Emmys 2026: Matthew Rhys wins Best Actor twice, sets historic 78-year record

3 Italians fly from Delhi to Munich without immigration clearance; Air India gets notice on major security lapse

Did India risk its US trade deal despite softer stance at BRICS?

Pakistan puts Pak Rs 70 lakh bounty on UN terrorist Masood Azhar; move draws skepticism in Delhi

‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz

'She married her brother': Ilhan Omar faces criminal probe over immigration fraud claims

Ukraine strikes Syzran Oil Refinery deep inside Russia, fires erupt

Emmy Awards 2026: Widow's Bay and The Pitt win in lead categories- check out the complete list of winners

Indian-origin woman, Nepali-American friend crushed to death by subway train in New York

Emmys 2026: Michael J Fox honoured with Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for Parkinson’s advocacy

Emmys 2026 In Memoriam: Catherine O’Hara honoured by on-screen children Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, Dan Levy; Dolly Parton, Rob Reiner remembered

Iran, India agree to deepen humanitarian and political ties, President Pezeshkian says

Emmys 2026 Red Carpet: Zendaya, Nicole Kidman and Julia Garner lead the glamour peak

Turkish Airlines plane flies through a storm three times, triggering severe turbulence

Why Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles use dual-pulse motors compared to European interceptors

What is Hyrox, in news for athlete who soiled herself, but kept running and using common equipment?

Russia proposes to build 360 kmph Ivolga FG trains in India: What happened on sidelines of BRICS

800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks

Former Pak PM Imran Khan's ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith marries Australian financier: Who is Cameron O'Reilly

UPI payments up to Rs 2,000 to stays free, but bigger transactions may soon cost you: Govt

Gurugram hit and run case: Police arrest  car driver Kalyan Bainsla, book him for attempt to murder

New OTT releases this week (September 14-20, 2026): Lust Stories 3, Waiting Hai, Irumudi- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Sent home midway from UK tour, Pakistan's Salman Agha hits 300* in domestic return

Who is Kalyan Bainsla, accused in the Gurugram hit-and-run case involving woman biker?

Nigerian Navy seizes 10,000 litres of suspected illegal fuel in Rivers State crackdown

Saudi Arabia discovers 110 million tonnes of Uranium-rich ore in Madinah region

Dodgers beat Reds for playoff berth in bid for third consecutive World Series

Ecstasy tablets are rage in 'drug haven' Libya | Gravitas

'Now Trump is copying us': Shivakumar links US $5,000 plan to Congress guarantees

Video of Pakistani lawmaker struggling to read English tribute to Jinnah goes viral - WATCH

Trump downplays China's alleged 'help' to Iran in strike on Jordan base | Gravitas

Trump loses Supreme Court battle over mail ballots ahead of US midterms: What happened?

BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla says Mohsin Naqvi 'did not object' India refusing trophy from ACC chief

Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie dies at 87: A look back at his iconic legacy

Delhi govt to roll out ₹13,820 crore development projects under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan: CM Rekha Gupta

UK man admits drugging, raping wife for 20 years in shocking abuse case

Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica ice sheet

China thinned Himalayan troop presence in 2025, India defence report says; terms border situation 'stable'

BJP leader Mukul Roy on Wednesday said that his party will obey the Election Commission's decision to cut short the campaign period in West Bengal by a day for the final phase of Lok Sabha elections.

"There is a political crisis in Bengal. EC takes special decisions when it feels the need. No violence was reported anywhere in the country during these Lok Sabha elections other than Bengal. EC took a decision that within 24 hours campaigning should be ended. We, the opposition will suffer the most. Yet, we will obey it," Roy said while addressing a press conference here.

Earlier, Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra Bhushan Kumar told media, "No election campaigning to be held in nine parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal, namely Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, South and North Kolkata, from 10 pm tomorrow till the conclusion of polls."

Campaigning was originally scheduled to end at 5 pm on Friday for the nine constituencies that will go to polls on May 19.

Roy termed the violence at BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow 'criminal conspiracy' by West Bengal Chief Minister.

"Yesterday's incident was a criminal conspiracy by her (Mamata). The Chief Minister must answer. She said that there was no violence in Bengal. Did she forget Panchayat elections? Remember how people were stopped from casting their vote," he said.

Hitting back at Mamata's allegations that Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue was vandalised during Shah's roadshow, Roy said, "Vidyasagar does not only belong to Bengal as he is an international figure. They should not drag a figure like Vidyasagar into politics."

The BJP leader also questioned whether Banerjee has permission to hold rallies."Does the Chief Minister have permission for her rallies? he asked.

Snubbing the allegations that Centre is against former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar because the cop has evidence against him, Roy said, "If she could prove any complaints against me, I will quit politics forever," he said.

BJP leader Mukul Roy on Wednesday said that his party will obey the Election Commission's decision to cut short the campaign period in West Bengal by a day for the final phase of Lok Sabha elections.

BJP leader Mukul Roy on Wednesday said that his party will obey the Election Commission's decision to cut short the campaign period in West Bengal by a day for the final phase of Lok Sabha elections. "There is a political crisis in Bengal. EC takes special decisions when it feels the need. No violence was reported anywhere in the country during these Lok Sabha elections other than Bengal. EC took a decision that within 24 hours campaigning should be ended. We, the opposition will suffer the most. Yet, we will obey it," Roy said while addressing a press conference here. Earlier, Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra Bhushan Kumar told media, "No election campaigning to be held in nine parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal, namely Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, South and North Kolkata, from 10 pm tomorrow till the conclusion of polls." Campaigning was originally scheduled to end at 5 pm on Friday for the nine constituencies that will go to polls on May 19. Roy termed the violence at BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow 'criminal conspiracy' by West Bengal Chief Minister. "Yesterday's incident was a criminal conspiracy by her (Mamata). The Chief Minister must answer. She said that there was no violence in Bengal. Did she forget Panchayat elections? Remember how people were stopped from casting their vote," he said. Hitting back at Mamata's allegations that Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue was vandalised during Shah's roadshow, Roy said, "Vidyasagar does not only belong to Bengal as he is an international figure. They should not drag a figure like Vidyasagar into politics." The BJP leader also questioned whether Banerjee has permission to hold rallies."Does the Chief Minister have permission for her rallies? he asked. Snubbing the allegations that Centre is against former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar because the cop has evidence against him, Roy said, "If she could prove any complaints against me, I will quit politics forever," he said.

Mukul Roy lashes out at Mamata, says BJP will abide by Election Commission order barring campaigning in West Bengal

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday said that his party does not have any problem if it did not get the Prime Minister's post while adding that its sole objective has always been to stop the NDA from forming the government at the Centre.

"We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in the favour of Congress, then the party will take the lead but our aim has always been that NDA government should not come. We will go with the unanimous decision," Azad told reporters here.

"We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)," he said.

This comes after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday dared the opposition to name its prime ministerial candidate if it was sure of victory in the Lok Sabha polls.

Also, the NDA allies, particularly the BJP have been very critical of the grand alliance, saying there is no consensus between the leaders of the opposition parties and that the chief's of all the political outfits in the mahagathbandhan want the prime ministerial post.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday said that his party does not have any problem if it did not get the Prime Minister's post while adding that its sole objective has always been to stop the NDA from forming the government at the Centre.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday said that his party does not have any problem if it did not get the Prime Minister's post while adding that its sole objective has always been to stop the NDA from forming the government at the Centre. "We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in the favour of Congress, then the party will take the lead but our aim has always been that NDA government should not come. We will go with the unanimous decision," Azad told reporters here. "We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)," he said. This comes after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday dared the opposition to name its prime ministerial candidate if it was sure of victory in the Lok Sabha polls. Also, the NDA allies, particularly the BJP have been very critical of the grand alliance, saying there is no consensus between the leaders of the opposition parties and that the chief's of all the political outfits in the mahagathbandhan want the prime ministerial post.

Congress has no problem if it did not get PM's post: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and alleged that it was because of him and party general secretary in-charge for state Asha Kumari, that she was denied a ticket from Amritsar in the ongoing national elections.

"Captain Sahib (Amarinder Singh) and Asha Kumari think Madam Sidhu does not deserve an MP ticket. I was denied the ticket from Amritsar on the ground that I could not win," Navjot Kaur told ANI.

"Captain Sahib should respect women. You talk of women reservation, then please consider it. When educated leaders like me, who are ready to serve are there, it is decent to tell us that someone is better, don't deny us tickets by lying," she said.

Navjot Kaur wanted to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Chandigarh, but the leader was denied a ticket from the constituency. Congress fielded former Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal from the seat.

Following this, there were reports that Navjot Kaur might contest from Amritsar, the coveted seat from where Amarinder Singh had won against BJP's Arun Jaitley in the 2014 general elections. However, the party fielded sitting lawmaker Gurjit Singh Aujla from there.

When questioned about Navjot Singh Sidhu's absence from Congress' campaign in Punjab, she said, "Captain Sahib has said that we are winning all 13 Lok Sabha seats. Our aim is to oust Modi. When Captain Sahib is saying that we are winning all seats then Sidhu's campaign does not matter here. He is campaigning at all India level. There is no ego there. Captain sa'ab has said he would win all 13 seats by himself."

The differences between Sidhu and Amarinder came to the fore when the Chief Minister had asked him not to go to Pakistan for Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony. The Chief Minister also got the invitation but preferred not to go there citing terror attacks in Punjab and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan armed forces.

Relations grew bitter when the Punjab chief minister had issued a mild rebuke to Sidhu last year over his hug to Pakistan army chief General Bajwa which snowballed into a huge political controversy. Following which, Sidhu in retaliation took a dig at Amarinder saying that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is his captain and that he went to Pakistan after taking his Rahul in Confidence.

Punjab, where 13 parliamentary seats are at stake will go to polls on May 19.

Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and alleged that it was because of him and party general secretary in-charge for state Asha Kumari, that she was denied a ticket from Amritsar in the ongoing national elections.

Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and alleged that it was because of him and party general secretary in-charge for state Asha Kumari, that she was denied a ticket from Amritsar in the ongoing national elections. "Captain Sahib (Amarinder Singh) and Asha Kumari think Madam Sidhu does not deserve an MP ticket. I was denied the ticket from Amritsar on the ground that I could not win," Navjot Kaur told ANI. "Captain Sahib should respect women. You talk of women reservation, then please consider it. When educated leaders like me, who are ready to serve are there, it is decent to tell us that someone is better, don't deny us tickets by lying," she said. Navjot Kaur wanted to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Chandigarh, but the leader was denied a ticket from the constituency. Congress fielded former Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal from the seat. Following this, there were reports that Navjot Kaur might contest from Amritsar, the coveted seat from where Amarinder Singh had won against BJP's Arun Jaitley in the 2014 general elections. However, the party fielded sitting lawmaker Gurjit Singh Aujla from there. When questioned about Navjot Singh Sidhu's absence from Congress' campaign in Punjab, she said, "Captain Sahib has said that we are winning all 13 Lok Sabha seats. Our aim is to oust Modi. When Captain Sahib is saying that we are winning all seats then Sidhu's campaign does not matter here. He is campaigning at all India level. There is no ego there. Captain sa'ab has said he would win all 13 seats by himself." The differences between Sidhu and Amarinder came to the fore when the Chief Minister had asked him not to go to Pakistan for Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony. The Chief Minister also got the invitation but preferred not to go there citing terror attacks in Punjab and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan armed forces. Relations grew bitter when the Punjab chief minister had issued a mild rebuke to Sidhu last year over his hug to Pakistan army chief General Bajwa which snowballed into a huge political controversy. Following which, Sidhu in retaliation took a dig at Amarinder saying that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is his captain and that he went to Pakistan after taking his Rahul in Confidence. Punjab, where 13 parliamentary seats are at stake will go to polls on May 19.

Punjab CM, Asha Kumari denied me ticket from Amritsar: Navjot Kaur

Accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of fanning violence in the state, Shiv Sena on Thursday said that people will bring her down from power the way CPI(M) was removed from office.

"She did not permit senior leaders to step into the state. What kind of oppressive behaviour is this? She has turned West Bengal into a battleground by fanning violence," Saamna, a mouthpiece of Shiv Sena, said in an editorial.

"There has never been a time when she has not opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath. Earlier, Communist Party of India (Marxist) fanned violence in the state and people threw them out of the power. Now it is Mamata's turn," it said.

Clashes broke out on May 14 in Kolkata during BJP president Shah's roadshow and a bust of the 19th-century social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was vandalised in a college named after him.

Commenting on Banerjee's remark if Shah is a god that no one can protest against him, Saamna said, "She, too, is not Goddess Durga herself. Such violence is dangerous for the country."

On May 14, Banerjee had said, "What does Amit Shah think of himself? Is he above everything? Is he God that no one can protest against him?"

Voting for nine seats in West Bengal will be held in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 19.

Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of fanning violence in the state, Shiv Sena on Thursday said that people will bring her down from power the way CPI(M) was removed from office.

Accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of fanning violence in the state, Shiv Sena on Thursday said that people will bring her down from power the way CPI(M) was removed from office. "She did not permit senior leaders to step into the state. What kind of oppressive behaviour is this? She has turned West Bengal into a battleground by fanning violence," Saamna, a mouthpiece of Shiv Sena, said in an editorial. "There has never been a time when she has not opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath. Earlier, Communist Party of India (Marxist) fanned violence in the state and people threw them out of the power. Now it is Mamata's turn," it said. Clashes broke out on May 14 in Kolkata during BJP president Shah's roadshow and a bust of the 19th-century social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was vandalised in a college named after him. Commenting on Banerjee's remark if Shah is a god that no one can protest against him, Saamna said, "She, too, is not Goddess Durga herself. Such violence is dangerous for the country." On May 14, Banerjee had said, "What does Amit Shah think of himself? Is he above everything? Is he God that no one can protest against him?" Voting for nine seats in West Bengal will be held in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

People will bring down Mamata Banerjee from power for 'fanning violence': Shiv Sena

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday in a press conference said, "Mamata Banerjee claims that BJP is doing violence. I want to tell her, we are fighting in every state in the nation, unlike you [Mamata Banerjee] on 42 seats in West Bengal. Violence didn't take place in six phases of elections anywhere but Bengal which proves that TMC is responsible for it."

General Election 2019: TMC responsible for violence in Bengal, says Amit Shah

CRPF Soldier Puts Humanity Above All, Feeds A Differently-Abled Child. The Video Goes Viral & Wins Hearts On Social Media.

Gravitas: CRPF Soldier Goes Beyond Call Of Duty

Watch 'India Election Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch; 14th May, 2019

In this segment of 'India Election Watch' We Discusses BJP's strength in Kolkata with Mr. Andrew Whitehead, Former BBC Senior Journalist; Mr. Arun Anand, Senior Journalist & Mr. Lord Meghnad Desai, Author & Professor Emeritus at LSE.

India Election Watch: Discusses BJP's strength in Kolkata with some experts

PM Modi refers to Khan Market in a poll jibe. Khan Market was established on the name of Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan in 1951. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: The Evolution Of Khan Market

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday during a press conference said that TMC is fully responsible for the violence in West Bengal during the polls.&nbsp;

Shah said that the Trinamool Congress has alleged that the BJP was responsible for poll violence.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/i-am-not-an-outsider-have-come-here-to-campaign-for-bjp-amit-shah-218863">I am not an outsider; have come here to campaign for BJP: Amit Shah</a>

"But why does poll violence occur only in Bengal. TMC contests polls on 42 seats, but BJP contests poll all across the nation. We are pitted against Congress and many other parties but why do reports of violence only pour in from West Bengal," Shah said. &nbsp;

"Violence didn't take place in 6 phases of elections anywhere but Bengal which proves that TMC is responsible for it," Shah added.

BJP national president Amit Shah said, "Our popularity in Kolkata and Bengal has given Mamata didi the jitters that is why she has resorted to extreme measures."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kolkata-police-registers-two-firs-against-bjp-president-amit-shah-218873/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Amit Shah said that when his party has lost 60 cadres in the political violence in the state, an attack on him was not unexpected. He said, "If it weren't for the team of CRPF deployed in my security, I might not have come back alive from the violence."

"I have toured West Bengal and the entire country. I am convinced that BJP will win more than 300 seats. Mamata Banerjee should know that we are not scared of FIR filed against me," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supreme-court-questions-the-delay-in-releasing-bjp-youth-leader-priyanka-sharma-218877/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Amit Shah's remarks came following violence during his roadshow in Kolkata and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's repeated allegations about Shah being an "outsider" who comes to the state to "create division" among the people.

(With inputs from agencies)

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday during a press conference said that TMC is fully responsible for the violence in West Bengal during the polls. Shah said that the Trinamool Congress has alleged that the BJP was responsible for poll violence.

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday during a press conference said that TMC is fully responsible for the violence in West Bengal during the polls. Shah said that the Trinamool Congress has alleged that the BJP was responsible for poll violence. Also read- I am not an outsider; have come here to campaign for BJP: Amit Shah "But why does poll violence occur only in Bengal. TMC contests polls on 42 seats, but BJP contests poll all across the nation. We are pitted against Congress and many other parties but why do reports of violence only pour in from West Bengal," Shah said. "Violence didn't take place in 6 phases of elections anywhere but Bengal which proves that TMC is responsible for it," Shah added. BJP national president Amit Shah said, "Our popularity in Kolkata and Bengal has given Mamata didi the jitters that is why she has resorted to extreme measures." × Amit Shah said that when his party has lost 60 cadres in the political violence in the state, an attack on him was not unexpected. He said, "If it weren't for the team of CRPF deployed in my security, I might not have come back alive from the violence." "I have toured West Bengal and the entire country. I am convinced that BJP will win more than 300 seats. Mamata Banerjee should know that we are not scared of FIR filed against me," he added. × Amit Shah's remarks came following violence during his roadshow in Kolkata and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's repeated allegations about Shah being an "outsider" who comes to the state to "create division" among the people. (With inputs from agencies)

If not for CRPF, I wouldn't have come back alive, says Amit Shah on Kolkata violence

In this segment of 'India Election Watch' We Decodes Freedom Of Speech with some experts with Mr. Andrew Whitehead, Former BBC Senior Journalist; Mr. Arun Anand, Senior Journalist & Mr. Lord Meghnad Desai, Author & Professor Emeritus at LSE.

India Election Watch: Decodes Freedom Of Speech with some experts

Priyanka Sharma is a BJP worker in West Bengal. she got arrested for posting a meme on Mamata Banerjee. Finally Supreme Court ordered the release of her. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: The Mamata Meme Story

Here is question, Who will lead the third front? Telangana CM attempts third front. KCR reaches out to the regional leaders.

India Election Watch: KCR or Naidu, Who leads the third front?

In this segment of 'India Election Watch' We Decodes Congress' ISIS-RSS Analogy with Mr. Andrew Whitehead, Former BBC Senior Journalist; Mr. Arun Anand, Senior Journalist & Mr. Lord Meghnad Desai, Author & Professor Emeritus at LSE.

India Election Watch: Congress' ISIS-RSS Analogy with experts

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned the West Bengal government over the delay in release of BJP youth leader Priyanka Sharma.Watch full video to know more.

Supreme Court questions the delay in releasing BJP youth leader Priyanka Sharma

Kolkata Police registers two FIRs against BJP president Amit Shah. The FIRs were registered based on complaints filed by Kolkata students. Watch full video to know more.

General Election 2019: Kolkata Police registers two FIRs against Amit Shah

Kolkata Police registers two FIRs against BJP president Amit Shah. The FIRs were registered based on complaints filed Kolkata students. Watch full video to know more.

Kolkata Police registers two FIRs against BJP president Amit Shah

Attacking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-bans-campaigning-in-nine-west-bengal-constituencies-due-to-violence-219027">Election Commission for curtailing the campaigning for the last phase of polls</a> in West Bengal, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said it is an "unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the poll panel.

Banerjee, also the state chief minister, said she had never seen this type of EC which is "full of RSS people".

"There is no such law and order problem in West Bengal that Article 324 can be clamped. It is unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical. It is actually a gift to Modi and (BJP president) Amit Shah," she claimed in a press conference.

In the first such action in India's electoral history, the EC on Wednesday ordered campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies to end at 10 PM on Thursday, a day before its scheduled deadline, in the wake of violence between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The EC invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to curtail the campaigning for the last phase of the election on May 19.

The poll panel also ordered the removal of Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajiv Kumar from their postings in West Bengal.

On this, Banerjee said the two officers were removed "not by the EC, but by Modi and Amit Shah".

Kolkata witnessed wide-spread violence during BJP president Amit Shah's massive roadshow in Kolkata. A bust of 19th century Bengali icon Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised during the violence.&nbsp;

Attacking the Election Commission for curtailing the campaigning for the last phase of polls in West Bengal, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said it is an "unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the poll panel.

Attacking the Election Commission for curtailing the campaigning for the last phase of polls in West Bengal, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said it is an "unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the poll panel. Banerjee, also the state chief minister, said she had never seen this type of EC which is "full of RSS people". "There is no such law and order problem in West Bengal that Article 324 can be clamped. It is unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical. It is actually a gift to Modi and (BJP president) Amit Shah," she claimed in a press conference. In the first such action in India's electoral history, the EC on Wednesday ordered campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies to end at 10 PM on Thursday, a day before its scheduled deadline, in the wake of violence between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers in Kolkata on Tuesday. The EC invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to curtail the campaigning for the last phase of the election on May 19. The poll panel also ordered the removal of Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajiv Kumar from their postings in West Bengal. On this, Banerjee said the two officers were removed "not by the EC, but by Modi and Amit Shah". Kolkata witnessed wide-spread violence during BJP president Amit Shah's massive roadshow in Kolkata. A bust of 19th century Bengali icon Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised during the violence.

No law and order problem in West Bengal that Article 324 can be clamped: Mamata Banerjee

BJP national president Amit Shah has rebutted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's charge that he is an "outsider" in West Bengal and said he has come to the state to campaign for his party.

Shah wondered if he is called an outsider for coming to West Bengal, "which is very much a part of India", then why not Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be labelled as an "outsider" when she visits New Delhi?

The BJP leader was addressing a meet of intellectuals in the city on Tuesday.

"I am president of a national party and I am here to campaign for my party. I am being called an outsider for coming to West Bengal. What kind of statement is this? If a person from West Bengal goes to Mumbai or Bengaluru, will he be called an outsider? When Mamata didi goes to Delhi will she be called an outsider?" Shah asked.

Shah's remarks came following Banerjee's repeated allegations about Shah being an "outsider" who comes to the state to "create division" among the people.

"If the BJP wins the assembly polls in West Bengal, a Bengali will be the chief minister. Neither I nor Kailash Vijayvargia will be the CM," Shah said.

Vijayvargiya, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, is the BJP's national general secretary, who is in charge of the saffron party in West Bengal.

Shah also criticized a section of the media for blaming BJP workers for Tuesday's violence during his roadshow in north Kolkata.

"A section of media is presenting it in such a way as if we started the clash. The news should be that TMC goons attacked the convoy. But a section of news organisations are trying to paint it in a different way," Shah said.

BJP and TMC supporters Tuesday fought pitched battles on the streets of Kolkata during a massive roadshow by Shah, who escaped unhurt but was forced to cut short the jamboree and had to be escorted to safety by police.&nbsp;

BJP national president Amit Shah has rebutted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's charge that he is an "outsider" in West Bengal and said he has come to the state to campaign for his party.

BJP national president Amit Shah has rebutted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's charge that he is an "outsider" in West Bengal and said he has come to the state to campaign for his party. Shah wondered if he is called an outsider for coming to West Bengal, "which is very much a part of India", then why not Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be labelled as an "outsider" when she visits New Delhi? The BJP leader was addressing a meet of intellectuals in the city on Tuesday. "I am president of a national party and I am here to campaign for my party. I am being called an outsider for coming to West Bengal. What kind of statement is this? If a person from West Bengal goes to Mumbai or Bengaluru, will he be called an outsider? When Mamata didi goes to Delhi will she be called an outsider?" Shah asked. Shah's remarks came following Banerjee's repeated allegations about Shah being an "outsider" who comes to the state to "create division" among the people. "If the BJP wins the assembly polls in West Bengal, a Bengali will be the chief minister. Neither I nor Kailash Vijayvargia will be the CM," Shah said. Vijayvargiya, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, is the BJP's national general secretary, who is in charge of the saffron party in West Bengal. Shah also criticized a section of the media for blaming BJP workers for Tuesday's violence during his roadshow in north Kolkata. "A section of media is presenting it in such a way as if we started the clash. The news should be that TMC goons attacked the convoy. But a section of news organisations are trying to paint it in a different way," Shah said. BJP and TMC supporters Tuesday fought pitched battles on the streets of Kolkata during a massive roadshow by Shah, who escaped unhurt but was forced to cut short the jamboree and had to be escorted to safety by police.

I am not an outsider; have come here to campaign for BJP: Amit Shah

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said the BJP has already crossed the majority mark after sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls and appealed to voters in Varanasi&nbsp;to re-elect Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a record margin.

Flagging off a motorcycle rally of women, Swaraj said the "relationship between you and Modi has become more strong...Like a family in the past five years".&nbsp;

"Today I have come as a representative of PM Modi and the NDA government to give details of the work done in various fields," she said and listed the government's performance on national security, economy and external affairs fronts.

She referred to the surgical strike on terror launch pads and air strike in Balakot to highlight the government's success on national security front.

"The Mumbai terror attack was the worst but the UPA government did nothing, whereas the NDA government under PM Modi's leadership retaliated with surgical strikes and air strikes soon after the Pulwama terror attack to give a strong message to Pakistan and also isolated it on international platform...," she said.

Swaraj also highlighted her efforts to help Indians abroad.&nbsp;

She laid emphasis on the success of Bharatiya Pravasi Diwas organised here.

On the economic front, she said the Indian economy has become the sixth largest in the world, whereas during the UPA regime it was counted among the first five fragile economy.&nbsp;

Referring to the late premier Rajiv Gandhi's remark that only 15 paise of every rupee meant for the welfare of downtrodden reaches them, Swaraj said the NDA government has completely ended this "commission system".

She appealed to the voters to ensure Modi's victory with the highest margin in the country.&nbsp;

Varanasi goes to poll in the seventh and last phase on May 19.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said the BJP has already crossed the majority mark after sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls and appealed to voters in Varanasi to re-elect Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a record margin.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said the BJP has already crossed the majority mark after sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls and appealed to voters in Varanasi to re-elect Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a record margin. Flagging off a motorcycle rally of women, Swaraj said the "relationship between you and Modi has become more strong...Like a family in the past five years". "Today I have come as a representative of PM Modi and the NDA government to give details of the work done in various fields," she said and listed the government's performance on national security, economy and external affairs fronts. She referred to the surgical strike on terror launch pads and air strike in Balakot to highlight the government's success on national security front. "The Mumbai terror attack was the worst but the UPA government did nothing, whereas the NDA government under PM Modi's leadership retaliated with surgical strikes and air strikes soon after the Pulwama terror attack to give a strong message to Pakistan and also isolated it on international platform...," she said. Swaraj also highlighted her efforts to help Indians abroad. She laid emphasis on the success of Bharatiya Pravasi Diwas organised here. On the economic front, she said the Indian economy has become the sixth largest in the world, whereas during the UPA regime it was counted among the first five fragile economy. Referring to the late premier Rajiv Gandhi's remark that only 15 paise of every rupee meant for the welfare of downtrodden reaches them, Swaraj said the NDA government has completely ended this "commission system". She appealed to the voters to ensure Modi's victory with the highest margin in the country. Varanasi goes to poll in the seventh and last phase on May 19.

BJP crossed majority mark after sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls: Sushma Swaraj

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday accused the West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee killing democracy in her state as she is scared of defeat.

"Democracy is being murdered in West Bengal. The way in which Amit Shah`s roadshow was attacked and police`s behaviour afterwards, seeing all this I believe that Mamata is scared of her defeat and is killing democracy and doesn`t even want to let anyone campaign in the state," he reportedly told news agency ANI about the clashes during BJP president Amit Shah`s roadshow in Kolkata on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Fadnavis also appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take necessary action in order to ensure free and fair election in the state.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on clashes in Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a>: Mamata Ji has become so scared of her defeat, that she is killing democracy &amp; doesn't even want to let anyone campaign. I appeal Election Commission to ensure free &amp; fair polls. <a href="https://t.co/kNJpHrdqym">pic.twitter.com/kNJpHrdqym</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1128481626588160005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I appeal the Election Commission to ensure free and fair polls in the state. Our leaders are not being allowed to campaign, our party workers are being murdered, what kind of democracy is this," he said.&nbsp;

Yesterday, BJP president Amit Shah too condemned the violence at his roadshow and accused "TMC goons of resorting to violence due to frustration".

Clashes reportedly broke out after some miscreants started throwing sticks at his convoy.

The incident took place on College Street in Kolkata when some TMC supporters allegedly started raising slogans against the BJP and the saffron party supporters responded by pelting stones and sticks at the Calcutta University gates, resulting in chaos and mayhem.

Visuals from the scene showed a fire outside the university gates.

Security forces later got down to control the situation. A statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised at Vidyasagar College during the clashes.&nbsp;

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday accused the West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee killing democracy in her state as she is scared of defeat. "Democracy is being murdered in West Bengal.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday accused the West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee killing democracy in her state as she is scared of defeat. "Democracy is being murdered in West Bengal. The way in which Amit Shah`s roadshow was attacked and police`s behaviour afterwards, seeing all this I believe that Mamata is scared of her defeat and is killing democracy and doesn`t even want to let anyone campaign in the state," he reportedly told news agency ANI about the clashes during BJP president Amit Shah`s roadshow in Kolkata on Tuesday. Fadnavis also appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take necessary action in order to ensure free and fair election in the state. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on clashes in Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata, #WestBengal: Mamata Ji has become so scared of her defeat, that she is killing democracy & doesn't even want to let anyone campaign. I appeal Election Commission to ensure free & fair polls. pic.twitter.com/kNJpHrdqym — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2019 × "I appeal the Election Commission to ensure free and fair polls in the state. Our leaders are not being allowed to campaign, our party workers are being murdered, what kind of democracy is this," he said. Yesterday, BJP president Amit Shah too condemned the violence at his roadshow and accused "TMC goons of resorting to violence due to frustration". Clashes reportedly broke out after some miscreants started throwing sticks at his convoy. The incident took place on College Street in Kolkata when some TMC supporters allegedly started raising slogans against the BJP and the saffron party supporters responded by pelting stones and sticks at the Calcutta University gates, resulting in chaos and mayhem. Visuals from the scene showed a fire outside the university gates. Security forces later got down to control the situation. A statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised at Vidyasagar College during the clashes.

Democracy is being murdered in West Bengal: Devendra Fadnavis on clashes during Amit Shah rally 

The Election Commission on Wednesday curtailed the campaign timing in nine Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal by 20 hours. The campaigning will end at Thursday 10 pm, instead of Friday evening at 6.

Election Commission curtails campaigning in West Bengal

TMC and BJP workers clash with BJP party chief Amit Shah’s roadshow in Kolkata on Tuesday. Watch full video to know more. Watch full video to know more.

BJP and TMC workers clash during Amit Shah’s Kolkata roadshow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said that the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-curious-case-of-mamata-banerjee-alternative-to-democracy-is-autocracy-218960&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYuaPI2Z3iAhULr48KHR5vBzYQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw17o3YuTUrN2ZvPhVP9EFP1">Mamata Banerjee</a> government is out to destroy everything in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/democracy-is-being-murdered-in-west-bengal-devendra-fadnavis-on-clash-during-amit-shah-rally-218855&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYuaPI2Z3iAhULr48KHR5vBzYQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2QU3A8D0NMvxSP7Ub5Obz2">West Bengal</a> and people's conviction and courage will evict the "torturous rule".

The entire nation had seen (on TV) how the roadshow of BJP president Amit Shah was attacked by the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/tmc-is-responsible-for-violence-in-west-bengal-during-elections-says-amit-shah-218876&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYuaPI2Z3iAhULr48KHR5vBzYQFjAHegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GnQSNDRJ5t_0zsJChCy_E">TMC</a> goons and is anxiously watching the outcome of the poll results in West Bengal, he said.

Shah's roadshow in Kolkata was attacked Tuesday after Banerjee had asserted that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-tmc-battle-out-on-the-streets-mamata-banerjee-protests-in-kolkata-219002&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTmdzw2Z3iAhVUiXAKHZO_Bt84ChAWMAR6BAgBEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1O23F4f5TmLs_AC0p5GmhL">TMC will take revenge</a> against BJP, Modi claimed.

"Didi's (Mamata) goons carrying guns and bombs are bent upon destruction ... Her government is out to destroy everything in the state. People's conviction and courage will evict the torturous rule", he told a poll rally at Taki on the Indo-Bangla border in North 24 Parganas district.

"Didi is frightened by the rise of BJP in West Bengal. The people of the state had given respect to here by making her the chief minister. But power-drunk Mamata Banerjee is throttling democracy", Modi said.

Keeping up his attack on Banerjee, Modi said, "You have looted peoples' money in the chit fund scam and when they sought explanations you abused them".

"Democracy has given you the chief minister's chair and you are killing it. The entire country is watching your misdeeds...Didi should not be kept in power. In the last four to five years she has shown her colours", Modi added.

He held Banerjee responsible for destroying the state's culture of 'Bhadra Lok'.

The people of Bengal have made up their mind to end the Banerjee's "despotic rule" he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said that the Mamata Banerjee government is out to destroy everything in West Bengal and people's conviction and courage will evict the "torturous rule".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said that the Mamata Banerjee government is out to destroy everything in West Bengal and people's conviction and courage will evict the "torturous rule". The entire nation had seen (on TV) how the roadshow of BJP president Amit Shah was attacked by the TMC goons and is anxiously watching the outcome of the poll results in West Bengal, he said. Shah's roadshow in Kolkata was attacked Tuesday after Banerjee had asserted that TMC will take revenge against BJP, Modi claimed. "Didi's (Mamata) goons carrying guns and bombs are bent upon destruction ... Her government is out to destroy everything in the state. People's conviction and courage will evict the torturous rule", he told a poll rally at Taki on the Indo-Bangla border in North 24 Parganas district. "Didi is frightened by the rise of BJP in West Bengal. The people of the state had given respect to here by making her the chief minister. But power-drunk Mamata Banerjee is throttling democracy", Modi said. Keeping up his attack on Banerjee, Modi said, "You have looted peoples' money in the chit fund scam and when they sought explanations you abused them". "Democracy has given you the chief minister's chair and you are killing it. The entire country is watching your misdeeds...Didi should not be kept in power. In the last four to five years she has shown her colours", Modi added. He held Banerjee responsible for destroying the state's culture of 'Bhadra Lok'. The people of Bengal have made up their mind to end the Banerjee's "despotic rule" he said.

Mamata Banerjee government out to destroy everything in West Bengal: PM Modi

Hitting out at the Congress for promising to abolish sedition law in its poll manifesto, Union minister Rajnath Singh has said the BJP will make it more stringent.

"Congress talks about abolishing sedition law but on coming back to power, the BJP will make it so stringent that no one would dare to act against it," the Home Minister said addressing an election rally at BLJ ground here in favour of alliance partner Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel on Tuesday.

"Our forces finished off terrorists in air strikes after the Pulwama attack but the Congress people are asking for the number of those killed. Braves do not count bodies, vultures do," he said.

On country's economy, he said inflation had been the main electoral issue during polls but not in 2004 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, as it was the management of the two BJP prime ministers (A B Vajpayee and Narendra Modi) who did not allow prices to go out of hands.

Attacking the Congress president, the home minister said Rahul Gandhi is talking about party's proposed 'NYAY' minimum income guarantee scheme, whereas from Jawahar Lal Nehru to Sonia Gandhi, they had been raising the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (eliminating poverty).

On the BSP-SP alliance, he said, the two parties have come together as they are afraid of the popularity of Prime Minister Modi but their alliance will have no impact on the polls.&nbsp;

The BJP leader also offered prayers at the famous Vindhyavasini Devi temple here Wednesday.

Hitting out at the Congress for promising to abolish sedition law in its poll manifesto, Union minister Rajnath Singh has said the BJP will make it more stringent.

Hitting out at the Congress for promising to abolish sedition law in its poll manifesto, Union minister Rajnath Singh has said the BJP will make it more stringent. "Congress talks about abolishing sedition law but on coming back to power, the BJP will make it so stringent that no one would dare to act against it," the Home Minister said addressing an election rally at BLJ ground here in favour of alliance partner Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel on Tuesday. "Our forces finished off terrorists in air strikes after the Pulwama attack but the Congress people are asking for the number of those killed. Braves do not count bodies, vultures do," he said. On country's economy, he said inflation had been the main electoral issue during polls but not in 2004 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, as it was the management of the two BJP prime ministers (A B Vajpayee and Narendra Modi) who did not allow prices to go out of hands. Attacking the Congress president, the home minister said Rahul Gandhi is talking about party's proposed 'NYAY' minimum income guarantee scheme, whereas from Jawahar Lal Nehru to Sonia Gandhi, they had been raising the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (eliminating poverty). On the BSP-SP alliance, he said, the two parties have come together as they are afraid of the popularity of Prime Minister Modi but their alliance will have no impact on the polls. The BJP leader also offered prayers at the famous Vindhyavasini Devi temple here Wednesday.

Will make sedition law more stringent: Rajnath Singh