NFRs RPF rescues eight children, assists two women during childbirth
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Nov 9 (IANS) The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) rescued eight children, including six boys and two girls, from different locations across its jurisdiction and provided assistance to two women during childbirth, railway officials said on Monday. The RPF also apprehended four persons and made recoveries valued at approximately Rs 2.08 crore during various operations, the officials added. NFRs Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the eight children were rescued at Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, Katihar (in Bihar), New Jalpaiguri (in North Bengal) and Guwahati railway stations between November 4 and 6. During the same period, RPF personnel provided medical assistance to two women who gave birth aboard trains at Agartala and Lumding. Sharma said that the RPF personnel and the Sashastra Seema Bal rescued a girl aboard at Rangiya and handed her over to the Government Railway Police on November 4. At New Bongaigaon, personnel rescued another girl and placed her in the care of the Sakhi One Stop Centre. Teams also rescued one boy each at Katihar, New Jalpaiguri and Guwahati on November 4. On November 6, the RPF personnel rescued two more boys at Rangiya and one at New Jalpaiguri. All six boys were entrusted to child protection agencies for further care, the CPRO said. In another incident on November 4, RPF personnel at Agartala assisted a passenger who gave birth to a boy aboard a train. An ambulance took her to hospital in Agartala for further care. On November 5, a lady head constable and a team from the Railway Protection Force assisted a passenger who gave birth to a baby girl aboard a train at Lumding Railway Station. In separate security operations, the teams apprehended four persons in four cases. They recovered four pistols and four magazines at Badarpur, four pieces of fake gold valued at approximately Rs 20,000 at Harmuti, 1.031 kilograms of brown sugar valued at approximately Rs 2 crore at New Jalpaiguri and a stolen mobile phone valued at approximately Rs 17,000 at Kamakhya, near Guwahati. Other recoveries included 13.06 kilograms of ganja valued at approximately Rs 6.80 lakh and 449 bottles of liquor. A further 6,750 litres of liquor were seized at Katihar. Northeast Frontier Railway remains committed to safeguarding children and providing timely assistance to passengers through close coordination with police, healthcare providers and child protection agencies, an official statement said. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of North Bihar.
A political row has erupted in West Bengal after the prime accused in the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Raiganj was killed in a police encounter. Police said Dilip Roy opened fire on the team sent to arrest him, prompting retaliatory firing.
Bangladeshi national travels to Bengal to return lost smartphone
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 9 (IANS) In a rare display of cross-border honesty and law enforcement coordination, a Bangladeshi citizen travelled to West Bengal to return an expensive smartphone that had been stolen in India and smuggled into Bangladesh, police said on Monday. The mobile phone was originally reported missing on June 30 from the premises of Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. The owner, Payel Dhara, a resident of Bankura district, lodged a formal complaint with the Burdwan police station, triggering an investigation. Using technical surveillance and cyber cell tracking, police sleuths traced the device's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) signal across the international border into Bangladesh. Investigators made a breakthrough when the buyer, identified as Mohammad Ahad Ali, a resident of Rajshahi district in Bangladesh, inserted an Indian SIM card into the handset while visiting India for medical treatment. The cyber cell picked up the active location and established direct contact with him. Upon being informed by the Burdwan police that the handset he had purchased from a local shop in Naogaon district was stolen property, Ahad offered his full cooperation. On Monday, he personally visited the Burdwan police station carrying his passport and visa to hand over the device to law enforcement officials. I did not know that the phone was sold in Bangladesh like this, Ahad stated. I bought it from a shop. The police contacted me. I came to India with my passport and visa and submitted the phone to the police station. Commending the visitor's integrity and assistance, the Burdwan police noted that the operation highlights the efficacy of cross-border technical tracking in criminal investigations. Authorities confirmed that legal formalities are underway to restore the smartphone to its rightful owner.
Delhi Police issues notice to Mamata Banerjee in 13-year-old heckling case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 9 (IANS) The Delhi Police on Monday served a notice for interrogation to former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in connection with a 2013 criminal case registered at the Parliament Street Police Station in the national capital. Investigators seek to question the former Chief Minister as a witness in the case, which pertains to a violent protest demonstration staged in front of Banga Bhavan in New Delhi, where government officials were allegedly assaulted. A team from the Delhi Police, accompanied by personnel from the local Kalighat Police Station, arrived at Banerjee's official residence at 30B Harish Chatterjee Street in South Kolkata on Monday to deliver the notice. The document, delivered in a white envelope, was received by Subhasish Chakraborty on her behalf. Sources aware of the development confirmed that the notice asks Banerjee to travel to New Delhi at her convenience to meet investigating officers as a witness under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The case dates back to April 2013, when activists belonging to the Students' Federation of India (SFI) - the student wing of the CPI(M)-staged a protest outside New Delhi's Banga Bhavan following the death of SFI activist Sudipta Gupta in Kolkata earlier that year. During the demonstration, the then West Bengal Finance Minister, Amit Mitra, was reportedly heckled and physically assaulted by protesters. The agitation was led by the then SFI General Secretary Ritabrata Banerjee, who currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. Following the incident, a formal complaint was registered at the Parliament Street Police Station on April 9, 2013. Thirteen years after the event, the Delhi Police issued the summons to Mamata Banerjee, noting that she was present in the national capital alongside Mitra when the assault occurred.
B.Ed colleges approach Calcutta HC over Bengal govts admission freeze
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 9 (IANS) Around 57 Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) colleges in West Bengal have moved the Calcutta High Court, challenging the state governments decision to halt their admission process for failing to meet prescribed eligibility criteria. An official confirmed on Monday that the petition is likely to be taken up for hearing on Tuesday. The petitioner colleges claimed that the authorities issued no explicit notice outlining the specific reasons behind stopping their admissions. The legal challenge follows the recent publication of an official list identifying institutions ineligible for affiliation renewal for the 2026-27 academic year. State authorities stated that 205 listed colleges failed to meet requisite infrastructure and administrative standards, barring them from admitting new students for the 2026-28 session. The government noted, however, that institutions resolving their infrastructure and faculty shortages could re-apply to prove eligibility for the 202729 academic cycle. The move comes amid a broader regulatory crackdown. State Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay previously affirmed that the commercialisation of education would not be permitted and that academic quality must be strictly maintained. Consequently, the Higher Education Department and the Technical Education Department conducted joint inspection drives across B.Ed, ITI, Polytechnic, and Pharmacy colleges. In the initial phase of the drive, 156 B.Ed colleges were cleared for admissions, while 415 colleges failing to satisfy the criteria were issued 21-day show-cause notices to rectify deficiencies. Nine institutions failed to respond to the notices. Following a second round of inspections, 237 B.Ed colleges received approval to admit students for 202627, while the remaining 205 non-compliant institutions were barred from enrolling fresh batches.
Mamata Banerjee gets Delhi Police notice in 13-year-old case, asked to appear as witness
The Delhi Police on Monday issued a notice to West Bengal's former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, asking her to join investigation and record her statement in connection with a case registered at the Parliament Street...
BJP MLA says crackers kill germs, clarifies after row
West Bengal BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari has defended her controversial statements about firecrackers killing germs and viruses, claiming her words were twisted for TRP. She clarified that she was referring to traditional beliefs about firecrackers during Diwali-Kali Puja. Adhikari also alleged political opponents were using her statements and noted reduced firecracker use in her constituency this year.
Rape-Murder Accused Killed In West Bengal Police Encounter
A man accused of raping and murdering a 12-year-old girl in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district was killed in a police encounter early on Monday. Dilip Roy allegedly opened fire at a police team attempting to arrest him, leading to police retaliation. This marks the fourth reported police encounter in West Bengal since the BJP came to power in May, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stating police are allowed to retaliate in self-defence in certain cases.
Same excuse repeatedly peddled after every encounter
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday strongly criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's remarks defending the police encounter in the Raiganj rape and murder case, accusing the state government of encouraging a
Crackers cure diseases: BJP MLA Papia Adhikary retracts claim
Kolkata: Facing backlash for crediting firecrackers with curing some diseases, BJPs MLA from Tollygunge in West Bengal, Papia Adhikary, on Monday, November 9, sought to take her statement back. Speaking to ANI, she said, There is an old saying from our ancestors regarding these traditions. In essence, this is a festival of lightsa festival of 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 .
2 New Coast Guard Hovercrafts In West Bengal
The two hovercrafts reached the ICG hoverport at Haldia on November 7. They are scheduled for commissioning shortly. Built by M/s Chowgule and Company Pvt Ltd in Goa under the Government of Indias vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, these state-of-the-art vessels represent a major step towards enhancing the operational capabilities of the ICG
Bengal: Mother refuses to attend last rites of son killed in Raiganj encounter
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 9 (IANS) The mother of Dilip Roy, the prime accused in the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district, who was shot dead in a police encounter in Raiganj, on Monday stated that she would not attend her son's final rites. Speaking to media persons, Chania Roy expressed deep shame over her son's actions, stating, It is better not to have such a sinful son; I will not even go to the crematorium. She added, He has done such a thing; he is no longer in a position to show his face in the village. He is gone. It is good. That's what I want. Describing him as her only son, Chania Roy said he had left home at a very young age and maintained little contact with his family, offering no support to his ageing father. She noted that the grief of losing a child was completely overshadowed by the heinous nature of the crime. Residents revealed that allegations against Dilip were not unprecedented. Sixteen years ago, he was accused of physically abusing the six-year-old daughter of a relative, which caused widespread outrage in the village. At that time, neighbours attacked his home and assaulted him, following which Dilip sold one katha of his mother's land to pay compensation to the victim's family. A resident remarked that such severe crimes cannot be forgiven and that justice had been served. Dilip Roy was killed during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday after police launched a raid near Gauri Gram Panchayat around 3 a.m., following a tip-off that he was attempting to flee across the nearby Bihar border. According to law enforcement officials, officers moved to arrest Roy after tracking his whereabouts, but the accused opened fire on the raiding team. Police retaliated in self-defence, inflicting fatal injuries. Roy was transported to Raiganj Medical College & Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, with an autopsy scheduled for later in the day. The encounter follows the recovery of the victim's semi-decomposed body on November 6 from the nearby Kulik forest, two days after the 12-year-old went missing on November 3 after leaving her home on a bicycle. This incident marks the fourth fatal police encounter in West Bengal since July this year, three of which involve cases related to the rape and murder of minors.
Bengal CM defends Raiganj encounter, warns rapists and criminals of similar action
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 9 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday defended the police encounter in which a rape and murder accused, Dilip Roy, was killed in Raiganj. The Chief Minister asserted that law enforcement agencies have been given a free hand to deal with those involved in heinous crimes against women. Dilip Roy was accused of raping and killing a 12-year-old girl on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday at Raiganj in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal. CM Adhikari also cautioned that in the future too, criminals involved in such heinous crimes against women will meet a similar fate. The cops are provided with firearms not just to keep them as a showpiece or to keep them in their pockets. Drug mafias, rapists, and infiltrators have no place in this state, the Chief Minister said while interacting with the media persons on Monday afternoon at the sidelines of a programme at Digha in his native district of East Midnapore. He also indirectly attacked those who are raising their voices against such encounters. Some people are continuing with such activities. Among them are 'Dimagi Naxals', Jamaatis' and Communists'. There are cockroaches and bedbugs. Our nationalists have to be careful about them. The police have been given free hand to tackle rapists & murderers, drug smugglers and infiltrators. We are maintaining a zero-tolerance approach in such cases, the Chief Minister said. Meanwhile, the North Dinajpur District Police claimed that the accused killed in the encounter have a history of crime against women. Earlier, he was accused twice of sexual offenses. However, he managed to escape arrest and punishment on both occasions for some reasons, said a district police officer. According to him, three years back, Roy was accused of sexual harassment at Kamtabari-2 Gram Panchayat area in the North Dinajpur district. A couple of years ago, there were similar allegations against him in the Sialmani area in the same district. On both these occasions, the matter was settled at a local Kangaroo Court, and the complaint did not reach the police level, the district police officer said. This is the fourth encounter killing in West Bengal since July this year, three of which are related to minors' rape & murder cases. First, in July, Prabhas Mondal, accused of raping and murdering a six-year-old girl in Baruipur in South 24 Parganas, was shot dead by the police in an encounter. The police claimed that he was taken to the crime scene to reconstruct the crime. From there, he snatched the police gun and opened fire. The police resorted to counter-firing in self-defence, killing the accused. After that, in October, Prahlad Das, accused in the rape & murder of a 17-year-old girl at Gaighata in South 24 Parganas district, was killed in a similar encounter following retaliatory firing by the police. In this case too, it was alleged that the accused tried to escape while reenacting the incident. On the same day, Samiul Sheikh, who was arrested for murdering a BJP worker in Samserganj in Murshidabad district, was killed in an encounter. The Raiganj incident is the fourth on the list of encounters since July.
Delhi-Varanasi-Guwahati: India's North Bullet Train Corridor Plan | Route, Stops & Travel Time
Indias proposed North Bullet Train Corridor is set to connect Delhi with major cities across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, extending up to Guwahati. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared indicative travel times, including 59 minutes between Delhi and Agra, 3 hours and 33 minutes between Delhi and Varanasi, and around six hours between Delhi and Siliguri. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the Delhi-Guwahati journey could take less than eight hours. The proposed route also includes the strategically important Chicken Neck corridor. However, the project remains at the planning stage, with its final alignment, stations, construction schedule and detailed project report yet to be finalised.
WB HS 3rd Semester Final Answer Key 2027 Released; Download Subject-Wise PDF
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has released the WB HS 3rd Semester Final Answer Key 2027 for students who appeared in the Higher Secondary (HS) 3rd Semester Examination. Candidates can now access and download the
Rs 11.5 Crore Army Supply Fraud Busted In Assam
Assam Police have dismantled an interstate financial fraud network that swindled a Guwahati-based company, Global Traders, out of over Rs 11.5 crore. The fraudsters impersonated Army suppliers and officers using forged documents. One alleged mastermind, Harsh Agarwal, has been arrested from Siliguri, West Bengal, and over Rs 2 crore has been frozen as investigations continue.
Fact-Check: Unrelated Videos Falsely Linked to Recent Attack on BSF in Tripura
We found that both videos are from West Bengal and are unrelated to the recent attack on BSF personnel in Tripura.
WB HS 3rd Semester Final Answer Key 2027 PDF released, check details
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has declared the WB HS 3rd semester final answer keys 2026-27. Students can download the answer key PDF at official website
Two men arrested in Rajasthan, West Bengal for cybercrimes targeting Chennai residents
The Cyber Crime Police, East Zone arrested a man in Rajasthan for allegedly cheating a Chennai-based businessman by promising high returns through an online trading platform and a man in West Bengal for allegedly cheating a Chennai resident by promising to provide a premium credit card with attractive benefits.
A man accused of raping and murdering his 12-year-old niece in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district was killed in an exchange of fire with police early on Monday (November 9). The accused, identified as Dilip Roy, allegedly opened fire at a police team during a raid near the Bengal-Bihar border, prompting personnel to retaliate in self-defence.
Cases booked on all seen attackers in Kalighat clash, West Bengal CM says
Those who tried to slap police, raised their fists and hurled threats have been booked under various sections. Police personnel were injured and were obstructed in discharging their official duty, says CM Adhikari
Rape-murder accused gunned down in Bengal; 4th encounter since BJP came to power
Dilip Roy, accused of raping and murdering his 12-year-old niece, was killed in an encounter with police. The incident occurred as police attempted to arrest him in the Raiganj area of West Bengal. Police stated that Roy opened fire on their team, prompting them to retaliate in self-defense. This marks the fourth police encounter since the BJP assumed power in West Bengal in May.
West Bengal HS Semester 3 Final Answer Key 2027 Out: Check Next Procedure
The WB HS Semester 3 final answer key has been released on the official website, wbchse.wb.gov.in. The result is expected to be released soon.
'I can't take it anymore': Govt doctor found dead in Kolkata hostel; kin alleges murder
Rape-murder accused killed in police encounter; fourth case in West Bengal since BJP came to power
Police had been on the lookout for Dilip Roy for four days following the recovery of the girls decomposed, unclothed body from a forest near the Kulik river
Bikers snatch mans phone on Camac Street in Kolkata
Cops probe assault on man after road rage in Kolkata
One family sticks to phanush tradition, another goes fireless
Papia Adhikari claims firecrackers cure diseases at Kali Puja event
Illegal crackers eat into Bazi Baazar sales
Dont stock up food for over 2 days: Food association tells restaurants in Kolkata
Diwali gifts arrive without orders
WBRERA portal returns to life after 2-month outage but backlog causes logjam
Bengal forest dept starts shift to green-maroon colour code
Fewer Kolkata metro services on day after Diwali
Kids learn at school, work for a green fesival
At housing complexes, residents balance celebrations with safe-firecracker rules
Chorbagan lesson: Cops close crowd access to Barasat pandal
Engineer hacked to death, live-in partner, mom held
VB forms multiple panels for 6-day Poush Mela
SIT records statements in Chorbagan probe
Suvendu celebrates Diwali with forces along India-Bangladesh border, names new award
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 8 (IANS) Huge quantities of marijuana and other narcotics substances were recovered by the West Bengal Police from two locations in two districts on Sunday, officials said. The first seizure took place early this morning at Chandipur village under Jhargram Police Station in Jhargram district, where the police seized three sacks full of marijuana. Being tipped off by their sources, the cops of Jhargram Police Station conducted a raid and search operation at the residence of a person named Biswajit Shil of Chandipur village. Initially, nothing was found in the house. However, during the detailed search, the police became suspicious after seeing the floor of the house, which was quite uneven after they started digging the soil. After removing the soil, three sacks were arranged in rows. After removing the soil, the police took out the sacks. When the sacks were opened, they saw huge quantities of marijuana packed there. An officer of the Jhargram Police station confirmed that a total of 43 kg and 222 gm of marijuana were recovered from the three sacks. Jhargram Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rishabhraj Dev said that Biswajit has been arrested and has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. In a separate development, the state police arrested one person at Lalgola in Murshidabad district on Sunday with 324 gm of heroin in his possession. The estimated price of the narcotics seized from his possession is around Rs 37 lakh. The person arrested in this connection had been identified as Muhammad Mahfuz Alam. The police have also seized his mobile phone and motorcycle. He is currently being questioned, and the investigating officers are trying to squeeze information from him about his aides in the racket. He had also been booked under the NDPS Act, 1985. On Saturday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a social media message complementing the roles of West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police of busting organised narcotics rackets in different parts of the state. In his social media message, the Chief Minister claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government maintained a zero-tolerance policy against illicit narcotics. During a statewide Special Drive conducted from October 31 to November 7, our law enforcement forces achieved decisive results, making 378 arrests across 212 NDPS cases and seizing illicit narcotics valued at Rs 64 crore (along with Rs 17 lakh in cash) and disposed of seized drugs worth Rs 101 crore, CM Adhikari said. During the same period, the Chief Minister claimed that the police destroyed illicit marijuana cultivation to the tune of 10,000 kg and attached Rs 1 crore in property and launched 68 financial probes against 110 accused. I commend our police personnel for their relentless commitment to keeping West Bengal safe and drug-free in line with the #NashaMuktBharat Abhiyan, he added.
West Bengal to institute 'Seema Mitra' award for BSF, SSB, police personnel from 2027: Suvendu
A selection committee would be constituted to decide the awardees, he said, while addressing BSF personnel at a border outpost in Hingalganj in North 24 Parganas district, which shares a boundary with Bangladesh
Bengal's push to bring workers home raises concerns in Keralam
Building contractor Vijayakumar is keenly awaiting the return of his expert worker, a native of Murshidabad district in West Bengal, after he left for home to celebrate Durga Puja. Only, the worker's return remains uncertain now. The uncertainty stems from an appeal by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari asking workers to stay back, citing livelihood opportunities under the VB-G RAM G scheme, which guarantees 125 days of work and enables them to earn a livelihood while living with their families. His employee in question has been working in the construction sector in Keralam for years. He left for his native village a few weeks ago to celebrate Durga Puja. He is an expert in building houses in the traditional Keralam style, according to Vijayakumar, from Veliyanadu village in this district. The West Bengal government's announcement has triggered anxiety in Keralam, which depends heavily on migrant workers across several sectors, particularly construction, where their service
Mamata Banerjee Offers Prayers At Kali Puja Pandal In Kolkata
ormer West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visits a Kali Puja pandal near her residence in Kalighat, Kolkata, and offers prayers during the festive celebrations.
Rajnath Singh Celebrates Diwali With IAF Personnel At Bagdogra
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrates Diwali with Indian Air Force personnel at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, as IAF air warriors sing songs during the festive gathering.
FairPoint: A mother's defence cannot hide a son's electoral failures
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) It is not uncommon for a mother to defend her child, whatever the circumstances. It is a deeply ingrained human instinct. So, when Sonia Gandhi says Congress and other Opposition parties have not had a level playing field since 2014, it appears to be little more than a mother coming to her son's defence. She says the BJP has a complete stranglehold over all institutions, particularly the Election Commission. The veteran leader also claims that the mainstream media has been controlled, and that the ruling party is using money power and exploiting religion. No doubt, this is a mother's explanation for her son's inability to gain power despite having been in politics and 'working so hard' since 2004, when Rahul Gandhi took the political plunge. A mother's defence of her son is understandable and, in many ways, even praiseworthy. But the repeated electoral defeats since she and, subsequently, her son took charge of the Congress party raise a much bigger question. Sonia Gandhi became the party president in 1998, several years after the death of Rajiv Gandhi in a major terror attack in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. Since then, Congress has seen a steady decline, except once, in 2009, when it went past 200 in the Lok Sabha on its own. No matter whom she blames for the losses, the truth about the grand old party today is that its decline has been gradual, with each successive election taking it further down the political ladder. Over the past three decades, the party has struggled to retain its position as the country's dominant political force. In 2004, Congress won 145 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, with a vote share of 26.53 per cent (10,34,08,949 votes). The BJP won 138 seats. Congress, along with its allies, formed the government at the Centre under the UPA banner, with outside support from the Left Front, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Sonia Gandhi became UPA chairperson, while Manmohan Singh took over as Prime Minister. It was also in 2004 that Rahul Gandhi entered active politics by contesting and winning his first Lok Sabha election from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. He did not hold any ministerial portfolio or formal Cabinet position, but his political standing within the party was already significant. In 2009, Congress won 206 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, gaining 61 seats over its 2004 tally. Its vote share rose to 28.55 per cent (11,91,11,019 votes). Sonia Gandhi continued as UPA chairperson, and Manmohan Singh remained Prime Minister in UPA-II. Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, had become the General Secretary of the party in September 2007 and was given charge of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI). He was appointed Congress Vice-President on January 19, 2013, and, four years later, in December 2017, succeeded his mother as party president. The party lost power in 2014, and when the defeat was repeated in 2019, Rahul Gandhi resigned as Congress president, taking moral responsibility for the party's electoral performance. In a four-page open letter, he stressed that accountability was critical for the party's future and called upon the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to find his successor. Since Rahul began exercising considerable influence over the party's decision-making, particularly from 2009 onwards, Congress has reportedly lost 71 of the 83 Assembly elections it has contested. This is apart from its continued inability to return to power at the Centre. From being in power in 11 states in 2014, the party is now down to four. The success of any political leader is ultimately measured by electoral victories, and Rahul Gandhi's record falls woefully short. Considering his political lineage, his performance so far has been particularly disappointing. His great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru's Congress dominated the country's political landscape and ruled more than three-fourths of the states. His grandmother, Indira Gandhi, won three Lok Sabha elections, two of them with huge majorities, and under her leadership, Congress ruled over more than two-thirds of the states. Even his mother, Sonia Gandhi, did a commendable job, achieving what had seemed almost impossible. Despite the party being out of power at the Centre from 1996 to 2004, she managed Congress's return in 2004. Rahul Gandhi may no longer be the president of his party, but he continues to remain its principal power centre and de facto chief. No major or minor decisions are taken without his involvement and approval. So, when the party continues to slump, he cannot escape responsibility. Yet, he has failed to find the right strategy or take the necessary steps to arrest the decline, let alone bring about a revival. He has consistently failed to present an alternative model of governance. Instead, his principal political ammunition has been to demean Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launch personal attacks, question Indian democracy on foreign shores, and even hold meetings and parleys with individuals known for their anti-India positions. There has been little in the way of a positive political narrative or a credible governance model that the electorate can look forward to. His politics has largely revolved around attacking the ruling dispensation rather than presenting what a Congress government would do differently. What he has found instead is the SIR and 'vote chori' narrative. He tried hard to make it a major electoral issue in Bihar and West Bengal, but the results did not go his way. Despite the lack of any widespread public acceptance of these allegations, Rahul continues to raise the issue of vote theft. And standing firmly behind him is his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who appears equally convinced that her son is losing elections because of electoral manipulation. The decline of Congress as the country's dominant political party is a fact. Blaming institutions, the media or the ruling party may provide temporary political comfort, but it cannot explain away repeated electoral failures. A political party cannot keep fighting elections on the premise that the system is against it. At some point, it has to look within and ask why voters are unwilling to give it another chance. There cannot be a bigger disappointment than watching a rocket firecracker fail to take off, only to fizzle out near the very glass bottle from which it was supposed to make a grand launch. The excitement disappears, the claps stop midway, and the expected spectacle never materialises. Yet, there are always voices urging another attempt, hoping that the next launch will finally succeed. But merely lighting another firecracker will not change the outcome. Sometimes the entire approach needs to change, and a fresh beginning is required to get the desired result. It is high time Sonia Gandhi understood this. A mother can certainly help her child find the right direction, but she cannot keep defending every failure. In a democracy, it is the people's mandate that decides who governs the country. No amount of street protests, allegations, or political rhetoric can substitute for that mandate. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
Bengal migrant worker harassed for selling halal food in Punjab
Mohali: A West Bengal native, working in Punjabs Mohali district, was subjected to harassment for selling halal-based food items. The owner, whose name is not mentioned, runs Khan Chicken Shop. Two young Nihang Sikhs questioned him about whether the non-vegetarian food he served was halal. When he replied assertively, one of them said he should Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The National Conference (NC), one of Jammu and Kashmirs oldest political parties, is once again witnessing an internal revolt against the Abdullah family. Nearly two dozen party legislators have openly raised the banner of rebellion against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and party president Dr Farooq Abdullah, while former Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has taken the confrontation a step further by resigning from the party and his parliamentary seat. What makes the latest political crisis particularly significant is its historical context. This is not the first time that the Abdullah family has faced an open revolt within the National Conference. In fact, over the past eight decades, the party has witnessed three major rebellions against three generations of the Abdullah familyfrom its founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, to his son Dr Farooq Abdullah, and now his grandson Omar Abdullah. The unfolding crisis raises a fundamental question: Is the National Conference heading towards another historic split, or will Dr Farooq Abdullah succeed in containing the rebellion before it threatens the stability of the government? The first major rebellion against the Abdullah family dates back to August 1953, when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference and then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, was removed from office. At that time, Jammu and Kashmir had a Prime Minister rather than a Chief Minister, as the constitutional nomenclature had not yet been changed. Sheikh Abdullahs government was dismissed on August 8, 1953, amid serious political differences with the Centre and allegations that he was pursuing an independent political course for Kashmir, including the possibility of independence and contacts with Pakistan. On August 9, 1953, Sheikh Abdullah was arrested and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, his close associate and then Deputy Prime Minister, was appointed in his place. Bakshis political break with Sheikh Abdullah marked the beginning of a major division within the National Conference. A section of the party's legislators supported the new leadership, while Sheikh Abdullah remained in detention for nearly 22 years, apart from periods of release. In 1975, following the historic Indira-Sheikh Accord, Sheikh Abdullah returned to power as Chief Minister. The then Congress Chief Minister, Mir Qasim, resigned to facilitate his return. The 1953 episode became the first major example of a political revolt that fundamentally altered the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir. The second major rebellion against the Abdullah family occurred on July 2, 1984, when 12 legislators withdrew their support from the government headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah. The political crisis had been building for months. Farooq Abdullah was facing growing opposition from within his own party, but he failed to address the grievances of the dissident legislators. The political atmosphere of that period was also marked by controversy surrounding Farooq Abdullah's personal style and public image. His association with film personalities, including actress Shabana Azmi, and his public motorcycle outings became subjects of political and media discussion. Shabana Azmi was later associated with the popular description of Farooq Abdullah as the Disco Chief Minister. However, the fall of his government was the result of a political and legislative revolt rather than these social controversies. With 12 legislators withdrawing support, Farooq Abdullah lost his majority in the 78-member Assembly. Governor Jagmohan dismissed his government, paving the way for another dramatic political realignment. His brother-in-law, Ghulam Mohammad Shah, led the rebellion and formed a government with Congress support. Shah remained Chief Minister for approximately 20 months, until his government was dismissed in March 1986. He became popularly known as Gul Shah, while his tenure was also associated with the controversial political expression Gul Curfew because he did not allow protests in Kashmir and put Srinagar city under strict curfew. He was known as the best administrator during his 20-month tenure. The 1984 revolt demonstrated that even a powerful political family could lose control of its own legislators when internal grievances were allowed to accumulate. Eighty years after Sheikh Abdullah founded the National Conference, and more than four decades after Farooq Abdullah lost power following an internal rebellion, the third major confrontation has emerged against Omar Abdullah. This time, nearly 24 National Conference legislators and one Member of Parliament have reportedly joined hands to challenge the leadership of both Omar Abdullah and his father, Dr Farooq Abdullah. The irony is that the rebellion gathered momentum at a time when Omar Abdullah was occupied with his personal life and his reported second marriage to television journalist Nidhi Razdan in Delhi. At the forefront of the political challenge was Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a prominent Shia leader and the National Conference MP from Srinagar. On November 3, Ruhullah resigned from the National Conference as well as his Lok Sabha membership, accusing the Abdullah leadership of betraying the people of Kashmir after securing votes in the 2024 Assembly elections. Ruhullah's principal allegation is that the National Conference sought public support by promising to fight for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A, besides restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. However, he argues that after forming the government, the Abdullah leadership has effectively pushed the demand for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A into the background and is now concentrating primarily on the restoration of statehood. The issue has become a major source of political dissatisfaction among a section of the party's legislators and supporters. The dissident legislators have placed several demands before Omar Abdullah and Dr Farooq Abdullah, making it clear that they want substantial changes in both the party organisation and the government. Their principal demand is the immediate removal of Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, who is considered one of Omar Abdullah's closest associates. Wani previously served as Home Minister during Omar Abdullah's earlier tenure as Chief Minister and continues to enjoy considerable influence within the Chief Minister's inner circle. The dissidents are also reportedly seeking changes in the Chief Minister's political team, including the role of Rajya Sabha MP Shammi Oberoi, and have raised questions about Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. Another major demand is a Cabinet reshuffle. The legislators want ministers who have been in office for the past two years to be replaced with leaders having a clean public image and a stronger political standing. They also want the National Conference to revive its political campaign for the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A and full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. The dissident group reportedly met on October 30 at the residence of Lolab MLA Qaisar Jamsheed Lone 8n Srinagar . During the meeting, the legislators decided that no member would independently negotiate with the party leadership or take a separate political decision. Instead, they would collectively maintain pressure on the leadership until their demands were addressed. One of the immediate triggers for their resentment was Omar Abdullah's public statement that the decision regarding Cabinet appointments had already been taken. The Chief Minister reportedly remarked that legislators were sending their biodata through WhatsApp, making telephone calls and using political pressure to secure ministerial positions. The statement reportedly offended several legislators, who felt that their political concerns and grievances were being dismissed as an exercise in ministerial lobbying. The biggest question now confronting Jammu and Kashmir politics is whether the rebellion can actually bring down Omar Abdullah's government or whether Dr Farooq Abdullah will manage to extinguish the political fire within the party. Political observers believe that the government faces no immediate threat unless the BJP succeeds in engineering a major political realignment through what is commonly described as 'Operation Lotus'. Dr Farooq Abdullah has reportedly convened a meeting with the dissident legislators in Srinagar on Friday, November 6. Omar Abdullah is also expected to participate in the meeting. The meeting is being viewed as crucial because the party leadership will have to decide whether to accommodate the dissidents' demands or risk allowing the internal confrontation to escalate. Among the dissident legislators is Mubarak Gul, a six-time MLA and former Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. He was reportedly preparing to address a press conference in Srinagar on November 4 but did not go ahead with it following efforts by the party leadership to manage the situation. This suggests that both Omar and Farooq Abdullah are already engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations to prevent the rebellion from becoming an organised political movement outside the party. Political analysts believe that the dissident legislators may continue to criticise the leadership, but are unlikely to formally split the National Conference. They understand that openly joining hands with the BJP could carry serious political consequences in the Kashmir Valley. The historical experience of the 1953 and 1984 rebellions is also an important consideration. On both occasions, internal divisions in the National Conference resulted in alternative political arrangements involving Congress support. However, the political circumstances in Kashmir today are very different. The BJP faces a major political challenge in the Kashmir Valley because of the widespread resentment following the August 2019 constitutional changes, when the Centre abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A and reorganised Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. The National Conference has consistently maintained that restoration of special status and statehood remains central to its political position. Consequently, any attempt by dissident National Conference legislators to form a government with BJP support could expose them to serious political backlash among their constituents. Salman Sagar, son of senior National Conference leader and Cabinet Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar, has expressed confidence that the internal dispute will be resolved within the party. He has argued that the BJP's alleged Operation Lotus, which has been discussed in connection with political developments in Punjab, West Bengal and Maharashtra, will not succeed in Jammu and Kashmir. According to Salman Sagar, several agencies and BJP leaders may be attempting to exploit the differences within the National Conference, but their efforts will not succeed. He has also drawn attention to the Jammu visit of BJP national vice-president Ram Madhav, which coincided with the meeting of dissident National Conference legislators in Srinagar. Salman Sagar questioned Madhav's reported remarks suggesting that the BJP had its blessings behind the public meetings organised by Aga Syed Ruhullah. He believes that such statements reveal the BJP's interest in exploiting divisions within the ruling party. Salman Sagar further alleged that since the BJP came to power at the Centre, efforts have been made to weaken and divide the National Conference. He, however, acknowledged that the BJP had succeeded to some extent in weakening the party's political base in Jammu by inducting two prominent former National Conference leaders, Devender Singh Rana and Surjit Singh Slathia, into its ranks. But he remains convinced that a similar political strategy will not work in the Kashmir Valley. Kashmir-based political observers believe that Ram Madhav's reported statement about the BJP's blessings behind Ruhullah's public meetings could prove politically damaging for the former National Conference MP. They argue that once Ruhullah's political activities become associated with the BJP in the public perception, it could become difficult for him to maintain his independent political identity in the Kashmir Valley. Ruhullah has emerged as an important voice among sections of the Kashmiri electorate, particularly on the question of Article 370 and the political promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. However, any perception that he is working in coordination with the BJP could complicate his political position. The dissident legislators are also aware of the political consequences of the 2014 alliance between the BJP and the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The BJP had formed a coalition government with the PDP under Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, followed by Mehbooba Mufti after his death. However, the PDP suffered a major electoral setback in the 2024 Assembly elections. Mehbooba Mufti's party was reduced to just three seats, reflecting the erosion of its political influence. Political observers believe that the National Conference dissidents would be reluctant to repeat the PDP's experience by entering into an alliance with the BJP. They also point to the political decline of several leaders who were once influential in Jammu and Kashmir but subsequently struggled to retain their political relevance. These include former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Deputy Chief Minister and PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig, PDP leader , Dr Mehboob Beigh, Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone and Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari. The argument among political observers is that the dissident NC legislators know that breaking away from the party and aligning with the BJP would not necessarily guarantee them political survival. Moreover, without substantial political backing from New Delhi, they may find it difficult to split the National Conference and establish an alternative government. Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, vice-president of the Awami National Conference and son of former Chief Minister Ghulam Mohammad Shah, also believes that there is little possibility of the Omar Abdullah government collapsing at this stage. Interestingly, Muzaffar Shah is Dr Farooq Abdullah's nephew, but the two reportedly do not share cordial relations. Despite these family differences, Muzaffar Shah believes that the present dissident legislators do not have the political strength that the 12 rebel legislators possessed in 1984 when his father brought down Farooq Abdullah's government. He expects Dr Farooq Abdullah to cool down the dissidents during Friday's meeting and persuade them to remain within the party. According to political assessments, the party leadership may agree to some of their demands, particularly those concerning changes in the Chief Minister's advisory team and the distribution of Cabinet responsibilities. However, removing Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary altogether could prove politically difficult. Choudhary is currently the only Hindu minister in the Omar Abdullah Cabinet and represents an important political face for the government in the Jammu region. Political observers believe that the government may consider withdrawing the Public Works Department (PWD) portfolio from him or redistributing some of his responsibilities, while retaining him as Deputy Chief Minister. Such a compromise could allow the leadership to address some of the dissidents' concerns without creating another political controversy in Jammu. The numbers in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly are another important factor in assessing the possibility of a government collapse. According to the political arithmetic cited by the ruling alliance, the National Conference has 41 MLAs, while Congress has six, the CPI(M) one and six independent legislators are supporting the government. This gives the ruling arrangement a strength of 54 legislators, against the 46 required for a simple majority in a fully constituted 90-member Assembly. National Conference(41 ) Congress (6 ), CPI(M) (1 ), Supporting independents (6) and Majority mark in 90-member House is 46 MLAs Political analysts argue that even if around 20 National Conference legislators resign, the government would not automatically collapse. The actual outcome would depend on whether the remaining legislators continue supporting Omar Abdullah and whether the resignations are formally accepted. There is, however, an important distinction in the Assembly arithmetic. If 20 NC legislators actually resign and their seats become vacant, the effective strength of the House would fall to 70 and the majority requirement would ordinarily become 36. But the government's support would also have to be recalculated: it cannot continue to count the support of legislators who have resigned. Therefore, the government could survive such a development only if it retained the support of at least the required number of remaining members. At present, however, there is no clear indication that the dissident legislators are preparing to resign from the Assembly. Their principal strategy appears to be putting pressure on the party leadership from within. For the past several months, BJP Legislature Party leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma has repeatedly predicted that the Omar Abdullah government would fall. However, when asked about the latest internal rebellion within the National Conference, Sharma has maintained that the BJP has nothing to do with the party's internal affairs. His position is significant because the National Conference leadership has been alleging that the BJP is attempting to exploit the situation to destabilise the elected government. The BJP, on the other hand, has publicly distanced itself from the internal developments within the ruling party. Political observers believe that Omar Abdullah's government is not facing an immediate threat of collapse, but the rebellion has exposed serious differences within the National Conference leadership. The dissident legislators appear determined to extract political concessions, including changes in the Cabinet, removal or curtailment of the influence of certain political advisers, and a renewed commitment to the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A and statehood. The November 6 meeting in Srinagar could determine whether the crisis is resolved through negotiations or develops into a prolonged confrontation between the party's younger leadership and its traditional political establishment. The National Conference has survived two major revolts against the Abdullah family in 1953 and 1984. On both occasions, the rebellion fundamentally changed the political direction of Jammu and Kashmir. The present crisis, however, is different. The dissidents are not yet openly seeking an alternative government, nor have they demonstrated the numbers necessary to bring down Omar Abdullah. Their immediate objective appears to be to force the Abdullah family to share political authority, reconsider its governing style and restore the party's focus on the promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. The central political question is no longer simply whether Omar Abdullah will remain Chief Minister. It is whether the Abdullah family can continue to exercise unquestioned control over the National Conference, as it has done for generations. The November 6 meeting could provide the first clear indication of whether this third rebellion will end in a compromise or become another defining chapter in the eight-decade political history of the Abdullah family. (The Author is the former bureau chief at Aaj Tak TV, Jammu) ence, as it has done for generations
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Fake Durga Puja pass case: UNESCO denies ties with ex-Bengal minister Indranil Sen's organisation
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) The UNESCO had conformed the Kolkata Police of not having any agreement with the Mass Art, an organisation linked to former West Bengal Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Indranil Sen, for sale of UN agency-tagged Durga Puja passes, the public prosecutor told a lower court in Kolkata on Saturday. As per the information provided by the public prosecutor to the court, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police, which is probing the case of sale of fake UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja passes, had recently sent an email to the UN agency seeking clarification on whether the latter had any agreement on this count with Mass Art, the entity through which such passes were sold. In reply, the public prosecutor told the court that the UNESCO had confirmed to the SIT that the international organisational had no such agreement with Mass Art, owned by Madhuchhanda Sen, the wife of former West Bengal Tourism Minister and former Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs, Indranil Sen, a singer-turned-politician. Sen was arrested last month by the Kolkata Police in the matter, and earlier the same court remanded him to police custody till November 10. However, on Saturday, the police presented Sen at the same court three days before the end of the tenure of his police custody, and the public prosecutor sought his judicial custody. The accused currently has Rs 27 lakh in two of his accounts. A total of Rs 10 crore has been seized from 27 frozen bank accounts related to the case. The police have seized 13 crucial documents related to the case. They need to be verified. The documents sought from the state government in the matter might take time to reach the investigating officers because of the ongoing festival holidays. So, we are now seeking judicial custody for the accused instead of wasting time by keeping him in police custody, the Public Prosecutor said. He also added that since the investigation in the matter was currently at a critical stage, bail should not be granted to the accused. In his counterargument, Sen's counsel said that it was not clear why the state was seeking the judicial custody of his client. However, my client should be given the status of a first-class prisoner in jail. Arrangements should also be made to provide him with all the medicines he consumes, Sen's counsel added. The Public Prosecutor opposed that demand for granting the first-class prisoner category to Sen and said that first there should be a separate hearing on why that accused deserved that special category treatment in judicial custody. Thereafter, Sen's counsel said that keeping in mind their political and social status, the former West Bengal Fire Services Minister Sujit Basu had also been granted the first-class prisoner category in judicial custody. Thereafter, the judge of the lower court approved the appeal for granting first-class prisoner category to Sen and remanded him to judicial custody till November 21.
Rajnath Singh reviews preparedness of Trishakti Corps at Sukna
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the operational preparedness of Trishakti Corps at Sukna in West Bengal on Saturday. He was briefed on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the deployment of advanced military equipment and emerging technologies to enhance operational capabilities and combat effectiveness during his visit, according to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry. The minister expressed satisfaction with the operational preparedness of the Corps and appreciated its contribution to nation-building through infrastructure development and community welfare initiatives in border areas, aimed at strengthening ties with local communities. Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen VMB Krishnan; and General Officer Commanding, 33 Corps, Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann were present on the occasion, along with other senior army officers. Later, addressing the soldiers during Barakhana on the eve of Diwali, the Defence Minister commended their courage, professionalism and unwavering dedication towards safeguarding the nation's frontiers under challenging operational conditions. Underlining the importance of logistics in national security, he described Sukna and its surrounding region as a critical hub for the movement of supplies, weaponry, food, medical provisions and personnel to forward locations. He stated that Sukna serves as a vital link in the security architecture of Eastern India and its geographical sensitivity necessitates round-the-clock operational readiness. He added that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is continuously working to strengthen supply chains and ensure that soldiers deployed at forward locations have access to all essential requirements. Rajnath Singh highlighted that budgetary allocations for roads, tunnels, border infrastructure and modern equipment have been increased, with the nation steadily progressing towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Highlighting the changing nature of modern warfare, the Defence Minister emphasised that security challenges are no longer confined to conventional exchanges of gunfire or artillery along the borders, but encompass hybrid warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone incursions and information warfare. He said that adversaries increasingly resort to spreading rumours through social media, monitoring sensitive locations using drones and attempting to compromise military systems through cyber-attacks. He exhorted the personnel to remain vigilant and prepared to safeguard national security across all domains. The minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to taking every possible step to boost troop morale and urged officers to spend quality time with soldiers whenever possible. Such interactions, he said, would foster a strong sense of belonging among personnel and reinforce their confidence that the Government and the entire nation stand firmly with them. Describing the North-Eastern region as the 'first edge' rather than the 'last edge' of India, Rajnath Singh said that the region represents the beginning of the nation's geographical and cultural landscape, as it receives the first rays of the morning sun.
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New Delhi: After completing an additional two-year tenure, all Agniveers will be eligible for enrollment as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and meeting the selection criteria, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday. Singhs remarks during an interaction with air warriors at West Bengals Bagdogra Air Force station came three days after the government 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 .
Rajnath Singh Celebrates Diwali With IAF Personnel In West Bengal
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New Delhi, Nov 7: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon the Defence Forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, with special focus on strengthening domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to effectively counter emerging security threats. Interacting with the personnel of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the eve of Diwali at Air Force Station, Bagdogra, West Bengal, on Singh emphasised that the security landscape has become increasingly complex, with warfare extending beyond conventional engagements along the borders to encompass asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone swarms, information operations and narrative management. Often, the adversary avoids direct confrontation and instead seeks to exploit our vulnerabilities. Through social media, the adversary may attempt to sow doubt in the minds of the local population and our soldiers by spreading misleading information. In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier, said Defence Minister. Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important region and a crucial link in India's security framework, particularly for the North-Eastern region, Rajnath Singh commended the courage and dedication of the defence forces personnel towards safeguarding national interests. He stated that the Air Warriors deployed in the region serve as a robust shield for the security of the eastern sector, and their preparedness is fundamental to maintaining stability in the region. Defence Minister underscored that discipline and courage remain indispensable, irrespective of technological advancements, stating that the conduct, bearing, language and restraint of the Defence Forces personnel shape the image of the military among local communities. Lauding the soldiers for discharging their duties with these qualities, he urged them to strengthen their engagement with the local population, particularly in and around Bagdogra, and nurture the deep bond of trust and affection between the people and the Defence Forces. The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversarys conspiracies will become, he said. Reaffirming the Government's resolve to achieve Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing contribution of Indian start-ups and industries in developing drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment. He appreciated the defence forces for embracing indigenous technologies and acquiring new skills in drone operations and cyber security. He underlined the importance of making the military increasingly technology-driven to effectively address future security challenges. Referring to the Cabinets approval of the 'Second Tour of Duty' for Agniveers, Defence Minister stated that the decision would provide Agniveers with another opportunity to serve the nation. He added that upon completion of the two-year engagement period, all Agniveers will get an opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers subject to their willingness and their meeting selection criteria. He termed the decision as a significant Diwali gift for Agniveers, reiterating the Government's commitment to the welfare of the Defence Forces personnel and their families. Rajnath Singh extended his Diwali greetings and wished the Air Warriors and their families good health, happiness and prosperity. He said that the personnel, despite missing their families during the festival, remain steadfast in ensuring the security of their fellow citizens. He expressed gratitude to their families for their sacrifices and contributions. He emphasised that while the soldiers remain committed towards safeguarding the borders, the nation will always stand by their families and ensure their well-being. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit; Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Bagdogra Air Commodore Manish Sharma; and other senior officials of the IAF were present on the occasion.
Bengal to witness rain after Kali Puja, temperatures likely to dip by 4 degrees
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) The winter chill is likely to make a gradual entry into West Bengal as temperatures are expected to drop by two to four degrees Celsius over the next 24 hours, bringing a slight nip in the air during Kali Puja on Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday. The cooling effect is likely to be more noticeable in the western districts, particularly during the early morning and night hours. However, the weather is expected to remain dry across the state till Kali Puja. Meanwhile, the Met department has forecast another spell of rain in both south and north Bengal from Monday, with a newly formed low-pressure area over north Bengal likely to create favourable conditions for precipitation across several districts. Dry weather will prevail till Kali Puja on Sunday. The weather will start changing from Monday. Rain will continue in south and north Bengal. Light to moderate rain with thundershowers is likely in Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Nadia and Murshidabad districts. Gusty winds of 30 to 40 km per hour are likely in coastal areas. Rain chances will increase further on Tuesday, a Met department official said. Rain activity is expected to intensify on Tuesday and continue in several parts of south Bengal till Wednesday. Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore and West Midnapore are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Other districts of south Bengal, including Nadia and Murshidabad, may also experience wet weather. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph are likely at isolated places. In Kolkata, the maximum temperature on Saturday hovered around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 21.2 degrees Celsius. The Met department has ruled out rainfall in the city on Saturday and Sunday. North Bengal, too, is likely to witness increased rainfall activity from Tuesday. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is forecast across the region, with gusty winds possible at one or two places. On Wednesday, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri are likely to receive light rainfall.
Adhikari gives police free hand to tackle crimes against women, drug smuggling in Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said he had given the police a free hand to deal with crimes against women and narcotics smuggling in the state, warning that political interference in these matters would not be tolerated. At the same time, Adhikari, who also holds the police portfolio, issued a stern warning against attacks on police personnel and vandalism of police stations and outposts, saying those involved would face prolonged imprisonment. I have given the police a free hand in tackling two issues. The first is crime against women and the second is narcotics smuggling. I will not tolerate any kind of political interference in these two issues. At the same time, as the police minister of the state, I will not tolerate any incident of attack on a cop or ransacking of any police station or police outpost. Those attacking police personnel will have to spend years behind bars, Adhikari said. He also warned that those responsible for vandalising police establishments would have to pay for the damage, along with interest. We will recover damages, along with interest, in case of ransacking of police stations or police outposts from those responsible, the Chief Minister said while distributing appointment letters to newly recruited police sub-inspectors at Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters in central Kolkata. Adhikari advised the newly appointed officers to maintain strict discipline in their daily duties and follow the instructions and orders of their superiors. Highlighting the challenges faced by the police force, he said West Bengal's vast geographical diversity, large population and varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds made policing particularly demanding. There are 11 crore people in West Bengal. On one side are mountains, on the other side are jungles, and on the other are several isolated islands. The police's responsibility is to ensure that public life remains normal. Till now, they did not get any facilities. The police did not have financial security. Now the police will be provided with financial security, he said. The Chief Minister said the state government would focus on modernising the police force and improving the quality of its training. An MoU had been signed with a police training centre in Assam for this purpose, while steps would also be taken to strengthen coordination between the state police and the Central forces. Claiming that police recruitment had remained neglected during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, Adhikari said the new administration had already recruited 11,000 personnel into the state police force. He acknowledged that 46,000 posts were still vacant and said the government would fill them in phases. The recruitment drive would include 6,345 women police personnel and 4,000 constables, he said, adding that further appointments would be made over the coming months. Recruitment in the police will be done again in December-January, Adhikari said, indicating that the government planned to accelerate the process to strengthen the state's policing infrastructure.
Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP Over Attack On Abhishek Banerjee
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday hit out at the BJP over an alleged attack on the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkatas Kalighat. Challenging the BJP over the alleged use of bulldozers, she said, How many bulldozers do you have? Come, I am standing right in front []
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari warns legal action against attacks on police
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They will end up behind bars: WB CM Suvendu Adhikari warns against attacks on police in West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday warned of strict legal action against anyone attacking police personnel, asserting that those involved in such incidents would be arrested and brought to justice through legal channels. Speaking about law and order in the state, Adhikari referred to the vandalism of police outposts in Asansol and said the government had ensured that those responsible faced consequences. The law exists... In Asansol, they vandalised police outposts; we ensured they paid the price. In the future, if anyone dares to raise a hand against the police, we will ensure they are taught a lesson, strictly through legal channels. They will end up behind bars. The State Government
