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Haven't filled up enumeration form for SIR yet, says Bengal CM Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, recently stirred discussions by revealing that she has yet to complete her enumeration form, raising concerns about the implications of verifying her citizenship. According to officials from the CEO's office, her form is indeed filed but has raised some flags.
PM Modi hosts dinner for NDA; MPs arrive by bus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a dinner for NDA MPs at his residence following the coalition's significant victory in the Bihar polls. Modi emphasized the NDA's commitment to good governance and national development. BJP MP Anurag Thakur expressed confidence in future electoral successes, anticipating the next gathering after a win in West Bengal.
CM Mamata files her voter forms on last day after protest; slams misleading media reports
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee finally filled up her own enumeration forms (EFs) and handed them over to the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO) at her Harish Chatterjee Street residence on Thursday afternoon, hours after she addressed a rally organised by the Trinamool Congress in Nadia district and claimed that she had not filled out her EF. Do I now need to prove my citizenship to a party of rioters? she said while addressing the crowd at the Nadia rally. Thursday was the last day for submission of EFs to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Confirmed sources in the ECI said, The EFs, which she had accepted from the concerned BLO more than a month ago, were lying at her Kalighat residence since then. She handed over the filled-up form, duly signed by her, to the BLO this afternoon. To intensify her attack on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, the Chief Minister had repeatedly said she would not fill up her own EF as a mark of protest against the Commission and the exercise. On November 4, she said she had not personally received any EF form for the SIR from any official. The Trinamool Congress supremo had dismissed media reports claiming she accepted the forms in person at her residence on Wednesday as completely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt at spreading misinformation. She issued the rejoinder after a section of the media, including Trinamools mouthpiece Jago Bangla , reported that she personally received her EFs from the local BLO. A BLO had come to our area yesterday in discharge of his electoral duties. He came to the office at my residence, enquired about the number of voters in the premises and handed over forms, she had said. A section of the media has reported that I came out of my residence and accepted the enumeration forms personally. This information is completely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt at spreading misinformation, she reiterated. She has been launching scathing attacks on the Commission and the BJP-led Centre, alleging that the SIR exercise is being implemented in a partisan manner by the ECI in the state. She has frequently claimed on social media and in party meetings that she has not and will not fill up any form until all citizens in the state have completed filling theirs.
Watch: Mamata vs Amit Shah over SIR, accuses centre of targeting Bengalis
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a fierce attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling him dangerous and alleging that the SIR process is being misused to target Bengalis ahead of the 2026 polls. She warned she would sit on a dharna if even one eligible voter is removed. Banerjee also accused the Centre and BJP of influencing the process through aligned officials.
Suspended TMC leader Humayun Kabir's move to build a Babri Masjid replica has triggered political turmoil in Bengal, exposing Muslim discontent and challenging Mamata Banerjee ahead of 2025 polls.
SC tells HCs to fast-track UAPA trials; ensure legal aid, adequate special courts
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday asked chief justices of all high courts to examine the status of pending trials in their states under laws such as the UAPA, posing a reverse burden of proof on the accused. A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh also directed the State Legal Services Authority to make aware each undertrial of his/her right to representation, either by counsel of their own choice or through a legal aid counsel. For those who choose the latter, assignments to their cases to the counsel should be made expeditiously so that the proceedings can start/continue at the earliest, it added. The top court said when a statute like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act imposes a reverse burden, then the State must also ensure that the trial is expedited. A constitutional democracy does not legitimise burdens by simply declaring them; it must ensure that those burdened are meaningfully equipped to bear them, even those who are accused of the worst offences imaginable. If the State, despite all its might presumes guilt, then the same State must also, with the employment of all the resources at its command, create pathways through which the accused can reclaim their innocence, the bench said. The top court also asked the chief justices to ascertain the number of special courts designated to try the said offences, and if special courts have not been designated, the number of sessions courts dealing with matters under these legislations and to take up the matter with the appropriate authority if it is found that they are not sufficient. The bench asked the chief justices to discern whether posting of judicial officers in these courts, as also staffing is sufficient, thereby foreclosing a ground for delay and adjournment, and if not, then a suitable order for posting be issued expeditiously. It directed that the list prepared shall be organised in order of case registered, to the extent possible and permissible, from the earliest to latest. Requisite directions be issued to the special courts/sessions courts to take up the matters registered earliest, first, unless otherwise warranted. In consultation with the appropriate authority, the High Court to ascertain the position with respect to appointment/allotment of prosecutors/special public prosecutors, as may be applicable, to ensure that the matters, once taken up, are not further delayed on that count, the bench said. The top court said for those cases that have been pending for more than five years, the concerned court be directed to take stock of the situation as and when they are taken up, record detailed order taking note of the previous reasons for adjournment if available, refrain from granting adjournments on routine requests and take up the matter on a day-to-day basis. The High Court concerned will periodically seek reports from the concerned courts dealing with these matters and take up issues that may be confronting the said courts, on the administrative side so as to ensure smooth functioning, it said. The directions came while hearing an appeal filed by CBI against bail granted to certain accused in the 2010 derailment of the Jnaneswari Express in West Bengal's West Midnapore district.
CM Mamata Banerjee slams assault at Gita event, says `Bengal is not UP`
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on two food vendors at a Gita recital in Kolkata, saying such intimidation wont be tolerated. She accused the BJP of fuelling communal divisions as police arrested three men based on video evidence
Election Commission's BIG move on SIR, extends deadline for 6 states; check new dates here
New dates have been set for the exercise in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. No extension was given for Goa, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, where elections are due to be held early next year.
Bengal is not UP: Mamata on non-veg food vendors attack
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday condemned the assault on two food vendors at a recent Gita recital in Kolkata, asserting that such acts of intimidation would not be tolerated in the state. Addressing a public meeting in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, the chief minister said, All of them (accused) have been 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 .
SIR of electoral rolls: ECI extends timeline in six States, UTs; no change in West Bengal
In Kerala, the last date for submission of enumeration form will be December 18, 2025, and the draft roll will be published on December 23, 2025
ECI pulls up West Bengal officials for not proposing polling booths in private housing complexes
KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has pulled up the district magistrates (DMs), who are traditionally engaged in the election process as district electoral officers (DEOs), for not acting on the ECI proposals for setting up of polling stations inside private housing complexes with multiple high-rise buildings across West Bengal. The ECI, on December 10, sent a letter to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal, directing him to take immediate steps in this regard. The national poll body, as per its guidelines, had directed the DEOs to conduct extensive house-to-house (H2H) survey for setting up of polling stations in 'high-rise/group housing societies/RWA (Resident Welfare Association) colonies that have common facilitation area/community hall at the ground floor within the premises and in slum dwelling clusters of urban areas'. The Commission had also directed the DEOs to finalise the proposal for new polling stations after taking its prior approval. According to the Commission's directive, they were asked to complete the final proposal much before the draft publication of the electoral rolls so that the electoral registration officers (EROs) can update the control table in ECINet and create parts to prepare draft electoral roll. In a strongly worded communication to the office of the CEO, West Bengal, the Commission has warned that it will take strong action against the DMs as well as DEOs for their failure to send proposals for setting up of pooling booths. The Commission has taken a very serious view of the failure on the part of DEOs in performance of their statutory duty as given under Section 25 of the RP Act, 1951, read with Section 160 of the said Act. The DEO are also liable under the said provisions for any lack of sufficiency of polling stations for electors in the above-specified residential colonies, ECI cautioned Agarwal in its letter. ECI appoints five more special roll observers in West Bengal According to Section 25 of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, the DEOs, with prior approval of the ECI, shall provide a sufficient number of polling stations for every constituency. The national poll panel has also stated, during the period after draft publication of Electoral Roll on 16.12.2025, all DEOs shall immediately conduct survey of high-rise buildings, group housing societies, RWA colonies, slums and gated societies having at least 250 houses or 500 voters, with details of available rooms at ground floor level and identify suitable accommodations for polling stations within their premises. The DEOs have also been asked to send assessment reports on the matter to the ECI office through the office of the state CEO latest by December 31. The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, and the Trinamool Congress has been opposing the ECIs idea of setting up new polling booths within private housing complexes. The Chief Minister, last month, wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, objecting to the ECIs proposal for setting up polling stations inside private housing complexes for the Assembly polls scheduled next year. This proposal is deeply problematic. Polling stations have always been, and must remain, located in government or semi-government institutions, preferably within a 2 km radius, to ensure accessibility and neutrality. Private buildings are typically avoided for clear reasons: they compromise fairness, violate established norms, and create discriminatory distinctions between privileged residents and the general public the haves and have-nots, the Chief Ministers letter read.
KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has pulled up the district magistrates (DMs), who are traditionally engaged in the election process as district electoral officers (DEOs), for not acting on the ECI proposals for setting up of polling stations inside private housing complexes with multiple high-rise buildings across West Bengal. The ECI, on December 10, sent a letter to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal, directing him to take immediate steps in this regard. The national poll body, as per its guidelines, had directed the DEOs to conduct extensive house-to-house (H2H) survey for setting up of polling stations in 'high-rise/group housing societies/RWA (Resident Welfare Association) colonies that have common facilitation area/community hall at the ground floor within the premises and in slum dwelling clusters of urban areas'. The Commission had also directed the DEOs to finalise the proposal for new polling stations after taking its prior approval. According to the Commission's directive, they were asked to complete the final proposal much before the draft publication of the electoral rolls so that the electoral registration officers (EROs) can update the control table in ECINet and create parts to prepare draft electoral roll. In a strongly worded communication to the office of the CEO, West Bengal, the Commission has warned that it will take strong action against the DMs as well as DEOs for their failure to send proposals for setting up of pooling booths. The Commission has taken a very serious view of the failure on the part of DEOs in performance of their statutory duty as given under Section 25 of the RP Act, 1951, read with Section 160 of the said Act. The DEO are also liable under the said provisions for any lack of sufficiency of polling stations for electors in the above-specified residential colonies, ECI cautioned Agarwal in its letter. ECI appoints five more special roll observers in West Bengal According to Section 25 of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, the DEOs, with prior approval of the ECI, shall provide a sufficient number of polling stations for every constituency. The national poll panel has also stated, during the period after draft publication of Electoral Roll on 16.12.2025, all DEOs shall immediately conduct survey of high-rise buildings, group housing societies, RWA colonies, slums and gated societies having at least 250 houses or 500 voters, with details of available rooms at ground floor level and identify suitable accommodations for polling stations within their premises. The DEOs have also been asked to send assessment reports on the matter to the ECI office through the office of the state CEO latest by December 31. The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, and the Trinamool Congress has been opposing the ECIs idea of setting up new polling booths within private housing complexes. The Chief Minister, last month, wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, objecting to the ECIs proposal for setting up polling stations inside private housing complexes for the Assembly polls scheduled next year. This proposal is deeply problematic. Polling stations have always been, and must remain, located in government or semi-government institutions, preferably within a 2 km radius, to ensure accessibility and neutrality. Private buildings are typically avoided for clear reasons: they compromise fairness, violate established norms, and create discriminatory distinctions between privileged residents and the general public the haves and have-nots, the Chief Ministers letter read.
EC flags delay in sending proposals for setting up booths in high rise buildings in Bengal
The Election Commission has expressed serious concern over the West Bengal CEO's office delay in proposing new polling booths in high-rise buildings and housing societies. With a limit of 1200 electors per booth for upcoming elections, the EC mandated surveys for these areas, but received insufficient proposals by the deadline, indicating potential apathy from district officials.
NEW DELHI: The case of two women migrant workers from West Bengal, who were deported to Bangladesh, was raised in Rajya Sabha on Thursday by Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose, who questioned the hurry in deporting the women without proper verification. Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha in the Zero Hour, Ghose also mentioned the Goa nightclub fire incident, and said most of those who died were migrant workers. On June 21, Sunali Khatun, a 26-year-old heavily pregnant migrant worker, was picked up with her family by the Delhi police and deported to Bangladesh with her family, including her son. Another Bangladeshi migrant worker in Delhi, 32-year-old Sweety and her family were also picked up by Delhi Police and sent to Bangladesh, Ghose said. She said Sunali Khatun could return to India only after the intervention of the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court. She said the Supreme Court questioned the hot haste and the deportation without a fair hearing, and added that a Home Ministry memo of 2025 says immediate deportation is allowed only in emergent circumstances. Why this desire to deport Sunali Khatun and Sweety Bibi without due process? Is it simply because of a political motive to call Bangla speaking people infiltrators and ghuspatiya? she said. Sunali, a pregnant woman who, along with two of her family members and others, was pushed into Bangladesh in June this year on suspicion of being an illegal immigrant, had returned to India through the Malda border on December 6 with her eight-year-old son following the Supreme Court's intervention. Sweety and her two sons, Qurban Sheikh (17) and Imam Dewan (6), were detained by police in Delhi from the same neighbourhood as Sunali on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals and subsequently pushed across the border on June 27. Ghose said Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Delhi and Gurgaon are being hreatened. In Vasant Kunj's Jai Hind Bengali colony, Bangla-speaking migrants are daily threatened. Bangla-speaking migrant workers in Delhi and Gurgaon have found it particularly difficult, since local police brand them as Bangladeshi, when they are bonafied citizens of this country with all identity papers, she said. She also mentioned the Goa nightclub fire, in which 25 people were killed. When a terrible fire at a Goa nightclub killed 25 people over the weekend, many of those who died were migrant labour. When in 2020 Covid lockdown was clamped with a four hour notice it was again migrant labour who suffered the most, she said.
'You Have Kitchen Tools': Mamata Banerjee Appeals Women In Bengal To Fight Against SIR
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee appealed to women to lead the fight in the state against the voter list revision, alleging that the Centre was attempting to snatch their rights.
You Have Kitchen Tools: Mamata Banerjee Asks Women To Fight Back Over SIR
In fiery remarks targeting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in poll-bound West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked women of the state to be prepared with kitchen tools if their names are deleted
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on vendors selling non-veg food at a Gita recital event, stating such intimidation won't be tolerated in the state. She criticized the BJP for attempting to import communal division and questioned the need for public religious events for political mobilization.
Mamata calls Shah dangerous, warns of dharna if any eligible voter is deleted from list during SIR
Krishnanagar (WB), Dec 11 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday called Union Home Minister Amit Shah dangerous, and warned that she would sit on a dharna if even a single eligible voters name was struck off from the list during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Launching a blistering attack on Shah, the chief minister said at a rally in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, The countrys home minister is dangerous. You can see it in his eyes its terrifying. In one eye, you see Duryodhan, and in the other, Dushasan. Alleging that the
Mamata calls Amit Shah 'dangerous,' slams SIR, says no one 'will be driven out of Bengal'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a blistering attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling him dangerous. The TMC supremo also asserted that she would sit on a dharna if the name of a single voter is deleted from the electoral roll. Addressing a public meeting in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, the chief minister said, The country's home minister is dangerous. You can see it in his eyes... it's terrifying. In one eye, you see 'Duryodhan', and in the other, 'Dushasan'. Alleging that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was being used as a political weapon ahead of the 2026 assembly polls, the CM said, If even a single eligible voter's name is struck off, I will sit on a dharna. There will be no detention camps in West Bengal. They are so hungry for votes that they are conducting the SIR just two months before elections. Banerjee said that she herself had not filled out her enumeration form so far. Do I now need to prove my citizenship to a party of rioters? she said, in an apparent reference to BJP. Accusing the Centre of targeting Bengalis, Banerjee said, We have a (Union) home minister who can do anything to label all Bengalis as Bangladeshis and send them to detention camps. But we will not allow anyone to be driven out of West Bengal. We know very well how to bring someone back if they are forced out. The chief minister further alleged that the Election Commission was deploying officers aligned with the BJP to influence the process. Some BJP-backed people are being sent from Delhi to keep an eye on things in West Bengal. They are overseeing the work of district magistrates during SIR hearings, she claimed. The CM also condemned the assault on two Muslim food vendors selling non-vegetarian patties near a Gita Path event in Kolkata, asserting that such incidents will not be tolerated in the state. Speaking at a public meeting in Krishnanagar, Mamata said, All of them (accused) have been arrested. This is West Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh. They beat up patty sellers. We arrested everyone last night. Three people were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting the vendors at the 'Paanch Lokkho Konthe Gita Paath' (Gita recitation in five lakh voices) at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on December 7. According to the complainants, they were attacked when they had gone to the venue to sell chicken patties. The accused reportedly threw away their stock and forced them to perform sit-ups while holding their ears. A video of the incident went viral on social media. Referring to the mass Bhagavat Gita recital event held in Kolkata, which saw several senior BJP leaders in attendance, the TMC supremo slammed the saffron party for invoking religious texts for political mobilisation. I do not believe in communal divisions. I want to walk with all religions. We all recite the Gita at home whenever we need to. Why organise a public meeting? Gods stay in the heart. Those who pray to Allah do so in their hearts. During Ramzan and during Durga Pujo, we pray together, she said. I want to ask those who keep chanting 'Gita, Gita', what did Sri Krishna say about dharma? Dharma means to uphold, not to divide, she added. They want to destroy West Bengal. They want to capture the state and stop people from speaking in Bengali. We all read and recite the Gita. What is the need to hold a meeting for that? the CM said. (With inputs from PTI) 'What was the hurry': TMC's Sagarika Ghose asked govt on deportation of migrant workers to Bangladesh
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday condemned the assault on two food vendors at a recent Gita recital in Kolkata, asserting that such acts of intimidation would not be tolerated in the state. Addressing a public meeting in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, the chief minister said, All of them (accused) have been arrested. This is West Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh. They beat up patty sellers. We arrested everyone last night. She accused the BJP of trying to import a culture of communal division into the state. Training her guns on the saffron party, Banerjee said, I do not believe in communal divisions. I want to walk with all religions. What is the need to hold a public meeting just to read the Gita? Those who pray to God or seek blessings from Allah do so in their hearts. Taking a dig at hose invoking religious texts for political mobilisation, she added, I want to ask those who keep chanting 'Gita, Gita', what did Sri Krishna say about dharma? Dharma means to uphold, not to divide. They want to destroy West Bengal. They want to capture the state and stop people from speaking in Bengali. We all read and recite the Gita. What is the need to hold a meeting for that? Kolkata Police arrested three men on Wednesday night for allegedly assaulting two food vendors at the 'Paanch Lokkho Konthe Gita Paath' (Gita recitation in five lakh voices) at Brigade Parade Ground here on December 7. The arrests were made on the basis of two complaints lodged at Maidan police station, a senior officer said. The complainants, hailing from Topsia in Kolkata and Arambagh in Hooghly district, had gone to the venue to sell chicken patties when they were allegedly attacked. The accused reportedly threw away their stock and forced them to perform sit-ups while holding their ears. A video of the incident went viral on social media. Police said the arrests were made after verification of footage and other evidence.
ISIS-linked module under probe; ED raids at 40 places across multiple states
NEW DELHI : In a major crackdown on a suspected ISIS-linked terror module, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at around 40 places across Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and other regions, targeting accused individuals, their close associates, family members and entities suspected of facilitating illicit financial transactions. The raids were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED teams were provided security by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra for the raid undertaken in the state while central security forces assisted them in other areas, the officials said. The federal agency filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) taking cognisance of a NIA chargesheet that alleged that certain individuals were part of a highly radicalised ISIS-linked module and engaged in recruitment, training, procurement of weapons and explosives and raising funds to sustain their operations. The ED, according to officials, also took into account intelligence inputs from the Mumbai ATS about an illegal Khair (Kaith) wood smuggling racket that used the proceeds of crime (illicit funds defined under the PMLA) for extremist activities. The accused were allegedly involved in recruitment, indoctrination, training, procurement of weapons and explosives and raising funds to for operations.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has condemned an assault on two food vendors during a Gita recital in Kolkata. She stated that such acts of intimidation will not be tolerated in the state. Banerjee asserted that all accused have been arrested. She accused the BJP of attempting to import communal division into West Bengal.
Mamata announces Rs 8,487-crore project to build 20,000 km of roads
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will on Thursday inaugurate one of the states largest road projects, launching work for the construction of over 20,000 km of new roads across the state under the Pathashree and Rastashree schemes, months ahead of the assembly polls, an official said. The rollout of the project will be Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The Ebb And Flow of Muslim Politics In West Bengal: The Humayun Kabir Gambit
Berhampore, in West Bengal, serves as the administrative headquarters of the Murshidabad district. Nestled on the east bank of the Bhagirathi River (the local name for the Ganges as it flows into and divides Murshidabad), it was founded and fortified
Mamata Banerjee to launch Rs 8,487-crore project for constructing 20,000 km of roads
Over 20,000 km of roads will be constructed across rural and urban West Bengal, with 15,011 km of rural roads to be built in rural areas at a cost of Rs 6,987 crore, an official said.
SIR in Bengal: Hearings on claims, objections only at DM offices, directs ECI
Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, to conduct the hearings on the claims and objections in the second stage of the three-stage Special Intensive Revision (SIR) only at the offices of the District Magistrates who are also the District Electoral Officers concerned. 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 .
Coal Remains India's Energy Backbone, House Committee Report Reaffirms 1.5 Bn Tonne Target For 2030
Odisha is expected to produce 494 MT by 2030, followed by Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra by 2030
Lack of clarity clouds the future of disputed waqf properties in Kerala
MALAPPURAM: With the deadline to upload waqf property documents to the UMEED portal expiring last Saturday, uncertainty now hangs over the future of thousands of waqf property in Kerala -- particularly those mired in long-standing disputes. Waqf protection groups say most of the pending entries involve properties locked in legal or historical conflicts, some dating back decades and others to pre-Independence lease arrangements. Many mahals are unable to submit proof of ownership because original documents have been lost, destroyed, or deliberately altered over the years. In Malabar alone, thousands of acres of waqf land are under dispute -- in Thaliparamba, Mattannur, Koyilandi, Thrikkarippur, Thathoor and Kondotty. Many of these are listed with the Waqf Board, but we cannot upload them without documents. When we contacted officials, they had no clear answer on the next steps, said K P M Riyas of the Thaliparamba Waqf Protection Committee. He said some properties in Thaliparamba, leased centuries ago, have no surviving records due to internal tampering. Certain committee members destroyed documents to help their relatives obtain pattas. It is impossible to register such properties, he added. According to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, 42,777 of Keralas estimated 50,000 waqf properties have been registered so far. Mahals that missed the deadline are now preparing to approach the Waqf Tribunal, seeking additional time, citing technical glitches, gaps in paperwork, and unresolved disputes. However, both the Kerala Waqf Board and the local management committees admit they are uncertain about the penalties or legal consequences if no extension is granted. The amended Waqf Act mandates digital registration, raising concerns that properties left off the portal could face challenges to their waqf status or become vulnerable to claims by third parties. Mustafa Mundupara of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham said the figures rose sharply only in the final days. Until December 3, only around 17,000 properties had been registered. The sudden jump happened because many mahals rushed at the last minute. But the bulk of the remaining properties are tied up in disputes. We have no clarity from either the Tribunal or the ministry on what happens next, he said. He noted that while the ministry has allowed a three-month extension for properties facing technical issues, the relaxation does not apply to disputed land. The bigger fear is that mahals may lose their claim, allowing encroachers to gain legal rights. Without clear guidelines or immediate intervention, Kerala could face a crisis similar to Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, where disputed waqf properties are worth thousands of crores, he warned. Deadline expires Deadline to upload waqf property documents to UMEED portal expired last Saturday Most of the pending entries involve properties locked in legal or historical conflicts
Opposition bats for electoral reforms in House
NEW DELHI: Backing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhis call for electoral reform, several Opposition MPs on Wednesday pushed for cleaner and more transparent systems. Their key demands included machine-readable voter lists, a reversal of the 45-day CCTV data wipe-out rule, greater access to EVMs, and an overhaul of what they described as laws that let election commissioners act with impunity. On the second day of the Lok Sabha debate on Electoral Reforms, Congress MP K. C. Venugopal accused the government of influencing the Election Commission and said the poll body was behaving like an election agent of the ruling BJP, buckling under its pressure. Venugopal pointed to several recent Commission decisions that, according to him, showed clear partisanship. In a digital era, he asked, why were machine-readable electoral rolls still not being created? He also reminded the House that a Supreme Court bench led by now-retired Justice K. M. Joseph had directed that, until Parliament passed a law on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, the selection panel must include the PM, the CJI, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. But when the government finally brought a Bill, it proposed a committee in which the Prime Minister would chair, joined by a Union minister chosen by him and the Leader of the Opposition. Parliament passed that version. Venugopal questioned why the CJI was excluded and sought an explanation from the law minister. Holding up a copy of the ECs 2004 SIR orders, he noted that the earlier guidelines gave six months for the exercise. What was the urgency that the current SIR process needs to be completed within just two months? he asked. From the Trinamool Congress, Satabdi Roy attacked the government for turning the once-respectful word sir into a Gabbar Singh-like fearful figure that amounts to torture for the voters. She declared that, however much the BJP shouts SIR, SIR, SIR, the people of Bengal would stand with madam, referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Questioning the aim of the special revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and UTs, she said, These people know nothing about West Bengal You may have won Bihar, but you cannot win West Bengal. DMK leader T M Selvaganapathi said the government was trying to control independent institutions, claiming the current SIR exercise was illegal and unconstitutional without Parliaments approval. SP MP Dimple Yadav called for a return to ballot papers and accused the EC of following government directions.
'Why No Proposal For New Booths In High-Rises?' Poll Body Asks Bengal Unit
The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal is under fire after failure to submit a proposal for new polling booths in high-rise buildings ahead of the Assembly elections in the state scheduled for next year.
In a final push before the enumeration phase of SIR is slated to end on December 11, 2025, the West Bengal CEO directs Special Roll Observers to thoroughly scrutinise entries and data before the enumeration phase ends on December 11
EC extends deadline for booth rearrangement in West Bengal
Tipplers swap shots for pints as states shake up liquor laws
Tipplers in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Meghalaya are choosing beer over hard spirits. This shift follows changes in taxation and retail expansion. Beer sales have surged significantly in these states. This trend indicates a move towards more moderate alcohol consumption and increased government revenue.
SIR showdown: Shah says opposition protecting infiltrators; vows detect, delete, deport
The Narendra Modi governments policy, Shah asserted, was unambiguous -- detect all aliens, delete their names from the rolls and throw them out of the country. Shah argued that the opposition had raised the issue only because it could no longer win elections through corrupt practices, asserting that the Congress repeated poll defeats stemmed from its leadership and not from EVMs or vote chori (vote theft). Intervening in the debate on electoral reforms, Shah rebutted the oppositions charges. His 90-minute speech saw frequent interruptions from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who challenged him to a debate on his three press conferences alleging vote chori by the BJP. The heated exchanges eventually led to an opposition walkout. Seeking to corner the Congress, Shah claimed three episodes of vote chori involving party icons Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. He said Nehru became prime minister in 1947 despite having fewer internal votes than Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; that Indira Gandhi granted herself immunity after her election was set aside by the court; and that the dispute of the third vote chori has just reached the civil courts on how Sonia Gandhi became a voter before becoming a citizen of India, a remark that invited sharp reactions from the Congress benches. Shah insisted that SIR was a long-standing administrative exercise aimed at maintaining the integrity of elections in the country. No party, he said, had opposed SIR between 1952 and 2004. He listed revisions carried out under former Prime Ministers Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao, A B Vajpayee and even during the Manmohan Singh government. The purpose, he said, was simple remove the deceased, enrol new 18-year-olds and delete foreign nationals. Can democracy be safe when prime ministers and chief ministers are decided by ghuspathiya? he asked. The Home Minister also accused the opposition of attempting to normalise and formalise illegal immigrants by resisting SIR in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. He warned TMC and DMK members that such opposition would cost them heavily in the upcoming assembly elections. The NDA, he said, would continue with its policy of detect, delete and deport regardless of how many walkouts the opposition staged. Responding outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi called Shahs speech completely defensive, alleging that the Home Minister had evaded questions on transparent voter lists, access to EVM architecture and the governments proposal to grant full immunity to the chief election commissioner. Gandhi reiterated that vote chori was the biggest treason, and later posted on X that Shahs remarks reflected a panicked, defensive response.
Video: Mamata Banerjee Tears Centre's Note, Says Funds Being Used As Weapon
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday tore up a note outlining new MGNREGA norms at a public meeting here, calling it a valueless and insulting diktat.
Why may BJP's Vande Mataram pitch backfire ahead of West Bengal Election 2025?
Cultural slips by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers during the Vande Mataram debate have sparked criticism in Bengal, raising doubts over the BJP's strategy ahead of the 2025 West Bengal election.
Sandeshkhali Witness Injured, Son Killed In Accident; Family Blames Suspended TMC Strongman | News18
| A key witness against suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan, currently lodged in jail over the attack on ED officials in Sandeshkhali and other cases, was injured in a road accident in West Bengals North 24 Parganas distric.The witness, identified as Bholanath Ghosh, his younger son Satyajit Ghosh (32), and driver Sahanur Molla (27), were travelling when a truck rammed into their car near the Boyramari petrol pump on the Basanti Highway, killing Bholas son and driver. -newsn18oc_india News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
Youth Arrested In POCSO Case In Kathua, Handed Over To Punjab Police
Jammu, Dec 10: A youth, wanted by the Punjab Police for his alleged involvement in a case registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), was arrested in the Kathua district on Wednesday, police said. In another case, police assisted the West Bengal Police in arresting a Haryana resident from the Doda district, who is accused of multiple ATM theft cases registered in the eastern state. Sajjad Malik, a resident of Lohai Malhar, was arrested from the Billawar area [] The post Youth Arrested In POCSO Case In Kathua, Handed Over To Punjab Police appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Voter cards found dumped in West Bengal's Nadia
A police team visited Shantipur and took the sack containing voter cards for verification and said that the investigation is underway
Trinamool MPs demand white paper on MGNREGS funds for West Bengal
Trinamool Congress MPs staged a protest in Parliament. They demanded a white paper on funds for West Bengal. The party alleges the central government owes the state significant amounts.
'Don't want your mercy': Mamata Banerjee tears up MGNREGA note; calls Centre 'disrespectful' - watch
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly tore up new MGNREGA norms, accusing the Centre of imposing 'valueless' conditions and withholding funds. She highlighted her state's Karmashree scheme as an alternative, vowing to increase workdays and asserting Bengal's fight for dignity and federal rights amidst upcoming elections.
Parliament gears up for fresh debates on electoral reforms and Vande Mataram Both Houses of Parliament are set to witness fresh debates on Wednesday, with the Lok Sabha beginning discussions on electoral reforms and the Rajya Sabha taking up deliberations on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. During Tuesdays proceedings, leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju took the floor, sparking intense exchanges. In the Lok Sabha, the NDA and the INDIA bloc engaged in heated debate over electoral reforms and the special intensive revision, with the government accusing Congress of hiding its poll failures and the opposition reiterating allegations of vote theft. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha debated the national song Vande Mataram, a day after Amit Shah delivered a fiery speech attacking the opposition for linking the discussion with upcoming state assembly polls in West Bengal. The storm in Parliament is expected to continue on Wednesday, with the Lok Sabha carrying forward the discussion on electoral reforms and the Rajya Sabha deliberating on Vande Mataram, keeping both Houses in a charged and contentious mood. Haryana MLAs visiting House Haryana MLAs, along with Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, arrive at Parliament to see the proceedings of the House, ANI reported. TMC leaders protest in Parliament over withheld MGNREGA funds TMC leaders, including Sagarika Ghosh and Dola Sen, staged a protest inside Parliament premises on Wednesday, demanding the Centre release West Bengals pending MGNREGA dues. The leaders accused the government of withholding funds unfairly and called for the immediate clearance of all outstanding payments. #WATCH | Delhi | Trinamool Congress MPs protest over Central funds due to West Bengal pic.twitter.com/f01zSHpV6Q ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2025 Opposition MPs protest in Parliament demanding Navi Mumbai Airport be named after DB Patil Opposition MPs from Maharashtra, including NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, protest in Parliament, demanding to rename the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) after Peasants and Workers Party leader DB Patil #WATCH | Delhi: Opposition MPs from Maharashtra, including NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, protest in Parliament, demanding to rename the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) after Peasants and Workers Party leader DB Patil pic.twitter.com/QB1eepu0br ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2025 Lok Sabha commences Lok Sabha proceedings for the day commence with Question Hour. Rahul Gandhi to fly to Germany mid Winter Session; BJP criticises visit Congress leader Rahul Gandhis upcoming trip to Berlin has sparked a fresh political flare-up, with the BJP attacking him for leaving the country even as the crucial winter session of Parliament is under way. Calling him Videsh Nayak, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla mocked Gandhi for choosing an overseas tour from December 1520, while the Lok Sabha is scheduled to sit till December 19. The Indian Overseas Congress has defended the visit as a major outreach initiative. Gandhi will address the Indian diaspora in Berlin on December 17, where IOC presidents from across Europe will meet to discuss NRI issues, organisational strengthening and expanding the Congress ideological footprint. Senior leaders including Sam Pitroda and Dr Arathi Krishna are expected to attend. IOC representatives in Austria and the UK said the visit will also open space for discussions with German lawmakers and the Indian community abroad.
'Will be kingmaker in 2026', claims suspended MLA Humayun Kabir; TMC says 'daydreaming'
KOLKATA: Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir asserted that he would emerge as a kingmaker after the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, claiming that no government could be formed without the support of his proposed new political outfit. Claiming that neither the ruling TMC nor the BJP would be able to touch the majority mark on their own in 2026, Kabir said his estimate suggested that no party would cross the 148-seat mark in the 294-member assembly. I will be kingmaker after the elections. No one can form a government without my support, Kabir told reporters on Tuesday, while indicating that the formal announcement of his new party would be made on December 22. I have said that I will contest in 135 seats. You will see that the party I form will win so many seats that whoever goes to take oath as the chief minister will need the support of my party's MLAs, he said. Asked whether his outfit would be called the 'National Conservative Party', Kabir declined a direct reply, smiling and saying, I will reveal everything later. You will know after December 22. He also claimed that the new party would be launched at a massive public meeting. On December 22, I will announce my party by gathering one lakh people. The launch will take place at Berhampore Textile More, the suspended legislator said. Kabir's rift with the TMC widened following his controversial role in laying the foundation for a proposed mosque modelled on Babri Masjid in Murshidabad district on December 6, the anniversary of the mosque's demolition in UP's Ayodhya. The TMC, last week, suspended him for repeatedly defying party discipline and making provocative statements linked to the project. Earlier, Kabir had indicated that he would resign as an MLA following the suspension, but on Monday made a sharp U-turn, stating that he would not quit the assembly. Despite choosing to remain a legislator, Kabir reiterated that he would go ahead with his plans to float a new political outfit later this month and explore electoral alliances. I have not yet spoken to the Congress. CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim has taken responsibility for talks with them. There is a strong possibility of seat-sharing with the Congress and the Left in Murshidabad for the next assembly polls, he claimed. Kabir further asserted that two more MLAs would join his proposed party, though he declined to disclose their identities. The TMC, however, mocked his claim and said he is daydreaming. Humayun Kabir is daydreaming. First, he should try to save his security deposit before discussing the creation of government. Such baseless claims only expose his political desperation, TMC state general secretary Arup Chakraborty said. The Bharatiya Janata Party, the Left and the Congress are the principal opposition forces in the state, while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), headed by Asaduddin Owaisi, has also recently expanded its footprint in West Bengal. Kabir has earlier indicated that his future electoral strategy could involve understanding with the Left, Congress and the AIMIM. The AIMIM on Monday ruled out any electoral understanding with suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, dismissing his overtures as politically suspect and ideologically incompatible, days after his controversial mosque foundation ceremony in Murshidabad district. Suspended Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir to float new party in alliance with AIMIM
Mamata Banerjee Tears Up MGNREGA Letter As Centre Resumes Conditional Funding After 3 Years
Mamata Banerjee alleged that despite Tuesdays resumption of funds, the Centre still owes West Bengal Rs 51,627 crore under MGNREGA.
SIR: Voters furnishing forged documents to face strong legal action, says ECI
Kolkata: Voters furnishing forged identity or other related documents to have their names retained in the voter list during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal will be subjected to strong legal action, which might extend to seven years of rigorous imprisonment, the Election Commission of India (ECI) affirmed on Tuesday. 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 .
Threats to BLOs during SIR unacceptable: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has mandated all states to provide robust security for booth-level officers during voter enumeration, warning of severe action against any threats or obstructions. The court emphasized that non-cooperation with the Election Commission's work is a serious matter, extending beyond West Bengal to all states, and stressed the need for BLOs' safety to prevent anarchy.
Mamata seeks PM's apology over 'Bankim Da' reference
In a passionate address, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what she deemed a significant slight to the revered Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the mind behind 'Vande Mataram.' Banerjee expressed deep concern, asserting that the Prime Minister's informal reference to Chattopadhyay as 'Bankim da' trivialized his monumental contributions.
Land for integrated check-posts in West Bengal in different stagesof acquisition: MHA
The West Bengal Government accorded approval for land acquisition only on November 21, 2023, and the Central Government has made the requisite payment to the State, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has opposed new Union government conditions for the 100-day job scheme. She stated the state will not beg for funds and will continue its own Karmashree program. Banerjee also warned against the BJP, claiming they aim to destroy Bengal's identity and language.
Pledging to provide employment through West Bengals Karmashree scheme
Bengal polls will be announced after publication of voters' list to block legal challenge: CM Mamata
COOCH BEHAR: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday claimed that the assembly elections in the state would be announced immediately after the publication of the final electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in February to prevent any legal challenge to the fresh voters' list. Addressing a public meeting at the Ras Mela ground here, Banerjee alleged that the SIR exercise was being used to instil fear among voters. She also attacked the Centre over the alleged withholding of funds under the 100-day work scheme and tore up a note on stage listing what she described as humiliating conditions imposed by the Union government for resumption of payments. They will declare elections just after the final rolls of SIR are out in February, so that nobody gets the chance to challenge the rolls legally. It will be done so that elections are held based on that list, Banerjee claimed. The chief minister alleged that the Election Commission's November 4 rollout of the SIR had created widespread fear among people, making them apprehensive that their names would be arbitrarily dropped from the voters' list. Now we have to prove our citizenship? What greater shame can there be than this? People who have lived here for generations are being asked to prove who they are, she said. Stepping up her attack on the Centre, Banerjee accused the BJP-led government of running an anarchic and autocratic regime and claimed that the saffron party would destroy the culture, language and heritage of Bengal if it comes to power in the state. Mamata Banerjee slams BJP over SIR deaths; says will never allow NRC, detention camps in West Bengal She also alleged that had her government blocked the SIR process, the BJP-led dispensation at the Centre would have imposed President's Rule in West Bengal. They were waiting for a chance. If we had stopped the SIR, President's Rule would have been imposed here, she claimed. Banerjee said that despite orders of the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, the Centre had not released the dues even after a year and had instead sent a letter placing several conditions on the implementation of the scheme. We do not accept these conditions. Bengal will run the 100-day work scheme on its own, she declared, before tearing the note into pieces from the dais. Claiming that funds under the rural employment scheme had been stopped for four years, Banerjee alleged that other welfare programmes, such as the rural housing and village road projects, had also been stalled by the Centre. She said her government had launched an alternative scheme, 'Karmashree', ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by providing work from the state exchequer and asserted that the programme had been successful. We don't want alms from anyone. Bengal knows how to stand on its own feet, the chief minister said. Reading out from the note, Banerjee cited one condition that requires the labour department to submit quarterly labour budgets. It is December now. Elections will be announced in February. When will we show all this? she asked. She also alleged that another condition restricts the number of workers to 10 per gram sabha. Does this ever happen? Even one family can have 10 poor people, she said, adding that the Centre had also spoken about mandatory training for workers. Holding up the paper, Banerjee said, This has no value. It is a valueless paper. I consider this an insult and a humiliation, before ripping it apart on the stage.
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board Announces WB JECA Online Counselling Schedule
Round 1 WB JECA results will be declared on December 17, with reporting to allotted institutes by December 21. Round 2 results follow on December 23.
Bow Your Head: Mamata Banerjee Seeks PM Modi's Apology Over 'Bankim Da'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly insulting legendary novelist Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay by referring to him as Bankim da in Parliament.
In between heated debates: Amit Shah takes lunch break with BJP MPs at Parliament canteen - video
Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted in Rajya Sabha that the division of 'Vande Mataram' for appeasement politics fueled India's partition. He emphasised the song's enduring relevance in fostering cultural nationalism and driving the nation towards a developed future. Shah criticised the opposition for linking the debate to West Bengal elections, highlighting the song's historical significance during the freedom struggle.
Supreme Court warns EC of anarchy if threats to BLOs during SIR go unchecked
The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over threats to BLOs and officials involved in electoral roll revision in West Bengal and other states. The bench urged the Election Commission to address the situation to prevent anarchy, emphasizing the need for state cooperation in the Special Intensive Revision process.
Let women protest against BSF atrocities: West Bengal CM
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday urged women to protest against the Border Security Force (BSF) atrocities against people residing along the borders in the state. Let the women protest against BSF atrocities on people living in border areas. Let them come to the front to protest against the force, the Chief Minister said today while addressing in a rally organised by her party Trinamool Congress at Rashleela ground in Cooch Behar district. She urged the people to unite against the Central force. I want to see whether our mothers and sisters are more courageous and mightier than that of the BJP, she said. On Monday, while delivering speeches in an administrative meeting in the district she had alerted police administration to take prompt steps if the BSF tortures anybody along the border. Dont get panicked. I can assure you that no detention camp is allowed in Bengal as long Trinamool Congress is there in the state. No one will be pushed back and the BSF or not. We wont be cowed down by the BJP, the ruling party supremo said. We are trying to bring back the four other Bengali-speaking Indian citizens from Bangladesh. We have already brought back the pregnant Sunali Khatun and her eight-year-old son from to their motherland in Birbhum. The BSF had pushed them back to Bangladesh though they have necessary documents related to Indian citizenship, she added. BSF had pushed six Bengalis hailed from Paikar village in Murarai of Birbhum back to the neighbouring country on suspicion of them being Bangladeshi nationals in June. Raising the issue of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state she also said, The Election Commission of India may announce the dates of the assembly polls, scheduled next year, soon after the final voters list is released so that no one can move the court challenging the electoral rolls. Names of many genuine voters are being deleted during the roll revision exercise. People who are still alive being shown as deceased in the voters list by the Commission, she alleged while addressing in the rally. The Chief Minister during her two-day visit to Cooch Behar on Monday afternoon questioned in the administrative review meeting at Rabindra Bhavan in the district about timing and urgency of the SIR. Why must everything be done in such a hurry? Last time in 2002, the process took two years. I dont understand how an impartial poll panel can act so biasedly? she said. She also attacked the Centre, accusing it of not releasing funds due to the state for MGNREGA, the 100-day job guarantee scheme, despite an order of the Supreme Court. The CM charged the BJP-led central government with attempting to starve Bengal financially. All funds allotted for the 100-day job guarantee scheme and awas yojana have been stopped. The Centre has been imposing conditions on job guarantee scheme, she alleged by tear and tore a letter sent by it to her.
Division Of Vande Mataram Song Led To Partition Of India: Home Minister Amit Shah
NEW DELHI, Dec 9: The division of Vande Mataram song for politics of appeasement led to partition of India, Home Minister Amit Shah said in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, as he slammed Opposition for linking the debate on 150 years of the national song with the upcoming West Bengal elections. Initiating the debate in the House, Shah said Vande Mataram was the mantra that awakened Indias cultural nationalism, and remains as relevant today as it was during the freedom [] The post Division Of Vande Mataram Song Led To Partition Of India: Home Minister Amit Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
'No link to Bengal polls': Amit Shah dismisses oppn charge on Vande Mataram debate top quotes
Union Home Minister Amit Shah rejected claims that the Vande Mataram debate was politically motivated for the West Bengal elections. He stated the discussion was to highlight the national song's importance, especially as it marked its 150th anniversary. Opposition leaders, however, linked the timing to the upcoming polls, accusing the government of distraction.
SIR 2.0: SC slams states over BLO threats, warns of anarchy
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday took serious note of threats against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and other officials engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0 of electoral rolls in West Bengal and other states, warning the Election Commission (EC) that ignoring such instances will cause anarchy. A bench of Chief Justice of [] The post SIR 2.0: SC slams states over BLO threats, warns of anarchy appeared first on Northlines .
Amit Shah Rebuts Priyanka Gandhi On Vande Mataram, Slams Nehru, Indira Gandhi
Countering Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's charge that the NDA government proposed a parliamentary discussion on Vande Mataram with an eye on West Bengal polls, Union Home Minister Amit Shah today said the song is not restricted to Bengal
Supreme Court rules CAA applicants cannot join electoral rolls before citizenship approval
The Supreme Court has made it clear that individuals seeking citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) cannot be treated as voters until their applications are officially approved. Hearing a petition that sought to include CAA applicants in West Bengals electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision, a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya [] The post Supreme Court rules CAA applicants cannot join electoral rolls before citizenship approval appeared first on India Legal .
West Bengal SIR: Nearly 50 Lakh Names Flagged for Deletion
Wave of anxiety among voters, state links 39 deaths to 'SIR panic'; TMC government announces compensation, block-level help camps from Dec 12.
Supreme Court issues notice on demand for CAPF deployment in West Bengal
The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission of India to file its response to a petition demanding that Central Armed Police Forces be deployed in West Bengal during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The matter was taken up by a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, which noted that if [] The post Supreme Court issues notice on demand for CAPF deployment in West Bengal appeared first on India Legal .
SC raps states for non-cooperation in SIR exercise; asks ECI to flag instances of threats to BLOs
The Supreme Court on Tuesday took serious note of reports that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are being threatened and that the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is being obstructed in West Bengal and several other states. Expressing concern over the lack of cooperation from some state administrations, the Court directed the ECI to immediately bring to its notice any instance where BLOs face intimidation or where officials encounter hurdles in carrying out the SIR exercise. If such matters are brought before us, we will pass appropriate orders, the Bench observed. The Court cautioned that failure to address the situation could cause anarchy, and urged the ECI to take firm steps to ensure the smooth conduct of the revision process. During the hearing, the ECI informed the Court that continued obstruction could compel it to take police personnel on deputation to ensure the safety of officials and the smooth conduct of the revision process. The Commission stressed that it possesses all constitutional powers necessary to address threats to BLOs and other staff engaged in the SIR exercise.
New feature toidentifyduplicate voters launched on BLO apps in West Bengal
At least 56lakh voters have been identified as dead, duplicate, untraceable and shifted in the State till now
WBSSC Group C and D Recruitment 2025: The West Bengal Central School Service Commission (WBSSC) has extended the last date for SLST 2025 applications for Clerk and Group D posts to December 12, 2025. Fee payment remains open until 11:59 PM. The recruitment covers 8,478 vacancies across Group C and D in aided and sponsored schools. Eligible candidates must meet age and educational criteria. Exams are scheduled for January 18 and January 25, 2026. Apply online at the official WBSSC portal.
Vande Mataram debate done with eye on Bengal poll, says TMC
In a fiery session in Parliament, Trinamool Congress slammed the government for allegedly using the 'Vande Mataram' discourse as a political distraction ahead of the West Bengal elections, branding it as a 'poorly executed farce.' MPs voiced their concerns over the BJP's 'polarizing' tactics, while Akhilesh Yadav from SP labelled their moves as 'nationally contentious.
BJP does not value contributions of Bengal icons: CM Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of disrespecting national icons from Bengal. She criticized the party for opposing figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Banerjee also raised concerns about flight cancellations and the hurried implementation of the SIR process.
'Four people, apart from Sunali, are still in Bangladesh'
In a determined move, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal has urged the local police to be attentive and proactive. She issued a strong reminder against stigmatizing individuals who speak Bengali as Bangladeshis.
Man who threatened Siwan MP and Barharia MLA held in Bengal
On Monday, a construction worker was apprehended in West Bengal for allegedly issuing death threats to Siwan JD(U) MP Vijaylakshmi Kushwaha and MLA Inderdeo Patel over a demanded sum of Rs 10 lakh. The threats, made from Chennai on December 3, appear to be a misguided attempt at garnering attention.
'People Don't Want Me To Resign': Suspended Trinamool MLA Refuses To Quit
Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir on Monday made a U-turn on his earlier stand, saying he would not resign from the West Bengal Assembly, days after laying the foundation stone of a Babri Masjid-style mosque in Murshidabad district.
Vande Mataram debate aimed at diverting attention: Opposition leaders
Some of them also claimed that the debate was started keeping in mind next year's West Bengal Assembly polls.
Priyanka Gandhi slams govt over Vande Mataram debate timing
New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday said the government pushed for a debate on Vande Mataram as the West Bengal assembly polls were approaching and that it wanted to divert attention from the problems people were facing. Participating in a discussion in the Lok Sabha on 150 years of national song Vande 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 .
Invoking Bankim 'Babu': Does Parliament Debate On 'Vande Mataram' Signal Battle For Bengal?
From the spirited discussions on 'Vande Mataram' in the Lok Sabha, it was there for all to see the fight for West Bengal between the BJP and the ruling TMC
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused the BJP-led Central Government of the ongoing flight disruptions across the country. She also said that the passengers could even go to court over the crisis. The Chief Minister made a scathing attack on the Centre this afternoon while speaking to the reporters at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport before leaving for an official visit to the north Bengal district Cooch Behar. She said the situation had escalated due to the Centres lack of proper planning. Passengers are facing immense difficulties because of the non-availability of flights every day, she said. I believe this situation has arisen due to a complete lack of planning. This is a disaster. The Centre is responsible for the entire crisis triggered by flight disruptions, Mamata alleged. The Central Government should have arranged alternatives earlier. I even feel passengers may go to court over this, she added. She said that after flight cancellations by IndiGo, passengers are being told to travel by other means of transport. How is that possible? A journey that takes two hours by air takes 24 to 36 hours by train. And then you need advance tickets and reservations. Overall, this has caused extreme hardship for travellers, she pointed out. According to her, the Central Government remains preoccupied with elections, instead of focusing on public welfare. The Centre always thinks of elections; we think about people. That is why we are deeply concerned about the suffering of passengers, she claimed. Passengers have been facing a gruelling experience at airports across the country over the last few days. IndiGo, which operates around 2,300 flights daily, is cancelling flights in hundreds as it struggles to secure adequate crew, with the second phase of the pilots' flight duty and rest period norms kicking in.
Tide Now Supports Over 1 Million Small Businesses in India
Gen Zs and millennials make up over 85% of Tide’s MSME community — a powerful reminder that young India is steering the country's entrepreneurial momentum Tier 2, 3, 4 and beyond cities driving growth with over 96% members (MSMEs) on the platform, from towns like Bareilly, Bhopal, Murshidabad, Lucknow and North 24 Parganas Tide , the UK’s leading business management platform, today announced that it has surpassed 1 million members (MSMEs) in India. This rapid growth reflects the deep trust that Indian small businesses — from nano to micro and emerging SMEs — have placed in Tide to simplify how they register, run and grow their businesses. The platform has doubled adoption since its launch in December 2022. India has emerged as Tide’s largest and fastest-growing market globally in member acquisition, showcasing the success of its India-first strategy and strong product-market fit. Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO, Tide in India, said, “ This milestone is more than a number — it’s a story of trust. In just under three years, one million Indian entrepreneurs have chosen Tide to be their partner in growth. This reflects our commitment to helping small businesses – who have been gravely underserved – save time and money by giving them business critical tools across finance, admin and related commercial services that they need, to grow. India is where some of Tide's most innovative products are being developed, creating strong use-cases to be implemented globally .” A trusted business partner for India’s entrepreneurs Tide’s success has always been rooted in scaling responsibly and delivering real-world impact. The company is doing so by building a unified, highly-connected digital platform that reduces the burden of business finance and admin. Over the past year, Tide has delivered product innovation at pace across India with products including: Bill Payments: SMEs in India can pay their utility bills with no extra costs and earn rewards. The product is backed by enhanced security. Udyam Registration: Enabling MSME registration and access to priority government benefits including low-interest loans, subsidies on electricity certifications, protection against delayed payments, etc. GST Registration: help obtain a Goods & Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN), enabling compliance, marketplace selling, input tax credit claims, and vendor trust. Scheme Discovery: Smart matching of government benefits and subsidies to business eligibility. Fixed Deposits Intermediation: Helping SMEs to earn competitive returns on their balances in a seamless and paperless experience. NCMC Card Integration: A single smart Tide card that doubles up as a national mobility card, accepted across multiple transport modes. Structured partners: Provides disbursement of funds to freelancers and vendors via a secure partner portal. Analytics on spending deliver real-time data so SMEs can make faster decisions about cashflow, a key pain point for SMEs. Tide’s member make-up Tide’s growth in India is being driven by a new generation of business owners, with over 85% (865,000) of its members under the age of 40, including 58% Gen Z and 42% millennials—reflecting the strong entrepreneurial momentum among India’s youth. And, with our oldest member at 95, simply proves that it’s never too late to do what you love. The platform is scaling rapidly across emerging business hubs, with 63% of its members from states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra, and a majority comprising small and micro entrepreneurs like local retailers, freelancers and service-led solopreneurs. With strong adoption in Tier 2, 3, 4 and beyond towns namely Bareilly, Bhopal, Murshidabad, Lucknow, North 24 Paraganas, Jaipur, Firozabad, Ghaziabad, Shahjahanpur and Kota — with not a single Tier 1 city in the top 10 — Tide is playing a significant role in enabling the digital transformation of India’s most underserved business communities. Championing entrepreneurs beyond business tools Tide believes progress happens when entrepreneurs are supported not only with products — but with recognition, access and ecosystem change. Women in Business mission: On track to bring 500,000 women entrepreneurs onto the platform by 2027. Tide’s Bharat Women Aspiration Index brings forth voices from beyond metros to shape better policies for women entrepreneurs across Tier 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 towns in India. Udaan Chronicles: Tide’s flagship mentoring roadshow, created to help small business owners in semi-urban and rural India, brings expert-led mentoring directly to entrepreneurs who lack access to formal networks and financial resources. UK-India collaboration: Enabling SME expansion across borders through industry delegation. Contributing to critical dialogue shaping future trade for small businesses under the provisions of the UK-India FTA. Tide’s progress in India is rooted in accountability and global investor backing. The company recently secured a $120 million strategic investment, in a funding round led by TPG. Tide is also deepening its long-term commitment to India — with a £500 million investment over the next five years, starting 2026. This investment underscores India’s role as a cornerstone of Tide’s global growth strategy, which will be used to fuel product innovation tailored for Indian SMEs, technology and AI-led development and expansion of Tide’s financial ecosystem — including payments, credit, and investment solutions. Tide’s strategy in India emphasises digital inclusion — to bring formal financial and business services to underserved entrepreneurs outside major metros, in smaller towns and rural clusters. This approach aligns with the Government of India’s efforts to formalise and digitise MSMEs and increase their access to credit, markets and exports. Among some of the exciting new features to be launched next year, include investments, acquiring, insurance, easy access to formal credit, banking services and advanced payment acceptance solutions. Tide is here to make managing business smoother and more successful. About Tide Launched in 2017, Tide is the leading business management platform in the UK. Tide helps SMEs save time (and money) in the running of their businesses by not only offering business accounts and related admin services, but also a comprehensive set of highly usable and connected administrative solutions from invoicing to accounting. Tide has nearly 800,000 SME members in the UK (14% market share) and 1,000,000 SMEs in India. Tide launched in Germany in May 2024 and in France in September 2025. Tide has also been recognised with the Great Place to Work certification three years in a row. Tide has been funded by Anthemis, Apax Digital Funds, Augmentum Fintech, Creandum, Salica Investments, Latitude, LocalGlobe, SBI Group, Speedinvest and TPG, amongst others. It employs more than 2,500 Tideans worldwide. Tide’s long-term ambition is to be the leading business management platform globally. www.linkedin.com/company/tide-banking twitter.com/TideBusinessIND www.instagram.com/tidebusinessindia/ www.facebook.com/TideBusinessIndia
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated the government pushed for a Vande Mataram debate due to upcoming West Bengal polls. She accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of diverting attention from price rise and unemployment. Gandhi highlighted the song's history and Nehru's role.
ECI appoints five senior IAS officers as Special Roll Observers for SIR in West Bengal
An official at the CEOs office said the appointment of Special Roll Observers (SRO) would ensure enhanced scrutiny and transparency in the process
ECI appoints five more special roll observers in West Bengal
KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday appointed five more IAS officers as Special Roll Observers (SROs) to oversee the second phase of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal. The second phase of the three-tier SIR process begins after the draft roll is published on 16 December. The five bureaucrats--Neeraj kumar Bansor (Home Affairs), Kumar Ravikant Singh (Defence), Alok Tiwari (Finance), Pankaj Yadav (Rural Development) and Krishna kumar Nirala (Information and Broadcasting)--in the rank of joint secretaries will look after SIR drive in five divisions like Midnapore, Presidency, Malda, Jalpaiguri and Bardhaman separately in the state. They will work as micro-observers. About 10 days ago, the national poll body had engaged Dr Subrata Gupta, retired IAS and former secretary of the Union Food Processing Ministry, as the SRO and 12 others serving IAS officers of Bengal cadre for the SIR in the state. All the SROs and 12 other IAS officers will work in coordination with the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal in Kolkata. According to the ECI sources, the additional team of five new SROs have been engaged for the process in a bid to strengthen the second stage of the electoral roll revision process so that no genuine voter is deleted from the list and at the same time no dead, duplicate, absent and permanently shifted voter is included to the SIR list. This time, the national poll body wants the final voters list to be decisive and error-free. This stage involves the filing of claims and objections, along with the notice period for issuing, hearing, verifying and disposing of applications, all of which will be carried out simultaneously by the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). Dr Gupta, along with 12 other IAS officers assigned earlier by the Commission, met the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at ECI office in Delhi today and updated him about the progress of the SIR in the state. Almost all opposition parties have asked for micro observers to ensure there is no manipulation at this stage, sources in the CEOs office said, adding that the Commission had found merit in these concerns. Once the second stage is completed, the final version of the electoral roll will be published on 14 February. The announcement of dates for the West Bengal Assembly elections is expected shortly afterwards. Sources in the ECI said that around 55 lakh dead, duplicate, permanently shifted and absent voters have been deleted so far till Saturday. The Commission has identified around 24 lakh dead out the 55 lakh deleted voters. The national poll panel has also instructed electoral officers to intensify progeny mapping, after irregularities were found in parental details in the current voter rolls as of 27 October. The exercise compares parental information on the latest list with records from 2002, when the last SIR was conducted in the state.
West Bengal: Humayun Kabir Makes U-turn, Says Won't Quit As MLA
There is no question of my resignation now. I am not stepping down as MLA, Kabir told reporters
BJP MPs welcome PM Modi with Bengal next slogans in Lok Sabha after Bihar victory
BJP MPs in Lok Sabha greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar ki jeet hamari hai, ab Bengal ki baari hai as he entered to discuss 150 years of Vande Mataram. This slogan signifies the NDA's victory in Bihar assembly polls and their focus on upcoming West Bengal elections.
West Bengal SIR: ECI appoints five IAS officers for three Bengal districts
The Election Commission of India has appointed five IAS officers from New Delhi as Special Roll Observers for five divisions in West Bengal. These officers will monitor the preparation of electoral rolls, including the enumeration phase, claims and objections, and final publication. Their appointment follows the digitization of special electoral rolls and aims to ensure accurate voter enrollment.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday blamed the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for the recent IndiGo flight disruptions, alleging poor planning led to severe passenger inconvenience and suggesting affected travellers have the right to move court.
Mamata Banerjee welcomes Modi's Vande Mataram discussion in Lok Sabha
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to discuss 'Vande Mataram' in the Lok Sabha. Her party has no objections to the discussion. Banerjee also raised concerns about some BJP leaders' perceived dislike for national figures like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi. She questioned their understanding of history and Bengal's contributions.
'This is a disaster': Mamata Banerjee targets BJP over IndiGo fiasco; cites passenger agony
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has slammed the Centre over IndiGo's ongoing flight crisis, calling it a disaster that has left thousands of passengers stranded. With hundreds of flights cancelled daily, the airline faces scrutiny from regulators and the judiciary. The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea regarding the inhumane airport situation.
Over 5 lakh Waqf properties uploaded on UMEED portal, 2.16 lakh approved by deadline
NEW DELHI: A total of 5.17 lakh Waqf properties were initiated on the UMEED portal while 2,16,905 properties were approved by the designated approvers during the six-month window provided, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The UMEED Central Portal for management of Waqf Properties in India, launched by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on June 6, 2025, officially closed for uploads on December 6, 2025, completing its six-month window, as per the UMEED Act, 1995 and the clear directions of the Supreme Court. In the final count, the momentum significantly accelerated as the deadline approached, the ministry said in a statement. Many review meetings, training workshops, and high-level interventions even at the secretary-level injected renewed pace into the process, making the upload surge in the last hours, it said. According to the data provided by the ministry, 5,17,040 Waqf properties were initiated on the portal with 2,16,905 properties approved by the designated approvers. A total of 2,13,941 properties have been submitted by makers and remain in the pipeline as of the deadline, the ministry said, adding that 10,869 properties stood rejected during verification To support this massive national exercise, the Ministry of Minority Affairs conducted continuous workshops and training sessions with State/UT Waqf Boards and Minority Departments, the statement said. A two-day master trainer workshop was also conducted in Delhi to equip Waqf Boards and State/UT officials with hands-on training for the uploading process, the ministry said. Senior technical and administrative teams were deputed across states, and seven zonal meetings were held nationwide. A dedicated helpline was also set up at the Ministry office for technical support and quick resolution of issues arising during the uploads. Since the launch of the portal, secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Chandra Shekhar Kumar took 20 plus review meetings, consistently guiding, motivating, and monitoring States/UTs to ensure timely and accurate uploading of existing Waqf property details, the statement said. The conclusion of this phase marks a significant milestone in bringing transparency, efficiency, and unified digital management to Waqf properties across India under the UMEED framework, it said. The highest number of Waqf properties initiated on the portal were from Uttar Pradesh (92,830 - 86,345 Sunni and 6,485 Shia), followed by Maharashtra (62,939) and Karnataka (58,328), while 23,086 properties were initiated from West Bengal. Rijiju on Friday had ruled out extending the deadline for registering Waqf properties on the UMEED portal but said his ministry, recognising the concerns of 'mutawallis' or caretakers, will not impose any penalty or take strict action for the next three months as a humanitarian and facilitative measure. The Centre launched The Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Act central portal on June 6 to create a digital inventory. According to the provisions of the portal, details of all registered Waqf properties across the country must be uploaded within six months. The six-month deadline for registration ended at 11:59:59 pm on December 6. The six-month deadline mandated under the Waqf Amendment Act cannot be extended due to the provisions of the Act, and clear directions of the Supreme Court, the minister had said. The government, through the Ministry of Minority Affairs, has said it is committed to modernising Waqf administration and unlocking the full developmental potential of Waqf properties for the benefit of minority communities.
Veteran Bengali actor Kalyan Chatterjee dies at 81
KOLKATA: Veteran Bengali actor Kalyan Chatterjee died at a government hospital here, West Bengal Motion Picture Artists Forum said in a statement on Monday. He was 81. Chatterjee, who had been suffering from typhoid along with age-related ailments, was under treatment at MR Bangur Super Speciality Hospital, where he breathed his last late Sunday night. The actor, who had acted in more than 400 films, mostly in supporting roles, debuted in Aponjon, which was released in 1968. Some of his notable films include Dhanyee Meye, Dui Prithibi, Sabuj Dwiper Raja and Baishe Srabon. He had worked in Satyajit Ray's Pratidwandi. Apart from Bengali films, he also worked in Hindi cinema, including Sujoy Ghosh's film Kahaani. The Artists Forum statement said, One of our most valued members, Kalyan Chattopadhyay, has left us. We are deeply shocked. May his soul rest in peace. Chattopadhyay had studied at Pune Film Institute. His contemporaries include Soumitra Chatterjee, Sabitri Chattopadhyay and Dipankar De.
WBSSC Group C and D recruitment 2025: The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) closes the online application process today for 8,478 Group C and Group D posts under the 1st SLST-2025. Candidates must submit the form by 5:59 pm, while fee payment remains open until December 12, 2025. The recruitment includes vacancies for Clerks, Librarians and Group D staff across multiple regions and mediums. Eligibility, salary details and exam dates have been issued, and applications can be submitted through the official website.
West Bengal Govts assurances, work on testing Labs for Tea industry not progressing
Producers facing quality issues quality issues as competition from Sri Lanka gets stiffer By Ashis Biswas KOLKATA: Despite official assurances to set up at least three tea testing laboratories in North Bengal to improve quality control methods, preliminary work undertaken by the West Bengal Government has made little progress. North Bengal tea producers recently [] The post West Bengal Govts assurances, work on testing Labs for Tea industry not progressing appeared first on Northlines .
