The West Bengal government will present Dokra metal Maa Durga idols, Darjeeling tea, Nadia's traditional uttariya stoles and terracotta artefacts to the Brazil, Uruguay and Indian men's and women's teams, and to the Russian women's team. All of this is being arranged while thousands of police personnel and a three-tier security cordon prepare to guard Saturday's historic India-Brazil friendly on Saturday (Oct 3) at Salt Lake Stadium.<h2>Gifts from Bengal's craft belt</h2>The hampers draw on the state's artisan clusters: Dokra metalwork from Bankura and Purba Bardhaman, textiles from Nadia, terracotta pieces and Darjeeling's tea. With Durga Puja weeks away, the idol is a timely gesture for guests visiting the City of Joy.<h2>Blue Tigers ready</h2>The football team completed its last-minute preparations ahead of the historic India-Brazil match. On Friday at Salt Lake Stadium, under coach Khalid Jamil's supervision, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams and others trained intensively.The session focused on preparing for different match situations. The players worked on multiple set-pieces and attacking movements, including crosses from corners and direct shots from outside the box.India recently drew with Panama in Bengaluru after a good performance. Now they face five-time world champions Brazil. Saturday's match is a dream moment not only for the Indian players but also for millions of football lovers across the country. The entire football fraternity is now waiting to see India take the field against Brazil on Kolkata soil.<h2>Security: layers, numbers, bans</h2>Spectators must clear three layers of security checks, and water bottles, umbrellas, flag poles, selfie-sticks and tripods are barred. Mobile or virtual tickets are scanned first, followed by a second check and a final frisking at the gate.On numbers, about 2,000 police personnel will be deployed, with Bidhannagar City Police combining ground security with CCTV, plainclothes personnel and mobile patrols. Radio flying squads will patrol the perimeter against ticket black-marketing, and senior officers including the Police Commissioner will be present.Brazil are not leaving it to chance either. The team sent an eight-member security delegation, reportedly to avoid a repeat of the crowd-control failures seen during Lionel Messi's visit last December. The state sports minister said everyone is working together on security and that the Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation.<h2>Stadium makeover</h2>The sports department has been refurbishing restrooms and facilities, re-turfing the pitch after heavy rain and back-to-back matches, and installing new fencing around the practice grounds. Brazil's inspection team had earlier flagged concerns over the playing surface.<h2>Tickets and schedule</h2>Tickets ranged from ₹999 to ₹15,000, sold only online, and most non-premium seats went in about 20 minutes. The stadium holds roughly 85,000. Kick-off is 7 PM IST on Saturday, with gates opening at 4 PM. India face Uruguay at the same venue on October 6.

West Bengal hosts a historic India-Brazil football friendly at Salt Lake Stadium with 3-tier security, 2,000+ police, and VIP Bengal craft gifts. Pitch upgrades were completed ahead of 7 PM kick-off on Saturday (Oct 3).

The West Bengal government will present Dokra metal Maa Durga idols, Darjeeling tea, Nadia's traditional uttariya stoles and terracotta artefacts to the Brazil, Uruguay and Indian men's and women's teams, and to the Russian women's team. All of this is being arranged while thousands of police personnel and a three-tier security cordon prepare to guard Saturday's historic India-Brazil friendly on Saturday (Oct 3) at Salt Lake Stadium. Gifts from Bengal's craft belt The hampers draw on the state's artisan clusters: Dokra metalwork from Bankura and Purba Bardhaman, textiles from Nadia, terracotta pieces and Darjeeling's tea. With Durga Puja weeks away, the idol is a timely gesture for guests visiting the City of Joy. Blue Tigers ready The football team completed its last-minute preparations ahead of the historic India-Brazil match. On Friday at Salt Lake Stadium, under coach Khalid Jamil's supervision, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams and others trained intensively. The session focused on preparing for different match situations. The players worked on multiple set-pieces and attacking movements, including crosses from corners and direct shots from outside the box. India recently drew with Panama in Bengaluru after a good performance. Now they face five-time world champions Brazil. Saturday's match is a dream moment not only for the Indian players but also for millions of football lovers across the country. The entire football fraternity is now waiting to see India take the field against Brazil on Kolkata soil. Security: layers, numbers, bans Spectators must clear three layers of security checks, and water bottles, umbrellas, flag poles, selfie-sticks and tripods are barred. Mobile or virtual tickets are scanned first, followed by a second check and a final frisking at the gate. On numbers, about 2,000 police personnel will be deployed, with Bidhannagar City Police combining ground security with CCTV, plainclothes personnel and mobile patrols. Radio flying squads will patrol the perimeter against ticket black-marketing, and senior officers including the Police Commissioner will be present. Brazil are not leaving it to chance either. The team sent an eight-member security delegation, reportedly to avoid a repeat of the crowd-control failures seen during Lionel Messi's visit last December. The state sports minister said everyone is working together on security and that the Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation. Stadium makeover The sports department has been refurbishing restrooms and facilities, re-turfing the pitch after heavy rain and back-to-back matches, and installing new fencing around the practice grounds. Brazil's inspection team had earlier flagged concerns over the playing surface. Tickets and schedule Tickets ranged from ₹999 to ₹15,000, sold only online, and most non-premium seats went in about 20 minutes. The stadium holds roughly 85,000. Kick-off is 7 PM IST on Saturday, with gates opening at 4 PM. India face Uruguay at the same venue on October 6.

West Bengal hosts a historic India-Brazil football friendly at Salt Lake Stadium with 3-tier security, 2,000+ police, and VIP Bengal craft gifts. Pitch upgrades were completed ahead of 7 PM kick-off on Saturday (Oct 3).

Dokra Durgas, Darjeeling Tea and a 2,000-strong police ring: Kolkata gets ready to host Brazil

More than 37 lakh SIR appeals are still pending in Bengal, but the system set up to hear them is itself struggling for judges. Of the 19 appellate tribunals constituted in the state, one Murshidabad tribunal headed by Justice (Retd) Indrajit Chatterjee is dealing with 6,35,983 appeals from 11 Assembly constituencies. Chatterjee, who says he can dispose of about 10 cases a day, has offered to step down from November 2 unless he is allowed to work from home or from a venue closer to his Salt Lake residence. He tells WION the “main problem” is logistical overload, the lack of eligible retired judges, and says that for citizens waiting on rulings, "the process becomes a punishment."In an exclusive conversation, Chatterjee said the logistical challenges is "the main factor" behind the delays. He has offered to resign effective November 2 unless he is allowed to hear appeals from home or a venue closer to it. He cites a daily commute of two to four hours from his Salt Lake residence to the hearing centre in Joka, about 27 km away.<h2>Could others follow?</h2>Asked how many of the 19 tribunal judges might leave, Chatterjee said his colleagues reacted to his resignation by saying “he did the right thing, the pressure is impractical” but could not predict their decisions. He added that his own exit may or may not inspire others to take a similar step who are overburdened. Another judge handling a district bordering Kolkata is also considering quitting over the commute, he mentioned.His own request rests with the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge, whose administrative panel decides how the tribunals function.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-blo-pressured-form-7-applications-muslim-voter-deletions-1790862243626">SIR: BLOs pressured to sign Form-7 applications seeking Muslim voter deletions in Karnataka</a><h2>“Mostly genuine voters”</h2>Murshidabad recorded the highest number of deletions under the "logical discrepancy" category, and opposition parties allege the exercise targeted a Muslim-majority district. Asked whether the voters he had heard from were genuine, Chatterjee said: "Mostly genuine voters."His record supports that. He has decided 425 appeals, restoring 350 names (82.35 per cent) and upholding 75 deletions.He hears appeals from 11 of the district's 22 constituencies, and another former High Court judge handles the rest. Most hearings are held virtually through block development offices.<h2>"Zero" pressure</h2>Asked whether he faced indirect pressure amid controversies around the Election Commission, Chatterjee was categorical. "Zero," he said, adding that he had "never" received a threat or been pushed to act in a particular way. He described the assignment as temporary. "I think my time is over," he said.<h2>The numbers behind the exit</h2>Chatterjee says he can decide roughly 10 appeals a day. Against a backlog of about 5.3 lakh in his tribunal, that works out to around 145 years if he worked every day of the year.The problem extends well beyond his bench. The Election Commission told the Supreme Court that over 38 lakh appeals were filed before the 19 tribunals, with over 37 lakh pending and only about 1.02 lakh disposed of. More than 27 lakh voters were deleted after adjudication in Bengal's SIR exercise.The tribunals began work on April 13 on the Supreme Court's direction. Former Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam stepped down in May and Justice Ranjit Bag in July, both citing personal reasons.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ec-removes-sir-declaration-from-form-6-in-states-where-revision-is-complete-what-this-means-1790747473363">EC rolls back SIR add-on in Form 6 that was objected by two commissioners: What this means</a><h2>"The process becomes a punishment"</h2>Chatterjee said slow justice hurts most when citizenship and welfare benefits are at stake. He compared the situation to an ordinary eviction suit, which he said takes a minimum of seven years at the trial level before appeals begin. "The process becomes a punishment," he said.<h2>Staff, buses and logistics</h2>The arrangement carries a heavy logistical cost, Chatterjee said. Several buses ferry staff to Joka from points such as Sealdah, Baruipur, Howrah and north Kolkata, while other staff travel by train. A work-from-home model, he said, would work only if adequate staff were available and willing to move with the judge.<h2>Replacements are scarce</h2>"It is difficult to find a replacement," Chatterjee said. He said there are "very few" eligible retired judges and noted that filling an earlier vacancy took about two months. Bringing in retired judges from other states runs into the problem of relocation, though remote work could offer a way around it. He said there is "no concrete protocol" for engaging retired judges.<h2>The portal safeguard</h2>Justice Chatterjee also cautioned against judges taking an "easy way out" to inflate disposal figures, and said 20,000 disposals in three months across the system deserve scrutiny.Judges must now upload their orders and related details to a portal, which Chatterjee called a good development.<h2>The way forward</h2>The most immediate question is whether the Calcutta High Court's administrative panel, headed by the Chief Justice, will let Chatterjee hear appeals from home or a venue closer to it before his November 2 deadline.Beyond one judge's request, the larger pressure is to add capacity.Kushal Debnath, convener of the Sangrami Ganamancha, a collective working to restore the voting rights of struck-off voters, wants more tribunals and faster Supreme Court hearings, and says the Election Commission must be held accountable. The collective has planned protest rallies in Kolkata, Murshidabad, South Dinajpur and Nadia on November 23.Chatterjee's own diagnosis points the same way: with very few eligible retired judges available and no concrete protocol for engaging them, remote working and a wider pool of judges from other states are among the few options he sees, provided adequate staff are available.Time is also short. Municipal elections for Howrah and Kolkata are due in November, and with over 37 lakh appeals still pending across the 19 tribunals, many struck-off voters may still be waiting for a ruling when the polls arrive.

More than 37 lakh SIR appeals remain pending in Bengal, while one Murshidabad tribunal alone is dealing with over 6.35 lakh. Justice (retd) Indrajit Chatterjee says the logistical burden has become unsustainable and has offered to quit unless he can work closer to home.

More than 37 lakh SIR appeals are still pending in Bengal, but the system set up to hear them is itself struggling for judges. Of the 19 appellate tribunals constituted in the state, one Murshidabad tribunal headed by Justice (Retd) Indrajit Chatterjee is dealing with 6,35,983 appeals from 11 Assembly constituencies. Chatterjee, who says he can dispose of about 10 cases a day, has offered to step down from November 2 unless he is allowed to work from home or from a venue closer to his Salt Lake residence. He tells WION the “main problem” is logistical overload, the lack of eligible retired judges, and says that for citizens waiting on rulings, "the process becomes a punishment." In an exclusive conversation, Chatterjee said the logistical challenges is "the main factor" behind the delays. He has offered to resign effective November 2 unless he is allowed to hear appeals from home or a venue closer to it. He cites a daily commute of two to four hours from his Salt Lake residence to the hearing centre in Joka, about 27 km away. Could others follow? Asked how many of the 19 tribunal judges might leave, Chatterjee said his colleagues reacted to his resignation by saying “he did the right thing, the pressure is impractical” but could not predict their decisions. He added that his own exit may or may not inspire others to take a similar step who are overburdened. Another judge handling a district bordering Kolkata is also considering quitting over the commute, he mentioned. His own request rests with the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge, whose administrative panel decides how the tribunals function. Also read | SIR: BLOs pressured to sign Form-7 applications seeking Muslim voter deletions in Karnataka “Mostly genuine voters” Murshidabad recorded the highest number of deletions under the "logical discrepancy" category, and opposition parties allege the exercise targeted a Muslim-majority district. Asked whether the voters he had heard from were genuine, Chatterjee said: "Mostly genuine voters." His record supports that. He has decided 425 appeals, restoring 350 names (82.35 per cent) and upholding 75 deletions. He hears appeals from 11 of the district's 22 constituencies, and another former High Court judge handles the rest. Most hearings are held virtually through block development offices. "Zero" pressure Asked whether he faced indirect pressure amid controversies around the Election Commission, Chatterjee was categorical. "Zero," he said, adding that he had "never" received a threat or been pushed to act in a particular way. He described the assignment as temporary. "I think my time is over," he said. The numbers behind the exit Chatterjee says he can decide roughly 10 appeals a day. Against a backlog of about 5.3 lakh in his tribunal, that works out to around 145 years if he worked every day of the year. The problem extends well beyond his bench. The Election Commission told the Supreme Court that over 38 lakh appeals were filed before the 19 tribunals, with over 37 lakh pending and only about 1.02 lakh disposed of. More than 27 lakh voters were deleted after adjudication in Bengal's SIR exercise. The tribunals began work on April 13 on the Supreme Court's direction. Former Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam stepped down in May and Justice Ranjit Bag in July, both citing personal reasons. Also read | EC rolls back SIR add-on in Form 6 that was objected by two commissioners: What this means "The process becomes a punishment" Chatterjee said slow justice hurts most when citizenship and welfare benefits are at stake. He compared the situation to an ordinary eviction suit, which he said takes a minimum of seven years at the trial level before appeals begin. "The process becomes a punishment," he said. Staff, buses and logistics The arrangement carries a heavy logistical cost, Chatterjee said. Several buses ferry staff to Joka from points such as Sealdah, Baruipur, Howrah and north Kolkata, while other staff travel by train. A work-from-home model, he said, would work only if adequate staff were available and willing to move with the judge. Replacements are scarce "It is difficult to find a replacement," Chatterjee said. He said there are "very few" eligible retired judges and noted that filling an earlier vacancy took about two months. Bringing in retired judges from other states runs into the problem of relocation, though remote work could offer a way around it. He said there is "no concrete protocol" for engaging retired judges. The portal safeguard Justice Chatterjee also cautioned against judges taking an "easy way out" to inflate disposal figures, and said 20,000 disposals in three months across the system deserve scrutiny. Judges must now upload their orders and related details to a portal, which Chatterjee called a good development. The way forward The most immediate question is whether the Calcutta High Court's administrative panel, headed by the Chief Justice, will let Chatterjee hear appeals from home or a venue closer to it before his November 2 deadline. Beyond one judge's request, the larger pressure is to add capacity. Kushal Debnath, convener of the Sangrami Ganamancha, a collective working to restore the voting rights of struck-off voters, wants more tribunals and faster Supreme Court hearings, and says the Election Commission must be held accountable. The collective has planned protest rallies in Kolkata, Murshidabad, South Dinajpur and Nadia on November 23. Chatterjee's own diagnosis points the same way: with very few eligible retired judges available and no concrete protocol for engaging them, remote working and a wider pool of judges from other states are among the few options he sees, provided adequate staff are available. Time is also short. Municipal elections for Howrah and Kolkata are due in November, and with over 37 lakh appeals still pending across the 19 tribunals, many struck-off voters may still be waiting for a ruling when the polls arrive.

More than 37 lakh SIR appeals remain pending in Bengal, while one Murshidabad tribunal alone is dealing with over 6.35 lakh. Justice (retd) Indrajit Chatterjee says the logistical burden has become unsustainable and has offered to quit unless he can work closer to home.

'Work from home' or he quits: Retd judge's fix for Bengal's stalled SIR appeals backlog

When Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil landed in Kolkata on Thursday, the city had its first glimpse of the five-time world champions in nearly five decades. Saturday's friendly against India, at the Salt Lake Stadium, is one of three fixtures in the window. India play Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6, both in Kolkata. One of Bengal's football icons is watching the celebrations from outside.&nbsp;Gautam Sarkar, the former India international and ex-captain of both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, man-marked Pelé on September 24, 1977, says he has not been invited.<h2>The man who marked Pelé</h2>On September 24, 1977, nearly 80,000 fans packed Eden Gardens to watch Pelé's New York Cosmos play Mohun Bagan. Coach P.K. Banerjee gave the midfielder the job of man-marking the Brazilian great. A photograph of Sarkar tackling Pelé made the front pages the next day, and still has pride of place in his home.&nbsp;Pelé noticed. Sarkar later recalled the great man telling him he was the number 14 who "did not allow me to move," and said he was left "awe-struck." A former India international who went on to captain both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, Sarkar told WION that Brazil's visit is "historic." He said, however, that no one has acknowledged him ahead of it.&nbsp;Speaking exclusively to WION, Sarkar welcomed Brazil's arrival.&nbsp;“It is a great moment for all of us,” he said. “Brazil is Brazil. Whether they lose or win doesn't matter; they are five-time champions.”&nbsp;Asked about being left off the guest list, he said: “It doesn’t matter to me, but it is very unfortunate. It is time to recognise our own players as well.”&nbsp;“A long-term project”&nbsp;His message goes beyond personal disappointment. Spectacle, he argues, is no substitute for grassroots investment, proper coaching and club support for young players. He also says political will has been missing.&nbsp;Sarkar's sharper criticism is aimed at how Bengal treats its young players. West Bengal has won the Santosh Trophy 32 times, more than any other team. Yet he says the state that once supplied seven or eight players to the national side now sends only one or two. In 2022, India played a tournament without a single Bengali player for the first time.&nbsp;“Till today, whether from the association, the government sector or the private sector, we have not been able to take any such long-term step,” Sarkar said. “Grassroots-level players, the talent of tomorrow, are still being deprived.”&nbsp;His prescription starts with selection: “It must be impartial and honest.” Then comes grooming.&nbsp;“Basically, honing their skills and grooming them. It is a long-term project. And it should not be fixed only in one particular state.”&nbsp;Asked whether political will was lacking, he replied: “Maybe. Bengal has such an affinity for football that priority must be given. There is a lot of talent in West Bengal”.&nbsp;On the new state government, he urged patience but not complacency.“Only to bring Brazil, only to bring Uruguay is not the solution,” he said. “This is the time we should think about how we are developing our own players.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/family-of-renee-good-killed-in-immigration-crackdown-sues-us-government-and-ice-agent-1790873344147">Family of Renee Good, killed in immigration crackdown, sues US government and ICE agent</a><h2>The compliment of a lifetime</h2>Sarkar still remembers the build-up to 1977.&nbsp;“It was absolutely out of our imagination,” he said. Pelé's side had already played national teams from Korea, China and Japan on the tour, before arriving in Kolkata.&nbsp;His own assignment came with a caveat.&nbsp;“Pelé is not going to stay in one place on a 120 by 80 yard field,” he recalled telling his teammates.&nbsp;After the match, Pelé took the microphone and praised Mohun Bagan's performance. When Sarkar's name was announced, Pelé recognised him as the player wearing number 14. Sarkar says the moment “will really stay with me till my death.”&nbsp;Legendary footballer Chuni Goswami then told him to retire on that high. Sarkar's response was to keep playing.&nbsp;“This compliment has given me great courage and encouragement, so that I will try to continue another 10 years,” he recalled.&nbsp;Sarkar, who once refused to be overawed by Pelé, offers the same advice to today's players. His tip: don't be a fanboy. His larger question is whether the city that celebrates Brazil will invest in the players it needs.

As Brazil returns to Kolkata nearly 50 years after Pelé's visit, former India international Gautam Sarkar recalls marking the football legend and calls for greater recognition and long term investment in Bengal's own football talent.

When Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil landed in Kolkata on Thursday, the city had its first glimpse of the five-time world champions in nearly five decades. Saturday's friendly against India, at the Salt Lake Stadium, is one of three fixtures in the window. India play Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6, both in Kolkata. One of Bengal's football icons is watching the celebrations from outside. Gautam Sarkar, the former India international and ex-captain of both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, man-marked Pelé on September 24, 1977, says he has not been invited. The man who marked Pelé On September 24, 1977, nearly 80,000 fans packed Eden Gardens to watch Pelé's New York Cosmos play Mohun Bagan. Coach P.K. Banerjee gave the midfielder the job of man-marking the Brazilian great. A photograph of Sarkar tackling Pelé made the front pages the next day, and still has pride of place in his home. Pelé noticed. Sarkar later recalled the great man telling him he was the number 14 who "did not allow me to move," and said he was left "awe-struck." A former India international who went on to captain both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, Sarkar told WION that Brazil's visit is "historic." He said, however, that no one has acknowledged him ahead of it. Speaking exclusively to WION, Sarkar welcomed Brazil's arrival. “It is a great moment for all of us,” he said. “Brazil is Brazil. Whether they lose or win doesn't matter; they are five-time champions.” Asked about being left off the guest list, he said: “It doesn’t matter to me, but it is very unfortunate. It is time to recognise our own players as well.” “A long-term project” His message goes beyond personal disappointment. Spectacle, he argues, is no substitute for grassroots investment, proper coaching and club support for young players. He also says political will has been missing. Sarkar's sharper criticism is aimed at how Bengal treats its young players. West Bengal has won the Santosh Trophy 32 times, more than any other team. Yet he says the state that once supplied seven or eight players to the national side now sends only one or two. In 2022, India played a tournament without a single Bengali player for the first time. “Till today, whether from the association, the government sector or the private sector, we have not been able to take any such long-term step,” Sarkar said. “Grassroots-level players, the talent of tomorrow, are still being deprived.” His prescription starts with selection: “It must be impartial and honest.” Then comes grooming. “Basically, honing their skills and grooming them. It is a long-term project. And it should not be fixed only in one particular state.” Asked whether political will was lacking, he replied: “Maybe. Bengal has such an affinity for football that priority must be given. There is a lot of talent in West Bengal”. On the new state government, he urged patience but not complacency. “Only to bring Brazil, only to bring Uruguay is not the solution,” he said. “This is the time we should think about how we are developing our own players.” Also Read: Family of Renee Good, killed in immigration crackdown, sues US government and ICE agent The compliment of a lifetime Sarkar still remembers the build-up to 1977. “It was absolutely out of our imagination,” he said. Pelé's side had already played national teams from Korea, China and Japan on the tour, before arriving in Kolkata. His own assignment came with a caveat. “Pelé is not going to stay in one place on a 120 by 80 yard field,” he recalled telling his teammates. After the match, Pelé took the microphone and praised Mohun Bagan's performance. When Sarkar's name was announced, Pelé recognised him as the player wearing number 14. Sarkar says the moment “will really stay with me till my death.” Legendary footballer Chuni Goswami then told him to retire on that high. Sarkar's response was to keep playing. “This compliment has given me great courage and encouragement, so that I will try to continue another 10 years,” he recalled. Sarkar, who once refused to be overawed by Pelé, offers the same advice to today's players. His tip: don't be a fanboy. His larger question is whether the city that celebrates Brazil will invest in the players it needs.

As Brazil returns to Kolkata nearly 50 years after Pelé's visit, former India international Gautam Sarkar recalls marking the football legend and calls for greater recognition and long-term investment in Bengal's own football talent.

Fifty years after Pelé, Kolkata hosts Brazil. Where is Bengal's own football legacy?

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the violence at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) has so far questioned 23 people from both sides. On Thursday, six SIT officers submitted a six-page investigation report at Nabanna, the state secretariat.According to police sources, SIT members led by Kunal Agarwal, Additional Commissioner of Kolkata Police (Crime), visited the SRFTI campus around 4 pm on Wednesday. They examined several videos and CCTV recordings from the premises. Sources said analysis of the footage has helped identify about 250 people who may have been involved in the incident.Those questioned so far include 10 members of the college administration, among them the Vice-Chancellor, along with 10 student leaders and three members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP). The SIT has not named anyone as directly responsible. It has said no one can be declared guilty until the investigation is complete.Clashes broke out on Sunday, September 27, between SRFTI students and members of the ABGP, an RSS-affiliated organisation, after the group was allegedly allowed to hold an event in the institute's main auditorium. The organisation had reportedly rented the auditorium of the central government-run institute for a programme scheduled from noon to 4 pm.The SRFTI Students' Union said the student body was not informed about the event before permission was granted. Students questioned how outsiders could enter the campus to organise a programme, and the confrontation followed.The two sides gave conflicting accounts. Students accused ABGP members of assault, inflammatory speeches and abusive labels, while the ABGP said some of its own members were also hospitalised. The organisers said tensions rose after a group of students entered the venue and allegedly tore down their flags, posters and banners. At least seven people were hurt.Police entered the campus and were deployed in large numbers outside, where they also scuffled with a crowd gathered at the main gate. Students later blocked the institute's gates and staged a sit-in, demanding action against those they accused of attacking them.The incident also drew political reaction. The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee condemned what it called a rampage by RSS-backed miscreants at SRFTI, and a call was made for an independent investigation.With the SIT's report now submitted and hundreds of people identified from footage, attention turns to whether the investigation will lead to formal action. Authorities have not said when the probe will conclude. Both the students and the ABGP have demanded action against those they hold responsible.

Clashes broke out on Sunday, September 27, between SRFTI students and members of the ABGP, an RSS-affiliated organisation, after the group was allegedly allowed to hold an event in the institute's main auditorium.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the violence at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) has so far questioned 23 people from both sides. On Thursday, six SIT officers submitted a six-page investigation report at Nabanna, the state secretariat. According to police sources, SIT members led by Kunal Agarwal, Additional Commissioner of Kolkata Police (Crime), visited the SRFTI campus around 4 pm on Wednesday. They examined several videos and CCTV recordings from the premises. Sources said analysis of the footage has helped identify about 250 people who may have been involved in the incident. Those questioned so far include 10 members of the college administration, among them the Vice-Chancellor, along with 10 student leaders and three members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP). The SIT has not named anyone as directly responsible. It has said no one can be declared guilty until the investigation is complete. Clashes broke out on Sunday, September 27, between SRFTI students and members of the ABGP, an RSS-affiliated organisation, after the group was allegedly allowed to hold an event in the institute's main auditorium. The organisation had reportedly rented the auditorium of the central government-run institute for a programme scheduled from noon to 4 pm. The SRFTI Students' Union said the student body was not informed about the event before permission was granted. Students questioned how outsiders could enter the campus to organise a programme, and the confrontation followed. The two sides gave conflicting accounts. Students accused ABGP members of assault, inflammatory speeches and abusive labels, while the ABGP said some of its own members were also hospitalised. The organisers said tensions rose after a group of students entered the venue and allegedly tore down their flags, posters and banners. At least seven people were hurt. Police entered the campus and were deployed in large numbers outside, where they also scuffled with a crowd gathered at the main gate. Students later blocked the institute's gates and staged a sit-in, demanding action against those they accused of attacking them. The incident also drew political reaction. The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee condemned what it called a rampage by RSS-backed miscreants at SRFTI, and a call was made for an independent investigation. With the SIT's report now submitted and hundreds of people identified from footage, attention turns to whether the investigation will lead to formal action. Authorities have not said when the probe will conclude. Both the students and the ABGP have demanded action against those they hold responsible.

Clashes broke out on Sunday, September 27, between SRFTI students and members of the ABGP, an RSS-affiliated organisation, after the group was allegedly allowed to hold an event in the institute's main auditorium.

SIT questions 23 in SRFTI clash probe, submits report at Nabanna

A tilting chemical tanker loaded with 9,000 tonnes of palm oil, with 23 crew aboard, was pulled back from the brink off the Odisha coast after a swift Indian Coast Guard (ICG) operation that officials say averted a major maritime incident.The Belize-flagged MT Seagull 9 sent an urgent distress call at about 0730 hrs on 27 September. Its main engine had failed, and its ballast tanks were flooding fast, pushing the ship into a dangerous tilt roughly 37 nautical miles east-south-east of Paradip.&nbsp;ICG Ship (ICGS) Vishwast was dispatched immediately. A specialist damage control team then boarded the unstable vessel in difficult conditions. Using submersible de-flooding pumps and other damage-control equipment, the team arrested the leakage, blanked two damaged seawater pipelines and contained a third fractured line.&nbsp;Coast Guard and ship's crew then worked together on cargo transfer and de-flooding at the same time. This stabilised the tanker and removed the threat of capsizing. The danger went beyond the ship. A capsized or breached vessel carrying such a cargo could have threatened the surrounding marine ecosystem. A minor palm-oil sheen was spotted near the vessel on 27 September, but follow-up aerial sorties on 28 September confirmed it had fully dissipated.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-eci-four-months-tmc-name-symbol-dispute-1790606827719">Supreme Court gives ECI four months to resolve TMC name, symbol dispute</a>&nbsp;An ICG Dornier aircraft flying from Bhubaneswar provided real-time aerial surveillance. The Coast Guard has also diverted a Pollution Control Vessel and an additional Offshore Patrol Vessel to the area for stronger pollution response and round-the-clock monitoring. Strict pollution-response protocols remain active.&nbsp;The rescue became a multi-agency effort as the Paradip Port Authority's tug Dolphin took the stabilised tanker under tow to the anchorage off Paradip. Repairs to the main engine are under way, with help from ICGS Vishwast's technical team.&nbsp;ICGS Vishwast and the other deployed assets remain on scene, maintaining what the Coast Guard describes as an active sentinel watch and providing continuous operational support. The incident shows the value of rapid response on India's busy eastern sea lanes, where a single mechanical failure can escalate within hours into a threat to lives, cargo and coastline.

The Indian Coast Guard rescued the tilting tanker MT Seagull 9, carrying 9,000 tonnes of palm oil and 23 crew, off Odisha after engine failure and flooding. Damage control stabilised it, a minor oil sheen dissipated, and it was towed to Paradip.

A tilting chemical tanker loaded with 9,000 tonnes of palm oil, with 23 crew aboard, was pulled back from the brink off the Odisha coast after a swift Indian Coast Guard (ICG) operation that officials say averted a major maritime incident. The Belize-flagged MT Seagull 9 sent an urgent distress call at about 0730 hrs on 27 September. Its main engine had failed, and its ballast tanks were flooding fast, pushing the ship into a dangerous tilt roughly 37 nautical miles east-south-east of Paradip. ICG Ship (ICGS) Vishwast was dispatched immediately. A specialist damage control team then boarded the unstable vessel in difficult conditions. Using submersible de-flooding pumps and other damage-control equipment, the team arrested the leakage, blanked two damaged seawater pipelines and contained a third fractured line. Coast Guard and ship's crew then worked together on cargo transfer and de-flooding at the same time. This stabilised the tanker and removed the threat of capsizing. The danger went beyond the ship. A capsized or breached vessel carrying such a cargo could have threatened the surrounding marine ecosystem. A minor palm-oil sheen was spotted near the vessel on 27 September, but follow-up aerial sorties on 28 September confirmed it had fully dissipated. Also read: Supreme Court gives ECI four months to resolve TMC name, symbol dispute An ICG Dornier aircraft flying from Bhubaneswar provided real-time aerial surveillance. The Coast Guard has also diverted a Pollution Control Vessel and an additional Offshore Patrol Vessel to the area for stronger pollution response and round-the-clock monitoring. Strict pollution-response protocols remain active. The rescue became a multi-agency effort as the Paradip Port Authority's tug Dolphin took the stabilised tanker under tow to the anchorage off Paradip. Repairs to the main engine are under way, with help from ICGS Vishwast's technical team. ICGS Vishwast and the other deployed assets remain on scene, maintaining what the Coast Guard describes as an active sentinel watch and providing continuous operational support. The incident shows the value of rapid response on India's busy eastern sea lanes, where a single mechanical failure can escalate within hours into a threat to lives, cargo and coastline.

The Indian Coast Guard rescued the tilting tanker MT Seagull 9, carrying 9,000 tonnes of palm oil and 23 crew, off Odisha after engine failure and flooding. Damage control stabilised it, a minor oil sheen dissipated, and it was towed to Paradip.

Coast guard races to save listing tanker off Paradip, averting maritime disaster

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of India to finally resolve the ownership dispute over the All India Trinamool Congress name and its reserved “Flowers &amp; Grass” election symbol within roughly four months. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, was hearing a writ petition filed by former West Bengal Chief Minister and party founder Mamata Banerjee. She has challenged the ECI’s 17 September interim order that froze the original party name and symbol amid a factional split.The freeze came after the Commission concluded that two rival groups were each claiming to be the real Trinamool Congress: one led by Mamata Banerjee and the other by Ritabrata Banerjee (Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly), with Arup Roy as a key figure in the rebel camp. For the upcoming 6 October bye-elections (including Nandigram and Rejinagar), the ECI allotted temporary identities: the Mamata faction received “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the “Football Player” symbol, while the rival faction received “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the “Envelope” symbol. The Commission made clear these were only interim arrangements pending a full determination under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.During Monday’s hearing the court examined the pace of the proceedings. Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the Commission on the delay, noting that several weeks had already passed and that modern tools, including technology, should enable faster progress. The ECI’s counsel cited practical difficulties in collecting evidence and hearing both sides thoroughly. The court declined to go into the merits of the rival claims itself, stating those issues must be examined by the Commission. It also rejected a request for a longer period (such as six months) and instead fixed a tighter schedule based on timelines from earlier symbol disputes.The bench ordered both factions to complete their pleadings, affidavits, counter-affidavits and additional documents within four weeks. After that, the Election Commission has three months to deliver its final decision. In total, the Commission now has about four months to determine which side (if either) owns the original Trinamool Congress name and symbol. The ruling means the decision will stretch into early 2027 and will not be available before the municipal elections.The Ritabrata Banerjee-led camp is expected to file its detailed response and supporting material within the four-week window. The Supreme Court emphasised that parties’ cooperation would be important and clarified that it was expressing no opinion on the substance of the dispute, leaving all contentions open for the Election Commission to decide.

The Election Commission submitted details on past timelines to the Supreme Court in the dispute over the freezing of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) name and its “Flowers & Grass” symbol. The court has fixed a clear schedule that pushes a final decision into early 2027.

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of India to finally resolve the ownership dispute over the All India Trinamool Congress name and its reserved “Flowers & Grass” election symbol within roughly four months. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, was hearing a writ petition filed by former West Bengal Chief Minister and party founder Mamata Banerjee. She has challenged the ECI’s 17 September interim order that froze the original party name and symbol amid a factional split. The freeze came after the Commission concluded that two rival groups were each claiming to be the real Trinamool Congress: one led by Mamata Banerjee and the other by Ritabrata Banerjee (Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly), with Arup Roy as a key figure in the rebel camp. For the upcoming 6 October bye-elections (including Nandigram and Rejinagar), the ECI allotted temporary identities: the Mamata faction received “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the “Football Player” symbol, while the rival faction received “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the “Envelope” symbol. The Commission made clear these were only interim arrangements pending a full determination under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. During Monday’s hearing the court examined the pace of the proceedings. Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the Commission on the delay, noting that several weeks had already passed and that modern tools, including technology, should enable faster progress. The ECI’s counsel cited practical difficulties in collecting evidence and hearing both sides thoroughly. The court declined to go into the merits of the rival claims itself, stating those issues must be examined by the Commission. It also rejected a request for a longer period (such as six months) and instead fixed a tighter schedule based on timelines from earlier symbol disputes. The bench ordered both factions to complete their pleadings, affidavits, counter-affidavits and additional documents within four weeks. After that, the Election Commission has three months to deliver its final decision. In total, the Commission now has about four months to determine which side (if either) owns the original Trinamool Congress name and symbol. The ruling means the decision will stretch into early 2027 and will not be available before the municipal elections. The Ritabrata Banerjee-led camp is expected to file its detailed response and supporting material within the four-week window. The Supreme Court emphasised that parties’ cooperation would be important and clarified that it was expressing no opinion on the substance of the dispute, leaving all contentions open for the Election Commission to decide.

The Election Commission submitted details on past timelines to the Supreme Court in the dispute over the freezing of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) name and its “Flowers &amp; Grass” symbol. The court has fixed a clear schedule that pushes a final decision into early 2027.

Supreme Court gives ECI four months to resolve TMC name, symbol dispute

Blood, broken glass and accusations of a knife attack marked a chaotic Sunday at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, after a programme by an RSS-affiliated consumer group erupted into a campus-wide brawl that left students besieged inside their own institute for hours, chased into the library, and at least two hospitalised with serious injuries. This came just weeks after a similar clash rocked Jadavpur University.&nbsp;&nbsp;The trouble began after the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) held a programme in the institute’s main auditorium, which it had booked with the administration’s permission. Some students objected to a private organisation holding a meeting inside a government educational institution. They went to the auditorium and staged a protest, raising slogans.&nbsp;The ABGP is part of the broader Sangh Parivar affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is also the ideological parent body of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;According to the SRFTI Students’ Union, neither the union nor the wider student body had been informed that the event was taking place. Around 2 pm, students went to put up posters questioning why the auditorium had been given over to the group without their knowledge. ABGP members allegedly confronted them and tried to force them out, and the situation quickly turned physical.&nbsp;Students said they were called "anti-national," "urban Naxals" and "terrorists," and that ABGP members — some of whom chased protesters into the library, where a librarian was also allegedly assaulted — attacked them with fists, stones, bricks and sticks.&nbsp;Women students were allegedly manhandled, and some students claimed a knife was used in the assault. The union said students not even involved in the protest were chased down, and that professors were harassed as well.&nbsp;The students’ union said in a statement, “Several students took shelter inside the library. Members of the group followed them there as well, and the librarian was also physically harassed. The library was surrounded, leaving students and staff trapped inside their own institution in a frightening situation.”&nbsp;The ABGP president Pankaj Roy countered by saying that its members were assaulted by the students.&nbsp;It added that it had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent. “We booked the hall by paying ₹15,000 in rent and obtaining permission from the authorities. Our organisation primarily works on consumer protection and creating awareness among consumers. But an attempt was made to disrupt our meeting. Pictures of Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda were torn down. Four people have already been admitted to the hospital. All the students are intoxicated there.”&nbsp;&nbsp;At least 27 people were taken for treatment, including 25 to Desun Hospital, including teachers and students, of whom four were discharged after first aid and two were admitted with serious injuries; two others with minor injuries were treated and released at KPC Medical Hospital.&nbsp;As word spread, students blocked the campus gates and stopped a bus carrying alleged RSS supporters, while bricks and bottles were hurled from outside.&nbsp;Police, led by Deputy Commissioner Arindam Sarkar, later detained a man students identified as main accused, though the union alleged officers were instead noting down complainants' details, raising fears of intimidation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The police eventually signed the students’ complaint and assured them that the matter would be investigated. The van then left the campus. After 8 pm, the crowd outside the gate also began to thin.&nbsp;The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) distanced itself from the incident, calling any attempt to link it to the organisation “factually incorrect and misleading” and urging an impartial inquiry before conclusions are drawn.&nbsp;SRFTI’s new vice-chancellor, who was due to visit the campus on October 1, rushed to Kolkata from Delhi on Sunday after learning of the violence and went straight to the campus after landing.&nbsp;West Bengal BJP’s spokesperson Debjit&nbsp; Sarkar reacted by calling the students “dimagi naxal”. He tweeted on X, “A programme depicting Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda in Bengal is now a "communal" programme. How these naxals are kicking, spitting and tearing down the picture of Swami Vivekananda.”&nbsp;&nbsp;West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee State president Subhankar Sarkar condemned what he called rampage by RSS-backed miscreants, invoking Satyajit Ray's own film Hirak Rajar Deshe as a warning against suppressing education and independent thought. He said the incident reflects an attempt to intimidate progressive voices and undermine free thinking in educational institutions, drew a parallel to the Gajendra Chauhan appointment row at FTII, and demanded a thorough investigation.&nbsp;Filmmaker Indranil Roychowdhury, who also teaches at the institution, described the incident as concerning. He said, “The incident is very worrying. From the images I have seen, the students were brutally beaten. Whatever may have happened, they cannot enter the students’ own campus and beat them like this. If something was objectionable, there were certainly ways to inform the authorities.”

ABGP president Pankaj Roy said its members were assaulted by the students. He added that ABGP had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent.

Blood, broken glass and accusations of a knife attack marked a chaotic Sunday at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, after a programme by an RSS-affiliated consumer group erupted into a campus-wide brawl that left students besieged inside their own institute for hours, chased into the library, and at least two hospitalised with serious injuries. This came just weeks after a similar clash rocked Jadavpur University. The trouble began after the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) held a programme in the institute’s main auditorium, which it had booked with the administration’s permission. Some students objected to a private organisation holding a meeting inside a government educational institution. They went to the auditorium and staged a protest, raising slogans. The ABGP is part of the broader Sangh Parivar affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is also the ideological parent body of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to the SRFTI Students’ Union, neither the union nor the wider student body had been informed that the event was taking place. Around 2 pm, students went to put up posters questioning why the auditorium had been given over to the group without their knowledge. ABGP members allegedly confronted them and tried to force them out, and the situation quickly turned physical. Students said they were called "anti-national," "urban Naxals" and "terrorists," and that ABGP members — some of whom chased protesters into the library, where a librarian was also allegedly assaulted — attacked them with fists, stones, bricks and sticks. Women students were allegedly manhandled, and some students claimed a knife was used in the assault. The union said students not even involved in the protest were chased down, and that professors were harassed as well. The students’ union said in a statement, “Several students took shelter inside the library. Members of the group followed them there as well, and the librarian was also physically harassed. The library was surrounded, leaving students and staff trapped inside their own institution in a frightening situation.” The ABGP president Pankaj Roy countered by saying that its members were assaulted by the students. It added that it had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent. “We booked the hall by paying ₹15,000 in rent and obtaining permission from the authorities. Our organisation primarily works on consumer protection and creating awareness among consumers. But an attempt was made to disrupt our meeting. Pictures of Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda were torn down. Four people have already been admitted to the hospital. All the students are intoxicated there.” At least 27 people were taken for treatment, including 25 to Desun Hospital, including teachers and students, of whom four were discharged after first aid and two were admitted with serious injuries; two others with minor injuries were treated and released at KPC Medical Hospital. As word spread, students blocked the campus gates and stopped a bus carrying alleged RSS supporters, while bricks and bottles were hurled from outside. Police, led by Deputy Commissioner Arindam Sarkar, later detained a man students identified as main accused, though the union alleged officers were instead noting down complainants' details, raising fears of intimidation. The police eventually signed the students’ complaint and assured them that the matter would be investigated. The van then left the campus. After 8 pm, the crowd outside the gate also began to thin. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) distanced itself from the incident, calling any attempt to link it to the organisation “factually incorrect and misleading” and urging an impartial inquiry before conclusions are drawn. SRFTI’s new vice-chancellor, who was due to visit the campus on October 1, rushed to Kolkata from Delhi on Sunday after learning of the violence and went straight to the campus after landing. West Bengal BJP’s spokesperson Debjit Sarkar reacted by calling the students “dimagi naxal”. He tweeted on X, “A programme depicting Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda in Bengal is now a "communal" programme. How these naxals are kicking, spitting and tearing down the picture of Swami Vivekananda.” West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee State president Subhankar Sarkar condemned what he called rampage by RSS-backed miscreants, invoking Satyajit Ray's own film Hirak Rajar Deshe as a warning against suppressing education and independent thought. He said the incident reflects an attempt to intimidate progressive voices and undermine free thinking in educational institutions, drew a parallel to the Gajendra Chauhan appointment row at FTII, and demanded a thorough investigation. Filmmaker Indranil Roychowdhury, who also teaches at the institution, described the incident as concerning. He said, “The incident is very worrying. From the images I have seen, the students were brutally beaten. Whatever may have happened, they cannot enter the students’ own campus and beat them like this. If something was objectionable, there were certainly ways to inform the authorities.”

ABGP president Pankaj Roy said its members were assaulted by the students.&nbsp;He added that ABGP had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent.

After JU, clash erupts at SRFTI: BJP’s ‘Dimagi Naxal’ jibe sparks political firestorm after students protest RSS-linked event

The West Bengal government on Wednesday handed over land to 33 industrial units on Wednesday at Milan Mela, in a push that Minister Tapas Roy says will bring in nearly ₹60,000 crore of investment and generate around 62,000 jobs. The event, originally planned for Baj Baj on the 26th, was moved up after industry bodies flagged that Pitru Paksha begins that day.Land has gone to units across semiconductors, defence and ammunition, solar energy, electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, steel, food processing, textiles, engineering and MSMEs, spread across WBIDC and WBIIDC parks in Salt Lake, Falta, Ankurhati, Uluberia, Naihati, Kalyani, Haringhata, Kharagpur, Panagarh, Raghunathpur and Cooch Behar, among others.Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal said the allotments came with strict conditions attached. "The focus was not on who is being given the land, but on who will be able to complete their project within three years of receiving the land, by 2029," he said, adding that this timeline has been written into the handover agreements themselves. He pointed to past cases where big-ticket announcements never translated into actual construction, leaving land lying idle, and said the government wanted to guard against a repeat. "West Bengal is the land of investment," he said, noting interest from both domestic and foreign industrialists.Industries Minister Tapas Roy called it a day worth remembering. "Even many years from now, the people of West Bengal will remember this day," he said, describing the land handover as the foundation of a self-reliant Bengal. Roy said the government, not yet 150 days old, had brought about more than a political change. "There was never a shortage of land for setting up industries in West Bengal. What was lacking was sincerity and the right approach," he said, adding that small and medium industries mattered as much as big investors, and that industrialisation must extend into Rarh Bengal. He set December 31, 2029 as the deadline for projects to be completed, so the Chief Minister could inaugurate them rather than the state having to reclaim the land.The sharpest remarks came from Suvendu Adhikari, who blamed the CPI(M) for undoing the industrial groundwork laid by Bidhan Chandra Roy, and accused Mamata Banerjee of driving the Tatas out of Singur through what he called negative politics. He said the state was now buying land directly for industry without police involvement, backed by a "double-engine government," and claimed extortion had stopped since May 9. A toll-free number, 155-335, has been set up for industrialists to report threats or extortion attempts.Adhikari also said a ₹5,000-crore incentive fund had been created, with support tied to employment generation rather than investment size, and that the state's industrial policy would be announced before Durga Puja. He referred to a pending DRDO proposal for a missile-launching station at Junput, an Ambani group visit planned for next week, a foundation stone to be laid for a 1,000-bed Adani hospital, and an agreement under the Centre's UDAN scheme covering five airports, including Kalaikunda, Balurghat and Purulia.

The sharpest remarks came from Suvendu Adhikari, who blamed the CPI(M) for undoing the industrial groundwork laid by Bidhan Chandra Roy, and accused Mamata Banerjee of driving the Tatas out of Singur through what he called negative politics. 

The West Bengal government on Wednesday handed over land to 33 industrial units on Wednesday at Milan Mela, in a push that Minister Tapas Roy says will bring in nearly ₹60,000 crore of investment and generate around 62,000 jobs. The event, originally planned for Baj Baj on the 26th, was moved up after industry bodies flagged that Pitru Paksha begins that day. Land has gone to units across semiconductors, defence and ammunition, solar energy, electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, steel, food processing, textiles, engineering and MSMEs, spread across WBIDC and WBIIDC parks in Salt Lake, Falta, Ankurhati, Uluberia, Naihati, Kalyani, Haringhata, Kharagpur, Panagarh, Raghunathpur and Cooch Behar, among others. Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal said the allotments came with strict conditions attached. "The focus was not on who is being given the land, but on who will be able to complete their project within three years of receiving the land, by 2029," he said, adding that this timeline has been written into the handover agreements themselves. He pointed to past cases where big-ticket announcements never translated into actual construction, leaving land lying idle, and said the government wanted to guard against a repeat. "West Bengal is the land of investment," he said, noting interest from both domestic and foreign industrialists. Industries Minister Tapas Roy called it a day worth remembering. "Even many years from now, the people of West Bengal will remember this day," he said, describing the land handover as the foundation of a self-reliant Bengal. Roy said the government, not yet 150 days old, had brought about more than a political change. "There was never a shortage of land for setting up industries in West Bengal. What was lacking was sincerity and the right approach," he said, adding that small and medium industries mattered as much as big investors, and that industrialisation must extend into Rarh Bengal. He set December 31, 2029 as the deadline for projects to be completed, so the Chief Minister could inaugurate them rather than the state having to reclaim the land. The sharpest remarks came from Suvendu Adhikari, who blamed the CPI(M) for undoing the industrial groundwork laid by Bidhan Chandra Roy, and accused Mamata Banerjee of driving the Tatas out of Singur through what he called negative politics. He said the state was now buying land directly for industry without police involvement, backed by a "double-engine government," and claimed extortion had stopped since May 9. A toll-free number, 155-335, has been set up for industrialists to report threats or extortion attempts. Adhikari also said a ₹5,000-crore incentive fund had been created, with support tied to employment generation rather than investment size, and that the state's industrial policy would be announced before Durga Puja. He referred to a pending DRDO proposal for a missile-launching station at Junput, an Ambani group visit planned for next week, a foundation stone to be laid for a 1,000-bed Adani hospital, and an agreement under the Centre's UDAN scheme covering five airports, including Kalaikunda, Balurghat and Purulia.

The sharpest remarks came from Suvendu Adhikari, who blamed the CPI(M) for undoing the industrial groundwork laid by Bidhan Chandra Roy, and accused Mamata Banerjee of driving the Tatas out of Singur through what he called negative politics.&nbsp;

60,000 crore, 62,000 jobs, one deadline: Bengal's new land push comes with a 2029 ultimatum

Hours after a media report revealed deep internal rifts in the Election Commission of India, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress on Wednesday demanded the revival of its earlier impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of undermining the poll body's independence.Rajya Sabha MP and senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien said the party would press to bring out the motion previously submitted by more than 60 Rajya Sabha MPs seeking Kumar's removal. "Five months ago, 60 Rajya Sabha MPs (50 needed) wrote to Chairman RS moving Motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar," O'Brien posted on X. Referring to the latest disclosures, he added: "After big news break today that two Election Commissioners objected to many of CEC's actions, it's time to bring out the RS Motion today. Impeach CEC to save democracy."The trigger for this fresh push was an Indian Express report claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over the past 10 months to key decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The two commissioners allegedly said major orders on voter additions, deletions, restorations and form changes were issued without their knowledge, with some branded "unauthorised and illegal."One of the sharpest points of internal disagreement centred on appeals arising from the SIR exercise in West Bengal. After the Supreme Court directed judicial officers to decide on roughly 60 lakh "logical discrepancy" cases, appellate tribunals headed by retired High Court judges were set up. Of the nearly 38 lakh appeals filed, about 16.1 lakh challenged the inclusion of voters whom those judicial officers had already cleared.In August, according to the Express report, Sandhu formally questioned who had authorised the filing of these appeals on behalf of the Election Commission and who had actually filed them. He recorded that neither he, Joshi, nor the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer had been informed of the basis or process — one of at least 14 objections raised by the two commissioners over ten months, spotlighting concerns over decisions taken without their knowledge and the centralisation of key actions within the Commission.However, sources say all decisions of the Election Commission of India, including those on SIR, have been unanimous and taken with the approval of both Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner.The nationwide SIR exercise has already led to the deletion of crores of names and drawn sharp opposition criticism for alleged irregularities. In West Bengal specifically, the exercise deleted roughly 90.8 lakh voters — about 12% of the electorate — with deletions disproportionately concentrated in TMC strongholds and Muslim-majority seats. In 160 of the state's 294 constituencies, the number of deleted voters exceeded the eventual winning margin; of those 160 seats, the BJP won 105 against the TMC's 53 — a sharp reversal from 2021, when TMC had carried 140 of these same seats and the BJP just 20. TMC has pointed to this as evidence that SIR significantly amplified its 2026 defeat.A fresh notice of motion, addressed to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, seeks an address to President Droupadi Murmu for Kumar's removal on grounds of "proved misbehaviour." It invokes Article 324(5) of the Constitution, related provisions of the 2023 Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The notice focuses on alleged acts and omissions by Kumar from March 15, 2026, onwards, and is backed by the required number of members under the applicable rules.The earlier opposition motion, submitted in March by INDIA bloc MPs including a large TMC contingent, had been rejected in April by the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker without stated reasons. That notice had alleged partisan conduct, obstruction of probes into electoral issues, and mass disenfranchisement tied to the SIR process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Trinamool Congress revived an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following reports that two Election Commissioners repeatedly objected to unauthorized decisions made during West Bengal's electoral roll revisions.

Hours after a media report revealed deep internal rifts in the Election Commission of India, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress on Wednesday demanded the revival of its earlier impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of undermining the poll body's independence. Rajya Sabha MP and senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien said the party would press to bring out the motion previously submitted by more than 60 Rajya Sabha MPs seeking Kumar's removal. "Five months ago, 60 Rajya Sabha MPs (50 needed) wrote to Chairman RS moving Motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar," O'Brien posted on X. Referring to the latest disclosures, he added: "After big news break today that two Election Commissioners objected to many of CEC's actions, it's time to bring out the RS Motion today. Impeach CEC to save democracy." The trigger for this fresh push was an Indian Express report claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over the past 10 months to key decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The two commissioners allegedly said major orders on voter additions, deletions, restorations and form changes were issued without their knowledge, with some branded "unauthorised and illegal." One of the sharpest points of internal disagreement centred on appeals arising from the SIR exercise in West Bengal. After the Supreme Court directed judicial officers to decide on roughly 60 lakh "logical discrepancy" cases, appellate tribunals headed by retired High Court judges were set up. Of the nearly 38 lakh appeals filed, about 16.1 lakh challenged the inclusion of voters whom those judicial officers had already cleared. In August, according to the Express report, Sandhu formally questioned who had authorised the filing of these appeals on behalf of the Election Commission and who had actually filed them. He recorded that neither he, Joshi, nor the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer had been informed of the basis or process — one of at least 14 objections raised by the two commissioners over ten months, spotlighting concerns over decisions taken without their knowledge and the centralisation of key actions within the Commission. However, sources say all decisions of the Election Commission of India, including those on SIR, have been unanimous and taken with the approval of both Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner. The nationwide SIR exercise has already led to the deletion of crores of names and drawn sharp opposition criticism for alleged irregularities. In West Bengal specifically, the exercise deleted roughly 90.8 lakh voters — about 12% of the electorate — with deletions disproportionately concentrated in TMC strongholds and Muslim-majority seats. In 160 of the state's 294 constituencies, the number of deleted voters exceeded the eventual winning margin; of those 160 seats, the BJP won 105 against the TMC's 53 — a sharp reversal from 2021, when TMC had carried 140 of these same seats and the BJP just 20. TMC has pointed to this as evidence that SIR significantly amplified its 2026 defeat. A fresh notice of motion, addressed to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, seeks an address to President Droupadi Murmu for Kumar's removal on grounds of "proved misbehaviour." It invokes Article 324(5) of the Constitution, related provisions of the 2023 Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The notice focuses on alleged acts and omissions by Kumar from March 15, 2026, onwards, and is backed by the required number of members under the applicable rules. The earlier opposition motion, submitted in March by INDIA bloc MPs including a large TMC contingent, had been rejected in April by the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker without stated reasons. That notice had alleged partisan conduct, obstruction of probes into electoral issues, and mass disenfranchisement tied to the SIR process.

The Trinamool Congress revived an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following reports that two Election Commissioners repeatedly objected to unauthorized decisions made during West Bengal's electoral roll revisions.

TMC revives impeachment push against CEC Gyanesh Kumar after report of internal dissent

A deep depression bearing down on the Bay of Bengal coast is on track to cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast by the night of September 23, the India Meteorological Department said, as orange alerts went up across six states and red alerts remained active in two Andhra districts.&nbsp;The IMD placed the depression near latitude 17.9°N and longitude 85.8°E — about 180 km south-southeast of Gopalpur, 180 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam, 210 km south of Puri, and 270 km east of Visakhapatnam. The system had slowed to 8 kmph over the previous six hours, down from 18 kmph earlier in the day. The IMD said it "is very likely to move west-northwestwards &amp; intensify into a deep depression" over the next 12 hours before crossing the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur by the night of September 23, effectively confirming landfall before midnight tomorrow.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-on-nations-to-quit-rogue-and-out-of-control-international-criminal-court-rips-un-1790102584297">Trump calls on nations to quit ‘rogue’ and ‘out-of-control’ International Criminal Court, rips UN</a>&nbsp;A district-wise IMD nowcast issued at 10 pm, valid through 1 am on September 23, placed eleven districts of coastal and northern Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Kakinada and East and West Godavari, under an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds of 40–60 kmph and moderate to intense rain of 5–15 mm/hour.&nbsp;&nbsp;Eleven Odisha districts, among them Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Kalahandi and Balangir, were placed under the same warning level. The nowcast's reach extended well beyond the immediate cyclone belt, with orange alerts also issued for districts in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Maharashtra, including Pune, Raigad and Thane — underlining how far this weather system's influence is being felt inland.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strike-a-deal-or-drive-iran-into-hell-trump-issues-fresh-warning-to-tehran-at-unga-1790090594288">‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA</a>&nbsp;No district was placed under the more severe red warning in this nowcast window, though red alerts issued earlier in the day for Srikakulam and Vizianagaram remain in force. The IMD's advisory urged people to stay alert, avoid sheltering under trees or weak structures, and steer clear of flood- or landslide-prone areas.&nbsp;The system has not yet been officially classified as a cyclone; that designation requires sustained winds of at least 63 kmph, and the depression remains below that mark. Should it cross the threshold, it will be named Arnab, the first cyclone in the North Indian Ocean since Cyclone Ditwah killed more than 600 people across Sri Lanka and India in November 2025.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-stand-by-its-security-commitments-to-saudi-arabia-says-marco-rubio-1790084064717">‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;Fishermen across West Bengal, Odisha and Bangladesh have been told to stay ashore until Friday, and Odisha has closed schools in several districts. Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the IMD had only indicated the system "could intensify into a deep depression, but not a cyclone," even as she confirmed emergency personnel remain on standby.

Fishermen across West Bengal, Odisha and Bangladesh have been told to stay ashore until Friday, and Odisha has closed schools in several districts. Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the IMD had only indicated the system “could intensify into a deep depression, but not a cyclone.”

A deep depression bearing down on the Bay of Bengal coast is on track to cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast by the night of September 23, the India Meteorological Department said, as orange alerts went up across six states and red alerts remained active in two Andhra districts. The IMD placed the depression near latitude 17.9°N and longitude 85.8°E — about 180 km south-southeast of Gopalpur, 180 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam, 210 km south of Puri, and 270 km east of Visakhapatnam. The system had slowed to 8 kmph over the previous six hours, down from 18 kmph earlier in the day. The IMD said it "is very likely to move west-northwestwards & intensify into a deep depression" over the next 12 hours before crossing the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur by the night of September 23, effectively confirming landfall before midnight tomorrow. Also Read: Trump calls on nations to quit ‘rogue’ and ‘out-of-control’ International Criminal Court, rips UN A district-wise IMD nowcast issued at 10 pm, valid through 1 am on September 23, placed eleven districts of coastal and northern Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Kakinada and East and West Godavari, under an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds of 40–60 kmph and moderate to intense rain of 5–15 mm/hour. Eleven Odisha districts, among them Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Kalahandi and Balangir, were placed under the same warning level. The nowcast's reach extended well beyond the immediate cyclone belt, with orange alerts also issued for districts in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Maharashtra, including Pune, Raigad and Thane — underlining how far this weather system's influence is being felt inland. Also Read: ‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA No district was placed under the more severe red warning in this nowcast window, though red alerts issued earlier in the day for Srikakulam and Vizianagaram remain in force. The IMD's advisory urged people to stay alert, avoid sheltering under trees or weak structures, and steer clear of flood- or landslide-prone areas. The system has not yet been officially classified as a cyclone; that designation requires sustained winds of at least 63 kmph, and the depression remains below that mark. Should it cross the threshold, it will be named Arnab, the first cyclone in the North Indian Ocean since Cyclone Ditwah killed more than 600 people across Sri Lanka and India in November 2025. Also Read: ‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio Fishermen across West Bengal, Odisha and Bangladesh have been told to stay ashore until Friday, and Odisha has closed schools in several districts. Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the IMD had only indicated the system "could intensify into a deep depression, but not a cyclone," even as she confirmed emergency personnel remain on standby.

Fishermen across West Bengal, Odisha and Bangladesh have been told to stay ashore until Friday, and Odisha has closed schools in several districts. Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the IMD had only indicated the system “could intensify into a deep depression, but not a cyclone.”

Cyclone Arnab: Landfall expected before midnight tomorrow as IMD issues orange alerts across six states

In 1978, Aditya Vikram Birla was allegedly forced out of his car near the Reserve Bank of India's Kolkata branch and made to walk to his office, a moment that came to symbolise Bengal's industrial troubles. He moved his offices to Mumbai to escape labour unrest and frequent gheraos. Now, his family's conglomerate appears ready to look at the state again. &nbsp;Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla held an extensive meeting with Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Sunday. He is scheduled to meet chief minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna on Monday.&nbsp;"He will invest more in this state... He is also looking into the possibility of expanding his existing operations in Bengal," Bhattacharya said after the meeting.&nbsp;The talks followed a letter Bhattacharya wrote to Birla after the BJP took office, asking the group to expand in Bengal and pointing to the government's efforts to create an investment-friendly environment.&nbsp;Bhattacharya has previously criticised what he called "militant trade unionism" in the state. The 1978 episode was followed by an exodus of other industrial houses, including the Singhanias and Thapars, who moved their headquarters to Delhi and other states. The Aditya Birla Group, however, never fully left and retained an operational presence in Bengal.&nbsp;"CITU had driven Aditya Birla out of Bengal... However, the family did not lose their affection for the state," Bhattacharya said, describing the interaction as "very positive".&nbsp;In a post on X, he said the discussions covered Bengal's industrial potential, geographical advantages, skilled human resources, ports and communication infrastructure.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Bhattacharya visited ONGC's oilfield at Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas, where he assured officials of zero political interference from any BJP worker, MP or MLA. "There is no scope for politics over mineral resources," he said, according to his remarks at the site.&nbsp;He alleged that the previous state government had not cooperated, claiming the petroleum minister had sent 19 letters to the former chief minister about the Petroleum Mining Leases needed for extraction, without response.&nbsp;Commercial crude production began at the Baigachhi oilfield on Aug 28, with the first 12,000-litre consignment sent to the Haldia refinery. Bhattacharya also pointed to gas exploration in Ranaghat and offshore oil exploration in the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;"Political vendetta had compromised the country's energy security for so long," he said.

Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya wrote to Birla, asking the group to expand in Bengal and pointing to the government's efforts to create an investment-friendly environment.

In 1978, Aditya Vikram Birla was allegedly forced out of his car near the Reserve Bank of India's Kolkata branch and made to walk to his office, a moment that came to symbolise Bengal's industrial troubles. He moved his offices to Mumbai to escape labour unrest and frequent gheraos. Now, his family's conglomerate appears ready to look at the state again. Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla held an extensive meeting with Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Sunday. He is scheduled to meet chief minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna on Monday. "He will invest more in this state... He is also looking into the possibility of expanding his existing operations in Bengal," Bhattacharya said after the meeting. The talks followed a letter Bhattacharya wrote to Birla after the BJP took office, asking the group to expand in Bengal and pointing to the government's efforts to create an investment-friendly environment. Bhattacharya has previously criticised what he called "militant trade unionism" in the state. The 1978 episode was followed by an exodus of other industrial houses, including the Singhanias and Thapars, who moved their headquarters to Delhi and other states. The Aditya Birla Group, however, never fully left and retained an operational presence in Bengal. "CITU had driven Aditya Birla out of Bengal... However, the family did not lose their affection for the state," Bhattacharya said, describing the interaction as "very positive". In a post on X, he said the discussions covered Bengal's industrial potential, geographical advantages, skilled human resources, ports and communication infrastructure. Earlier in the day, Bhattacharya visited ONGC's oilfield at Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas, where he assured officials of zero political interference from any BJP worker, MP or MLA. "There is no scope for politics over mineral resources," he said, according to his remarks at the site. He alleged that the previous state government had not cooperated, claiming the petroleum minister had sent 19 letters to the former chief minister about the Petroleum Mining Leases needed for extraction, without response. Commercial crude production began at the Baigachhi oilfield on Aug 28, with the first 12,000-litre consignment sent to the Haldia refinery. Bhattacharya also pointed to gas exploration in Ranaghat and offshore oil exploration in the Bay of Bengal. "Political vendetta had compromised the country's energy security for so long," he said.

Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya wrote to Birla, asking the group to expand in Bengal and pointing to the government's efforts to create an investment-friendly environment.

Four decades after leaving Kolkata, the Birlas may be coming back for more

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday (Sep 18) condemned the arrest of the party’s Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan as “political revenge” and the “murder of democracy,” while West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee said his Democratic Trinamool Congress had lodged a complaint against Pradhan, who faces three pending murder cases, stressing that warrants must be executed during elections. &nbsp;Pradhan was taken into custody hours after former chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced support for the Congress nominee following the withdrawal of her faction’s candidate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gandhi accused the BJP of lacking faith in fair polls and seeking to cling to power through “vote theft,” “stealing governments” and “stealing parties,” vowing that Congress “will neither fear nor bow down” and “will fight—and we will win.” Banerjee countered that state Congress leaders had likely not shared the full details of the cases with Gandhi.&nbsp;Banerjee said the timing of the arrest "raises serious questions" and called it "the usual BJP formula: dig out an old case." She added: "Minutes after we extended our support to the Congress candidate for the bypoll in Nandigram, the Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested."&nbsp;Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal said "democracy is on ventilator in BJP's West Bengal" and accused the BJP of "using a dormant 19-year-old case from 2007 to arrest our candidate." He said the move showed the party "will go to any lengths to hijack democracy."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-claims-nandigram-candidate-milan-pradhan-arrested-hours-after-mamata-backs-him-1789741989508/amp">Hours after Mamata backs Congress in Nandigram, its candidate is arrested; her own nominee had quit after meeting CM</a>&nbsp;Former Lok Sabha Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called the arrest "astonishing" and questioned why Pradhan was not detained when he filed his nomination and took the oath before the returning officer. "BJP got scared and out of desperation, it arrested him," he said, alleging BJP influence over the Election Commission. State Congress president Subhankar Sarkar questioned Pradhan's whereabouts, saying an EC official claimed to be unaware of the arrest. He said the party would hold a "Nandigram Chalo" protest.&nbsp;Pradesh Congress secretary Subhashis Bhattacharya, who was also taken into custody, alleged that police forcibly removed Pradhan from a house in Chandipur, accompanied by a BJP person. Bhattacharya said he was asleep when he heard Pradhan shouting for help. He argued with the police for about 15 minutes, saying Pradhan was a party candidate and worker, before he too was detained, he claimed.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-fields-hasirani-rath-mother-of-slain-aide-chandranath-rath-as-candidate-from-nandigram-for-october-6-bypoll-1789455982325">BJP fields Hasirani Rath, mother of slain aide Chandranath Rath, as candidate from Nandigram for October 6 bypoll</a> Speaking to ANI, he alleged that the two were then driven in separate vehicles towards Mandarmani, that he was made to keep his eyes closed, and that at a resort he was told to persuade Pradhan to withdraw his nomination. Bhattacharya said he refused, adding that authorities "can impose UAPA on both of us."&nbsp;A senior police officer described the action as a routine review of old warrants unrelated to the bypoll. Congress has said it will approach the High Court and the Election Commission. The arrest does not by itself disqualify Pradhan, though custody could hinder his campaign. Voting is on 6 October. &nbsp;

Political row erupts over the arrest of Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in the Nandigram bypoll. While Congress alleges political vendetta, rival Trinamool leaders demand the execution of pending warrants. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday (Sep 18) condemned the arrest of the party’s Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan as “political revenge” and the “murder of democracy,” while West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee said his Democratic Trinamool Congress had lodged a complaint against Pradhan, who faces three pending murder cases, stressing that warrants must be executed during elections. Pradhan was taken into custody hours after former chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced support for the Congress nominee following the withdrawal of her faction’s candidate. Gandhi accused the BJP of lacking faith in fair polls and seeking to cling to power through “vote theft,” “stealing governments” and “stealing parties,” vowing that Congress “will neither fear nor bow down” and “will fight—and we will win.” Banerjee countered that state Congress leaders had likely not shared the full details of the cases with Gandhi. Banerjee said the timing of the arrest "raises serious questions" and called it "the usual BJP formula: dig out an old case." She added: "Minutes after we extended our support to the Congress candidate for the bypoll in Nandigram, the Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested." Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal said "democracy is on ventilator in BJP's West Bengal" and accused the BJP of "using a dormant 19-year-old case from 2007 to arrest our candidate." He said the move showed the party "will go to any lengths to hijack democracy." Also read: Hours after Mamata backs Congress in Nandigram, its candidate is arrested; her own nominee had quit after meeting CM Former Lok Sabha Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called the arrest "astonishing" and questioned why Pradhan was not detained when he filed his nomination and took the oath before the returning officer. "BJP got scared and out of desperation, it arrested him," he said, alleging BJP influence over the Election Commission. State Congress president Subhankar Sarkar questioned Pradhan's whereabouts, saying an EC official claimed to be unaware of the arrest. He said the party would hold a "Nandigram Chalo" protest. Pradesh Congress secretary Subhashis Bhattacharya, who was also taken into custody, alleged that police forcibly removed Pradhan from a house in Chandipur, accompanied by a BJP person. Bhattacharya said he was asleep when he heard Pradhan shouting for help. He argued with the police for about 15 minutes, saying Pradhan was a party candidate and worker, before he too was detained, he claimed. Also read: BJP fields Hasirani Rath, mother of slain aide Chandranath Rath, as candidate from Nandigram for October 6 bypoll Speaking to ANI, he alleged that the two were then driven in separate vehicles towards Mandarmani, that he was made to keep his eyes closed, and that at a resort he was told to persuade Pradhan to withdraw his nomination. Bhattacharya said he refused, adding that authorities "can impose UAPA on both of us." A senior police officer described the action as a routine review of old warrants unrelated to the bypoll. Congress has said it will approach the High Court and the Election Commission. The arrest does not by itself disqualify Pradhan, though custody could hinder his campaign. Voting is on 6 October.

Political row erupts over the arrest of Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in the Nandigram bypoll. While Congress alleges political vendetta, rival Trinamool leaders demand the execution of pending warrants.

Nandigram arrest row: Congress cries vendetta, rival Trinamool says warrants "must be executed"

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