges West Bengal CM at Bongaon rally
CBI arrests key accused wanted for attack on ED team in Bengals Sandeshkhali
NEW DELHI, Nov 26: The CBI has arrested Abul Hossen Molla alias Duronto, who was wanted in connection with the alleged attack on an Enforcement Directorate team at Sandeshkhali in West Bengal on January 5 last year, officials said on Wednesday. A mob attacked the ED team when it went to Sandeshkhali to raid the residence of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in an alleged ration distribution scam, they said. The agency arrested Molla, who did not join the [] The post CBI arrests key accused wanted for attack on ED team in Bengals Sandeshkhali appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CM Mamata hails West Bengal's second rank in foreign tourist arrivals after Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh (646.81 million) and Tamil Nadu (306.84 million) topped the list of States in terms of domestic tourist footfall
In West Bengal, an ill-prepared Election Commission, BLOs on the brink
The Election Commission must extend the SIR deadline, ensure a functional digital platform, and have trained data-entry operators to assist the Booth Level Officers
CBI arrests key accused wanted for attack on ED team in Bengal's Sandeshkhali
NEW DELHI: The CBI has arrested Abul Hossen Molla alias Duronto, who was wanted in connection with the alleged attack on an Enforcement Directorate team at Sandeshkhali in West Bengal on January 5 last year, officials said on Wednesday. A mob attacked the ED team when it went to Sandeshkhali to raid the residence of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in an alleged ration distribution scam, they said. The agency arrested Molla, who did not join the probe in spite of repeated notices and a non-bailable warrant issued by a local court, at around 8 pm on Tuesday from South 24 Parganas district, they sad. The CBI alleged that Molla was a key accused who led the attack on the ED officials in January 2024. On March 5, 2024, the Calcutta High Court transferred the probe into the matter from the West Bengal Police to the CBI. Sandeshkhali violence: CBI takes over probe, FIR filed against Ex-TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh
EC seeks report from Kolkata Police over protest by BLOs at CEOs office
Kolkata: The Election Commission on Wednesday wrote to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma over the protest by a section of BLOs at the West Bengal CEOs office, calling it a serious security breach, and sought an action taken report within 48 hours. In the letter, EC secretary Sujeet Kumar Mishra said the existing security 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 .
Serious security breach: EC writes to Kolkata Police amid BLO protest; seeks 48-hour action report
The Election Commission of India has expressed serious concern over the safety of poll officials in West Bengal following a security breach at the Chief Electoral Officer's office. The ECI has directed Kolkata Police to ensure immediate safety measures for officials at their offices, residences, and during travel, citing the sensitivity of upcoming elections.
ECI Seeks Urgent Security Upgrade At Bengal CEO Office After Security Breach
The Election Commission of India asked Kolkata Police to upgrade security at the West Bengal CEO office after a major breach and submit an action report.
NDA secured mandate in Bihar, now it is Bengal's turn: BJP MP Anurag Thakur responds to CM Mamata
KANGRA: BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Wednesday strongly criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks that if the Bharatiya Janata Party tries to touch the state, the Trinamool Congress would shake the entire country. Speaking to the media in Kangra, Thakur said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured the mandate in Bihar and now it is the turn of West Bengal. The public is ready to shake them up and oust them from power. This statement can be seen as a frustration ahead of defeat in the upcoming election. Bengal today is plagued by corruption, infiltration, and crime. We cannot expect anything more than such remarks from its leaders. Despite Rahul Gandhi's allegations, the NDA secured the mandate in Bihar, and now it is Bengal's turn. he said. Earlier on Tuesday, speaking at North 24 Parganas, CM Mamata Banerjee hit out at the BJP and said that she won't let their game succeed in Bengal. CM Mamata Banerjee said, Elections were held in Bihar. Bihar opposition leaders were 'bechara'; they couldn't understand the BJP's game. We understand their game, and we won't let their game succeed in Bengal. If they try to touch Bengal, we will shake the entire country. Speaking at a rally in Bangaon, Banerjee alleged that she had been denied permission to use a helicopter, which delayed her arrival. She warned the BJP that any attempt to ake her on would not succeed. I thought we could use the government helicopter. But at 10 AM today, I was informed that the helicopter wouldn't fly. The election has not started, but confrontation has already begun. But they don't realise this worked in my favour. Because on the way here I met a lot of people, and I could connect and form a close relationship with them. I tell the BJP: don't try to play with me because you won't be able to compete with me, Mamata Banerjee said while addressing the gathering. (ANI)
Stalin, Mamata Reaffirm Commitment to Constitutional Values
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to the Constitutions framers
TVS Industrial & Logistics Parks has leased over 33,000 sq. ft at its Visakhapatnam facility to Toyotsu Bharat Integrated Services for Toyotas first global parts distribution centre in South India. The new Regional Parts Centre will improve parts availability and service timelines across Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, while creating local jobs.
Nearly 14 lakh SIR forms identified as 'uncollectable' so far in West Bengal
KOLKATA : Nearly 14 lakh SIR enumeration forms have so far been identified as uncollectable in West Bengal, the Election Commission said. These forms are uncollectable since the voters were either absentee, duplicate, dead or permanently shifted, an official said. As of Tuesday noon, the number stood at 13.92 lakh. We expect this figure to continue rising daily as more updates roll in, he said. The figure was 10.33 lakh on Monday evening, he added. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been actively engaged in distributing the forms and gathering necessary details, the official said. More than 80,600 BLOs, along with around 8,000 supervisors, 3,000 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and 294 Electoral Registration Officers, have been engaged for the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, he said.
West Bengal flags nearly 14 lakh SIR forms as uncollectable, EC says
West Bengal's Election Commission has identified nearly 14 lakh voter enumeration forms as uncollectable due to voters being absentee, duplicate, dead, or permanently shifted. This figure has risen significantly, with over 80,600 Booth Level Officers actively involved in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.
Bangladesh envoy recalls shared sacrifices
NEW DELHI: Amid strain in bilateral ties, Bangladeshs High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah used the occasion of Bangladesh Armed Forces Day to honour the sacrifices made by both nations during the 1971 Liberation War and to underline the enduring strength of the relationship. Speaking at a reception at the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Monday, marking the day in 1971 when Bangladeshs Army, Navy and Air Force formally came into being, Hamidullah recalled the coordinated push against Pakistani forces. India was represented by Lt Gen Manish Luthra, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), who attended as chief guest. Members of the diplomatic community and several Indian veterans of the 1971 war were also present. The envoy said: I do recall the valued contributions of the 1,668 Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1971 war. I acknowledge the surviving war veterans of India. No less should we pay homage to countless ordinary women, men and families in India, especially in Tripura and West Bengal, who endured so much and shared millions of Bangladeshs agony during the war. Highlighting the foundations of the partnership, he described Bangladesh-India relations as deep and multi-layered, bound by shared history, shared culture, shared geography. Our two people are tied just organically. Its a relationship thats embedded in mutual respect and trust, not to be driven by a zero-sum game. While acknowledging that challenges had emerged, the envoy stressed Dhakas preference for dialogue and pragmatism. Bangladesh has consistently relied on conversation and negotiation, believing in a shared future, he said. It is what I and my colleagues across India engage in practically, to secure peace, stability and prosperity in Bangladesh and India. Hamidullah also noted expanding defence engagement, saying he was satisfied with the multifaceted cooperation between the two armed forces. These interactions, he added, ought to continue and flourish, to the mutual benefit of our people. He also spoke about Bangladeshs contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, noting that 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers had lost their lives, and said troops were now assisting civil authorities ahead of general elections expected in early 2026. Dhaka has relied on conversation and negotiation While acknowledging that challenges had emerged, the envoy stressed Dhakas preference for dialogue and pragmatism. Bangladesh has consistently relied on conversation and negotiation, believing in a shared future, he said. It is what I and my colleagues across India engage in practically, to secure peace, stability and prosperity in Bangladesh and India.
EC asks TMC team for talks on Nov 28, party seeks live telecast of meet
NEW DELHI: Tensions flared between the Election Commission (EC) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday, following the ECs invitation to a five-member TMC team for a Friday meeting over the contentious SIR of electoral rolls in West Bengal. While the EC wrote to West Bengal CM and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday that a five-member delegation can meet its top brass on Friday, TMC insisted that the party would dispatch a 10-member delegation. In a letter to EC on Tuesday, TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek OBrien listed the names of 10 leaders who would attend the meeting. The list includes Lok Sabha MPs Satabdi Roy, Kalyan Banerjee, Pratima Mondal, Sajda Ahmed and Mahua Moitra, and Rajya Sabha MPs Dola Sen, Mamata Thakur, Saket Gokhale and Prakash Chik Barik, besides OBrien. There is no way we are going to agree to the limit on the number of members in the delegation imposed by EC. A 10-member team would go for the meeting, a TMC leader said. However, in its letter, the EC pointed out that OBrien had requested an appointment with a delegation of party MPs. He wrote to EC on Sunday seeking time. The commission always welcomes regular interaction with political parties for constructive dialogue. Accordingly, the commission has considered the partys request and decided to give an appointment to the delegation comprising the authorised representative of the party along with four other members for a meeting at 11 am on November 28, the EC said in its letter. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said If ECI is genuinely transparent, why is it scared to face just 10 MPs? Hold the meeting openly. Telecast it live and answer the five straightforward, legitimate questions of TMC.
Nearly 14 lakh SIR forms identified as uncollectable so far in West Bengal
Kolkata: Nearly 14 lakh SIR enumeration forms have so far been identified as uncollectable in West Bengal, the Election Commission said on Tuesday. These forms are uncollectable since the voters were either absentee, duplicate, dead or permanently shifted, an official said. The figure was 10.33 lakh on Monday. As of Tuesday noon, the number stood 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 .
Attempt to conduct NRC in SIR's name: Mamata Banerjee at Matua headquarters
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned of a errible and dangerous situation following the Election Commission's draft electoral rolls release, alleging the SIR drive is a precursor to NRC. Addressing Matuas, she vowed to oppose any genuine voter deletions and questioned the selective implementation of SIR, emphasizing the Election Commission's impartial role.
West Bengal BLOs protest over SIR exercise, demand clarity and support
Mamata Banerjee bullying BLOs, threatening WB Chief Electoral Officer: BJP
New Delhi: The BJP on Tuesday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who took out another anti-SIR march in the state, of threatening anarchy and asserted that her efforts to derail the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls will not succeed. It also alleged that Banerjee was lying and twisting facts with regard 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 .
Mamata Banerjee's stark warning to centre ahead of SIR: 'I'll shake the nation...'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a stern warning to the central government ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state, stating that she would take to the streets nationwide and shake the entire nation if she or her people were targeted in the state.
SIR Phase II: Over 50.54 crore enumeration forms distributed with 99.16 per cent coverage
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday issued a detailed data list on the number of enumeration forms distributed among electors and their digitisation in the past 21 days since the exercise was launched on November 4. Out of the total 50,97,44,423 existing voters, 50,54,82,771 of them have been handed over the pre-filled forms, clocking 99.16 per cent, and over 28 crore (56.34 per cent) of them have been digitised. According to the ECI data, among the States, the maximum of over 15,38,71,940 crore forms have been handed over in Uttar Pradesh, which has a total voters base of 15,44,30,092. SC seeks response of EC on fresh plea of MDMK leader Vaiko against SIR in Tamil Nadu In West Bengal, where the ruling TMC has been opposing the exercise, 7,64,59,129 voters have been handed over the enumeration forms against the total voters base of 7,66,37529. In the second phase after Bihar, the ECI has launched the SIR in nine states and three Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and the UT of Puducherry, which are going to assembly polls next year. The ongoing Enumeration Phase will continue till December 4, 2025. BJP trying to implement CAA through SIR in border areas, alleges West Bengal CM at Bongaon rally States such as Goa and Lakshadweep have achieved 100 per cent distribution of enumeration forms, reflecting efficient ground-level coordination, the ECI data revealed. Besides these two, all the states and Union Territories have crossed the 99 per cent mark in the distribution of enumeration forms. Meanwhile, Election Commission officials have managed to digitise over 56 per cent of the signed enumeration forms received, with Lakshadweep striking a rate of 99.33 per cent with 57,428 in absolute number against the total of 57,813 voters. Uttar Pradesh has reported the slowest rate of digitisation with 34.03 per cent, with an absolute number of 5,25,53,479. More than 5.33 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and 7.64 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) have been deployed to ensure every eligible elector is reached, the ECI said, adding that all recognised political parties have been asked to appoint additional BLAs to strengthen field-level verification and enhance the accuracy of electoral rolls.
BJP trying to implement CAA through SIR in border areas, alleges West Bengal CM at Bongaon rally
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday assured citizens that the Trinamool Congress will not allow the BJP Commission to take away their right to vote, during a rally at Bonagon, a bellwether constituency along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Mamata alleged that the BJP is strategically using the SIR drive to create panic among the masses. But dont get trapped by BJP. Dont be panicked at all. We wont let you leave. No one can get you out with panic when we the Trinamool Congress are with you, she said. Mamata also criticised the ECI, claiming that voters in Matua-majority areas in the state would be immediately delisted if they declared themselves foreigners under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The CM was addressing a TMC rally at Bongaon in North 24 Parganas, one of the strong citadels of the Matua community in the state. However, due to infighting within the All India Matua Mahasangha, Mamata did not visit Thakurbari in Thakurnagar, the spiritual centre of the Matuas that traditionally decides electoral fate political parties in more than 30 assembly constituencies in North 24 Parganas, Nadia and Jalpaiguri districts. The rally virtually kickstarted campaigning for the Assembly elections slated for April-May of 2026 and intensified the ongoing anti-SIR agitations. BJP has been offering certificates to you taking Rs 100 from so that you can include your names to the voters list. Their strategy is to show you Bangladeshis by offering the eligibility certificates in 2025 but the mapping was done in 2002 electoral rolls revision exercise, she stated. Mamata slammed the BJP for using deceptive tactics and luring voters into applying for CAA cards. BJP, under the leadership of Rajya Sabha MP Santanu Thakur, had been distributing CAA cards from its makeshift camps to the Matuas at Tahakurnagar so that they could enroll their names in the electoral rolls. 'How many more need to die for SIR?': Mamata attacks EC after another BLO dies by suicide in Bengal BJP is cheating people and trying to implement the CAA through backdoor of SIR. Its playing cards of religion. Why were you sitting idle for so many years? Its not possible to complete the SIR process within three months. It requires three years, she said. The CM questioned the intent of SIR, noting that only a few states like Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, have been exempted from the exercise. She further stated that the time given for electoral roll revisions is not adequate. Mamata vowed to 'shake' the BJPs foundation across the country if she was challenged in West Bengal. She alleged that the ECI was o longer an impartial body, but has turned into a BJP Commission. The Matua community, a marginalised Hindu group, had been facing severe difficulties linking their records to the 2002 voters list during the SIR process. Members of the community had even staged a 13-day hunger strike against the SIR, under the leadership of TMC MP Mamatabala Thakur. The protesting group had expected direct interaction with Mamata. However, due to infighting within the All India Matua Mahasangha, plans were changed last minute. The pro-Trinamool faction of the Mahasangha has accused a section of the party of conspiring with BJP MP Santanu Thakur to dissuade the chief minister from visiting the shrine. Mamata participated in the march from Chandpara along Jessore Road in the area. Shamik Bhattacharya, Bengal BJP president said, The chief minister is trying to save Bangdeshi Muslims and Rohingyas by addressing in rallies and marches. Every Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas will have to leave India following the electoral rolls revisions.
West Bengal's SIR drive triggers panic as voter numbers surge 66%. TMC turns the revision into an early campaign, while BJP alleges illegal influx in border districts.
'Don't Play With Me': Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP Over Cancelled Chopper Ride
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the BJP of being involved in sabotage in the cancellation of her helicopter ride to Bongaon, warning the opposition party not to play with her as she could not be cornered.
West Bengal to teach its hospitals how to be more sensitive towards vulnerable communities
Workshops to build gender responsive healthcare and improve care for vulnerable communities, including LGBT persons
Mamata Banerjee Sounds War Cry Against Bengal Voter Roll Revision, BJP Labels Her 'Caretaker CM'
Banerjee has accused the Election Commission of acting as the 'BJPs commission'and urged genuine voters of West Bengal not to be afraid of the SIR
Leader of Opposition in Bengal Suvendu Adhikari urges CEC to remove 'biased' cops from poll duty
KOLKATA: The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday urged the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar to remove biased police officers from poll duty during the forthcoming assembly elections likely to be held in May next year in the state. Suvendu, who became an MLA on a BJP ticket after defeating the Chief Minister as well as Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram assembly seat in East Midnapore district in 2021, has written a letter to the CEC bringing serious charges against four police officers, raising questions on their 'biased' role. According to his complaint, in a convention of a police association held at Digha in the district recently, several participants expressed a desire to see Mamata again as the chief minister for the fourth term in Bengal. Violating service rules, these police officers have become biased showing their allegiance to Mamata, said Suvendu. These officers should not be deputed on poll duty when the model code of conduct (MCC) comes into force before the assembly polls in the state, the LoP told reporters. I have sent a letter to the CEC seeking removal of the biased police personnel from poll duty, Suvendu said. Asserting that the men in uniform cannot make such political statements, the BJP leader alleged that the police under Mamata Banerjee have ruined the last vestiges of democracy in the state. He claimed that the majority of police personnel are seeking the ouster of the Trinamool Congress government. SIR row: ECI to appoint observers to keep watch on section of BLOs in West Bengal after alleged negligence Regarding the issue of enlistment of data entry operators for election-related work, he alleged that the state government-owned Webel Technology Limited has been entrusted to appoint personnel who will be taken from the TMC's political consultancy firm I-PAC. The data entry operators should ideally be permanent employees of the West Bengal government, he said. The West Bengal CEO recently directed district election officers not to engage contractual data-entry operators and Bangla Sahayata Kendra staff for SIR or other poll-related work. Opposing the move, the chief minister wrote a letter to the CEC on Monday stating, When district offices already have a substantial number of competent professionals performing such functions, what necessitates the CEOs office to outsource the same work through an external agency for a full year? Traditionally, field offices have always hired their own contractual data entry personnel as per requirement. If there is an urgent need, DEOs are fully empowered to undertake such hiring themselves. Is this exercise being undertaken at the behest of a political party to serve vested interests? she questioned.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the Election Commission and BJP of political bias over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Speaking at a rally in Bongaons Matua headquarters, she claimed her helicopter was blocked, criticized the SIR process for potentially targeting genuine voters, and vowed to protect the rights of Bengals electorate ahead of the 2026 assembly polls.
UP: Rape case accused arrested from West Bengal by Azamgarh cops
Azamgarh police apprehended Adarsh Gupta in West Bengal for allegedly raping a woman and making their photos viral on social media. Gupta, who was in a live-in relationship with the complainant, refused to marry her and subsequently shared their pictures online. He was brought back to Azamgarh and sent to jail.
'Delete central govt': Mamata attacks EC, BJP over SIR; will back survey on one condition
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expressed affection for Bangladesh due to shared language and criticized the BJP-led central government and Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. She warned against rushing the process before the 2026 polls and accused the EC of losing impartiality, calling it a 'BJP Commission'.
SC tells petitioners alleging sexual abuse in ISKCON-run schools to approach child rights body
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked petitioners seeking a probe into alleged instances of sexual abuse in schools run by ISKCON to approach the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights with their grievances. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan said if such representations are made to the state child rights commissions in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, the same shall be considered in a reasonable time. We dispose of this petition by reserving liberty to the petitioners herein to make a fresh representation/reminder to NCPCR, UP SCPCR and West Bengal SCPCR to bring to the notice of these respondents the allegations that are ventilated in this petition, the bench said. The top court was hearing a plea filed by Rajneesh Kapur and others seeking an investigation into alleged instances of sexual abuse in schools run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The plea alleged that internal records indicated serious cases of sexual abuse and that complaints made to the authorities had not been responded.
Bengal voters list may see over 10 lakh deletions following SIR, says EC
The ECIs estimate follows an evaluation of enumeration forms already collected by two-level officers (BOs/BLOs) and uploaded to the BLO App, an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said.
EC Approves Trinamool Congress Request For Meeting On Nov 28 Amid SIR Row
The Election Commissions decision to meet a Trinamool Congress delegation on 28 November comes amid escalating tensions over West Bengals electoral roll revision.
Scientists Capture First Photographic Evidence Of Himalayan Musk Deer In West Bengal After 70 Years
Scientists confirmed their sighting using a camera trap survey, initiated all the way back in December 2023, under the Pan-India Assessment and Monitoring of Endangered Species programme.
ECI invites TMC delegation for talks on Bengals disputed voter roll revision
NEW DELHI: Amid strong objections from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Election Commission of India has invited a Trinamool Congress delegation for a meeting at Nirvachan Sadan on November 28 to hear the partys grievances. In a letter to the TMC chairperson, a copy of which is with this newspaper, the ECI noted that TMC parliamentary leader Derek OBrien had sought an appointment for a delegation of MPs. The Commission, after considering the request, agreed to meet the authorised representatives along with four additional party members at 11 am on November 28 at its headquarters on Ashoka Road, New Delhi. The ECI has asked the party to provide the names of delegation members and their vehicle details at the e-mail election@eci.gov.in to facilitate arrangements. The letter also underscores that the Commission always welcomes regular interaction with political parties for constructive dialogue. The TMC has sharply criticised the SIR exercise in West Bengal , alleging that it is a politically motivated move by the BJP and the ECI aimed at manipulating voter lists ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee have termed the initiative Silent Invisible Rigging (SIR), accusing it of targeting genuine voters, particularly minority communities and Bengali migrants. The party has also linked the SIR process to the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and citizens, attributing the fatalities to extreme work pressure and stress. It claims at least 34 people have died and has demanded that the ECI halt the exercise and take responsibility. Tension flares as BJP workers reach BLO workers protest site outside Bengal CEO's office
Does This Video Show Bangladeshi Immigrants Fleeing West Bengal Due to SIR? No!
The video is from the Shyama Kali Puja at the Shikarpur village in Nadia, West Bengal.
Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said he has written to the Chief Election Commissioner seeking the removal of police officers he alleges are biased ahead of next years West Bengal assembly polls. He claimed some officers openly expressed support for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a recent convention and should not be assigned poll duties.
West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari Alleges Political Misuse Of State Police In Letter To EC
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has accused the West Bengal Police of political misuse, urging the Election Commission to intervene immediately.
Delhi worst in PM2.5 pollution; 447 districts breach national air quality norm: Report
Delhi recorded the highest PM2.5 pollution levels in India, with an annual average concentration of 101 micrograms per cubic metre, 2.5 times the national limit and 20 times the WHO guideline, according to a new satellite-based assessment by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Chandigarh logged the second-highest PM2.5 level at 70 micrograms per cubic metre between March 2024 and February 2025, followed by Haryana (63) and Tripura (62). Several other states, including Assam (60), Bihar (59), West Bengal (57), Punjab (56), Meghalaya (53) and Nagaland (52), also surpassed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Overall, 447 of 749 districts, about 60 per cent breached the annual PM2.5 limit. Pollution was highly concentrated in specific regions, with Delhi and Assam each contributing 11 of the 50 most polluted districts. Bihar and Haryana followed, with seven each. Other states in the top tier included Uttar Pradesh (4), Tripura (3), Rajasthan (2) and West Bengal (2). In several regions, every monitored district exceeded national norms, including Delhi, Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Jammu & Kashmir. Many others had an overwhelming majority of districts above the threshold, such as Bihar (37 of 38), West Bengal (22 of 23), Gujarat (32 of 33), Nagaland (11 of 12), Rajasthan (30 of 33) and Jharkhand (21 of 24). Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep were excluded due to insufficient monitoring data. (With inputs from PTI)
