West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners.

The EC decision is "unfortunate", "highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, the letter said, urging the poll panel to review its decision.

"Should there be any deterioration in the law order situation of the state, would the Commission take responsibility?" said the letter, the content of which was shared with PTI.

It also asked the EC to initiate a probe as to how and under whose guidance the decision on the transfer of the top police officers was taken.

"I strongly feel that the EC plays a neutral role to save democracy in India. But, it is very unfortunate that I have to write this letter today to raise strong protest against the transfer order dated April 5, 2019 issued by the EC by way of removing four senior officers from their existing positions," Banerjee said in her letter.

"The decision of the Commission is highly arbitrary, motivated and biased. We have every reason to believe that the decision of the Commission is at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre, i.E the BJP," the letter read.

Banerjee alleged that the EC transfer orders came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a BJP candidate alleged in a TV programme that the law and order situation in West Bengal is bad.

The EC had on Friday night removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh in a major shake-up ahead of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in the state.

Rajesh Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Pollution Control Board, was made the new Kolkata top cop, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu, ADG and IGP, Operations, was named the Bidhannagar police commissioner.

The poll body also named Avannu Ravindranath, deputy commissioner (Airport Division) of Bidhannagar, as the new Birbhum superintendent of police and appointed Srihari Pandey, deputy commissioner of Kolkata Armed Police, 3rd Battalion, as the Diamond Harbour police superintendent.

The announcement comes days after opposition parties in the state had alleged that free and fair elections would not be possible under these officers.

"The flow of events gives rise to strong doubts whether the Commission is functioning as per its constitutional mandate of conducting free and fair elections or working in a manner to appease the ruling BJP at the centre," the letter said.

Describing Sharma and Singh as "bright and experienced", she said they had played key roles in the seizure of illegal currency, gold, liquor and other prohibited items and in enforcing law and order in strict manner.

"The decision of the ECI to remove these officers leaves a big question mark whether this step is to give a shield to the vested interested parties and their political masters," Banerjee's letter said.

She said those brought in place of the two top police officers had been given the duty of police observers in other states and have little idea about Kolkata and Bidhannagar.

Stating that law and order is a state subject, Banerjee alleged that the state government was not consulted on the transfer.

"By not following the established practice and not seeking a panel of officers from the state government, the action of the ECI is prima facie undemocratic, biased and suffers from principles of natural justice," she wrote.

The EC had written to Chief Secretary Malay De directing immediate implementation of the transfers and sought a compliance report within 24 hours.

It also directed that the police officers who have been transferred should not be involved by the state government in any election-related duty.

Both Sharma and Singh were present when Banerjee began her sit-in on February 3 to protest against CBI's attempts to question former police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into the Saradha scam.

Kumar was later interrogated by the CBI in Shillong under the orders of the Supreme Court and Sharma had replaced Kumar.

After TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's wife was allegedly found carrying gold at the Kolkata airport, BJP had lodged a complaint with the EC against Bidhannagar Police commissioner Gyanwant Singh.

The party had demanded that Singh be held responsible for the alleged police interference if "prima facie any such incident happened". 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners. The EC decision is "unfortunate", "highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, the letter said, urging the poll panel to review its decision. "Should there be any deterioration in the law order situation of the state, would the Commission take responsibility?" said the letter, the content of which was shared with PTI. It also asked the EC to initiate a probe as to how and under whose guidance the decision on the transfer of the top police officers was taken. "I strongly feel that the EC plays a neutral role to save democracy in India. But, it is very unfortunate that I have to write this letter today to raise strong protest against the transfer order dated April 5, 2019 issued by the EC by way of removing four senior officers from their existing positions," Banerjee said in her letter. "The decision of the Commission is highly arbitrary, motivated and biased. We have every reason to believe that the decision of the Commission is at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre, i.E the BJP," the letter read. Banerjee alleged that the EC transfer orders came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a BJP candidate alleged in a TV programme that the law and order situation in West Bengal is bad. The EC had on Friday night removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh in a major shake-up ahead of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in the state. Rajesh Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Pollution Control Board, was made the new Kolkata top cop, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu, ADG and IGP, Operations, was named the Bidhannagar police commissioner. The poll body also named Avannu Ravindranath, deputy commissioner (Airport Division) of Bidhannagar, as the new Birbhum superintendent of police and appointed Srihari Pandey, deputy commissioner of Kolkata Armed Police, 3rd Battalion, as the Diamond Harbour police superintendent. The announcement comes days after opposition parties in the state had alleged that free and fair elections would not be possible under these officers. "The flow of events gives rise to strong doubts whether the Commission is functioning as per its constitutional mandate of conducting free and fair elections or working in a manner to appease the ruling BJP at the centre," the letter said. Describing Sharma and Singh as "bright and experienced", she said they had played key roles in the seizure of illegal currency, gold, liquor and other prohibited items and in enforcing law and order in strict manner. "The decision of the ECI to remove these officers leaves a big question mark whether this step is to give a shield to the vested interested parties and their political masters," Banerjee's letter said. She said those brought in place of the two top police officers had been given the duty of police observers in other states and have little idea about Kolkata and Bidhannagar. Stating that law and order is a state subject, Banerjee alleged that the state government was not consulted on the transfer. "By not following the established practice and not seeking a panel of officers from the state government, the action of the ECI is prima facie undemocratic, biased and suffers from principles of natural justice," she wrote. The EC had written to Chief Secretary Malay De directing immediate implementation of the transfers and sought a compliance report within 24 hours. It also directed that the police officers who have been transferred should not be involved by the state government in any election-related duty. Both Sharma and Singh were present when Banerjee began her sit-in on February 3 to protest against CBI's attempts to question former police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into the Saradha scam. Kumar was later interrogated by the CBI in Shillong under the orders of the Supreme Court and Sharma had replaced Kumar. After TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's wife was allegedly found carrying gold at the Kolkata airport, BJP had lodged a complaint with the EC against Bidhannagar Police commissioner Gyanwant Singh. The party had demanded that Singh be held responsible for the alleged police interference if "prima facie any such incident happened".

'Unfortunate,' says Mamata in letter to EC against transfer of top police officials

The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh on Friday.&nbsp;

The Commission posted Dr Rajesh Kumar, presently serving as ADG, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner. Natarajan Ramesh Babu is presently posted as ADG and IG, Operations as the new Bidhannagar Police Commissioner.&nbsp;

Interestingly, Sharma and Singh were reportedly seen sharing the ‘dharna’ spot of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while protesting the CBI's move to investigate former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar.&nbsp;

Opposition parties on several occasions levelled concerns over Sharma and Singh being directly involved in the electoral process after they were reportedly seen at the protest.&nbsp;

This apart, two other officers were also transferred. Selva Murugan was transferred from the post of SP Diamond Harbour Police district. Avvaru Ravindranath was posted as the SP Diamond Harbour. Shrihari Pandey was posted as SP Diamond Harbour replacing former SP Shyam Singh.&nbsp;

The notification issued by the ECI reads, “The direction of the Commission be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in respect of joining of above officers be sent within 24 hours. The present incumbent officers being shifted not to be involved by the state government in any election-related duties.”&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh on Friday. The Commission posted Dr Rajesh Kumar, presently serving as ADG, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh on Friday. The Commission posted Dr Rajesh Kumar, presently serving as ADG, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner. Natarajan Ramesh Babu is presently posted as ADG and IG, Operations as the new Bidhannagar Police Commissioner. Interestingly, Sharma and Singh were reportedly seen sharing the ‘dharna’ spot of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while protesting the CBI's move to investigate former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar. Opposition parties on several occasions levelled concerns over Sharma and Singh being directly involved in the electoral process after they were reportedly seen at the protest. This apart, two other officers were also transferred. Selva Murugan was transferred from the post of SP Diamond Harbour Police district. Avvaru Ravindranath was posted as the SP Diamond Harbour. Shrihari Pandey was posted as SP Diamond Harbour replacing former SP Shyam Singh. The notification issued by the ECI reads, “The direction of the Commission be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in respect of joining of above officers be sent within 24 hours. The present incumbent officers being shifted not to be involved by the state government in any election-related duties.”

West Bengal: ECI transfers Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma seen at Mamata Banerjee’s dharna 

The only thriving Chinatown in the country is bustling with political activity, probably for the first time in its history, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lok-sabha-polls-2019-chinese-wall-graffiti-appear-on-kolkata-streets-207629">graffiti of political leaders</a> making a debut on the walls of the township, otherwise known for its signature eateries.

According to a political analyst, Bengal has always had a Chinese connection as the Left leaders in the state often swore by the communist regime in the neighbouring country, lauding its policies.

The people of Chinatown, however, have largely stayed away from the hustle and bustle of election. This time around, the scenario has changed.

Kolkata's Chinese connect has taken a new form and shape, with people in this part of the city coming out in support of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), painting the township blue and white (the colours of the ruling party) with political slogans in Mandarin.

One can easily spot sketches of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the party's candidate from South Kolkata seat, Mala Roy, adorning the whitewashed walls of the Chinatown with 'Vote for Trinamool Congress' written in the Chinese language beside the drawings.

A graffiti featuring Modi in his 'chowkidaar' avatar, while another with Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi on a Kingfisher airline plane, have also occupied space on the fences.

Roy, who is the chairperson of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), claimed that many in the town are loyal supporters of the TMC.

She claimed that the residents have taken it upon themselves to campaign for the party, without any prodding from the leaders.

"Of the 5,000 Chinese people residing in the town, 2,000 are eligible voters. We work with them throughout the year," the TMC candidate asserted.

Translating the Mandarin slogans, KMC councillor Faiz Ahmed Khan said the town residents have urged people to support TMC and vote for Mala Roy.

Vincent Lee, a Chinese-origin man born and raised in the city, said that this was the first time he came across a political graffiti in the settlement.

Lee (55), who runs a shoe shop at Bentinck Street in the central part of Kolkata, said, "This is unique, many of us are voters, but never have I seen a political graffiti in Mandarin in the town."

Franchis Hing, another Indian of Chinese ancestry, said he and his family are involved in the tannery business and have never had anything to do with local politics.

He, however, acknowledged that the town has never seen its people openly supporting a political party.

The Chinese-origin people in the city, whose ancestors moved here in the 18th century, are mostly involved in manufacture and trade of leather goods or running Chinese restaurants.

According to a study, the numbers of Chinese-origin people, which was nearly 20,000 in the city at one point of time, have dwindled over the years with many migrating to countries like Canada, USA and Australia.&nbsp;

The only thriving Chinatown in the country is bustling with political activity, probably for the first time in its history, with graffiti of political leaders making a debut on the walls of the township, otherwise known for its signature eateries.

The only thriving Chinatown in the country is bustling with political activity, probably for the first time in its history, with graffiti of political leaders making a debut on the walls of the township, otherwise known for its signature eateries. According to a political analyst, Bengal has always had a Chinese connection as the Left leaders in the state often swore by the communist regime in the neighbouring country, lauding its policies. The people of Chinatown, however, have largely stayed away from the hustle and bustle of election. This time around, the scenario has changed. Kolkata's Chinese connect has taken a new form and shape, with people in this part of the city coming out in support of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), painting the township blue and white (the colours of the ruling party) with political slogans in Mandarin. One can easily spot sketches of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the party's candidate from South Kolkata seat, Mala Roy, adorning the whitewashed walls of the Chinatown with 'Vote for Trinamool Congress' written in the Chinese language beside the drawings. A graffiti featuring Modi in his 'chowkidaar' avatar, while another with Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi on a Kingfisher airline plane, have also occupied space on the fences. Roy, who is the chairperson of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), claimed that many in the town are loyal supporters of the TMC. She claimed that the residents have taken it upon themselves to campaign for the party, without any prodding from the leaders. "Of the 5,000 Chinese people residing in the town, 2,000 are eligible voters. We work with them throughout the year," the TMC candidate asserted. Translating the Mandarin slogans, KMC councillor Faiz Ahmed Khan said the town residents have urged people to support TMC and vote for Mala Roy. Vincent Lee, a Chinese-origin man born and raised in the city, said that this was the first time he came across a political graffiti in the settlement. Lee (55), who runs a shoe shop at Bentinck Street in the central part of Kolkata, said, "This is unique, many of us are voters, but never have I seen a political graffiti in Mandarin in the town." Franchis Hing, another Indian of Chinese ancestry, said he and his family are involved in the tannery business and have never had anything to do with local politics. He, however, acknowledged that the town has never seen its people openly supporting a political party. The Chinese-origin people in the city, whose ancestors moved here in the 18th century, are mostly involved in manufacture and trade of leather goods or running Chinese restaurants. According to a study, the numbers of Chinese-origin people, which was nearly 20,000 in the city at one point of time, have dwindled over the years with many migrating to countries like Canada, USA and Australia.

Mandarin graffiti in support of TMC adorn walls of Kolkata's Chinatown

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday.&nbsp;

Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone.&nbsp;

She raised the National Register of Citizen (NRC) issue during her speech in Dhubri.&nbsp;

“When 40 lakh people’s names did not find mention on the NRC list. We were the most concerned. We were deeply pained. My party leaders delegation Mohua Mitra, Mamata Bala Thakur, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Firhad Hakim were stopped at Silchar. They even tried to stop me by lodging an FIR against me. But I dare you, stop me if you can. This party (BJP) is only creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims. They are inhuman to keep children in detention camps.,” said Banerjee.&nbsp;

She further claimed that an Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was named by one of the accused of chit fund scam, “You have a minister here, Himanta Biswa Sarma. See, I have this document where the accused of the chit fund scam claims that Himanta took money from him. Why hasn’t the BJP government taken action against him? They only shout Narada-Saradha, but I want to ask them what action have they taken against him?”&nbsp;

Banerjee attacked the Central government for the introducing Citizenship Amendment Bill.&nbsp;

“Citizenship Amendment Bill is another conspiracy of the BJP. Who are they to give us citizenship when we are already citizens of this nation. What’s wrong in Assamese staying in Bengal? Rajasthanis staying in other states? Where is the problem? Some people are trying to give you lollipops. Don’t be fooled by these lollipops,” she said.&nbsp;

The Trinamool Congress has fielded candidates in nine Lok Sabha seats in Assam and Banerjee will campaign for all the nine candidates.&nbsp;

The West Bengal chief minister will address the second public meeting at Naxalbari in North Bengal, part of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday. Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday. Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone. She raised the National Register of Citizen (NRC) issue during her speech in Dhubri. “When 40 lakh people’s names did not find mention on the NRC list. We were the most concerned. We were deeply pained. My party leaders delegation Mohua Mitra, Mamata Bala Thakur, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Firhad Hakim were stopped at Silchar. They even tried to stop me by lodging an FIR against me. But I dare you, stop me if you can. This party (BJP) is only creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims. They are inhuman to keep children in detention camps.,” said Banerjee. She further claimed that an Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was named by one of the accused of chit fund scam, “You have a minister here, Himanta Biswa Sarma. See, I have this document where the accused of the chit fund scam claims that Himanta took money from him. Why hasn’t the BJP government taken action against him? They only shout Narada-Saradha, but I want to ask them what action have they taken against him?” Banerjee attacked the Central government for the introducing Citizenship Amendment Bill. “Citizenship Amendment Bill is another conspiracy of the BJP. Who are they to give us citizenship when we are already citizens of this nation. What’s wrong in Assamese staying in Bengal? Rajasthanis staying in other states? Where is the problem? Some people are trying to give you lollipops. Don’t be fooled by these lollipops,” she said. The Trinamool Congress has fielded candidates in nine Lok Sabha seats in Assam and Banerjee will campaign for all the nine candidates. The West Bengal chief minister will address the second public meeting at Naxalbari in North Bengal, part of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mamata attacks BJP over NRC as she kickstarts poll campaign in Assam 

India's general election: Mahayudh between Congress's old idea of India and Modi's 'Naya Bharat'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal.&nbsp;

"'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said.

"I am waiting for this speed breaker to go so development can gather speed," he added.&nbsp;

Modi also took on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">the Congress and their election manifesto</a>, as he had done earlier in the day during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-is-corrupt-full-of-lies-pm-modi-in-arunachal-pradesh-207658">an election rally in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh</a>.&nbsp;

The Congress had released its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exactly-does-the-congress-manifesto-promise-207487">manifesto</a> at its party headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. The pushback from the BJP was swift, with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley saying some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

Jaitley added that some of the ideas in the manifesto looked like they had been written by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang".&nbsp;

Jaitley had been referring to what the Congress manifesto says about Kashmir — that there would be no change to the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would be reviewed, and that fewer soldiers and more policemen instead would be deployed in Kashmir.&nbsp;

"They (the Congress) want our defence forces to be helpless...Their hands and feet tied," Modi said in Siliguri on Wednesday.

He also accused the Congress and its allies of sympathising with Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Congress manifesto also says the party, if it is voted to power in the upcoming general elections, will increase expenditure on education and health to 6% of GDP — India will this year spend 1.44% of its GDP on defence — and bring in a single, moderate GST rate.&nbsp;

Jaitley on Tuesday said a number of those ideas were "unimplementable".&nbsp;

Modi kept up his vitriol later in the day while addressing yet another rally in Kolkata. (He tends to do three a day. On his first day of campaigning after the general elections were announced, he addressed three rallies in three different states — Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, and Jammu — in one single day.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Today some people in their hate for Modi have started speaking against India," Modi said in Kolkata.

"Who raised doubts on airstrike? Who demoralised armed forces? Who had asked for count of bodies of terrorists?"

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal. "'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said. "I am waiting for this speed breaker to go so development can gather speed," he added. Modi also took on the Congress and their election manifesto, as he had done earlier in the day during an election rally in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. The Congress had released its manifesto at its party headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. The pushback from the BJP was swift, with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley saying some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous". Jaitley added that some of the ideas in the manifesto looked like they had been written by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang". Jaitley had been referring to what the Congress manifesto says about Kashmir — that there would be no change to the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would be reviewed, and that fewer soldiers and more policemen instead would be deployed in Kashmir. "They (the Congress) want our defence forces to be helpless...Their hands and feet tied," Modi said in Siliguri on Wednesday. He also accused the Congress and its allies of sympathising with Pakistan. The Congress manifesto also says the party, if it is voted to power in the upcoming general elections, will increase expenditure on education and health to 6% of GDP — India will this year spend 1.44% of its GDP on defence — and bring in a single, moderate GST rate. Jaitley on Tuesday said a number of those ideas were "unimplementable". Modi kept up his vitriol later in the day while addressing yet another rally in Kolkata. (He tends to do three a day. On his first day of campaigning after the general elections were announced, he addressed three rallies in three different states — Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, and Jammu — in one single day.) "Today some people in their hate for Modi have started speaking against India," Modi said in Kolkata. "Who raised doubts on airstrike? Who demoralised armed forces? Who had asked for count of bodies of terrorists?" (With inputs from PTI)

Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Chinese wall graffiti appear on Kolkata streets

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-a-speed-breaker-in-bengals-development-modi-in-siliguri-207693">Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal.&nbsp;

"'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-snaps-4-day-winning-streak-drops-180-points-207701">Sensex snaps 4-day winning streak, drops 180 points</a>

Breaking its four-day rising streak, the BSE Sensex dropped about 180 points Wednesday on profit booking and forecast of below-normal monsoon this year.

Despite a strong rally in global equities, Indian market failed to sustain at lifetime highs led by losses in oil and gas, telecom, metal and healthcare stocks.

After swinging nearly 450 points, the 30-share Sensex settled 179.53 points, or 0.46 per cent lower at 38,877.12.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-intelligence-officer-who-helped-osama-bin-laden-sworn-in-as-minister-report-207692">Former Pakistani IB chief, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden, sworn in as minister</a>

Despite objections from the Opposition, Pakistan's former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Ijaz Shah, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, was sworn in as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday by President Arif Alvi here.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-intelligence-officer-who-helped-osama-bin-laden-sworn-in-as-minister-report-207692">This is the photograph Sonia Gandhi wanted on Congress manifesto cover</a>

Sonia Gandhi, after going through the Congress manifesto, suggested that the photograph published on page nine could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women wearing ghoonghats (veils).&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysia-open-saina-nehwal-knocked-out-after-losing-to-thailands-chochuwong-in-first-round-207725">Malaysia Open: Saina Nehwal knocked out in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysia-open-saina-nehwal-knocked-out-after-losing-to-thailands-chochuwong-in-first-round-207725">first</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysia-open-saina-nehwal-knocked-out-after-losing-to-thailands-chochuwong-in-first-round-207725"> round after losing to Thailand's Chochuwong</a>

Saina Nehwal Wednesday registered a major upset as she lost to Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong 22-20, 15-21, 10-21 in the first round of the Malaysian Open.

Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state.

Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal. "'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said. Sensex snaps 4-day winning streak, drops 180 points Breaking its four-day rising streak, the BSE Sensex dropped about 180 points Wednesday on profit booking and forecast of below-normal monsoon this year. Despite a strong rally in global equities, Indian market failed to sustain at lifetime highs led by losses in oil and gas, telecom, metal and healthcare stocks. After swinging nearly 450 points, the 30-share Sensex settled 179.53 points, or 0.46 per cent lower at 38,877.12. Former Pakistani IB chief, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden, sworn in as minister Despite objections from the Opposition, Pakistan's former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Ijaz Shah, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, was sworn in as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday by President Arif Alvi here. This is the photograph Sonia Gandhi wanted on Congress manifesto cover Sonia Gandhi, after going through the Congress manifesto, suggested that the photograph published on page nine could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women wearing ghoonghats (veils). Malaysia Open: Saina Nehwal knocked out in first round after losing to Thailand's Chochuwong Saina Nehwal Wednesday registered a major upset as she lost to Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong 22-20, 15-21, 10-21 in the first round of the Malaysian Open.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power.

“We give equal respect to all religions in the country. But Mamata didi gives a monthly stipend to Imams only. But the same monthly stipend is not given to the pandits. This is minority appeasement. She forcibly imposes Urdu language in schools. She alloted Rs 4,000 crore budget to Madrasa but the entire higher education budget is less than 4,000 crore depriving children of becoming engineers and doctors,” Shah said during a campaign rally in Alipurduar district of Bengal.

He added that if voted to power, the party will implement the NRC in the state. “We are going to implement the NRC in West Bengal and kick out all infiltrators. I want to assure all refugees that we will give you shelter through the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Mamata ji wants to kick out the refugees but we will not allow that,” added Shah.

The BJP national president once again raised the issue of the Rath Yatra permission being denied by the authorities and claimed that democracy does not prevail in the state.

“When we were to take out the Rath Yatra we were not given permission. Helicopter’s permission was denied to me, Rajnath Singh ji and Yogi Adityanath ji. Mamata ji doesn't allow villagers to cast their vote. I want to tell everyone that TMC's time is up and we are confident of getting 23 seats here,” he said.

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power.

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power. “We give equal respect to all religions in the country. But Mamata didi gives a monthly stipend to Imams only. But the same monthly stipend is not given to the pandits. This is minority appeasement. She forcibly imposes Urdu language in schools. She alloted Rs 4,000 crore budget to Madrasa but the entire higher education budget is less than 4,000 crore depriving children of becoming engineers and doctors,” Shah said during a campaign rally in Alipurduar district of Bengal. He added that if voted to power, the party will implement the NRC in the state. “We are going to implement the NRC in West Bengal and kick out all infiltrators. I want to assure all refugees that we will give you shelter through the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Mamata ji wants to kick out the refugees but we will not allow that,” added Shah. The BJP national president once again raised the issue of the Rath Yatra permission being denied by the authorities and claimed that democracy does not prevail in the state. “When we were to take out the Rath Yatra we were not given permission. Helicopter’s permission was denied to me, Rajnath Singh ji and Yogi Adityanath ji. Mamata ji doesn't allow villagers to cast their vote. I want to tell everyone that TMC's time is up and we are confident of getting 23 seats here,” he said.

Lok Sabha polls: 'TMC's time is up, will implement NRC in state if voted to power,' says Amit Shah in Bengal

Actor-turned-politician and founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam Kamal Haasan said he would be campaigning for Trinamool Congress candidate in Andaman after his recent meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata.

“The meeting was excellent. We are now proud to say that Makkal Needhi Maiam is in an alliance with the Trinamool Congress for Andaman and we hope that this special relationship evolves in future,'' said Haasan.

''I’ll be going to Andaman on April 6 to campaign for the Trinamool Congress. I may not be able 'to campaign in Bengal as I have my hands full with Tamil Nadu. Ours is a regional party and I’m supporting Trinamool Congress as I love Bengal,” Haasan said as he was leaving the West Bengal state secretariat after meeting with Banerjee.

Earlier in the day, after arriving at the Kolkata airport he said, “Our relationship with the honourable chief minister is quite old and I am coming to take my best wishes from her like last time''.

The meeting over tea between the two lasted over one-and-a-half hours and sources close to the CM said that elections were discussed.

“We are really grateful that Kamal Haasan is giving full support to us and he will be going to Andaman on April 6 to address a public meeting there. From our side, Sujit Bose and Anita will be there. It is a great opportunity for Tamil Nadu and Bengal to work together. Haasan has very very good credentials not just as a politician but also from the cultural field. We are privileged and grateful to him for his initiative,'' said TMC.

TMC will be contesting elections in Odisha, Jharkhand, Andaman, Assam and Bihar besides West Bengal.&nbsp;

The party has fielded Ayan Mondal in Andaman seat.&nbsp;

Actor-turned-politician and founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam Kamal Haasan said he would be campaigning for Trinamool Congress candidate in Andaman after his recent meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata.

Actor-turned-politician and founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam Kamal Haasan said he would be campaigning for Trinamool Congress candidate in Andaman after his recent meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. “The meeting was excellent. We are now proud to say that Makkal Needhi Maiam is in an alliance with the Trinamool Congress for Andaman and we hope that this special relationship evolves in future,'' said Haasan. ''I’ll be going to Andaman on April 6 to campaign for the Trinamool Congress. I may not be able 'to campaign in Bengal as I have my hands full with Tamil Nadu. Ours is a regional party and I’m supporting Trinamool Congress as I love Bengal,” Haasan said as he was leaving the West Bengal state secretariat after meeting with Banerjee. Earlier in the day, after arriving at the Kolkata airport he said, “Our relationship with the honourable chief minister is quite old and I am coming to take my best wishes from her like last time''. The meeting over tea between the two lasted over one-and-a-half hours and sources close to the CM said that elections were discussed. “We are really grateful that Kamal Haasan is giving full support to us and he will be going to Andaman on April 6 to address a public meeting there. From our side, Sujit Bose and Anita will be there. It is a great opportunity for Tamil Nadu and Bengal to work together. Haasan has very very good credentials not just as a politician but also from the cultural field. We are privileged and grateful to him for his initiative,'' said TMC. TMC will be contesting elections in Odisha, Jharkhand, Andaman, Assam and Bihar besides West Bengal. The party has fielded Ayan Mondal in Andaman seat.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Kamal Haasan to campaign for Trinamool Congress in Andaman

The Supreme Court Tuesday termed as “very, very serious” the revelations made by CBI in its fresh status report relating to the recent interrogation of the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saradha-chit-fund-probe-sc-directs-cbi-to-file-affidavit-detailing-contempt-by-bengal-cops-200083">Saradha chit fund case</a>.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it cannot “close its eyes” if some “very, very serious facts” are disclosed to it and directed CBI to file an application seeking appropriate relief against Kumar, who had earlier headed the state SIT on the chit fund case.

The bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, granted 10 days to the probe agency for filing the application.

Kumar and others can respond to the plea seven days thereafter.

Supreme Court said that as the CBI’s status report was filed in a sealed cover, it cannot pass any order at the moment without hearing the other side.

The apex court was hearing the CBI’ contempt application against various senior officials of the West Bengal government including state’s DGP and then Kolkata police chief on the ground of non-cooperation in its probe and alleged destruction of evidence.

The Supreme Court Tuesday termed as “very, very serious” the revelations made by CBI in its fresh status report relating to the recent interrogation of the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund case.

The Supreme Court Tuesday termed as “very, very serious” the revelations made by CBI in its fresh status report relating to the recent interrogation of the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund case. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it cannot “close its eyes” if some “very, very serious facts” are disclosed to it and directed CBI to file an application seeking appropriate relief against Kumar, who had earlier headed the state SIT on the chit fund case. The bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, granted 10 days to the probe agency for filing the application. Kumar and others can respond to the plea seven days thereafter. Supreme Court said that as the CBI’s status report was filed in a sealed cover, it cannot pass any order at the moment without hearing the other side. The apex court was hearing the CBI’ contempt application against various senior officials of the West Bengal government including state’s DGP and then Kolkata police chief on the ground of non-cooperation in its probe and alleged destruction of evidence.

Saradha chit fund case: Supreme Court says can’t close eyes to ‘very, very serious’ facts in CBI status report

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo.

The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background. It has been in use for a week now, party sources said.

It was way back in 1998 that present West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress and formed the TMC over differences of opinion on dealing with the then ruling CPI(M).

"TMC is called Trinamool and after 21 years, it was time for change," a party leader said.

The Congress name has been dropped from party banners, posters and all communication material.

However, it will remain registered with the Election Commission as Trinamool Congress, party sources said.

The official Facebook and Twitter pages of the party, the CM, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and Trinamool's leader in the Rajya Sabha Derek O Brien already have the new logo.&nbsp;

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo. The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background.

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo. The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background. It has been in use for a week now, party sources said. It was way back in 1998 that present West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress and formed the TMC over differences of opinion on dealing with the then ruling CPI(M). "TMC is called Trinamool and after 21 years, it was time for change," a party leader said. The Congress name has been dropped from party banners, posters and all communication material. However, it will remain registered with the Election Commission as Trinamool Congress, party sources said. The official Facebook and Twitter pages of the party, the CM, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and Trinamool's leader in the Rajya Sabha Derek O Brien already have the new logo.

TMC removes Congress's name from its logo

At a time when two arch rivals – Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) are fighting it out on the Bengal turf in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, election-themed sarees have become a fad among women in Kolkata.

Women are making a beeline at a store in the city’s largest shopping complexes – New Market to view and purchase sarees with political party symbols on it. &nbsp;

These sarees have the TMC, BJP symbols digitally printed on it and come in several fabrics and patterns, designs.

''We always come up with something new on festivals. Be it Diwali or Holi, we come up with festival-themed sarees. Since the election is our biggest political festival, we thought why not come up with election-themed sarees,'' said the shop owner of Mansa sarees.

He adds, ''People who are passing by our store are also looking at these sarees with much astonishment as they have not seen anything like this before. Curious customers are buying sarees of their choice as they are available at very affordable ranges. We have the same symbol sarees in different patterns, designs and colours, so a lot of variety is on offer.''

A customer, Shrishti Jha who was caught in a surprise said, ''Fashion is synonymous with fashion. Our political leaders are fashion icons at the same time. The beauty of democracy is that we can openly flaunt our party affiliation. We can wear the saree of our own choice and support the party we wish to vote for this election.''

The shop owner further added that sarees begin at Rs 1200 and goes up to higher ranges. ''We have received a great response so far. Not just the candidates or party supporters are buying these sarees, but a lot of general public are buying them. If someone comes up with their own design, we can customize the saree according to their choice,'' he said.

At a time when two arch rivals – Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) are fighting it out on the Bengal turf in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, election-themed sarees have become a fad among women in Kolkata.

At a time when two arch rivals – Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) are fighting it out on the Bengal turf in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, election-themed sarees have become a fad among women in Kolkata. Women are making a beeline at a store in the city’s largest shopping complexes – New Market to view and purchase sarees with political party symbols on it. These sarees have the TMC, BJP symbols digitally printed on it and come in several fabrics and patterns, designs. ''We always come up with something new on festivals. Be it Diwali or Holi, we come up with festival-themed sarees. Since the election is our biggest political festival, we thought why not come up with election-themed sarees,'' said the shop owner of Mansa sarees. He adds, ''People who are passing by our store are also looking at these sarees with much astonishment as they have not seen anything like this before. Curious customers are buying sarees of their choice as they are available at very affordable ranges. We have the same symbol sarees in different patterns, designs and colours, so a lot of variety is on offer.'' A customer, Shrishti Jha who was caught in a surprise said, ''Fashion is synonymous with fashion. Our political leaders are fashion icons at the same time. The beauty of democracy is that we can openly flaunt our party affiliation. We can wear the saree of our own choice and support the party we wish to vote for this election.'' The shop owner further added that sarees begin at Rs 1200 and goes up to higher ranges. ''We have received a great response so far. Not just the candidates or party supporters are buying these sarees, but a lot of general public are buying them. If someone comes up with their own design, we can customize the saree according to their choice,'' he said.

People make a beeline to buy TMC-BJP themed sarees in Kolkata

Continuing with her penchant for bringing in silver screen personalities to politics, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has fielded five film stars, including two greenhorns, for the coming Lok Sabha elections. In the 2014 general elections, Banerjee had fielded the same number of cinestars and all the five had won.&nbsp;

It was Banerjee who had in 2009 started the practice of fielding people from the glamour world in West Bengal elections, which was considered to be the forte of southern states. Of the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal, the TMC had won 19 seats in 2009 and 34 in 2014.

The party also adds a dash of colour to major public meetings, where celebrities from the film and television world assemble. Fielding of Mimi Chakraborty, a popular actress in Bengali cinema and a political greenhorn, from the prestigious Jadavpur constituency for the 2019 elections has come as a surprise to many. It was from this constituency in the city that Mamata Banerjee had burst into electoral politics in 1984 as a young Congress candidate, by handing a stunning defeat to the incumbent and towering Somnath Chatterjee of the CPI(M).

Sugata Bose, a professor of Oceanic History and Affairs at the Harvard University held the seat as a TMC MP in the outgoing 16th Lok Sabha. Reportedly, he has not been given permission by the university to contest the elections this time. Another political greenhorn and Bengali film actor Nusrat Jahan has been fielded from Basirhat in North 24 Parganas district, a seat now held by TMC’s Idris Ali. Banerjee has said Ali will contest in an Assembly by-election. Apart from these two, actors and sitting MPs Deepak Adhikari, popularly known as Dev, Satabdi Roy and Munmum Sen will also contest.

While Dev and Roy would seek re-election from Ghatal and Birbhum seats respectively, Sen has been shifted from Bankura to Asansol, which was won by singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo of the BJP. The TMC has dropped sitting MPs Tapas Pal and Sandhya Roy, well-known film stars of yesteryears. Pal had been arrested by the CBI in December 2016 in connection with the Rose Valley chitfund scam and is at present out on bail. Pal and Satabdi Roy are two-time MPs of the TMC, both having earlier won in the 2009 elections. The TMC supremo had also made Bollywood star Mithun Chakraborty a Rajya Sabha MP. But he had resigned in December 2016 citing ill health.

The trend of cine stars joining electoral politics has been a regular affair in the southern states, with former Tamil Nadu chief minister M G Ramachandran as the pioneer and Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan being the latest entrants. Andhra Pradesh is another state where film stars enjoy cult status and have made serious forays into politics, with N T Rama Rao having become chief minister of the state. In other parts of the country, film stars like Raj Babbar, Hema Malini, Vinod Khanna have been in politics and even mega star Amitabh Bachchan had a short tryst with it. Film stars have, however, generally stayed away from electoral politics in West Bengal, where it has traditionally been viewed as a forte of those who grow from the ranks, barring one or two exceptions.

The so-called glass ceiling was broken in 2009 when Satabdi Roy and Tapas Pal, both of whom were doing films regularly then, were fielded by the TMC chief and won. The BJP has also brought in film personalities and those associated with it in West Bengal politics. Babul Supriyo, a playback singer who also dabbled in film acting, was one of the two BJP candidates who won in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from West Bengal. He was also made a minister of state. Actor Roopa Ganguly, who achieved national fame for her portrayal of the role of Draupadi in mega teleserial Mahabharat, is a Rajya Sabha MP of the BJP.

Continuing with her penchant for bringing in silver screen personalities to politics, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has fielded five film stars, including two greenhorns, for the coming Lok Sabha elections.

Continuing with her penchant for bringing in silver screen personalities to politics, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has fielded five film stars, including two greenhorns, for the coming Lok Sabha elections. In the 2014 general elections, Banerjee had fielded the same number of cinestars and all the five had won. It was Banerjee who had in 2009 started the practice of fielding people from the glamour world in West Bengal elections, which was considered to be the forte of southern states. Of the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal, the TMC had won 19 seats in 2009 and 34 in 2014. The party also adds a dash of colour to major public meetings, where celebrities from the film and television world assemble. Fielding of Mimi Chakraborty, a popular actress in Bengali cinema and a political greenhorn, from the prestigious Jadavpur constituency for the 2019 elections has come as a surprise to many. It was from this constituency in the city that Mamata Banerjee had burst into electoral politics in 1984 as a young Congress candidate, by handing a stunning defeat to the incumbent and towering Somnath Chatterjee of the CPI(M). Sugata Bose, a professor of Oceanic History and Affairs at the Harvard University held the seat as a TMC MP in the outgoing 16th Lok Sabha. Reportedly, he has not been given permission by the university to contest the elections this time. Another political greenhorn and Bengali film actor Nusrat Jahan has been fielded from Basirhat in North 24 Parganas district, a seat now held by TMC’s Idris Ali. Banerjee has said Ali will contest in an Assembly by-election. Apart from these two, actors and sitting MPs Deepak Adhikari, popularly known as Dev, Satabdi Roy and Munmum Sen will also contest. While Dev and Roy would seek re-election from Ghatal and Birbhum seats respectively, Sen has been shifted from Bankura to Asansol, which was won by singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo of the BJP. The TMC has dropped sitting MPs Tapas Pal and Sandhya Roy, well-known film stars of yesteryears. Pal had been arrested by the CBI in December 2016 in connection with the Rose Valley chitfund scam and is at present out on bail. Pal and Satabdi Roy are two-time MPs of the TMC, both having earlier won in the 2009 elections. The TMC supremo had also made Bollywood star Mithun Chakraborty a Rajya Sabha MP. But he had resigned in December 2016 citing ill health. The trend of cine stars joining electoral politics has been a regular affair in the southern states, with former Tamil Nadu chief minister M G Ramachandran as the pioneer and Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan being the latest entrants. Andhra Pradesh is another state where film stars enjoy cult status and have made serious forays into politics, with N T Rama Rao having become chief minister of the state. In other parts of the country, film stars like Raj Babbar, Hema Malini, Vinod Khanna have been in politics and even mega star Amitabh Bachchan had a short tryst with it. Film stars have, however, generally stayed away from electoral politics in West Bengal, where it has traditionally been viewed as a forte of those who grow from the ranks, barring one or two exceptions. The so-called glass ceiling was broken in 2009 when Satabdi Roy and Tapas Pal, both of whom were doing films regularly then, were fielded by the TMC chief and won. The BJP has also brought in film personalities and those associated with it in West Bengal politics. Babul Supriyo, a playback singer who also dabbled in film acting, was one of the two BJP candidates who won in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from West Bengal. He was also made a minister of state. Actor Roopa Ganguly, who achieved national fame for her portrayal of the role of Draupadi in mega teleserial Mahabharat, is a Rajya Sabha MP of the BJP.

Five film stars in TMC’s list as Mamata Banerjee reposes faith in tested poll mantra

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday met Trinamool Congress candidates and advised them about strategies of campaigning for the Lok Sabha election.

The TMC supremo urged them to inform the people about the "achievements" of her government in the past seven years and to campaign about the "failures" of the Narendra Modi regime.

"Didi (Banerjee) gave us details about various modes of campaigning and the issues that need to be raised," said a TMC candidate after the meeting at Banerjee's residence.

All the candidates were briefed on how to take on the BJP in their respective constituencies, the candidate said.

Banerjee yesterday released the list of candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs and bringing in 18 new faces.

The list, which is a mix of seasoned political players and greenhorns, has 17 women candidates, five more than the last elections.

West Bengal goes to seven-phase polls beginning April 11.

Of the 42 seats in the state, TMC had won 34 in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday met Trinamool Congress candidates and advised them about strategies of campaigning for the Lok Sabha election.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday met Trinamool Congress candidates and advised them about strategies of campaigning for the Lok Sabha election. The TMC supremo urged them to inform the people about the "achievements" of her government in the past seven years and to campaign about the "failures" of the Narendra Modi regime. "Didi (Banerjee) gave us details about various modes of campaigning and the issues that need to be raised," said a TMC candidate after the meeting at Banerjee's residence. All the candidates were briefed on how to take on the BJP in their respective constituencies, the candidate said. Banerjee yesterday released the list of candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs and bringing in 18 new faces. The list, which is a mix of seasoned political players and greenhorns, has 17 women candidates, five more than the last elections. West Bengal goes to seven-phase polls beginning April 11. Of the 42 seats in the state, TMC had won 34 in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

Mamata briefs party candidates about strategies of campaigning

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday announced a list of TMC candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs.

She also attacked the BJP and the Modi government, claiming she had information that "VVIPs" were using helicopters and chartered flights to transport money to bribe voters.&nbsp;

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Releasing the list, the West Bengal leader assailed the Centre over a host of issues including the Rafale deal, farm distress and shrinking employment opportunities.

Banerjee, also the TMC supremo, said the outgoing TMC lawmakers whose names do not figure in the list will be drafted for party work.

She said 41 per cent of the nominees in the list are women.

The TMC, she said, will also contest some seats in Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar and the Andamans.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday announced a list of TMC candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs. She also attacked the BJP and the Modi government, claiming she had information that "VVIPs" were using helicopters and chartered flights to transport money to bribe voters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday announced a list of TMC candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs. She also attacked the BJP and the Modi government, claiming she had information that "VVIPs" were using helicopters and chartered flights to transport money to bribe voters. Trinamool Congress (TMC) releases list of 42 candidates contesting #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/ut1sCReYQB — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × Releasing the list, the West Bengal leader assailed the Centre over a host of issues including the Rafale deal, farm distress and shrinking employment opportunities. Banerjee, also the TMC supremo, said the outgoing TMC lawmakers whose names do not figure in the list will be drafted for party work. She said 41 per cent of the nominees in the list are women. The TMC, she said, will also contest some seats in Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar and the Andamans.

Lok Sabha polls: Mamata releases TMC list for all 42 West Bengal seats

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the TMC's campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday.

Incidentally, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief had also commenced her party's campaign for the 2014 parliamentary and 2016 assembly elections on the same date.

Banerjee is scheduled to participate in a rally convened by the party's women's wing from Shraddhananda Park to Esplanade area here on Friday to celebrate the International Women's Day.

"Although election dates are yet to be announced, our campaign for the Lok Sabha elections will begin on March 8. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2016 Assembly polls also, Mamata di had started her poll campaign on Women's Day," a senior leader of the TMC's women's wing said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The purpose of this rally is to create a "new India, United India and strong India", the posters of the rally read.

"She (Banerjee) will give her message for the Lok Sabha polls. And after the dates are announced, a full-fledged campaign will begin," the TMC leader said.

Several rallies and marches will be held in various parts of the state to celebrate the day and kick off the poll campaign in the state, TMC sources said.

Banerjee, who has been the prime mover of an anti- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) front, had organised a mega Opposition rally here on January 19, during which she had given a call to oust the Modi government.

The TMC, which is vying to play a major role in the formation of the next government at the Centre, has vowed to win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state.&nbsp;

The party had won 34 seats in the 2014 general election.&nbsp;

However, the BJP state leadership mocked TMC's decision to kick start its poll campaign on International Women's day.

"It's an irony that TMC is kick-starting its poll campaign from March 8 when Bengal under TMC regime in last seven years has seen a steep rise in atrocities against women," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh.

Meanwhile, BJP's women wing,&nbsp;too, has scheduled several rallies in the state to mark the occasion.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the TMC's campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the TMC's campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday. Incidentally, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief had also commenced her party's campaign for the 2014 parliamentary and 2016 assembly elections on the same date. Banerjee is scheduled to participate in a rally convened by the party's women's wing from Shraddhananda Park to Esplanade area here on Friday to celebrate the International Women's Day. "Although election dates are yet to be announced, our campaign for the Lok Sabha elections will begin on March 8. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2016 Assembly polls also, Mamata di had started her poll campaign on Women's Day," a senior leader of the TMC's women's wing said. The purpose of this rally is to create a "new India, United India and strong India", the posters of the rally read. "She (Banerjee) will give her message for the Lok Sabha polls. And after the dates are announced, a full-fledged campaign will begin," the TMC leader said. Several rallies and marches will be held in various parts of the state to celebrate the day and kick off the poll campaign in the state, TMC sources said. Banerjee, who has been the prime mover of an anti- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) front, had organised a mega Opposition rally here on January 19, during which she had given a call to oust the Modi government. The TMC, which is vying to play a major role in the formation of the next government at the Centre, has vowed to win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party had won 34 seats in the 2014 general election. However, the BJP state leadership mocked TMC's decision to kick start its poll campaign on International Women's day. "It's an irony that TMC is kick-starting its poll campaign from March 8 when Bengal under TMC regime in last seven years has seen a steep rise in atrocities against women," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh. Meanwhile, BJP's women wing, too, has scheduled several rallies in the state to mark the occasion.

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee to begin Lok Sabha poll campaign on Women's Day

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the Trinamool Congress' campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday.

Incidentally, the TMC chief had also commenced her party's election campaign for the 2014 parliamentary and 2016 Assembly elections on the same date.

Banerjee is scheduled to participate in a rally convened by the party's women's wing from Shraddhananda Park to Park Street here on Friday to celebrate the International Women's Day.

"Although election dates are yet to be announced, our campaign for the Lok Sabha elections will begin on March 8. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2016 Assembly polls also, Mamata di had started her poll campaign on Women's Day," a senior leader of the TMC's women's wing said.

The purpose of this rally is to create a "new India, united India and strong India", the posters of the rally read.

"She (Banerjee) will give her message for the Lok Sabha polls. And after the dates are announced, a full-fledged campaign will begin," the TMC leader said. 
Banerjee, who has been the prime mover of an anti- Bharatiya Janata Party front, had organised a mega Opposition rally here on January 19, during which she had given a call to oust the Modi government.

The TMC, which is vying to play a major role in the formation of the next government at the Centre, has vowed to win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party had won 34 seats in the 2014 general election.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the Trinamool Congress' campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the Trinamool Congress' campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday. Incidentally, the TMC chief had also commenced her party's election campaign for the 2014 parliamentary and 2016 Assembly elections on the same date. Banerjee is scheduled to participate in a rally convened by the party's women's wing from Shraddhananda Park to Park Street here on Friday to celebrate the International Women's Day. "Although election dates are yet to be announced, our campaign for the Lok Sabha elections will begin on March 8. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2016 Assembly polls also, Mamata di had started her poll campaign on Women's Day," a senior leader of the TMC's women's wing said. The purpose of this rally is to create a "new India, united India and strong India", the posters of the rally read. "She (Banerjee) will give her message for the Lok Sabha polls. And after the dates are announced, a full-fledged campaign will begin," the TMC leader said. Banerjee, who has been the prime mover of an anti- Bharatiya Janata Party front, had organised a mega Opposition rally here on January 19, during which she had given a call to oust the Modi government. The TMC, which is vying to play a major role in the formation of the next government at the Centre, has vowed to win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party had won 34 seats in the 2014 general election.

Lok Sabha 2019: Mamata to begin poll campaign on Women's Day

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday hailed the Indian Air Force (IAF) for carrying out air strikes in Pakistan.

"IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind," Banerjee tweeted. India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan early Tuesday and targeted terror camps, official sources said.

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IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind
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Several fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, they said.&nbsp;

The IAF strike was carried out by a group of Mirage 2000 fighters at around 3.30 am.

The strike in Balakot was significant as the location was beyond Pakistan-administered Kashmir, indicating it was not merely an LoC violation but a punitive action inside Pakistani territory.

It follows a suicide bombing attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama on February 14 that killed 40 troopers.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday hailed the Indian Air Force (IAF) for carrying out air strikes in Pakistan. "IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday hailed the Indian Air Force (IAF) for carrying out air strikes in Pakistan. "IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind," Banerjee tweeted. India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan early Tuesday and targeted terror camps, official sources said. IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 26, 2019 × Several fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, they said. The IAF strike was carried out by a group of Mirage 2000 fighters at around 3.30 am. The strike in Balakot was significant as the location was beyond Pakistan-administered Kashmir, indicating it was not merely an LoC violation but a punitive action inside Pakistani territory. It follows a suicide bombing attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama on February 14 that killed 40 troopers.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hails IAF for air strikes on Pakistan

Senior Minister in the Punjab Congress Government Navjot Singh Sidhu has equalised Pak sponsored terrorism and the latest terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir with the release of Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Maulana Masood Azhar, all implicated in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in exchange for passengers travelling by Indian Airlines IC-814 flight in 1999.

There was pandemonium in the Punjab Assembly and Sidhu was targetted by the Akali members for his much-condemned statement after the dastardly terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama. Sidhu has come under attack over his remark - "For a handful of people, can you blame the entire nation; can you blame an individual?"

Without naming the then NDA Government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he even went on to ask "Who had set them (those wanted for the Mumbai terrorist attack) free in Kandahar in 1999. Asserting that his fight is against them, Sidhu also said: "Fight these terrorists and those who provide them shelter. Write to their protectors asking for their extradition." &nbsp;

Sidhu is not naive. In fact, he has crossed all limits as he has made a diabolic attempt to politicise the issue by pointing a finger at the previous Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA Government and tried to spread the message that the release of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and Maulana Masood Azhar was the cause behind 1700 violent incidents.&nbsp;

At a time, when the entire nation is supposed to be in sync with the government to take the enemy head-on, Sidhu is playing politics. There could not be a softer stand at this juncture than turning a blind eye to the low-intensity war being waged against India by Pakistan and asking the Indian government to write to Pakistan for the extradition of those exporting terror.

While the Congress party bosses are silent regarding Sidhu, we also have West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is continuously at loggerheads with the Centre. Even at this critical juncture, when the nation is supposed to be united in its fight against terror outfits operating from Pakistan, she has thrown up a poser asking "Why did the Centre not do anything to stop Pakistanis from carrying out such attacks all these years. Only when an election is knocking at the door, you think of starting a shadow war?"

It is most unfortunate that the West Bengal Chief Minister has cast aspersion on the motive of the Narendra Modi Government and tried to politicise a national emergency like situation. This, especially when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Nagpur, had said that the Indian soldiers will decide the fate of the terrorists who were responsible for the killing of 44 CRPF soldiers in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

By questioning the timing of Prime Minister’s announcement, the West Bengal chief minister stands exposed on the issue of national security.&nbsp;

It defies imagination that the chief minister of a state could take such a stand when the country is under attack and the PM has declared that a free hand has been given to the Army to tackle the situation.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Senior Minister in the Punjab Congress Government Navjot Singh Sidhu has equalised Pak sponsored terrorism and the latest terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir with the release of Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Maulana Masood Azhar, all implicated in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in exchange for passengers travelling by Indian Airlines IC-814 flight in 1999.

Senior Minister in the Punjab Congress Government Navjot Singh Sidhu has equalised Pak sponsored terrorism and the latest terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir with the release of Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Maulana Masood Azhar, all implicated in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in exchange for passengers travelling by Indian Airlines IC-814 flight in 1999. There was pandemonium in the Punjab Assembly and Sidhu was targetted by the Akali members for his much-condemned statement after the dastardly terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama. Sidhu has come under attack over his remark - "For a handful of people, can you blame the entire nation; can you blame an individual?" Without naming the then NDA Government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he even went on to ask "Who had set them (those wanted for the Mumbai terrorist attack) free in Kandahar in 1999. Asserting that his fight is against them, Sidhu also said: "Fight these terrorists and those who provide them shelter. Write to their protectors asking for their extradition." Sidhu is not naive. In fact, he has crossed all limits as he has made a diabolic attempt to politicise the issue by pointing a finger at the previous Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA Government and tried to spread the message that the release of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and Maulana Masood Azhar was the cause behind 1700 violent incidents. At a time, when the entire nation is supposed to be in sync with the government to take the enemy head-on, Sidhu is playing politics. There could not be a softer stand at this juncture than turning a blind eye to the low-intensity war being waged against India by Pakistan and asking the Indian government to write to Pakistan for the extradition of those exporting terror. While the Congress party bosses are silent regarding Sidhu, we also have West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is continuously at loggerheads with the Centre. Even at this critical juncture, when the nation is supposed to be united in its fight against terror outfits operating from Pakistan, she has thrown up a poser asking "Why did the Centre not do anything to stop Pakistanis from carrying out such attacks all these years. Only when an election is knocking at the door, you think of starting a shadow war?" It is most unfortunate that the West Bengal Chief Minister has cast aspersion on the motive of the Narendra Modi Government and tried to politicise a national emergency like situation. This, especially when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Nagpur, had said that the Indian soldiers will decide the fate of the terrorists who were responsible for the killing of 44 CRPF soldiers in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. By questioning the timing of Prime Minister’s announcement, the West Bengal chief minister stands exposed on the issue of national security. It defies imagination that the chief minister of a state could take such a stand when the country is under attack and the PM has declared that a free hand has been given to the Army to tackle the situation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Even at a critical juncture, Mamata Banerjee and Navjot Singh Sidhu are politicising the Pulwama attack

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday took to the streets on Saturday to extend solidarity with the over 40 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-diplomacy-takes-centerstage-as-india-prepares-to-isolate-pakistan-197623">CRPF martyrs&nbsp;of the Pulwama terror attack</a>.

Banerjee, along with hundreds of Trinamool Congress supporters, took out a candlelight march from Hazra in South Kolkata to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Esplanade to pay their respects to the martyrs.

Besides Banerjee, other senior leaders were also seen joining the solidarity rally without any party flags and slogans. Leaders holding on to candles had covered their faces with a black stripe to register their protest against the terror attack.

At the Gandhi statue, Banerjee and party cadres raised slogans of ‘Jai Hindi’ and ‘Vande Mataram’.

“All of us are united. This is united India. Terrorism has no religion. We do not support any kind of terrorism be it in the country or in the world. We stand united with the families of the CRPF jawans who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Banerjee.

This apart, party chief Banerjee asked leaders to take out a silent protest on Sunday&nbsp;in their respective blocks to show solidarity with the jawans.

“In between 2-3pm, take out a silent rally in your respective areas. Also, keep in mind that no microphones or speakers can be used as students are appearing for Madhyamik (mid-term) examinations,” she added.

A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-jem-terrorist-carried-out-ghastly-pulwama-attack-sources-tell-wion-197810">rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus</a> in Pulwama district&nbsp;on Thursday evening killing around 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded.&nbsp;

Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-india-summons-pakistan-high-commission-lodges-strong-protest-197574">Narendra Modi</a> strongly&nbsp;condemned&nbsp;the incident and said&nbsp;all Indians are angry right now.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday took to the streets on Saturday to extend solidarity with the over 40 CRPF martyrs of the Pulwama terror attack.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday took to the streets on Saturday to extend solidarity with the over 40 CRPF martyrs of the Pulwama terror attack. Banerjee, along with hundreds of Trinamool Congress supporters, took out a candlelight march from Hazra in South Kolkata to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Esplanade to pay their respects to the martyrs. Besides Banerjee, other senior leaders were also seen joining the solidarity rally without any party flags and slogans. Leaders holding on to candles had covered their faces with a black stripe to register their protest against the terror attack. At the Gandhi statue, Banerjee and party cadres raised slogans of ‘Jai Hindi’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. “All of us are united. This is united India. Terrorism has no religion. We do not support any kind of terrorism be it in the country or in the world. We stand united with the families of the CRPF jawans who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Banerjee. This apart, party chief Banerjee asked leaders to take out a silent protest on Sunday in their respective blocks to show solidarity with the jawans. “In between 2-3pm, take out a silent rally in your respective areas. Also, keep in mind that no microphones or speakers can be used as students are appearing for Madhyamik (mid-term) examinations,” she added. A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group had rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district on Thursday evening killing around 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the incident and said all Indians are angry right now.

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee joins candlelight march in solidarity with Pulwama terror attack martyrs

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said the opposition will form a pre-poll alliance before the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

"We'll work together at the national level. We'll have a common minimum agenda. We'll have a pre-poll alliance," Mamata said Wednesday night.&nbsp;

Mamata made her statement after meeting with the NCP's Sharad Pawar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naid, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, Delhi Chief Minsister Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee after a meeting with Sharad Pawar, Chandrababu Naidu, Farooq Abdullah, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal: We'll work together at the national level. We'll have a common minimum agenda. We'll have a pre-poll alliance <a href="https://t.co/da9lCV5hIE">pic.twitter.com/da9lCV5hIE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095724544361345025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We had a very constructive meeting. We agreed that the principal target for all of us is to fight against the assault on institutes," Congress President Rahul Gandhi said.&nbsp;

"We agreed to start a conversation about a common minimum programme and we have a comittment that we're all going to work together," Rahul added. &nbsp;

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Congress Pres Rahul Gandhi after a meeting with Sharad Pawar, Chandrababu Naidu, Farooq Abdullah, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal: We had a very constructive meeting. We agreed that principal target for all of us is to fight against assault on institutes being carried out by BJP <a href="https://t.co/XIuWB52LUg">pic.twitter.com/XIuWB52LUg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095722817067216896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mamata had already provided an inkling about&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-fight-the-lok-sabha-elections-together-mamata-banerjee-197206">an opposition alliance</a> Wednesday evening at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;

"We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata had said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;

She added then that her fight against the Congress and the CPM would remain confined to the state — but that at the national level they would fight together.&nbsp;

Mamata had been joined at Jantar Mantar by Naidu and Kejriwal.&nbsp;

"We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election," Naidu had said on Wednesday evening.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said the opposition will form a pre-poll alliance before the Lok Sabha elections. "We'll work together at the national level.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said the opposition will form a pre-poll alliance before the Lok Sabha elections. "We'll work together at the national level. We'll have a common minimum agenda. We'll have a pre-poll alliance," Mamata said Wednesday night. Mamata made her statement after meeting with the NCP's Sharad Pawar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naid, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, Delhi Chief Minsister Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee after a meeting with Sharad Pawar, Chandrababu Naidu, Farooq Abdullah, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal: We'll work together at the national level. We'll have a common minimum agenda. We'll have a pre-poll alliance pic.twitter.com/da9lCV5hIE — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × "We had a very constructive meeting. We agreed that the principal target for all of us is to fight against the assault on institutes," Congress President Rahul Gandhi said. "We agreed to start a conversation about a common minimum programme and we have a comittment that we're all going to work together," Rahul added. Congress Pres Rahul Gandhi after a meeting with Sharad Pawar, Chandrababu Naidu, Farooq Abdullah, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal: We had a very constructive meeting. We agreed that principal target for all of us is to fight against assault on institutes being carried out by BJP pic.twitter.com/XIuWB52LUg — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × Mamata had already provided an inkling about an opposition alliance Wednesday evening at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. "We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata had said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. She added then that her fight against the Congress and the CPM would remain confined to the state — but that at the national level they would fight together. Mamata had been joined at Jantar Mantar by Naidu and Kejriwal. "We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election," Naidu had said on Wednesday evening.

Lok Sabha elections: Opposition will form pre-poll alliance, says Mamata Banerjee

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-opposition-wins-rahul-gandhi-open-to-mayawati-mamata-as-pm-in-2019-reports-154267">the opposition will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together</a>.&nbsp;

"We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;

She added that her fight against the Congress and the CPM would remain confined to the state — but that at the national level they would fight together.&nbsp;

"Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/ party," she added.&nbsp;

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Mamata Banerjee: Aane waale din ekhatte hoke humlog ladenge. Hamare saath Congress, CPM ka jo bhi fight rahega state mein rahega. National level mein hum ek saath ladenge. Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/party <a href="https://t.co/Bi3RWcOnXx">pic.twitter.com/Bi3RWcOnXx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095661685753270273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mamata has of course just emerged from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-sits-on-dharna-after-cbi-kolkata-police-face-off-194890">a massive clash against the Centre</a> after the CBI showed up unannounced at the Kolkata Police chief's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams in Bengal.&nbsp;

Mamata had said the CBI's turning up unannounced at Rajeev Kumar's home was a "destruction of the federal structure", and had a few hours later announced her "Save the Constitution" dharna.&nbsp;

She called off her dharna after a closed-door meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. (A number of opposition leaders had called Mamata after her run-in with the Centre, offering their support.)&nbsp;

"We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election," Naidu said on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;

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Andhra Pradesh CM &amp; TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Delhi: We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election. <a href="https://t.co/55hfgefv5p">pic.twitter.com/55hfgefv5p</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095661894524911616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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ANI meanwhile reported that Mamata, Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah would meet later on Wednesday at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's home.&nbsp;

A notable absentee from Wednesday's meeting will of course be Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday that the opposition will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together. "We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday that the opposition will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together. "We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. She added that her fight against the Congress and the CPM would remain confined to the state — but that at the national level they would fight together. "Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/ party," she added. Mamata Banerjee: Aane waale din ekhatte hoke humlog ladenge. Hamare saath Congress, CPM ka jo bhi fight rahega state mein rahega. National level mein hum ek saath ladenge. Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/party pic.twitter.com/Bi3RWcOnXx — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × Mamata has of course just emerged from a massive clash against the Centre after the CBI showed up unannounced at the Kolkata Police chief's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams in Bengal. Mamata had said the CBI's turning up unannounced at Rajeev Kumar's home was a "destruction of the federal structure", and had a few hours later announced her "Save the Constitution" dharna. She called off her dharna after a closed-door meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. (A number of opposition leaders had called Mamata after her run-in with the Centre, offering their support.) "We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election," Naidu said on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar. Andhra Pradesh CM & TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Delhi: We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election. pic.twitter.com/55hfgefv5p — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × ANI meanwhile reported that Mamata, Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah would meet later on Wednesday at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's home. A notable absentee from Wednesday's meeting will of course be Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

Opposition will fight the Lok Sabha elections together: Mamata Banerjee

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking its monitoring&nbsp;in the ongoing investigation in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/mamata-vs-cbi-saradha-scam-probe-shouldnt-be-politicised-195512">Saradha chit fund case</a>.

The court's decision came in response to the Saradha investors who had asked the Supreme Court to monitor the case.

No monitoring is required in the Saradha scam, the apex court said.

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Supreme Court refuses to entertain a plea filed by the investors seeking Court monitored probe into Saradha chit-fund scam. <a href="https://t.co/ntg8jfOtA2">pic.twitter.com/ntg8jfOtA2</a>
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A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice fo India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna did not allow the application filed by some investors that despite the apex court's 2013 order directing the CBI to probe the chit fund scam, the investigation has not attained finality.

"We are not inclined to set up a monitoring committee to monitor the chit fund scam probe," the bench said.&nbsp;

The development has come at a time when the CBI has been investigating the Kolkata police chief<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-begins-questioning-kolkata-police-chief-rajeev-kumar-again-sources-say-interview-not-being-videotaped-196350"> Rajeev Kumar</a> and former TMC leader Kunal Ghosh in connection with the case.&nbsp;

The Court had earlier directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam.

The apex court's order also asked Kumar to appear before the investigating agency at a "neutral place" in Shillong "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and made clear that he would not be arrested.

The CBI had moved the Supreme Court after its officials were thwarted by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-police-raid-firms-linked-to-ex-interim-cbi-chief-196108">Kolkata police</a> when they had gone to Kumar's official residence in Kolkata to question him on February 3.&nbsp;

An&nbsp;unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre had erupted following the CBI's attempt&nbsp;to raid the residence of the Kolkata police officials.

The officials, however, had to beat a hasty retreat from Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking its monitoring in the ongoing investigation in the Saradha chit fund case. The court's decision came in response to the Saradha investors who had asked the Supreme Court to monitor the case.

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking its monitoring in the ongoing investigation in the Saradha chit fund case. The court's decision came in response to the Saradha investors who had asked the Supreme Court to monitor the case. No monitoring is required in the Saradha scam, the apex court said. Supreme Court refuses to entertain a plea filed by the investors seeking Court monitored probe into Saradha chit-fund scam. pic.twitter.com/ntg8jfOtA2 — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice fo India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna did not allow the application filed by some investors that despite the apex court's 2013 order directing the CBI to probe the chit fund scam, the investigation has not attained finality. "We are not inclined to set up a monitoring committee to monitor the chit fund scam probe," the bench said. The development has come at a time when the CBI has been investigating the Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar and former TMC leader Kunal Ghosh in connection with the case. The Court had earlier directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam. The apex court's order also asked Kumar to appear before the investigating agency at a "neutral place" in Shillong "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and made clear that he would not be arrested. The CBI had moved the Supreme Court after its officials were thwarted by Kolkata police when they had gone to Kumar's official residence in Kolkata to question him on February 3. An unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre had erupted following the CBI's attempt to raid the residence of the Kolkata police officials. The officials, however, had to beat a hasty retreat from Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court not to monitor Saradha probe; rejects plea

Mamata takes her pen this time to fight for democracy that's what her admirers are saying as today she penned down a poem whose essence is Key to democracy.

The name of the poem is "Key".

Her 18 lines poem stresses on the need to uphold democracy in today's perspective.&nbsp;

She questions how present regime as locked everyone's lips and how this system is embarrassing democracy.&nbsp;

She also stresses that this attitude of axing democracy will get blow one day.

Mamata the firebrand opposition leader and Chief Minister of Bengal has written more than 80 books. She also writes a song.&nbsp;

Party insiders state that ' Didis writing inspires us to move ahead.'

Interestingly this poem of Mamata is penned down just before Mamata starts for Delhi for opposition s dharna.

This is the first time when uploaded her handwritten poem on Twitter and her poem in social media is a big hit.&nbsp;

Her target is Modi everywhere from Poems to slogan Mamata wants to hit out Modi from every aspect.

Mamata takes her pen this time to fight for democracy that's what her admirers are saying as today she penned down a poem whose essence is Key to democracy. The name of the poem is "Key".

Mamata takes her pen this time to fight for democracy that's what her admirers are saying as today she penned down a poem whose essence is Key to democracy. The name of the poem is "Key". Her 18 lines poem stresses on the need to uphold democracy in today's perspective. She questions how present regime as locked everyone's lips and how this system is embarrassing democracy. She also stresses that this attitude of axing democracy will get blow one day. Mamata the firebrand opposition leader and Chief Minister of Bengal has written more than 80 books. She also writes a song. Party insiders state that ' Didis writing inspires us to move ahead.' Interestingly this poem of Mamata is penned down just before Mamata starts for Delhi for opposition s dharna. This is the first time when uploaded her handwritten poem on Twitter and her poem in social media is a big hit. Her target is Modi everywhere from Poems to slogan Mamata wants to hit out Modi from every aspect.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee writes poem 'Key' to democracy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming it had defamed the soil of West Bengal and rendered its people helpless.

Addressing a well-attended BJP rally in North Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, Modi said it was an "extortionist syndicate" and not 'Didi', as Banerjee is fondly called, that was running the state.

"Those who got power in Bengal in the name of 'Maa, Maati, Manush' after unseating the Left have also adopted the culture of violence. They have defamed the soil of Bengal and rendered its people helpless," Modi said attacking TMC government.

Assailing Banerjee for the sit-in she staged against the attempted questioning of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund scam case, the prime minister said it was for the first time that a chief minister had staged a dharna to protect the fraudsters who looted lakhs of poor people.

"This chowkidar will spare neither the perpetrators of chit fund scams nor those protecting them," he asserted.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming it had defamed the soil of West Bengal and rendered its people helpless.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming it had defamed the soil of West Bengal and rendered its people helpless. Addressing a well-attended BJP rally in North Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, Modi said it was an "extortionist syndicate" and not 'Didi', as Banerjee is fondly called, that was running the state. "Those who got power in Bengal in the name of 'Maa, Maati, Manush' after unseating the Left have also adopted the culture of violence. They have defamed the soil of Bengal and rendered its people helpless," Modi said attacking TMC government. Assailing Banerjee for the sit-in she staged against the attempted questioning of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund scam case, the prime minister said it was for the first time that a chief minister had staged a dharna to protect the fraudsters who looted lakhs of poor people. "This chowkidar will spare neither the perpetrators of chit fund scams nor those protecting them," he asserted.

Mamata government defamed Bengal, left people helpless: PM Modi

The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam, officials said Thursday, in the backdrop of Sunday's dramatic raid on Kumar's residence by the agency that triggered a slugfest between the Centre and the state government.

The agency has also called former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh to Shillong on February 10.

The CBI wants to question Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other ponzi scheme cases, they said.

The CBI is relying on a 91-page letter from Ghosh, who was expelled by TMC, to the Enforcement Directorate, detailing the role of Kumar in handling the ponzi scam probe after the main accused Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee, both promoters of Saradha group of companies, had fled to Kashmir, officials said in Kolkata.

Sen and Mukherjee were arrested in 2013 from Kashmir.

"State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post-collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause the disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official had said on the condition of anonymity.

The agency may confront Ghosh and Kumar to cross-check their claims, CBI sources said.

"I got a telephone from the CBI asking me to be in Shillong on Sunday. I will be there and cooperate in every possible manner," Ghosh told PTI.

Kumar's questioning on February 9 will happen in the shadow of the raid on Sunday evening on his Kolkata residence by CBI officials.

The officials had to beat a hasty retreat from Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police.

The incident had triggered an unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move. On Monday, the agency rushed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation but made it clear clear that he should not be arrested.

The court said "to avoid all unnecessary controversy", it was directing Kumar to appear before the agency at a neutral place in Shillong, Meghalaya.

The CBI has temporarily attached 10 more officers with its Kolkata unit, which is probing the scam, to augment strength during questioning of high-profile persons, including Kumar, officials said.

Officers from Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units have been sent to Kolkata and they will remain stationed there till February 20.

A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from CBI's special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said.&nbsp;

The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam, officials said Thursday, in the backdrop of Sunday's dramatic raid on Kumar's residence by the agency that triggered a slugfest between the Centre and the state government.

The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam, officials said Thursday, in the backdrop of Sunday's dramatic raid on Kumar's residence by the agency that triggered a slugfest between the Centre and the state government. The agency has also called former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh to Shillong on February 10. The CBI wants to question Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other ponzi scheme cases, they said. The CBI is relying on a 91-page letter from Ghosh, who was expelled by TMC, to the Enforcement Directorate, detailing the role of Kumar in handling the ponzi scam probe after the main accused Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee, both promoters of Saradha group of companies, had fled to Kashmir, officials said in Kolkata. Sen and Mukherjee were arrested in 2013 from Kashmir. "State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post-collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause the disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official had said on the condition of anonymity. The agency may confront Ghosh and Kumar to cross-check their claims, CBI sources said. "I got a telephone from the CBI asking me to be in Shillong on Sunday. I will be there and cooperate in every possible manner," Ghosh told PTI. Kumar's questioning on February 9 will happen in the shadow of the raid on Sunday evening on his Kolkata residence by CBI officials. The officials had to beat a hasty retreat from Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police. The incident had triggered an unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move. On Monday, the agency rushed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation but made it clear clear that he should not be arrested. The court said "to avoid all unnecessary controversy", it was directing Kumar to appear before the agency at a neutral place in Shillong, Meghalaya. The CBI has temporarily attached 10 more officers with its Kolkata unit, which is probing the scam, to augment strength during questioning of high-profile persons, including Kumar, officials said. Officers from Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units have been sent to Kolkata and they will remain stationed there till February 20. A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from CBI's special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said.

CBI to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong

Breaking News: Pro-Mamata officers face action

The national debate that is now raging over CBI's foiled attempt to interrogate the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha scam and how the CBI team was obstructed from carrying out the investigation in this matter, besides the direct involvement of state chief minister Mamata Banerjee, should lead to its logical end and nothing short of steps that would ensure credibility, authority and full autonomy of the country's apex investigating agency.

Saradha was like any fraud Ponzi scheme. It had used a consortium of companies and utilised the services of agents to raise a staggering Rs 2,500 crore from small investors by promising them huge returns before it collapsed about five years ago.

The CBI charges against the Kolkata Police chief, in connection with the Saradha Chit fund cases, are very serious. He has been accused of destroying, destructing and tampering with the primary evidence. CBI submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court on Tuesday accusing Kumar of conniving with the accused and the potentially accused persons and subverting the investigation process.

The Supreme Court has restrained the CBI from arresting and taking coercive steps against the Kolkata Police Commissioner, who has been asked to appear for investigation before the CBI at Shillong, treating it as a neutral point. Responding to a petition by the CBI, the Apex Court has also issued a notice seeking a response from the West Bengal government, the state chief secretary, DGP and Kumar by February 18. The case has been scheduled for the next hearing in the Supreme Court on February 20.

Mamata Banerjee's no-holds-barred tirade against the Centre, the allegations and counter-allegations that are flying high on the CBI-Saradha chit fund cases and the way the entire matter has been politicised ahead of the parliamentary election, exposes the leaders cutting across party lines who are determined to extract the maximum political mileage from a huge multi-crore scam that in the normal course should have been allowed to be dealt with under the law without any political interference.

After the Supreme Court restrained the CBI from arresting the Kolkata Police Commissioner on Tuesday, the West Bengal Chief Minister called off her dharna and at the same time asked the Prime Minister to resign and return to Gujarat.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Puralia around the same time, went at Mamata Banerjee hammer and tongs. Lashing out at the West Bengal Chief Minister he said that nothing could be more shameful in a democracy than a chief minister sitting on protest (to block investigation by the CBI).

In recent years, CBI’s image and credibility has gone for a nosedive. The war between former CBI director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana has already rattled the image of the CBI and it will take a long time to rebuild it. The genesis of this war can be traced to 2017 when notice was issued under Section 160 of CrPC to the Kolkata Police Commissioner by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund cases that were being supervised by him.

It is noteworthy that after Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal too had recently withdrawn the permission given by the state governments to the CBI to investigate offences in their jurisdiction. In October 2012, even the Madhya Pradesh government, then under BJP rule with UPA 2 in power at the Centre, had issued an extraordinary gazette notification which says: “In supersession of all previous notifications and letters issued by the Government of Madhya Pradesh… in pursuance of Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act 1946 (25 of 1946), &nbsp;the Delhi Special Police Establishment will have no powers or jurisdiction over the IAS, IPS and IFS officers borne on Madhya Pradesh cadre and serving under the government of Madhya Pradesh at the time of commission of the alleged offences or their investigation" in respect of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, attempts, abetments and conspiracies in respect of any one or more of the above mentioned offences and any other offence or offences committed during similar transaction arising out of similar acts.”

Given the entire situation, it is important to give the CBI more teeth and autonomy. For this objective, the prime investigating agency should be brought under a new Act that should be passed by Parliament. &nbsp;For an improved dispensation, the Parliament should create a Constitutional authority for investigation with an independent cadre that should be free from government control or interference.&nbsp;A fool-proof regulatory mechanism also can be created to maintain CBI’s credibility. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The national debate that is now raging over CBI's foiled attempt to interrogate the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha scam and how the CBI team was obstructed from carrying out the investigation in this matter, besides the direct involvement of state chief minister Mamata Banerjee, should lead to its logical end and nothing short of steps that would ensure credibility, authority and full autonomy of the country's apex investigating agency.

The national debate that is now raging over CBI's foiled attempt to interrogate the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha scam and how the CBI team was obstructed from carrying out the investigation in this matter, besides the direct involvement of state chief minister Mamata Banerjee, should lead to its logical end and nothing short of steps that would ensure credibility, authority and full autonomy of the country's apex investigating agency. Saradha was like any fraud Ponzi scheme. It had used a consortium of companies and utilised the services of agents to raise a staggering Rs 2,500 crore from small investors by promising them huge returns before it collapsed about five years ago. The CBI charges against the Kolkata Police chief, in connection with the Saradha Chit fund cases, are very serious. He has been accused of destroying, destructing and tampering with the primary evidence. CBI submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court on Tuesday accusing Kumar of conniving with the accused and the potentially accused persons and subverting the investigation process. The Supreme Court has restrained the CBI from arresting and taking coercive steps against the Kolkata Police Commissioner, who has been asked to appear for investigation before the CBI at Shillong, treating it as a neutral point. Responding to a petition by the CBI, the Apex Court has also issued a notice seeking a response from the West Bengal government, the state chief secretary, DGP and Kumar by February 18. The case has been scheduled for the next hearing in the Supreme Court on February 20. Mamata Banerjee's no-holds-barred tirade against the Centre, the allegations and counter-allegations that are flying high on the CBI-Saradha chit fund cases and the way the entire matter has been politicised ahead of the parliamentary election, exposes the leaders cutting across party lines who are determined to extract the maximum political mileage from a huge multi-crore scam that in the normal course should have been allowed to be dealt with under the law without any political interference. After the Supreme Court restrained the CBI from arresting the Kolkata Police Commissioner on Tuesday, the West Bengal Chief Minister called off her dharna and at the same time asked the Prime Minister to resign and return to Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Puralia around the same time, went at Mamata Banerjee hammer and tongs. Lashing out at the West Bengal Chief Minister he said that nothing could be more shameful in a democracy than a chief minister sitting on protest (to block investigation by the CBI). In recent years, CBI’s image and credibility has gone for a nosedive. The war between former CBI director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana has already rattled the image of the CBI and it will take a long time to rebuild it. The genesis of this war can be traced to 2017 when notice was issued under Section 160 of CrPC to the Kolkata Police Commissioner by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund cases that were being supervised by him. It is noteworthy that after Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal too had recently withdrawn the permission given by the state governments to the CBI to investigate offences in their jurisdiction. In October 2012, even the Madhya Pradesh government, then under BJP rule with UPA 2 in power at the Centre, had issued an extraordinary gazette notification which says: “In supersession of all previous notifications and letters issued by the Government of Madhya Pradesh… in pursuance of Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act 1946 (25 of 1946), the Delhi Special Police Establishment will have no powers or jurisdiction over the IAS, IPS and IFS officers borne on Madhya Pradesh cadre and serving under the government of Madhya Pradesh at the time of commission of the alleged offences or their investigation" in respect of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, attempts, abetments and conspiracies in respect of any one or more of the above mentioned offences and any other offence or offences committed during similar transaction arising out of similar acts.” Given the entire situation, it is important to give the CBI more teeth and autonomy. For this objective, the prime investigating agency should be brought under a new Act that should be passed by Parliament. For an improved dispensation, the Parliament should create a Constitutional authority for investigation with an independent cadre that should be free from government control or interference. A fool-proof regulatory mechanism also can be created to maintain CBI’s credibility. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Mamata vs CBI: Saradha scam probe shouldn't be politicised

When the Supreme Court gave its order and Mamata Banerjee declared it a “moral victory”, I was at a tea shop nearby, close to the Metro Cinema.&nbsp;

The discussion there, as is so often the case in Kolkata, was that of politics. Is this really a moral victory for Mamata? Or did the CBI come out on top?

But after returning to Kolkata after a long while and at a time that politics is coursing through the city’s veins, I could not help but wonder about another question: Is this politics, the Chief Minister’s dharna to save democracy, good for Bengal and its people?

Mamata Banerjee stormed to power, catapulted largely by the Singur movement and the politics of bandhs, dharnas and dissent that she inherited from the Left.

But as a Chief Minister, she took a strong stance against such protests, and in September 2016, she reacted to a Left strike in Kolkata and considered passing a law against such bandhs. “It is not the right form of protest,” she had said.

But for Kolkata and Bengal, what is the right form of protest? This is, after all, the city that has seen the maximum number of bandhs since Independence. Former Bengal chief minister Ajoy Mukherjee of the Bangla Congress sat at Dharmatala in protest against his own government, particularly his home minister Jyoti Basu, in the 1960s.

The Left would then go on to convert organised political dissent into an art form, and by the early 2000s, the word ‘bandh’ found itself on the pages of the Oxford English Dictionary (Bandh: Indian, general strike).

It is not accidental that Mamata Banerjee chose Metro Channel for the site of her protest. Steeped with the mythology of ‘Didi’ and ‘Ma Maati Manush’, this is where she had fasted for 25 days to protest land acquisition in Singur in 2006.

I remember that protest. Rajnath Singh had come to show his solidarity. Even the governor, Gopal Krishna Gandhi, came to see the protest. Like then, I am still an onlooker of her politics. The difference is that 13 years have passed in between and the political scenario in both Bengal and the country have changed.

Can the rest of the country accept Mamata Banerjee’s brand of fiery politics? Such a confrontational and aggressive politics is liked, and perhaps even needed, in Bengal. It infuses the party cadre with adrenaline, motivates them and eventually benefits the party. But there are socio-economic reasons for it as well.

What the Oxford Dictionary doesn’t tell you, but many in the state will agree, is that there is a strong socio-economic basis for this: Protests and the politics of bandh are also a livelihood. I spoke to a man in Delhi, who had moved from Midnapore and was running a small taxi company. I asked him,“Tumi kon party koro?” This literally translates into “Which party do you do” — a possibly, more accurate representation of Bengal’s association with its politics.

He replied, “I work through the year and then I vote. The problem here is that there are no jobs, and when you don’t have work, you need the party to survive.”

There is no denying Mamata Banerjee’s success. There were others before her, but it was Banerjee’s relentless politics that dethroned the Left Front regime.

As Chief Minister, she is incredibly active and brings minute attention to detail that has often been missed. No chief minister has held as many meetings in different districts to oversee work being done.

Mamata’s instinctive politics has translated into a form of empathetic governance that has ensured that she continues to be the most popular leader in the state — by a mile.

What impact this protest will have on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls is yet to be seen. But she has managed to swing the spotlight onto her, and away from Rahul Gandhi.

Every non-BJP party has come out in support and allies have turned up in Kolkata to protest with her and her acceptability has increased nationwide.

But Bengal was to host its global business summit this week. With the protest still ongoing, the fate of the summit is anyone’s guess. This year, unlike earlier, there is no participation from the Union government and its ministers, and consequently, participation from the business community is also likely to be less.

Perhaps Mamata Banerjee feels that the dharna is more relevant than global business right now.

As far as moral victories are concerned, it is not important as to who has won between the CBI and Mamata. Banerjee converted this into a standoff over the federal structure, but the fact remains that dissent is important, as is protest — but it can only co-exist alongside debate, and that is what Bengal can’t afford to forget.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-the-politics-of-protest-2716559">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

When the Supreme Court gave its order and Mamata Banerjee declared it a “moral victory”, I was at a tea shop nearby, close to the Metro Cinema. The discussion there, as is so often the case in Kolkata, was that of politics.

When the Supreme Court gave its order and Mamata Banerjee declared it a “moral victory”, I was at a tea shop nearby, close to the Metro Cinema. The discussion there, as is so often the case in Kolkata, was that of politics. Is this really a moral victory for Mamata? Or did the CBI come out on top? But after returning to Kolkata after a long while and at a time that politics is coursing through the city’s veins, I could not help but wonder about another question: Is this politics, the Chief Minister’s dharna to save democracy, good for Bengal and its people? Mamata Banerjee stormed to power, catapulted largely by the Singur movement and the politics of bandhs, dharnas and dissent that she inherited from the Left. But as a Chief Minister, she took a strong stance against such protests, and in September 2016, she reacted to a Left strike in Kolkata and considered passing a law against such bandhs. “It is not the right form of protest,” she had said. But for Kolkata and Bengal, what is the right form of protest? This is, after all, the city that has seen the maximum number of bandhs since Independence. Former Bengal chief minister Ajoy Mukherjee of the Bangla Congress sat at Dharmatala in protest against his own government, particularly his home minister Jyoti Basu, in the 1960s. The Left would then go on to convert organised political dissent into an art form, and by the early 2000s, the word ‘bandh’ found itself on the pages of the Oxford English Dictionary (Bandh: Indian, general strike). It is not accidental that Mamata Banerjee chose Metro Channel for the site of her protest. Steeped with the mythology of ‘Didi’ and ‘Ma Maati Manush’, this is where she had fasted for 25 days to protest land acquisition in Singur in 2006. I remember that protest. Rajnath Singh had come to show his solidarity. Even the governor, Gopal Krishna Gandhi, came to see the protest. Like then, I am still an onlooker of her politics. The difference is that 13 years have passed in between and the political scenario in both Bengal and the country have changed. Can the rest of the country accept Mamata Banerjee’s brand of fiery politics? Such a confrontational and aggressive politics is liked, and perhaps even needed, in Bengal. It infuses the party cadre with adrenaline, motivates them and eventually benefits the party. But there are socio-economic reasons for it as well. What the Oxford Dictionary doesn’t tell you, but many in the state will agree, is that there is a strong socio-economic basis for this: Protests and the politics of bandh are also a livelihood. I spoke to a man in Delhi, who had moved from Midnapore and was running a small taxi company. I asked him,“Tumi kon party koro?” This literally translates into “Which party do you do” — a possibly, more accurate representation of Bengal’s association with its politics. He replied, “I work through the year and then I vote. The problem here is that there are no jobs, and when you don’t have work, you need the party to survive.” There is no denying Mamata Banerjee’s success. There were others before her, but it was Banerjee’s relentless politics that dethroned the Left Front regime. As Chief Minister, she is incredibly active and brings minute attention to detail that has often been missed. No chief minister has held as many meetings in different districts to oversee work being done. Mamata’s instinctive politics has translated into a form of empathetic governance that has ensured that she continues to be the most popular leader in the state — by a mile. What impact this protest will have on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls is yet to be seen. But she has managed to swing the spotlight onto her, and away from Rahul Gandhi. Every non-BJP party has come out in support and allies have turned up in Kolkata to protest with her and her acceptability has increased nationwide. But Bengal was to host its global business summit this week. With the protest still ongoing, the fate of the summit is anyone’s guess. This year, unlike earlier, there is no participation from the Union government and its ministers, and consequently, participation from the business community is also likely to be less. Perhaps Mamata Banerjee feels that the dharna is more relevant than global business right now. As far as moral victories are concerned, it is not important as to who has won between the CBI and Mamata. Banerjee converted this into a standoff over the federal structure, but the fact remains that dissent is important, as is protest — but it can only co-exist alongside debate, and that is what Bengal can’t afford to forget. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The politics of protest: Is this really a moral victory for Mamata?

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-mamata-standoff-supreme-court-asks-kolkata-police-commissioner-to-join-probe-says-he-cant-be-arrested-195215">"moral victory" after the Supreme Court</a> asked the police commissioner of Kolkata Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI court.&nbsp;

"We always wanted to cooperate, Centre has its own jurisdiction, states have theirs," West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said from the podium where she is on a dharna for the past three days.

"We welcome the Supreme Court verdict, our case is very strong," the West Bengal chief minister added. Mamata accused the central government of "political vendetta".

"All the citizens of this country will be the PM," she said, "We don't want a single Modi, all the people are entitled to prime ministership."

"Rajeev Kumar never said he will not be available. He said we want to meet at a mutual place,if you want to ask for any clarification, you can come and we can sit," the West Bengal chief minister told reporters.

Just to enter every house, just to arrest. Nobody is the big boss of this country," Mamata said while hitting out the CBI and the Centre. "Democracy and our constitution are the Bigg Boss of this country. They cannot fight a court case."

"I am not pleading for Rajeev Kumar I am pleading for millions of Indians. They have also filed contempt petition that is also not entertained," she said.

"What they started doing? They wanted to arrest him. They went to his house, on a secret operation on Sunday, without any notice. That court said "no arrest. We are so obliged. It will strengthen the morale of the officers,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamata said.

Supreme Court while deliberating on the case said no coercive steps, including arrest of Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar&nbsp;should&nbsp;take place. The top court also directed the West Bengal chief secretary, DGP and the Kolkata Police commissioner to file replies on contempt pleas moved by CBI against them.&nbsp;

Replies in the&nbsp;contempt petition filed by the CBI has to be placed by West Bengal chief secretary, DGP on or before Feb 18, India's highest court said.&nbsp; 
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West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed "moral victory" after the Supreme Court asked the police commissioner of Kolkata Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI court.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed "moral victory" after the Supreme Court asked the police commissioner of Kolkata Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI court. "We always wanted to cooperate, Centre has its own jurisdiction, states have theirs," West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said from the podium where she is on a dharna for the past three days. "We welcome the Supreme Court verdict, our case is very strong," the West Bengal chief minister added. Mamata accused the central government of "political vendetta". "All the citizens of this country will be the PM," she said, "We don't want a single Modi, all the people are entitled to prime ministership." "Rajeev Kumar never said he will not be available. He said we want to meet at a mutual place,if you want to ask for any clarification, you can come and we can sit," the West Bengal chief minister told reporters. Just to enter every house, just to arrest. Nobody is the big boss of this country," Mamata said while hitting out the CBI and the Centre. "Democracy and our constitution are the Bigg Boss of this country. They cannot fight a court case." "I am not pleading for Rajeev Kumar I am pleading for millions of Indians. They have also filed contempt petition that is also not entertained," she said. "What they started doing? They wanted to arrest him. They went to his house, on a secret operation on Sunday, without any notice. That court said "no arrest. We are so obliged. It will strengthen the morale of the officers," Mamata said. Supreme Court while deliberating on the case said no coercive steps, including arrest of Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar should take place. The top court also directed the West Bengal chief secretary, DGP and the Kolkata Police commissioner to file replies on contempt pleas moved by CBI against them. Replies in the contempt petition filed by the CBI has to be placed by West Bengal chief secretary, DGP on or before Feb 18, India's highest court said.

Welcome Supreme Court verdict, our case is very strong: CM Mamata Banerjee

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