Suvendu Adhikari backs Hasirani Rath for record Nandigram bypoll win, puts minority voters to test
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari predicted a record victory for BJP candidate Hasirani Rath in Nandigram. He urged minority voters to support the BJP government in upcoming by-elections. Adhikari assured the people of Nandigram that all promises made would be fulfilled. The Chief Minister also pledged to withdraw false cases against BJP workers. He stated the government would work for the welfare and progress of West Bengal.
Calcutta HC grants interim protection from arrest to TMC MP Kirti Azad in extortion case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday granted interim protection from coercive police action, including arrest, to Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kirti Azad in an extortion case registered against the cricketer-turned-politician. While granting the relief, a single-judge bench of Justice Kaushik Chanda directed Azad to fully cooperate with the investigation being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police. The court also said that, if necessary, the CID could summon Azad for interrogation by serving him a notice at least seven days in advance. The CID counsel told the court that Azad had been summoned for questioning at the agency's headquarters at Bhabani Bhaban in South Kolkata on September 22. According to the allegations, a businessman was called to Azad's bungalow in Durgapur on May 21 last year. An associate of Azad allegedly demanded Rs 15 lakh from the businessman. The businessman alleged that he was threatened with closure of his cooking gas business if he failed to pay the amount. He also claimed that the incident was recorded on audio. An FIR was subsequently registered against Azad and some of his associates. Azad has denied the allegations and described them as part of a conspiracy to malign him. The TMC MP from Bardhaman Durgapur Lok Sabha constituency claimed that he was not present in Durgapur on the day of the alleged incident. To support his claim, he submitted his flight details before the court. During the hearing of his anticipatory bail plea, Azad's counsel questioned the delay in registering the FIR, pointing out that it was lodged around 15 months after the alleged incident. The counsel also argued that there was no evidence to establish that Azad had received the alleged extortion amount. He submitted that Azad was willing to cooperate with the investigation and that his custody was not required for questioning. Azad has also approached the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR. The court's interim protection will continue subject to Azad's cooperation with the CID investigation. The agency's planned questioning on September 22 is part of the ongoing probe into the extortion allegations already in the case. Azad is among eight Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha members who continue to remain aligned with the party's former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
Bengal govt withdraws Akshaya Patra Foundation's approval to serve Mid-Day Meals in 4 districts
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government, has withdrawn approval given to Akshaya Patra Foundation, an arm of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), to serve Mid-Day Meals at state-run schools in four districts. The four districts where the approvals have been withdrawn by the West Bengal government are North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Purulia and East Midnapore, the last being the native district of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. An insider from the state secretariat Nabanna said that following the withdrawal of this approval, the old system of cooking and serving the Mid-Day Meals within the school campuses will be followed again. However, Annamrita Foundation, another arm of ISKCON, will continue to prepare and serve Mid-Day Meals at state-run schools within the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). After the BJP came to power in West Bengal, ISKCON was given the responsibility of providing Mid-Day Meals to school students. Initially, this organisation started providing Mid-Day Meals to schools within the KMC's jurisdiction. The state government then announced that if the project proves to be successful in Kolkata, it would be extended to other districts of West Bengal. After that, the responsibility of providing Mid-Day Meals to schools in the four districts of Howrah, Purulia, North 24 Parganas and East Medinipur was given to ISKCONs Akshay Patra Foundation. However, before it was even started, the state government decided to withdraw the approval and no clarification has been given by the Adhikari government on the sudden decision to withdraw the approval. Initially, the decision of the state government to approve ISKCON-served food for Mid-Day Meals at government schools in West Bengal received massive criticism from the Opposition parties as well as from civil society, who argued that ISKCON-provided vegetarian meals would deprive the students of non-vegetarian protein-rich diets like eggs. However, the criticisms stopped after the Chief Minister announced that eggs would also be served with the Mid-Day Meals separately, in addition to the ISKCON-provided vegetarian meals. Accordingly, the budgetary allocation for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme was also increased.
Suvendu Adhikari Names Mother Of His Ex-Aide For Nandigram Bypoll
The BJP on Tuesday named Hasirani Rath, the mother of former aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari who died in May, as its candidate for Nandigrambypoll.
West Bengal Clears DRDO Junput Missile Project After Two-Year Delay
West Bengal has cleared a long-pending defence proposal that could significantly expand Indias missile-testing infrastructure, bringing the DRDO Junput Missile project in Purba Medinipur back into focus after more than two years of administrative delay. The proposed facility, to be established along the states Bay of Bengal coast, is expected to provide an additional testing [] The post West Bengal Clears DRDO Junput Missile Project After Two-Year Delay appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Mother of Suvendu Adhikari's slain aide to be BJP's candidate for Nandigram bypoll
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The BJP on Tuesday announced the names of the party's candidates for the forthcoming bye-elections for Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. From Nandigram, the party had fielded Hasirani Rath, the mother late Chandranath Rath, the slain personal assistant of West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, who was shot dead at Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district of the state on the evening of May 6 this year. The murder took place two days after the results of West Bengal Assembly polls were announced, marking a landslide victory for the BJP. The BJP candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls is Sakharav Sarkar. Party insiders said Hasirani Rath will offer puja at the Janakinath temple of Nandigram Assembly constituency before filing her nomination. Workers and supporters have already started assembling to join the event of Hasirani Rath filing her nomination. It is learnt that after offering puja, she will lead a procession with around 20,000 workers and supporters to file her nomination. The procession will reach the District Magistrate's office at Haldia and, thereafter, she will file her nomination. The Chief Minister will also be present during the filing of the nomination. The last date for filing the nominations for the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls is September 16. The polls will be conducted on October 6 and the results will be declared on October 9. In the recently-concluded Assembly elections earlier this year, Suvendu Adhikari was elected from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly constituencies in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari defeated his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of over 15,000 votes. Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator, Humayun Kabir, contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Humayun Kabir won and retained Naoda and for Rejinagar he has fielded his son Gholam Nabi Azad as the candidate for the bypoll. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, had been a virtual fortress for the BJP. Therefore, political observers are not in any doubts about the results of the bye-elections there. However, where Rejinagar is considered, political observers admit that because of the demography, this particular Assembly constituency will be quite tough for the saffron camp. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, which is now divided into three factions, also does not seem to be having much prospects from Rejinagar this time. Rather, the CPI(M) and Congress can view the opportunity for increasing their tally in the West Bengal Assembly constituency by one seat. The Rejinagar bypolls might also give some indication about where the minority votes in the state might shift to in the coming days, said a city-based political observer.
West Bengasl bus fare hike gets ministerial backing, revision likely after Durga Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) Demand for a fare hike by passenger bus owners' associations in West Bengal received support from state Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday, a day after the Transport Department indicated that it would initiate the process for revising fares after Durga Puja. Speaking to media persons during his morning walk at Eco Park in New Town, Ghosh said fare revision was necessary to generate revenue and improve passenger services. There has been a trend of weakening government institutions in West Bengal. This cannot continue in any civilised country. We will not increase people's income, we will not increase rents. We cannot keep people poor and think we are doing them a favour. People's income must also be increased so that they can also be given good benefits, he said. Ghosh said passengers were willing to pay higher fares for better services, pointing to the demand for AC buses and trains. Good buses have been released. People can travel by paying the fare. AC bus bookings and seat bookings are done earlier. AC train bookings are done earlier as well because people are willing to spend extra money for better service. They have to be given facilities. The fares have to be increased with the facilities. If the fares are not revised, then where will the revenue come from? he said. The minister's remarks came a day after the Transport Department took the initiative to increase fares of private buses and minibuses after Durga Puja. State Transport Minister Arjun Singh gave the assurance after hearing the demands of private bus owners at a meeting on Monday. Their long-standing financial problems, toll charges, alleged police harassment, vehicle requisition and several demands concerning old commercial vehicles were also discussed. Bus owners have argued that a fare revision is necessary to keep passenger services financially viable amid rising operating costs. The last fare hike for buses and minibuses in West Bengal took place in 2018, when the current Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, was the Transport Minister. Since then, fares have remained unchanged despite increases in fuel prices and other operating expenses. Bus owners have, therefore, sought a revision to ensure that services can continue without further financial strain. They said that the Transport Minister assured them that steps would be taken after the Puja. Tapan Banerjee, General Secretary of the Joint Council of Bus Syndicates, said the association had placed several demands before the minister. We have conveyed several demands to the minister regarding the increase in bus fares. We are confident in the way he has listened to our demands. He has assured us that he will take action regarding the fare hike after the Puja. We have full faith in the minister, Banerjee said.
West Bengal Government to Crack Down on Tollabazi and Syndicate Culture, Says Minister Dilip Ghosh
West Bengal prepares to combat tollabazi and syndicate culture, with Minister Dilip Ghosh emphasizing the need for law enforcement reforms. West Bengal Government to Crack Down on Tollabazi and Syndicate Culture, Says Minister Dilip Ghosh
West Bengal: BJP fields slain Suvendu Adhikari aide's mother for Nandigram bypoll
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (September 15) announced its candidates for the bypolls to two Assembly seats in West Bengal. The party has fielded Hasirani Rath from Nandigram, the mother of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's aide, Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead just two days after the West Bengal Assembly Election results.
Japan minister visits Kolkata; discusses investment, defence ties with Bengal govt
Digital Desk | Tokyo/New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Japans State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Kunimitsu Ayano visited Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal from September 10 to 13, holding discussions with senior state government officials on strengthening Japan-India ties, promoting Japanese investment in the state and expanding people-to-people exchanges, according to a press release issued on Tuesday by Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her visit, Kunimitsu congratulated the West Bengal government on the formation of the new government in May this year. The two sides exchanged views on the various potential of Japan-India relations and agreed to work together to further strengthen bilateral ties ahead of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. The Japanese minister also highlighted the situation of Japanese companies operating in West Bengal and sought the state governments cooperation in further promoting investment by Japanese companies in the state. State Minister KUNIMITSU explained the current situation of Japanese companies in West Bengal and requested the Minister to cooperate for further promoting the investment by Japanese companies, the Japanese foreign ministry said in its statement. Both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation to promote people-to-people exchanges, including in the areas of business and tourism, according to the release. As part of her four-day visit, Kunimitsu visited Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a shipyard under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. She held discussions with the companys executive management on ways to further advance defence cooperation between Japan and India. The visit to GRSE assumes significance amid efforts by India and Japan to expand cooperation in the defence and maritime sectors. The Japanese side said the discussions focused on further promoting defence cooperation between the two countries. Kunimitsu also visited Netaji Bhawan, the museum dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Indian independence leader who had longstanding ties with Japan. During the visit, a relative of Netaji explained the Indian independence movement and Boses association with Japan. The Japanese foreign ministry said the State Minister also visited various other sites in West Bengal during her stay. The visit comes as India and Japan prepare to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, providing an opportunity for both sides to explore greater cooperation across economic, defence, tourism and cultural sectors. The discussions in Kolkata also underline Japans interest in strengthening its economic engagement with West Bengal, particularly by encouraging greater participation and investment by Japanese companies and expanding exchanges between people and businesses of the two sides.
Crime culture must be stopped at all costs in Bengal: Dilip Ghosh
Digital Desk | Newtown, Sep 15 (IANS) West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday said that antisocial elements had enjoyed complete dominance in Bengal for a long time and asserted that the government would enact whatever laws were required to eradicate such activities. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said, In Bengal, antisocial elements had complete dominance for a long time. All these people, in collusion with political forces, have severely troubled the general public here. Terms like 'Tolabaji', 'Syndicate' and 'Cut-money' are heard exclusively in Bengal. Because of this, industries and businesses here have suffered, and the public is distressed. To completely eradicate this, the government will enact whatever laws are required. The administration needs to tighten law and order, and that process has begun. Even police personnel will not be spared; they are also being held accountable. This crime culture must be stopped at all costs, and the government is making all necessary preparations for it. On the New Education Policy, Ghosh said that there had been a debate since Independence over the direction Indian education should take and how people could be educated in a truly Indian context. Many discussions took place, but no one implemented it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought the New Education Policy into effect after extensive discussions, seminars and gathering opinions from people before presenting it. It is now being implemented step-by-step across states. Once fully implemented, society will reap its benefits, though it will take some time, he said. On the internal differences within the Trinamool Congress, Ghosh said his party did not want to interfere in the affairs of the ruling party. Whether old, new, good or bad, we don't want to get into the internal matters of the Trinamool Congress. They should take their issues to the Election Commission and resolve them. The Commission is looking into it, he said. Meanwhile, the rebel Trinamool Congress faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday named candidates for the bypolls to two Assembly seats in West Bengal, taking its electoral battle with the Mamata Banerjee-led camp to the next level, while asserting that it will contest under the official party name and symbol. The EC is yet to decide on the claims of rival groups.
BJP President Nitin Naveen Begins Two-Day Visit to West Bengal
BJP President Nitin Naveen is set for a two-day visit to Kolkata to discuss organizational changes and upcoming municipal elections. BJP President Nitin Naveen Begins Two-Day Visit to West Bengal
Delhi-NCR likely to receive light rain; IMD issues thunderstorm alert in 20 states
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Residents of Delhi-NCR may experience light rainfall on Tuesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast generally cloudy conditions, with isolated spells of very light to light rain likely from the forenoon to the afternoon. IMD also issued thunderstorm and rain alerts in 20 states. The maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to remain between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius. According to the weather department, Delhi-NCR and several other parts of the country are likely to witness fluctuating weather conditions this week, with rain expected on some days, while relatively dry conditions may prevail on others. Although monsoon activity has weakened compared with previous weeks, the IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and rainfall in 20 states. Gusty winds could reach speeds of up to 60 kmph in some areas, prompting authorities to advise residents to exercise caution during periods of adverse weather. The weather warning covers a wide geographical area, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra, among other regions. The IMD on Monday said the southwest monsoon is likely to begin withdrawing from the country around September 19, with the retreat expected to commence from west Rajasthan. The normal withdrawal date for the region is September 17, while last year the process began on September 14. The department said the country's cumulative rainfall deficit currently stands at 15 per cent. Several districts, particularly in western, southern and northeastern regions, continue to record deficient rainfall. Despite the expected retreat of the monsoon, several parts of the country are likely to receive additional rainfall during the week. The west and northwest regions, along with parts of the southern peninsula, are expected to witness increased rainfall activity.
Mithun Chakraborty Supports Closure of Unrecognized Madrasas in West Bengal
Mithun Chakraborty backs action against unrecognized madrasas in West Bengal, emphasizing the need for funding scrutiny for national security. Mithun Chakraborty Supports Closure of Unrecognized Madrasas in West Bengal
Police Sub-Inspector Found Dead in Barrack in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal
A police sub-inspector was found dead under mysterious circumstances in North 24 Parganas, raising questions about his sudden demise. Police Sub-Inspector Found Dead in Barrack in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal
Cong turns down TMC feelers for quid pro quo bypoll pact
After roads, states renaming panel sets sights on metro stations; Netaji Bhavan on list
BJP arranged for rebel TMC MPs to join NCPI, claims Cooch Behar MP
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari offers prayers at Maharashtra Mandal in Kolkata on Ganesh Chaturthi
The News Mill
Screening plan for civic volunteers
Jadavpur University outsider PIL hearing likely tomorrow
Recruitment, infrastructure boost can bring students back to state universities, say professors
From 350 to 800: Ganesh Puja goes big in Kolkata, themes turn diverse
5K more Pujas this yr, power demand to spike
Puja closure for Camac St-Allen Park stretch
From ministers to MLAs, BJP seniors in demand at Ganpati pandals
Cops take guard against manja accidents on Maa
KMC engineers continue strike, impact fear on civic services
Kol 2nd last in clean air survey, Haldia makes it to Indias top 5
Mamata Banerjees Political Future Hangs in the Balance Ahead of Bengal By-elections
Mamata Banerjee opts out of upcoming by-elections, raising questions about her political future amid a shifting landscape in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjees Political Future Hangs in the Balance Ahead of Bengal By-elections
Pollution, food habits fuel rise in childhood eczema
Deadline looms, industry asks restos to check papers
Rebel TMC MP's claim of 17 NCPI MPs joining BJP sparks furore
A Trinamool MP's claim about MPs joining the BJP has caused significant controversy in West Bengal. The BJP has distanced itself from these assertions, citing past violence against its workers. Meanwhile, two factions of the Trinamool Congress are engaged in a dispute over by-election candidates. Both parties await the Election Commission's decision regarding their candidates and party symbol.
90% of houses visited during first phase of Census
Eye on security, cops speak to Salt Lake, New Town hotels
Kidderpore Road to get LED lights, median dividers
SSKM Hospital staffer arrested for extortion, assault
Transport min meets bus operators over fare revision
Kolkata's Lenin, Marx, Ho Chi Minh roads on renaming list
A committee formed by West Bengal's BJP government is considering proposals to rename several prominent roads, bridges, and public places in Kolkata, including those named after communist leaders Vladimir Lenin, Karl Marx, and Ho Chi Minh. This move has sparked sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M), who view it as vendetta politics and an attempt to disrespect differing ideologies.
Cal HC orders NKDA to raze illegal buildings in New Town complex
8 sentenced in jewellery heist, bank robbery cases
Attacks on church services worry community, clergy
CID arrests 3 more in Salboni land scam case
Health dept probes fake doc scam
Primary edu council starts probe after Sankrail schoolgirls file undressed & searched plaint
JU announces distinguished alumni awards
West Bengal's New Quantum Tech Push
West Bengal has launched an Emerging Quantum and Semiconductor Technologies (EQST) section at CSIR-CGCRI to attract investments and position the state as a hub for next-generation technology. Minister Kalyan Chakraborti highlighted India's need to invest in these crucial sectors and outlined the state's plans to collaborate with institutions and leverage budget initiatives to foster research and start-ups.
West Bengals Ayushman Bharat Scheme Marks Successful First Month, Over 50,000 Patients Treated
West Bengals Ayushman Bharat scheme has treated over 50,000 patients in its first month, offering vital health services to needy families. West Bengals Ayushman Bharat Scheme Marks Successful First Month, Over 50,000 Patients Treated
BJP is bringing UCC to target Muslims, says Asaduddin Owaisi
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Sep 14 (IANS) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi said on Monday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is bringing Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the states where it is in power to target the 18 crore Muslims across the country. Reacting to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that all 21 NDA-ruled states will implement UCC before 2029 Lok Sabha elections, Owaisi said that BJP is not bringing the UCC for equality but only to target Muslims. The BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are doing this against Articles 25 which guarantees freedom of religion, Article 14 which guarantees the right to equality, and Articles 26 and 29 of the Constitution, the Hyderabad MP told media persons. So, the first thing we need to understand is that the BJP is not doing this for equality. It is only to target Muslims. The second thing you need to understand is that the soul of this country is pluralism. The third point is that Home Minister Amit Shah, the BJP and the RSS are trying to impose Hindu laws on non-Hindus. The fourth point is that the Law Commission, which was constituted by the Narendra Modi government, said in its report that a UCC is neither necessary nor desirable for India, Owaisi said. Fifthly, we want to ask: Why do you have the 'Disturbed Area Act' in your states, under which a Hindu cannot sell his property to a Muslim. And why do you have laws regarding Love Jihad? The AIMIM Chief challenged Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP, and the RSS to go ahead and implement the UCC there. If Amit Shah talks about 'understanding the chronology', then let me tell youstand in Goa and declare that you will implement the same UCC law there that you introduced in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam, Owaisi said. The Hyderabad MP added that those who are against Muslims say that Goa has the UCC. They are fooling themselves and trying to mislead the world. In Goa, if a Hindu marriage takes place according to Hindu religious customs, and after the marriage, if a Hindu woman does not have a child by the age of 25, her Hindu husband can take a second wife. There is also a provision that if, by the age of 30, she does not give birth to a male child, he can marry again. This provision exists in Goa. The third point is that there is an exemption for Catholics. What is the exemption? Their marriage registration can be done through a Catholic priest rather than through the government, Owaisi said. The Hyderabad MP criticised the West Bengal government's order to close 252 madrassas across the state, saying this was being done out of BJP's hatred towards Muslims and Islam. He said that they were shutting down madrassas because Muslims who study there receive Quranic education according to their religion. He termed this as a clear violation of Article 30 of the Constitution, saying minorities have the right to establish institutions of their choice. On row over food served at BRICS Summit 2026, Owaisi said that India's diversity includes different cultures, religions, languages and food habits. According to the AIMIM Chief, around 20 per cent of minorities in India are vegetarian. We do not know what discussions took place with China, what will happen to the land occupied by China where we used to patrol, Owaisi said. Why are you playing with them, the AIMIM Chief asked on Indian women's cricket refusing to accept the Women's Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council President and Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Mohsin Naqvi. When the Indus Water Treaty has been put on abeyance, how is the ICC contract an obligation? You are allowing the BCCI to make money through TV rights. Why doesn't the government have empathy towards the people whose family members were butchered by the terrorists in Pahalgam, Owaisi asked and claimed that even the recent Red Fort suicide blast was again sponsored by Pakistan.
Over 50,000 availed Ayushman care in a month: CM
Complaint against IPS officer for greeting with Assalamualaikum
West Bengal: A complaint was filed with the West Bengal Home Secretary against IPS officer Bushra Bano for using Urdu greetings in her latest video, where she shared her journey of joining the civil services. The complaint was filed by the Hindu Legal Fund, alleging the officer started the video with an Assalamualaikum, Inshallah and Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
TMC rebels challenge Mamata, field candidates for Bengal bypolls
A rebel Trinamool Congress faction, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has named candidates for two assembly bypolls in West Bengal, directly challenging the Mamata Banerjee-led camp. This move escalates the internal party battle, particularly over the 'twin flowers' symbol, which both factions claim. The Election Commission is currently reviewing the dispute, and the bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar will serve as a crucial electoral test for both sides.
Police Sub-Inspector found hanging in barracks in Bengal's North 24 Parganas
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) A sub-inspector of the West Bengal Police was found dead in mysterious circumstances at the barracks of the Habra Police Station in the state's North 24 Parganas district on Monday, officials said. The deceased was identified as Biswanath Sen, posted at the Habra Police Station, and a resident of the Maheshtala area of South 24 Parganas district. Police officials said that Sen was on night duty on Sunday and there was no abnormality in his behaviour. However, on Monday, his body was found hanging in the room allotted to him in the barracks. Another police station official said that as the door of the room was closed for a long time on Monday, some of his colleagues knocked on it. On getting no response after several knocks, they became suspicious, broke open the door and found Sen hanging from the ceiling. He was quickly taken down and taken to the local hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Preliminary investigation suggests that this was a case of suicide. However, the body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, and the official reason behind the death will be known only after the detailed autopsy report is available, a district police officer said. He also said that the family members of the deceased police officer had been contacted already. Even if he had committed suicide, there is no clue so far on what prompted him to adopt such an extreme step. We have no idea whether he was facing any personal or professional problem. Neither had he shared anything with us in the matter, nor had we traced any kind of anxiety in his body language even when he was on night duty on Monday, one of his colleagues said.
From Varanasi to Vadnagar, BJYM plans 21-Day youth 'seva yatra' across 10 states
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 14 (IANS) More than 1,000 young volunteers from across the country will take part in a 21-day Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Seva Yatra connecting Prime Minister Narendra Modis childhood home town of Vadnagar in Gujarat with his parliamentary constituency Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, organisers said on Monday. The Varanasi to Vadnagar Seva Yatra will begin on September 17 and continue until October 7, with participants travelling simultaneously in two directions from Vadnagar to Varanasi and from Varanasi to Vadnagar. The campaign is being organised to mark and draw inspiration from 25 years of PM Modis public life and his emphasis on public service and nation-building. BJYM national president and Vadodara Lok Sabha MP Hemang Joshi said the programme would not be limited to a motorcycle journey, but would seek to involve young people in community service activities along the routes. Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years of public life represent an inspiring journey of service, dedication and putting the nation first for the youth of India. This Seva Yatra from Varanasi to Vadnagar is an effort to transform that philosophy of life into a resolve of the nations youth, Joshi said. Our objective is to ensure that the youth of India are not merely spectators of change, but active participants in nation-building, he added. The participants, or Seva Yatris, will come from several parts of the country, including Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Bihar and the Northeast. The organisers said the participation of young people from different regions, languages and cultures was intended to reinforce the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. The Yatra will cover 20 routes named after sacred Indian rivers and pass through 10 states, 193 districts, 773 tehsils and 1,159 villages. At each halt, the participants will undertake service-oriented activities. Nearly 25 types of initiatives have been planned, including tree plantation and the creation of Seva Vatikas, cleanliness drives, Nasha Mukt Bharat and TB Mukt Bharat campaigns, water conservation and awareness programmes for a plastic-free India. The programme will also include the honouring of saints and seers and felicitations for sanitation workers. Joshi said the organisers would avoid traditional receptions for the participants and instead focus on cleanliness and community service. Under the Swachhta Se Swagat initiative, local BJYM workers will conduct cleanliness drives at each destination two days before the Seva Yatris arrive, he added. The Yatra will also establish a symbolic connection between Vadnagar and Varanasi through river water. Participants travelling from Vadnagar to Varanasi will carry sacred water from rivers in Gujarat for Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Those travelling in the opposite direction will carry sacred water from rivers in Uttar Pradesh for Jalabhishek at Shri Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vadnagar. Joshi said rivers were central to Indias civilisation, culture and faith and that using river water as a symbol of the Yatra was intended to represent cultural unity and a shared commitment to service. Nation-building is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is the responsibility of every citizen, and particularly of the youth. Inspired by PM Modi, we want every young Indian to make seva a part of their life in their respective communities and contribute to the building of a Viksit Bharat, he asserted. The Yatra will therefore seek to link Vadnagar, associated with PM Modis childhood and formative years, with Varanasi, where he has represented the constituency in the Lok Sabha and continued his public life.
UCC debate intensifies after HM Amit Shahs 2029 implementation push (Lead)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) intensified on Monday, a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that it would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029, with BJP leaders and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) backing the move while some NDA partners and Muslim organisations called for wider consultations. BJP leaders strongly endorsed Shah's announcement, arguing that a common set of laws was necessary for national unity and social reform. BJP MP Naresh Bansal said Uttarakhand, his home state and the first in the country to enact a UCC law, had shown the way for other states. He described the legislation as necessary for the country and said it would help safeguard demographic balance. BJP West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya said the party had consistently supported a UCC and asserted that there should be one law in one country. State Minister Dilip Ghosh also backed implementation, saying the process should begin in Bengal and subsequently extend to other states. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Shah's announcement was in line with Article 44 of the Constitution, which directs the state to endeavour towards securing a Uniform Civil Code for citizens. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also welcomed the move, saying the UCC should be implemented in BJP-ruled states before 2029. The VHP welcomed Shah's announcement, with spokesperson Vinod Bansal saying implementation would be a milestone for women's and children's rights by addressing gender inequality and discrimination. He also appealed to non-BJP-ruled states to initiate the process. However, the announcement has also exposed differing views within the NDA. Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas leader Chirag Paswan called for the proposed UCC draft to first be made public and sought extensive consultations, pointing to India's diverse customs, traditions and constitutional protections for tribal communities and special-category regions. Meanwhile, opposition-ruled Jharkhand Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav too adopted a cautious approach, saying the state government would examine all aspects and there was no need to rush to conclusions. Opposition to the UCC also emerged from Muslim organisations. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board opposed the proposed legislation, with Bhopal Shahar Qazi Mushtaq Ali Nadvi questioning its necessity in view of constitutional guarantees on religious freedom and minority rights. He appealed to people to participate in a September 17 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari criticised the BJP, alleging that the UCC was being used to divert attention from economic and social issues. The UCC seeks to establish a common framework governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption irrespective of religious affiliation. Bills have been passed in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh, though the law is currently in force only in Uttarakhand.
After aide to Abhishek Banerjee, ex-TMC MLA arrested, third accused held in Bengal land scam
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police has arrested another accused in the multi-crore illegal land-grabbing case in Salboni of West Midnapore district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to three. The latest arrest is that of Amit Ghosh, a resident of Saidpur village in West Midnapore, who was taken into custody on Monday in connection with the alleged illegal transfer and sale of government-vested land. According to investigators, he was a close associate of former Trinamool Congress legislator Sujoy Hazra and Sumit Roy, personal assistant to Trinamool Congress national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee. Both Hazra and Roy were arrested earlier in the probe. Sources in the state police said Amit Ghosh has been named as the sixth accused in the charge sheet filed by the West Bengal Police in a district court and is believed to possess crucial information about the alleged modus operandi of the land scam. Investigators claim that forged documents were used to transfer and sell more than 50 acres of government land, with Amit allegedly playing a significant role in the operation. A team of CID officers reached Medinipur on Monday and, with assistance from the district police, arrested Amit Ghosh. Confirming the development, West Midnapore Superintendent of Police Papia Sultana said the arrest was made following a requisition from the CID. The CID officers gave us a requisition. Based on that, Amit Ghosh was arrested and handed over to the CID, she said. Meanwhile, two other accused named in the charge sheet, Kailash Agrawal and Sarfuddin Khan, have moved the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail. Both have been accused of collaborating with a section of Block Land and Land Reforms Office (BLRO) officials to convert government-vested land into private property allegedly at the behest of Hazra and Roy. Roy was arrested by the CID on September 10, shortly after a division bench of the Calcutta High Court vacated the interim protection from coercive action granted to him. He was produced before a district court in West Midnapore the following day and remanded to eight days of CID custody.
Watch: West Bengal issues closure notice to 252 unrecognised madrasas
West Bengal has shuttered 252 unaided and unrecognised madrasas in a massive state education overhaul. Triggered by a comprehensive district survey under the Suvendu Adhikari administration, the sweeping closures target institutions plagued by severe infrastructural and regulatory irregularities. With hundreds more facing show-cause notices and sweeping policy shifts like One State, One Education underway, the crackdown has ignited an intense political firestorm over institutional oversight, uniformity, and the future of independent schooling.
Rebel Trinamool faction announces candidates for Bengal bypolls in Nandigram, Rejinagar
Digital Desk | Kolkata. Sep 14 (IANS) The ebel but majority faction in Trinamool Congress led by the expelled party legislator Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday announced the names of the candidates for the bypolls for Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. The faction had named persons from the minority community as candidates both from Nandigram and Rejinagar. While Ehtasamul Haque is the candidate from Nandigram, Shafiuzzaman Sheikh is the candidate for Rejinagar. The announcement of the candidates' names for the two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal by the Ritabrata-led faction, comes just a day after the original but minority faction in Trinamool Congress led by the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday announced the names of its candidates for these two Assembly constituencies. Now, the names of the respective candidates by both these factions within the previous ruling party in West Bengal have been announced despite the Election Commission of India (ECI) yet to decide which of these two factions will ultimately have the right over the party's name and symbol. The last date for filing nominations for the Rejinagar and Nandigram bypolls is September 16. The polls will be conducted on October 6 and the results will be announced on November 9. Already, the CPI-M-led Left Front and Congress have announced the names of the candidates for both these Assembly constituencies. At Rejinagar, the Revolutionary Social Party (RSP), which is a constituent of the Left Front, had independently fielded its own candidate declaring rebellion against the CPI-M leadership. Even Humayun Kabir-led Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) also announced its candidate from Rejinagar. Kabir's son Golam Nabi Azad is the AJUP candidate for the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to announce the names of its candidates either on Monday or Tuesday. In the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was elected from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly constituencies in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari defeated his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Humayun Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for the Rejinagar seat.
Bengal BJP announces names of new spokespersons, IT and social media cells
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) The West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday announced the names of a new set of state spokespersons as well as the members of the party's media, Information Technology and social media cells in the state. As regards to the BJP's media cell in the state, Anupam Ghosh has been appointed as the convenor, while Partha Sarathi Chaudhury and Chandrasekhar Basuria has been appointed as the co-conveners. In the Information Technology (IT) cell, Joy Mallick has been appointed as the convener. At the same time, Ratnesh Singh, Ramyajyoti Sarkar, Subhojit Karmakar and Sabyasachi Roy, had been appointed as the four co-conveners of the party's Information Technology cell for West Bengal. In case of the party's social media cell for West Bengal, Upamanyu Bhattacharya had been appointed as the convener of the cell and Pritom Bhattacharjee and Kamelia Sanyal had been appointed as the co-conveners. The new list of party's state spokespersons has a total of 12 names with Debjit Sarkar being appointed as the Chief Spokesperson. Ritesh Tiwari, Sayantan Bose, Keya Ghosh, Pranoy Roy, Tanmay Mukherjee, Saptarshi Chowdhury, Ophelia Singha, Ankan Dutta, Megha Sen Roy, Nikhil Prasun Singh and Samik Dasgupta are the 11 spokespersons. Saptarshi Chowdhury had been given the additional charge of party literature. Political observers say that the list shows a perfect balance between the old guards and ew faces within the BJP. After BJP came to power in West Bengal in 2026, the state party president Samik Bhattacharya made it clear through his behaviour that he will give due respect to the original leaders. The release of the list of BJP spokespersons on Monday proved that he kept his word. Inclusion of seasoned leaders like Sayantan Bose and Keya Ghosh, among the spokesperson, proves Bhattacharya's commitment in the matter, a Kolkata-based political observer said. Meanwhile, in a press statement issued by the BJP on Monday, it had been claimed that on the occasion of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, the book 'Modi Katha' will be launched in New Delhi on September 17. Authored by renowned journalist, columnist and writer Harish Chandra Burnwal, the book will be formally launched by Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, the press statement said.
Fake Investment App Scams Bhubaneswar Resident of Rs 81 Lakh; 2 Held
The Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Police Station of Bhubaneswar UPD has arrested two key operatives from West Bengal in connection with a major share market investment fraud amounting to over Rs 81 lakh. The case began with a complaint from Niranjan Boitai of IRC Village, Nayapalli. Fraudsters posing as stock market experts added him [] The post Fake Investment App Scams Bhubaneswar Resident of Rs 81 Lakh; 2 Held appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Essential to examine funding, Mithun Chakraborty supports closure of Bengals unrecognised madrasas
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Actor-turned politician Mithun Chakraborty, who is set to don the role of policymaker (Cultural Advisor) in Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government, supported the administrations clampdown on the unaided and unrecognised madrasas across the state, citing concerns over national security as a valid reason. Mithun, in an exclusive interaction with IANS, justified the notice for closure of more than 250 madrasas and also notices to 100 others across the state, stating that it was essential to examine their funding patterns and whether that was serving the right purpose in these minority institutions. Mithuns remarks come a day after Bengal government issued closure notices to 252 unapproved madrasas and issued show-cause notice to 100 others while it reviews the Islamic educational institutions in the state. Speaking on the matter, Mithun Chakraborty said, When we talk about madrasas, there must be someone behind them who is funding and running them. Whether that money is being used for the right purpose or the wrong purpose will become clear now. It is very important for the country's security that we pay close attention to this matter and examine it very strictly. He also said that the matter was not taken seriously under previous dispensations and can't be ignored any longer because it concerns the security of our nation. According to reports, the majority of 252 madrasas facing closure belong to the Khariji sect. At least 44 of these are located in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad. The show-caused madrasas must produce valid authorisation, or they will be shut down, according to Minority Affairs Minister Khudiram Tudu. A survey was carried out by the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department across Kolkata and 22 other districts to examine the madrasa management systems, student organisation enrolment, funding sources and registration status. Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya also defended the governments action on the madrasas, stating that the rise in radicalisation in border areas was an alarming signal and it was state governments responsibility to stop anti-national activities, taking place in backdrop of madrasa education.
Two Arrested In West Bengal For Alleged Rape Of Girls
Police in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district have arrested two youths, Joy Pal and Debabrata Mallick, for allegedly raping two girls, including a 13-year-old. The arrests followed a complaint after one victim went missing, and further investigation revealed a second victim. A case has been registered under the POCSO Act.
17 Going Together: Rebel TMC MP Claims Big BJP Switch To Beat Anti-Defection Law In Bengal
A major political realignment could be brewing in West Bengal as rebel TMC leader Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia claims 17 of 20 MPs may join the BJP before or after Durga Puja. Basunia says the collective move would cross the two-thirds threshold under the anti-defection law. Three MPs Abu Taher Khan, Khalilur Rahaman and Yusuf Pathan may support the NDA from outside. The claim comes amid protests against Basunia and his wife in Sitai, while the TMC continues to face defections following its Bengal poll defeat.
Decision on Trinamool symbol, Bengal bypoll result will shape Mamata's future political path
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Trinamool Congress founder and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has decided to stay out of poll contest in next month's Assembly by-elections despite being urged and encouraged by colleagues both former and present renewing discussions over her larger political interests. Her 15 years of uninterrupted rule ended this year with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning convincingly, and her close aide-turned-bitter adversary Suvendu Adhikari anointed the Chief Minister. Since then, the 71-year-old leader has on occasions reiterated her intent to rebuild her organisation and simultaneously strengthen the Opposition INDIA platform, emphasising unity against the BJP juggernaut. Interestingly, she has now extended a hand of alliance towards arch-rival Communists, and the Congress from where she broke out in 1998. After the disintegration of Trinamool Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led faction is now involved in a bitter fight with the rival Trinamool group led by Ritabrata Banerjee to retain the original party name and its logo of twin florets, which she claims to have created herself. Political circles in West Bengal are aware of the influence the former Chief Minister enjoyed in grassroots that led to the fall of the Left Front government in 2011 after ruling uninterruptedly since 1977. But now, allegations of fraud, embezzlement, bribery, extortion, and smuggling rackets have plagued the Trinamool Congress even as rival groups clashed in quest for power. While she occasionally did exhibit an iron hand -- publicly chiding party members, dissolving and recreating leadership committees -- she was largely seen as watching helplessly while her nephew Abhishek Banerjee assumed control of the organisation. This has been voiced openly by party turncoats, and covertly by others still in her faction. She had also admitted that the responsibility of running the administration did perhaps cost the organisation somewhat, and promised to rebuild the party from grassroots. Simultaneously, Mamata Banerjee has linked her fight with the broader INDIA bloc, the acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc her followers credit her with. Though parties like Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and M.K. Stalin's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have since ended ties, some leaders believe that Mamata's personal relation may be convince them to return for 2029 Lok Sabha election. Many of the constituents, who stand against the Congress leading the platform, see in Mamata Banerjee an alternative who may perhaps be more involved in regional politics than for a strong pan-India footprint. But, some analysts say, Mamata's insistence on strengthening the INDIA bloc reflects her strategy to position herself as a national Opposition leader. Meanwhile, the upcoming West Bengal by-elections will be a crucial test of her faction's strength and her ability to rejuvenate the party or fulfil any national ambition. By-elections in West Bengal will be held on October 6 at Rejinagar and Nandigram Assembly constituencies after winners Humayun Kabir and incumbent Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari resigned from the respective seats. While the former chose to retain Naoda, Adhikari chose to represent Bhabanipur, where he defeated his predecessor and once-mentor Mamata Banerjee by more than 15,000 votes, against his victory margin of less than 10,000 votes over runner-up Pabitra Kar of Trinamool Congress. Kabir had extended an invitation to Mamata Banerjee to contest from Rejinagar, asserting that he can ensure her victory from the seat, and leaders of the Ritabrata-led faction insisted they would not field a candidate in Nandigram if Mamata chose to contest herself. Kabir, representing his Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), won Rejinagar by a margin of more than 58,000 votes, clinching 51.62 per cent of the mandate. In Naoda, the margin was of less than 28,000 votes, where the AJUP Chief got just about 39 per cent of the mandate. Interestingly, though both these seats are in Murshidabad district, where Muslims comprise an estimated 70 per cent of the total population, the BJP finished runners-up, pushing the Trinamool to the third spot, portraying the overall polarisation witnessed this time. Amid the change, Mamata-led Trinamool faction now links her fight for the party symbol and Opposition unity to the broader INDIA alliance, saying that Opposition solidarity is essential to counter the BJP's dominance once she asserts power over her own party.
Gangster Prince Khan's brother Bunty arrested at Kolkata Airport while trying to flee to Dubai
Digital Desk | Dhanbad, Sep 14 (IANS) Bunty Khan, brother of notorious gangster Prince Khan, was arrested by Dhanbad Police at Kolkata Airport with the assistance of West Bengal Police while attempting to flee to Dubai using forged documents, officials said on Monday. According to police, he was apprehended by a special team moments before boarding an international flight. Following his arrest, police on Monday paraded him through Dhanbad with a rope tied around his waist. Bunty Khan had been on the run for a long time and is wanted in more than a dozen serious criminal cases registered across different police stations in Dhanbad. The charges against him include murder, extortion, offences under the Arms Act, and criminal conspiracy. Police received intelligence inputs that Banti was hiding in Kolkata and was planning to escape to Dubai via an international flight. Acting on the information, Dhanbad police formed a special team and coordinated with West Bengal Police to monitor his movements in Kolkata. The joint operation culminated in his arrest at the airport before he could fly away. During the operation, police recovered a passport along with suspected forged passports, visa-related papers, and other travel documents from his possession. Investigators are now examining the seized documents to determine their authenticity and trace the network that helped him obtain the forged papers. Authorities are also trying to identify individuals who may have assisted Banti in planning his escape abroad. Police are gathering details about his associates, hideouts during his period of absconding, and his links to the Prince Khan gangs operations. Investigators consider the arrest a major breakthrough in the crackdown against the Prince Khan gang. A few months ago, police had arrested another alleged key operative of the syndicate, Major alias Saifi, at Kolkata Airport while he too was attempting to flee to Dubai. According to police officials, Bantis interrogation could provide crucial leads about the gangs extortion network, financial transactions, and activities allegedly being coordinated from abroad. Raids are also underway to trace and arrest other accused linked to the criminal syndicate. Meanwhile, Prince Khan has been absconding for a long time and is wanted in several serious criminal cases, including murder, extortion, firing, and criminal intimidation. A Red Corner Notice has already been issued against him. Earlier, he was believed to be hiding in Dubai, but intelligence agencies recently received inputs that Prince Khan was in Pakistan.
West Bengal bypolls: TMC MP urges EC to ensure no eligible voter denied voting right
Nearly 25 lakh appeals have been filed before SIR tribunals over deletion of names from the voter list
17 NCPI MPs to join BJP before or after Durga Puja, claims rebel TMC leader; saffron party denies
Seventeen of the twenty Lok Sabha members of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) will join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before or after Durga Puja, Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Cooch Behar MP, said on Monday. However, BJP's West Bengal unit chief Samik Bhattacharya has distanced himself from the statement and said the saffron party will not allow anyone to join it merely because they want it.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) The West Bengal BJP President and the partys Rajya Sabha member, Samik Bhattacharya, on Monday afternoon ruled out the possibility of any of the 20 Trinamool Congress-turned-Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) Lok Sabha members from the state, directly joining the BJP. He stated that he BJP they want to join may be the BJP from Mars. Bhattacharyas clarification came in response to a media comment earlier in the day by one of the prominent members in the Trinamool-turned-NCPI MPs camp, Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, where he claimed that as many as 17 out of 20 of his colleagues would directly join the BJP next month. We will never forget what happened to several BJP workers after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. So, there is no reason to think that if they want to join the BJP, we will accept them. The BJP they want to join may be the BJP from Mars, quipped Bhattacharya reacting to Basunias claims. The BJPs state president also clearly said that there is no possibility of anyone from any faction in the Trinamool Congress joining the party in the near or the far future. The people of West Bengal have not forgotten the rule of oppression during the Trinamool Congress regime from 2011 to 2026. Now, some Lok Sabha members have broken out from the Trinamool Congress and are supporting the National Democratic Alliance. They are welcome to do so. But that does not mean that they are joining the BJP, Bhattacharya clarified. He also said that joining the BJP might be Basunia's wish but there was no reason to believe that the BJP leadership would fulfil that wish. After May 2, 2021, as many as 56 BJP workers were killed in just 27 days by the Trinamool Congress-backed goons. Around 200 women BJP workers were gangraped. Houses of many BJP workers were demolished. Many were forced to leave their houses, he claimed. We have not forgotten this. So, there is no reason to think that all those sins would be erased so easily, Bhattacharya added. Earlier in the day, Basunia had also said that the three Lok Sabha members in his camp, namely Abu Taher Khan from Murshidabad Constituency, Yusuf Pathan from Baharampur Constituency and Khalilur Rahman from Jangipur Constituency, all in minority-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal, have problems in directly joining the BJP and hence they will not join the party directly, but will continue to be part of the NDA. Giving his reaction in the matter, Abu Taher Khan said that Basunia should only speak about himself instead of taking the responsibility for others. We have not given him any responsibility. This was his personal opinion. Our opinion has nothing to do with it. We are neither in the BJP nor with the NDA. We are thinking of working in our own areas, Khan said.
Rebel TMC MP Basunia claims 17 of 20 NCPI MPs to join BJP; fellow rebels, ruling party deny
A rebel TMC MP claims seventeen MPs will join the BJP soon. Fellow rebel MPs dispute this assertion and deny any such decision. The West Bengal BJP unit states they will not accept just anyone wanting to join. Twenty Lok Sabha members had previously joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. Disqualification petitions against these MPs are currently being processed.
Rebel Trinamool MP Basunia claims 17 of 20 NCPI MPs to join BJP; fellow rebels, ruling party deny
The BJP sought to distance itself from the claim, with its West Bengal unit chief Samik Bhattacharya saying the party would not take in anyone merely because they want to join it
Rebel Trinamool MP Claims 17 NCPI MPs Will Join BJP, Ruling Party Denies
The BJP sought to distance itself from the claim, with its West Bengal unit chief Samik Bhattacharya saying the party would not take in anyone merely because they want to join it.
A group of five students has created an innovative AI system that uses smartphone cameras to detect oral cancer early. This groundbreaking tool is particularly designed to facilitate screening in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. By analyzing images of the mouth, the system identifies unusual tissue changes and draws attention to potential health issues.
West Bengal Teachers Required to Pass TET by 2028: Key Updates
Teachers in West Bengal government schools who have not yet passed the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) must do so by August 31, 2028, as mandated by the School Education Department. This requirement affects those with over five years of service and could impact their job security and promotion opportunities. The TET may be conducted twice a year to facilitate this process. Approximately 100,000 teachers are expected to comply with this new regulation. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh has its own TET guidelines for teachers. Read on for more details about these important updates.
West Bengal Dengue Surge: Cases More Than Double In Just One Month
West Bengal's dengue cases crossed 5,000, reaching 5,002 by September 11. Authorities launched intensive testing, door-to-door surveillance and mosquito-control measures, with the statewide campaign continuing through October 15.
Essential to have one law for one country: BJP leaders on HM Shah's UCC announcement
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement regarding the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in all states governed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), describing the move as necessary for ensuring uniformity in laws and addressing various social issues. Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Naresh Bansal said that Uttarakhand, his home state, had taken the lead in implementing the UCC and that other states were now gradually moving in the same direction. I come from the state where the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was implemented first. Uttarakhand was the first state to frame and enact legislation on the UCC. Now, gradually, other states are moving in the same direction. This is a very necessary law for the entire country. To ensure that the demographic balance of the nation is safeguarded, this law is essential and will be implemented, Bansal said. BJP West Bengal President, Samik Bhattacharya, also backed the Home Minister's announcement and said that implementing a UCC had consistently been part of the BJP's stated position. What the Home Minister said is correct. It has always been the BJP's declared stand that there should be a Uniform Civil Code, and we will implement it across the country. This is not our hidden agenda or a secret issue. We have always spoken about it, Bhattacharya told IANS. The BJP-led West Bengal government is also moving ahead with a UCC Bill. Bhattacharya said support for a UCC was not limited to the BJP and claimed that people from different professional and social backgrounds were also in favour of having a common set of laws. There should be one law in one country. Society has been divided in the name of religion and faith for a long time, and the country has suffered because of it. The country should be freed from this, he added. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, while speaking to IANS, said the announcement was in line with the constitutional provision that calls upon the government to work towards a UCC. Amit Shah has reiterated the constitutional commitment. Article 44 of the Constitution directs the government to move towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code. After Prime Minister Modi came to power, the country was prepared in this direction, and our state governments have also moved forward. The Uniform Civil Code is about reforming the social system. Those making communal attacks against it are trying to create an imaginary communal misconception about the UCC, Naqvi said. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also welcomed the announcement, calling the move necessary and expressing confidence that the UCC would be implemented in BJP-ruled states within the timeframe announced by the Home Minister. The Home Minister has made a good decision. A UCC is necessary, and within the next three years, before 2029, it will be implemented across all states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party. This will help resolve several issues, Yadav told IANS. Earlier on Sunday, the Home Minister had announced that the UCC would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-NDA before 2029. Shah said the implementation would be undertaken through necessary measures and efforts in a phased manner. The Home Minister noted that the UCC has already been implemented in several states, while work is underway in others. He said the next step would be to ensure that the remaining states also adopt the common civil code.
Enemies Beware! India Widens Missile Testing Infra
Specialised range taking shape in Andhra Pradesh, while West Bengal clears way for DRDO's new testing facility.
Rebellion in Bengal Left Front as RSP fields candidate against CPI(M) for Rejinagar bypoll
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) Rebellion had surfaced within the CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal as Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) had now decided to field its own candidate for the bypoll for Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal next month. The development came despite the name of a CPI(M) nominee having been announced last week as the official Left Front candidate for the Rejinagar bypoll. On September 12, the CPI(M)s Sayeed Asad Ali, an advocate in personal life, was announced as the official Left Front candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls. The announcement attracted ire from the RSP leadership, who claimed that Alis name was not a unanimous choice of the Left Front but a forceful imposition of its own candidate by the CPI(M) leadership on the front. Now, directly rebelling against the CPI(M) leadership, the RSP on Monday fielded its own candidate, Bikash Chandra Mishra, as the party candidate. For a long time, the Rejinagar Assembly Constituency had been allotted to RSP. In the 2021 Assembly polls, we had sacrificed our claim for Rejinagar, because of the seat sharing arrangement with the Congress. Even in 2026, we sacrificed our claim for Rejinagar in support of the West Socialist Party candidate. But this we are not ready to sacrifice again. So, for the Rejinagar bypolls we have fielded Mishra, who is the son of the soil in the true sense, said a state RSP leader. In the recently-concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Humayun Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for the Rejinagar seat. Kabirs son Gulam Nabi Azad is the AJUP candidate for the Rejinagar Assembly bye-election. The Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress and the Congress also have their candidates for the Rejinagar bypolls. The BJP and the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress are also expected to announce their candidates on Monday. Rejinagar, along with Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district, is scheduled to go for bypolls on October 6 and the results will be declared on October 9. The last date for filing nominations for both the constituencies is September 16.
Bengal horror: Two arrested for alleged sexual assault on 14-year-old in Habra
Bengal horror: Two arrested for alleged sexual assault on 14-year-old in Habra Kolkata: The West Bengal police have arrested two youths for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl in North 24 Parganas districts Habra area after making her consume intoxicants, police officials said on Monday. According to police, the girl had come to visit her uncles [] The post Bengal horror: Two arrested for alleged sexual assault on 14-year-old in Habra appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
West Bengal governmentissues closure notice to 252 unaided and unrecognised madrasas
The Madrasah Education system in Bengal has a history of almost 250 years and it grew and flourished with the foundation of the Calcutta Madrasah in 1780 by the British East India Company
29 municipalities, 278 panchayats identified as dengue hotspots in Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) With the number of dengue-affected people in West Bengal climbing to over 5,000 this year so far, the state health department has identified 29 municipalities, 85 community development blocks and 278 village panchayats as the hotspots. An insider from the State Health Department said its workers are focusing on more intensive and random blood sample tests in these municipalities, blocks and panchayats, considering that the maximum number of dengue-positive cases in the last month have been reported from these hotspots. According to him, the department was following a particular formula for identifying such hotspots. A village panchayat having 10 or more dengue patients is identified as a hotspot panchayat. Similarly, if more than 30 people in a community block have dengue, it is identified as a hotspot block. A municipality is identified as a hotspot if the majority of wards there have five or more dengue-affected persons, an official said. At the same time, he added, the department is also focusing on extensive awareness drives at these hotspots, asking people with dengue symptoms, such as continuous fever for two or more days, to voluntarily coming forward for blood tests. What has kept us especially worried is that in many of these hotspots, people having fever for two or more days are often resorting to self-medication instead of consulting any medical practitioner. This is aggravating the crisis. So, we are conducting massive awareness drives urging people to refrain from self-medication in cases of continuing fever for two or more days and instead reach the nearest health centres for blood tests or consult a nearest medical practitioner, said the official. At the same time, the health department staff are conducting door-to-door surveillance to prevent dengue. The health workers are asking people to keep the water tanks and cisterns of the house covered. If a cover cannot be provided, they should be covered with mosquito nets or nets. Awareness is being raised about preventing water from accumulating in flowerpots and abandoned containers on the roof, the state health department official said. The health department is also conducting surveillance in ponds, drains, pools, dry canals, unused wells, and factories. Larvicides are also used according to the guidelines. On Sunday, the health department published its latest dengue bulletin, showing 5,002 affected people till September 11. However, the alarming factor is that the total number of dengue-affected people till the same date in August was less than 2,500. This means that over the last month, 2,500 additional individuals have been affected by dengue. According to the latest statistics provided by the department, the maximum number of affected people so far has been from the Murshidabad district at 1,072, followed by Kolkata at 500 and North 24 Parganas at 450.
Activist and local resident of Panihati, Debasish Dutta has written scores on the previous Trinamool Congress regime and now the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government but no action has been taken to address the situation
UCC essential for unity, integrity, security of nation: Bengal Minister backs implementation
Digital Desk | Newtown, Sep 14 (IANS) West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Monday backed the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country, saying the process should begin in the state and subsequently extend to others. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said the UCC was necessary to strengthen the nation's unity, integrity and security. Absolutely, the Uniform Civil Code should be implemented in the country, starting with Bengal, our state, and then in other states. It is essential for the unity, integrity, and security of the nation, he said. His remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the UCC would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029. We introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in several states. I am confident that we will implement the UCC in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029, HM Shah said at a press conference in Mumbai. The UCC seeks to establish a common framework of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, irrespective of religious affiliation. Ghosh also commented on the West Bengal governments action against madrasas, saying institutions operating without the required permissions should not be allowed to function. Anything illegal, whether madrasas or restaurants, cannot operate outside the law without government permission. The government is scrutinising everything, and any unauthorised establishment will be closed. To operate, they must get government permission, he said. The remarks came after the state government issued closure notices to 252 madrasas as part of a review of Islamic educational institutions. Show-cause notices have also reportedly been issued to around 100 other madrasas during the first phase of the verification exercise. Reports suggest that most of the 252 institutions facing closure are associated with the Khariji sect. Among them, 44 are located in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had ordered a statewide survey in June to ascertain the number of recognised and unrecognised madrasas operating in West Bengal. Ghosh praised Indias hosting of the BRICS Summit and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership for elevating the countrys role on the global stage. The BRICS summit held in India reached a high level under Prime Minister Modis leadership. Indias hospitality charmed everyone, paving the way for a new world order in business and global politics, he said. Ghosh added that issues such as human security and financial security should remain among the key priorities.
West Bengal Minister Claims Terrorists Take Shelter in Madrasas Amid Government Crackdown
West Bengals Dilip Ghosh supports government action against illegal madrasas, citing concerns over terrorism and calls for a Uniform Civil Code. West Bengal Minister Claims Terrorists Take Shelter in Madrasas Amid Government Crackdown
West Bengal orders closure of 252 unauthorised madrasas, insists on legal compliance
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West Bengal tourist missing near Kupwara LoC amid fake Aadhaar probe
Srinagar: A tourist from West Bengal went missing from the Teetwal area near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district, prompting a manhunt after his Aadhaar card was allegedly found to be fake, officials said here on Sunday. They said 38-year-old Sanjay Sardar, a resident of Kolkata, went missing on Saturday after leaving behind []
Padma Shri awardee teacher, colleague thrashed, abused in North Kolkata
Dengue Cases Surge in West Bengal, Exceeding 5,000 Infections
Dengue infections in West Bengal surpass 5,000, with urgent measures being implemented to combat the outbreak. Dengue Cases Surge in West Bengal, Exceeding 5,000 Infections
Former Ministers Close Associate Arrested in Land Fraud Case in West Bengal
Arnab Sinha Roy, a close associate of ex-minister Becharam Manna, was arrested in Singur for alleged land fraud. Former Ministers Close Associate Arrested in Land Fraud Case in West Bengal
Purulia-born directors second film wins award at Venice fest
