Oppn trying to pressure ECI through CJP; agitation won't have any impact, says BJP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday accused the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) of staging a protest against the interests of the people, alleging that Opposition parties were attempting to put pressure on the Election Commission of India (ECI) through the agitation. The BJP's remarks came amid the CJP's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The protest was also aimed at raising allegations of voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged vote theft. West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya criticised the agitation, accusing the protesters of disrespecting the public and undermining the people's mandate. They are insulting the people. The movement taking place today is against the people, and the public is being humiliated. This is a betrayal of the people's mandate, and this cannot be allowed to continue, he said. Speaking to IANS, Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi also alleged that the Congress and other Opposition parties were attempting to influence the Election Commission through the CJP's protest. He said the public was closely watching the developments and claimed that the party's intentions had become clear. The Congress and Opposition parties are trying to pressure the Election Commission through the Cockroach Janata Party's agitation. The country is watching. When the party first launched its agitation, students thought it was raising issues concerning their interests, but its true intentions have now been exposed before the people. The protest will have no impact. Security has been tightened in Delhi to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of ordinary citizens, Saraogi said. Bihar Minister Mithilesh Tiwari, recalling the Supreme Court's remarks concerning the CJP protest, said the administration was taking the necessary precautions in accordance with the observations made by the Chief Justice of India. The Chief Justice of India has given a clear indication to our administration, and officials are taking precautions accordingly. Every word of the Chief Justice is valuable to our government and its officials. So, do not worry. The government is handling every situation with great sensitivity, he said. Tiwari also apologised to passengers affected by the cancellation of trains heading towards Delhi in view of the CJP's proposed agitation. He described the situation as an internal security issue and alleged that some people were attempting to undermine the Modi government's achievements. Some people are jealous of the Modi government's success and are changing their identities. I am saying that the Cockroach Janta Party is none other than a new avatar of the Congress Party operating under a different identity, the minister claimed. These cockroaches could use any child in our country as a weapon, which is why our government is on alert. The people of the country have understood their objective. Everyone knows they are working for the RJD and Congress by changing their identity, and that is why people are no longer with them, he alleged.
Dengue surge in Bengal hotspots raises concern ahead of Durga Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 10 (IANS) A sudden rise in dengue cases in pockets of rural and urban West Bengal over the past month has raised concern in the administration ahead of the forthcoming Durga Puja festival. A state health department official said 14 gram panchayats and eight urban civic bodies, including three municipal corporations and five municipalities, had been identified as dengue hotspots following a sharp increase in cases in specific areas over the past month. Most of the 14 gram panchayats identified as dengue hotspots are in Murshidabad district. The others are in South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Jalpaiguri, Birbhum and Hooghly districts, the official said. The three municipal corporations reporting a similar trend in certain wards are the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) in North 24 Parganas district and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) in Howrah district, adjoining Kolkata. According to the official, six wards in the KMC, three in the HMC and four in the BMC have been identified as pockets witnessing a sudden rise in new dengue cases over the past month. Among the municipalities identified as sensitive zones are Chakdaha in Nadia district and Dumdum, South Dumdum, Kamarhati and Baranagar in North 24 Parganas district. During the current calendar year, the highest numbers of dengue cases have been reported from nine districts, namely Murshidabad, Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, Malda and East Burdwan. However, state health department figures show that the overall number of dengue cases reported so far in 2026 remains marginally lower than the corresponding figure for 2025. Till October 7, 2025, West Bengal had recorded 12,652 dengue cases, compared with 10,177 cases during the same period in 2026. Despite the lower cumulative tally, the recent rise in infections has emerged as a cause for concern. The health department official said 3,948 new cases were reported during September, while nearly 1,100 cases were recorded in the first week of October alone. Despite the lower overall number of cases this year, the worrying aspect is the recent rise in infections. While 3,948 new dengue cases were reported in September, nearly 1,100 cases were recorded in the first week of October alone, the official said.
Suvendu Adhikari Sets Five-Year Target To Bring Gujarat Model Of Development To West Bengal
Attempts to disrupt law and order must be stopped: West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on CJP protest
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh has expressed concerns about public disturbance due to the Cockroach Janta Party protest. Security measures have been heightened across Delhi, with over 35,000 personnel deployed to maintain law and order. The Delhi Police have denied permission for the gathering, citing past violence as a reason. Additionally, intensive security checks are being conducted at various locations, including borders and metro stations.
Dilip Ghosh Criticizes CJP Protests in Delhi, Targets Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh responds to CJP protests in Delhi, emphasizing democracy while condemning disruption. Dilip Ghosh Criticizes CJP Protests in Delhi, Targets Mamata Banerjee
On October 10, 2026, banking services will be suspended due to the second Saturday of the month coinciding with Mahalaya Amavasye celebrated in Karnataka and West Bengal. Following the Reserve Bank of Indias directives, banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays. With various festivals and holidays marked in October, it's essential for customers to plan their banking transactions wisely ahead of this date.
Pesticides in breast milk? The unasked question in Kashmirs orchards
Srinagar, Oct 09: As chemical pesticides remain part of crop protection in Kashmirs apple-growing belt, an important environmental health question remains unanswered: are women who work in or live near orchards exposed to pesticides that can be detected in their breast milk? Research conducted in other parts of India has found pesticide residues in breast-milk samples collected from nursing mothers. However, comparable published evidence establishing the presence and concentrations of such residues among lactating women in Jammu and Kashmir was not identified in the literature reviewed for this report. The gap is significant for a region where horticulture supports thousands of farming households and women participate in a range of agricultural activities, including pruning, picking, sorting and handling harvested produce. Although these activities do not necessarily involve direct pesticide application, exposure may occur through contact with recently treated plants, contaminated surfaces or soil, spray drift and other environmental pathways. The extent of such exposure depends on the chemicals used, application practices, protective measures and the time elapsed since spraying. The absence of local breast-milk data means that the nature and extent of this potential exposure remain uncertain. Studies elsewhere in India detect pesticide residues Several peer-reviewed studies have investigated pesticide residues in human breast milk across India. A study published in Environmental Pollution in 2021 analysed 81 breast-milk samples collected from Kolkata and Nadia in West Bengal. Researchers detected organochlorine pesticides and selected newer compounds, including pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. Most of the substances investigated showed higher average concentrations in samples from Kolkata than in those from Nadia. In Assam, a study published in Science of the Total Environment in 2011 reported residues of DDT and HCH in breast milk collected from Dibrugarh and Nagaon. Another study, published in the same journal in 2013, analysed 53 breast-milk samples from Punjab and reported several pesticide compounds, including DDT and its metabolites, HCH isomers, endrin, endosulfan, cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos. Research published in Environmental Pollution in 2009 also documented persistent organochlorine compounds in breast milk collected from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The findings establish that selected pesticide compounds and their metabolites can be detected in human milk. However, the studies examined different populations under different conditions and cannot be used to estimate the prevalence of pesticide residues among mothers in Jammu and Kashmir. Nor do they establish that the same compounds or concentrations occur in Kashmiri women. Kashmirs horticultural sector warrants investigation The question assumes particular relevance in Kashmir, where apple cultivation is an important source of income and agricultural chemicals are used to protect crops against pests and fungal diseases. A study published in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology in 2010 cited estimates of approximately 7,750 metric tonnes of fungicides and 3,186 metric tonnes of insecticides used annually in Kashmirs orchards. These are historical estimates and should not be treated as current consumption figures without verification against more recent official records. Pesticide-use figures alone cannot establish the level of exposure experienced by farmers or their families. The risks associated with individual chemicals differ, as do the ways in which they enter the environment and human body. For orchard workers, relevant exposure factors include pesticide handling, the use of protective equipment, the interval between spraying and returning to treated areas, and contact with treated crops. Residential proximity to orchards, dietary sources and drinking water may also be relevant. A local investigation would need to account for these factors rather than assume that orchard work is the sole source of exposure. Why breast-milk monitoring matters Certain persistent pesticides, including some organochlorine compounds, can remain in the environment for long periods and accumulate in fatty tissues. Some may subsequently be detected in human breast milk. Other pesticides have different chemical properties and may break down more rapidly. Their presence in breast milk cannot be assumed simply because they are used in agriculture. Scientists would therefore need to identify the chemicals currently used in Kashmirs horticulture and select a suitable laboratory testing panel. Samples would need to be analysed using validated methods, with results reported alongside laboratory detection limits and appropriate quality controls. A study could compare samples from lactating women directly involved in orchard work with those from women who live near orchards but do not handle pesticides, as well as women from areas with less direct horticultural exposure. Researchers could collect information on agricultural activities, pesticide-handling practices, protective equipment, residential location, diet and drinking-water sources. This would help examine whether detected residues are associated with particular exposure patterns. The findings would establish a baseline for the study population, although a cross-sectional study alone could not prove that orchard work caused a particular residue concentration. Detection does not automatically mean harm The detection of pesticide residues in breast milk does not, by itself, establish that a concentration is harmful to an infant. Health risks depend on the chemical, the concentration, the duration and route of exposure, and the available toxicological evidence. Public-health communication must therefore avoid equating the presence of a residue with a confirmed health effect. Breastfeeding should not be discontinued solely because of general reports about environmental pesticide contamination. Women concerned about a specific or substantial exposure should seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals. The more immediate priority is to reduce avoidable exposure among agricultural workers through appropriate protective equipment, adherence to product-specific safety instructions, observance of re-entry intervals and improved pesticide management. Integrated pest management, which combines pest monitoring, preventive measures and targeted chemical treatment, could also help reduce unnecessary pesticide applications. A research gap that needs attention For Jammu and Kashmir, the central question remains unresolved. The studies reviewed for this report do not establish whether pesticide residues are present in the breast milk of women working in the regions orchards, how frequently they might occur or which compounds warrant particular attention. Addressing the gap would require collaboration among agricultural scientists, public-health researchers, environmental laboratories and relevant government departments. Any study involving lactating women would also require ethics approval, informed consent, reliable laboratory procedures and safeguards for participants privacy. Alongside biological monitoring, authorities could improve records of pesticide use and strengthen environmental monitoring to help researchers identify locally relevant exposure pathways. For a region whose agricultural economy depends heavily on horticulture, measuring potential exposure is an important step towards understanding the wider environmental implications of pesticide use. Studies from other Indian states provide a basis for asking the question. Only systematic testing in Jammu and Kashmir can establish what, if anything, is present in the breast milk of women living and working around its orchards.
ED Conducts Major Raids in Odisha Sub-Inspector Recruitment Scam
The Enforcement Directorate has launched extensive raids in Odisha and West Bengal linked to a sub-inspector recruitment paper leak. ED Conducts Major Raids in Odisha Sub-Inspector Recruitment Scam
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed gratitude to the people for blessing the BJP-NDA in the Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry byelections and said the victory reflects yet again that the people have a deep-rooted connect with the good governance agenda of the alliance. Gratitude to the people for their continuous blessings! [] The post Bypoll wins reflect Peoples connect with BJP-NDA: Modi appeared first on Northlines .
Suvendu retains backyard, party makes dent in minority zone
West Bengal Chief Secretary Sends Legal Notice to MP Mahua Moitra Over Vote Thief Comments
West Bengals Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal has issued a legal notice to MP Mahua Moitra for alleging he is a vote thief on social media. West Bengal Chief Secretary Sends Legal Notice to MP Mahua Moitra Over Vote Thief Comments
HC orders cop shield for interfaith couple forced to put off wedding
Kolkata Durga Puja: Pandal-Hopping Focus On Lebutala & Deshapriya Park
28 Out Of Over 60 Eateries Reopen Ahead Of Durga Puja
Vehicle battery gone from Park Street senior cops office complex
Serial killer whiff in murders of app-cab drivers
Man kills brother at Jatin Das Park
Kishan Reddy Slams Congress After Bypoll Losses
Kishan Reddy said the Congress had failed to win a single seat in Delhi in three consecutive Assembly elections, winning only six of 61 seats in Bihar despite a yatra covering 23 districts, and two of 294 seats in West Bengal.
Met Predicts Sporadic Rain And Partly Cloudy Sky During Puja
Bypoll results in 5 seats boost ruling parties; BJP posts big wins in Bengal
Bypoll results from five assembly seats and a Lok Sabha seat show victories for ruling parties. In Tamil Nadu, the ruling TVK gained seats from AIADMK, boosting its assembly presence. The BJP in West Bengal won significantly in Nandigram and Rejinagar with large margins. In Puducherry, AINRC candidate won Thattanchavady seat, defeating Congress. BJP was set to secure Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam, leading ahead of AIUDF and Congress.
Lost in 2014, rediscovered Parama statue to return as part of Bhowanipore puja theme
From wetlands to eatery? Heat on TMC ex-councillors EMB dhaba
Rs 1,700 cr in dues, state plans 40% waiver on unpaid vehicle taxes
Tarpaulin sheets, raised platforms: Organisers add rain-protection in final days of puja prep
Sound of dhaks & conch shells will set a record today: CM
Ruling parties sweep bypolls in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry
The BJP won two West Bengal Assembly seats and led in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, while TVK and AINRC recorded wins in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Nitin Naveen hailed the BJPs by-election wins as a testament to public trust and development, highlighting key victories in West Bengal and Assam. BJPs Significant Victory in By-Elections Celebrated by Nitin Naveen as a Triumph of Trust and Development
Opposition urges President to sack CEC, suspend SIR and restore '13.30 crore deleted' voters (Lead)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that President Droupadi Murmu asked the Opposition delegation to submit evidence to substantiate its allegations of vote chori (vote theft), as INDIA bloc leaders met her and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and a return to paper ballots. A 10-member delegation of INDIA bloc MPs, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and including Rahul Gandhi and Mamata All India Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee, met the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and submitted a memorandum alleging widespread electoral irregularities and an attempt to undermine India's democratic framework. The other members of the delegation were Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule, CPI-M General Secretary M.A. Baby, RJD Rajya Sabha member Manoj Kumar Jha, CPI General Secretary D. Raja, Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, and VCK President and MP Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan. In the memorandum, the Opposition claimed that elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Delhi and West Bengal had been stolen, alleging large-scale manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and electoral rolls in several Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The delegation, which said it represented Parliamentary parties accounting for more than 60 per cent of the country's population, urged President Murmu to intervene, describing the alleged electoral irregularities as a threat to the constitutional right to vote and the foundations of representative democracy. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rahul Gandhi said: I sat in quite an unbelievable meeting. First, we took a memorandum to the President of India. In that memorandum, we clearly stated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and CEC Gyanesh Kumar had conspired to destroy Indian democracy. We submitted a memorandum to the President of India, informing her that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar are conspiring to destroy Indian democracy, LoP Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi also claimed: The President (Droupadi Murmu) in no way denied what we said, questioned what we said, or argued what we said. She accepted our statement and then told us that we needed to provide her with proof of 'election chori'. He added that the President had asked the delegation to furnish evidence backing its claims. She (President Murmu) asked us to provide evidence to substantiate what we have said. We will submit the evidence to her whenever she is available, he said. Rahul Gandhi described the meeting as satisfactory and announced that the Opposition would approach the Supreme Court on October 12 with a memorandum to the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The memorandum placed four major demands before the President: 1. Resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and repeal of the 2023 law that, according to the Opposition, provides lifelong immunity to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. 2. Immediate suspension of SIR and restoration of all 13.30 crore voters whom the Opposition alleges were illegally deleted from electoral rolls. 3. A return to paper ballots for all elections, replacing the existing EVM-based voting system. 4. Repeal of Assembly elections held over the preceding two years in which, the Opposition claimed, conclusive evidence of vote theft had been presented. The memorandum said that the right to vote, enshrined in Article 326 of the Constitution, was central to representative democracy. It maintained that the Election Commission was the constitutional custodian of this right and should be accountable for its decisions rather than operate without scrutiny. The Opposition also accused the Chief Election Commissioner of misleading the Supreme Court to cover up alleged electoral wrongdoing. The memorandum called for accountability and urged the President to use her constitutional position to ensure that its demands were addressed without delay. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said President Murmu had listened to the delegation patiently. Kharge said the INDIA bloc leaders had apprised the President Murmu of the agitation launched four days earlier over alleged vote theft and concerns regarding the functioning of the Election Commission. Mamata Banerjee said President Murmu had indicated that she would examine the memorandum and wanted supporting evidence. She (President Murmu) has asked us to send evidence, which we said we (INDIA bloc leaders) will do, Banerjee said, adding that the country was concerned about the state of democracy. The meeting followed several days of Opposition protests against the Election Commission, the SIR exercise and alleged electoral irregularities, with INDIA bloc leaders demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Bengal: Civil Defence Dept Signs MoU with Amateur Radio Club to train volunteers
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 9 (IANS) Taking a cue from how communication links were disrupted after the Nepal flash floods, the West Bengal Disaster Management and Civil Defence Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal Radio Club (WBRC) on Friday. The WBRC is an organisation of amateur radio operators. Apart from communicating with people across the world, its members help in maintaining radio links during major calamities when mobile networks stop functioning. They are trained to set up communication networks with the bare minimum supplies. During cyclones, floods and earthquakes, when conventional communication links get cut off, the HAMs play a crucial role in ensuring co-ordination between various teams engaged in rescue and relief efforts. All our members have the necessary licences that allow them to operate two-way radio sets. When the need arises, they can set up radio stations within a short period of time and restore communications, Ambarish Nag Biswas, secretary, WBRC, said. The organisation also runs the Indian Academy of Communication and Disaster Management. Several civil defence volunteers from across the state have already received training there and obtained licences to operate amateur radios. Under the MoU, more people will be trained, and experts will monitor their progress in setting up radio stations in remote areas. During natural disasters, the HAMs work as an important link between the wireless sets operated by various agencies. This aids in keeping all teams abreast of developments. The signing of the MoU was an extremely proud moment for us. While we have been doing this for a long time, the amateur radio operators are now officially designated as lifesavers, Subir Dutta, president, WBRC, said. Among those present during the signing of the agreement were IPS officers Sanjay Singh and Debashis Sarkar from the Civil Defence Department and top functionaries of WBRC. The activities of the organisation first came to light during the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone, when its members reached remote areas, fixed temporary antennae to treetops and restored communication links. More recently, WBRC members rushed to Nepal after the 2015 earthquake devastated parts of the country. They again helped restore vital communication links between various agencies engaged in rescue and relief. A team was also ready to travel to Nepal this year after the devastating flash floods, but did not receive permission from the government of that country. We have always been called in by the West Bengal government during cyclones. We have moved to remote areas and maintained communication links with agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). This aided vital rescue efforts, Nag Biswas said. Teams from the WBRC have also operated at Sagar Island during the Gangasagar Mela since the time when there was no mobile connectivity there. The HAMs continue to operate during the annual event even now, helping people in distress. Of late, several educational institutions have also got in touch with WBRC to train college students in wireless communication. The members train students on how to obtain licences and operate their own radio stations. We have endeavoured to turn a hobby into a life-saving exercise. Today, our efforts are recognised across the country, Nag Biswas added.
CMs friendship pitch pays off as Muslim-majority Rejinagar gives BJP big win
No complaints in Keralam about deliberate denial of voting right, says Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan
He says the present allegations against the ECI concerns removal of cores of names, adding Keralam has not seen complaints filed in this regard unlike States such as Maharashtra, West Bengal or Haryana
Chief secy sends legal notice to Mahua over defamation claims, seeks Rs 10 crore in damages
Church attacked during prayer service in Krishnanagar
WBHS beneficiaries told to surrender other health cards
Rahul Gandhi-Led INDIA Bloc Delegation Meets President Murmu, Submits 4-Point Memo Seeking CEC
Escalating its high-decibel campaign alleging widespread electoral roll irregularities and vote chori (vote theft), a 10-member high-profile delegation of INDIA bloc leaders met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday evening, October 9. The delegationcomprising Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool [] The post Rahul Gandhi-Led INDIA Bloc Delegation Meets President Murmu, Submits 4-Point Memo Seeking CECs Remova appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Travel bodys 69th convention to bring 700 delegates to Kolkata
In TMC vs TMC subplot, Mamata comes out victorious
BJP sweeps Bengal Assembly by polls by winning both Nandigram and Rejinagar by record margin
West Bengal on Tuesday saw a high voter turnout in the high-stakes by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar
Nandigram lives up to Suvendu hopes, gives BJP a winning margin of 1.22 lakh votes
Amit Shah hails NDA bypoll wins as rejection of INDI alliance in West Bengal and Assam
The News Mill
Bengal bypolls: BJP wins in Nandigram, Muslim-majority Rejinagar
Kolkata: The BJP on Friday, October 9, steamrolled its rivals in Nandigram and scored a surprise win in Muslim-majority Rejinagar, underlining its expanding political reach in West Bengal barely four months after ending TMCs 15-year rule, as a fragmented opposition struggled to mount a challenge in the ruling partys first electoral test. The twin victories 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 .
Tripura: Security to be tightened along India-Bangladesh border ahead of Durga Puja
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 9 (IANS) The Border Security Force (BSF) and Tripura Police will further tighten security along the India-Bangladesh border ahead of the five-day Durga Puja festival, beginning on October 16, while the state police will launch a special drive against drug-related activities during the festivities, top officials said. Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Rao said the BSF would further strengthen its vigil along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura during the Durga Puja festival. Tripura Police would also step up surveillance in border villages, the state police chief told the media. Responding to a query about the proposed Smart Border Project, Rao said that of the total 856-km-long international border between Tripura and Bangladesh, 806 km had been fully fenced so far, while the remaining 50 km remained unfenced for various reasons, including difficult terrain, water bodies and forested areas. The BSF and Tripura Police are jointly preparing proposals for the Smart Border Project, and both agencies would jointly implement the scheme, Rao said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited Tripura in June this year, had earlier announced that the Modi government would establish an impregnable border grid by launching the Smart Border Project, equipped with drones, radars, modern cameras and other advanced technologies. The Home Minister had directed the BSF in Tripura, Assam and West Bengal to work in coordination with district administrations, police stations, panchayats and patwaris to prevent infiltration and strengthen border security. Tripura shares an 856-km-long international border with Bangladesh and is surrounded on three sides by the neighbouring country, making the Northeastern state particularly vulnerable and sensitive to issues related to cross-border migration, infiltration, smuggling and other crimes. DGP Rao said that during the festive season, Tripura Police would launch a special drive against drug-related activities in Agartala and other urban areas of the state. He said around 11,000 personnel of Tripura Police and the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) would be deployed across the state to maintain law and order during the festive season. Hundreds of plainclothes security personnel would also be deployed on running trains and at crowded and important places to maintain a close watch on anti-social activities and crimes, the senior IPS officer said. He further said that watchtowers, 218 CCTV cameras, and police and traffic assistance booths would be set up in Agartala and other district towns to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and ensure the safety of the public during the festival. A green corridor would be opened to facilitate the movement of ambulances and other emergency vehicles during the Puja days, the DGP said, adding that the movement of vehicles and two-wheelers would be restricted during peak hours when large numbers of people visit Durga Puja pandals. The traffic restrictions are intended to help manage the expected rush of devotees and visitors at major Puja venues and ensure smoother movement for emergency services during the festivities. More than 2,900 community Durga Pujas and over 100 family Pujas are likely to be organised across Tripura this year, including around 720 in West Tripura district, attracting large crowds and requiring extensive security and traffic management arrangements.
Bengal RTO Official, Middleman Arrested For Bribery
The West Bengal Anti-Corruption Branch arrested an RTO official and a middleman in Kolkata for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 90,000 bribe to renew a bus permit. The arrests followed a trap operation based on a bus owner's complaint.
Amit Shah criticized Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA alliance for their lies and confusion following bypoll results. The BJP secured significant wins in West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry, showcasing its public support. Voters expressed their trust in the BJP during recent municipal elections in Rajasthan and Tripura. Shah stated that opposition parties question institutions after defeats, highlighting their lack of credibility.
BJP wins 10 Rajya Sabha seats unopposed across three states; SP gets 2, Congress draws a blank
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 10 Rajya Sabha seats unopposed across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) secured two seats in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress failed to win a seat in the elections.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday hailed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s performance in the Lok Sabha and Assembly bye-elections, saying that the party is winning every election despite the lies and disinformation campaigns of the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc. In Nagaon Parliamentary constituency bye-election in Assam, Devasish Sharma of the BJP beat Mohammed Badruddin Ajmal of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). In Nandigram Assembly constituency bye-election in West Bengal, Hasi Rani Rath of the BJP beat the nearest Congress rival Milan Pradhan. In Rejinagar bye-election in West Bengal, Shankharavh Sarkar of the BJP beat Golam Nabi Azad of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party. Meanwhile, NDA ally, AINRC, won the Thattanchavady bypoll in Puducherry. In a post on social media platform X, Union Minister Amit Shah said: The BJP, under the leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji, continues to win elections one after another despite the lies and disinformation campaigns run by Rahul Gandhi and the INDI Alliance. The NDA's victories in the bye-elections in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry, and the recently held local body polls in Rajasthan and Tripura, demonstrate that the people have completely rejected the INDI Alliance. Having lost their public support, these (Opposition) parties question institutions after every defeat, but the people have recognised their true character. This is why the people have once again delivered a thumping mandate, reaffirming their unwavering faith in the BJP, Union Minister Shah added. The Union Home Minister congratulated the West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, Tripura CM Manik Saha and Puducherry CM N. Rangasamy, along with all the state presidents and dedicated BJP workers. Terming the victories as spectacular, BJP President Nitin Nabin said that it has once again proven that the people of the country stand firmly with the politics of development and good governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Those who were trying to mislead the countrymen have once again been given a resounding response by the people through their votes, Nabin said on X while hitting out at the Opposition. Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said on X: Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all the victorious candidates on the victory of BJP-NDA in the Assembly bye-elections of West Bengal and Puducherry, and the Lok Sabha bye-election in Assam. This support from the people reflects the trust in the progress of the country, good governance, and public service under the leadership of the honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, he said, adding that this public support will further strengthen the resolve for a developed India. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the eight BJP Rajya Sabha candidates of the state for winning unopposed. I have full confidence that you all will make a significant contribution in realising the resolve of our esteemed Prime Minister @narendramodi ji for 'Developed India' and in giving new momentum to the nation's progress. At the same time, you will enhance the dignity of the Upper House, he said in a post on X. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta echoed, saying: The unanimous election of BJP's eight Rajya Sabha candidates in Uttar Pradesh, the NDA's victory in the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in Assam, Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, and the Thattanchavadi Assembly constituency in Puducherry are proof of the people's unwavering trust. In a post on X, CM Gupta referred to the victory as a esounding response to those anti-national forces who prioritise appeasement, dividing society, and pursuing political self-interest over the welfare of the people.
Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee Lead INDIA Bloc Leaders to Rashtrapati Bhavan Over
Several INDIA bloc leaders, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, are heading to Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet President Droupadi Murmu and submit a memorandum raising concerns over the functioning of the
SC seeks response of States, UTs on plea alleging prolonged vacancies in power regulatory bodies
New Delhi, Oct 9: The Supreme Court on Friday sought a response from 15 states and the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on a PIL filed by NGO Energy Watchdog seeking directions to ensure that their state electricity regulatory commissions are properly constituted under the law. The bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notice on the PIL filed by the NGO through lawyer Pranav Sachdeva. The petitioner has sought the apex court's directions directing the states and UTs to take all steps to comply with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, and with the directions of the apex court in a verdict of April 2018 regarding composition of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). The plea said there were several statutory infractions, such as prolonged vacancies in the offices of chairperson and members and the complete absence of a person of law on the Commission, across 230 SERCs in the 15 states and the UTs. In the 2018 ruling, the Supreme Court held that SERCs have the rappings of the court and must have a suitably qualified person of law as a member, the plea said. It said the commissions across several states, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, continue to lack a person of law despite this ruling. The plea said in Tamil Nadu, all three offices are vacant, while in Andhra Pradesh, the chairperson and member (technical) posts are vacant, and the Commission functions with a sole member (finance). It said that in West Bengal, only the chairperson's office has been created, and the incumbent does not have the required legal background. The plea said the failure strikes at consumers' access to justice under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution and, without the mandated person of law, consumers cannot get lawful adjudication of complaints under the Electricity Act. Consumers' access to that remedy cannot be made dependent upon indefinite executive inaction, the plea said. It sought directions to the states of West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Sikkim, and to the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, directing the authorities concerned to file a reply disclosing the steps taken to ensure that their SERCs had been constituted in compliance with the Electricity Act provisions.
BJP President Nitin Nabin chalks poll strategy with national general secretaries
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Stepping up preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin on Friday held discussions with National General Secretaries to firm up future strategy. In a message on social media platform X, Nabin said, Today, at the BJP headquarters, I held a meeting with the National General Secretaries and had a detailed discussion on various organisational matters and upcoming action plans. The meeting came on a day when the BJP celebrated its victory in bye-elections on Lok Sabha seat in Nagaon (Assam) and Assembly seats in Nandigram as well as Rejinagar (West Bengal). Earlier on Thursday, the BJP President attacked the Congress and INDIA bloc allies over Election Commission (EC) protests in the national capital, saying that their demonstration remains 'timed' with the elections and with an intent to earn electoral dividend from it. He asserted that the BJP and its workers remain in mission mode, 24x7 and every single day comes with new set of responsibilities while describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conviction and commitment towards public welfare as the key inspiration behind it. Taking a direct jibe at the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition INDIA bloc, Nabin said that they possess an anarchist mindset and only know how to inject poison into society while criticising their protest against the Election Commission, based on 'unfounded and baseless' allegations of vote theft. Questioning the rationale behind Opposition's protests, the BJP Chief added that this is the same Election Commission which conducted the elections in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where they are in power. If their allegations were true, it was this very Election Commission that conducted the elections in Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, where they (Opposition INDIA bloc) came into power through the backdoor, the elections were also conducted by this very Election Commission, Nabin said. He said that the nation was watching the game they (Opposition) were playing and demanded that Rahul Gandhi resigns, if he has the courage.
PM Modi Hails BJP-NDA Mandate, Congratulates AINRC on Puducherry Victory
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled defeat to the Congress in the by-elections in Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in Assam and in West Bengal while lauding the BJP's strong showing in the by-polls in West Bengal. Modi tweeted that the victory
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Bye-elections: PM Modi hails party workers, voters' support for BJP victory
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the hard work of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, NDA allies and the continuous support of electorate for ensuring the party's impressive performance in the Lok Sabha and Assembly bye-elections. In a message on social media platform X, PM Modi said, Gratitude to the people for their continuous blessings! The Lok Sabha result of Nagaon (Assam) and Assembly results of Nandigram as well as Rejinagar (West Bengal) show yet again that the people have a deep-rooted connect with the good governance agenda of BJP-NDA. I congratulate the victorious BJP candidates and also applaud the hard work of our Party Karyakartas, the Prime Minister added on X. I also congratulate our valued NDA ally, the AINRC, for their win in Thattanchavady in Puducherry, Prime Minister Modi said. This mandate will give us added strength as we work tirelessly for the welfare of the people and to fulfil their aspirations for a brighter and more prosperous future, he added on X. In Nagaon Parliamentary constituency bye-election, Devasish Sharma of the BJP beat Mohammed Badruddin Ajmal of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). In Nandigram bye-election in West Bengal, Hasi Rani Rath of the BJP beat the nearest Congress rival Milan Pradhan. In Rejinagar bye-election in West Bengal, Shankharavh Sarkar of the BJP beat Golam Nabi Azad of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party. Earlier on Friday, PM Modi met members of India's contingent that delivered an impressive performance at the WorldSkills Competition Shanghai 2026 and congratulated the young participants for showcasing their talent and skills on the global stage. The interaction took place at the Prime Minister's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, where PM Modi lauded the competitors for their achievements and encouraged them to continue excelling in their respective fields. Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Prime Minister Modi praised the participants for their outstanding performance at the international skills competition and said it was a pleasure to interact with and motivate the young achievers. The Prime Minister underlined the objective behind establishing a separate Ministry for Skill Development and said that the importance of skill training institutions is no less than that of IITs and IIMs. He encouraged the participants to share their experiences and suggestions with the government to help improve India's skill training system. India recorded its best-ever performance at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, held from September 22 to 27 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai. The country secured six silver medals and 20 medallions for excellence, finishing 10th in the overall rankings.
Mahajan, Banerjee Lead Charge In National Ranking TT U-15
Maharashtra's Raghav Mahajan and West Bengal's Souswarya Banerjee advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the U-15 boys' singles at the second National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Panchkula on Friday. Several other young talents also secured victories in both boys' and girls' U-15 categories, often after hard-fought five-game matches.
'Gratitude to people for their continuous blessings': PM Modi tanks voters for BJP's win in bypolls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked voters for BJPs massive win in Lok Sabha and Assembly bypolls and the Lok Sabha result of Nagaon (Assam) and Assembly results of Nandigram as well as Rejinagar (West Bengal) show yet again that the people have a deep-rooted connect with the good governance agenda of BJP-NDA.
BJP Secures Historic Victory in Rejinagar By-Election with Over 75,000 Votes
BJP candidate Shankharavah Sarkar wins Rejinagar by-election, marking a significant political shift in West Bengal. BJP Secures Historic Victory in Rejinagar By-Election with Over 75,000 Votes
As bypoll results largely favour ruling parties, BJP pulls a surprise in Bengals Rejinagar
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Ruling parties in three states and one Union Territory that went for by-elections are poised comfortably to win as counting comes close to an end on Friday for five Assembly and one Lok Sabha constituencies. Elections were held on Tuesday for the lone Parliamentary constituency of Nagaon in Assam, while voting took place the same day for the Assembly seats in West Bengals Nandigram and Rejinagar; Madurantakam and Dharapuram of Tamil Nadu; and Thattanchavady in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat was vacant after Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi who won in 2019 and 2024 joined the BJP and subsequently won from Dispur in this years Assembly elections. The states ruling BJP was leading at the time of writing, with its candidate Devasish Sharma ahead with a convincing margin of 1.6 lakh votes over his closest rival. In Puducherry, the ruling All India N. R. Congress (AINRC) retained the Thattanchavady seat, with Ashok Anand winning here with a margin of 8,482 votes over nearest rival E. Vinayagam of the Congress. Chief Minister Natesan Rangaswamy vacated this seat to retain Mangalam, which he had won simultaneously in the Assembly elections held earlier this year. As a Congress candidate, he lost from Thattanchavady in 1990, but registered a victory in the election held the next year. In 2006, he won here with a record 90 per cent of the total votes polled. Since winning in 1991 as a Congress candidate, Rangaswamy retained Thattanchavady till he chose to contest elsewhere beginning in 2011 after breaking out of the Congress and founding the AINRC. He returned, winning again in the 2021 and 2026 general elections. In Tamil Nadu, while Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijays Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was ahead by almost 67,000 votes in Dharapuram at the end of all 23 rounds of counting, it was ahead by close to 58,000 mandates in Madurantakam after 17 of 21 rounds. In the Assembly elections held earlier this year, TVK emerged as the largest single party, forming the government with allies. In West Bengal, BJPs Hasi Rani Rath was declared winner by a massive margin of over 1.2 lakh votes, while in Rejinagar the ruling party pulled a surprise with its candidate Shankharavh Sarkar close to victory with a lead of over 75,800 mandates. Muslims in Rejinagar comprise well over 70 per cent, where the controversial Babri Masjid-replica builder and founder of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), Humayun Kabir, stepped down to retain Nowda. He had won from Rejinagar earlier, bagging 51.62 per cent of the total votes polled, but his son Golam Nabi Azad failed to retain it for the AJUP in the subsequent by-election. Since delimitation and polling held in 2011, the seat has been decided on the basis of demographic divide. But Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had predicted the change before the by-election, promising to work for the development of the region. In the 2011 election, Humayun Kabir, then a Congress candidate, defeated his nearest rival Serajul Islam Mondal of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), a Left-Front ally. The seat was retained by the Congress in the 2013 by-election after Kabir switched over to the Trinamool Congress, with Rabiul Alam Chowdhury beating the RSP again. In 2016, Chowdhury again triumphed, this time against Kabir, who contested as an independent. In the subsequent 2021 polls, the BJP rose to the second position in a significant surge, but lost to Chowdhury, then a Trinamool candidate, by a massive margin of over 68,000 votes. Shankharavh Sarkars comfortable position in Rejinagar at the time of writing suggests that the larger part of the Muslim community has accepted the BJP government as a possible benefactor in the coming days, as observers suggest. Moreover, the trend of being rendered directionless and mass erosion in parties after losing power has also had its impact, say analysts. Even the once formidable Trinamool Congress has fragmented after its defeat in the Assembly poll this year and has fared poorly in the by-elections too. In Rejinagar, the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress managed less than 4,000 votes, while the Democratic Trinamool Congress collected a little over 2,000. In Nandigram, that was once among the principal reasons behind Mamata Banerjees 15-year tryst with power, her candidate withdrew from the race while the rival faction got a meagre 853 mandates.
Smriti Irani Targets Congress After BJP Wins Nandigram and Rejinagar Bypolls
BJP leader Smriti Irani on Friday praised the party's by-elections results, stating the outcome was a vote of confidence in democracy to counter the mobocracy of the Opposition. Congratulating her party candidates for West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry, Irani was quick
BJP Wins Nandigram and Rejinagar Bypolls in West Bengal
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won both the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls in West Bengal with substantial margins. In Nandigram, BJP candidate Hasirani Rath secured 1,64,427 votes (75.94%), defeating Congress candidate Milan Pradhan by a margin of 1,22,753 votes. Pradhan, who received TMC support after candidate Sanchita Pradhan Dey withdrew, garnered 41,674 votes (19.25%). [] The post BJP Wins Nandigram and Rejinagar Bypolls in West Bengal appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
BJP wins eight, SP two of UPs 10 Rajya Sabha seats unopposed
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 9 (IANS) Eight candidates of the BJP and two of the Samajwadi Party (SP) have been declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha in Uttar Pradesh. The unopposed elections were declared after the nomination papers of two Independent candidates were rejected during scrutiny, and no other candidate remained in the fray. As a result, the voting scheduled for October 16 will no longer be required. The outcome also brings an end to the Bahujan Samaj Partys (BSP) representation in the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. The eight BJP candidates who have been elected to the Upper House from Uttar Pradesh are state Minister Dharm Pal Singh, BJP state OBC Morcha President Prakash Pal, Shruti Gangwar, Vidyasagar Sonkar, Priyanka Singh Rawat, Radhakant Ojha, Gopi Krishna Pandey, and Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan. The SPs two successful candidates are senior party leader and General Secretary Ram Gopal Yadav and industrialist Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani. Returning Officer Ajit Kumar Verma completed the formalities for the unopposed elections on Friday and issued certificates to the newly elected members. Most BJP candidates were present at the state Assembly complex on Friday to receive their certificates. A representative collected the certificate on behalf of Ojha, while former MLC Rakesh Yadav received the certificate on behalf of Ram Gopal Yadav. After being elected to the Rajya Sabha, Prakash Pal said he had served the party in various capacities for the past 36 years and would now shoulder the responsibility of raising issues concerning the people of Uttar Pradesh and the country in Parliament. Describing the BJPs victory on eight seats, he claimed that the party would win 80 per cent of the seats in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh polls, while the opposition alliance would secure 20 per cent. Newly elected BJP MP Rawat said the party has given a grassroots worker a major responsibility. She described her election as an example of the BJPs worker-oriented organisational system, saying that dedicated party workers could rise to senior positions. She also expressed confidence that the BJP would form a government with a full majority in Uttar Pradesh in 2027. The outcome has also altered Uttar Pradeshs representation in the Rajya Sabha. With two seats going to the SP, its strength in the Upper House has risen to five. The partys other members are Javed Ali, Ramji Lal Suman, and Jaya Bachchan. The re-election of Ram Gopal Yadav and the entry of Nathwani into the Rajya Sabha for the first time have strengthened the partys position. Nathwani, in a post on X, thanked SP President Akhilesh Yadav for reposing faith in him. He said he would remain committed to advancing Akhilesh Yadavs vision for Uttar Pradeshs holistic development, modern infrastructure and a brighter future for the youth in the Parliament The tenure of the current members ends on November 25. Of these 10 seats, the BJP earlier held eight, while the SP and BSP held one each. From Uttarakhand, BJPs Dinesh Kumar Arya, a Dalit leader from Kumaon, has been elected unopposed to the upper house of the Parliament. There was no other nomination from any other political party. Similarly, Rukmini Mallik, also known as Koel Mallik, a Bengali film actress who recently joined the BJP, has been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal
West Bengal bypolls: BJP sweeps Nandigram, breaks through in Rejinagar
Bengal: BJP candidate wins Rejinagar bypoll by victory margin of 75,816 votes
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 9 (IANS) Sakharav Sarkar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the bypoll for Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, had been declared elected by a massive margin of 75,816 votes on Friday. While Sarkar secured 1,29,914 votes, Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP)'s Golam Nabi Azad came in the second position securing 54,098 votes. Congress' Abdullahil Kafi was in the third position securing 6,168 votes, followed by Mamata All India Trinamool Congress' Rabiul Alam Chowdhury in the fourth position securing 3,847 votes. CPI-M's Md. Sayeed finished in the fifth position securing just 3,797 votes, while Democratic Trinamool Congress' Safiuzzaman Sheikh came in the sixth position securing 2,044 votes. While the victory of the BJP candidate was to an extent expected from Rejinagar, political observers feel that what is spectacular in the results is the large victory margin, considering that more than 65 per cent of the voters in Rejinagar are in the minority community. However, the Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had his own explanations behind the huge victory margin of the BJP from Rejinagar. According to the Chief Minister, the larger number of women voters from the minority community in Rejinagar, who were immensely benefited from the Annapurna Yojana scheme this time had voted in favour of the BJP along with their family members. The Rejinagar bypoll results proved that the minority voters in West Bengal, especially the Bengali-speaking Muslims will no longer be misled by malicious Opposition campaigns accusing BJP of being a communal force. In the Assembly elections earlier this year, AJUP's Humayun Kabir got elected from Nandigram by a huge margin of 58,876 votes securing 51.62 per cent of the total votes polled then. Statistically, the BJP in the Rejinagar bypolls had witnessed more than 100 per cent positive swing in its favour. Earlier this year, Kabir got elected simultaneously from Naoda Assembly constituency, also in Murshidabad district. Later, he decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls at Rejinagar. With the victory from Rejinagar, BJP's tally in the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly had now increased to 209.
Rejinagar Bypoll Result 2026: Ritabrata's TMC gets 1%, Mamata's TMC 2%, Congress 3% as BJP surges
The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Shankharavh Sarkar won the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll in West Bengal by a margin of 75,816 votes, securing more than 63 per cent of the votes in the Muslim-majority constituency. The result saw the rival Trinamool Congress factions and the Congress trail far behind, with each securing only a small share of the vote.
BJPs Pawan Singh celebrates by-election wins in West Bengal, dismissing oppositions claims of vote theft as desperation. BJPs Victory in Nandigram and Rejingar By-elections Sparks Controversy Over Allegations of Vote Theft
The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Shankharavh Sarkar on Friday (October 9) won the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll in West Bengal, defeating Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate Golam Nabi Azad alias Robin by 75,816 votes. Sarkar...
ED raids 10 places in Odisha, Bengal over Odisha Police SI exam paper leak
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 9 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Bhubaneswar Zone, on Friday launched a search operation at ten places located in Odisha and West Bengal in connection with the leak of the question paper for the Sub-Inspector Recruitment Exam-2024 in Odisha. Sources revealed that searches were being carried out at premises linked to the alleged prime accused Shankar Prusty and his associates involved in the multi-crore SI recruitment scam. The case emanates from an FIR filed by Orissa Police in October 2025 when Orissa Police, on 30.09.2025, intercepted three buses carrying 114 candidates near the bordering area of Ichhapuram (Border town of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha) for leaking the question paper of SI Recruitment Exam scheduled to be conducted on 5th and 6th October 2025, in lieu of cash ranging between Rs.15 to Rs.30 Lakh per candidate, informed ED sources. On the recommendation of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the case, which was being investigated by the Odisha Police Crime Branch, was subsequently transferred to the CBI. ED sources also added that the question paper was allegedly leaked by the persons associated with the entities to whom the work of conducting the exam was assigned. Candidates were approached by the associates, and they were lured for providing the question paper in lieu of money and their original certificates were taken as a guarantee. During the searches, the role of agencies and associate persons are being examined. M/s Silicon Techlab Private Limited and M/s Panchsoft Technology Private Limited and their directors, along with other persons are being covered during the searches, noted ED sources. It is worth noting that the alleged mastermind behind the multi-crore Odisha Police SI recruitment examination scam, Shankar Prusty, was arrested by the Crime Branch team from Uttarakhand in November 2025. Shankar Prusty, a director of Panchsoft Technologies, was nabbed by the sleuths from near the Nepal border in Uttarakhand on Saturday while he was trying to flee the country.
How Anmol Biscuits Transformed From A Small Kolkata Factory To A Rs 2,000 Crore Business
Anmol Biscuits started selling Rs 5 biscuit packets in the villages of West Bengal. Now, it has a revenue of over Rs 2,000 crore.
IMD forecasts rain in several states, warm weather in Delhi
Delhi is likely to remain warm, with partly cloudy skies and no rain forecast by the India Meteorological Department . Rainfall is expected over several parts of the country, with the MeT department forecasting heavy rainfall at isolated places over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Sikkim. Rainfall is likely over []
West Bengal Bypolls: BJP Wins Nandigram Seat, Leads Comfortably in Rejinagar
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in West Bengals Nandigram Assembly bypoll on Friday, marking its first electoral win after coming to power in the state in May. BJP candidate Hasirani Rathmother of a slain aide to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikariwon the seat by a massive margin of 1,22,800 votes, surpassing Adhikaris [] The post West Bengal Bypolls: BJP Wins Nandigram Seat, Leads Comfortably in Rejinagar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
West Bengal bypolls: BJP retains Nandigram with record margin, wins Muslim-dominated Rejinagar
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari says Muslim voters from both Nandigram and Rejinagar have extended support to the BJP candidates; the number of seats of the BJP in the 294-member Legislative Assembly have increased to 209
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 9 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday that the landslide margins with which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates are heading for victories in the bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar have proved that the people from the minority community in the state will no longer be misled by the malicious opposition campaign accusing the BJP of being a communal force. Although the final results for Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly seats are yet to be declared, the lead margins of the BJP candidates from both constituencies clearly indicate their landslide victories that could increase the partys tally in the 294-seat Assembly to 209. Since the beginning, the opposition parties started a malicious campaign against us that will either send the minority voters to Bangladesh or will not allow them to practice their own religion. Now, in both seats -- Nandigram and Rejinagar -- this is the first time the BJP candidates have secured a majority of the votes in a number of polling booths overwhelmingly dominated by minority voters. This has proved that the majority of the minority voters have responded positively to our call for development for all. The minority voters in West Bengal, especially the Bengali-speaking Muslims, will no longer be misled by the malicious campaigns by the opposition against us, CM Adhikari said while addressing the media persons at the state secretariat of Nabanna. The Chief Minister also said that after witnessing the new state government's performance in its first five months, minority voters have realised that they have been misled by the opposition. Precisely that is why they voted for the BJP without any hesitation in the bypolls both in Nandigram and Rejinagar, said the Chief Minister. According to him, the minority women, who have benefited from the Annapurna Yojana, have specially voted for the BJP in the bypolls along with their family members. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also took a jibe at Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder-cum-legislator, Humayun Kabir. What he said against us on social media has been opposed mainly by the people from his own community. They now want to be with the government. As promised earlier, I once again assure the people of Rejinagar that overall development, like the new college, new bridge, upgrading of the hospital there and promotion of industries gradually will be done, the Chief Minister said.
Gujarat Health Minister visits Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, reviews treatment
Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya visited Gandhinagar Civil Hospital to review the health of personnel undergoing dengue treatment. He inquired about their well-being and boosted their morale. He also met with doctors and the hospital Superintendent to review their treatment and provide guidance to ensure the best possible medical care. Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya stated that around 87 personnel from the BSF, CRPF and ITBP, who had arrived from Odisha, Jharkhand, Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh for the parade, were shifted to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital after reporting fever and other health problems. The personnel have shown significant improvement with intensive treatment and proper medical care. Of the 87 personnel admitted over the past 10 days, 50 have recovered and been discharged, while the remaining 37 are still receiving treatment at Civil Hospital. The Minister added that the condition of all 37 personnel is stable and improving, and none is...
Bengal bypolls counting: BJP candidates heading for massive victory in Nandigram, Rejinagar
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 9 (IANS) From the trends of the results for the bypolls for Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and the Rejinagar Assembly in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, it is clear now that the BJP candidates are heading for victories, with massive margins from both the constituencies. At the end of the 12th round of counting at Nandigram, the BJP candidate Hasirani Rath is ahead of the Congress Milan Pradhan by a massive margin of 97,402 votes. Raths margin had already surpassed the previous winning margin record from this constituency in 2016. The current West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, got elected from Nandigram in 2016, but as a Trinamool Congress candidate, by a margin of 81,230 votes. At the end of the 12th round, the CPIs Santi Gopal Giri is in the third position at Nandigram. While All India Secular Front (AISF)s Ali Md Sabe Miraj Khan is in the fourth position. Former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee-led Mamata All India Trinamool Congress is not in the race for Nandigram bypolls, as its candidate Sanchita Pradhan Dey withdrew her nominations at the last moment. Hasirani Rath is the mother of Chandranath Rath, the former personal assistant of Suvendu Adhikari, who was assassinated at Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district on May 6. On the other hand, at Rejinagar, the BJP candidate Sakharav Sarkar is ahead of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP)s Golam Nabi Azad by 70,250 votes. The Congress candidate Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi is in the third position at Rejinagar. Elated over the trend of results, CM Adhikari said, The nationalist force is heading for victories with landslide margins in both the constituencies. In the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, Suvendu Adhikari was elected from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly constituencies in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari defeated his predecessor Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating a bypoll for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir contested and was elected as an AJUP candidate from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Humayun Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating a bypoll for the Rejinagar seat.
Bengal: BJP makes inroads in Muslim-majority Rejinagar
Kolkata: The BJP on Friday, October 9, dominated the West Bengal assembly by-elections, held around four months after the party stormed to power in the state, achieving an unassailable lead of 1,05,869 votes in Nandigram and making surprise inroads in Muslim-majority Rejinagar, as counting trends laid bare the vulnerabilities of a fragmented opposition. According to 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 .
ED raids 10 Odisha and West Bengal premises in SI exam leak probe
The News Mill
SC fixes Oct 16 pleas of West Bengal deleted voters for early disposal of appeals
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on October 16 regarding deleted voters in West Bengal. These voters are seeking to participate in the upcoming civic polls. The court is aware of the challenges faced by the SIR tribunals and aims to resolve them effectively. Lawyers representing petitioners emphasized the need for a swift resolution of pending appeals.
West Bengal bypoll: BJP's Hasi Rani Rath leads in Nandigram AC; Congress, CPI follows
Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Hasi Rani Rath is leading by a margin of 1,02,712 votes in the Nandigram Assembly constituency, as per official ECI trends. Congress' Milind Pradhan and Communist Party of India's (CPI) Santi Gopal Giri are trailing with 21,905 and 3,951, respectively. Earlier, BJP party workers celebrated as Hasi Rani Rath secured a lead in the electoral race. Speaking to ANI, Rath said, I am grateful to our organisation, our leadership, and our BJP workers who didn't rest day or night and worked for the party. My party is grateful. They fought this battle for Suvendu Adhikari. Victory to the people of Nandigram, and victory to Suvendu Adhikari. In Rejijinagar Assembly constituency, BJP candidate Shakaharavh Sarkar is leading with 48,101 votes, followed by Aam Aadmi Unnayan Party candidate Golam Nabi Azad with 13,600 votes, and Mamata All India Trinamool Congress candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhary with 2,516 votes. Congress' Abdullahil Kafi has garnered 2,407 votes, follo...
ED Conducts Raids in Odisha and West Bengal Over SI Recruitment Paper Leak
The Enforcement Directorate is probing a paper leak in Odishas SI recruitment exams, conducting raids across multiple locations in Odisha and West Bengal. ED Conducts Raids in Odisha and West Bengal Over SI Recruitment Paper Leak
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has launched a strong critique of the Election Commission of India. Allegations include voter list manipulation and mass deletions targeting specific communities. Protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation continue, representing various political outfits and citizens. Congress leaders have highlighted issues in West Bengal's electoral rolls and procedural deficiencies within the Election Commission.
Bypolls: TVK, AIDMK lead in TN; BJP ahead in Bengal, Assam
Discover the latest by-election results and emerging leads from key assembly and Lok Sabha seats across Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry, and Assam, as vote counting progresses after the October 6 polling.
West Bengal bypolls: BJP leads by over 19,000 votes in Nandigram
The BJP widened its lead in the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls after two rounds of counting on Friday. Hasirani Rath was ahead by over 19,200 votes in Nandigram, while Sakharav Sarkar led by more than 21,000 votes in Rejinagar
Supreme Court to Hear West Bengal Voter Appeals on October 16
The Supreme Court will address appeals from West Bengal voters removed from the electoral roll on October 16, ahead of municipal elections. Supreme Court to Hear West Bengal Voter Appeals on October 16
West Bengal SIR: Supreme Court mulls having tribunals first hear deleted voters seeking re-inclusion
The Court suggested lakhs of voters seeking inclusion in the West Bengal electoral roll should be heard first, while appeals for exclusion are taken up last
West Bengal Speaker Delays Decision on Disqualification of 10 Rebel MLAs
The West Bengal Speaker has requested a new application regarding the disqualification of ten rebel MLAs due to procedural errors. West Bengal Speaker Delays Decision on Disqualification of 10 Rebel MLAs
BJP widens lead in Nandigram, Rejinagar as Bengal bypoll counting continues
BJP candidates are showing strong leads in Nandigram and Rejinagar seats during the ongoing by-elections. Hasarani Rath, linked to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, is ahead by over 9,500 votes. Milan Pradhan from Congress is trailing in second position. The by-elections function as an early electoral test for West Bengal's political dynamics following recent Assembly elections. Counting commenced at 8 am amid robust security measures at the counting centers.
Opposition alleges rigging as West Bengal bypoll counting begins
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West Bengal Minister Criticizes Opposition Protests as Political Drama
West Bengals Dilip Ghosh defends the governments actions, calling opposition protests political theatrics amid public support for PM Modi. West Bengal Minister Criticizes Opposition Protests as Political Drama
Bengal Speaker seeks fresh application in 10 Trinamool MLAs' disqualification case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 9 (IANS) The West Bengal Assembly Speaker, Rathindra Bose, has sought a fresh application to correct some procedural errors in the previous petition due to which the decision on the disqualification of the ten rebel Trinamool Congress legislators has been kept pending. The ten MLA group includes the leader of the rebel faction and expelled party legislator, Ritabrata Banerjee, who is currently the official Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly. The decision was made by the Speaker after he conducted a crucial hearing on the matter on Thursday, the information on which surfaced on Friday morning. However, sources aware of the development said the Speaker had made it clear that his seeking a fresh application in the matter has nothing to do with the main issue, which is the disqualification of the 10 rebel legislators. It is learnt that during the examination of the main application by veteran Trinamool Congress legislator, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, a leading face in the former Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee-led faction in Trinamool Congress, it was revealed that while the application was proper as per procedural norms, the documents attached to it were not examined and signed as per the procedural norms. As per the West Bengal Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Grounds of Defection) Rules, it is mandatory that the documents attached to the petition be signed on every page and examined in the same manner as the original application. The Speaker observed that procedures were not met as per norms. Each page of the attached documents should be duly examined and signed, which was not followed in this case. Hence, the Speaker sought a fresh application in the matter correcting the procedural errors, a source aware of the developments at Thursdays hearing said. However, he added, the most important part of the order was that the Speaker had not taken any decision on the merits of the allegations of defection against the 10 rebel legislators. This means that the Speaker had not expressed any opinion on whether the allegations of defection against these rebel MLAs are true or false. Sovandeb Chattopadhyay has been given the freedom to file a fresh application in accordance with the law and to fill all the necessary forms, the source added.
BJP Leads in Early Trends of Bengal By-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar
BJP candidates show strong leads in Nandigram and Rejinagar by-elections in West Bengal, with counting ongoing. BJP Leads in Early Trends of Bengal By-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar
West Bengal bypolls: BJP leads in Nandigram and Rejinagar
BJP was leading in the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls in early counting trends on Friday. Hasirani Rath was ahead in Nandigram, while Sakharav Sarkar led in Rejinagar as postal ballots were counted following polling on October 6
