West Bengal Set to Change Name to Paschim Bang in Upcoming Bill
The West Bengal government plans to introduce a bill to rename the state Paschim Bang, eliminating previous names like West Bengal. West Bengal Set to Change Name to Paschim Bang in Upcoming Bill
West Bengal Bypolls: Nandigram records 60.32% turnout, Rejinagar at 56.43% till 1 PM
Polling in West Bengals Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly bypolls recorded 58.37% turnout till 1 pm, with voting largely peaceful amid heavy security. Nandigram polled 60.32%, while Rejinagar recorded 56.43%. The contests feature multiple rival factions and carry significant political weight following the 2026 assembly elections.
Violence Erupts Between BJP Factions in West Bengal Over Extortion Claims
Two BJP leaders arrested in Kolkata after violent clashes over alleged extortion in the fish farming sector. Violence Erupts Between BJP Factions in West Bengal Over Extortion Claims
Bengal to get rain for five more days as monsoon retreats, light showers likely during Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) Rain is likely to continue across West Bengal for the next five days as the southwest monsoon withdrawal remains underway, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata said on Tuesday. The weather office, however, ruled out the possibility of widespread heavy rainfall during this period. Light to moderate rain is expected at several places, with isolated heavy showers likely in parts of north Bengal. Eastern Regional Director of the RMC Habibur Rahman Biswas said a low-pressure area extending from Uttar Pradesh to Bangladesh in the lower levels of the atmosphere was influencing the weather over the state. A cyclonic circulation over Bihar is also contributing to the rainfall activity. Under its influence, light to moderate rain is likely in all districts of north Bengal, while heavy rain may occur at one or two places in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts. The weather office has also warned of thundershowers in several areas. On Tuesday, partly cloudy skies and light to moderate rain were expected in the state. In south Bengal, districts including Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas may receive rain accompanied by thundershowers over the next few days. Several districts of south Bengal are likely to receive light to moderate rain with thundershowers until the weekend. Rainfall will also continue in north Bengal, with isolated heavy showers possible in one or two places. Kolkata is also likely to receive light to moderate rain on Tuesday. The city is expected to remain cloudy during the morning, with partly cloudy skies likely in the afternoon. The possibility of rain is expected to increase from Wednesday through Friday. The RMC said there was no forecast of heavy rain during Durga Puja, which begins on October 17. However, light to moderate rain may occur around Mahalaya on October 10. On Monday, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 32.08 degrees Celsius, which was normal, while the minimum temperature was 26.06 degrees Celsius, 0.08 degrees above normal. Relative humidity ranged between 69 and 97 percent.
BJP's Hasirani Rath may surpass my 2016 victory margin in Nandigram: Bengal CM
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said that the victory margin of Hasirani Rath, the BJP candidate in the bypoll in Nandigram Assembly Constituency, may surpass his own victory margin from the same constituency in 2016. In 2016, he was elected from Nandigram as a Trinamool Congress candidate by a margin of over 80,000 votes. I got elected from here in 2016 by a margin of over 80,000. I believe that the winning margin of the BJP candidate in the Nandigram bypolls will surpass my own winning margin in 2016, said CM Adhikari after casting his vote at a polling booth in Nandigram. The Chief Minister came to the polling station riding a toto without his own convoy and security personnel and explained why he did that. As a Chief Minister, I am entitled to security. But today I came to the polling station as a voter of Nandigram. So, I chose to come like a common person. I also stood in the queue and cast my vote without taking any special advantage as the Chief Minister, CM Adhikari said. He also said polling in Nandigram had been going on peacefully, with voters casting their vote with the spirit of a festival of democracy. The polling percentage at Nandigram as of now is quite high, which generally does not happen in any bypoll, the Chief Minister said. He once again explained why he chose to retain Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency in South Kolkata instead of Nandigram. He won from both the constituencies in the assembly polls earlier this year. Had I not retained Bhabanipur, the person whom I defeated would have contested from Bhabanipur in a bypoll. I also defeated that person at Nandigram in 2021. But my emotional attachment with Nandigram will always be there, the Chief Minister said. He was indirectly referring to his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was defeated by him first at Nandigram in 2021 and then at Bhabanipur in 2026. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also justified the arrest of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder-cum-legislator, Humayun Kabir, at Rejinagar in Murshidabad district earlier in the day. He is an elected legislator. But he is not a candidate for the Rejinagar bypoll. He is neither an election agent. So even as an elected legislator he could not move from booth to booth influencing the voters, the Chief Minister said.
Nandigram bypoll peaceful so far, Suvendu Adhikari eyes 85% turnout
Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, reported peaceful polling in the Nandigram by-election. Around 50 percent of voters had participated by midday as he cast his vote. He anticipated a turnout exceeding 85 percent based on historical trends in the constituency. Adhikari mentioned he would continue to serve as the MLA for Bhabanipur while promising to remain a voter in Nandigram.
Bengal: Humayun Kabir Arrested in Rejinagar, Allegations of Bypoll Irregularities in Nandigram
West Bengal's bypolls began on a tense note on Tuesday, with a police confrontation leading to the arrest of AJUP chief and MLA Humayun Kabir in Rejinagar and allegations of voter intimidation and polling irregularities surfacing in Nandigram, putting the spotlight
West Bengal Bypolls: 41.33% Turnout In Nandigram, Rejinagar Till 11 AM
Nandigram records 43.95% polling, while Rejinagar sees 38.71%; voting largely peaceful despite a few incidents
'Violating Law: Humayun Kabir Detained After Verbal Altercation With Police | Bengal Bypoll
Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir was detained by West Bengal Police from his party office in Murshidabad as voting continued in the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll. Kabir, who had cast his vote earlier, accused police of interfering with polling at several booths and alleged that 64 people had been detained over the past two months. He also claimed police were hijacking the voting process. Rejinagar is among two constituencies voting in the bypolls, along with Nandigram. The contest comes months after the BJP formed the government in West Bengal. Kabirs son Golam Nabi Azad is contesting from Rejinagar on an AJUP ticket.
West Bengal Bypolls: AJUP Chief Humayun Kabir Arrested
Allegations Of Voter Intimidation And Poll Irregularities Surface In Rejinagar, Nandigram
West Bengal Bypolls: Nandigram, Rejinagar Record 19.47% Turnout In First Two Hours
Nandigram Records 20.89% Polling, Rejinagar 18.05% As Voting Continues Till 6 PM
Humayun Kabir detained for law violation during West Bengal Rejinagar bypoll
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BJP's Dinesh Arya to file nomination for RS seat in Uttarakhand today
Digital Desk | Dehradun, Oct 6 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha candidate Dinesh Arya will file his nomination for the Upper House election in Uttarakhand at the state Assembly here on Tuesday. According to the schedule, all BJP MLAs are expected to reach the Assembly by 10 a.m., following which Arya will submit his nomination papers at 11 a.m. for the Rajya Sabha election. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with senior BJP leaders and key office-bearers of the party, will be present during the nomination process. Arya's nomination is being viewed as an important show of the BJP's electoral strategy and organisational unity in the state. The presence of the party's legislators and senior leadership during the filing of the nomination is also expected to underline the BJP's coordinated approach towards the Rajya Sabha election. Earlier on Sunday, the BJP announced Arya as its candidate for the 2026 Rajya Sabha biennial election in Uttarakhand. The election in Uttarakhand has been necessitated by the completion of the term of sitting Rajya Sabha member Naresh Bansal. The Election Commission of India (ECI), on September 22, announced the schedule for biennial elections to 11 Rajya Sabha seats, along with a by-election for one seat from West Bengal, to be held on October 16. Of the 11 seats going to polls in the biennial elections, 10 are from Uttar Pradesh, and one is from Uttarakhand. The election in West Bengal is being held to fill a casual vacancy in the Upper House. As per the election schedule, the scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on October 7. Candidates will be able to withdraw their candidature until October 9. Polling for the Rajya Sabha seats will be held on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Counting of votes will begin at 5 p.m. on the same day. With Arya's nomination, the BJP is set to formally begin the electoral process for the Uttarakhand Rajya Sabha seat.
Bypoll elections: Voting begins in 5 seats across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry
ECI not working under Constitution, says Akhilesh Yadav on INDIA bloc protest
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) was not functioning impartially and was not working in accordance with the Constitution. Speaking to reporters ahead of the INDIA blocs protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Yadav said that complaints and objections regarding the Election Commission and its functioning were not new. This is not a new issue when it comes to the Election Commission. Complaints and objections regarding the Election Commission and the way it is functioning are not being raised for the first time. The Election Commission wants to believe that only those who are members of the Bharatiya Janata Party are Indian citizens. The Election Commission also seems to believe, as has been seen several times, that only those who are BJP members can vote, he said. Yadav alleged that the BJP had benefited from money and the misuse of forces during elections, while also accusing the poll body of failing to remain neutral. People used to say about the BJP that it works like an election machine. They did not win with the help of the ECI alone; they have a lot of money. You have seen how, with the help of forces, they looted booths in West Bengal. Not just Bengal, they looted booths in Uttar Pradesh. They looted the polls in Kundarki, Ambedkar Nagar and Ayodhya. So, the ECI is not unbiased. The ECI is not working under the Constitution, he said. He further questioned the alleged proximity between the BJP and the Election Commission and raised questions over the BJPs office in the national capital. Sometimes, I hear that in Delhi, the BJP has made a big office in the national capital. What was the need for that? They could have taken a floor in the ECI building and worked from there. What was the need for that? Tell us whether the ECI has worked on these problems or taken any action, Yadav said. On the proposal for One Nation, One Election, Yadav alleged that the BJP wanted to consolidate all electoral processes at one time to avoid scrutiny. Not One Nation, One Election; they want to do all the malfunctioning at one time so that they can rule for five years, and there is no need for any probe. That is why they are working on the theory of One Nation, One Election, he added. Meanwhile, Opposition INDIA bloc MPs on Tuesday will stage a protest march from Parliament to the ECI headquarters in New Delhi over allegations of vote theft linked to the SIR of electoral rolls. The protest comes amid a series of nationwide campaigns targeting CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The call for the protest was issued following a meeting of 19 Opposition parties on September 30.
Bengal bypolls: Voting in first two hours recorded at 19.47 pc
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) The average polling percentage for the bypolls to Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and the Rejinagar seat in Murshidabad district of West Bengal had been recorded at 19.47 In the case of Nandigram, the polling percentage till 9 a.m. has been recorded at 20.89. And, in Rejinagar, the polling percentage in the same period was 18.05. Political observers feel that the voting percentage in the first two hours has been impressive, considering that voters' enthusiasm for bypolls is generally lower than what is seen in general elections. Barring stray incidents reported in Nandigram and Rejinagar, the polling process has, so far, been peaceful in the first two hours. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, had sought a report from the Murshidabad district administration about the arrest of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder and legislator, Humayun Kabir, accused of constantly threatening the police and even grabbing an on-duty police officer's collar. Kabirs son, Golam Nabi Azad, is the candidate for Rejinagar bypoll. Kabir is not the candidate. He is neither the polling agent of his son. So, he has no authority to move from one booth to the other and make provocative statements. He violated the rules since morning. So, he had been arrested, said a district police officer. The CPI(M) has alleged that its polling agents were not being allowed to enter some booths in the Dadpur area of Rejinagar. The Left has alleged that their agents were not being allowed to sit in booths 112, 113, 114, and 122. Mild tension was also reported from Nandigram after the Congress candidate there, Milan Pradhan, alleged that his polling agents were forcefully driven out of the polling booths by the BJP supporters, with the Central forces personnel remaining mute spectators. However, the BJP candidate from Nandigram, Hasirani Rath, denied the allegations. In Nandigram, the opposition parties are suffering from a survival crisis, and so they are making false allegations, she said. Congress has already lodged a complaint on this count with the office of the CEO, West Bengal. Police have also arrested Nandigram Block-1 Congress president, Sheikh Asraful Tulla. Congress alleged that he was unnecessarily detained during the voting. There is no such thing as democracy in the area now. The concerned authorities are being informed about this incident, said a district Congress leader.
Humayun Kabir Arrested During Reginagar By-Election for Threatening Police
Humayun Kabir was arrested during the Reginagar by-election for threatening police and disrupting the voting process in West Bengal. Humayun Kabir Arrested During Reginagar By-Election for Threatening Police
Indian states seek extra power to avoid outages as nighttime supply tightens, officials say
NEW DELHI, Oct 6 (Reuters) Several Indian states are seeking additional power allocations from the federal government to avoid outages as weak hydropower output and maintenance at some plants have reduced electricity supply during the night, two federal government officials said. Rajasthan and Gujarat, among Indias leading renewable-energy states, have sought additional supplies, along with other states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Union Territory Delhi, the officials said. The federal government typically has access to about 14 to 15 gigawatts of electricity from coal and hydropower plants that it can allocate to
High-Stakes Bypolls: Voting Begins Across 6 Seats in 3 States, 1 UT
In West Bengal, bypolls are being held in the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies
Bengal Minister says BJP margin will increase in Nandigram, hopes for change in Rejinagar
Digital Desk | Nandigram, Oct 6 (IANS) As voting for the by-elections in West Bengal kicked off on Tuesday, Minister Dilip Ghosh expressed confidence that the BJP's winning margin would increase in Nandigram, while adding that Rejinagar could witness a change for the first time. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said, Regarding the by-election, Nandigram is a seat already won by the BJP, and our margin will increase there. For the first time, a change can happen in Rejinagar as well. He said the voting pattern in Bengal, where minority votes traditionally did not go to the BJP, was changing, as the public now wants to vote for development. The trend that was going on in Bengal, where minority votes didn't go to the BJP, is changing. Today, the development of the country and the state under the current government is benefiting the minority community as well. They have received security, their rights are protected, and they are also thinking about whom they should stand with. They want to go with development. They have seen corruption and oppression. Therefore, I feel votes will come towards the BJP and something new is going to happen, Ghosh said. Ghosh also reacted to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and said the matter was before the Supreme Court. The matter is in the Supreme Court. Even earlier, regarding SIR, the Supreme Court had given a decision based on which the work has been carried out. But those who lose just need an excuse, so they are raising all these useless points, he said. The remarks came a day after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified during a Supreme Court hearing that the court had not approved any modified version of Form 6, which is used for inclusion of names in electoral rolls. The court also sought records concerning the changes to the form. Ghosh further highlighted programmes being organised to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday and promote the government's achievements. Modi ji's birthday was on September 17, and for a month, from September to October, as part of the 'Sewa Sankalp Abhiyan', the Central and state governments are taking their achievements to the people. As party workers, we are organising various programmes to highlight his dream of a developed India by 2047 and take the public along with us, he said. Ghosh added that such programmes would continue in West Bengal until October 7 due to the commencement of Durga Puja, while programmes in other parts of the country would continue until October 17. Today, Narendra Modi is a world-renowned leader. There is no doubt about his leadership and vision. The country has benefited, and many nations across the world wish they had a leader like Modi ji, he said.
My agents being threatened; no response from ECI: Congress Nandigram candidate
Digital Desk | Nandigram, Oct 6 (IANS) As voting for the by-elections began in West Bengal's Nandigram on Tuesday, Congress candidate Milan Pradhan alleged that, even when everyone has the right to vote, hooligans are threatening his workers and supporters. Pradhan returned to campaigning after securing interim bail from the Calcutta High Court in connection with cases dating back to the 2007 Nandigram agitation. Speaking to IANS, Pradhan said, In this election, look, this is a by-election. In this by-election, every citizen has to vote. There is freedom. Since last night and the day before, hooliganism has been going on here. My agents are being picked up and taken away; they are threatening them, and they forcibly took away papers. What is this? This is not right. This is not a system of freedom, he added. We have filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India. However, we are not getting any response, Pradhan said. The Nandigram bypoll was necessitated after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who had won both Nandigram and Bhabanipur in this year's Assembly elections, chose to retain Bhabanipur and vacated the Nandigram seat. The counting is scheduled for October 9. The BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath, mother of slain Adhikari aide Chandranath Rath, as its Nandigram candidate. Chandranath Rath was killed in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas, on May 6. Earlier on Monday, the ECI ordered the immediate replacement of the inspector-in-charge (IC) of Nandigram Police Station in East Midnapore district. Ajay Kumar Mishra, who was serving as the IC of Nandigram Police Station, has been replaced by Debasish Sarkar, who was the IC of the traffic control room in East Midnapore district. In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, the Commission directed that the transfer be implemented immediately and a compliance report be submitted to it by Monday evening. The ECI did not disclose the reason for the sudden change. The timing of Mishra's removal, just a day before polling, has also drawn attention.
Bengal bypolls: Voting peacefully underway in Nandigram, Rejinagar
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) Voting was underway in two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal -- Nandigram in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar in Murshidabad district -- under an unprecedented security cover. The polling process has been peaceful till the time the report was filed. The polling process started at 7 a.m. and will continue till 6 p.m. From the very first hour, enthusiasm was witnessed among voters in both seats, with long queues at the various polling booths in both constituencies. The results for the by-elections will be declared on October 9. With Sanchita Pradhan Dey, the candidate from the former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Mamata All India Trinamool Congress at Nandigram, withdrawing her nomination at the last moment, political observers feel it will be a cakewalk victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Hasi Rani Rath. Dey is the mother of Late Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who was assassinated on the road in Madhyamgram on May 6. A sympathy wave is likely to work in her favour. Nandigram is all set to witness a four-cornered contest among the BJP, Congress, Ritabrata Banerjee-led Democratic Trinamool Congress and the CPI. CM Adhikari, who is a voter in Nandigram, is expected to reach the concerned polling booth to exercise his mandate at around 10 a.m. The total number of candidates in Nandigram is 16. The number of voters in the by-election is 2,66,419 -- male voters 1,38,955; female voters 1,27,463; and one is a third gender voter. Of the 323 booths, the police have identified 85 as sensitive. A tough contest is expected in Rejinagar where over 65 per cent of the voters are from the minority community. Rejinagar is all set to witness a six-cornered contest this time involving the BJP, Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), Congress, Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, Democratic Trinamool Congress, CPI(M) and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP). The total number of candidates in Rejinagar is 14. The total number of voters there is 2,56,546. There are 1,33,925 male voters, 1,22,616 female voters and five are third gender voters. A total of 71 companies will be deployed for the bypolls to the two Assembly constituencies -- 37 in Nandigram and the remaining 34 in Rejinagar. According to police sources, a total of about eight kilograms of explosives were found in their special operations in different areas of Rejinagar on Monday. A search is underway to find out who was involved in the incident. Apart from this, the police have filed 78 cases under non-bailable sections since the announcement of the elections. They have arrested 99 people as a precautionary measure. In the Assembly polls earlier this year, Suvendu Adhikari was elected simultaneously from Nandigram and Bhabanipur in South Kolkata. However, he decided to retain Bhabanipur, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, the AJUP candidate Humayun Kabir won both the Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly seats in Murshidabad district. Later, he chose to retain Naoda, thus necessitating a bypoll for Rejinagar.
15 MPs representing India's political, geographic diversity at UN General Assembly
Digital Desk | United Nations, Oct 6 (IANS) Fifteen members of Parliament, representing the political and geographic diversity of India have joined the India's delegation to General Assembly, showcasing the nation's democracy. They paid homage on Monday to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue on the UN campus before heading out to their General Assembly assignments. India's Permanent Representative P Harish, the senior diplomat who heads India's UN Mission, briefed the MPs on India's engagement with the UN. The MPs met with Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja, who is also the regional director for Asia and the Pacific, and discussed the work of the UN Development Programme in India. During the meeting, they explored how parliamentarians can advance the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The MPs plunged immediately into their assignments representing India. Two of the BJP MPs, Banshilal Gurjar from Madhya Pradesh and C P Joshi from Rajasthan, spoke in Hindi with simultaneous translation. Gurjar addressed the Assembly's Fifth Committee that deals with budgetary and administrative matters on the scale of assessments for the apportionment of UN expenses. C P Joshi, who heads the Parliament Committee on Petitions, addressed the Second Committee that deals with economic and financial matters. Gumma Thanuja Rani, a YSR Congress MP from Andhra Pradesh, spoke in English on the organisation of work at the Fifth Committee. Traditionally, MPs reinforce India's presence at the General Assembly during the months after its new session begins in September. There are six MPs from the BJP, and besides Joshi and Gurjar, they are Mahima Kumari Mewar from Rajasthan; Biplab Kumar Deb, BJP national general secretary from Tripura; Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri from Karnataka; and Sikander Kumar from Himachal Pradesh. The two Congress Party MPs in the delegation are Rahul Kaswan from Rajasthan and Anil Kumar Yadav from Telangana. The others, besides them, are LK Sudhish of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam from Tamil Nadu; Asit Mal of the Trinamool Congress from West Bengal; Smajwadi Party's Priya Saroj from Uttar Pradesh; Lovely Anand of the Janata Dal (United) from Bihar; Sanjay Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal also from Bihar, and Rajabhau Waje of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) from Maharashtra.
Voting begins in six by-elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry
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Bypolls Election: Voting Begins In 6 Seats Across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Puducherry
Voting began at 7 am on Tuesday in six constituencies across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry, with voters deciding the next representatives in seats left vacant after the April elections. Polling is being held in Nandigram and Rejinagar in
Voting begins in Bengal bypolls to Nandigram, Rejinagar seats
Kolkata: Polling began Tuesday, October 6, at 7 am for by-elections in the Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly constituencies in West Bengal amid tight security arrangements, officials said. Altogether 71 companies of central forces have been deployed for the bypolls, they said. Polling will continue till 6 pm. The contests will give the BJP an early 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 .
Bypolls 2026: Four regions, six seats and a fresh test for Indias political map
Voting began in six constituencies across West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry on Tuesday morning. The results of the elections will be announced on October 9, carrying political significance for various parties. In West Bengal, the focus includes the symbolic Nandigram constituency and its contest involving various candidates. Assam's Nagaon constituency is experiencing a triangular contest among prominent parties, including the BJP and Congress.
Test for BJP in Bengal, TVK in TN; bypolls in 5 assembly constituencies, 1 LS seat begins
Voting commenced at 7 am for multiple by-elections across West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry on Tuesday. In West Bengal, significant contests included Nandigram and Rejinagar with notable security. Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election also featured 19 candidates competing for votes. In Puducherry, the election for Thattanchavady Assembly witnessed a three-way contest among different political parties. Counting for these elections will occur on October 9 across all constituencies.
The Election Commission (EC) will today hold bypolls for five Assembly seats and one Lok Sabha constituency across Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Counting of votes will take place on Friday.
J&K Govt enhances retirement age of Judicial Officers from 60 to 62 years
Jammu, Oct 5:J&K Government has accorded sanction to the enhancement of the age of superannuation of Judicial Officers serving in the Union Territory from 60 years to 62 years, with effect from March 31, 2026. Sanction to enhancement of retirement age is, however, subject to certain stipulated conditions. Enhancement would take effect also in respect of those Judicial Officers, who retired on or after March 31, 2026, subject to their consent and fulfillment of the applicable conditions. As per conditions specified, the continuation in service beyond the age of 60 years will be subject to assessment by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of the fitness, eligibility, suitability, performance and continued utility of the Judicial Officer concerned, in accordance with the recommendation of the Full Court dated August 10, 2026. Besides, necessary amendments in the relevant rules will be undertaken in consultation with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Commissioner Secretary, J&K Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Achal Sethi specified in an order, issued on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor. The order issued today, October 5, 2026, following approval by the Lieutenant Governor, is in consonance with the Supreme Court directive. Earlier, J&K Council of Ministers, led by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had approved the proposal, in light of SC direction, in its meeting on September 22, 2026. The Supreme Court, while considering W P (C) No 1022/1989, titled All India Judges Association & Ors. and connected matters, vide orders dated July 22, 2026 and August 5, 2026, had directed the State governments and Union Territories to take a decision regarding enhancement of the age of superannuation of Judicial Officers from 60 to 61/62 years, in consultation with the respective High Courts. The Supreme Court, vide order dated July 22, 2026, had further directed that, wherever such enhancement was agreed to, the same would take effect from March 31, 2026, including in respect of Judicial Officers who retired on or after the said date (March 31, 2026), subject to their consent and fulfillment of the applicable conditions. Thereafter, vide order dated September 1, 2026, the Supreme Court directed seven consenting States, namely Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, to amend their judicial service rules to provide for superannuation at 62 years, subject to assessment of suitability at the age of 60 years by the jurisdictional High Court. The apex court separately directed the remaining States and Union Territories, including the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, to take an appropriate decision and submit a compliance report. In pursuance of those directions, the matter was considered in consultation with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Registrar General, vide communications dated July 30, 2026 and August 12, 2026, conveyed that the Full Court, in its deliberations held on August 10, 2026, resolved to recommend enhancement of the retirement age of Judicial Officers in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to 62 years, subject to such officers being found fit and eligible for their continued utility beyond the age of 60 years, Achal Sethi mentioned. Thereafter, the matter was taken up with the Finance Department, which vide U O No 7786054 FD-Code/916/2026-02-978 dated September 9, 2026, conveyed its concurrence to the proposal, subject to assessment of fitness, eligibility and continued utility beyond the age of 60 years, carrying out of necessary amendments to the relevant service rules, and approval of the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers, vide decision number 146/12/2026 dated September 22, 2026, accorded approval to the proposal. Now, therefore, in pursuance of the aforesaid directions of the Supreme Court, the competent authority has been pleased to accord sanction to the enhancement of the age of superannuation of Judicial Officers serving in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from 60 years to 62 years, with effect from March 31, 2026, subject to stipulated conditions, the order read.
150 Bangladeshi nationals deported from J&K
Srinagar, Oct 5:Jammu and Kashmir authorities on Monday deported 150 Bangladeshi nationals found staying illegally in the Union Territory, moving them from Srinagar to Bagdogra in West Bengal on a special Indian Air Force aircraft, officials said. The deported nationals were handed over to Border Security Force personnel at Bagdogra for onward processing and movement towards the India-Bangladesh border under established procedures. Officials said the action is part of an ongoing exercise to identify and remove foreign nationals who have no lawful basis to remain in Jammu and Kashmir. A second batch of 150 Bangladeshi nationals is scheduled to be deported on October 7. According to district-wise figures available with the authorities, 624 Bangladeshi nationals have been identified in the areas covered by the Kashmir division, including 506 in the districts and 118 in other identified categories/locations in the latest compilation. Among the district-wise figures, Srinagar has reported 115 persons, Budgam 218, Pulwama 221, Kulgam 19, Shopian 25 and Police District Awantipora 26. The figures for Anantnag, after adjustment, stand at zero. Authorities have so far deported 150 persons, while the remaining identified individuals are expected to be removed in successive batches after completion of the required legal and administrative procedures. The use of an IAF transport aircraft reflects a coordinated exercise involving the Union Territory administration, security agencies and the Centre. Bagdogra has been used as a transit and handover point, where the deportees are taken into BSF custody for onward action. The latest deportation comes against a wider verification and identification exercise targeting undocumented foreign nationals in Jammu and Kashmir. Figures presented before a high-level committee during its visit to Jammu on August 10 had put the number of Bangladeshi nationals identified across the Union Territory at 504, besides 7,656 Rohingyas. Of the Bangladeshi nationals identified at that stage, 458 were reported from Kashmir and 46 from Jammu. The latest district-wise compilation indicates that the number identified in the Kashmir division has since increased, suggesting that the verification exercise has continued beyond the earlier assessment. District SSPs, and in Jammu and Srinagar the SSP CID, have been functioning as Foreigners Registration Officers for initiating action against identified foreign nationals under the Ministry of Home Affairs Deportation Manual, 2025. Officials have maintained that there is no official record of the government having settled these foreign nationals and have said that many entered or settled through private networks and unauthorised means. Authorities have also taken action against temporary shelters and makeshift structures associated with alleged unauthorised settlements, particularly in Jammu, after issuing notices to private landowners. The October 5 and October 7 deportations together would account for 300 persons. Officials, however, have not clarified whether all those being deported in the two batches are drawn from the earlier figure of 504 or whether subsequent verification has added to the list. Mondays deportation is among the most significant visible steps in the ongoing exercise. Authorities are expected to continue the process in phases, with further deportations subject to identification, verification and completion of statutory procedures.
Manipur emerge team champions at 38th National Yogasana Championship win 52 medals
Manipur emerged as the team champions with 52 medals 22 Gold, 16 Silver and 14 Bronze at the 38th National Yogasana Championship 2026 held from October 2 to 4 at Khuman Lampak Main Indoor Stadium, Imphal West Bengal finished as 1st Runner up and Vidarbha Maharashtra as 2nd Runner up With their performances, the Manipur medallists have qualified for the 12th World Yogasana Championship 2027 to be held in Thailand The Manipur contingent was led by Team Manager Dr Labuktongbam Sibananda Sharma, Coach Male RK Koireng Singh and Coach Female Kshetrimayum Mamtaz Devi br br table align center cellpadding 5 width 610 tbody tr td table class capbox width 100 tbody tr td img width 600 src https www e paolive net galleries images News Related 2026 10 Yogasana 20261006 jpg border 1 alt Manipur emerge team champions at 38th National Yogasana Championship win 52 medals td tr tr td align center Manipur emerge team champions at 38th National Yogasana Championship win 52 medals td tr tbody table td tr tbody table br br The athletes and their respective events in which they won medals are as follows br br YOGA SPORTS TRADITIONAL br br In the Traditional category, the gold medallists from Manipur are Saikhom Lingjel Thoibi in Novices 6 10 Yrs Girls, Nongthombam Deeru Singh in Junior 14 18 Yrs Boys, Saikhom Sonia Devi in Youth 18 23 Yrs Women, Yambem Johnson in Senior B 30 40 Yrs Men, Sanasam Padama Devi in Senior B 30 40 Yrs Women, Laishram Joykumar Singh in Master I 40 50 Yrs Men, Soibam Mema Devi in Master I 40 50 Yrs Women, Moirangthem Opendro Singh in Master II 50 65 Yrs Men, Laishram Ibemcha Chanu in Master II 50 65 Yrs Women, Maibam Bijoy Singh in Master III 65 Yrs Men and Kshetrimayum Sobharani Devi in Master III 65 Yrs Women The Silver medallists are Mangalsana Huirongbam in Novices 6 10 Yrs Boys, Gracy Yumnam in Novices 6 10 Yrs Girls, Thaodem Raju Meitei in Junior 14 18 Yrs Boys, Moirangthem Malemnganba Singh in Youth 18 23 Yrs Men, Laishram Sanatombi Chanu in Senior A 23 30 Yrs Women, Thingbaijam Bidysagar Singh in Senior B 30 40 Yrs Men, Yamnam Babita Devi in Senior B 30 40 Yrs Women, Kongjenbam Jugin Singh in Master II 50 65 Yrs Men, Sagolsem Ganga Devi in Master II 50 65 Yrs Women, Huidrom Angou Singh in Master III 65 Yrs Men and Khwairakpam Memcha Devi in Master III 65 Yrs Women The Bronze medallists are Maimom Yainganba Meitei in Novices 6 10 Yrs Boys, Laishram Herison in Sub Junior 10 14 Yrs Boys, Thingbaijam Manjushree in Junior 14 18 Yrs Girls, Sapam Rishikumar in Youth 18 23 Yrs Men, Laishram Ashajina Devi in Youth 18 23 Yrs Women, Chingakham Happyson in Senior A 23 30 Yrs Men, Elangbam Sumee in Senior B 30 40 Yrs Women, Hidam Rita Devi in Master I 40 50 Yrs Women, Dr Gunadhor Singh Okram in Master II 50 65 Yrs Men, Thokchom Shanti Devi in Master II 50 65 Yrs Women and Aribam Seitabati Devi in Master III 65 Yrs Women B RHYTHMIC SINGLE br br In Rhythmic Single, Elangbam Sumee won gold in Senior B 30 40 Yrs Women, Soibam Usharani Devi won Gold in Master I 40 50 Yrs Women and Naorem O Sushila Devi won Gold in Master II 50 65 Yrs Women The Silver medallists are Jenifer Thongam in Youth 18 23 Yrs Women, Soibam Mema in Master I Women and Khundrakpam Shana Devi in Master II Women The Bronze medallists are Ngashepam Liklaileima in Master I Women and Moirangthem Chanu Tombi in Master II Women C RHYTHMIC PAIR br br In Rhythmic Pair, Gold was won by Thingujam Hiyainu Khuman and Thadoi Ahongshangbam in Sub Junior 10 14 Yrs Girls, Saikhom Sonia Devi and Jenifer Thongam in Youth 18 23 Yrs Women, and Soibam Mema Devi and Pukhrambam Bijaya Devi in Master I 40 50 Yrs Women D RHYTHMIC MIXED PAIR br br In Rhythmic Mixed Pair, gold was won by Sanasam Seloni Chanu and Thoudam Ananda in Sub Junior Mixed category E RHYTHMIC GROUP br br In Rhythmic Group, Gold was won by the Youth Women team of Laishram Ashajina Devi, Saikhom Sonia Devi, Jenifer Thongam and Rajkumari Roshini F ARTISTIC PAIR br br In Artistic Pair, Gold was won by Irungbam Jenika Devi and Nirota Soram in Sub Junior Girls, and Laishram Ashajina Devi and Yaikhombi Leitongbam in Youth Women Silver was won by Laishram Christina Devi and Rajkumari Rosy Devi in Sub Junior Girls, and Saikhom Sonia Devi and Jenifer Thongam in Youth Women Bronze was won by Oinam Jeshmi Devi and Rajkumari Roshini in Youth Women G ARTISTIC GROUP br br In the Artistic Group, Gold was won by Laishram Ashajina Devi, Rajkumari Roshini, Jenifer Thongam and Saikhom Sonia Devi in Youth Women Source The Sangai Express
BJP Welcomes Former TMC MP Koel Malik Amid Calls for Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal
BJP leader Ritesh Tiwari emphasizes the need for a Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal following the partys welcome of former TMC MP Koel Malik. BJP Welcomes Former TMC MP Koel Malik Amid Calls for Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal
A day after the BJPannounced candidature of former Trinamool Congress MP Rukmini Mallick alias Koel Mallick to Rajya Sabha, the actor turned politician on Monday formally joined the saffron party. Ms. Mallick filed her nomination papers for the Upper House in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in presence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari andState BJP president.
West Bengal CM Warns Mamata Banerjee Over Injury Claims from Nandigram Incident
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari cautions Mamata Banerjee against exaggerating injury claims from 2021 elections, threatening further embarrassment. West Bengal CM Warns Mamata Banerjee Over Injury Claims from Nandigram Incident
West Bengals Cabinet has approved 14,454 new hires across various departments, with 12,000 constables set to receive appointment letters soon. West Bengal Cabinet Approves 14,454 New Hires, 12,000 Constables to Receive Appointment Letters on October 11
Bengal to have 4 more airports in 2 years: Civil aviation minister
Four migrants detained in MP: Cal HC pulls up Bilaspur SP for parallel SIR-citizen exercise
150 Illegal Bangladeshi Migrants Deported from Jammu and Kashmir to West Bengal
150 illegal Bangladeshi migrants have been deported from Jammu and Kashmir to West Bengal for repatriation. 150 Illegal Bangladeshi Migrants Deported from Jammu and Kashmir to West Bengal
Rain-guard action shifts to pandals across city
Over 1k hotels shut: KMC mulls 4-month window to upgrade fire safety measures
New Alipore factory of sweet shop to resume operations soon
Will reduce red tape, govt promises bars & restaurants
40-Year-Old Held For Assault On Civic Cop & Constable
100% Waiver On Property Tax Dues In 6 Civic Bodies
Minister announces plan for textile hub in Bengal
Behala Flying Club revival hope after ministers push for flight training institute
Uruguay Match Ticket Price Nosedives From Rs 749 To Rs 199
Chief Minister to hand job letters to 5,000 new cops on Oct 11
Maids steal Rs 20L jewellery from Behala flat
Season of confusion returns for those on the ground
ED conducts searches in Kolkata to probe Rs 1,109 crore bank fraud
Govt doubles financial aid for unmarried girls in college from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000
Bankshall lawyers strike work over assault, egg attack
Lawyers blockade, SFI stir bring C & N Kolkata traffic to a standstill
Let Milan contest: SC adjourns bail nix plea hearing to day after bypoll
Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Criticizes Land Jihad Amid Push for Uniform Civil Code
Chhattisgarhs Deputy CM Vijay Sharma addresses land jihad concerns while advocating for the Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal. Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Criticizes Land Jihad Amid Push for Uniform Civil Code
Crawling pace in West Bengal Appellate Tribunals keep voters in limbo
Nearly 19,000 voters to miss bypolls to West Bengals Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies as their appeals are stuck at tribunals
Rejinagar bypoll: Babri rhetoric fades, development takes centre stage
Right-wing outfits attacking institutions in Bengal: Neha Bora
Kolkata: AISA national president Neha Bora on Monday, October 5, alleged that right-wing organisations like the RSS and BJP were carrying out attacks on campuses of premier educational institutes in West Bengal, threatening democratic and secular views. Bora was speaking at a seminar organised by the SFI at Jadavpur University (JU) here. Repeated attacks are 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 .
Bengal, count plants, not promises: The real test of its industrial comeback
In a bid to enhance industrial investment in West Bengal, finance minister Swapan Dasgupta plans to overhaul outdated land use regulations. This initiative will introduce new policies like land pooling and financial incentives tied to job creation for emerging projects. The historical challenges have stunted the region's industrial advancement, prompting the need for robust administrative reforms.
Bengal must resist SIR, defend democratic rights: Neha Bora
ED busts Rs 1,000-crore betel nut smuggling syndicate across Northeast
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 5 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday said it has unearthed a well-organised, multi-layered syndicate allegedly involved in smuggling foreign-origin areca nut into India through the India-Myanmar border and laundering the proceeds, with bank credits exceeding Rs 1,000 crore identified in accounts linked to the network. According to officials, the EDs Guwahati Zonal Office conducted searches on October 1 at 16 premises in Guwahati, Siliguri, Bagdogra, Phansidewa and Cooch Behar under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The investigation was launched based on 11 FIRs registered by the Assam Police and West Bengal Police under various sections of the IPC/BNS and the NDPS Act against persons allegedly involved in smuggling, transporting and selling Indonesian, Thai and Burmese-origin areca nut. According to the ED, the consignments were brought into Mizoram through Myanmar and then transported to West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states using forged GST invoices, e-way bills and transport documents. The agency said dried areca nut was ferried across the Tiau River at Zokhawthar in small lots, bypassing the Land Customs Station. Agents on the Myanmar side allegedly sold the consignments to front firms in India. These firms were allegedly registered in the names of local residents of Champhai who had no real stake in the business. The GST registrations and bank accounts were allegedly controlled by persons based in Silchar, Assam. From Silchar, the consignments were allegedly moved to godowns around Guwahati, where they were re-bagged and re-documented before being transported through the Siliguri corridor to consuming states. The ED said the operation involved Bikaner Assam Roadlines India Ltd and associated concerns allegedly controlled by Sushil Daga. Their bank accounts showed credits of several hundred crores from areca nut traders. The agency also alleged that protection money was collected from transporters to ensure safe passage of smuggled consignments. Searches at the premises of DNG Biotech Pvt Ltd, Jai Karni Tradings Pvt Ltd, Purvottar Agro Pvt Ltd, N R Associates and others led to the seizure of approximately Rs 95 lakh in unaccounted cash, digital devices, property and investment documents and bank records. Fixed deposits worth approximately Rs 85 lakh were also frozen. Further investigation is underway.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari to perform Campa Cola factory's bhumipujan on Oct 26
Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to perform the bhumipujan for Campa Cola's factory in Haringhata on October 26. Additionally, he will inaugurate HPL Adperma's acetone plant in Haldia on October 14. Reliance Industries owns Campa Cola and is scaling it up following recent meetings. HPL Adperma has invested Rs 6,000 crore to establish the acetone facility on India's east coast.
BJP Plans Month-Long Celebrations for Modis 25 Years in Public Life
BJP West Bengal chief Samik Bhattacharya outlines month-long events celebrating PM Modis 25 years in public service, amid protests by the India Block. BJP Plans Month-Long Celebrations for Modis 25 Years in Public Life
Mamata Banerjees 2021 leg injury row: Dont dig too deep, Suvendu Adhikari Warns
Christian forum moves rights panels over Bengal attacks
Stone crushers: NGT flags Bengal data mismatch, seeks report
Eight decades on, Khulna woman traces roots to Krishnanagar
150 illegally staying Bangladeshis deported from J-K
Jammu and Kashmir has begun the deportation process for Bangladeshi nationals allegedly staying illegally in the region, with 150 individuals already shifted to West Bengal. This action follows a survey identifying around 600 illegal immigrants and coincides with the Union Home Ministry's High-Level Committee on Demographic Change (HLCDC) investigating illegal immigration across India.
Rs 200 crore CSR racket: ED seizes Rs 21 lakh after searches at 8 locations in 4 states
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 5 (IANS) The ED seized Rs 21 lakh and digital evidence during searches at eight locations across Maharashtra, West Bengal, Gujarat and Delhi-NCR in money laundering cases linked to alleged bogus Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donations worth Rs 200 crore, an official said on Monday. The searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office-I, on October 1, 2026, have prima facie revealed a network of charitable trusts, trustees, CSR agents, middlemen and equipment suppliers involved in the diversion and recycling of CSR funds, the ED said in a statement. The searches were conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in the case of Dharmendra Kumar Chandraveer Singh and others relating to an alleged bogus CSR donation racket, the statement said. During the searches, cash amounting to Rs 21 lakh was seized. Various incriminating documents and digital devices were also found and seized during the search proceedings, it said. The ED investigation was initiated under PMLA based on an FIR registered at Juhu Police Station against Dharmendra Kumar Chandraveer Singh for offences under the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961, the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including offences corresponding to Sections 420, 467, 471 and 475 of the IPC, which are scheduled offences under the PMLA. Investigation revealed that Dharmendra Kumar Chandraveer Singh, despite not possessing any recognised medical qualification or registration with the Medical Council and having studied only up to Class XII, allegedly represented himself as a doctor and used the title Doctor for nearly three decades, the ED said. Capitalising on such representation and the credentials associated with the title of Doctor, he established and operated a network of charitable trusts and entities engaged seemingly in healthcare-focused CSR activities, through which substantial CSR funds were mobilised from PSUs and private corporates, the ED said. At least 40 PSUs and Public Sector Banks across the country have provided CSR donations to the trusts operated by the accused, the ED said. Several projects were only partially executed or not executed in proportion to the funds received, while vendor bills were inflated and excess funds routed through bogus or shell entities. Kickbacks and commissions were allegedly paid to intermediaries facilitating the CSR funding, the ED said. Investigation revealed that the trusts were projected as vehicles for funding the procurement of high-end medical machinery and equipment for hospitals and healthcare institutions, the ED said. When such institutions cited a lack of funds for procurement of the required equipment, they were connected with public representatives of the concerned area, who in turn issued recommendations for funding of such projects specifically through the trusts operated by Singh, the statement said. Enquiries have revealed that PSUs made CSR donations to these trusts primarily on the strength of such recommendations received from public representatives or their staff, it said. Investigation revealed that CSR contributions from private entities were returned substantially in cash to the contributors after deduction of a small commission, it said. Searches revealed a network of CSR agents and intermediaries who channelled CSR funds to the trusts, which were thereafter routed through shell entities controlled by market operators. Most of these entities have also been flagged in multiple GST fraud investigations, it said. The CSR mechanism was utilised as a conduit for conversion of accounted funds into unaccounted cash. CSR funds amounting to Rs 200 crore have been routed through the above mechanism, the ED said.
Bengal: Union minister assures push for direct Kolkata-Europe flights
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 5 (IANS) Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Monday said that his Ministry would shortly begin discussions with different airline companies to facilitate the introduction of direct flights connecting Kolkata with various European cities. Naidu was in Kolkata on Monday for the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the West Bengal government for the development of four new airports in the state. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari requested Naidu to initiate the process for starting direct flights connecting Kolkata with various European cities, including London. Naidu assured the Chief Minister that the Ministry would shortly begin talks with different airline companies on the matter. Speaking on the occasion, Naidu also said that the Ministry's target was to establish a total of eight new airports in West Bengal, for four of which the MoUs were signed on Monday. The Union government will fully cooperate with the state government in this matter. The work of new airport development will be carried out in coordination between the Centre and the state. Attention will be paid to runway renovation and terminal buildings. The Central Government will look after the technical aspects of the airports, Naidu said. The four new regional airports for which the MoUs were signed on Monday will be located at Chharra in Purulia district, Balurghat in South Dinajpur district, Hasimara Civil Enclave in Alipurduar district, and Kalaikunda in West Midnapore district. Hasimara and Kalaikunda are also important bases of the Indian Air Force. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the development of the four new airports would further improve air connectivity infrastructure in the state. It is learnt that, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme of the Union government, the state government will be responsible for providing the necessary land, connecting roads, power supply, water supply and basic security as per the agreement. The Union government, on the other hand, will create the core airport infrastructure. On the occasion of signing the MoUs, CM Adhikari also requested Naidu to establish a pilot training institute in West Bengal.
Gehlot demands CEC's resignation, urges PM Modi and HM Shah to intervene
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 5 (IANS) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene. Reacting to the ongoing controversy over the functioning of the Election Commission of India and the Supreme Courts observations on petitions challenging decisions taken during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Gehlot said the credibility and impartiality of the poll body have come under serious scrutiny. The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Election Commission and the Centre on petitions challenging the manner in which decisions were allegedly taken, while declining to pass an interim order suspending the CEC. The Court said it would examine the matter after receiving responses from the concerned authorities. Gehlot said that the Election Commission of India had historically earned credibility not only within the country but internationally, with other countries seeking its guidance and cooperation in conducting elections. He alleged that the Commissions functioning under Gyanesh Kumar had raised serious questions about its impartiality. Referring to allegations raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding irregularities in the electoral process, Gehlot said such concerns had been raised earlier but, according to him, were not given adequate attention. He also criticised the manner in which the Chief Election Commissioner addressed the opposition during a press conference, saying the head of the countrys electoral body should maintain respect towards all political parties. Gehlot said the Supreme Courts proceedings had further intensified questions surrounding the functioning of the Election Commission. He referred to the Courts observation that decisions of the Commission are required to be taken unanimously or by majority, and to its clarification that it had not approved any modified version of Form 6. He said that in light of the developments, the only thing left now is his resignation. Gehlot questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were not intervening in the matter. He said that the Centre should ensure Kumars resignation so that the controversy could be brought to an end and the ruling and opposition parties could focus on their respective responsibilities. Gehlot also criticised what he described as the governments silence on the issue and said that the credibility of the electoral system was too important to be allowed to remain under a cloud of controversy. Gehlot further raised concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and its implications for voters. He questioned what message India was sending to the international community at a time when concerns were being raised over the electoral system. He alleged that large numbers of names had been removed from electoral rolls and expressed particular concern over the situation in West Bengal. The SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission have become the subject of multiple legal challenges. Gehlot also referred to an earlier observation during the Supreme Court proceedings that voters who were unable to vote could vote in the next election. He said that, irrespective of the context in which such an observation was made, he considered the message concerning voters who may be excluded from the electoral rolls to be problematic. He argued that every eligible citizens right to participate in the electoral process must be protected and said that the present situation had reached a critical point.
British Airways BA295 Drops 28,000 Feet Over Ireland, Declares Emergency
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have started moving Bangladeshi nationals allegedly staying illegally in the Union Territory as part of a deportation drive. On Monday, 150 such people were shifted to West Bengal, officials said. The administration, assisted by
600 Bangladeshis Found In Kashmir, 150 Sent To West Bengal For Deportation
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have started moving Bangladeshi nationals allegedly staying illegally in the Union Territory as part of a deportation drive. On Monday, 150 such people were shifted to West Bengal, officials said. The administration, assisted by
TMC Panchayat Leader Arrested in Job Fraud Case in West Bengal
A former TMC panchayat leader was arrested for allegedly defrauding job seekers in West Bengal, following complaints to the Chief Minister. TMC Panchayat Leader Arrested in Job Fraud Case in West Bengal
School Holiday Tomorrow: On October 6, 2026, schools across India are set to remain operational barring any weather-induced interruptions. Regions such as Uttarakhand, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Odisha will likely function as usual. However, Bihar may face localized shutdowns due to thunderstorms, requiring confirmation from local authorities. Parents are encouraged to check official communications and weather forecasts for the latest updates on school operations.
EC replaces Nandigram police chief day before bypoll
The Election Commission replaced the inspector-in-charge of Nandigram police station, Ajay Kumar Mishra, with Debashis Sarkar a day before the bypoll, following complaints from opposition parties alleging Mishra's closeness to the ruling party. This move comes amidst heightened political scrutiny and concerns raised by opposition leaders regarding the fairness of the election process in Nandigram, a constituency with significant political history in West Bengal.
WBUHS Assistant Professor Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
West Bengal University of Health Sciences (WBUHS) Recruitment 2026 for 5 posts of Assistant Professor. Candidates with Post Graduate Can Apply Online. The last date to apply online is 15-10-2026. The candidate shall apply online through WBUHS official website.
Mustard Oil, Marigolds and Misht
The two traditions differ in flavour structure. West Bengal cooking broadly leans towards restrained sweetness, with sugar and jaggery used to balance the dish, while East Bengal cooking is generally more spice-forward.
West Bengal Bypolls: Nandigram, Rejinagar To Test BJP, Opposition Strength
First electoral test since BJP ended TMCs 15-year Rule To Also Gauge Opposition Battle
Kolkata High Court Orders Enhanced Security for University Students in West Bengal
The Kolkata High Court mandates West Bengal to improve security measures for university students amid rising campus incidents. Kolkata High Court Orders Enhanced Security for University Students in West Bengal
We didn't okay Form 6 changes, let's see who did it: SC
The Supreme Court stated it has not approved any modifications to Form 6, used for electoral roll inclusion, during the Special Intensive Revision. This observation came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging alleged unilateral decisions by the Chief Election Commissioner regarding changes to Form 6 and electoral roll revisions in states like Goa and West Bengal, without the concurrence of his colleagues. The court issued notice on the plea, highlighting concerns over collective decision-making within the Election Commission.
Bengal BLOs seek security cover for fresh voter enrolment drive after SIR exercise
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 5 (IANS) An association of the booth-level officers (BLOs) in West Bengal has written to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Neelam Meena seeking security cover during the upcoming door-to-door exercise to enroll new voters and re-enroll eligible voters whose names were deleted in the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in the state before the assembly elections held earlier this year. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s instructions, the BLOs will have to go door to door to re-enroll the names of the eligible voters who have been excluded and start the process of registering the names of new eligible voters. After this instruction, a section of BLOs in West Bengal have expressed apprehension of being targeted or attacked by the voters deleted during the SIR process. These BLOs have also identified eight sensitive districts where the apprehension of attacks is maximum. The eight districts identified by the BLO association as most sensitive are North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Malda, Murshidabad, Uttar Dinajpur and Kolkata. While only certain pockets of Kolkata and Hooghly have been flagged as vulnerable, the remaining six districts have been categorised as fully sensitive. In the letter, the association pointed out that although the BLOs had no role to play in the omission of names during the SIR exercise, they are the most vulnerable targets from a section of deleted voters. We are apprehending security threats door-to-door. Hence, we have written to the Chief Electoral Officer demanding security cover for the BLOs during the exercise. We have demanded that security personnel or necessary forces be provided with each BLO, said association secretary, Swapan Mondal. The concerns have been heightened by memories of an incident in April this year when judicial officers involved in the SIR adjudication process were allegedly attacked and held hostage for several hours at Mothabari in Malda district. If the judicial officers can be harassed in such a manner, what will be the guarantee that our security will also not be compromised during the fresh enrolment process? questioned a BLO, who refused to be named.
Hours after joining BJP, actor Koel Mallick files RS nomination
Kolkata: Bengali film actor Rukmini Mallick, popularly known as Koel Mallick, on Monday, October 5, submitted her nomination as the BJP candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and the partys state president, Samik Bhattacharya. She joined the BJP at its state headquarters here hours 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 .
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Approximately three-quarters of this capacity is used for potatoes, while more than half is concentrated in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal
'Form 6 modification not approved by us', say SC; seeks EC's response
New Delhi, Oct 5: The Supreme Court on Monday said that it has not approved any modifications to Form 6 being used by the Election Commission (EC) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in various states. Form 6 is an application through which an eligible person seeks inclusion in the electoral roll. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said, Any modification to Form 6 has not been approved by us. Let's be clear. When records are produced, we would like to see who has modified it. The bench was hearing a PIL filed in wake of a recent Indian Express report, which claimed that two of the three Election Commissioners had objected to decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, including changes to Form 6 relating to the applicant's ancestry and a link to previous SIR. The bench told senior advocate Maneka Guruswamy, appearing for petitioner Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who has challenged the decisions, guidelines and software changes allegedly made by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar without the concurrence of his two colleagues, that the prayers in his PIL appear to be jumbled up. During the hearing on Tripathi's PIL, Guruswamy said there were no infirmities in the petitioner's PIL and raised concerns over changes made to Form 6, which is used by eligible citizens to apply for inclusion of their names in electoral rolls. The EC issued a press release on September 26 suggesting that the Supreme Court had upheld the Form 6 declaration in the May 2026 judgment relating to Bihar SIR. The bench issued notice on Tripathi's plea and tagged the matter with another PIL filed by Patna resident Rakesh Kumar Singh on the issue. Tripathi's plea, filed through advocate Chand Qureshi, has alleged that the CEC's actions violate the statutory requirement of collective decision-making. The plea also seeks initiation of criminal proceedings against the CEC and other officials for breach of official duty. Divested of any statutory or constitutional immunity, the Chief Election Commissioner remains directly accountable under the law -- subject to police investigation, evidence gathering, and regular trial proceedings as an ordinary accused, the plea states. Tripathi cited the provisions of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, particularly Section 18, which provides for decision-making by the EC and says that where there is a difference of opinion, the view of the majority prevails. One of the main issues the plea raises is the alteration of Form 6, which the people use to register as voters. It alleges that the requirement relating to ancestral details and link with the previous SIR was introduced through the election panel's software without the statutory amendment required under the electoral rules. According to the petition, the two election commissioners other than Kumar objected to the change and asserted that the prescribed form could not be altered without following the statutory procedure. Issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order, or direction declaring all decisions, guidelines, directives, and software modifications initiated, approved, or implemented under CEC Gyanesh Kumar without full commission concurrence or contrary to the majority opinion of the Election Commissioners as unconstitutional, ultra vires, and void ab initio, the plea says. Concerns over the handling of electoral roll revisions in Goa and West Bengal were also mentioned in the plea, which alleged that the software lacked the feature to restore 97 eligible electors in Goa despite directions for their verification. In West Bengal, the petitioner claimed that more than 16.10 lakh appeals were filed in the EC's name against voters whose names were restored by judicial officers. The other two election commissioners and the West Bengal chief electoral officer were not aware of these appeals, nor did they authorise them, the plea claims.
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BJP announces 8 names for RS election, drops Hardeep Puri
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Panic Erupts in West Bengal Coal Mine After Sudden Influx of Water, Two Injured
A sudden water influx in a West Bengal coal mine caused panic among workers, injuring two. Local residents also reported tremors and loud noises. Panic Erupts in West Bengal Coal Mine After Sudden Influx of Water, Two Injured
