<p>In a setback to Mamata Banerjee government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-cbi-standoff-will-come-down-heavily-on-kolkata-police-if-it-thinks-of-destroying-evidence-says-cji-ranjan-gogoi-to-solicitor-general-tushar-mehta-194966">Kolkata Police Commissioner</a> Rajeev Kumar will have to appear before Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation. In a notice to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-vs-bengal-ready-to-give-my-life-but-not-compromise-says-mamata-cbi-files-contempt-plea-in-sc-195124">West Bengal government </a>and the state's DGP, the court, however, said that Kumar should not be arrested and no coercive action should be taken against him.</p>

<p>"We will direct the Police Commissioner to make himself available and fully cooperate. We will deal with contempt petition later," observed CJI Ranjan Gogoi.</p>

<p>The court asked Kumar to appear before the CBI in Shillong in Meghalaya. The next day of hearing is February 20.</p>

<p>"CJI bench ordered that Rajeev Kumar would make himself available in the light of prayer of the application of CBI to join the investigation, make himself available &amp; cooperate fully. The SC pointed out that no coercive steps would be taken," said Nalin Kohli, senior lawyer and BJP leader.</p>

<p>Mamata Banerjee welcomed the Supreme Court verdict, calling it a "moral victory". "We welcome the Supreme Court verdict. Our case is very strong, we always wanted to cooperate. Centre has its own jurisdiction, states have theirs. Law and order matters lie with states," Banerjee said.</p>

<p>In the affidavit submitted to the court, the CBI said the entire SIT headed by Rajeev Kumar, is under investigation, was "conniving" with the accused/potential accused persons and was "actively subverting the investigation process".</p>

<p>"Inaction, selective action, police and chit fund nexus and the functioning of SIT was in fact used to shield the selective companies such as Shardha, Rose Valley and Tower which have given contributions(even by way of cheques) to the "party in the state of West Bengal," the affidavit said.</p>

<p>Kumar, accused of destroying evidence related to the Saradha chit fund scam, had filed a petition in Kolkata High Court on Monday seeking interim relief from arrest.</p>

<p>The ongoing stand-off between the CBI and the West Bengal government has its roots in two alleged ponzi scams associated with the Saradha Group and the Rose Valley Group, which got busted in 2013.</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court had declined the plea of the Solicitor General to hear the two applications in the post-lunch session.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have gone through your application, there's nothing in it," the CJI said posting the matter for hearing on Tuesday.</p>

<p>At the same time, the bench said it is open for the Solicitor General or any other party to lay before the court any material or evidence to show that any West Bengal authority or police official is planning or trying to destroy evidence related to the case.</p>

<p>"If Kolkata Police Commissioner even remotely thinks of destroying evidence, bring the material before this court. We will come down so heavily on him that he will regret," the bench said.</p>

<p>The top court said all material or evidence has to be placed before it by means of an affidavit.</p>

<p>An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning the sit-in protest over CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a setback to Mamata Banerjee government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said that Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar will have to appear before Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation.

In a setback to Mamata Banerjee government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said that Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar will have to appear before Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation. In a notice to West Bengal government and the state's DGP, the court, however, said that Kumar should not be arrested and no coercive action should be taken against him. "We will direct the Police Commissioner to make himself available and fully cooperate. We will deal with contempt petition later," observed CJI Ranjan Gogoi. The court asked Kumar to appear before the CBI in Shillong in Meghalaya. The next day of hearing is February 20. "CJI bench ordered that Rajeev Kumar would make himself available in the light of prayer of the application of CBI to join the investigation, make himself available & cooperate fully. The SC pointed out that no coercive steps would be taken," said Nalin Kohli, senior lawyer and BJP leader. Mamata Banerjee welcomed the Supreme Court verdict, calling it a "moral victory". "We welcome the Supreme Court verdict. Our case is very strong, we always wanted to cooperate. Centre has its own jurisdiction, states have theirs. Law and order matters lie with states," Banerjee said. In the affidavit submitted to the court, the CBI said the entire SIT headed by Rajeev Kumar, is under investigation, was "conniving" with the accused/potential accused persons and was "actively subverting the investigation process". "Inaction, selective action, police and chit fund nexus and the functioning of SIT was in fact used to shield the selective companies such as Shardha, Rose Valley and Tower which have given contributions(even by way of cheques) to the "party in the state of West Bengal," the affidavit said. Kumar, accused of destroying evidence related to the Saradha chit fund scam, had filed a petition in Kolkata High Court on Monday seeking interim relief from arrest. The ongoing stand-off between the CBI and the West Bengal government has its roots in two alleged ponzi scams associated with the Saradha Group and the Rose Valley Group, which got busted in 2013. Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court had declined the plea of the Solicitor General to hear the two applications in the post-lunch session. "We have gone through your application, there's nothing in it," the CJI said posting the matter for hearing on Tuesday. At the same time, the bench said it is open for the Solicitor General or any other party to lay before the court any material or evidence to show that any West Bengal authority or police official is planning or trying to destroy evidence related to the case. "If Kolkata Police Commissioner even remotely thinks of destroying evidence, bring the material before this court. We will come down so heavily on him that he will regret," the bench said. The top court said all material or evidence has to be placed before it by means of an affidavit. An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning the sit-in protest over CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams. (With inputs from agencies)

CBI-Mamata standoff: Supreme Court asks Kolkata Police Commissioner to join probe, says he can't be arrested

<p>CBI told the Supreme Court Tuesday that its probe into the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/know-all-about-saradha-rose-valley-scams-and-kolkata-police-chief-rajeev-kumars-connection-195288">Saradha scam</a> led to the arrest of "people found close to or connected" to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal.</p>

<p>The submission was made by Attorney General K K Venugopal before a bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna, which was hearing the CBI plea seeking direction against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-turns-street-fighter-for-cop-she-once-refused-to-trust-195343">Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar</a> who has avoided to join the investigation.</p>

<p>Venugopal narrated the legal proceedings since 2014 and said all cases relating to the Chit Fund scam in West Bengal were transferred to the CBI.</p>

<p>"Before that, the state had itself has appointed a SIT. Between April 2014 and when the judgement was pronounced in 2017, we have collected material and proceeded to make arrests. Some of them were People found close to or connected to the TMC, the ruling party," he told the bench.</p>

<p>He said CBI issued summons to Kumar, who was the functional head of the SIT as the material handed to the agency was not complete.</p>

<p>"So we sent summons and then three notices. When he failed to respond, we wrote to the DGP who is the head of the SIT", the top law officer submitted.</p>

<p>Making a submission on the alleged destruction of evidence and other apprehensions, the attorney general said: "We had serious doubts as to the documentation handed over to us."</p>

<p>He referred to the case of Sudipto Sen, who owned the entire chit fund, saying he was arrested in a place in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>A laptop and four-five mobile phones that contained data were recovered from him but without retaining any part of the data or sending it to the Forensic Science Laboratory to identify and transplant it, the phone was handed back to him, Venugopal said.</p>

<p>"This was a very serious thing. The call data records were shared with us but were not complete. We found discrepancies in the number of calls, which were drastically less.</p>

<p>The details of from whom to whom the calls were made were also deleted. There were four other incidents. We could only take over the FIRs already registered like, in Rose Valley, where the highest revenue was raised and the most cheating had taken place to the tune of 15,000 crores," the attorney general said.</p>

<p>The Saradha and Rose Valley scams had hogged the limelight in West Bengal and other eastern states in 2013.</p>

<p>Since the scam involved investigation into other states, the apex court had transferred the probe to the CBI.&nbsp;</p>


CBI told the Supreme Court Tuesday that its probe into the Saradha scam led to the arrest of "people found close to or connected" to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal.

CBI told the Supreme Court Tuesday that its probe into the Saradha scam led to the arrest of "people found close to or connected" to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal. The submission was made by Attorney General K K Venugopal before a bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna, which was hearing the CBI plea seeking direction against the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar who has avoided to join the investigation. Venugopal narrated the legal proceedings since 2014 and said all cases relating to the Chit Fund scam in West Bengal were transferred to the CBI. "Before that, the state had itself has appointed a SIT. Between April 2014 and when the judgement was pronounced in 2017, we have collected material and proceeded to make arrests. Some of them were People found close to or connected to the TMC, the ruling party," he told the bench. He said CBI issued summons to Kumar, who was the functional head of the SIT as the material handed to the agency was not complete. "So we sent summons and then three notices. When he failed to respond, we wrote to the DGP who is the head of the SIT", the top law officer submitted. Making a submission on the alleged destruction of evidence and other apprehensions, the attorney general said: "We had serious doubts as to the documentation handed over to us." He referred to the case of Sudipto Sen, who owned the entire chit fund, saying he was arrested in a place in Jammu and Kashmir. A laptop and four-five mobile phones that contained data were recovered from him but without retaining any part of the data or sending it to the Forensic Science Laboratory to identify and transplant it, the phone was handed back to him, Venugopal said. "This was a very serious thing. The call data records were shared with us but were not complete. We found discrepancies in the number of calls, which were drastically less. The details of from whom to whom the calls were made were also deleted. There were four other incidents. We could only take over the FIRs already registered like, in Rose Valley, where the highest revenue was raised and the most cheating had taken place to the tune of 15,000 crores," the attorney general said. The Saradha and Rose Valley scams had hogged the limelight in West Bengal and other eastern states in 2013. Since the scam involved investigation into other states, the apex court had transferred the probe to the CBI.

CBI probe into Saradha scam led to people close to TMC, Attorney General tells Supreme Court 

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called off her "Save the Constitution" dharna in Kolkata, while adding that she would "take up the issue" next week in Delhi. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"This dharna (Save the Constitution) is victory for the Constitution and democracy, so, let us end it today," Mamata said Tuesday evening with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu by her side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The (Supreme) Court gave a positive judgement today. Next week, we will continue to take up the issue in Delhi," Mamata added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Naidu and other opposition leaders had had closed-door discussions with Mamata.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata: They (Central govt) want to control all the agencies including the state agencies also? PM you resign from Delhi and go back to Gujarat. One man govt, one party government is there. <a href="https://t.co/RckwAR0uUE">pic.twitter.com/RckwAR0uUE</a></p>
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<p>Mamata had announced her dharna Sunday night after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-tells-bengal-government-to-initiate-disciplinary-proceedings-against-kolkata-police-chief-195345">a CBI team showed up, reportedly unannounced, at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's home</a>. The CBI accused Kumar of slow-walking the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mamata said the CBI turning up announced at the Kolkata Police chief's home was a "destruction of the federal structure". She announced her&nbsp;dharna next.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CBI has taken Kumar to the Supreme Court, <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">accusing him of destroying evidence</a> in the investigations. On Tuesday, the court ordered Kumar to join the CBI investigation. It said Kumar would meet with the CBI in the neutral location of Shillong, Meghalaya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also ordered that he could not be arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, when the CBI made the charge that Kumar was destroying evidence, the court said there was nothing in its submission to prove the claim. It added however that it would come down very heavily on Kumar should the CBI put forward any evidence to prove its claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was the Supreme Court that had handed the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes to the CBI. The SIT (special investigation team) team investigating the alleged scams was being headed by Kumar.&nbsp;</p>


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called off her "Save the Constitution" dharna in Kolkata, while adding that she would "take up the issue" next week in Delhi.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called off her "Save the Constitution" dharna in Kolkata, while adding that she would "take up the issue" next week in Delhi. "This dharna (Save the Constitution) is victory for the Constitution and democracy, so, let us end it today," Mamata said Tuesday evening with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu by her side. "The (Supreme) Court gave a positive judgement today. Next week, we will continue to take up the issue in Delhi," Mamata added. Naidu and other opposition leaders had had closed-door discussions with Mamata. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata: They (Central govt) want to control all the agencies including the state agencies also? PM you resign from Delhi and go back to Gujarat. One man govt, one party government is there. pic.twitter.com/RckwAR0uUE — ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019 × Mamata had announced her dharna Sunday night after a CBI team showed up, reportedly unannounced, at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's home. The CBI accused Kumar of slow-walking the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes. Mamata said the CBI turning up announced at the Kolkata Police chief's home was a "destruction of the federal structure". She announced her dharna next. The CBI has taken Kumar to the Supreme Court, accusing him of destroying evidence in the investigations. On Tuesday, the court ordered Kumar to join the CBI investigation. It said Kumar would meet with the CBI in the neutral location of Shillong, Meghalaya. It also ordered that he could not be arrested. On Monday, when the CBI made the charge that Kumar was destroying evidence, the court said there was nothing in its submission to prove the claim. It added however that it would come down very heavily on Kumar should the CBI put forward any evidence to prove its claim. It was the Supreme Court that had handed the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes to the CBI. The SIT (special investigation team) team investigating the alleged scams was being headed by Kumar.

Mamata Banerjee calls off her dharna, says will 'take up issue' next week in Delhi

Mamata Banerjee ends 3-day long sit-in protest

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath managed to reach Purulia, West Bengal from Bokaro, Jharkhand by road today after being <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/denied-permission-earlier-yogi-adityanath-to-address-rally-in-west-bengal-amid-mamata-cbi-face-off-195193">denied permission to enter the state via a helicopter</a>.</p>

<p>Adityanath was on Tuesday denied permission yet again to land his chopper in West Bengal and decided to take the road route to enter the state. He was previously denied permission by the West Bengal government to land his chopper in South Dinajpur district on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly after reaching Purulia, the Uttar Pradesh CM addressed a rally wherein he slammed his Bengal counterpart for staging a sit-in and "protecting a corrupt officer".</p>

<p>"Nothing can be more shameful for a democracy than a Chief Minister sitting on a dharna," he stated.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Purulia, West Bengal: Nothing can be more shameful for a democracy than a Chief Minister sitting on a dharna. <a href="https://t.co/5HKFsKDbmx">pic.twitter.com/5HKFsKDbmx</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092745360030629890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the day, he stated that the Mamata Banerjee-government "is embroiled in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities and that is the reason why a 'sanyasi' and 'yogi' like me is not being allowed to step on the soil of Bengal."</p>

<p>The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister flew to Jharkhand on today&nbsp;and travelled to Purulia by road.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UP CM Yogi Adityanath on his way to Purulia, WB from Bokaro, Jharkhand: This (West Bengal) government is embroiled in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities and that is the reason why a 'sanyasi' and 'yogi' like me is not being allowed to step on the soil of Bengal. <a href="https://t.co/pgS64tqz2T">pic.twitter.com/pgS64tqz2T</a></p>
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<p>"Mamata ji must accept that one should not misuse the administration in a democracy. The manner in which the administration in West Bengal is functioning should not be acceptable at all," Adityanath said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday stated that her government had "got into an agreement with a helicopter company".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We had done an advance booking, an agreement was signed on Jan 15," she said. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I won't take names, we had got into an agreement with a helicopter company. We had done advance booking, agreement was signed on Jan 15. It is sad that they informed us on Feb 1 that they will not provide us the helicopters, they backed out. <a href="https://t.co/ihhcbMcper">pic.twitter.com/ihhcbMcper</a></p>
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<p>"It is sad that they informed us on Feb 1 that they will not provide us the helicopters, they backed out," Banerjee noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The public rally by Adityanath on Tuesday comes amid a full-blown face-off between West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government and the Centre that erupted on Sunday after a CBI team moved to arrest West Bengal Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, which in turn detained five officials causing a high voltage drama.</p>


Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath managed to reach Purulia, West Bengal from Bokaro, Jharkhand by road today after being denied permission to enter the state via a helicopter.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath managed to reach Purulia, West Bengal from Bokaro, Jharkhand by road today after being denied permission to enter the state via a helicopter. Adityanath was on Tuesday denied permission yet again to land his chopper in West Bengal and decided to take the road route to enter the state. He was previously denied permission by the West Bengal government to land his chopper in South Dinajpur district on Sunday. Shortly after reaching Purulia, the Uttar Pradesh CM addressed a rally wherein he slammed his Bengal counterpart for staging a sit-in and "protecting a corrupt officer". "Nothing can be more shameful for a democracy than a Chief Minister sitting on a dharna," he stated. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Purulia, West Bengal: Nothing can be more shameful for a democracy than a Chief Minister sitting on a dharna. pic.twitter.com/5HKFsKDbmx — ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019 × Earlier in the day, he stated that the Mamata Banerjee-government "is embroiled in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities and that is the reason why a 'sanyasi' and 'yogi' like me is not being allowed to step on the soil of Bengal." The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister flew to Jharkhand on today and travelled to Purulia by road. UP CM Yogi Adityanath on his way to Purulia, WB from Bokaro, Jharkhand: This (West Bengal) government is embroiled in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities and that is the reason why a 'sanyasi' and 'yogi' like me is not being allowed to step on the soil of Bengal. pic.twitter.com/pgS64tqz2T — ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019 × "Mamata ji must accept that one should not misuse the administration in a democracy. The manner in which the administration in West Bengal is functioning should not be acceptable at all," Adityanath said. Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday stated that her government had "got into an agreement with a helicopter company". "We had done an advance booking, an agreement was signed on Jan 15," she said. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I won't take names, we had got into an agreement with a helicopter company. We had done advance booking, agreement was signed on Jan 15. It is sad that they informed us on Feb 1 that they will not provide us the helicopters, they backed out. pic.twitter.com/ihhcbMcper — ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019 × "It is sad that they informed us on Feb 1 that they will not provide us the helicopters, they backed out," Banerjee noted. The public rally by Adityanath on Tuesday comes amid a full-blown face-off between West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government and the Centre that erupted on Sunday after a CBI team moved to arrest West Bengal Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, which in turn detained five officials causing a high voltage drama.

Nothing more shameful than a CM sitting on dharna: Yogi Adityanath in Bengal

<p>The Calcutta High Court Tuesday adjourned hearing on the West Bengal government's plea against the CBI's attempt to enter Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar's residence to question him in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scam cases.</p>

<p>The state government had on Monday pleaded for an immediate hearing on the incident from the day before when CBI sleuths appeared outside the police commissioner's official residence unannounced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The high court had declined their plea said that it will take it up on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Appearing before Justice Shivakant Prasad at the beginning of the proceedings Tuesday morning, State Advocate General Kishore Dutta prayed for adjournment of the matter since the Supreme Court was already seized of the issue.</p>

<p>On the state government's prayer, Justice Prasad adjourned hearing in the matter till Thursday and verbally asked the AG to tell the state police to cooperate in the investigation.</p>

<p>The high court had on Monday refused an immediate hearing on the case following an objection by the Union government.</p>

<p>AG Dutta submitted on Monday that despite a stay by the high court on steps regarding notice to state police officials, the CBI sought to enter Kumar's residence on Sunday and question him.</p>

<p>He submitted that the court is scheduled to hear the matter on February 13 and as such, the CBI's attempt to enter Kumar's official residence was in violation of its order.</p>

<p>Additional Solicitor General Kaushik Chanda had submitted that the stay was on a CBI notice to only Arnab Ghosh, the then deputy commissioner (detective department) of Bidhannagar Police, which initially investigated the chit fund case, and two other police officials - Dilip Hazra and Sankar Bhattacharya.</p>

<p>He further told the court that the CBI has already moved the Supreme Court, on the order of which the central agency is investigating the chit fund cases, and as such the hearing on the state's prayer be adjourned.&nbsp;</p>


The Calcutta High Court Tuesday adjourned hearing on the West Bengal government's plea against the CBI's attempt to enter Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar's residence to question him in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scam cases.

The Calcutta High Court Tuesday adjourned hearing on the West Bengal government's plea against the CBI's attempt to enter Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar's residence to question him in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scam cases. The state government had on Monday pleaded for an immediate hearing on the incident from the day before when CBI sleuths appeared outside the police commissioner's official residence unannounced. The high court had declined their plea said that it will take it up on Tuesday. Appearing before Justice Shivakant Prasad at the beginning of the proceedings Tuesday morning, State Advocate General Kishore Dutta prayed for adjournment of the matter since the Supreme Court was already seized of the issue. On the state government's prayer, Justice Prasad adjourned hearing in the matter till Thursday and verbally asked the AG to tell the state police to cooperate in the investigation. The high court had on Monday refused an immediate hearing on the case following an objection by the Union government. AG Dutta submitted on Monday that despite a stay by the high court on steps regarding notice to state police officials, the CBI sought to enter Kumar's residence on Sunday and question him. He submitted that the court is scheduled to hear the matter on February 13 and as such, the CBI's attempt to enter Kumar's official residence was in violation of its order. Additional Solicitor General Kaushik Chanda had submitted that the stay was on a CBI notice to only Arnab Ghosh, the then deputy commissioner (detective department) of Bidhannagar Police, which initially investigated the chit fund case, and two other police officials - Dilip Hazra and Sankar Bhattacharya. He further told the court that the CBI has already moved the Supreme Court, on the order of which the central agency is investigating the chit fund cases, and as such the hearing on the state's prayer be adjourned.

Calcutta High Court adjourns hearing on CBI bid to question Kolkata Police chief 

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday said that her dharna against the CBI's attempt to grill the Kolkata Police chief in the chit fund scam cases will continue till Friday in view of the upcoming boards examinations.</p>

<p>Banerjee is sitting on a dharna at the Metro Channel in Esplanade area in the heart of the city, the same spot she had sat on a 26-day fast in 2006 against the acquisition of farmland at Singur for the Tata Motors factory.</p>

<p>She has termed her dharna as "satyagraha" against the CBI and the Centre, which she said was attempting a "coup" in Bengal.</p>

<p>"This demonstration will continue till February 8. Because the boards examinations will be starting soon and we will not be playing the loudspeakers," she said.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Banerjee had said she would continue her "satyagraha" till the country and its Constitution are "saved".</p>

<p>A CBI team had gone to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence in the city on Sunday to question him in connection with multi-crore chit fund scams but was denied permission, bundled into jeeps and whisked to a police station.</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress supremo has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to organise a "coup" in the state and alleged that</p>

<p>National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is directing CBI to harass political opponents on the orders of the prime minister.</p>

<p>Effigies of Modi and Shah were burnt in several parts of the state including Burdwan, Birbhum, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas districts.</p>

<p>Trinamool activists also blocked trains in Howrah and Hooghly districts and put up blockades on the national highway in Bankura district.&nbsp;</p>


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday said that her dharna against the CBI's attempt to grill the Kolkata Police chief in the chit fund scam cases will continue till Friday in view of the upcoming boards examinations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday said that her dharna against the CBI's attempt to grill the Kolkata Police chief in the chit fund scam cases will continue till Friday in view of the upcoming boards examinations. Banerjee is sitting on a dharna at the Metro Channel in Esplanade area in the heart of the city, the same spot she had sat on a 26-day fast in 2006 against the acquisition of farmland at Singur for the Tata Motors factory. She has termed her dharna as "satyagraha" against the CBI and the Centre, which she said was attempting a "coup" in Bengal. "This demonstration will continue till February 8. Because the boards examinations will be starting soon and we will not be playing the loudspeakers," she said. Earlier in the day, Banerjee had said she would continue her "satyagraha" till the country and its Constitution are "saved". A CBI team had gone to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence in the city on Sunday to question him in connection with multi-crore chit fund scams but was denied permission, bundled into jeeps and whisked to a police station. The Trinamool Congress supremo has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to organise a "coup" in the state and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is directing CBI to harass political opponents on the orders of the prime minister. Effigies of Modi and Shah were burnt in several parts of the state including Burdwan, Birbhum, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas districts. Trinamool activists also blocked trains in Howrah and Hooghly districts and put up blockades on the national highway in Bankura district.

Dharna will continue till Friday: Mamata Banerjee

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919">Mamata Banerjee sit-in</a> over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams continued on Monday.</p>

<p>Banerjee, who sat on the dharna around 8.30 pm Sunday to protest against "the attack on constitutional norms", was seen speaking to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders at the protest site on Monday morning.</p>

<p>"I will continue my "Satyagraha" till the country and its Constitution are "saved"," said Mamata.</p>

<p>An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning the sit-in protest in front of Metro Cinema over the issue.</p>

<p>Some road restrictions have been imposed in the Metro Cinema area in the heart of the city where the sit-in is being held.</p>

<p>The TMC supremo had said she would not attend the assembly, where the state budget would be placed by Finance Minister Amit Mitra, on Monday.<br />
Prior to that, a cabinet meeting would be held inside a makeshift room set up behind the stage.</p>

<p>TMC sources said Banerjee was scheduled to attend a meeting of the party's farmers' wing in an indoor stadium here. However, she might not go there and other party leaders would address the meeting.</p>

<p>Samajwadi Party leader Kiranmoy Nanda reached the dharna venue to express the party's solidarity with Banerjee over the issue.</p>

<p>Other national leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister M Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav spoke to Banerjee on Sunday night.</p>

<p>Insisting that it had stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism", Banerjee had claimed that the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.</p>

<p>Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah want to impose President's rule in whatever states the opposition is in power.</p>


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams continued on Monday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams continued on Monday. Banerjee, who sat on the dharna around 8.30 pm Sunday to protest against "the attack on constitutional norms", was seen speaking to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders at the protest site on Monday morning. "I will continue my "Satyagraha" till the country and its Constitution are "saved"," said Mamata. An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning the sit-in protest in front of Metro Cinema over the issue. Some road restrictions have been imposed in the Metro Cinema area in the heart of the city where the sit-in is being held. The TMC supremo had said she would not attend the assembly, where the state budget would be placed by Finance Minister Amit Mitra, on Monday. Prior to that, a cabinet meeting would be held inside a makeshift room set up behind the stage. TMC sources said Banerjee was scheduled to attend a meeting of the party's farmers' wing in an indoor stadium here. However, she might not go there and other party leaders would address the meeting. Samajwadi Party leader Kiranmoy Nanda reached the dharna venue to express the party's solidarity with Banerjee over the issue. Other national leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister M Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav spoke to Banerjee on Sunday night. Insisting that it had stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism", Banerjee had claimed that the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah want to impose President's rule in whatever states the opposition is in power.

My 'Satyagraha' will continue till India is saved, says Mamata continuing her sit-in

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-police-cbi-face-off-wb-governor-submits-report-to-home-ministry-195075">CBI-Kolkata Police face-off</a> in her state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation. <a href="https://t.co/XhI0uEhpu5">pic.twitter.com/XhI0uEhpu5</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092392872937168897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: Our satyagraha is not against any agency, it is against Modi government's atrocities. <a href="https://t.co/s8bUhp6BcC">pic.twitter.com/s8bUhp6BcC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092359581928427520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>A CBI team had shown up — reportedly unannounced — yesterday at the Kolkata Police chief's home. The CBI has accused Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar of slow-walking the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Five members of the CBI team were detained, but later released.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mamata herself had turned up at Kumar's home on Sunday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata Police personnel meanwhile stationed themselves outside the regional CBI office. A little later, CRPF personnel were sent to the CBI office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mamata then announced that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-cm-is-following-kejriwals-footsteps-by-staging-dharna-ravi-shankar-prasad-195093">she was staging a dharna</a> against what she said were the Centre's machinations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CBI meanwhile has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against Kumar, and the West Bengal director general of police and chief secretary.&nbsp;The plea accuses the trio of the wilful and deliberate violation of the Supreme Court's orders; the CBI says they were investigating the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley scams on the court's orders.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CBI has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against West Bengal's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of apex court's orders. <a href="https://t.co/iA5oHKPLtb">pic.twitter.com/iA5oHKPLtb</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092403690873520134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mamata's dharna meanwhile continues.&nbsp;</p>


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state. "I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation. pic.twitter.com/XhI0uEhpu5 — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: Our satyagraha is not against any agency, it is against Modi government's atrocities. pic.twitter.com/s8bUhp6BcC — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × A CBI team had shown up — reportedly unannounced — yesterday at the Kolkata Police chief's home. The CBI has accused Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar of slow-walking the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams. Five members of the CBI team were detained, but later released. Mamata herself had turned up at Kumar's home on Sunday evening. Kolkata Police personnel meanwhile stationed themselves outside the regional CBI office. A little later, CRPF personnel were sent to the CBI office. Mamata then announced that she was staging a dharna against what she said were the Centre's machinations. The CBI meanwhile has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against Kumar, and the West Bengal director general of police and chief secretary. The plea accuses the trio of the wilful and deliberate violation of the Supreme Court's orders; the CBI says they were investigating the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley scams on the court's orders. CBI has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against West Bengal's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of apex court's orders. pic.twitter.com/iA5oHKPLtb — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × Mamata's dharna meanwhile continues.

Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but will not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in Supreme Court

<p>The CBI will approach the Supreme Court against the wrongful detention of their officers outside <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-sits-on-dharna-after-cbi-kolkata-police-face-off-194890">Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar</a>'s residence on Sunday, said the central agency interim chief M Nageswara Rao.</p>

<p>A full-blown face-off between West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government and the Centre erupted as a CBI team moved to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, which in turn were unceremoniously denied entry to Kolkata Police chief`s residence and then detained.</p>

<p>Escalating her confrontation with the Centre, Banerjee also started a sit-in to protest, in what her Trinamool Congress party called a "coup" by the Modi government. She was seen sitting on her `Save the Constitution` dharna at Metro Channel in Kolkata, in Rajeev Kumar was also present.</p>

<p>Rao also alleged that there was proof against that he hampered evidence in the chit fund scam.</p>

<p>"We are contacting our senior law officers about the Kolkata incident. Whatever they suggest will be followed. We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the Supreme Court. A SIT has been constituted by the West Bengal government prior to Supreme Court's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner," he told ANI.</p>

<p>"They have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear," Rao added.</p>

<p>All the five CBI officers who were detained by police at Shakespeare Sarani police station in Kolkata have been released.</p>

<p>Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre was heading a SIT on the Saradha and Rose Valley scams. The CBI wanted the top officer to hand over the seizure list made during his probe, sources said.</p>

<p>Reportedly, the top cop was to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he is not responding to notices to appear before the agency.</p>

<p>Rajeev Kumar, according to media reports, became apprehensive of his arrest after Bengali film producer Shrikant Mohita was taken into custody.&nbsp;</p>


The CBI will approach the Supreme Court against the wrongful detention of their officers outside Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence on Sunday, said the central agency interim chief M Nageswara Rao.

The CBI will approach the Supreme Court against the wrongful detention of their officers outside Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence on Sunday, said the central agency interim chief M Nageswara Rao. A full-blown face-off between West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government and the Centre erupted as a CBI team moved to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, which in turn were unceremoniously denied entry to Kolkata Police chief`s residence and then detained. Escalating her confrontation with the Centre, Banerjee also started a sit-in to protest, in what her Trinamool Congress party called a "coup" by the Modi government. She was seen sitting on her `Save the Constitution` dharna at Metro Channel in Kolkata, in Rajeev Kumar was also present. Rao also alleged that there was proof against that he hampered evidence in the chit fund scam. "We are contacting our senior law officers about the Kolkata incident. Whatever they suggest will be followed. We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the Supreme Court. A SIT has been constituted by the West Bengal government prior to Supreme Court's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner," he told ANI. "They have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear," Rao added. All the five CBI officers who were detained by police at Shakespeare Sarani police station in Kolkata have been released. Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre was heading a SIT on the Saradha and Rose Valley scams. The CBI wanted the top officer to hand over the seizure list made during his probe, sources said. Reportedly, the top cop was to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he is not responding to notices to appear before the agency. Rajeev Kumar, according to media reports, became apprehensive of his arrest after Bengali film producer Shrikant Mohita was taken into custody.

CBI to move Supreme Court against detention of agency officials by Mamata government

<p>A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court will hear <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-cbi-standoff-will-come-down-heavily-on-kolkata-police-if-it-thinks-of-destroying-evidence-says-cji-ranjan-gogoi-to-solicitor-general-tushar-mehta-194966">the CBI plea against the Kolkata Police and the West Bengal government</a> on Tuesday</p>

<p>The bench will be led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, with Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjeev Khanna on it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plea by the CBI alleges non-cooperation by the Kolkata Police and the Bengal government in the investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam. The CBI has accused Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar of slow-walking the investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday evening, a CBI team turned up at Kumar's home — sparking the current political crisis between the Centre and the West Bengal government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been sitting on a dharna since Sunday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CBI had asked the Supreme Court to hear the matter on Monday itself, saying Kumar had destroyed evidence in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CJI Gogoi had responded that the court had gone through the CBI's submission, and there was nothing in it to suggest Kumar had actually destroyed evidence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added though that the court would come down very heavily on Kumar should the CBI be able to provided evidence that he was actually guilty of destroying evidence.&nbsp;</p>


A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court will hear the CBI plea against the Kolkata Police and the West Bengal government on Tuesday The bench will be led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, with Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjeev Khanna on it.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court will hear the CBI plea against the Kolkata Police and the West Bengal government on Tuesday The bench will be led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, with Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjeev Khanna on it. The plea by the CBI alleges non-cooperation by the Kolkata Police and the Bengal government in the investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam. The CBI has accused Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar of slow-walking the investigation. On Sunday evening, a CBI team turned up at Kumar's home — sparking the current political crisis between the Centre and the West Bengal government. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been sitting on a dharna since Sunday night. The CBI had asked the Supreme Court to hear the matter on Monday itself, saying Kumar had destroyed evidence in the case. CJI Gogoi had responded that the court had gone through the CBI's submission, and there was nothing in it to suggest Kumar had actually destroyed evidence. He added though that the court would come down very heavily on Kumar should the CBI be able to provided evidence that he was actually guilty of destroying evidence.

Three-judge SC bench to hear CBI plea against Kolkata Police, Bengal government Tuesday

<p><strong>Credibility Lost</strong></p>

<p>At the heart of CBI’s attempted raid in West Bengal, lies the credibility of the central agency as an institution in India. Indian politicians have failed the institution miserably. CBI continues to derive its power from the Delhi Police Establishment Act of 1946. Today, entire Opposition is crying foul and accusing the present government of misusing CBI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2012, the then minister of the state in charge of DOPT, Narayan Swami, went on to say that CBI has adequate and functional autonomy and there exists no proposal within the government to grant constitutional status to the investigative agency.</p>

<p>Both Congress and BJP, despite being in government for several years, neither initiated reform within the institution nor pushed for legislative debate to reconceive the legal architecture of the agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This inertia continues despite the fact that Guwahati high court declared CBI unconstitutional on November 7, 2013. The agency, thereafter, had to rush to the Supreme Court to take a stay order on the decision on November 9.</p>

<p>It proves that both Congress and BJP want the makeshift arrangement to stay alive and kicking because it allows them to use the CBI as a 'political weapon'.</p>

<p>This arrangement received further nourishment after the 1989 elections when the era of coalition dawned on Indian politics. The successive governments ended up using CBI to shore up political support by hectoring regional parties with cases of corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It allowed them to survive with less numbers in Parliament. It is for this reason, even BJP, which enjoys majority in Lok Sabha, did not move an inch to appoint the Lokpal system which UPA 2 had to adopt under duress.</p>

<p>What makes the case of government even weaker is that the Supreme Court itself has passed relevant instructions to the CBI. As per the Supreme Court’s interim order given on July 16, 2018, both state police and CBI were supposed to work in tandem. More so, the court had directed CBI to approach high court in Calcutta in case they faced any obstruction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though Centre did give reminders to the state government on multiple occasion but the relief should have been sought from the relevant court as directed by the Apex Court.</p>

<p>In this case, it becomes very clear as to what direction the Apex Court may head to. For many, it may be a case of constitutional crisis and deteriorating relationship between the Centre and state, but CBI’s credibility and its pending reform lies at heart of the matter.<br />
<br />
<strong>Regional Chauvinism vs Corruption</strong></p>

<p>There is no doubt that Rose valley and Sharda scams represent underbelly of India’s crony capitalism. It represents the way political parties organise funding for its day-to-day running, and election expenses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP wants the matter to appear as a campaign against corrupt politicians, whereas TMC wants it to turn into an issue of regional pride and authoritarian assault by Centre against non-BJP state governments.</p>

<p>There is no denying the fact that most of the accused in the scam were closely associated with TMC. It explains TMC’s nervousness in the case and proves that case cannot be hushed forever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Regional chauvinism has succeeded on multiple occasions in Indian politics. Be it the case of NT Rama Rao in Andhra Pradesh or Nitish Kumar during 2015 Bihar elections or Naveen Patnaik in Odisha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP wants West Bengal to be the new harvest ground to make up for the losses in other states.</p>

<p>Mamata, on the other hand, is trying to turn the issue into Federal constitutionalism. She has rallied support from many regional parties on this issue. Which issue will succeed in run up to the Lok Sabha elections is a million-dollar question, but one thing is clear that Mamata’s role will not be limited to West Bengal in case electorate throws up a hung house.</p>

<p><strong>Regional Parties</strong></p>

<p>BJP has already mangled its equations with regional parties. It has been primarily a result of expansion of BJP’s footprint in far corners of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP has taken up issues which have pitted the party against small and regional parties.</p>

<p>It is going to pose a great challenge to the Saffron party in case it falls short of numbers. BJP will have to face a lot of political hectoring from smaller players in case it needs to shore up numbers for a simple majority in Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>The attempted raid not only brings many smaller players on one platform but will also test the issue of corruption in 2019 elections. It worked in 2014. However, same can’t be said today when the focus has turned to economy and jobs where it has failed miserably.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Credibility Lost At the heart of CBI’s attempted raid in West Bengal, lies the credibility of the central agency as an institution in India. Indian politicians have failed the institution miserably.

Credibility Lost At the heart of CBI’s attempted raid in West Bengal, lies the credibility of the central agency as an institution in India. Indian politicians have failed the institution miserably. CBI continues to derive its power from the Delhi Police Establishment Act of 1946. Today, entire Opposition is crying foul and accusing the present government of misusing CBI. In 2012, the then minister of the state in charge of DOPT, Narayan Swami, went on to say that CBI has adequate and functional autonomy and there exists no proposal within the government to grant constitutional status to the investigative agency. Both Congress and BJP, despite being in government for several years, neither initiated reform within the institution nor pushed for legislative debate to reconceive the legal architecture of the agency. This inertia continues despite the fact that Guwahati high court declared CBI unconstitutional on November 7, 2013. The agency, thereafter, had to rush to the Supreme Court to take a stay order on the decision on November 9. It proves that both Congress and BJP want the makeshift arrangement to stay alive and kicking because it allows them to use the CBI as a 'political weapon'. This arrangement received further nourishment after the 1989 elections when the era of coalition dawned on Indian politics. The successive governments ended up using CBI to shore up political support by hectoring regional parties with cases of corruption. It allowed them to survive with less numbers in Parliament. It is for this reason, even BJP, which enjoys majority in Lok Sabha, did not move an inch to appoint the Lokpal system which UPA 2 had to adopt under duress. What makes the case of government even weaker is that the Supreme Court itself has passed relevant instructions to the CBI. As per the Supreme Court’s interim order given on July 16, 2018, both state police and CBI were supposed to work in tandem. More so, the court had directed CBI to approach high court in Calcutta in case they faced any obstruction. Though Centre did give reminders to the state government on multiple occasion but the relief should have been sought from the relevant court as directed by the Apex Court. In this case, it becomes very clear as to what direction the Apex Court may head to. For many, it may be a case of constitutional crisis and deteriorating relationship between the Centre and state, but CBI’s credibility and its pending reform lies at heart of the matter. Regional Chauvinism vs Corruption There is no doubt that Rose valley and Sharda scams represent underbelly of India’s crony capitalism. It represents the way political parties organise funding for its day-to-day running, and election expenses. BJP wants the matter to appear as a campaign against corrupt politicians, whereas TMC wants it to turn into an issue of regional pride and authoritarian assault by Centre against non-BJP state governments. There is no denying the fact that most of the accused in the scam were closely associated with TMC. It explains TMC’s nervousness in the case and proves that case cannot be hushed forever. Regional chauvinism has succeeded on multiple occasions in Indian politics. Be it the case of NT Rama Rao in Andhra Pradesh or Nitish Kumar during 2015 Bihar elections or Naveen Patnaik in Odisha. BJP wants West Bengal to be the new harvest ground to make up for the losses in other states. Mamata, on the other hand, is trying to turn the issue into Federal constitutionalism. She has rallied support from many regional parties on this issue. Which issue will succeed in run up to the Lok Sabha elections is a million-dollar question, but one thing is clear that Mamata’s role will not be limited to West Bengal in case electorate throws up a hung house. Regional Parties BJP has already mangled its equations with regional parties. It has been primarily a result of expansion of BJP’s footprint in far corners of India. BJP has taken up issues which have pitted the party against small and regional parties. It is going to pose a great challenge to the Saffron party in case it falls short of numbers. BJP will have to face a lot of political hectoring from smaller players in case it needs to shore up numbers for a simple majority in Lok Sabha. The attempted raid not only brings many smaller players on one platform but will also test the issue of corruption in 2019 elections. It worked in 2014. However, same can’t be said today when the focus has turned to economy and jobs where it has failed miserably. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

West Bengal fiasco: Credibility of CBI is the issue and not Mamata vs Modi

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-european-interference-in-venezuela-195064">Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela</a></p>

<p>Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-vs-bengal-ready-to-give-my-life-but-not-compromise-says-mamata-cbi-files-contempt-plea-in-sc-195124">Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC</a></p>

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spain-recognises-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-as-acting-president-195050">UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president</a></p>

<p>Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059"> leave </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">country</a></p>

<p>Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran.</p>

<p>In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran".</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">Body found in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">wreckage</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090"> of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators</a></p>

<p>British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.</p>


Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader. Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state. "I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said. UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections. After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand US leave country Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran. In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran". Body found in wreckage of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>TMC supporters allegedly vandalised BJP party office in South Kolkata on Monday.</p>

<p>The BJP accused TMC supporters of vandalising its office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata stating that "law and order has completely collapsed! No one is safe under TMC".</p>

<p>".@mamataofficial’s goons have vandalised the BJP party office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata. Mamata represents the Bhawanipore constituency," read a tweet posted by BJP Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mamataofficial</a>’s goons have vandalised the BJP party office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata. Mamata represents the Bhawanipore constituency.<br />
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Law and order has completely collapsed! No one is safe under TMC. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MamataFreeBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MamataFreeBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/v28er7Sb80">pic.twitter.com/v28er7Sb80</a></p>
— BJP Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Bengal/status/1092372365332246528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty.</p>

<p>In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday.</p>

<p>Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.</p>

<p>As the West Bengal CM continues with her dharna, she claimed that her 'Satyagraha' isn't against any agency but against "Modi-government's atrocities."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kolkata: BJP office in Bhabanipur has been vandalised. More details awaited. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/LvKXrQqtHW">pic.twitter.com/LvKXrQqtHW</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092383319147319296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-vs-bengal-ready-to-give-my-life-but-not-compromise-says-mamata-cbi-files-contempt-plea-in-sc-195124">I am ready to give my life</a> but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Banerjee noted on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday.</p>

<p>The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per an ANI report, the CBI has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against West Bengal's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of apex court's orders. More details on the development are awaited.&nbsp;</p>


TMC supporters allegedly vandalised BJP party office in South Kolkata on Monday. The BJP accused TMC supporters of vandalising its office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata stating that "law and order has completely collapsed!

TMC supporters allegedly vandalised BJP party office in South Kolkata on Monday. The BJP accused TMC supporters of vandalising its office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata stating that "law and order has completely collapsed! No one is safe under TMC". ".@mamataofficial’s goons have vandalised the BJP party office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata. Mamata represents the Bhawanipore constituency," read a tweet posted by BJP Bengal. Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action. .@mamataofficial’s goons have vandalised the BJP party office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata. Mamata represents the Bhawanipore constituency. Law and order has completely collapsed! No one is safe under TMC. #MamataFreeBengal pic.twitter.com/v28er7Sb80 — BJP Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) February 4, 2019 × Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty. In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday. Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. As the West Bengal CM continues with her dharna, she claimed that her 'Satyagraha' isn't against any agency but against "Modi-government's atrocities." Kolkata: BJP office in Bhabanipur has been vandalised. More details awaited. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/LvKXrQqtHW — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × "I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Banerjee noted on Monday. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday. The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known, news agency PTI reported. As per an ANI report, the CBI has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against West Bengal's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of apex court's orders. More details on the development are awaited.

BJP accuses 'Mamata's goons' of vandalising party office in South Kolkata, posts video

<p>Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister for staging a sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.</p>

<p>Prasad stated that by staging a dharna the West Bengal CM, "is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal".</p>

<p>"What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this?" he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal <a href="https://t.co/QOwmBbqqbh">pic.twitter.com/QOwmBbqqbh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092366931624108032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh people lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26, 2014, so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us," Prasad added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-may-be-constitutional-breakdown-in-west-bengal-home-minister-rajnath-singh-195016">constitutional breakdown in West Bengal</a> in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action.</p>

<p>Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-police-cbi-face-off-wb-governor-submits-report-to-home-ministry-195075">report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday.</p>

<p>The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh ppl lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26,2014 so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us <a href="https://t.co/xZYA2o68NF">pic.twitter.com/xZYA2o68NF</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092367848759066626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today in the morning he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI.</p>

<p>In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday.</p>

<p>Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-satyagraha-will-continue-till-india-is-saved-says-mamata-continuing-her-sit-in-194947">Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right</a> in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from PTI</em>)&nbsp;</p>


Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister for staging a sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister for staging a sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams. Prasad stated that by staging a dharna the West Bengal CM, "is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal". "What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this?" he said. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/QOwmBbqqbh — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × "In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh people lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26, 2014, so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us," Prasad added. Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action. Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday. The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known, news agency PTI reported. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh ppl lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26,2014 so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us pic.twitter.com/xZYA2o68NF — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × "The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today in the morning he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI. In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday. Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. (With inputs from PTI)

West Bengal CM is following Kejriwal's footsteps by staging dharna: Ravi Shankar Prasad  

<p>West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/saradha-rose-valley-ponzi-schemes-cbi-team-shows-up-at-kolkata-police-commissioners-home-194871">a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar</a> in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday.</p>

<p>The contents of the report was, however, not immediately known.</p>

<p>"The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today in the morning he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI.</p>

<p>The report was prepared by combining the report of the Special Investigation Branch and the reports submitted to the governor by the state chief secretary and the home secretary late Sunday night, the sources said.</p>

<p>In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday.</p>

<p>Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-sits-on-dharna-after-cbi-kolkata-police-face-off-194890">Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults"</a> she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: Our satyagraha is not against any agency, it is against Modi government's atrocities. <a href="https://t.co/s8bUhp6BcC">pic.twitter.com/s8bUhp6BcC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092359581928427520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal: TMC workers protest against PM Narendra Modi and Central govt over CBI issue in Kolkata. <a href="https://t.co/gg7w2MLusR">pic.twitter.com/gg7w2MLusR</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092371666477481984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal <a href="https://t.co/QOwmBbqqbh">pic.twitter.com/QOwmBbqqbh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092366931624108032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tripathi had last night summoned the state chief secretary and state director general of police and asked them to take immediate action to resolve the situation.</p>

<p>Rajnath Singh had called up the governor to know the facts of the "unfortunate and unprecedented situation of CBI officers being manhandled, detained, intimidated and obstructed", the officials said.</p>

<p>The home ministry on Sunday evening received information that CBI officers in Kolkata had experienced "intimidation and threat to personal safety in course of investigation into the Saradha scam being conducted under the directions of the Supreme Court", they said.</p>

<p>The ministry has deployed central forces at the CBI office and residential premises of the probe agency officials in the state and it is now "closely monitoring the situation", they said.</p>

<p>According to the CBI, IPS officer Rajeev Kumar, who led a Special Investigation Team of the West Bengal Police probing the ponzi scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency.</p>

<p>Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, did not even attend a meeting with Election Commission officials who had gone to Kolkata to review election preparedness.&nbsp;</p>


West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday.

West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday. The contents of the report was, however, not immediately known. "The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today in the morning he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI. The report was prepared by combining the report of the Special Investigation Branch and the reports submitted to the governor by the state chief secretary and the home secretary late Sunday night, the sources said. In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday. Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: Our satyagraha is not against any agency, it is against Modi government's atrocities. pic.twitter.com/s8bUhp6BcC — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × West Bengal: TMC workers protest against PM Narendra Modi and Central govt over CBI issue in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/gg7w2MLusR — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/QOwmBbqqbh — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × Tripathi had last night summoned the state chief secretary and state director general of police and asked them to take immediate action to resolve the situation. Rajnath Singh had called up the governor to know the facts of the "unfortunate and unprecedented situation of CBI officers being manhandled, detained, intimidated and obstructed", the officials said. The home ministry on Sunday evening received information that CBI officers in Kolkata had experienced "intimidation and threat to personal safety in course of investigation into the Saradha scam being conducted under the directions of the Supreme Court", they said. The ministry has deployed central forces at the CBI office and residential premises of the probe agency officials in the state and it is now "closely monitoring the situation", they said. According to the CBI, IPS officer Rajeev Kumar, who led a Special Investigation Team of the West Bengal Police probing the ponzi scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency. Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, did not even attend a meeting with Election Commission officials who had gone to Kolkata to review election preparedness.

Kolkata Police-CBI face-off: West Bengal governor submits report to home ministry

Mamata vs CBI: Supreme Court to hear CBI plea tomorrow

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/saradha-rose-valley-ponzi-schemes-cbi-team-shows-up-at-kolkata-police-commissioners-home-194871">Mamata Banerjee began a "Save the Constitution" dharna</a>&nbsp;at Kolkata's Metro Channel on Sunday night after the CBI and Kolkata Police had faced off earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A CBI team had shown up at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's home on Sunday evening. The CBI has accused Kumar of hindering investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The TMC's Derek O'Brien said 40 officials of the CBI had shown up, and that they did not "even have a search warrant".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Praveen Tripathi, Joint Commissioner Crime, Kolkata Police: A team of CBI officers came without any papers for what they called a 'secret operation'. When asked what the operation was about, they could not give a satisfactory response. <a href="https://t.co/CyS83Z1aKC">pic.twitter.com/CyS83Z1aKC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092094462317060096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mamata said the CBI's turning up announced amounted to the "destruction of the federal structure".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am going to stage a dharna to save the federal structure. From today I'm going to sit near the Metro Channel. Tomorrow proceedings in state assembly will take place where I will hold a meeting. This dharna means satyagraha," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar sat with Mamata on her protest.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am going to stage a dharna to save the federal structure. From today I'm going to sit near the Metro Channel. Tomorrow proceedings in state assembly will take place where I will hold a meeting. This dharna means satyagraha. <a href="https://t.co/vL6My4UA6G">pic.twitter.com/vL6My4UA6G</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092074741538537472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sitting on her 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel, Kolkata. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is also present. <a href="https://t.co/nB6ASQIYFp">pic.twitter.com/nB6ASQIYFp</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092085237931139072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"... constitution is in danger, institutions are in danger and the country is in danger. Mamata has fought many battles before and another one starts tonight at 9 pm," O'Brien said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that the "TMC has spoken to all like-minded parties and given them an update on what happened today in Kolkata. It has happened to Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Congress, TDP, AAP and all the parties."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Derek O'Brien, TMC: Amit Shah and Narendra Modi cannot fight TMC. They are resorting to political vendetta after what they saw in United India rally. BJP knows TMC slogan has arrived - '2019-BJP Finish' <a href="https://t.co/WZYYRUaEsc">pic.twitter.com/WZYYRUaEsc</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092076825549754368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP meanwhile said Mamata was behaving "like a dictator... to protect the corrupt in her state".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Incident taking place in Kolkata are unfortunate," said BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao. "Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP: Incident taking place in Kolkata are unfortunate. Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this. <a href="https://t.co/ayoxDVAsUb">pic.twitter.com/ayoxDVAsUb</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092096525356826629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rao added that "CBI is working as per directions of SC, no state government has the power to obstruct or detain them. It's unconstitutional and undemocratic... We hope SC gives a direction to WB government, keeping this incident in view otherwise no agency will be able to work in this country."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The events of Sunday evening&nbsp;could very quickly snowball into a constitutional crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Five men of the CBI team were detained, but later released.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And even as the CBI team arrived on Kumar's doorstep, personnel of the Kolkata Police stationed themselves outside the regional CBI office.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chit fund case: Visuals from outside the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. A CBI team is present at the spot. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/2nvzbStFa0">pic.twitter.com/2nvzbStFa0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092045520455909377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal: Police force of Bidhannagar police is present outside the CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata. <a href="https://t.co/qfm5VFgZSy">pic.twitter.com/qfm5VFgZSy</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092060054637793281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Centre then sent CRPF units to the CBI office.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units arrive at CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata. <a href="https://t.co/ii8sCFY4O0">pic.twitter.com/ii8sCFY4O0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092084472491663360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao meanwhile told ANI on Sunday evening that "we are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the SC. An SIT has been constituted by the WB government&nbsp;prior to SC's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that "they have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear.&nbsp;There is evidence against him (Rajeev Kumar), he has been instrumental in causing destruction of this evidence and obstructing justice."&nbsp;</p>

<p>By about 10.30 pm Sunday night, reports began to filter in of TMC workers staging protests in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal: Visuals of TMC workers burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue. <a href="https://t.co/DiYkBzaK2g">pic.twitter.com/DiYkBzaK2g</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092106377395429386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The CBI has sought an appointment with West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to discuss the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And Nageshwar Rao said the CBI would approach the Supreme Court on Monday, since the West Bengal Police "is not cooperating".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao: Tomorrow the CBI will approach the Supreme Court on the matter as the West Bengal police is not cooperating. <a href="https://t.co/up2NjMuoPI">pic.twitter.com/up2NjMuoPI</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092116212811673601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>A number of opposition leaders meanwhile, including Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, and Arvind Kejriwal, spoke to Mamata Banerjee over the&nbsp;phone and expressed their solidarity.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began a "Save the Constitution" dharna at Kolkata's Metro Channel on Sunday night after the CBI and Kolkata Police had faced off earlier.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began a "Save the Constitution" dharna at Kolkata's Metro Channel on Sunday night after the CBI and Kolkata Police had faced off earlier. A CBI team had shown up at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's home on Sunday evening. The CBI has accused Kumar of hindering investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes. The TMC's Derek O'Brien said 40 officials of the CBI had shown up, and that they did not "even have a search warrant". Praveen Tripathi, Joint Commissioner Crime, Kolkata Police: A team of CBI officers came without any papers for what they called a 'secret operation'. When asked what the operation was about, they could not give a satisfactory response. pic.twitter.com/CyS83Z1aKC — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × Mamata said the CBI's turning up announced amounted to the "destruction of the federal structure". "I am going to stage a dharna to save the federal structure. From today I'm going to sit near the Metro Channel. Tomorrow proceedings in state assembly will take place where I will hold a meeting. This dharna means satyagraha," she said. Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar sat with Mamata on her protest. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am going to stage a dharna to save the federal structure. From today I'm going to sit near the Metro Channel. Tomorrow proceedings in state assembly will take place where I will hold a meeting. This dharna means satyagraha. pic.twitter.com/vL6My4UA6G — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sitting on her 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel, Kolkata. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is also present. pic.twitter.com/nB6ASQIYFp — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × "... constitution is in danger, institutions are in danger and the country is in danger. Mamata has fought many battles before and another one starts tonight at 9 pm," O'Brien said. He added that the "TMC has spoken to all like-minded parties and given them an update on what happened today in Kolkata. It has happened to Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Congress, TDP, AAP and all the parties." Derek O'Brien, TMC: Amit Shah and Narendra Modi cannot fight TMC. They are resorting to political vendetta after what they saw in United India rally. BJP knows TMC slogan has arrived - '2019-BJP Finish' pic.twitter.com/WZYYRUaEsc — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × The BJP meanwhile said Mamata was behaving "like a dictator... to protect the corrupt in her state". "Incident taking place in Kolkata are unfortunate," said BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao. "Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this." GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP: Incident taking place in Kolkata are unfortunate. Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this. pic.twitter.com/ayoxDVAsUb — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × Rao added that "CBI is working as per directions of SC, no state government has the power to obstruct or detain them. It's unconstitutional and undemocratic... We hope SC gives a direction to WB government, keeping this incident in view otherwise no agency will be able to work in this country." The events of Sunday evening could very quickly snowball into a constitutional crisis. Five men of the CBI team were detained, but later released. And even as the CBI team arrived on Kumar's doorstep, personnel of the Kolkata Police stationed themselves outside the regional CBI office. Chit fund case: Visuals from outside the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. A CBI team is present at the spot. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/2nvzbStFa0 — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × West Bengal: Police force of Bidhannagar police is present outside the CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/qfm5VFgZSy — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × The Centre then sent CRPF units to the CBI office. West Bengal: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units arrive at CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/ii8sCFY4O0 — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × Interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao meanwhile told ANI on Sunday evening that "we are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the SC. An SIT has been constituted by the WB government prior to SC's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner." He added that "they have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear. There is evidence against him (Rajeev Kumar), he has been instrumental in causing destruction of this evidence and obstructing justice." By about 10.30 pm Sunday night, reports began to filter in of TMC workers staging protests in the state. West Bengal: Visuals of TMC workers burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue. pic.twitter.com/DiYkBzaK2g — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × The CBI has sought an appointment with West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to discuss the issue. And Nageshwar Rao said the CBI would approach the Supreme Court on Monday, since the West Bengal Police "is not cooperating". CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao: Tomorrow the CBI will approach the Supreme Court on the matter as the West Bengal police is not cooperating. pic.twitter.com/up2NjMuoPI — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × A number of opposition leaders meanwhile, including Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, and Arvind Kejriwal, spoke to Mamata Banerjee over the phone and expressed their solidarity.

Mamata Banerjee begins 'Save the Constitution' dharna after CBI-Kolkata Police face off

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s rally in West Bengal's North Dinajpur on Sunday has been denied permission by the Trinamool government in the state.</p>

<p>The permission for Yogi Adityanath's rally was denied without any prior notice, his office said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the Trinamool Congress-led state government denied permission for Adityanath's chopper to land.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is because of Yogi Adityanath's popularity that Mamata Banerjee has denied permission to his chopper for landing in West Bengal," Mritunjay Kumar, Information Advisor to Uttar Pradesh chief minister, told news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In January, The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government had denied permission to Amit Shah's chopper to land in Malda district.</p>

<p>BJP president Amit Shah had skipped his Jhargram rally a couple of days ago after the state administration denied permission for landing his chopper.</p>


Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s rally in West Bengal's North Dinajpur on Sunday has been denied permission by the Trinamool government in the state.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s rally in West Bengal's North Dinajpur on Sunday has been denied permission by the Trinamool government in the state. The permission for Yogi Adityanath's rally was denied without any prior notice, his office said. According to reports, the Trinamool Congress-led state government denied permission for Adityanath's chopper to land. "This is because of Yogi Adityanath's popularity that Mamata Banerjee has denied permission to his chopper for landing in West Bengal," Mritunjay Kumar, Information Advisor to Uttar Pradesh chief minister, told news agency ANI. In January, The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government had denied permission to Amit Shah's chopper to land in Malda district. BJP president Amit Shah had skipped his Jhargram rally a couple of days ago after the state administration denied permission for landing his chopper.

Mamata government denies permission for Yogi Adityanath rally in West Bengal

<p>The BJP Sunday slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-sits-on-dharna-after-cbi-kolkata-police-face-off-194890">Kolkata Police stopped the CBI</a> from questioning its chief, accusing it of making a mockery of governance, democracy and constitutional propriety.</p>

<p>The party said the state government's action is a direct assault on the constitutional scheme of things and reflects dictatorial streak of the chief minister.</p>

<p>"The development in Kolkata and the resistance to the CBI investigation is bizarre, unprecedented and reflect Banerjee's dictatorial attitude. She has violated the very Constitution she had sworn by," party spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said.</p>

<p>Noting that the CBI has been probing the chit fund scams on the Supreme Court's order, he said the city police's action amounts to disrespect and disobedience to the apex court.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">GVL Narasimha Rao: CBI is working as per directions of SC, no state govt has the power to obstruct or detain them. It's unconstitutional&amp;undemocratic...We hope SC gives a direction to WB govt, keeping this incident in view otherwise no agency will be able to work in this country. <a href="https://t.co/VYPz9pXGR4">https://t.co/VYPz9pXGR4</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092096591559680000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nalin Kohli, another BJP spokesperson, described the situation in the state as unprecedented and said it is an indication of "total collapse" of law and order.</p>

<p>Never before a premier investigation agency like the CBI has been stopped from doing its work, which is working under the court's direction.</p>

<p>"It is clear that the state government under Mamata Banerjee has lost sight of all constitutional propriety. People can see what a mockery of governance, democracy and constitutional propriety taking place," he said.</p>

<p>BJP leaders also spoke about how the state government "refused" its leaders from exercising their democratic rights by preventing them from attending rallies and other political programmes in the state.</p>

<p>Rao said the state government has been indulging in undemocratic and unconstitutional action for long and the Sunday's action by the Kolkata Police is "an assault beyond all limitations".&nbsp;</p>


The BJP Sunday slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal after Kolkata Police stopped the CBI from questioning its chief, accusing it of making a mockery of governance, democracy and constitutional propriety.

The BJP Sunday slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal after Kolkata Police stopped the CBI from questioning its chief, accusing it of making a mockery of governance, democracy and constitutional propriety. The party said the state government's action is a direct assault on the constitutional scheme of things and reflects dictatorial streak of the chief minister. "The development in Kolkata and the resistance to the CBI investigation is bizarre, unprecedented and reflect Banerjee's dictatorial attitude. She has violated the very Constitution she had sworn by," party spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said. Noting that the CBI has been probing the chit fund scams on the Supreme Court's order, he said the city police's action amounts to disrespect and disobedience to the apex court. GVL Narasimha Rao: CBI is working as per directions of SC, no state govt has the power to obstruct or detain them. It's unconstitutional&undemocratic...We hope SC gives a direction to WB govt, keeping this incident in view otherwise no agency will be able to work in this country. https://t.co/VYPz9pXGR4 — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × Nalin Kohli, another BJP spokesperson, described the situation in the state as unprecedented and said it is an indication of "total collapse" of law and order. Never before a premier investigation agency like the CBI has been stopped from doing its work, which is working under the court's direction. "It is clear that the state government under Mamata Banerjee has lost sight of all constitutional propriety. People can see what a mockery of governance, democracy and constitutional propriety taking place," he said. BJP leaders also spoke about how the state government "refused" its leaders from exercising their democratic rights by preventing them from attending rallies and other political programmes in the state. Rao said the state government has been indulging in undemocratic and unconstitutional action for long and the Sunday's action by the Kolkata Police is "an assault beyond all limitations".

Mamata government making mockery of democracy, constitutional propriety: BJP

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Saturday her party would oppose the citizenship bill and demanded that the Centre withdraw the contentious legislation. Banerjee called Prime Minister Narendra Modi the “grandfather of corruption” and alleged that he was a “demon” gulping everything in the country, starting from judiciary, media and even democracy.</p>

<p>“The Centre will have to withdraw the citizenship bill. There is no question of supporting it. We will oppose it. We will not let him (Modi) succeed,” she said.</p>

<p>The chief minister dared Modi to put her behind the bars. “What will he (Modi) do because I am saying this? Will he get me murdered? Or will he threat me using the agencies? I am ready to be in jail but will not bow my head. I have always held my head high.” Banerjee was reacting to Modi seeking the TMC’s support for the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, at a rally in North 24 Parganas district.</p>

<p>The TMC supremo said she would not let the saffron party initiate violence and drive out the people from the country. “Using the NRC (National Register of Citizens), they (BJP) have driven out nearly 22-lakh Bengalis from Assam. They do not want anybody else other than themselves to stay in the country, they want to drive out everybody. We will not let him (Modi) succeed in driving out anyone.</p>

<p>“We are all citizens of the country. We all have ration cards and have rights as the country’s citizen” she said.</p>

<p>At the rally organised by the Matua community in Thakurnagar, Modi said the citizenship bill would bring “justice and respectability” to those who faced religious persecution. “India got Independence after splitting it into pieces. People thought they can make a living in the country of their choice, but there they (Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Parsis and Christians) faced atrocities and torture because of communal malice,” Modi said.</p>

<p>“It was because of this that we brought the citizenship bill. These people have no place to go other than India. Should they not be given justice and respectability? I ask the TMC to support the bill and facilitate its passage in Parliament,” he added. The Matuas originally hail from erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and began migrating to West Bengal at the beginning of the 1950s, mostly due to religious persecution. Many of them have claimed to have still not got Indian citizenship.</p>

<p>The citizenship bill seeks to provide citizenship after six years of residence in India to non-Muslims who had fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014, even if they do not possess any document. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8 and is pending in the Rajya Sabha. The TMC had staged a walkout from the Lower House, demanding that the bill is sent to a parliamentary panel.</p>

<p>Banerjee hit back at Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for their blistering criticism of her government in separate rallies during the day and said the two leaders should worry about retaining their own Lok Sabha seats before dreaming of victory in the state. “They (BJP) have no leaders in West Bengal. They are bringing in outsiders (Modi, Singh) who have no idea about the culture, customs of the state and have no connection with the people,” Banerjee said.</p>

<p>“They need not think about West Bengal, which is capable of looking after itself, it does not need anybody from outside. Ask Narendra Modi to look after New Delhi. Will Modi be able to win from Varanasi? Ask Yogi Adityanath to look after his own state (Uttar Pradesh),” she said.</p>

<p>Reacting sharply to Modi’s comment that the TMC government was nearing its end, the chief minister said the Centre had used government agencies to “torment and torture” the country’s people in the past five years. “They (BJP-led government) have actually ruined the future of the youths and destroyed the country’s economy. They have used the agencies in a fascist manner to threaten most of the opposition leaders.</p>

<p>“Actually it (Modi government) has reached its expiry date and he is not ready to accept that. He (Modi) has grown arrogant and does not know the courtesy to talk as the prime minister,” she shot back. Banerjee said the BJP leaders were not “fit for politics” and were “experts” in ‘gau Raksha’ (cow protection) and lynching and initiate violence and riots.</p>

<p>“Leaders like Atalji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) used to do politics and that’s why we (TMC) have respect for him,” she said. Referring to the Union home minister, Banerjee said Singh, despite being a senior BJP leader, had to follow instructions as his son has been “framed and named” in an FIR.</p>


West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Saturday her party would oppose the citizenship bill and demanded that the Centre withdraw the contentious legislation.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Saturday her party would oppose the citizenship bill and demanded that the Centre withdraw the contentious legislation. Banerjee called Prime Minister Narendra Modi the “grandfather of corruption” and alleged that he was a “demon” gulping everything in the country, starting from judiciary, media and even democracy. “The Centre will have to withdraw the citizenship bill. There is no question of supporting it. We will oppose it. We will not let him (Modi) succeed,” she said. The chief minister dared Modi to put her behind the bars. “What will he (Modi) do because I am saying this? Will he get me murdered? Or will he threat me using the agencies? I am ready to be in jail but will not bow my head. I have always held my head high.” Banerjee was reacting to Modi seeking the TMC’s support for the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, at a rally in North 24 Parganas district. The TMC supremo said she would not let the saffron party initiate violence and drive out the people from the country. “Using the NRC (National Register of Citizens), they (BJP) have driven out nearly 22-lakh Bengalis from Assam. They do not want anybody else other than themselves to stay in the country, they want to drive out everybody. We will not let him (Modi) succeed in driving out anyone. “We are all citizens of the country. We all have ration cards and have rights as the country’s citizen” she said. At the rally organised by the Matua community in Thakurnagar, Modi said the citizenship bill would bring “justice and respectability” to those who faced religious persecution. “India got Independence after splitting it into pieces. People thought they can make a living in the country of their choice, but there they (Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Parsis and Christians) faced atrocities and torture because of communal malice,” Modi said. “It was because of this that we brought the citizenship bill. These people have no place to go other than India. Should they not be given justice and respectability? I ask the TMC to support the bill and facilitate its passage in Parliament,” he added. The Matuas originally hail from erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and began migrating to West Bengal at the beginning of the 1950s, mostly due to religious persecution. Many of them have claimed to have still not got Indian citizenship. The citizenship bill seeks to provide citizenship after six years of residence in India to non-Muslims who had fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014, even if they do not possess any document. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8 and is pending in the Rajya Sabha. The TMC had staged a walkout from the Lower House, demanding that the bill is sent to a parliamentary panel. Banerjee hit back at Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for their blistering criticism of her government in separate rallies during the day and said the two leaders should worry about retaining their own Lok Sabha seats before dreaming of victory in the state. “They (BJP) have no leaders in West Bengal. They are bringing in outsiders (Modi, Singh) who have no idea about the culture, customs of the state and have no connection with the people,” Banerjee said. “They need not think about West Bengal, which is capable of looking after itself, it does not need anybody from outside. Ask Narendra Modi to look after New Delhi. Will Modi be able to win from Varanasi? Ask Yogi Adityanath to look after his own state (Uttar Pradesh),” she said. Reacting sharply to Modi’s comment that the TMC government was nearing its end, the chief minister said the Centre had used government agencies to “torment and torture” the country’s people in the past five years. “They (BJP-led government) have actually ruined the future of the youths and destroyed the country’s economy. They have used the agencies in a fascist manner to threaten most of the opposition leaders. “Actually it (Modi government) has reached its expiry date and he is not ready to accept that. He (Modi) has grown arrogant and does not know the courtesy to talk as the prime minister,” she shot back. Banerjee said the BJP leaders were not “fit for politics” and were “experts” in ‘gau Raksha’ (cow protection) and lynching and initiate violence and riots. “Leaders like Atalji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) used to do politics and that’s why we (TMC) have respect for him,” she said. Referring to the Union home minister, Banerjee said Singh, despite being a senior BJP leader, had to follow instructions as his son has been “framed and named” in an FIR.

Will oppose citizenship bill, Centre must withdraw it, says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

<p>Three powerful women politicians, each from a very different section of Indian society, may pose a big threat to the chances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning a second term in a general election due by May.</p>

<p>Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, part of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for much of the time since its independence from the British in 1947, joined the struggle in January, when the opposition Congress party made her its face in the nation's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Two other senior female politicians - the firebrand chief minister of West Bengal state, Mamata Banerjee, and Mayawati, a former Uttar Pradesh chief minister - are also plotting to unseat Modi's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition by forming big opposition groupings, though there is no firm agreement between them as yet.</p>

<p>"The opposition has more powerful women leaders than the NDA, and therefore they will be able to carry conviction with voters generally, and with women voters, in particular," said Yashwant Sinha, 81, a former finance minister who quit Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which dominates the NDA, last year.</p>

<p>"They should be very worried, especially after the defeat in the three major Hindi heartland states," he said, referring to BJP's losses in recent state elections.</p>

<p>The entry of Priyanka - she is usually referred to by just her first name - into the political fray drew a gushing reaction from much of the Indian media.</p>

<p>There were pictures of elated supporters dancing, a lot of talk of the 47-year-old's resemblance to her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and comments about her gifts as a speaker able to connect with voters. That contrasts with her brother, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who in the past has been criticized for lacking the common touch.</p>

<p><strong>Triple challenge</strong></p>

<p>The other two women seen threatening Modi's grip on power have a lot more experience than Priyanka, and both could be seen as potential prime ministerial candidates in a coalition government.</p>

<p>Mayawati, a 63-year-old former teacher who goes by just the one name, last month formed an alliance between her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) – which mainly represents&nbsp;the Dalits - and its once bitter foes, the Samajwadi Party that tends to draw support from other lower castes and Muslims.</p>

<p>Then there is 64-year-old Banerjee, who has twice been railways minister in federal governments. Last month, Banerjee – who built her All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) party after leaving Congress in 1997 - organised an anti-BJP rally in Kolkata that attracted hundreds of thousands.</p>

<p>Party colleagues of the three women leaders said they were not available for comment.</p>

<p>To be sure, Modi remains, for now, the most popular leader in the country, opinion polls show.</p>

<p>Modi also cannot be accused of ignoring women's issues during his first term. He has launched a government campaign - Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, or "Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter" - and called for the eradication of female foeticide. His campaigns to provide toilets and subsidised gas cylinders for poorer Indians are often promoted as ways to empower women.</p>

<p>He has six women in his 26-strong cabinet, though a lot of power is centralised with Modi and a couple of senior male lieutenants.</p>

<p>The BJP said it would seek votes on the basis of achievements under Modi and the opposition did not have a "positive alternative to the government and its activities".</p>

<p><strong>Personal Ties</strong></p>

<p>Congress has said it wants to form a post-poll partnership with Mayawati's BSP and SP alliance, though it will be fighting against it in 78 seats. The alliance will not contest two Gandhi strongholds won multiple times by Rahul and his mother Sonia.</p>

<p>Mayawati told a press conference announcing the alliance with the SP that Congress was not part of it because they did not think "there would be much benefit in having them with us before the election".</p>

<p>The BSP, however, backs Congress-led governments in the northern states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.</p>

<p>There is no formal alliance between Banerjee and Congress, though she does know Rahul and Priyanka.</p>

<p>Dinesh Trivedi, a former federal minister and a close aide to Banerjee, said she enjoys a good personal relationship with Sonia Gandhi, the matriarch of the dynasty and a former Congress president, and so working with her two children would not be a problem.</p>

<p>"In terms of experience, Mamata Banerjee is far ahead," Trivedi said. "I wouldn't be surprised if Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi would look at Mamata Banerjee as somebody who could really inspire them."</p>

<p>The strength of Priyanka, Mayawati and Banerjee as a potential opposition alliance is that they can appeal to different parts of the electorate.</p>

<p>Two Congress sources said the formal entry into politics of Priyanka could help rejuvenate the party in Uttar Pradesh, where it is a marginal player.</p>

<p>Coming from what is India's first family, they said she could appeal to upper caste voters in the state who typically vote for the pro-business BJP.</p>

<p>A Congress leader close to the Gandhis said she would attract women, young people, and floating voters.</p>

<p>Priyanka is far from a political neophyte, having supported her brother and mother during previous election campaigns. She has also experienced political and personal tragedy, as Rahul Gandhi stressed in a speech last week.</p>

<p>"You have to understand my relationship with my sister – we have been through a hell of a lot together," he said.</p>

<p>"Everybody is like 'look, you come from this illustrious family, and everything is easy'. Actually, it's not so easy. My father was assassinated, my grandmother was assassinated, huge political battles, wins in political battles, losses in political battles."</p>

<p><strong>'National leader'</strong></p>

<p>BSP spokesman Sudhindra Bhadoria said Mayawati's gender did not matter.</p>

<p>"She has managed a party from scratch to this level. The important fact is that she has organised large numbers, both men and women, Dalits, other backward castes, the poor, minorities," Bhadoria said. "I don't fit them in the straightjacket of male-female. I think she's a national leader."</p>

<p>She is regarded as ambitious. A US&nbsp;diplomatic cable in 2008, among many thousands leaked by Wikileaks two years later, described her as "first-rate egomaniac" who "is obsessed with becoming prime minister".</p>

<p>But Mayawati has also been credited with empowering oppressed lower caste Hindus.</p>

<p>Banerjee, who defeated a 34-year-old communist government in West Bengal in an election in 2011, is known for her streetwise political skills and portrays herself as a secular leader in a country polarised under the BJP.</p>


Three powerful women politicians, each from a very different section of Indian society, may pose a big threat to the chances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning a second term in a general election due by May.

Three powerful women politicians, each from a very different section of Indian society, may pose a big threat to the chances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning a second term in a general election due by May. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, part of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for much of the time since its independence from the British in 1947, joined the struggle in January, when the opposition Congress party made her its face in the nation's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. Two other senior female politicians - the firebrand chief minister of West Bengal state, Mamata Banerjee, and Mayawati, a former Uttar Pradesh chief minister - are also plotting to unseat Modi's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition by forming big opposition groupings, though there is no firm agreement between them as yet. "The opposition has more powerful women leaders than the NDA, and therefore they will be able to carry conviction with voters generally, and with women voters, in particular," said Yashwant Sinha, 81, a former finance minister who quit Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which dominates the NDA, last year. "They should be very worried, especially after the defeat in the three major Hindi heartland states," he said, referring to BJP's losses in recent state elections. The entry of Priyanka - she is usually referred to by just her first name - into the political fray drew a gushing reaction from much of the Indian media. There were pictures of elated supporters dancing, a lot of talk of the 47-year-old's resemblance to her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and comments about her gifts as a speaker able to connect with voters. That contrasts with her brother, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who in the past has been criticized for lacking the common touch. Triple challenge The other two women seen threatening Modi's grip on power have a lot more experience than Priyanka, and both could be seen as potential prime ministerial candidates in a coalition government. Mayawati, a 63-year-old former teacher who goes by just the one name, last month formed an alliance between her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) – which mainly represents the Dalits - and its once bitter foes, the Samajwadi Party that tends to draw support from other lower castes and Muslims. Then there is 64-year-old Banerjee, who has twice been railways minister in federal governments. Last month, Banerjee – who built her All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) party after leaving Congress in 1997 - organised an anti-BJP rally in Kolkata that attracted hundreds of thousands. Party colleagues of the three women leaders said they were not available for comment. To be sure, Modi remains, for now, the most popular leader in the country, opinion polls show. Modi also cannot be accused of ignoring women's issues during his first term. He has launched a government campaign - Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, or "Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter" - and called for the eradication of female foeticide. His campaigns to provide toilets and subsidised gas cylinders for poorer Indians are often promoted as ways to empower women. He has six women in his 26-strong cabinet, though a lot of power is centralised with Modi and a couple of senior male lieutenants. The BJP said it would seek votes on the basis of achievements under Modi and the opposition did not have a "positive alternative to the government and its activities". Personal Ties Congress has said it wants to form a post-poll partnership with Mayawati's BSP and SP alliance, though it will be fighting against it in 78 seats. The alliance will not contest two Gandhi strongholds won multiple times by Rahul and his mother Sonia. Mayawati told a press conference announcing the alliance with the SP that Congress was not part of it because they did not think "there would be much benefit in having them with us before the election". The BSP, however, backs Congress-led governments in the northern states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. There is no formal alliance between Banerjee and Congress, though she does know Rahul and Priyanka. Dinesh Trivedi, a former federal minister and a close aide to Banerjee, said she enjoys a good personal relationship with Sonia Gandhi, the matriarch of the dynasty and a former Congress president, and so working with her two children would not be a problem. "In terms of experience, Mamata Banerjee is far ahead," Trivedi said. "I wouldn't be surprised if Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi would look at Mamata Banerjee as somebody who could really inspire them." The strength of Priyanka, Mayawati and Banerjee as a potential opposition alliance is that they can appeal to different parts of the electorate. Two Congress sources said the formal entry into politics of Priyanka could help rejuvenate the party in Uttar Pradesh, where it is a marginal player. Coming from what is India's first family, they said she could appeal to upper caste voters in the state who typically vote for the pro-business BJP. A Congress leader close to the Gandhis said she would attract women, young people, and floating voters. Priyanka is far from a political neophyte, having supported her brother and mother during previous election campaigns. She has also experienced political and personal tragedy, as Rahul Gandhi stressed in a speech last week. "You have to understand my relationship with my sister – we have been through a hell of a lot together," he said. "Everybody is like 'look, you come from this illustrious family, and everything is easy'. Actually, it's not so easy. My father was assassinated, my grandmother was assassinated, huge political battles, wins in political battles, losses in political battles." 'National leader' BSP spokesman Sudhindra Bhadoria said Mayawati's gender did not matter. "She has managed a party from scratch to this level. The important fact is that she has organised large numbers, both men and women, Dalits, other backward castes, the poor, minorities," Bhadoria said. "I don't fit them in the straightjacket of male-female. I think she's a national leader." She is regarded as ambitious. A US diplomatic cable in 2008, among many thousands leaked by Wikileaks two years later, described her as "first-rate egomaniac" who "is obsessed with becoming prime minister". But Mayawati has also been credited with empowering oppressed lower caste Hindus. Banerjee, who defeated a 34-year-old communist government in West Bengal in an election in 2011, is known for her streetwise political skills and portrays herself as a secular leader in a country polarised under the BJP.

Three women who could be Modi's biggest nightmare in upcoming general election

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-suspending-missile-treaty-after-us-move-agencies-194569">Following US move, Putin says Russia is pulling out of nuclear missile treaty</a></p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rishi-kumar-shukla-appointed-new-cbi-chief-officials-194608">Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed new CBI chief</a></p>

<p>Rishi Kumar Shukla has been appointed the new director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, PTI quoted officials as saying Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shukla is a 1983-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-to-mamata-in-bengal-there-is-a-trinamool-tolabaji-hafta-tax-all-over-the-state-194622">Modi to Mamata in Bengal: Trinamool Tolabaji (</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-to-mamata-in-bengal-there-is-a-trinamool-tolabaji-hafta-tax-all-over-the-state-194622">hafta</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-to-mamata-in-bengal-there-is-a-trinamool-tolabaji-hafta-tax-all-over-the-state-194622">) Tax all over the state</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of foisting a tolabaji (hafta) culture all over the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state. Every child in West Bengal is aware of this TTT. West Bengal is the only state where you have to pay tax for education. No one opposed this culture of syndicate and TTT, which is why the Trinamool Congress got a free run," Modi said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-begins-serious-work-on-uk-staying-in-eu-customs-union-the-independent-194575">British government begins 'serious work' on UK staying in EU customs union: Report</a></p>

<p>British officials have begun "serious work" on the UK staying in a permanent EU customs union as a way to rescue the Brexit deal, the Independent newspaper reported on Friday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-smriti-mandhana-becomes-no1-odi-batswoman-194600">India's Smriti Mandhana becomes No. 1 ODI batswoman</a></p>

<p>Smriti Mandhana has moved up three spots to attain the number one rank in the updated ICC ODI batting rankings, released on Saturday.</p>

<p>After scoring her fourth ODI century and an unbeaten 90 in the three-match series against New Zealand, Mandhana now sits above the Australians Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning.&nbsp;</p>


Following US move, Putin says Russia is pulling out of nuclear missile treaty President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before.

Following US move, Putin says Russia is pulling out of nuclear missile treaty President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before. Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed new CBI chief Rishi Kumar Shukla has been appointed the new director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, PTI quoted officials as saying Saturday. Shukla is a 1983-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Modi to Mamata in Bengal: Trinamool Tolabaji (hafta) Tax all over the state Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of foisting a tolabaji (hafta) culture all over the state. “Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state. Every child in West Bengal is aware of this TTT. West Bengal is the only state where you have to pay tax for education. No one opposed this culture of syndicate and TTT, which is why the Trinamool Congress got a free run," Modi said. British government begins 'serious work' on UK staying in EU customs union: Report British officials have begun "serious work" on the UK staying in a permanent EU customs union as a way to rescue the Brexit deal, the Independent newspaper reported on Friday. India's Smriti Mandhana becomes No. 1 ODI batswoman Smriti Mandhana has moved up three spots to attain the number one rank in the updated ICC ODI batting rankings, released on Saturday. After scoring her fourth ODI century and an unbeaten 90 in the three-match series against New Zealand, Mandhana now sits above the Australians Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning.

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-roasts-mamata-on-her-home-turf-accuses-her-of-orchestrating-violence-against-bjp-workers-194559">Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government</a> of foisting a tolabaji (hafta) culture all over the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state. Every child in West Bengal is aware of this TTT. West Bengal is the only state where you have to pay tax for education. No one opposed this culture of syndicate and TTT, which is why the Trinamool Congress got a free run," Modi said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"But now, the BJP will oppose this. The chowkidar has started a cleanliness drive against this culture,” Modi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi was speaking in Durgapur, where he kickstarted the BJP campaign in the state before the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“People are having to pay tax to get education, find jobs and also pay syndicate tax, when the focus should have been on recruiting teachers. You don't have to fear the syndicate when you enrol in Central government schemes,” Modi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi also took a swipe at the West Bengal government for opting out of the Ayushman scheme.&nbsp;<br />
“West Bengal could've been the largest beneficiary of Ayushman Bharat. But the local government snatched it from the poor people of Bengal," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A government which betrays the poor can never benefit anyone. Those who play with the lives of the poor should be punished,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government's Ayushman Bharat scheme provides health insurance cover of upto Rs 5 lakh a year to each family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And for the second time on Saturday, the prime minister slammed the West Bengal chief minister for violence in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The pure and austere land of Bengal won't tolerate this abuse of democracy. The party which can't respect democracy and indulges in dirty politics is bound to be thrown out. It is imperative that the TMC go."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi had earlier in the day attended another public meeting organised by the All India Matua community at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of foisting a tolabaji (hafta) culture all over the state. “Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of foisting a tolabaji (hafta) culture all over the state. “Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state. Every child in West Bengal is aware of this TTT. West Bengal is the only state where you have to pay tax for education. No one opposed this culture of syndicate and TTT, which is why the Trinamool Congress got a free run," Modi said. "But now, the BJP will oppose this. The chowkidar has started a cleanliness drive against this culture,” Modi added. Modi was speaking in Durgapur, where he kickstarted the BJP campaign in the state before the Lok Sabha elections. “People are having to pay tax to get education, find jobs and also pay syndicate tax, when the focus should have been on recruiting teachers. You don't have to fear the syndicate when you enrol in Central government schemes,” Modi added. Modi also took a swipe at the West Bengal government for opting out of the Ayushman scheme. “West Bengal could've been the largest beneficiary of Ayushman Bharat. But the local government snatched it from the poor people of Bengal," Modi said. "A government which betrays the poor can never benefit anyone. Those who play with the lives of the poor should be punished,” he added. The government's Ayushman Bharat scheme provides health insurance cover of upto Rs 5 lakh a year to each family. And for the second time on Saturday, the prime minister slammed the West Bengal chief minister for violence in the state. “The pure and austere land of Bengal won't tolerate this abuse of democracy. The party which can't respect democracy and indulges in dirty politics is bound to be thrown out. It is imperative that the TMC go." Modi had earlier in the day attended another public meeting organised by the All India Matua community at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district.

Modi to Mamata in Bengal: Trinamool Tolabaji (hafta) Tax all over the state

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick started the Lok Sabha campaign for the BJP in West Bengal on Saturday by addressing a gathering of the Matua community.</p>

<p>PM Modi addressed the&nbsp;gathering at North 24 Parganas in&nbsp;Thakurnagar area after taking blessings from&nbsp;Binapani Devi,&nbsp;current leader of the community and widow of the founder of Matua Mahasangh Harichand&nbsp;Thakur. She is popularly known as 'boro ma'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thakurnagar was a witness to a social movement. It is my good fortune that I've been able to speak in front of the Matua community. You have showered me with lots of love and respect. Things in Bengal will turn around for sure. Looking at the current scenario, I've now understood why Didi resorts to violence. Those who claim to be democratic are killing innocent people. There will be no syndicate tax, no obstacles. The people will directly receive the Rs. 6,000 meant for them under the new budget. The farmers can use this money to meet the expenditures needed for agriculture,"&nbsp;said PM Modi.</p>

<p>PM Modi also&nbsp;took a dig at the West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress party supremo Mamata Banerjee for opposing the Citizenship Amendment Bill.</p>

<p>"Shouldn't those who have had to come back from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh be allowed to live respectfully in India? For them, we have introduced the Citizens Amendment Bill. But, the TMC is opposing it for no reason,"&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p>Thakurnagar is a village inhabited by the Matua community who settled from Bangladesh, the erstwhile East Pakistan after a religious reformation movement led by the late Harichand Thakur. Thakurnagar falls under the Bongaon constituency, housing more than 60% Matua voters.</p>

<p>This vote bank was instrumental in making Mamata Banerjee win during the 2011 assembly polls and bringing her into power.</p>

<p>On the other hand, claiming that the budget presented on Friday will bring relief to farmers and middle income groups, PM Modi said, "Most farmers didn't receive the benefits of loan waivers. Those who did, fell into the debt trap even after that. Congress bought votes by promising farmer loan waivers. But the situation is entirely different in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Leaders haven't focused on the development of rural areas. New India cannot function in this way. The Central government is making every effort for the past 4.5 years for the development of farmers and agricultural laborers."</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick started the Lok Sabha campaign for the BJP in West Bengal on Saturday by addressing a gathering of the Matua community. PM Modi addressed the gathering at North 24 Parganas in Thakurnagar area after taking blessings from Binapani Devi, current leader of the community and widow of the founder of Matua Mahasangh Harichand Thakur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick started the Lok Sabha campaign for the BJP in West Bengal on Saturday by addressing a gathering of the Matua community. PM Modi addressed the gathering at North 24 Parganas in Thakurnagar area after taking blessings from Binapani Devi, current leader of the community and widow of the founder of Matua Mahasangh Harichand Thakur. She is popularly known as 'boro ma'. "Thakurnagar was a witness to a social movement. It is my good fortune that I've been able to speak in front of the Matua community. You have showered me with lots of love and respect. Things in Bengal will turn around for sure. Looking at the current scenario, I've now understood why Didi resorts to violence. Those who claim to be democratic are killing innocent people. There will be no syndicate tax, no obstacles. The people will directly receive the Rs. 6,000 meant for them under the new budget. The farmers can use this money to meet the expenditures needed for agriculture," said PM Modi. PM Modi also took a dig at the West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress party supremo Mamata Banerjee for opposing the Citizenship Amendment Bill. "Shouldn't those who have had to come back from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh be allowed to live respectfully in India? For them, we have introduced the Citizens Amendment Bill. But, the TMC is opposing it for no reason," he said. Thakurnagar is a village inhabited by the Matua community who settled from Bangladesh, the erstwhile East Pakistan after a religious reformation movement led by the late Harichand Thakur. Thakurnagar falls under the Bongaon constituency, housing more than 60% Matua voters. This vote bank was instrumental in making Mamata Banerjee win during the 2011 assembly polls and bringing her into power. On the other hand, claiming that the budget presented on Friday will bring relief to farmers and middle income groups, PM Modi said, "Most farmers didn't receive the benefits of loan waivers. Those who did, fell into the debt trap even after that. Congress bought votes by promising farmer loan waivers. But the situation is entirely different in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Leaders haven't focused on the development of rural areas. New India cannot function in this way. The Central government is making every effort for the past 4.5 years for the development of farmers and agricultural laborers."

West Bengal: PM Modi addresses Matua community in Thakurnagar; launches blistering attack on Mamata Banerjee

<p>BJP president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/shah-heaps-praises-on-pm-modi-says-he-makes-india-proud-by-speaking-in-hindi-at-un-193699">Amit Shah </a>on Tuesday mocked Priyanka Gandhi's decision to join politics and said a government run by a dynasty could not serve the people but could only provide a "majboor (helpless) government".</p>

<p>He also criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal and said the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be about restoring democracy in the state.</p>

<p>"Narendra Modi will get elected as prime minister again after the Lok Sabha election. But in West Bengal, the polls will be about restoring democracy," Shah told a rally here.</p>

<p>Mocking the entry of Priyanka Gandhi into active politics, he said a government run by a dynasty could not serve the people but could only provide a "majboor government".</p>

<p>"During the UPA rule, we had witnessed huge scams such as 2G. Now the third G has jumped on the bandwagon...Now we have Priyanka G (Gandhi). What will be the amount of the scam?</p>

<p>"So now, they (the Congress) want to add 2G and the third G and indulge in more corruption," Shah said.</p>

<p>The Congress earlier this week appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). The charge will take effect from the first week of February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Priyanka Gandhi's appointment will initiate her active participation in country's politics right ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.'</p>

<p>The decision is seen as significant and pivotal for Congress' electoral plan ahead of this year's general elections. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday mocked Priyanka Gandhi's decision to join politics and said a government run by a dynasty could not serve the people but could only provide a "majboor (helpless) government".

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday mocked Priyanka Gandhi's decision to join politics and said a government run by a dynasty could not serve the people but could only provide a "majboor (helpless) government". He also criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal and said the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be about restoring democracy in the state. "Narendra Modi will get elected as prime minister again after the Lok Sabha election. But in West Bengal, the polls will be about restoring democracy," Shah told a rally here. Mocking the entry of Priyanka Gandhi into active politics, he said a government run by a dynasty could not serve the people but could only provide a "majboor government". "During the UPA rule, we had witnessed huge scams such as 2G. Now the third G has jumped on the bandwagon...Now we have Priyanka G (Gandhi). What will be the amount of the scam? "So now, they (the Congress) want to add 2G and the third G and indulge in more corruption," Shah said. The Congress earlier this week appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). The charge will take effect from the first week of February. The Priyanka Gandhi's appointment will initiate her active participation in country's politics right ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.' The decision is seen as significant and pivotal for Congress' electoral plan ahead of this year's general elections.

Government run by dynasty cannot serve the people: Amit Shah

<p>Union minister Maneka Gandhi Wednesday lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not implementing key government schemes meant for women empowerment, saying the state government’s approach towards women is “disastrous”.</p>

<p>In a series of tweets, the Women and Child Development Minister alleged that women in West Bengal are not getting the benefits of “significant programmes” like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, maternity benefits program Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and One Stop Centre scheme.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am certain that the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> are unhappy with the undemocratic Policies of the State Government. Shortly, people will have an opportunity to elect the pro-people Government.</p>
— Maneka Gandhi (@Manekagandhibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/Manekagandhibjp/status/1088035431441084422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>“It is disheartening to look at the current state of affairs in West Bengal, with regard to women safety and women welfare, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. The state government’s approach towards women is disastrous,” she said in a tweet.</p>

<p>“I am deeply pained to share that the state government has not implemented the key schemes of government meant for women empowerment,” Maneka said in another tweet.</p>

<p>She also said that shortly people will have an opportunity to elect a pro-people government. “I am certain that the people of #WestBengal are unhappy with the undemocratic policies of the state government. Shortly, people will have an opportunity to elect the pro-people government,” Maneka said.</p>


Union minister Maneka Gandhi Wednesday lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not implementing key government schemes meant for women empowerment, saying the state government’s approach towards women is “disastrous”.

Union minister Maneka Gandhi Wednesday lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not implementing key government schemes meant for women empowerment, saying the state government’s approach towards women is “disastrous”. In a series of tweets, the Women and Child Development Minister alleged that women in West Bengal are not getting the benefits of “significant programmes” like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, maternity benefits program Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and One Stop Centre scheme. I am certain that the people of #WestBengal are unhappy with the undemocratic Policies of the State Government. Shortly, people will have an opportunity to elect the pro-people Government. — Maneka Gandhi (@Manekagandhibjp) January 23, 2019 × “It is disheartening to look at the current state of affairs in West Bengal, with regard to women safety and women welfare, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. The state government’s approach towards women is disastrous,” she said in a tweet. “I am deeply pained to share that the state government has not implemented the key schemes of government meant for women empowerment,” Maneka said in another tweet. She also said that shortly people will have an opportunity to elect a pro-people government. “I am certain that the people of #WestBengal are unhappy with the undemocratic policies of the state government. Shortly, people will have an opportunity to elect the pro-people government,” Maneka said.

Mamata Banerjee govt’s approach towards women is ‘disastrous’: Maneka Gandhi

<p>By now it should be obvious that there is going to be no grand national coalition to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019. Instead, there would be mini-alliances at the state-level to contain the ruling party and dent Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal charisma. Some such partnerships have already been formalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Uttar Pradesh, the BSP and the SP have joined hands; in Maharashtra, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party have decided to contest as a team; in Telangana, the TDP and the Congress are together. Besides, the possibility of the Congress and the DMK aligning with each other in Tamil Nadu, and the National Conference, PDP and the Congress striking a deal in J&amp;K, is strong. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
The prospect of a pre-poll national alternative to the BJP-led NDA is bleak despite the impressive show of solidarity among opposition leaders that was witnessed on Saturday at a rally organised by Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leader after leader in their speeches called for the ouster of the Modi-led NDA regime, accusing it of various improprieties. It must be recalled a similar show of strength had been seen some months ago in Bangalore when HD Kumaraswamy was sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka. It had led to speculation that at last, the opposition was on the way to uniting. But it did not happen. It’s not just that many regional parties are wary of partnering with the Congress. There are contradictions among the regional outfits themselves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For instance, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has also launched his drive for a similar alternative, but he skipped the Kolkata event. The NCP will contest Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra in alliance with the Congress, but its leader Sharad Pawar was in attendance at Banerjee’s event which was billed to promote a regional front as opposed to a Congress-led one. BSP supremo Mayawati did not attend, though her Uttar Pradesh partner Akhilesh Yadav was there. Even DMK leader MK Stalin, who has endorsed Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s candidature as prime minister, was present in the Kolkata rally which certainly was not held to stamp its approval to Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Then there are the likes of powerful regional satraps such as Naveen Patnaik of the Biju Janata Dal who refuse to play ball with the idea of the so-called federal front or align with the Congress, even as they position themselves in opposition to the BJP. The AIADMK too has consistently kept away from these initiatives, possibility because it wants to keep the doors open for a tie-up with the BJP in the coming months. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Given the confusion, it’s not surprising that regional parties who often attend grand programmes and vow to oust the Modi regime are bereft of both an acceptable face who will lead them to the national electoral battle and policy direction on issues of national importance. In fact, these are not even priorities for them, as they have stated time and again. The priority is to get rid of the Modi government; everything else is supposed to seamlessly follow thereafter. The problem is: Recent political history shows that ‘everything else’ does not follow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the run-up to the 1977 Lok Sabha poll, a large number of leaders belonging to various outfits got together and formed the Janata Party with the express and sole purpose to defeat Indira Gandhi and her Congress in the aftermath of Emergency. They had no other agenda — no economic policy, no foreign policy etc. They exploited the mood against her and won. But within months the unravelling began and in two years the government collapsed. The ‘oust one person’ agenda does not work by itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is ironical that the Kolkata rally should have glorified coalition politics when some of the participants are having sleepless nights managing a coalition. Kumaraswamy had, for instance, only hours before the event, lamented that he had to run a coalition government. He said that he would have been able to govern far more efficiently had his party, the Janata Dal (Secular), been given a clear majority by the electorate. And who can forget his teary-eyed statement that coalition politics was a “poison” which he had been compelled to consume! &nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, Kumaraswamy is currently facing a crisis in his home state, with reports of a few Congress MLAs ready to rebel. Two Independents have already withdrawn their support to his government. While the BJP has been blamed for seeking to destabilise the coalition regime, the fact is that the upheaval is largely due to friction within the Congress, divided into the DK Shivakumar and the Siddaramaiah camps, and the BJP is naturally hoping to cash in on the internecine conflict. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The perils of an unnatural coalition are manifest in the Karnataka example — as they were in the BJP-PDP alliance in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Raising hands in unity on public platforms is one thing; contesting elections on the ground in an equally united fashion with a leader at the helm, is another.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


By now it should be obvious that there is going to be no grand national coalition to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019. Instead, there would be mini-alliances at the state-level to contain the ruling party and dent Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal charisma.

By now it should be obvious that there is going to be no grand national coalition to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019. Instead, there would be mini-alliances at the state-level to contain the ruling party and dent Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal charisma. Some such partnerships have already been formalised. In Uttar Pradesh, the BSP and the SP have joined hands; in Maharashtra, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party have decided to contest as a team; in Telangana, the TDP and the Congress are together. Besides, the possibility of the Congress and the DMK aligning with each other in Tamil Nadu, and the National Conference, PDP and the Congress striking a deal in J&K, is strong. The prospect of a pre-poll national alternative to the BJP-led NDA is bleak despite the impressive show of solidarity among opposition leaders that was witnessed on Saturday at a rally organised by Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. Leader after leader in their speeches called for the ouster of the Modi-led NDA regime, accusing it of various improprieties. It must be recalled a similar show of strength had been seen some months ago in Bangalore when HD Kumaraswamy was sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka. It had led to speculation that at last, the opposition was on the way to uniting. But it did not happen. It’s not just that many regional parties are wary of partnering with the Congress. There are contradictions among the regional outfits themselves. For instance, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has also launched his drive for a similar alternative, but he skipped the Kolkata event. The NCP will contest Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra in alliance with the Congress, but its leader Sharad Pawar was in attendance at Banerjee’s event which was billed to promote a regional front as opposed to a Congress-led one. BSP supremo Mayawati did not attend, though her Uttar Pradesh partner Akhilesh Yadav was there. Even DMK leader MK Stalin, who has endorsed Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s candidature as prime minister, was present in the Kolkata rally which certainly was not held to stamp its approval to Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. Then there are the likes of powerful regional satraps such as Naveen Patnaik of the Biju Janata Dal who refuse to play ball with the idea of the so-called federal front or align with the Congress, even as they position themselves in opposition to the BJP. The AIADMK too has consistently kept away from these initiatives, possibility because it wants to keep the doors open for a tie-up with the BJP in the coming months. Given the confusion, it’s not surprising that regional parties who often attend grand programmes and vow to oust the Modi regime are bereft of both an acceptable face who will lead them to the national electoral battle and policy direction on issues of national importance. In fact, these are not even priorities for them, as they have stated time and again. The priority is to get rid of the Modi government; everything else is supposed to seamlessly follow thereafter. The problem is: Recent political history shows that ‘everything else’ does not follow. In the run-up to the 1977 Lok Sabha poll, a large number of leaders belonging to various outfits got together and formed the Janata Party with the express and sole purpose to defeat Indira Gandhi and her Congress in the aftermath of Emergency. They had no other agenda — no economic policy, no foreign policy etc. They exploited the mood against her and won. But within months the unravelling began and in two years the government collapsed. The ‘oust one person’ agenda does not work by itself. It is ironical that the Kolkata rally should have glorified coalition politics when some of the participants are having sleepless nights managing a coalition. Kumaraswamy had, for instance, only hours before the event, lamented that he had to run a coalition government. He said that he would have been able to govern far more efficiently had his party, the Janata Dal (Secular), been given a clear majority by the electorate. And who can forget his teary-eyed statement that coalition politics was a “poison” which he had been compelled to consume! Besides, Kumaraswamy is currently facing a crisis in his home state, with reports of a few Congress MLAs ready to rebel. Two Independents have already withdrawn their support to his government. While the BJP has been blamed for seeking to destabilise the coalition regime, the fact is that the upheaval is largely due to friction within the Congress, divided into the DK Shivakumar and the Siddaramaiah camps, and the BJP is naturally hoping to cash in on the internecine conflict. The perils of an unnatural coalition are manifest in the Karnataka example — as they were in the BJP-PDP alliance in Jammu & Kashmir. Raising hands in unity on public platforms is one thing; contesting elections on the ground in an equally united fashion with a leader at the helm, is another. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A strong show of unity, but chances of grand alliance still bleak

<p>West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district.</p>

<p>Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said Amit Shah's chopper should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting information and misleading people".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WB CM: Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said chopper(Amit Shah's)should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting info&amp;misleading ppl <a href="https://t.co/pUcLTrqPF3">pic.twitter.com/pUcLTrqPF3</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087264218020225024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier reports said that the West Bengal government has denied the permission for the landing of the helicopter in the Malda district&nbsp;citing ongoing "up-gradation" in the area.</p>

<p>Shah who is scheduled to address a rally in Malda on January 22 is supposed to take a helicopter from Kolkata to reach Malda and address the public rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A letter written by the Additional DM to the BJP had stated, "Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand and material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of the helicopter. Permission not possible".</p>

<p>BJP General Secretary, on the other hand, claimed that the Malda airport is being used by West Bengal government for landing their airport service every Wednesday.</p>

<p>"Malda airport is now being used by West Bengal government for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB government?" General Secretary, BJP Malda asked the administration.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WB: In letter dated 18 Jan, Addl DM, Malda replied to BJP over permission for landing chopper at Malda airport on 20 Jan, states 'Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand&amp;material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible'</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087216353394741250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">General Secy, BJP Malda had written to Malda DM on 18 Jan stating 'Malda airport is now being used by WB govt for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB govt?' <a href="https://t.co/igpJisZyul">https://t.co/igpJisZyul</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087217407113003009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reacting on the incident Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " Tomorrow our National President Amit Shah, after having recovered, was to address a rally in Malda in West Bengal. But permission had been refused for his helicopter to land on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there".</p>

<p>"At same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Min RS Prasad: At same helipad Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat &amp; clean. Helicopters are landing &amp; can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of govt power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied. <a href="https://t.co/xdOrCSvgra">pic.twitter.com/xdOrCSvgra</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087235557149663232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district. Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district. Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said Amit Shah's chopper should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting information and misleading people". WB CM: Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said chopper(Amit Shah's)should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting info&misleading ppl pic.twitter.com/pUcLTrqPF3 — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Earlier reports said that the West Bengal government has denied the permission for the landing of the helicopter in the Malda district citing ongoing "up-gradation" in the area. Shah who is scheduled to address a rally in Malda on January 22 is supposed to take a helicopter from Kolkata to reach Malda and address the public rally. A letter written by the Additional DM to the BJP had stated, "Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand and material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of the helicopter. Permission not possible". BJP General Secretary, on the other hand, claimed that the Malda airport is being used by West Bengal government for landing their airport service every Wednesday. "Malda airport is now being used by West Bengal government for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB government?" General Secretary, BJP Malda asked the administration. WB: In letter dated 18 Jan, Addl DM, Malda replied to BJP over permission for landing chopper at Malda airport on 20 Jan, states 'Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand&material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible' — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × General Secy, BJP Malda had written to Malda DM on 18 Jan stating 'Malda airport is now being used by WB govt for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB govt?' https://t.co/igpJisZyul — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Reacting on the incident Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " Tomorrow our National President Amit Shah, after having recovered, was to address a rally in Malda in West Bengal. But permission had been refused for his helicopter to land on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there". "At same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied". Union Min RS Prasad: At same helipad Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat & clean. Helicopters are landing & can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of govt power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied. pic.twitter.com/xdOrCSvgra — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 ×

West Bengal finally says it will allow Amit Shah's helicopter to land

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-offers-temporary-protection-to-immigrants-in-return-for-his-wall-democrats-say-no-191509">Trump offers temporary protection to immigrants in return for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-offers-temporary-protection-to-immigrants-in-return-for-his-wall-democrats-say-no-191509">border</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-offers-temporary-protection-to-immigrants-in-return-for-his-wall-democrats-say-no-191509"> wall, Democrats say no</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump on Saturday offered to temporarily shield a million immigrants from deportation if Congress authorizes funding for his Mexican border wall -- an idea Democrats rejected, making the US government shutdown likely to grind on.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pms-office-says-reports-of-parliament-seizing-control-from-govt-over-brexit-extremely-concerning-191516">UK PM's office says reports of parliament seizing control from govt over Brexit 'extremely concerning'</a></p>

<p>British Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office said Sunday that reported plots about parliament seizing control from the government over Brexit were "extremely concerning".</p>

<p>Downing Street blasted reported moves by lawmakers seeking to rewrite the rules of the House of Commons in an attempt to take control of the business of the lower chamber in order to frustrate May's Brexit plans.</p>

<p>Groups of MPs are planning to table such amendments this week, newspapers reported Sunday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-stopped-from-looting-public-money-are-forming-mahagathbandhan-pm-modi-191517">Those stopped from looting public money are forming '</a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-stopped-from-looting-public-money-are-forming-mahagathbandhan-pm-modi-191517">mahagathbandhan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-stopped-from-looting-public-money-are-forming-mahagathbandhan-pm-modi-191517">': PM Modi</a></p>

<p>On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at their proposed 'mahagathbandhan' or grand alliance, saying it is a combination of those who are angry at his stringent action against corruption as they have been stopped from looting public money.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-fuel-pipeline-blast-death-toll-rises-to-73-191521">Mexico fuel pipeline blast: Death toll rises to 73</a></p>

<p>At least 73 people were killed after a pipeline ruptured by suspected fuel thieves exploded in central Mexico, authorities said on Saturday, as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador defended the army despite its failure to clear the site before the blast.</p>

<p>Forensic experts filled body bags with charred human remains in the field where the explosion occurred on Friday evening by the town of Tlahuelilpan in the state of Hidalgo, in one of the deadliest incidents to hit Mexico's troubled oil infrastructure in years.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-prince-philip-back-driving-after-car-crash-without-seatbelt-191512">Britain's Prince Philip back to driving after car crash — without </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-prince-philip-back-driving-after-car-crash-without-seatbelt-191512">seatbelt</a></p>

<p>Britain's Prince Philip has been spoken to by the police for driving without a seatbelt — just two days after the 97-year-old survived a car crash.</p>

<p>Images published in newspapers on Sunday appeared to show Queen Elizabeth II's husband behind the wheel of his replacement sport utility vehicle.</p>

<p>The Duke of Edinburgh was pictured driving the new Land Rover Freelander on his wife's private Sandringham estate on Saturday.</p>


Trump offers temporary protection to immigrants in return for border wall, Democrats say no US President Donald Trump on Saturday offered to temporarily shield a million immigrants from deportation if Congress authorizes funding for his Mexican border wall -- an idea Democrats rejected, making the US government shutdown likely to grind on.

Trump offers temporary protection to immigrants in return for border wall, Democrats say no US President Donald Trump on Saturday offered to temporarily shield a million immigrants from deportation if Congress authorizes funding for his Mexican border wall -- an idea Democrats rejected, making the US government shutdown likely to grind on. UK PM's office says reports of parliament seizing control from govt over Brexit 'extremely concerning' British Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office said Sunday that reported plots about parliament seizing control from the government over Brexit were "extremely concerning". Downing Street blasted reported moves by lawmakers seeking to rewrite the rules of the House of Commons in an attempt to take control of the business of the lower chamber in order to frustrate May's Brexit plans. Groups of MPs are planning to table such amendments this week, newspapers reported Sunday. Those stopped from looting public money are forming 'mahagathbandhan': PM Modi On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at their proposed 'mahagathbandhan' or grand alliance, saying it is a combination of those who are angry at his stringent action against corruption as they have been stopped from looting public money. Mexico fuel pipeline blast: Death toll rises to 73 At least 73 people were killed after a pipeline ruptured by suspected fuel thieves exploded in central Mexico, authorities said on Saturday, as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador defended the army despite its failure to clear the site before the blast. Forensic experts filled body bags with charred human remains in the field where the explosion occurred on Friday evening by the town of Tlahuelilpan in the state of Hidalgo, in one of the deadliest incidents to hit Mexico's troubled oil infrastructure in years. Britain's Prince Philip back to driving after car crash — without seatbelt Britain's Prince Philip has been spoken to by the police for driving without a seatbelt — just two days after the 97-year-old survived a car crash. Images published in newspapers on Sunday appeared to show Queen Elizabeth II's husband behind the wheel of his replacement sport utility vehicle. The Duke of Edinburgh was pictured driving the new Land Rover Freelander on his wife's private Sandringham estate on Saturday.

<p>On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at their proposed 'mahagathbandhan' or grand alliance, saying it is a combination of those who are angry at his stringent action against corruption as they have been stopped from looting public money.</p>

<p>"The '<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahagathbandhan-is-not-against-me-but-people-of-india-pm-modi-in-gujarat-191429">mahagathbandhan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahagathbandhan-is-not-against-me-but-people-of-india-pm-modi-in-gujarat-191429">' or grand alliance</a> is not just against Narendra Modi but also against the people of India... They can make any number of gathbandhan to save their parivars, their sultanates... But they will never be able to win hearts of the people," the prime minister said on Saturday while addressing a public function at Silvassa, the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.</p>

<p>In a dig at the opposition rally organised by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata, he said the BJP has only one MLA in West Bengal, "but still they are so afraid of us because we follow the path of truth that they have gathered parties from across the country and are crying 'bachao, bachao, bachao' (save us)".</p>

<p>"... Their world is centred around the progress of their families, their kith and kin. In their world, there is no vision for India," Modi said, adding the countrymen are his family and his sole aim is the progress of the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They are troubled as to why Modi is taking stringent action against corruption. Should I not fight against corruption...They are troubled as to why Modi has banished the middlemen from the corridors of power."</p>

<p>"They are so angry that I prevented them from looting public money that they are trying to form the 'mahagathbandhan'," Modi said, adding that these leaders have come together out of fear.</p>

<p>"They can make any number of gathbandhan to save their parivars, their sultanates, but they cannot run away from their karmas. Their karmas are following them on each and every step," Modi said.</p>

<p>"Their politics, which is centred around hatred for Modi, can get traction in newspapers and television channels, but it will never be able to win hearts of the people who are watching their every move," the prime minister said, after laying a foundation stone for a medical college.</p>

<p>Against the backdrop of the West Bengal government denying permission to BJP to organise yatras in West Bengal, the PM said political parties in the TMC-ruled state are not even allowed to carry out their programmes.</p>

<p>"Party workers are killed there during elections and they talk about saving democracy. When those involved in suffocating democracy talk of saving it, then people will say 'wah kya baat hai...'," he said, mocking the parties opposing the BJP.</p>

<p>Leaders of an array of opposition parties are taking part in the 'United India Rally' in Kolkata, where Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee gave a call for changing the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Modi said all these parties once used to abuse the Congress, but now their leaders are together as the ground is slipping beneath their feet.</p>

<p>"Their world starts with hatred for Modi and ends by hurling abuses at Modi. Their world is centred around the progress of their families, their kith and kin. In their world, there is no vision for India," Modi said.</p>

<p>"While my world starts with how to bring changes to the life of 125 crore people of the country without any focus on family and with a vision to make India the foremost developed country in the 21st century," Modi said.</p>

<p>In the 60-year rule of one party, not much work was done as they gave more importance to names instead of work, he said. In the last four-and-half years many new schemes have been launched but none of them is associated with the name Modi, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This shows that our intention is to ensure the progress of the people and not just one family... This is not our culture... For me the 1.25 crore countrymen are my family," Modi said.</p>


On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at their proposed 'mahagathbandhan' or grand alliance, saying it is a combination of those who are angry at his stringent action against corruption as they have been stopped from looting public money.

On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at their proposed 'mahagathbandhan' or grand alliance, saying it is a combination of those who are angry at his stringent action against corruption as they have been stopped from looting public money. "The 'mahagathbandhan' or grand alliance is not just against Narendra Modi but also against the people of India... They can make any number of gathbandhan to save their parivars, their sultanates... But they will never be able to win hearts of the people," the prime minister said on Saturday while addressing a public function at Silvassa, the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. In a dig at the opposition rally organised by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata, he said the BJP has only one MLA in West Bengal, "but still they are so afraid of us because we follow the path of truth that they have gathered parties from across the country and are crying 'bachao, bachao, bachao' (save us)". "... Their world is centred around the progress of their families, their kith and kin. In their world, there is no vision for India," Modi said, adding the countrymen are his family and his sole aim is the progress of the nation. "They are troubled as to why Modi is taking stringent action against corruption. Should I not fight against corruption...They are troubled as to why Modi has banished the middlemen from the corridors of power." "They are so angry that I prevented them from looting public money that they are trying to form the 'mahagathbandhan'," Modi said, adding that these leaders have come together out of fear. "They can make any number of gathbandhan to save their parivars, their sultanates, but they cannot run away from their karmas. Their karmas are following them on each and every step," Modi said. "Their politics, which is centred around hatred for Modi, can get traction in newspapers and television channels, but it will never be able to win hearts of the people who are watching their every move," the prime minister said, after laying a foundation stone for a medical college. Against the backdrop of the West Bengal government denying permission to BJP to organise yatras in West Bengal, the PM said political parties in the TMC-ruled state are not even allowed to carry out their programmes. "Party workers are killed there during elections and they talk about saving democracy. When those involved in suffocating democracy talk of saving it, then people will say 'wah kya baat hai...'," he said, mocking the parties opposing the BJP. Leaders of an array of opposition parties are taking part in the 'United India Rally' in Kolkata, where Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee gave a call for changing the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Modi said all these parties once used to abuse the Congress, but now their leaders are together as the ground is slipping beneath their feet. "Their world starts with hatred for Modi and ends by hurling abuses at Modi. Their world is centred around the progress of their families, their kith and kin. In their world, there is no vision for India," Modi said. "While my world starts with how to bring changes to the life of 125 crore people of the country without any focus on family and with a vision to make India the foremost developed country in the 21st century," Modi said. In the 60-year rule of one party, not much work was done as they gave more importance to names instead of work, he said. In the last four-and-half years many new schemes have been launched but none of them is associated with the name Modi, he said. "This shows that our intention is to ensure the progress of the people and not just one family... This is not our culture... For me the 1.25 crore countrymen are my family," Modi said.

Those stopped from looting public money are forming 'mahagathbandhan': PM Modi

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