Eating meat here is...: WB Min on Bageshwar Baba's diktat
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial, countering Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's call for vegetarianism. Ghosh highlighted Bengal's traditions, including goat sacrifice as prasad, and criticised attempts to dictate food choices or government involvement in community pujas. He also touched upon a controversy regarding an 11-handed Durga idol.
Bengal: Resort security guard assaults tourist family with lathi
Kolkata: A Muslim family in West Bengals East Midnapore district was allegedly assaulted at a resort on Saturday, September 5, after a dispute over parking escalated. The family said the assault occurred after they parked their car to inspect a room at Swarnamoyee Beach Resort in the coastal resort village of Mandarmani, when an argument 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 .
TMC MP Sougata Roy Criticizes Bageshwar Babas Comments on Bengali Cuisine
TMC MP Sougata Roy responds to Bageshwar Babas remarks on Bengali food and discusses various political issues in West Bengal. TMC MP Sougata Roy Criticizes Bageshwar Babas Comments on Bengali Cuisine
Bengal BJP minister backs non-veg during Durga Puja, pushes back against Bageshwar Baba
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh stated non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial. He referenced Bageshwar Baba's appeal for vegetarianism, noting saints advocate for health. Ghosh defended Bengal's tradition of consuming goat meat as prasad. He criticized past governments for dictating people's food choices. The minister also questioned government funding for community pujas.
BJP promotes fish in West Bengal, tries to distance from vegetarianism
The BJP candidate from Bidhannagar, Sharadwat Mukherjee on Sunday canvassed with a fish, trying to tell people that the saffron camp would never put any restrictions on non-vegetarian food if they are voted to power in West Bengal.
Bengal: Durga Puja committees welcome CM Adhikaris call to voluntarily decline state govts grant
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 8 (IANS): A number of mega-budget community Durga Puja committees in Kolkata have responded positively to an appeal from the Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for voluntarily declining the state government-provided grant to such committees in the state. On Monday, while announcing a state government grant of Rs 1,00,000 for each of the community Durga Puja Committees for this year, the Chief Minister also issued an appeal requesting the big-budget puja committees, who are capable of running their shows successfully without the state government aid, to voluntarily decline accepting the state government grant. A number of mega-budget Puja Committees have reacted positively to that plea from the Chief Minister. The first Puja Committee to react positively in the matter is that of Santosh Mitra Square Committee in Central Kolkata, whose principal patron is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-legislator, Sajal Ghosh. We have consistently refused government dole and have opposed such measures on principle. But this time, if the benefit is genuinely reaching the people who are truly needy and deserving, it is certainly a welcome step. Most importantly, it feels good that we dont have to oppose a genuinely helpful initiative simply because of ideological differences. When the right people benefit, we should appreciate the good workirrespective of politics BJPs state spokesperson in West Bengal, Keya Ghosh, who is associated with Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha Puja at Kasba in South Kolkata as the committees chairpersons, said that the Chief Ministers argument is absolutely genuine that the state governments Puja grant should be for small-budget Pujas, for whom the donation means a lot. I sincerely thank the Chief Minister for standing by the small and big pujas. A 100 per cent discount on the electricity bill of Puja Committees is undoubtedly a welcome move. We at Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha have thought differently this time. We will donate the money to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, said Ghosh, a journalist-turned-politician. Some other mega-budget Puja committees who have voluntarily declined the state government grant replying to the Chief Ministers plea included Tala Pratyay Club and Phulbagan Sarbojanin in North Kolkata and Santoshpur Lake Pally Club in South Kolkata.
Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastris appeal to people in West Bengal to avoid non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja has triggered a political debate, with state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya pushing back against the suggestion. Bhattacharya said no religious leader or politician should dictate what people in Bengal should eat or wear, stressing that food [] The post No one can dictate what Bengalis eat: Bengal BJP chief rejects Dhirendra Shastris Durga Puja non-veg ban appeal appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
West Bengal Bans Liquor on Maha Ashtami, DJs and Scraps Red Road Durga Puja Carnival
Suvendu Adhikari introduces stricter Puja rules, reshaping Bengals festival with tradition, discipline and new celebrations.
Durga Puja guidelines 2026: Suvendu Adhikari announces liquor ban, no DJs and more; check full list
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced significant changes to upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. Liquor sales will be banned on Maha Ashtami, and DJ music is now prohibited throughout the festival. Puja committees must ensure themes respect religious sentiments and Sanatan traditions. Roadshows will replace the immersion carnival, and national highways cannot be blocked for pujas. Cultural programs and special arrangements for visitors will be organized across six major cities.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh confident BJP will win Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls
The News Mill
West Bengals finances are in poor shape; recovery will take at least a year: CM Suvendu Adhikari
The CM blamed formerStategovernments for the poor financial condition of the State
Delhi-NCR to see partly cloudy skies, light rain; humidity to remain high
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally cloudy weather with light rain or drizzle in Delhi on Tuesday. The national capital is likely to witness partly cloudy skies on September 9 and 10, while another spell of light rain may occur from September 11. Humidity is expected to remain relatively high during the period. The weather department has not issued any warning for Delhi for the coming days. In Noida, partly cloudy conditions are likely to prevail from September 8 to 13. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to stay around 26 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels could rise as high as 90 per cent. No weather warning has been issued for the city. Gurugram is also likely to experience partly cloudy weather from September 8 to 12, with maximum temperatures ranging from 31 to 33 degrees Celsius. On September 13, the maximum temperature is expected to be around 32 degrees Celsius, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers possible. Humidity may reach 90 per cent, though no weather warning has been issued. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon remains active over several parts of the country. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other regions on Tuesday. The IMD has warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms across 17 states and Union Territories, including Bihar, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Wind speeds could reach 65-70 kmph in some areas. The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh until September 13. Uttar Pradesh may receive rain between September 9 and 13, while Rajasthan could witness rainfall on September 12 and 13. Uttarakhand is likely to continue experiencing monsoon activity, while Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh may receive rain during September 8-13.
Stick to tradition, Bengal CM tells Durga Puja organisers
CM: Underage couples, parents to face charges under BNS, Pocso
Bengal hikes doles for widows, seniors, disabled to Rs 1,500
Jadavpur Police Seek Records of 18 Students From University in Probe
BJP, cops gear up for Saffron March rally
ED Conducts Raids in West Bengal Linked to
The Enforcement Directorate has raided 12 locations in Kolkata related to a 280 crore bank fraud involving Kohinoor Power Private Limited. ED Conducts Raids in West Bengal Linked to 280 Crore Bank Fraud Case
Bengal UCC panel set to start public hearings: Consultations to be held in five segments
West Bengal's Uniform Civil Code commission will start public hearings soon. Retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai leads this independent commission. The state government will take the report to the assembly after completion. West Bengal aims to be the fourth state to adopt UCC after other states. This move will replace religion-based personal laws with unified civil laws.
Daughters Suicide: Estranged Wife Files Plaint Against Man
Ayah Arrested For Assaulting 81-year-old
On last day of food-safety drive, KMC targets fish, paneer and spice hubs
ED searches multiple locations in Bengal in over Rs 280 crore bank fraud
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Kolkata Zonal Office recently conducted search operations at 12 premises across West Bengal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the investigation into the Kohinoor Power Pvt. Ltd. (KPPL) bank fraud involving default of more than Rs 280 crore, the central probe agency said in a statement on Monday. According to the ED, the investigation was initiated on the basis of the complaint filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) before the 2nd Special Court at Kolkata in respect of the affairs of Kohinoor Power Private Limited (KPPL) and others. Investigation into the affairs of the company was ordered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) pursuant to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) forwarding a list of companies in respect of which the Resolution Professional (RP) had fled applications before the NCLT concerning avoidance transactions. The ED investigation has revealed that KPPL, along with its directors indulged in fraudulent activities, including submission of false information, concealment of material facts, falsification/manipulation of books of accounts and diversion of loan funds, thereby dishonestly inducing the consortium banks to sanction and disburse financial facilities. The ED investigation has further revealed that the company eventually went into liquidation under the IBC and only around Rs 7 crore could be recovered, leading to 97.5 per cent haircut to the banks. Further investigation has revealed possession of dozens of immovable properties in and around Kolkata acquired from the proceeds of crime, from which the promoters were allegedly enjoying rental income of around Rs 26 lakh per month. Search operations have revealed that the promoters of the company Vijay Bothra and Prashant Bothra, are controlling more than 100 shell entities which were allegedly being used for siphoning and laundering the proceeds of crime generated from the bank fraud. Further, large sums have also been invested abroad in the name of relatives and dummy directors. Search operations resulted in freezing of bank accounts of more than 150 shell entities/individuals along with securities and other financial investments, including shares, mutual funds and debt securities. The total value of the bank balances and financial assets frozen during the operations is around Rs 64 crore. Search operations also resulted in seizure of incriminating digital evidences, company records, financial documents, property deeds, etc, have been seized during the search operations, which are being analysed for tracing the proceeds of crime and identifying further assets acquired from them.
Vande Mataram set to be primary theme of International Kolkata Book Fair 2027
Restos to label food, reduce meat, veggie storage time
Rain fails to wash away pollutants, PM2.5 stays above WHO guideline
Uncertainty dogs Bangla artistes travel plans for World Film Fest
Pay hike for 1 lakh contractual staff in Bengal: CM Suvendu Adhikari
KMC-cop drive against illegal hawkers promises relief ahead of festive season
Howrah reels under dengue attack, cases touch 115
Health dept intensifies dengue surveillance
Bonjour Chandernagore: Paris street on The Strand this weekend
Plan for UG power network in tourist zones of 16 towns
West Bengal recorded 60,000 underage institutional deliveries in first six months of 2026: CM
Suvendu Adhikari says arrests will made in cases of child marriage, and the benefits of State and Central scheme will be stopped to such families
CNMCH frisking under officials watch after students plaint
Power tariffs and building norms top reforms agenda: West Bengal FM
Power sector reform, he reckoned, was a low-hanging fruit, with an Open Access policy under consideration to help lower electricity prices in the state
West Bengal CM urges Durga Puja committees to give up State support, announces restrictions
No Durga Puja inauguration will be allowed before Mahalaya, marking the beginning of the auspicious Devi Paksha, and the governmentwill not organise a carnival this year, Suvendu Adhikari says
Bengal govt announces Rs 1 lakh donation for community Durga Puja committees
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced Rs 1,00,000 as donations for all community Durga Puja Committees for this year. The Chief Minister made this announcement after a meeting with the members of the community Durga Puja committees in the state on Monday. At the same time, he also requested the big-budget puja committees, who are capable of running their shows successfully with the state government aid, to voluntarily decline accepting that state government donation. Earlier, I said in a programme that I will give grants to those community Durga Puja committees with small budgets. However, I do not want to abuse the power of the Chief Minister. So, this grant will be open for all community Pujas. However, I will request those Puja Committees who are capable of organising their respective Pujas without the state government aid, not to take financial assistance from the state government. We want to give this grant of Rs 1,00,000 to those committees who cannot perform puja without this money, the Chief Minister told media persons after the meeting with the representatives of different Puja Committees. The Chief Minister, at the same time, assured that Puja committees across the state will not have to pay any price for electricity. However, the Chief Minister warned that DJs will not be allowed to play anywhere in the state during the Puja days. Liquor shops will be closed on the occasion of Maha Ashtami this year on October 19. Even liquor will not be available in the pubs and bars on that day. Maha Ashtami is an auspicious occasion. On that day, we offer flowers to Devi Durga. So, this year, we have decided to declare a dry day on that day. Puja is our religious tradition. Our cultural tradition is intertwined with the occasion. You should not do anything that hurts it, the Chief Minister said. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also ridiculed his predecessor and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on this Puja grant issue. In the previous regime, this grant almost took the shape of an auction to gain political mileage. But that strategy did not work in the last elections. Rather, many Puja Committees got dependent on grants, the Chief Minister said.
'Bengalis will eat whatever they want': Bengal BJP chief rejects Bageshwar Baba's meat diktat
ED searches at 7 locations linked to TMC MP Nadimul
Adani Group ahead in Writers Buildings restoration race
CM orders CID probe into Murshidabad murder, 2 cops suspended
175-yr-old Shiva temple collapses into Ganga as Malda floods worsen
BJP seniors douse fire lit by Baba address to Bangal ke Hindus'
Bengal BJP Caught In Clash Of Culture Within Over Durga Puja
During Durga Puja, the government will work to protect the culture of West Bengal and India: Reports
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari apologized for an advertisement error. The government's advertisement showed Goddess Durga with eleven arms. He announced that liquor shops will remain closed on Maha Ashtami. This measure aims to ensure peaceful and orderly Durga Puja celebrations. The state government will be more careful with future advertisements.
EC announces October 6 by-polls for West Bengal's Nandigram, Rejinagar
EC announces October bypolls for West Bengals Nandigram Rejinagar
Nandigram, Rejinagar to vote on October 6 in West Bengal bypolls
The Election Commission announced bye-polls for Nandigram and Rejinagar seats on October sixth. These elections are necessitated by the resignations of Suvendu Adhikari and Humayun Kabir. The poll process begins with a gazette notification on September ninth. Candidates can file and withdraw nominations until September nineteenth. The entire election process will be completed by October eleventh.
Aliah Univ will function under higher edu dept: CM
Suvendu heads to Kalimpong to assess N Bengal flood risk
EC announces Nandigram, Rejinagar bypolls on Oct 6, results on Oct 9
Bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar seats in Bengal before Durga Puja on Oct 6
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) The bypolls for Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal will be conducted on October 6 that is just before the forthcoming Durga Puja festival in the state. The date of issue of gazette notification in the matter will be on September 9 and the last date of nomination will be on September 16, according to an announcement made by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday evening. The date of scrutiny of nominations will be on September 17, while the last date for withdrawal of candidatures will be on September 19. While the polling will be conducted on October 6, the counting of votes and poll results will be declared on October 9. The date before which the elections will have to be concluded is October 11. In the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly Elections earlier this year, the current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari got elected both from Nandigram as well as from Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Adhikari got elected by defeating his predecessor and the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Thereafter, CM Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir, contested and got elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from both Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. However, later Humayun Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for Rejinagar seat. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, had been a virtual fortress for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Therefore, political observers are not in two minds about the results of the bye-elections there. However, political observers say that because of the demography of Rejinagar, this particular Assembly constituency will be quite tough to win for the BJP. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, which is now divided into three factions, also does not seem to be having much poll prospects from Rejinagar this time. Rather, CPI-M and Congress can view the opportunity for increasing their tally in the West Bengal Assembly constituency by one seat. The Rejinagar bypolls might also give some indication about where the minority votes in the state might shift to in the coming days, a Kolkata-based political observer said.
Cal HC extends relief to Abhishek in 3 FIRs, warns of blanket protection
1 north Bengal train cancelled, 5 to be diverted
Murshidabad murder: Bengal CM orders CID probe into Sujit Mondal killing, suspends 2 cops
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a CID probe into the gruesome killing of Sujit Mondal in Murshidabad's Dhuliyan. Mondal went missing on August 28 before his dismembered body was recovered. Three people have been arrested, while two police officers were suspended and action initiated against other personnel.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday, September 7, apologised for a government advertisement carrying a distorted image of Goddess Durga with 11 arms instead of the traditional 10, seeking to put an end to the controversy that erupted over the depiction. Addressing a coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees at the Milan Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
West Bengal Bans Liquor Sales on Maha Ashtami, Announces New Durga Puja Rules
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has decided to prohibit the sale of alcohol in the state on Maha Ashtami of Durga Puja. According to the guidelines, liquor shops and bars must close their doors on this day, reports ANI. Announcing
Bengal CM announces crackdown on child marriage after 60,000 underage deliveries
West Bengal will launch a statewide crackdown on child marriages. House-to-house drives will identify underage marriages and pregnancies across the state. The government will invoke strict laws against those involved in child marriages. Nearly sixty thousand underage deliveries were reported in six months. This initiative targets families, facilitators, and those conducting ceremonies.
West Bengal CM says no Durga Puja carnival this year, promises hassle-free celebration
West Bengal's first Durga Puja under the BJP government will feature large cultural programs and drone shows. The annual carnival, introduced by the previous government, will not be held this year. Organisers will not need to approach courts for permission to conduct Durga Puja celebrations. The state government will ensure the festival is celebrated according to Bengali traditions and culture.
Liquor shops and bars will close on Maha Ashtami during Durga Puja celebrations. DJ music and immersion processions will also be banned to maintain order. Puja committees must ensure themes do not hurt religious sentiments or traditions. Road usage restrictions are imposed, and inaugurations must follow Devi Paksha. Cultural programs and special arrangements for the disabled are planned.
The Election Commission has announced byelections to five assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and West Bengal as well as one Assam parliamentary constituency
Strengthening women legislators benefits democracy: LS Speaker Om Birla
Digital Desk | Faridabad, Sep 7 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Monday that every effort that strengthens the capabilities of women legislators contributes directly to improving the quality of democracy. Speaking at a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Gender Responsive Governance for Women Legislators under the National Commission for Womens She is a Changemaker initiative in Faridabad, Birla encouraged women legislators to deepen their understanding of parliamentary processes, policy, legislation and budgets. The Lok Sabha Speaker called upon women legislators to make their public service a means of strengthening inclusive governance and to use their positions to shape the future of their states and the nation. He also emphasised the importance of dialogue, participation and trust in a democracy. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar highlighted that the programme has brought together more than 100 women legislators, including MLAs and MLCs from across the country, providing a national platform for dialogue, experience-sharing and capacity building. She said that women legislators were not only representatives of their constituencies but also powerful voices for education, health, economy, technology, security and good governance. Rahatkar emphasised that womens political participation brings a distinct perspective to governance and that their leadership can inspire wider social change. She urged the participating legislators to use their constitutional authority and public platforms to become voices for the aspirations of millions of women and to ensure that women in their constituencies are aware of their rights and able to access the benefits of government schemes. The first day of the workshop featured four technical sessions focused on leadership, legislative functioning, public policy and gender-responsive governance, said an official statement. The sessions provided women legislators with practical insights and opportunities to exchange experiences and best practices in public leadership and governance, it said. Through such capacity-building initiatives, the NCW seeks to strengthen the capabilities of women legislators, enabling them to contribute more effectively to policymaking, governance and public service, while advancing meaningful and sustained womens leadership in public life. Those present at the inauguration of the workshop included Surama Padhy, Speaker, Odisha Legislative Assembly; Laxmi Rajwade, Minister of WCD, Chhattisgarh; Bindhu Krishna, Minister of WCD, Kerala; K. A. Thulasi, Minister, SC, ST and OBC, Kerala; Rajesh Nagar, Minister of Food & Civil Supplies, Haryana; Kalita Majhi, Minister of State, Department of Housing, West Bengal; and Sudeep Jain, Member Secretary, NCW, the statement said.
West Bengal cabinet approves remuneration hike of over one lakh staff
West Bengal government will enhance employee remuneration benefiting over one lakh people. Forest officials and volunteers will see increased monthly payments starting soon. Former MLAs' medical allowance is also being raised significantly from August. Primary and upper primary para teachers will receive a substantial pay hike. A bill for inter-university staff transfers will be presented in assembly.
Bengal CM announces allowance hikes for contractual employees across sectors
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced substantial hikes in the monthly allowances of several categories of contractual employees attached to different state government departments following a decision taken at a state Cabinet meeting held at Nabanna. Addressing media persons after chairing the Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said the enhanced allowances would benefit para-teachers in both primary and upper-primary sections of state-run schools. Following the allowance revision, 20,343 para-teachers in the primary section and 21,849 para-teachers in the upper-primary section will benefit. The monthly allowance of primary para-teachers has been increased from Rs 11,941 to Rs 16,941, while that of upper-primary para-teachers has been raised from Rs 15,523 to Rs 20,523. The revised rates will come into effect from November 1, he said. The Chief Minister also announced an increase in the monthly allowance of around 2,000 forest assistants by Rs 5,000, effective from October 1. In addition, the Cabinet approved an increase in the medical allowance of former MLAs with effect from August 1. He said the salaries of Shiksha Bandhus (education assistants) and special educators would also be increased by Rs 5,000 per month. The move is expected to benefit 2,280 Shiksha Bandhus, with the revised pay structure taking effect from November 1. Apart from these categories, employees working as management staff, SSK assistants and MSK assistants will also receive a monthly increase of Rs 5,000, the Chief Minister said. On the occasion, Adhikari also announced that the state government would introduce a new Bill in the West Bengal Assembly this year to facilitate the transfer of teaching and non-teaching staff in universities. The Cabinet has approved the proposed legislation today. It seeks to provide a statutory framework for mutual transfers at the university level. The Bill will be placed before the Assembly on a priority basis, he said.
A fresh controversy has started in West Bengal over food choices in Durga Puja after Dhirendra Shastri also known as Bageshwar Baba appealed people to give non-vegetarian food during the Durga Puja. Now BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya has
A file picture of Kolkata-based social and cultural activist Sundeep Bhutoria with Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Education. Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 4: Imagine six-year-old children,
The Supreme Court allowed the West Bengal government to submit a sealed investigation report. This report supports the claim that Sumit Roy was not cooperating with police. Roy, personal secretary to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, faces a land-grab case probe. The court extended Roy's protection from arrest until the next hearing. This development follows a previous order for the state to produce interrogation records.
CM Adhikari highlights achievement of AB PM-JAY scheme in Bengal
Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, on Monday highlighted the achievements of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) within a short period since the launch of the scheme in the state after the recently-concluded West Bengal Assembly polls earlier this year. In a social media statement issued on Monday afternoon, the Chief Minister claimed that currently there are 3.23 crore active cards in West Bengal under which 3.23 crore beneficiaries across the state now get guaranteed financial protection of up to Rs 500,000. He also informed that so far there had been 31,541 hospital admissions under the scheme from the state. Thousands of patients have already received timely, cashless treatment across empaneled hospitals without pushing their families into economic distress, the Chief Ministers social media statement read. He had also informed that of the 31,541 hospital admissions, as many as 716 had been outside-state admissions. Leveraging nationwide portability, patients from West Bengal, including migrant workers and those needing specialised interventions have accessed seamless treatment at premier institutions across India, the Chief Minister claimed. According to him, from expanding access in rural heartlands to enabling seamless healthcare portability nationwide, this scheme has started fundamentally transforming West Bengals healthcare landscape into one anchored in equity, affordability and trust. To recall, the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal did not allow the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state as the previous Chief Minister used to assert that with Swastha Sathi, the state-own health insurance scheme existing, there was no necessity for the central health insurance scheme for West Bengal. After taking charge as the new and ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal earlier, one of the first things that Suvendu Adhikari did was to implement the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in the state. In addition to that, the Chief Minister had also announced that those who will not be eligible for the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, will be covered under Chief Ministers Health Insurance Scheme. The coverage amount will be the same at Rs 500,000 a year.
CM Reddy alleges conspiracy to delete one crore voters in Telangana
Hyderabad, Sep 7 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, on Monday alleged that there is a conspiracy to remove one crore voters in Telangana during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He alleged that the BJP was conspiring to delete anti-BJP votes under the guise of SIR. He accused the party of targeting the votes of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities. The Chief Minister was speaking a programme to pay tributes to Communist leader Sarampally Malla Reddy, who passed away recently. Revanth Reddy underlined the need for all the non-BJP parties to unite to fight against BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the national level. Unable to win elections democratically, they are adopting new tactics. BJP leaders are brazenly declaring that they will replicate in Telangana what they did in West Bengal. They are systematically removing anti-BJP votes, he said. He claimed that the BJP was employing private agencies to conduct surveys and systematically delete votes. He also accused the saffron party of using the Election Commission for its political agenda. The Chief Minister alleged that Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is not uttering a single word about SIR. He said the Communist parties must understand the nature of the understanding that exists behind this. He underlined the need to protect the fundamental rights of the poor and minorities. Stating that Communists have long been fighting for the rights of the poor, he said the sight of the Red Flag gives the poor a sense of reassurance. He urged the Left parties to strive to safeguard the voting rights of the poor and minorities. The Chief Minister recalled that Communists fought for fair wages for the landless poor and that it was the Congress party that enacted the Minimum Wages Act. He said while Communists fought for land to the tiller, the Congress government distributed 24.56 lakh acres of assigned land. Stating that 10 lakh acres of land are currently in the hands of Adivasis, he said this represents the Congress party's solution to the struggles waged by Communists. He said the Congress party provided employment through the Employment Guarantee Act, enacted the Food Security Act and addressed every issue raised by the Communists. The Chief Minister said Sarampally Malla Reddy had dedicated his life to the cause of farmers and termed his demise an irreparable loss to the farming community. He stated that Malla Reddy was unparalleled in his understanding of farmers' issues and his ability to articulate them with great refinement. He recalled that the late leader fought vigorously for the rights of tenant farmers and for remunerative prices for crops. Revanth Reddy assured that his government will strive to address agrarian issues by keeping in mind the books Malla Reddy wrote and the causes he championed. He said after a discussion in the Cabinet, the government will decide on how perpetuate the memory of Malla Reddy.
Christian Conversion row intensifies as West Bengal locals challenge missionary activities
The Christian Conversion controversy in West Bengal has taken a sharper turn in recent weeks, with residents in several districts confronting individuals and organisations over alleged attempts to persuade economically vulnerable people and children to embrace Christianity. From North 24 Parganas to Bankura and Jalpaiguri, a series of local disputes has brought religious activities, missionary [] The post Christian Conversion row intensifies as West Bengal locals challenge missionary activities appeared first on Tfipost.com .
West Bengals Economy Shows Signs of Improvement, Says Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reports gradual economic recovery in West Bengal, citing central schemes and reforms. West Bengals Economy Shows Signs of Improvement, Says Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
Fiscal mismanagement left West Bengal practically bankrupt: CM Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal faces financial distress due to past mismanagement, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. He stated the state requires at least one year to recover from its current financial condition. The government has increased old-age pensions and joined all central schemes for increased fund flow. Waitlists for welfare schemes prepared by the previous government have been cancelled.
Need at least one year to recover: Suvendu Adhikari on West Bengals financial crisis
In a hard-hitting statement, Suvendu Adhikari breaks down the states economic journeyfrom financial instability caused by central scheme non-compliance and revenue leaks to recent signs of fiscal growth. Watch as he details the timeline needed for economic stabilization and the role of Central Government funds in driving recovery.
SC declines to interfere in Trinamool signboard row, asks Calcutta HC to decide matter expeditiously
New Delhi, Sep 7 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Calcutta High Court to expeditiously decide the Trinamool Congress' plea challenging the removal of a signboard carrying the party's name and logo from the roof of the office of its General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Camac Street in Kolkata. A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool faction against the Calcutta High Court's refusal to grant interim relief in the matter. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Trinamool, submitted that the signboard was removed without issuing any notice to the party and contended that the High Court had erred in observing that no cause of action survived after the board had already been removed. The High Court says that no cause of action survives because the signboard has already been removed, he submitted. However, the CJI-led Bench remarked that merely because the signboard had been removed did not mean that the grievance of the party had been satisfied. Merely because it has been removed does not mean that your grievance has been satisfied. If your claim is accepted, the High Court will have to grant you liberty to raise the issue, the apex court observed. Sibal submitted that the party was seeking restoration of the signboard and reiterated that no notice had been issued before the removal. I am entitled to notice before such action is taken. No notice was issued, he said. The senior counsel further submitted that information had been given to the Kolkata Police on August 26 that security was required for removing the signboard, but no notice had been served on the party. I approached the High Court saying that no notice had been issued to me. The High Court did not examine whether notice had been issued. It merely held that since the board had already been removed, no cause of action survived, he submitted. He further argued that the Trinamool was a registered political party and that its name had been displayed on the building pursuant to a registered lease. This is a registered political party. Its name was displayed on the building and was removed without notice. A commercial establishment's name would not be removed in this manner, Sibal said. He urged the apex court to send the matter back to the Calcutta High Court and permit the party to raise all its contentions, without the observations contained in the interim order coming in its way. After hearing the submissions, the CJI-headed Bench ordered: In our view, the interim order dated August 28, 2026 has not decided pending issues on merits. Since the High Court is seized of the matter, and there are tentative observations made in the order, the parties are granted liberty to raise their respective contentions before HC. We request the High Court to determine all issues that arise for consideration expeditiously. The Supreme Court also clarified that the observations made in the impugned order would not come in the way of the parties raising their respective contentions before the High Court. The dispute relates to the removal of a giant billboard carrying the name All India Trinamool Congress and the party's logo from the roof of Abhishek Banerjee's office on Camac Street on August 27. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), accompanied by police personnel, had reached the premises to remove the billboard, which the civic authorities claimed was installed without the mandatory permission and payment of applicable taxes. The action led to tension at the spot, with Trinamool leaders and activists, including Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien, opposing the removal. Scuffles broke out between the police personnel and party activists before the billboard was finally removed. Following the incident, the Kolkata Police registered three FIRs and arrested several Trinamool activists. Abhishek Banerjee, O'Brien and other party leaders were named in two of the FIRs. The Mamata Banerjee-led faction subsequently approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking restoration of the removed billboard and also raising questions over the action taken by the KMC and police. On August 28, a special single-judge Bench of Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury declined to grant interim relief, observing that the matter was at a premature stage and that affidavits from all concerned parties were required before any interim direction could be considered. The High Court had also rejected the plea seeking details of the KMC staff and Kolkata Police personnel who had gone to the Camac Street office to remove the billboard. The Camac Street office subsequently came under scrutiny from the West Bengal Fire Services Department as well. Last week, the department issued a notice alleging several irregularities in the fire safety arrangements at the seventh and eighth floors of the building, where Abhishek Banerjee's office is located. The department said the fire safety certificate had expired on August 10 and sought an explanation within 48 hours as to why the premises should not be sealed. On September 4, after the response deadline expired, the Fire Services Department directed the occupants to vacate the seventh and eighth floors, citing inadequate fire-fighting measures and non-compliance with fire safety regulations.
CM Adhikari says Bengal economy on slow road to recovery
Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said the state's fiscal health has begun to improve, albeit slowly, following the government's decision to link the state with various Central schemes, a move he claimed was obstructed by the previous regime. Because of the fiscal indiscipline of the previous regime and the huge revenue losses caused by corruption, West Bengals economy was pushed to the verge of bankruptcy. The situation was further aggravated by the previous governments reluctance to join various Centrally sponsored schemes. I cannot say that the states economic health has fully recovered yet. I personally feel it may take a year for us to come out of the economic crisis. However, there are signs of a gradual revival. We have decided to join various Central schemes, and as a result, more funds are now coming to the state, the Chief Minister said. He was addressing a function held to mark the beginning of the disbursement of enhanced old-age, widow and disability allowances in the state. Previously, the beneficiaries under these three schemes in the state were entitled to a monthly payment of Rs 1,000. However, from Monday, the same beneficiaries have started receiving an enhanced amount of Rs 1,500. The CM said that the BJP-led new state government took some measures to eliminate the scope for revenue leakages, which he expects will improve the states own tax revenue by 18 per cent. We have been able to plug such revenue leakages to a great extent. I hope these leakages will be addressed further in the coming days, leading to a further improvement in the states own revenue generation, Adhikari said. According to him, his government is also focusing on the identification of fake beneficiaries under different welfare schemes. Our aim is to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive these benefits. There have been instances of men receiving widow allowances. Such irregularities will be eliminated, he said. The Chief Minister also announced the waiting lists of beneficiaries prepared during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime. All the waiting lists of the previous government stand cancelled from today. We will hold public welfare camps again. Everyone will go there and make fresh applications, Adhikari said.
West Bengal Reports Over 500 New Dengue Cases in a Week, Murshidabad Most Affected
West Bengal sees a surge in dengue cases, with Murshidabad reporting the highest numbers. Health officials are on alert. West Bengal Reports Over 500 New Dengue Cases in a Week, Murshidabad Most Affected
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West Bengal records over 500 new dengue cases in 7 days, total crosses 4,500
A Health Department official said the rise in reported cases followed an intensified surveillance exercise across the state after a standard operating procedure for monitoring and preventing dengue was issued on September 2
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at premises linked to Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Mohammad Nadimul Haque at seven locations across Delhi, West Bengal and Jharkhand in connection with an alleged...
New dengue cases in Bengal cross 500 mark in last seven days
Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) The number of new dengue cases in West Bengal, in the last seven days, have crossed the 500 mark, according to statistics available from the state Health Department. The state Health Department officials claimed that following the release of a standard operating procedure for monitoring and preventing dengue cases in the state on September 2, an extensive exercise for door-to-door monitoring and immediate blood testing of people identified as having dengue symptoms was carried out. Following that extensive exercise, over 500 new dengue-affected cases in the state had been detected in the last seven days, an official said. With these 500 new cases detected in the last seven days, the total number of dengue-affected people during the current calendar year, or to be more precise, during the current monsoon, has crossed the figure of 4,500, the official said. Murshidabad had been the worst-affected district both in terms of the new cases during the last seven days as well as in terms of the numbers during the current calendar year. Of the 500-odd newly detected cases during the last seven days, 96 are from Murshidabad alone. Similarly, of the 4,500 cases of total dengue-affected people during the current calendar year, 870 had been from Murshidabad alone. Kolkata is in the second position, with the total number of affected people during the current calendar year being 402. The number of newly affected people in the last seven days is 62. The Health Department official also provided statistical details on the progressive increase in the number of dengue-affected cases in the state since April. As per statistics provided by the department, 770 people were infected with dengue in the state till April 30, which progressively increased to 1,946 till July 31, 3,966 till August 31 and little over 4,500 till date. However, the good thing is that whatever the figures that have surfaced this year are 100 per cent authentic, without any question of underquoting the affected figure or describing dengue as 'unknown fever' - a phenomenon which was rampant during the last few years. The instructions from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for the medical institutions are very clear. If the case is dengue, it should be reported as dengue and not as any 'unknown fever'. So, the figure this year so far is 100 per cent authentic, the Health Department official said. Earlier this year, the Chief Minister requested the people not to panic about the dengue situation amid continued heavy downpour, and also said that the situation, though serious, was not highly alarming. He also said that the number of dengue-affected people in West Bengal during the current and ongoing monsoons, though high, is much less compared to what the figure was during the monsoons of the previous year
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We crossed the path to Kailash; just one night later, it was gone, says Parvathy Baul
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at seven locations across three states. These searches targeted TMC MP Nadimul Haque and an Urdu newspaper. The investigation concerns alleged money laundering and promoting communal disharmony. Officials are gathering evidence related to financial transactions and suspicious funding. The probe is proceeding under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
If Guptas, Jaiswals hadn't been here...: WB BJP chief sparks row
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya's comments recalling the role of non-Bengali communities during the 1946 communal riots and alleging past restrictions on Durga Puja have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the TMC, Congress, and CPI(M). Bhattacharya appealed for unity for peaceful Durga Puja celebrations, while opposition leaders accused him of divisive politics and distorting history.
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