<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today called up Patidar leader Hardik Patel and congratulated him for his &quot;tremendous work&quot; in the Gujarat Assembly election, the results of which were announced yesterday.</p>

<p>&quot;He&nbsp;has done so well&nbsp;at a young age. I called him up to congratulate him for the feat,&quot; she told reporters at the state secretariat here.</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress supremo said she would also call up the young Dalit leader of Gujarat Jignesh Mevani and OBC leader Alpesh Thakor for their &quot;positive show&quot; in the polls.</p>

<p>Patel, Mevani and Thakor had thrown up a tough challenge to the ruling BJP in the Gujarat polls. While Thakor won on a Congress ticket and Mevani as an Independent, 24-year-old Patel&#39;s Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) had backed the Congress candidates.</p>

<p>Banerjee had yesterday said the Gujarat poll outcome was a moral defeat for the BJP and that the people of the state had &quot;belled the cat for 2019&quot;.</p>

<p>She had congratulated the people of Gujarat for their &quot;very balanced verdict&quot; and said it was a face-saving win for the BJP.</p>

<p>The TMC chief, who has often been strident in her criticism of the BJP, had recently hailed Congress president Rahul Gandhi for &quot;putting the BJP on the backfoot&quot;.</p>

<p>The BJP fought off a strong challenge from Congress to win the Gujarat Assembly polls for the sixth successive time yesterday and also wrested power from the Congress in Himachal Pradesh with a close to two-thirds majority.&nbsp;</p>


She congratulated him for his 'tremendous work' in the Gujarat Assembly election

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today called up Patidar leader Hardik Patel and congratulated him for his "tremendous work" in the Gujarat Assembly election, the results of which were announced yesterday. "He has done so well at a young age. I called him up to congratulate him for the feat," she told reporters at the state secretariat here. The Trinamool Congress supremo said she would also call up the young Dalit leader of Gujarat Jignesh Mevani and OBC leader Alpesh Thakor for their "positive show" in the polls. Patel, Mevani and Thakor had thrown up a tough challenge to the ruling BJP in the Gujarat polls. While Thakor won on a Congress ticket and Mevani as an Independent, 24-year-old Patel's Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) had backed the Congress candidates. Banerjee had yesterday said the Gujarat poll outcome was a moral defeat for the BJP and that the people of the state had "belled the cat for 2019". She had congratulated the people of Gujarat for their "very balanced verdict" and said it was a face-saving win for the BJP. The TMC chief, who has often been strident in her criticism of the BJP, had recently hailed Congress president Rahul Gandhi for "putting the BJP on the backfoot". The BJP fought off a strong challenge from Congress to win the Gujarat Assembly polls for the sixth successive time yesterday and also wrested power from the Congress in Himachal Pradesh with a close to two-thirds majority.

Mamata calls up Hardik, congratulates him

<p>Mamata Banerjee on Monday&nbsp;congratulated the people in Gujarat for their &#39;balanced verdict&#39;, following the election results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further claimed that this is just a &#39;temporary and face-saving win for BJP, however, it shows their defeat&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She posted a Tweet saying: &quot;I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour.&nbsp;It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP.&quot;</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress leader further added: &quot;Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety, and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour.<br />
It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP.<br />
Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019</p>
&mdash; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/942705505042014208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP is in the lead in 99 seats in Gujarat and Congress is trailing with 80 seats in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-election-results-i-accept-the-bjps-victory-says-congresss-virbhadra-singh-27075">Himachal election results: &#39;I accept victory of BJP,&#39; says Congress&#39;s Virbhadra Singh</a></p>

<p>Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had tweeted expressing his gratitude towards the people of Gujarat and said that he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-accepts-verdict-of-the-people-rahul-gandhi-27081">&quot;accepts the verdict of the people</a>&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further told his supporters that they have demonstrated to everyone that the &#39;Congress&rsquo;s greatest strength is its decency and courage.&#39;</p>

<p>Also&nbsp;read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-bow-to-people-of-gujarat-and-himachal-modi-27072"> I bow to people of Gujarat and Himachal: Modi</a></p>

<p>BJP has taken a clean sweep from Congress in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


BJP has taken a clean sweep from Congress in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh

Mamata Banerjee on Monday congratulated the people in Gujarat for their 'balanced verdict', following the election results. She further claimed that this is just a 'temporary and face-saving win for BJP, however, it shows their defeat'. She posted a Tweet saying: "I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour. It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP." The Trinamool Congress leader further added: "Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety, and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019" I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour. It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP. Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019 — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 18, 2017 × The BJP is in the lead in 99 seats in Gujarat and Congress is trailing with 80 seats in the state. Also read: Himachal election results: 'I accept victory of BJP,' says Congress's Virbhadra Singh Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had tweeted expressing his gratitude towards the people of Gujarat and said that he "accepts the verdict of the people". He further told his supporters that they have demonstrated to everyone that the 'Congress’s greatest strength is its decency and courage.' Also read: I bow to people of Gujarat and Himachal: Modi BJP has taken a clean sweep from Congress in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

Temporary and face-saving win for BJP, says Mamata Banerjee

<p>Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav met West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Saturday fuelling speculation of a possible front against the BJP in the next Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Yadav, who was in the city for a party conference, met Mamata Banerjee at her residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is a need for all secular parties to unite against communal forces, the SP chief said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Whenever I have visited Bengal, I have met Didi (Mamata Banerjee). Her secular battle is not hidden from anyone and Samajwadi Party stands with her in her battle: Former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kolkata?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kolkata</a> <a href="https://t.co/4DVjYU4eDm">pic.twitter.com/4DVjYU4eDm</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936933390065926144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>When asked whether he would form a joint front with the West Bengal CM, he said &quot;Whenever I have visited Bengal, I have met Didi (Mamata Banerjee). Her secular battle is not hidden from anyone and Samajwadi Party stands with her in her battle,&#39;&#39; former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said after meeting the West Bengal CM.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A warm meeting with the very kind and respectful Chief Minster, <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a> at her residence in Kolkata today. <a href="https://t.co/pN3Mc89km0">pic.twitter.com/pN3Mc89km0</a></p>
&mdash; Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/936988777305858048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Asked about BJP&#39;s victory in the local body elections in UP, he said that the BJP winning percentage is 46 per cent in areas wherever polls were conducted via EVMs and 15 per cent when it was done by ballot papers. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I will ask the people to check that the BJP has bagged 46 per cent votes in places where elections were held using EVM and only 15 per cent votes where the polls were held through ballot paper,&quot; he said.</p>


Yadav, who was in the city for a party conference, met Mamata Banerjee at her residence

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav met West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Saturday fuelling speculation of a possible front against the BJP in the next Lok Sabha polls. Yadav, who was in the city for a party conference, met Mamata Banerjee at her residence. There is a need for all secular parties to unite against communal forces, the SP chief said. Whenever I have visited Bengal, I have met Didi (Mamata Banerjee). Her secular battle is not hidden from anyone and Samajwadi Party stands with her in her battle: Former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/4DVjYU4eDm — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × When asked whether he would form a joint front with the West Bengal CM, he said "Whenever I have visited Bengal, I have met Didi (Mamata Banerjee). Her secular battle is not hidden from anyone and Samajwadi Party stands with her in her battle,'' former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said after meeting the West Bengal CM. A warm meeting with the very kind and respectful Chief Minster, @MamataOfficial at her residence in Kolkata today. pic.twitter.com/pN3Mc89km0 — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) December 2, 2017 × Asked about BJP's victory in the local body elections in UP, he said that the BJP winning percentage is 46 per cent in areas wherever polls were conducted via EVMs and 15 per cent when it was done by ballot papers. "I will ask the people to check that the BJP has bagged 46 per cent votes in places where elections were held using EVM and only 15 per cent votes where the polls were held through ballot paper," he said.

Akhilesh Yadav meets  Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata

<p>The second-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures are out. As per Central Statistics Office (CSO) data, the GDP snapped five quarters slide and in rebound of sorts claimbed to 6.3 per cent from a 3-year low of 5.7 per cent.</p>

<p>Former finance minister P Chidambaram tweeted that 6.3 per cent was far below the promise of the Modi government and far below the potential of a well-managed Indian economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Happy that the July-Sep quarter has registered a growth rate of 6.3%. This a PAUSE in the declining trend of the last five quarters, he tweeted.</p>

<p>&#39;6.3% is far below the PROMISE of the Modi government and far below the POTENTIAL of a well-managed Indian economy,&#39;&#39; he said and added &#39;&#39;We should wait for the growth rates over the next 3-4 quarters before we can reach a definite conclusion but we cannot say now whether this will mark an upward trend in the growth rate.&#39;&#39;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted last year Q2 GDP growth was 7.5% and this year it is 6.3%. This government only bhashan, no action.</p>

<p>&#39;GDP figures out. Again no growth. No jobs.Effects of note ban scam &amp; unplanned GST continue to damage the economy. Only talking. No performance,&#39;&#39; she added in another tweet.</p>

<p>Here are some of the reactions from the ruling party and the opposition:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today&rsquo;s GDP numbers reiterate the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaUnstoppable?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaUnstoppable</a> story under PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. The strong rebound in growth is a reflection of solid economic management by the Modi Government.</p>
&mdash; Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/936216354067136512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India&#39;s GDP growth rate shows upward trend in 2nd quarter of 2017-18 and registers a growth rate of 6.3%. This coupled with strong fundamentals hold promise for a great future of Indian economy under the leadership of <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaUnstoppable?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaUnstoppable</a></p>
&mdash; Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad/status/936228391304306688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Q2 FY 2017, GDP was 7.5%. Now it is 6.3%. Enough said. We are still in a deep abyss.</p>
&mdash; Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) <a href="https://twitter.com/JhaSanjay/status/936205278655270912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Q2 GDP growth is an outcome of bold reforms such as GST &amp; DeMo, sound economic policies, prudent fiscal management, and overall development under the leadership of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaUnstoppable?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaUnstoppable</a></p>
&mdash; Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) <a href="https://twitter.com/manoharparrikar/status/936228928313626624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted last year Q2 GDP growth was 7.5% and this year it is 6.3%. This government only bhashan, no action.

The second-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures are out. As per Central Statistics Office (CSO) data, the GDP snapped five quarters slide and in rebound of sorts claimbed to 6.3 per cent from a 3-year low of 5.7 per cent. Former finance minister P Chidambaram tweeted that 6.3 per cent was far below the promise of the Modi government and far below the potential of a well-managed Indian economy. Happy that the July-Sep quarter has registered a growth rate of 6.3%. This a PAUSE in the declining trend of the last five quarters, he tweeted. '6.3% is far below the PROMISE of the Modi government and far below the POTENTIAL of a well-managed Indian economy,'' he said and added ''We should wait for the growth rates over the next 3-4 quarters before we can reach a definite conclusion but we cannot say now whether this will mark an upward trend in the growth rate.'' Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted last year Q2 GDP growth was 7.5% and this year it is 6.3%. This government only bhashan, no action. 'GDP figures out. Again no growth. No jobs.Effects of note ban scam & unplanned GST continue to damage the economy. Only talking. No performance,'' she added in another tweet. Here are some of the reactions from the ruling party and the opposition: Today’s GDP numbers reiterate the #IndiaUnstoppable story under PM @narendramodi. The strong rebound in growth is a reflection of solid economic management by the Modi Government. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 30, 2017 × India's GDP growth rate shows upward trend in 2nd quarter of 2017-18 and registers a growth rate of 6.3%. This coupled with strong fundamentals hold promise for a great future of Indian economy under the leadership of @PMOIndia @narendramodi #IndiaUnstoppable — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) November 30, 2017 × Q2 FY 2017, GDP was 7.5%. Now it is 6.3%. Enough said. We are still in a deep abyss. — Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) November 30, 2017 × Q2 GDP growth is an outcome of bold reforms such as GST & DeMo, sound economic policies, prudent fiscal management, and overall development under the leadership of PM @narendramodi ji. #IndiaUnstoppable — Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) November 30, 2017 ×

Pause in declining trend of last five quarters: P Chidambaram on GDP

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that democracy is under threat in the country under the BJP rule and called upon Opposition parties to work together for the greater interest of the people before the next Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>She accused the NDA government of trying to halt the developmental process in her state.</p>

<p>&quot;Democracy is under threat in this country under the present central government. It is a super emergency that is going on in the country. I have been an MP for nearly two decades but I have never seen such a government at the Centre,&quot; she said at the India Today Conclave East here.</p>

<p>&quot;I believe in collective leadership. At present all are working together and that is the best policy. Let us work together,&quot; Banerjee said about the Opposition, adding she shares good relations with the DMK, the SP, the BSP and the BJD and is working with the Congress inside Parliament on various issues.</p>

<p>When asked whether she is hinting at a broader opposition coalition with the Congress before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, she said, &quot;In Bengal, the Congress and the Left are working with the BJP at the state level. But at the national level for greater interests I think we should work together.&quot;</p>

<p>To a question whether the country would see a grand opposition coalition ahead of 2019, she said, &quot;It depends. We are working together in Parliament. I went to (RJD chief) Lalu Prasadji&#39;s programme in Patna.&quot;</p>

<p>Banerjee said, &quot;I have a good relationship with (Samajwadi Party chief) Akhilesh ji and (BSP chief) Mayawati ji in Uttar Pradesh, with Stalin ji (DMK), Naveen ji (BJD). I maintain the best of relations with so many other people. Even, within the BJP, I maintain good relation with some people, but not with all.&quot;</p>

<p>Bengal will never accept divide and rule politics of the BJP, she asserted and dismissed that it was a challenger to the ruling (TMC) Trinamool Congress government.</p>

<p>&quot;The BJP is nowhere in Bengal but only on media and social media. They only shout. Let the BJP shout along with their bike vahini, but they cannot do anything in Bengal,&quot; Banerjee said. The BJP is trying to position itself as the main opposition in the state.</p>


She accused the NDA government of trying to halt the developmental process in her state

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that democracy is under threat in the country under the BJP rule and called upon Opposition parties to work together for the greater interest of the people before the next Lok Sabha polls. She accused the NDA government of trying to halt the developmental process in her state. "Democracy is under threat in this country under the present central government. It is a super emergency that is going on in the country. I have been an MP for nearly two decades but I have never seen such a government at the Centre," she said at the India Today Conclave East here. "I believe in collective leadership. At present all are working together and that is the best policy. Let us work together," Banerjee said about the Opposition, adding she shares good relations with the DMK, the SP, the BSP and the BJD and is working with the Congress inside Parliament on various issues. When asked whether she is hinting at a broader opposition coalition with the Congress before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, she said, "In Bengal, the Congress and the Left are working with the BJP at the state level. But at the national level for greater interests I think we should work together." To a question whether the country would see a grand opposition coalition ahead of 2019, she said, "It depends. We are working together in Parliament. I went to (RJD chief) Lalu Prasadji's programme in Patna." Banerjee said, "I have a good relationship with (Samajwadi Party chief) Akhilesh ji and (BSP chief) Mayawati ji in Uttar Pradesh, with Stalin ji (DMK), Naveen ji (BJD). I maintain the best of relations with so many other people. Even, within the BJP, I maintain good relation with some people, but not with all." Bengal will never accept divide and rule politics of the BJP, she asserted and dismissed that it was a challenger to the ruling (TMC) Trinamool Congress government. "The BJP is nowhere in Bengal but only on media and social media. They only shout. Let the BJP shout along with their bike vahini, but they cannot do anything in Bengal," Banerjee said. The BJP is trying to position itself as the main opposition in the state.

Democracy under threat, Opposition should work together: Mamata Banerjee

<p>The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) central committee today suspended for six months the absconding party president Bimal Gurung, a day ahead of an all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.</p>

<p>Gurung&#39;s wife and GJM Mahila Morcha chief Asha, his close aide and party general secretary Roshan Giri and seven others were also suspended for the same period, Binay Tamang, who was appointed the party&#39;s new president, said.</p>

<p>Anit Thapa was made general secretary and other vacant posts in the party would be filled soon, Tamang said at a press conference after the meeting held at Ghoom near here.</p>

<p>Tomorrow&#39;s all-party meeting has been called by the chief minister to discuss the current situation in the hills.</p>

<p>Gurung has been absconding since August after the state government lodged cases against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged involvement in bomb blasts in the Darjeeling hills during the over three-month-long shutdown for a separate state.</p>

<p>The 104-day shutdown was called off on September 27.</p>

<p>While a faction of the GJM supports Gurung, the one being backed by the state government is led by Tamang.</p>

<p>Tamang himself was expelled from the party in a central committee meeting headed by Gurung at an undisclosed location in September.</p>

<p>Later that month, the state government formed a nine- member &#39;Board of Administrators&#39; to run the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) and appointed Tamang as its chairman.</p>

<p>All 45 elected members of GTA including its chief executive Bimal Gurung had resigned in June when the agitation had begun.&nbsp;</p>


Gurung, who is absconding, has been suspended for six months

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) central committee today suspended for six months the absconding party president Bimal Gurung, a day ahead of an all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Gurung's wife and GJM Mahila Morcha chief Asha, his close aide and party general secretary Roshan Giri and seven others were also suspended for the same period, Binay Tamang, who was appointed the party's new president, said. Anit Thapa was made general secretary and other vacant posts in the party would be filled soon, Tamang said at a press conference after the meeting held at Ghoom near here. Tomorrow's all-party meeting has been called by the chief minister to discuss the current situation in the hills. Gurung has been absconding since August after the state government lodged cases against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged involvement in bomb blasts in the Darjeeling hills during the over three-month-long shutdown for a separate state. The 104-day shutdown was called off on September 27. While a faction of the GJM supports Gurung, the one being backed by the state government is led by Tamang. Tamang himself was expelled from the party in a central committee meeting headed by Gurung at an undisclosed location in September. Later that month, the state government formed a nine- member 'Board of Administrators' to run the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) and appointed Tamang as its chairman. All 45 elected members of GTA including its chief executive Bimal Gurung had resigned in June when the agitation had begun.

Bimal Gurung suspended from Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Tamang new chief

<p>West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday&nbsp;raised serious concerns again on the linkage of Aadhar card with other personal information.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said, &quot;Linking to&nbsp;Aadhar is very problematic. In the name of Aadhar card, details are being put on websites, which is dangerous for freedom of expression, the society and the country.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling out the Central government, she added, &quot;Why they did this I don&#39;t know. Some people feel happy even after doing bad things.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Linking of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadhar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadhar</a> is very problematic. In name of Aadhar card, details are being put on websites, which is dangerous for freedom of expression, the society &amp; the country. Why they did this I don&#39;t know. Some people feel happy even after doing bad things: WB CM Mamata Banerjee <a href="https://t.co/hJ2BSoZQGA">pic.twitter.com/hJ2BSoZQGA</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/932561954173894658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>This is not the first time when Mamata has been vocal against the linkage of Aadhar with personal data.</p>

<p>On <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-will-not-link-aadhaar-with-phone-let-them-disconnect-it-22894" target="_blank">October 25</a> at a core committee meeting of the Trinamool Congress Mamata attacked the Centre on privacy issue and said, &quot;They (Centre) are interfering in the people&#39;s rights and privacy. Aadhar number should not be linked with one&#39;s mobile phone. I will not link my Aadhar number with my mobile even if my connection is snapped.&quot;</p>

<p>She accused the Centre of having unleashed &quot;autocratic rule&quot; in the country.</p>

<p>On October 30, Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government&nbsp;filed a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-challenges-aadhaar-in-supreme-court-hearing-on-october-30-23047" target="_blank">plea against the Centre&#39;s move to make Aadhaar mandatory</a> for availing the benefits of various social welfare schemes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-can-state-challenge-parliaments-mandate-supreme-court-on-west-bengals-plea-against-aadhaar-23118" target="_blank">Supreme Court thus questioned the West Bengal government for filing plea against Centre&rsquo;s decision to make Aadhaar mandatory</a> for availing benefits of welfare schemes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;In a federal structure, how can a state file plea challenging Parliament&#39;s mandate,&quot; the Supreme Court bench said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Earlier, Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government?filed a plea against the Centre's move to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing the benefits of various social welfare schemes

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday raised serious concerns again on the linkage of Aadhar card with other personal information. She said, "Linking to Aadhar is very problematic. In the name of Aadhar card, details are being put on websites, which is dangerous for freedom of expression, the society and the country." Calling out the Central government, she added, "Why they did this I don't know. Some people feel happy even after doing bad things." Linking of #Aadhar is very problematic. In name of Aadhar card, details are being put on websites, which is dangerous for freedom of expression, the society & the country. Why they did this I don't know. Some people feel happy even after doing bad things: WB CM Mamata Banerjee pic.twitter.com/hJ2BSoZQGA — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2017 × This is not the first time when Mamata has been vocal against the linkage of Aadhar with personal data. On October 25 at a core committee meeting of the Trinamool Congress Mamata attacked the Centre on privacy issue and said, "They (Centre) are interfering in the people's rights and privacy. Aadhar number should not be linked with one's mobile phone. I will not link my Aadhar number with my mobile even if my connection is snapped." She accused the Centre of having unleashed "autocratic rule" in the country. On October 30, Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government filed a plea against the Centre's move to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing the benefits of various social welfare schemes. The Supreme Court thus questioned the West Bengal government for filing plea against Centre’s decision to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits of welfare schemes. "In a federal structure, how can a state file plea challenging Parliament's mandate," the Supreme Court bench said.

Aadhar linking 'dangerous for freedom of expression, the society and the country': Mamata Banerjee

<p>&#39;Bollywood Badshah&#39; Shah Rukh Khan on Friday quipped that his Bengali will need to improve in the next edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival.</p>

<p>Khan, who has been a regular at the film festival&#39;s inauguration for the past couple of years, was again a part of the 23rd KIFF launch event on Friday.<br />
<br />
&quot;Now, I am attempting eight lines in Bengali, please bear with me,&quot; he told a capacity crowd at Netaji Indoor Stadium here.<br />
<br />
&quot;Ei film fesivaler bisesh anusthane uposthit thakte pere sammanito bodh korchhi (I am honoured to be present at this special event of the film festival),&quot; King Khan said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Too much fun and love at KIFF 2017. Love my Kolkata &amp; as always the warmth of <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a>&hellip;U r the sweetest. <a href="https://t.co/rTDwzkT9cJ">pic.twitter.com/rTDwzkT9cJ</a></p>
&mdash; Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk/status/929023657728286722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Thanking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for organising the show, Khan said, &ldquo;Wonderful weather, wonderful city, looking lovely and Mamata didi looking lovelier. I am asking my wonderful friends to give me dhoti next time.&quot;<br />
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Describing cinema as a language which needs to be propagated and felt for spreading the message of love, togetherness and unity, the superstar added that films also convey the present reality as it happens around the world.</p>


'Now, I am attempting eight lines in Bengali, please bear with me,' he told a capacity crowd at Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium

'Bollywood Badshah' Shah Rukh Khan on Friday quipped that his Bengali will need to improve in the next edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival. Khan, who has been a regular at the film festival's inauguration for the past couple of years, was again a part of the 23rd KIFF launch event on Friday. "Now, I am attempting eight lines in Bengali, please bear with me," he told a capacity crowd at Netaji Indoor Stadium here. "Ei film fesivaler bisesh anusthane uposthit thakte pere sammanito bodh korchhi (I am honoured to be present at this special event of the film festival)," King Khan said. Too much fun and love at KIFF 2017. Love my Kolkata & as always the warmth of @MamataOfficial…U r the sweetest. pic.twitter.com/rTDwzkT9cJ — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 10, 2017 × Thanking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for organising the show, Khan said, “Wonderful weather, wonderful city, looking lovely and Mamata didi looking lovelier. I am asking my wonderful friends to give me dhoti next time." Describing cinema as a language which needs to be propagated and felt for spreading the message of love, togetherness and unity, the superstar added that films also convey the present reality as it happens around the world.

My Bengali will get better, says Shah Rukh at KIFF

<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />
A new passenger train service between Kolkata and Bangladesh&#39;s southwestern industrial city of Khulna was today flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina and the West Bengal chief minister.The three leaders launched the train through video conference.<br />
A fully air-conditioned weekly passenger train service <strong>&#39;Bandhan Express&#39;</strong> will run every Thursday from both Kolkata and Khulna.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />
On the occasion, Modi said the ties of friendship between India and Bangladesh have further strengthened.<br />
Modi said in Bengali, &#39;<em>Aaj </em><em>ei</em><em> </em><em>shubho</em><em> </em><em>uplokkhe</em><em> </em><em>dui</em><em> </em><em>desh</em><em> </em><em>bashider</em><em> </em><em>amar</em><em> </em><em>abhinandan</em><em> </em><em>janai</em><em>. Aaj </em><em>amader</em><em> </em><em>moitreyee</em><em>, </em><em>bandhon</em><em> aro </em><em>sudriro</em><em> holo</em>&#39; (I congratulate the people of the two countries on this auspicious occasion. Our ties of friendship got more strengthened today.)</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />
They also inaugurated two bridges over the rivers Meghna and Titas in Bangladesh. Hasina said, &quot;Today is a great day for relations between the two countries with the inauguration of the train services and the two bridges. This train service is a dream come true for people on both sides of the border.&quot;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the launch as a remarkable day for India and Bangladesh.<br />
&quot;The relations between the two countries will strengthen in the future,&quot; she said.<br />
Immigration and customs facilities were also inaugurated at Kolkata station.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>


A new passenger train service between Kolkata and Bangladesh's southwestern industrial city of Khulna was today flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina and the West Bengal chief minister.

A new passenger train service between Kolkata and Bangladesh's southwestern industrial city of Khulna was today flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina and the West Bengal chief minister.The three leaders launched the train through video conference. A fully air-conditioned weekly passenger train service 'Bandhan Express' will run every Thursday from both Kolkata and Khulna. On the occasion, Modi said the ties of friendship between India and Bangladesh have further strengthened. Modi said in Bengali, 'Aaj ei shubho uplokkhe dui desh bashider amar abhinandan janai. Aaj amader moitreyee, bandhon aro sudriro holo' (I congratulate the people of the two countries on this auspicious occasion. Our ties of friendship got more strengthened today.) They also inaugurated two bridges over the rivers Meghna and Titas in Bangladesh. Hasina said, "Today is a great day for relations between the two countries with the inauguration of the train services and the two bridges. This train service is a dream come true for people on both sides of the border." Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the launch as a remarkable day for India and Bangladesh. "The relations between the two countries will strengthen in the future," she said. Immigration and customs facilities were also inaugurated at Kolkata station.

Kolkata-Khulna train service flagged off

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-due-in-south-korea-amid-north-korea-tensions-23627" target="_blank">Trump promises to &#39;figure it all out&#39; -- meaning North Korea -- with South Korean President</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump headed to Seoul Tuesday vowing to &quot;figure it all out&quot; with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-In, despite the two allies&#39; differences on how to deal with the nuclear-armed North.</p>

<p>&quot;Getting ready to leave for South Korea and meetings with President Moon, a fine gentleman,&quot; Trump tweeted early Tuesday from Japan, the first stop of his Asian tour, adding: &quot;We will figure it all out!&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/enclosed-sonia-gandhis-letter-to-show-truth-behind-claims-against-me-jaya-jaitly-on-her-book-23628" target="_blank">Jaya Jaitly says Sonia Gandhi facilitated framing of corruption charges against her</a></p>

<p>Former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly has said the then UPA government and especially Congress President Sonia Gandhi had facilitated the framing of corruption charges against her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaitly is accused of accepting a Rs two-lakh bribe in 2001.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She has made her accusations in her memoir &#39;Life Among the Scorpions: Memoirs of an Indian Woman in Public Life&#39;, due to be released today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/texas-church-shooting-witness-he-wouldnt-stop-23629" target="_blank">Texas church shooting witness: &#39;He wouldn&#39;t stop&#39;</a></p>

<p>Witnesses have described the horror that unfolded after 26-year-old gunman Devin Patrick Kelley started shooting at a Sunday church service congregation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;He wouldn&#39;t stop,&quot; said one.&nbsp;She described the one image seared into her mind: the gunman&#39;s body convulsions as he emptied his assault rifle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-bats-for-reservation-in-private-sector-23617" target="_blank">Bihar Chief Minister Nitish says time for reservation in private sector</a></p>

<p>&quot;It`s my opinion that there must be reservation in the private sector too. There must be a debate on this at the national level,&quot; Nitish said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-mamata-calls-gst-great-selfish-tax-23591" target="_blank">Mamata calls GST &#39;Great Selfish Tax&#39;</a></p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi started by calling it the &quot;Gabbar Singh Tax&quot;. Taking her cue from him, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has now called it the &quot;Great Selfish Tax&quot;.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Trump promises to 'figure it all out' -- meaning North Korea -- with South Korean President US President Donald Trump headed to Seoul Tuesday vowing to "figure it all out" with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-In, despite the two allies' differences on how to deal with the nuclear-armed North. "Getting ready to leave for South Korea and meetings with President Moon, a fine gentleman," Trump tweeted early Tuesday from Japan, the first stop of his Asian tour, adding: "We will figure it all out!" Jaya Jaitly says Sonia Gandhi facilitated framing of corruption charges against her Former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly has said the then UPA government and especially Congress President Sonia Gandhi had facilitated the framing of corruption charges against her. Jaitly is accused of accepting a Rs two-lakh bribe in 2001. She has made her accusations in her memoir 'Life Among the Scorpions: Memoirs of an Indian Woman in Public Life', due to be released today. Texas church shooting witness: 'He wouldn't stop' Witnesses have described the horror that unfolded after 26-year-old gunman Devin Patrick Kelley started shooting at a Sunday church service congregation. "He wouldn't stop," said one. She described the one image seared into her mind: the gunman's body convulsions as he emptied his assault rifle. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish says time for reservation in private sector "It`s my opinion that there must be reservation in the private sector too. There must be a debate on this at the national level," Nitish said. Mamata calls GST 'Great Selfish Tax' Rahul Gandhi started by calling it the "Gabbar Singh Tax". Taking her cue from him, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has now called it the "Great Selfish Tax".

WION morning news brief, November 7, 2017

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today slammed the Narendra Modi government by terming the Goods and Services Tax &quot;Great Selfish Tax to harass people and finish the economy&quot;.</p>

<p>She said demonetisation was a disaster and urged social media users to change their profile pictures to a black square on November 8 to protest against the note ban.</p>

<p>&quot;Great Selfish Tax (GST) to harass the people. To take away jobs. To hurt businesses. To finish the economy. GoI totally failed to tackle #GST (sic),&quot; she posted on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Great Selfish Tax (GST) to harass the people.To take away jobs. To hurt businesses. To finish the economy. GoI totally failed to tackle <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GST?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GST</a></p>
&mdash; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/927413460094218241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;#Noteban is a disaster. On #Nov8BlackDay to protest against this scam that destroyed the economy, let us also change our Twitter DP to black,&quot; the chief minister tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Noteban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Noteban</a> is a disaster. On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nov8BlackDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nov8BlackDay</a> to protest against this scam that destroyed the economy, let us also change our Twitter DP to black <a href="https://t.co/yrheSPiZE5">pic.twitter.com/yrheSPiZE5</a></p>
&mdash; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/927440847699718144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trinamool Congress had earlier announced that it would observe &#39;Black Day&#39; on November 8 to protest against demonetisation across West Bengal.&nbsp;</p>


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the Goods and Services Tax "Great Selfish Tax to harass people and finish the economy".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today slammed the Narendra Modi government by terming the Goods and Services Tax "Great Selfish Tax to harass people and finish the economy". She said demonetisation was a disaster and urged social media users to change their profile pictures to a black square on November 8 to protest against the note ban. "Great Selfish Tax (GST) to harass the people. To take away jobs. To hurt businesses. To finish the economy. GoI totally failed to tackle #GST (sic)," she posted on Twitter. Great Selfish Tax (GST) to harass the people.To take away jobs. To hurt businesses. To finish the economy. GoI totally failed to tackle #GST — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 6, 2017 × "#Noteban is a disaster. On #Nov8BlackDay to protest against this scam that destroyed the economy, let us also change our Twitter DP to black," the chief minister tweeted. #Noteban is a disaster. On #Nov8BlackDay to protest against this scam that destroyed the economy, let us also change our Twitter DP to black pic.twitter.com/yrheSPiZE5 — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 6, 2017 × Trinamool Congress had earlier announced that it would observe 'Black Day' on November 8 to protest against demonetisation across West Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee slammed Narendra Modi government, Again!

<p>The Supreme Court said today that it will set up a constitution bench on pleas against the government&#39;s decision making Aadhaar mandatory to avail various services&nbsp;and welfare scheme benefits.</p>

<p>A bench, comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said the constitution bench would start hearing the petitions in last week of November, PTI reported.</p>

<p>Several petitions, challenging the Centre&#39;s move to make Aadhaar mandatory for welfare schemes and notifications to link it with mobile numbers and bank accounts, are pending in the top court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court today issued a notice to Centre on a separate plea challenging linking of mobile phone numbers with Aadhaar and sought reply within four weeks.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-can-state-challenge-parliaments-mandate-supreme-court-on-west-bengals-plea-against-aadhaar-23118">The Supreme Court also pulled up the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government</a> today for challenging the government&#39;s decision to make Aadhaar for welfare schemes and for linking it with mobile numbers.</p>

<p>The top court said only an individual and not a state could file a plea against a mandate by Parliament. It asked the West Bengal chief minister to file the plea as an individual.</p>

<p>&quot;In a federal structure, how can a state file plea challenging Parliament&#39;s mandate,&quot; the Supreme Court bench said.</p>

<p>The West Bengal government has agreed to amend the plea and file it again.</p>

<p>&quot;If the court has said on Aadhaar matter that I need to approach individually, then I respect it. They have not rejected my petition,&quot; Mamata Banerjee said.</p>

<p>The government had earlier told the top&nbsp;court that the deadline for the mandatory linking of the 12-digit biometric identification number to avail benefits of various government schemes has been extended till March 31 next year for those who do not have the Aadhaar card.</p>

<p>The petitioners had termed the linking of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) number with bank accounts and mobile numbers as illegal and unconstitutional and strongly objected to the CBSE&#39;s move to make it mandatory for students to appear for exams.</p>

<p>Earlier, while hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the mandatory use of Aadhaar as an infringement of privacy, a nine-judge constitution bench had upheld the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right protected by the Constitution of India.</p>

<p>A five-judge constitutional bench will decide separately whether Aadhaar violates the Right to Privacy or not.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Several petitions, challenging the Centre's move to make Aadhaar mandatory for various services and welfare schemes, are pending in the top court

The Supreme Court said today that it will set up a constitution bench on pleas against the government's decision making Aadhaar mandatory to avail various services and welfare scheme benefits. A bench, comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said the constitution bench would start hearing the petitions in last week of November, PTI reported. Several petitions, challenging the Centre's move to make Aadhaar mandatory for welfare schemes and notifications to link it with mobile numbers and bank accounts, are pending in the top court. The court today issued a notice to Centre on a separate plea challenging linking of mobile phone numbers with Aadhaar and sought reply within four weeks. The Supreme Court also pulled up the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government today for challenging the government's decision to make Aadhaar for welfare schemes and for linking it with mobile numbers. The top court said only an individual and not a state could file a plea against a mandate by Parliament. It asked the West Bengal chief minister to file the plea as an individual. "In a federal structure, how can a state file plea challenging Parliament's mandate," the Supreme Court bench said. The West Bengal government has agreed to amend the plea and file it again. "If the court has said on Aadhaar matter that I need to approach individually, then I respect it. They have not rejected my petition," Mamata Banerjee said. The government had earlier told the top court that the deadline for the mandatory linking of the 12-digit biometric identification number to avail benefits of various government schemes has been extended till March 31 next year for those who do not have the Aadhaar card. The petitioners had termed the linking of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) number with bank accounts and mobile numbers as illegal and unconstitutional and strongly objected to the CBSE's move to make it mandatory for students to appear for exams. Earlier, while hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the mandatory use of Aadhaar as an infringement of privacy, a nine-judge constitution bench had upheld the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right protected by the Constitution of India. A five-judge constitutional bench will decide separately whether Aadhaar violates the Right to Privacy or not.

Supreme Court to set up constitution bench on pleas against Aadhaar

<p>The Supreme Court has questioned the West Bengal government for filing plea against Centre&rsquo;s decision to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits of welfare schemes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;In a federal structure, how can a state file plea challenging Parliament&#39;s mandate,&quot; the Supreme Court bench said.</p>

<p>We know it is a matter which needs consideration but you satisfy us how state can challenge it, the bench added.</p>

<p>After the court&#39;s rap, the Bengal government has agreed to amend the plea and will file it again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;If the court has said on Aadhaar matter that I need to approach individually, then I respect it. They have not rejected my petition,&quot; Mamata Banerjee said.</p>

<p>The West Bengal government&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-challenges-aadhaar-in-supreme-court-hearing-on-october-30-23047">filed the plea last week</a> after Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee opposed the linking of her mobile phone number with Aadhaar. &quot;Aadhaar number should not be linked with one&#39;s mobile phone. I will not link my Aadhaar number with my mobile even if my connection is snapped,&quot; she said at a party meeting.</p>

<p>However, the Aadhaar-mobile issue is not part of the state government&#39;s plea, senior advocate and Member of Parliament Kalyan Banerjee said.</p>

<p>The Centre had, on October 25, told the top court that the deadline for mandatory Aadhaar linking to avail benefits of various government schemes has been extended till March 31 next year. The extension concerned those who do not have the 12-digit biometric identification number.</p>

<p>Attorney General KK Venugopal told a bench headed Chief Justice Dipak Misra that deadline extension would apply only to those who do not have Aadhaar and are willing to enrol for it. Earlier, the deadline for linking of Aadhaar was December end this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Venugopal had also told the bench that he would take instructions on certain issues on Aadhaar after which the court had asked him to mention the matter again on October 30.</p>

<p>Several petitions are pending in the top court which challenge the centre&#39;s move to make Aadhaar linkage with mobile number and bank accounts mandatory for welfare schemes and notifications.</p>

<p>The court today&nbsp;issued notice to Centre on separate plea challenging&nbsp;linking of mobile phone numbers with Aadhaar and sought reply within four weeks.</p>


We know it is a matter which needs consideration but you satisfy us how state can challenge it, the bench added.

The Supreme Court has questioned the West Bengal government for filing plea against Centre’s decision to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits of welfare schemes. "In a federal structure, how can a state file plea challenging Parliament's mandate," the Supreme Court bench said. We know it is a matter which needs consideration but you satisfy us how state can challenge it, the bench added. After the court's rap, the Bengal government has agreed to amend the plea and will file it again. "If the court has said on Aadhaar matter that I need to approach individually, then I respect it. They have not rejected my petition," Mamata Banerjee said. The West Bengal government filed the plea last week after Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee opposed the linking of her mobile phone number with Aadhaar. "Aadhaar number should not be linked with one's mobile phone. I will not link my Aadhaar number with my mobile even if my connection is snapped," she said at a party meeting. However, the Aadhaar-mobile issue is not part of the state government's plea, senior advocate and Member of Parliament Kalyan Banerjee said. The Centre had, on October 25, told the top court that the deadline for mandatory Aadhaar linking to avail benefits of various government schemes has been extended till March 31 next year. The extension concerned those who do not have the 12-digit biometric identification number. Attorney General KK Venugopal told a bench headed Chief Justice Dipak Misra that deadline extension would apply only to those who do not have Aadhaar and are willing to enrol for it. Earlier, the deadline for linking of Aadhaar was December end this year. Venugopal had also told the bench that he would take instructions on certain issues on Aadhaar after which the court had asked him to mention the matter again on October 30. Several petitions are pending in the top court which challenge the centre's move to make Aadhaar linkage with mobile number and bank accounts mandatory for welfare schemes and notifications. The court today issued notice to Centre on separate plea challenging linking of mobile phone numbers with Aadhaar and sought reply within four weeks.

How can state challenge Parliament's mandate: Supreme Court on Mamata govt's plea against Aadhaar

<p>The Supreme court will hear a plea filed by the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government on October 30 against the Centre&#39;s move to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing the benefits of various social welfare schemes.</p>

<p>Senior advocate and member of parliament Kalyan Banerjee said the petition was filed earlier and would come up for hearing before the bench, comprising Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, on October 30.</p>

<p>He said that the West Bengal government has challenged the provision which said that without Aadhaar, the benefits of social welfare schemes would not be extended.</p>

<p>At a party meeting in Kolkata on Wednesday, the Trinamool Congress chief had also opposed the linking of Aadhaar with mobile phone number, saying &quot;Aadhaar number should not be linked with one&#39;s mobile phone. I will not link my Aadhaar number with my mobile even if my connection is snapped.&quot;</p>

<p>However, the Aadhaar-mobile issue is not part of the state government&#39;s plea, Kalyan Banerjee said.</p>

<p>The centre on October 25 told the top court that the deadline for mandatory Aadhaar linking to avail benefits of various government schemes has been extended till March 31 next year. The extension concerned those who do not have the 12-digit biometric identification number.</p>

<p>Attorney General KK Venugopal told a bench headed Chief Justice Dipak Misra that deadline extension would apply only to those who do not have Aadhaar and are willing to enrol for it. Earlier, the deadline for linking of Aadhaar was December end this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Venugopal had also told the bench that he would take instructions on certain issues on Aadhaar after which the court had asked him to mention the matter again on October 30.</p>

<p>Several petitions are pending in the top court which challenge the centre&#39;s move to make Aadhaar linkage with mobile number and bank accounts mandatory for welfare schemes and notifications.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The West Bengal government is against the Centre's move to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing the benefits of various social welfare schemes

The Supreme court will hear a plea filed by the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government on October 30 against the Centre's move to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing the benefits of various social welfare schemes. Senior advocate and member of parliament Kalyan Banerjee said the petition was filed earlier and would come up for hearing before the bench, comprising Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, on October 30. He said that the West Bengal government has challenged the provision which said that without Aadhaar, the benefits of social welfare schemes would not be extended. At a party meeting in Kolkata on Wednesday, the Trinamool Congress chief had also opposed the linking of Aadhaar with mobile phone number, saying "Aadhaar number should not be linked with one's mobile phone. I will not link my Aadhaar number with my mobile even if my connection is snapped." However, the Aadhaar-mobile issue is not part of the state government's plea, Kalyan Banerjee said. The centre on October 25 told the top court that the deadline for mandatory Aadhaar linking to avail benefits of various government schemes has been extended till March 31 next year. The extension concerned those who do not have the 12-digit biometric identification number. Attorney General KK Venugopal told a bench headed Chief Justice Dipak Misra that deadline extension would apply only to those who do not have Aadhaar and are willing to enrol for it. Earlier, the deadline for linking of Aadhaar was December end this year. Venugopal had also told the bench that he would take instructions on certain issues on Aadhaar after which the court had asked him to mention the matter again on October 30. Several petitions are pending in the top court which challenge the centre's move to make Aadhaar linkage with mobile number and bank accounts mandatory for welfare schemes and notifications.

Mamata Banerjee challenges Aadhaar in Supreme Court, hearing on October 30

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister&nbsp;Mamata Banerjee&nbsp;said Wednesday that she would not link her Aadhar card to her phone. And that &quot;if they want to disconnect my phone, let them&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will not link <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadhaar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadhaar</a> with phone, if they want to disconnect my phone, let them: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee <a href="https://t.co/bSWPTOcGxU">pic.twitter.com/bSWPTOcGxU</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923128479037530112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>And she attacked the Centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;They (Centre) are interfering in the people&#39;s rights and privacy. Aadhar number should not be linked with one&#39;s mobile phone. I will not link my Aadhar number with my mobile even if my connection is snapped,&quot; she said at an extended core committee meeting of the Trinamool Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She accused the Centre of having unleashed &quot;autocratic rule&quot;&nbsp;in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;They (Centre) have unleashed an autocratic rule in the country. No one can raise voice against them, else I-T, ED,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&amp;q=cbi" target="_blank">CBI&nbsp;</a>will be unleashed,&quot; Banerjee alleged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Centre meanwhile told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it was ready to extend the deadline (to get an Aadhar card) to March 31, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Central Government told the Supreme Court that it is ready to extend the deadline for those who do not have Aadhaar, till March 31,2018</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923131316446494720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The West Bengal chief minister also attacked the Centre, accusing it of unleashing 'autocratic rule' in the country

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday that she would not link her Aadhar card to her phone. And that "if they want to disconnect my phone, let them". I will not link #Aadhaar with phone, if they want to disconnect my phone, let them: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee pic.twitter.com/bSWPTOcGxU — ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2017 × And she attacked the Centre. "They (Centre) are interfering in the people's rights and privacy. Aadhar number should not be linked with one's mobile phone. I will not link my Aadhar number with my mobile even if my connection is snapped," she said at an extended core committee meeting of the Trinamool Congress. She accused the Centre of having unleashed "autocratic rule" in the country. "They (Centre) have unleashed an autocratic rule in the country. No one can raise voice against them, else I-T, ED, CBI will be unleashed," Banerjee alleged. The Centre meanwhile told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it was ready to extend the deadline (to get an Aadhar card) to March 31, 2018. Central Government told the Supreme Court that it is ready to extend the deadline for those who do not have Aadhaar, till March 31,2018 — ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2017 ×

Mamata Banerjee: Will not link Aadhaar to my phone, let them disconnect it

<p>West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has warned the right-wing RSS, Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) not to disturb peace during the upcoming Durga Puja festival, and asked them &quot;not to play with fire&quot;.</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress chief has also directed that there will be no immersions on the Muslim festival of Muharram which falls on October 1, a day after the Durga Puja festival concludes.</p>

<p>Mamata Banerjee said the move was aimed at averting communal tensions that could be possibly instigated by right-wing extremist groups.</p>

<p>&quot;No violence will be tolerated during Durga Puja. No idol immersion on Muharram. Politics shouldn&#39;t be done in name of festivals,&quot; Mamata Banerjee said.</p>

<p>&quot;No immersion on Muharram. We will not let anyone do any rally with arms,&quot; the West Bengal chief minister said.</p>

<p>&quot;If RSS, VHP, Hindu Samhati are trying to create communal tension. We will combat any attempt to give rise to riots. We are not scared of the Enforcement Directorate or the CBI who try to summon us,&quot; at a press conference.</p>

<p>The West Bengal chief minister&#39;s statement comes a day after the VHP said they intend to carry out s<em>hastra</em><em> puja (worship of&nbsp;weapons)</em>&nbsp;in at least 300 places across West Bengal on <em>Vijaya Dashami </em>(Dussehra), which falls on September 30.</p>

<p>Mamata Banerjee&#39;s directive on immersions comes before the Calcutta High Court judgement on her immersion order.</p>

<p>In August, the West Bengal chief minister had said that Durga idol immersion would be allowed only till 6 pm on September 30 and would resume on October 2 after Muharram. She was accused of minority appeasement by political parties and on social media.</p>

<p>On September 15, the West Bengal government told the Calcutta High Court that immersion will be allowed till 10 pm on Vijaya Dashami on September 30. The state&#39;s Advocate General Kishore Dutta said a notification has been issued which allowed the immersion of idols till 10 pm on September 30. He said immersion would again be allowed on October 2.</p>

<p>The court was hearing a plea which wanted that the immersion be allowed till 1.36 am on October 1 in accordance with the Hindu calendar.</p>


The West Bengal chief minister said the move was aimed at averting communal tensions that could be possibly instigated by right-wing extremist groups

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has warned the right-wing RSS, Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) not to disturb peace during the upcoming Durga Puja festival, and asked them "not to play with fire". The Trinamool Congress chief has also directed that there will be no immersions on the Muslim festival of Muharram which falls on October 1, a day after the Durga Puja festival concludes. Mamata Banerjee said the move was aimed at averting communal tensions that could be possibly instigated by right-wing extremist groups. "No violence will be tolerated during Durga Puja. No idol immersion on Muharram. Politics shouldn't be done in name of festivals," Mamata Banerjee said. "No immersion on Muharram. We will not let anyone do any rally with arms," the West Bengal chief minister said. "If RSS, VHP, Hindu Samhati are trying to create communal tension. We will combat any attempt to give rise to riots. We are not scared of the Enforcement Directorate or the CBI who try to summon us," at a press conference. The West Bengal chief minister's statement comes a day after the VHP said they intend to carry out shastra puja (worship of weapons) in at least 300 places across West Bengal on Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra), which falls on September 30. Mamata Banerjee's directive on immersions comes before the Calcutta High Court judgement on her immersion order. In August, the West Bengal chief minister had said that Durga idol immersion would be allowed only till 6 pm on September 30 and would resume on October 2 after Muharram. She was accused of minority appeasement by political parties and on social media. On September 15, the West Bengal government told the Calcutta High Court that immersion will be allowed till 10 pm on Vijaya Dashami on September 30. The state's Advocate General Kishore Dutta said a notification has been issued which allowed the immersion of idols till 10 pm on September 30. He said immersion would again be allowed on October 2. The court was hearing a plea which wanted that the immersion be allowed till 1.36 am on October 1 in accordance with the Hindu calendar.

Mamata Banerjee bans immersions on Muharram, warns RSS, VHP 'not to play with fire'

<p>Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seems to be hitting right chords over the past three months by pushing BJP to a corner in the state. It would be safe to say that Karnataka is the only state where BJP is facing a resurgent Congress under&nbsp;Siddaramaiah, who after 3 years of bad press has turned the table around and pushed BJP to the corner on issues central to the people of the state.<strong> </strong>In every other state but Karnataka, BJP has successfully used corruption, dynasty and disunity themes to marginalise the Congress. It is only&nbsp;in Karnataka that the state&#39;s chief minister has successfully played the &lsquo;son of the soil&rsquo; card to push back an aggressive BJP.</p>

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<h5>It is only&nbsp;in Karnataka that the state&#39;s chief minister has successfully played the &lsquo;son of the soil&rsquo; card to push back an aggressive BJP.</h5>
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<p>Whether it his position on the language or the flag, the sentiments which the CM has evoked is that of a person who cares intensely about the cultural landscape of the state. He has also shown an inclination to implement a new cultural policy which would be dedicated to promoting local cinema and literature. The policy is also inclusive. It also entails local harmony cells. It also intends to curb moral policing which has become a scourge in some of the state ruled by BJP where the male aggressor is always imagined as a minority. The state also intends to set aside a sum of money to promote local artists. People may dismiss it as populist or superficial, but for a state with the rich history of literary culture and modern aspiration, Siddaramaiah has taken the right step.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Many can still accuse Siddaramaiah of pushing state level chauvinism but if you look all across India, successful chief ministers have been the ambassadors of the state pride and have successfully positioned themselves as the custodian of culture and political pride of their respective regions as opposed to the Centre. Whether it is a resurgence of TDP in united Andhra or TRS of Telangana or BJD of Orissa, all of them represent&nbsp;unique political aspirations of the state within the Indian democratic setup.</p>

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<h5>The concept of undivided Hindi vote is an accepted academic and political jargon then exceptional Kannadiga linguistic pride too shouldn&rsquo;t bother the Indian right.</h5>
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<p>Nitish Kumar, when opposed to the BJP, won Bihar on the issue of Bihari asmita. For Mamata, it was &#39;Ma Maati and Maanush&#39;. Similarly, the Karnataka chief minister has very successfully deployed the son of the soil culture card, which is laced with the sensitivity attached to the language.</p>

<p>Though polishing off Hindi names from metro and railway station is extreme but if seen through the prism of sending a message to the electorate then the job has been done. It is like saying that if the concept of undivided Hindi vote is an accepted academic and political jargon then exceptional Kannadiga linguistic pride too shouldn&rsquo;t bother the Indian right. It is expected of them to oppose it from the position of nationalism but they understand that such politics is replete with danger. It can get TV eye balls in Delhi, but will definitely cut votes in Karnataka.</p>

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<h5>For BJP&nbsp;to win it, will have to come down from the issue of corruption as Siddaramaiah has changed the rule of the game.</h5>
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<p>If BJP wants to fight the elections against Siddaramaiah then it will have to intelligently focus on meatier issues rather than using the department of income tax and Central Bureau of Investigation liberally. For BJP&nbsp;to win, it will have to come down from the issue of corruption as Siddaramaiah has changed the rule of the game. Karnataka, this time too, might keep up with its reputation of voting against the national trend. It will also reaffirm how important prominent regional faces are which Congress today finds bereft of. A lot of people might not like Karnataka CM in Delhi, but he is the only one who can take the might of an aggressive BJP in the country.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Siddaramaiah might have lost the earlier rounds by generating bad press in Bengaluru, but the canny old politician seems to have learned his lesson well, namely, publically associating with issues which are central to the Kannadiga pride and making other issues irrelevant. Lastly, he has an added advantage in Karnataka: he neither has the baggage of a Laloo type of a politician nor internal bickering which is jeopardising BJP&#39;s prospect in the state.</p>


BJP is finding the charges of corruption, dynasty and disunity themes irrelevant to corner the Congress party in Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seems to be hitting right chords over the past three months by pushing BJP to a corner in the state. It would be safe to say that Karnataka is the only state where BJP is facing a resurgent Congress under Siddaramaiah, who after 3 years of bad press has turned the table around and pushed BJP to the corner on issues central to the people of the state. In every other state but Karnataka, BJP has successfully used corruption, dynasty and disunity themes to marginalise the Congress. It is only in Karnataka that the state's chief minister has successfully played the ‘son of the soil’ card to push back an aggressive BJP. It is only in Karnataka that the state's chief minister has successfully played the ‘son of the soil’ card to push back an aggressive BJP. × Whether it his position on the language or the flag, the sentiments which the CM has evoked is that of a person who cares intensely about the cultural landscape of the state. He has also shown an inclination to implement a new cultural policy which would be dedicated to promoting local cinema and literature. The policy is also inclusive. It also entails local harmony cells. It also intends to curb moral policing which has become a scourge in some of the state ruled by BJP where the male aggressor is always imagined as a minority. The state also intends to set aside a sum of money to promote local artists. People may dismiss it as populist or superficial, but for a state with the rich history of literary culture and modern aspiration, Siddaramaiah has taken the right step. Many can still accuse Siddaramaiah of pushing state level chauvinism but if you look all across India, successful chief ministers have been the ambassadors of the state pride and have successfully positioned themselves as the custodian of culture and political pride of their respective regions as opposed to the Centre. Whether it is a resurgence of TDP in united Andhra or TRS of Telangana or BJD of Orissa, all of them represent unique political aspirations of the state within the Indian democratic setup. The concept of undivided Hindi vote is an accepted academic and political jargon then exceptional Kannadiga linguistic pride too shouldn’t bother the Indian right. × Nitish Kumar, when opposed to the BJP, won Bihar on the issue of Bihari asmita. For Mamata, it was 'Ma Maati and Maanush'. Similarly, the Karnataka chief minister has very successfully deployed the son of the soil culture card, which is laced with the sensitivity attached to the language. Though polishing off Hindi names from metro and railway station is extreme but if seen through the prism of sending a message to the electorate then the job has been done. It is like saying that if the concept of undivided Hindi vote is an accepted academic and political jargon then exceptional Kannadiga linguistic pride too shouldn’t bother the Indian right. It is expected of them to oppose it from the position of nationalism but they understand that such politics is replete with danger. It can get TV eye balls in Delhi, but will definitely cut votes in Karnataka. For BJP to win it, will have to come down from the issue of corruption as Siddaramaiah has changed the rule of the game. × If BJP wants to fight the elections against Siddaramaiah then it will have to intelligently focus on meatier issues rather than using the department of income tax and Central Bureau of Investigation liberally. For BJP to win, it will have to come down from the issue of corruption as Siddaramaiah has changed the rule of the game. Karnataka, this time too, might keep up with its reputation of voting against the national trend. It will also reaffirm how important prominent regional faces are which Congress today finds bereft of. A lot of people might not like Karnataka CM in Delhi, but he is the only one who can take the might of an aggressive BJP in the country. Siddaramaiah might have lost the earlier rounds by generating bad press in Bengaluru, but the canny old politician seems to have learned his lesson well, namely, publically associating with issues which are central to the Kannadiga pride and making other issues irrelevant. Lastly, he has an added advantage in Karnataka: he neither has the baggage of a Laloo type of a politician nor internal bickering which is jeopardising BJP's prospect in the state.

Karnataka CM plays 'son of the soil' card to corner BJP in the state

<p>The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha along with other hill parties has decided to go on fast-unto-death in an effort to press the government for a separate state of Gorkhaland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision came after a four-hour long meeting of all the parties which met under the banner of Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The committee also set a deadline till July 14 for the chairmen and vice chairmen of all the development boards set up by the West Bengal government to step down from their positions, PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The committee under the leadership of GJM, which is spearheading the movement, also asked for a CBI probe into all the cases of violence and the killings of GJM volunteers allegedly in police firing.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, &quot;Those who are playing with fire in the hills, should desist from it. We will not allow the hills to be on fire. We will bring peace.&quot;</p>


The decision came after a four-hour long meeting of all the parties which met under the banner of Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC)

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha along with other hill parties has decided to go on fast-unto-death in an effort to press the government for a separate state of Gorkhaland. The decision came after a four-hour long meeting of all the parties which met under the banner of Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC). The committee also set a deadline till July 14 for the chairmen and vice chairmen of all the development boards set up by the West Bengal government to step down from their positions, PTI reported. The committee under the leadership of GJM, which is spearheading the movement, also asked for a CBI probe into all the cases of violence and the killings of GJM volunteers allegedly in police firing. Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Those who are playing with fire in the hills, should desist from it. We will not allow the hills to be on fire. We will bring peace."

GJM, other hill parties to fast-unto-death for separate state

<p>West Bengal&#39;s ruling Trinamool Congress has seized upon BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha&#39;s remark calling West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi &quot;a soldier of Modi brigade&quot;.</p>

<p>TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said, &quot;We have been saying this for a long time that the Governor is working on behalf of the BJP and RSS and now Rahul Sinha&#39;s comment has proved that we are right.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Now the cat is out of the bag,&quot; he said. The BJP thinks it would advance to capture power in the state by turning the Raj Bhavan into its party office, he added.</p>

<p>BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha had said earlier that the West Bengal Governor could not be stopped from performing his duties since he was a &quot;soldier of the Modi brigade.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;The Trinamool Congress is under the illusion that it can silence KN Tripathi by making hollow remarks and attacking the office of the governor.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;But they have forgotten one thing - KN Tripathi is a soldier of the Modi brigade. He cannot be stopped from performing his duty,&quot; Rahul Sinha had said.</p>

<p>The BJP national secretary said the governor&#39;s recent statement that the Rah Bhavan (Governor&#39;s House) was not a department of the state government was proof that he was &quot;not afraid&quot; of the TMC.</p>

<p>KN Tripathi had said yesterday that it was wrong to say the Raj Bhavan has become the office of BJP or the RSS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The Raj Bhavan is not a department of the state government and is open to every citizen for redressal of his or her grievances,&quot; he had said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The West Bengal Governor and chief minister Mamata Banerjee have been involved ever since his phone call about the communal clashes North 24 Parganas district.</p>

<p>Mamata Banerjee accused the Governor of &ldquo;threatening&rdquo; her and acting like &ldquo;a BJP block president&rdquo;.</p>


TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said, 'We have been saying this for a long time that the Governor is working on behalf of the BJP and RSS...'

West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress has seized upon BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha's remark calling West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi "a soldier of Modi brigade". TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said, "We have been saying this for a long time that the Governor is working on behalf of the BJP and RSS and now Rahul Sinha's comment has proved that we are right." "Now the cat is out of the bag," he said. The BJP thinks it would advance to capture power in the state by turning the Raj Bhavan into its party office, he added. BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha had said earlier that the West Bengal Governor could not be stopped from performing his duties since he was a "soldier of the Modi brigade." "The Trinamool Congress is under the illusion that it can silence KN Tripathi by making hollow remarks and attacking the office of the governor." "But they have forgotten one thing - KN Tripathi is a soldier of the Modi brigade. He cannot be stopped from performing his duty," Rahul Sinha had said. The BJP national secretary said the governor's recent statement that the Rah Bhavan (Governor's House) was not a department of the state government was proof that he was "not afraid" of the TMC. KN Tripathi had said yesterday that it was wrong to say the Raj Bhavan has become the office of BJP or the RSS. "The Raj Bhavan is not a department of the state government and is open to every citizen for redressal of his or her grievances," he had said. The West Bengal Governor and chief minister Mamata Banerjee have been involved ever since his phone call about the communal clashes North 24 Parganas district. Mamata Banerjee accused the Governor of “threatening” her and acting like “a BJP block president”.

BJP national secretary calls Bengal governor 'soldier of Modi brigade'

<p>Fresh violence was reported on Thursday from Basirhat in West Bengal&#39;s North 24 Parganas district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI reported that protesters had blocked a road and that tear gas was used on them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI reported that police had to lathi-charge the protesters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports added that one person, who had been injured in the communal violence that broke out on Monday evening, had died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reports said he had died in a Kolkata hospital, where he had been brought from Basirhat on Tuesday in critical condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reports added that 21 people had been injured in the violence, and that eight of the injured had been brought to Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI however added that Baduria town was limping back to normal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI also reported that BJP President Amit Shah had constituted a team that would visit areas affected by the violence, and report back to him.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WB: Fresh violence reported in Basirhat following imposition of section 144 after clash over FB post; protesters block road. Tear gas used</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/882898921583857664">July 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WB Social media post row: Team constituted by Amit Shah will visit affected area in West Bengal, will submit report to the party&#39;s President</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/882903935861706752">July 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, a curfew was imposed in West Bengal&#39;s North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday following violent clashes between two communities over a Facebook post, ANI reported.</p>

<p>Paramilitary forces were also deployed in Baduria and Basirhat areas of the district -- where the violence took place.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday, Section 144 prohibiting the assembly of more than four people was imposed in Baduria and Basirhat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India&rsquo;s Ministry of Home Affairs had asked for a detailed report from the West Bengal government over the clashes.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
ANI had also reported that internet services have been interrupted following the incident.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
According to PTI, the clashes began Monday evening after a post about a holy site.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had said she felt humiliated -- and had thought of quitting -- after the governor called her over the violence.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&quot;The way the governor spoke to me was like a BJP block leader. I was threatened, humiliated, I thought of leaving (quitting)... I was so insulted,&quot; media reports quoted her as saying.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&quot;The governor has not elected me. The people have elected me. The governor&#39;s behaviour was unacceptable. How dare he talk to me about law and order?&quot;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
ANI meanwhile reported the governor, KN Tripathi, as saying the &quot;governor cannot remain a mute spectator of the affairs in the state&quot;.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
And that &quot;there was nothing in the talks for which CM may have felt threatened, humiliated. Asked CM to ensure peace, law &amp; order by all means.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Communal violence had broken out in the North 24 Parganas district on Monday evening over an 'objectionable' Facebook post

Fresh violence was reported on Thursday from Basirhat in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. ANI reported that protesters had blocked a road and that tear gas was used on them. PTI reported that police had to lathi-charge the protesters. Media reports added that one person, who had been injured in the communal violence that broke out on Monday evening, had died. The reports said he had died in a Kolkata hospital, where he had been brought from Basirhat on Tuesday in critical condition. The reports added that 21 people had been injured in the violence, and that eight of the injured had been brought to Kolkata. PTI however added that Baduria town was limping back to normal. ANI also reported that BJP President Amit Shah had constituted a team that would visit areas affected by the violence, and report back to him. WB: Fresh violence reported in Basirhat following imposition of section 144 after clash over FB post; protesters block road. Tear gas used — ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017 × WB Social media post row: Team constituted by Amit Shah will visit affected area in West Bengal, will submit report to the party's President — ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017 × Earlier, a curfew was imposed in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday following violent clashes between two communities over a Facebook post, ANI reported. Paramilitary forces were also deployed in Baduria and Basirhat areas of the district -- where the violence took place. Earlier on Wednesday, Section 144 prohibiting the assembly of more than four people was imposed in Baduria and Basirhat. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs had asked for a detailed report from the West Bengal government over the clashes. ANI had also reported that internet services have been interrupted following the incident. According to PTI, the clashes began Monday evening after a post about a holy site. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had said she felt humiliated -- and had thought of quitting -- after the governor called her over the violence. "The way the governor spoke to me was like a BJP block leader. I was threatened, humiliated, I thought of leaving (quitting)... I was so insulted," media reports quoted her as saying. "The governor has not elected me. The people have elected me. The governor's behaviour was unacceptable. How dare he talk to me about law and order?" ANI meanwhile reported the governor, KN Tripathi, as saying the "governor cannot remain a mute spectator of the affairs in the state". And that "there was nothing in the talks for which CM may have felt threatened, humiliated. Asked CM to ensure peace, law & order by all means."

Bengal: Fresh violence reported from Basirhat, 1 dies in Kolkata hospital

<p>Communal clashes have broken out in West Bengal&#39;s North 24 Parganas district over a Facebook post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the clashes broke out between two communities in Baduria of the Basirhat sub-division.</p>

<p>According&nbsp;to PTI, the clashes began Monday evening after a post about a holy site.</p>

<p>Banerjee has reportedly criticised the religious leaders of both communities, warning them of strict action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Centre has sent in three battalions of paramilitary forces to contain the violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mamata humiliated, thought of quitting</p>

<p>Banerjee however later added that she had felt humiliated -- and had thought of quitting -- after the governor called her over the violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The way the governor spoke to me was like a BJP block leader. I was threatened, humiliated, I thought of leaving (quitting)... I was so insulted,&quot; media reports quoted her as saying.</p>

<p>&quot;The governor has not elected me. The people have elected me. The governor&#39;s behaviour was unacceptable. How dare he talk to me about law and order?&quot;</p>

<p>The media reports added that a BJP delegation had met the governor over the violence.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Surprised at attitude &amp; language used by CM, talks were confidential in nature and none is expected to disclose it: WB Governor KN Tripathi <a href="https://t.co/2dilxMxskm">pic.twitter.com/2dilxMxskm</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/882237317930299392">July 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>ANI meanwhile reported the governor, KN Tripathi, as saying the &quot;governor cannot remain a mute spectator of the affairs in the state&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And that &quot;there was nothing in the talks for which CM may have felt threatened, humiliated. Asked CM to ensure peace, law &amp; order by all means.&quot;&nbsp;</p>


The clashes broke out in Baduria of the Basirhat sub-division

Communal clashes have broken out in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district over a Facebook post. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the clashes broke out between two communities in Baduria of the Basirhat sub-division. According to PTI, the clashes began Monday evening after a post about a holy site. Banerjee has reportedly criticised the religious leaders of both communities, warning them of strict action. The Centre has sent in three battalions of paramilitary forces to contain the violence. Mamata humiliated, thought of quitting Banerjee however later added that she had felt humiliated -- and had thought of quitting -- after the governor called her over the violence. "The way the governor spoke to me was like a BJP block leader. I was threatened, humiliated, I thought of leaving (quitting)... I was so insulted," media reports quoted her as saying. "The governor has not elected me. The people have elected me. The governor's behaviour was unacceptable. How dare he talk to me about law and order?" The media reports added that a BJP delegation had met the governor over the violence. Surprised at attitude & language used by CM, talks were confidential in nature and none is expected to disclose it: WB Governor KN Tripathi pic.twitter.com/2dilxMxskm — ANI (@ANI_news) July 4, 2017 × ANI meanwhile reported the governor, KN Tripathi, as saying the "governor cannot remain a mute spectator of the affairs in the state". And that "there was nothing in the talks for which CM may have felt threatened, humiliated. Asked CM to ensure peace, law & order by all means."

Bengal: Communal clashes break out over FB post, Mamata says humiliated after governor calls her

<p>Hours ahead of the roll-out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday drew attention to a &quot;draconian arrest clause in the GST rules&quot; and said it could be misused by the Centre and lead to harrassment of small and medium businessmen, especially since some sections were non bailable.</p>

<p>&quot;I am shocked to find that the GST rules contain a rather draconian arrest clause which can lead to major harassment of business, particularly the small and medium, with some sections even being non-bailable too,&quot; Mamata Banerjee said in a Facebook post.</p>

<p>The West Bengal chief minister remarked that under the current VAT regime, &quot;the field officials of the State do not have the power to arrest.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;If they feel that there is a serious tax offence, then they will have to file a FIR and pursue the due process of law,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>&quot;But in the case of GST, the Inspectors will have the power to arrest on 4 different types of offences which can lead to jail from 1 year upto 5 years,&quot; she added.</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress chief said that the West Bengal government had opposed the clause but the federal government did not pay any heed.</p>

<p>&quot;Given the atmosphere in the country of vindictively targeting anyone who dares to disagree with the Central Government, I am deeply concerned that the arrest clause in GST may well be used to target business leaders who raise their voice of dissent on any policy matter or any practices,&quot; she said.</p>

<p><br />
The GST, which is slated to roll out today midnight, will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The West Bengal chief minister remarked that under the current VAT regime, 'the field officials of the State do not have the power to arrest'

Hours ahead of the roll-out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday drew attention to a "draconian arrest clause in the GST rules" and said it could be misused by the Centre and lead to harrassment of small and medium businessmen, especially since some sections were non bailable. "I am shocked to find that the GST rules contain a rather draconian arrest clause which can lead to major harassment of business, particularly the small and medium, with some sections even being non-bailable too," Mamata Banerjee said in a Facebook post. The West Bengal chief minister remarked that under the current VAT regime, "the field officials of the State do not have the power to arrest." "If they feel that there is a serious tax offence, then they will have to file a FIR and pursue the due process of law," she said. "But in the case of GST, the Inspectors will have the power to arrest on 4 different types of offences which can lead to jail from 1 year upto 5 years," she added. The Trinamool Congress chief said that the West Bengal government had opposed the clause but the federal government did not pay any heed. "Given the atmosphere in the country of vindictively targeting anyone who dares to disagree with the Central Government, I am deeply concerned that the arrest clause in GST may well be used to target business leaders who raise their voice of dissent on any policy matter or any practices," she said. The GST, which is slated to roll out today midnight, will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket.

Ahead of GST roll-out, Mamata Banerjee slams 'draconian arrest clause'

<p>The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) today announced that the indefinite strike in the Darjeeling hills would continue.</p>

<p>&quot;We have decided to carry on with the indefinite bandh in the hills,&quot; Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leaders said after a six-hour-long meeting of the political outfits in Kalimpong.</p>

<p>This comes even as West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee earlier in the day said that she &ldquo;will not allow&rdquo; the division of Bengal.</p>

<p>&quot;The overwhelming response during the meeting was that the shutdown should carry on. We had a debate on it. But ultimately, it was decided that shutdown will go on in the hills,&quot; the GJM leader said.</p>

<p>&quot;We will decide on the next course of action on July 6,&quot; they said.</p>

<p>At a public meeting in Burdwan, Banerjee said, &quot;Bengal cannot be divided. I will not allow it.&quot;</p>

<p>Protests erupted in Darjeeling after Banerjee decided to make Bengali compulsory for all schools in the state. An indefinite strike was announced by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on June 12.</p>

<p>Except medicine outlets, all shops, schools and colleges were closed, and transport was off the road.</p>


The decision comes after a 6-hour all party meeting in Kalimpong

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) today announced that the indefinite strike in the Darjeeling hills would continue. "We have decided to carry on with the indefinite bandh in the hills," Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leaders said after a six-hour-long meeting of the political outfits in Kalimpong. This comes even as West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee earlier in the day said that she “will not allow” the division of Bengal. "The overwhelming response during the meeting was that the shutdown should carry on. We had a debate on it. But ultimately, it was decided that shutdown will go on in the hills," the GJM leader said. "We will decide on the next course of action on July 6," they said. At a public meeting in Burdwan, Banerjee said, "Bengal cannot be divided. I will not allow it." Protests erupted in Darjeeling after Banerjee decided to make Bengali compulsory for all schools in the state. An indefinite strike was announced by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on June 12. Except medicine outlets, all shops, schools and colleges were closed, and transport was off the road.

Darjeeling unrest: Mamata says will not allow division of Bengal, GJM to continue indefinite strike

<p>West Bengal&#39;s ruling Trinamool Congress will not attend the midnight programme in Parliament to mark the GST roll-out on June 30 as a mark of protest, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday.</p>

<p>In a Facebook post, the TMC chief called the &quot;unnecessary disastrous hurry&quot; over the implementation of GST after demonetisation &quot;another epic blunder of the Centre.&quot;</p>

<p>Mamata Banerjee claimed the economy was not yet ready to face the GST roll-out from July 1.</p>

<p>&quot;After demonetisation, this unnecessary disastrous hurry is another epic blunder of the Centre. We have been for GST from the beginning but are very worried now with the way the Central Government is going ahead with the implementation. Our repeated suggestions to take some more time to properly implement GST have fallen in deaf ears. The entire business community, especially the small and medium ones, are scared and confused. Only 60 hours are left before this ill planned launch and no one knows for sure what&#39;s happening!,&quot; she wrote.</p>

<p>The West Bengal chief minister said it would take at least six more months to notify all rules and procedures and give enough time to the stakeholders, particularly the Small and Medium Enterprises for successfully implementing the landmark tax reform.</p>

<p><br />
&quot;Small business entities are not yet ready with the basic requirements like invoice, accounting system, IT system, etc. Another piece of evidence of unpreparedness comes from the fact that the &lsquo;Return Form&rsquo; had to be simplified for the first 6 months as all systems are not in place. It is shocking that the e-Waybill System is not yet designed and States are being asked to run their own systems as a stopgap arrangement,&quot; Mamata Banerjee wrote.</p>

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Mamata Banerjee claimed the economy was not yet ready to face the GST from July 1

West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress will not attend the midnight programme in Parliament to mark the GST roll-out on June 30 as a mark of protest, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday. In a Facebook post, the TMC chief called the "unnecessary disastrous hurry" over the implementation of GST after demonetisation "another epic blunder of the Centre." Mamata Banerjee claimed the economy was not yet ready to face the GST roll-out from July 1. "After demonetisation, this unnecessary disastrous hurry is another epic blunder of the Centre. We have been for GST from the beginning but are very worried now with the way the Central Government is going ahead with the implementation. Our repeated suggestions to take some more time to properly implement GST have fallen in deaf ears. The entire business community, especially the small and medium ones, are scared and confused. Only 60 hours are left before this ill planned launch and no one knows for sure what's happening!," she wrote. The West Bengal chief minister said it would take at least six more months to notify all rules and procedures and give enough time to the stakeholders, particularly the Small and Medium Enterprises for successfully implementing the landmark tax reform. "Small business entities are not yet ready with the basic requirements like invoice, accounting system, IT system, etc. Another piece of evidence of unpreparedness comes from the fact that the ‘Return Form’ had to be simplified for the first 6 months as all systems are not in place. It is shocking that the e-Waybill System is not yet designed and States are being asked to run their own systems as a stopgap arrangement," Mamata Banerjee wrote. ×

Trinamool to skip Parliament's GST roll-out programme on June 30: Mamata Banerjee

<p>The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Government has received UN&#39;s top public service award for a&nbsp;cash transfer scheme promoting education among girls.<br />
<br />
The &quot;Kanyashree Prakalpa&quot; scheme, a targeted conditional cash transfer scheme,&nbsp;was chosen from among 552 projects from 62 countries which were nominated for the award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scheme won the prestigious United Nations Public Service Award for its ability to reach the poorest and the most vulnerable through inclusive services and participation.</p>

<p>Mamata Banerjee received a trophy and a certificate on behalf of her government at the UN Public Service Forum in The Hague in&nbsp;Netherlands.</p>

<p>The United Nations Public Service Award is the most prestigious international recognition for excellence in public service and innovations in governance.</p>

<p>The West Bengal chief minister wrote on Facebook that the honour was a &quot;historic achievement and a proud moment for the people of West Bengal and India&quot;.</p>

<p>She also reiterated her government&#39;s&nbsp;commitment towards achieving the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals through similar innovative public service programmes that catered to the needs of the most vulnerable sections of the society.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The West Bengal chief minister earlier participated in a ministerial conversation on &quot;Accelerating Innovation in Public Service&quot;.</p>


Mamata Banerjee received a trophy and a certificate on behalf of her government at The Hague, Netherlands

The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Government has received UN's top public service award for a cash transfer scheme promoting education among girls. The "Kanyashree Prakalpa" scheme, a targeted conditional cash transfer scheme, was chosen from among 552 projects from 62 countries which were nominated for the award. The scheme won the prestigious United Nations Public Service Award for its ability to reach the poorest and the most vulnerable through inclusive services and participation. Mamata Banerjee received a trophy and a certificate on behalf of her government at the UN Public Service Forum in The Hague in Netherlands. The United Nations Public Service Award is the most prestigious international recognition for excellence in public service and innovations in governance. The West Bengal chief minister wrote on Facebook that the honour was a "historic achievement and a proud moment for the people of West Bengal and India". She also reiterated her government's commitment towards achieving the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals through similar innovative public service programmes that catered to the needs of the most vulnerable sections of the society. × The West Bengal chief minister earlier participated in a ministerial conversation on "Accelerating Innovation in Public Service".

West Bengal girl child scheme wins UN's top public service award

<p>Stumped by Modi-Shah&#39;s presidential choice as&nbsp;BJP announced the name of UP-born Ram Nath Kovind, the opposition led by BSP chief&nbsp;Mayawati was quick to react, insisting she does not agree with the politics from which&nbsp;Kovind comes referring to his &#39;RSS credentials&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BSP chief Mayawati said that it would have been better if the BJP had announced a Dalit face from a non-political background while taking on the ruling party at the Centre.</p>

<p>On extending support to Kovind, she said that it would depend upon the opposition&#39;s choice of candidate.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are also of the opinion that it would have been better if NDA had named some non political Dalit person as President nominee:Mayawati</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876762221941989380">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Despite expressing her support for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Presidential nominee Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind, Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati on Monday said the Centre should have taken all Opposition parties in &#39;good faith&#39; (WION)</p>
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<p>Sitaram Yechury, CPM&nbsp;general secretary&nbsp;said that Ram Nath Kovind headed the Dalit wing of the RSS and by announcing his name, the BJP has made the presidential election a political fight.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamNathKovind?src=hash">#RamNathKovind</a> ji RSS ke Dalit sakha ke pramukh thay, wo ek rajneeti hua na. Ye seedhi seedhi rajneetik takrao hai: Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) <a href="https://t.co/UNccsWOUrV">pic.twitter.com/UNccsWOUrV</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876750394457587712">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the BJP members had told them&nbsp;that they&nbsp;would inform the name&nbsp;of the candidate before announcing the name&nbsp;but they failed to do it.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP leaders when they met us said will inform you before any announcement for a consensus,but they informed after decision:GN Azad,Cong</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876743896188854272">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee focused on the political background of Ram Nath Kovind tweeting: &quot;There are other big Dalit leaders in India. He( #RamNathKovind) was the leader of the Dalit morcha of the BJP, so they have made him a&nbsp;candidate.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There are other big Dalit leaders in India. He( <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamNathKovind?src=hash">#RamNathKovind</a>) was leader of Dalit Morcha of BJP, so they have made him candidate: WB CM</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876758866523848704">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bihar&nbsp;chief minister Nitish Kumar, who met the Bihar governor after his name was announced by the BJP parliamentary board meeting, said that it was a &quot;matter of happiness&quot; for him. On supporting Kovind, the Bihar chief minister was clearly evasive saying &quot;it is too early to comment&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Matter of happiness for me personally. As far as support is concerned, can&#39;t say anything right now. it is too early to say: Nitish Kumar. <a href="https://t.co/EmccQ2krPl">pic.twitter.com/EmccQ2krPl</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876754665102229504">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>BJP&#39;s ally and NDA constituent Shiv Sena, which has been at loggerheads with the BJP in Maharashtra, said that the party will decide on the issue in a few days. Uddhav Thackeray said that if someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then the party will not support such a decision.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then we are not with them: Uddhav Thackeray <a href="https://t.co/rFk8M7o0gy">pic.twitter.com/rFk8M7o0gy</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876805590185525249">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The opposition was stumped by the choice of BJP's Presidential candidate

Stumped by Modi-Shah's presidential choice as BJP announced the name of UP-born Ram Nath Kovind, the opposition led by BSP chief Mayawati was quick to react, insisting she does not agree with the politics from which Kovind comes referring to his 'RSS credentials'. BSP chief Mayawati said that it would have been better if the BJP had announced a Dalit face from a non-political background while taking on the ruling party at the Centre. On extending support to Kovind, she said that it would depend upon the opposition's choice of candidate. We are also of the opinion that it would have been better if NDA had named some non political Dalit person as President nominee:Mayawati — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 × Despite expressing her support for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Presidential nominee Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind, Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati on Monday said the Centre should have taken all Opposition parties in 'good faith' (WION) × Sitaram Yechury, CPM general secretary said that Ram Nath Kovind headed the Dalit wing of the RSS and by announcing his name, the BJP has made the presidential election a political fight. #RamNathKovind ji RSS ke Dalit sakha ke pramukh thay, wo ek rajneeti hua na. Ye seedhi seedhi rajneetik takrao hai: Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) pic.twitter.com/UNccsWOUrV — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 × Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the BJP members had told them that they would inform the name of the candidate before announcing the name but they failed to do it. BJP leaders when they met us said will inform you before any announcement for a consensus,but they informed after decision:GN Azad,Cong — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 × West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee focused on the political background of Ram Nath Kovind tweeting: "There are other big Dalit leaders in India. He( #RamNathKovind) was the leader of the Dalit morcha of the BJP, so they have made him a candidate." There are other big Dalit leaders in India. He( #RamNathKovind) was leader of Dalit Morcha of BJP, so they have made him candidate: WB CM — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 × Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who met the Bihar governor after his name was announced by the BJP parliamentary board meeting, said that it was a "matter of happiness" for him. On supporting Kovind, the Bihar chief minister was clearly evasive saying "it is too early to comment". Matter of happiness for me personally. As far as support is concerned, can't say anything right now. it is too early to say: Nitish Kumar. pic.twitter.com/EmccQ2krPl — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 × BJP's ally and NDA constituent Shiv Sena, which has been at loggerheads with the BJP in Maharashtra, said that the party will decide on the issue in a few days. Uddhav Thackeray said that if someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then the party will not support such a decision. If someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then we are not with them: Uddhav Thackeray pic.twitter.com/rFk8M7o0gy — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 ×

BJP's Presidential pick: Mayawati, opposition target Kovind's 'RSS background'

<p>Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung on Sunday&nbsp;attacked the West Bengal chief minister of spreading canards to dilute their separatist movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>West Bengal head Mamata Banerjee had insinuated on Saturday that the struggle for a separate state was fuelled by insurgent groups active in Northeast India and foreign elements.</p>

<p>Reacting to her statement, 51-year-old Gurung said:&nbsp;&quot;The allegations are baseless, Mamata Banerjee is trying to mislead people. It is not a political fight but a fight for our own identity.&quot;</p>

<p>Gurung, whose party is spearheading the movement,&nbsp;also gave out a clarion call to his supporters to intensify their demand to carve out a new state from West Bengal named Gorkhaland.</p>

<p>He urged that the agitation would continue and shot a warning to government officials that there would be &quot;trouble&quot;&nbsp;if the police tried&nbsp;to stop us.</p>

<p>&quot;We will not stop until and unless Gorkhaland is achieved. The struggle will intensify in the hills,&quot; Gurung said in an audio-visual statement.</p>

<p>The statement comes a day after the GJM claimed that two of their supporters were shot dead by the police in Singmari, a locality in Darjeeling, the hotbed of the statehood protests.</p>

<p>Darjeeling remains on shutdown mode for the seventh consecutive day as thousands of supporters took to the streets to mark their protest against the killing of the two GJM supporters.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal: Protest demanding <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gorkhaland?src=hash">#Gorkhaland</a> issue continues in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Darjeeling?src=hash">#Darjeeling</a> <a href="https://t.co/x2u8PNb0Zp">pic.twitter.com/x2u8PNb0Zp</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876345371957403649">June 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rally is currently ongoing despite the police not giving the GJM supporters the authority to stage one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Times of India quoted a senior police official as saying that the authorities had &quot;not given permission&quot; to hold any rally in the Darjeeling hills.</p>

<p>Tensions in the region re-ignited&nbsp;over a decision to introduce the state&#39;s Bengali language in schools, angering the ethnic Nepali-speaking Gorkhas.</p>

<p>The language protest subsequently morphed into a decades-old calls for a separate state earlier this week.</p>

<p>Since then, Darjeeling has been in the throes of violence, arson attacks, brutal government crackdown and political recriminations.</p>

<p>The statehood protests have triggered violence in the region protesters and police have clashed in recent days.</p>

<p>On June 17, baton-wielding police fired teargas shells to disperse protesters after they were attacked with stones, leaving 12 people injured in the attack.</p>

<p>Earlier, the local police also conducted raids on the homes and offices of several members of the GJM.</p>

<p><strong>Federal government&nbsp;urges peaceful dialogue</strong></p>

<p>The federal government of India has urged the West Bengal government and Gorkhaland protesters to hold peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation.</p>

<p>India&#39;s internal affairs minister Rajnath Singh tweeted:&nbsp;&quot;All concerned parties and stakeholders should resolve their differences and misunderstandings through dialogue in amicable environment.</p>

<p>&quot;In a democracy like India resorting to violence would never help in finding a solution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I appeal to the people living in Darjeeling and nearby areas to remain calm and peaceful. Nobody should resort to violence.&quot;</p>

<p>Singh also spoke to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee today and discussed with her the situation prevailing there.</p>

<p>&quot;She (Banerjee) has apprised me of the situation prevailing in Darjeeling,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Bimal Gurung has vowed to continue the agitation for a separate state as Sunday's rally commemorates death of protesters

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung on Sunday attacked the West Bengal chief minister of spreading canards to dilute their separatist movement. West Bengal head Mamata Banerjee had insinuated on Saturday that the struggle for a separate state was fuelled by insurgent groups active in Northeast India and foreign elements. Reacting to her statement, 51-year-old Gurung said: "The allegations are baseless, Mamata Banerjee is trying to mislead people. It is not a political fight but a fight for our own identity." Gurung, whose party is spearheading the movement, also gave out a clarion call to his supporters to intensify their demand to carve out a new state from West Bengal named Gorkhaland. He urged that the agitation would continue and shot a warning to government officials that there would be "trouble" if the police tried to stop us. "We will not stop until and unless Gorkhaland is achieved. The struggle will intensify in the hills," Gurung said in an audio-visual statement. The statement comes a day after the GJM claimed that two of their supporters were shot dead by the police in Singmari, a locality in Darjeeling, the hotbed of the statehood protests. Darjeeling remains on shutdown mode for the seventh consecutive day as thousands of supporters took to the streets to mark their protest against the killing of the two GJM supporters. West Bengal: Protest demanding #Gorkhaland issue continues in #Darjeeling pic.twitter.com/x2u8PNb0Zp — ANI (@ANI_news) June 18, 2017 × The rally is currently ongoing despite the police not giving the GJM supporters the authority to stage one. The Times of India quoted a senior police official as saying that the authorities had "not given permission" to hold any rally in the Darjeeling hills. Tensions in the region re-ignited over a decision to introduce the state's Bengali language in schools, angering the ethnic Nepali-speaking Gorkhas. The language protest subsequently morphed into a decades-old calls for a separate state earlier this week. Since then, Darjeeling has been in the throes of violence, arson attacks, brutal government crackdown and political recriminations. The statehood protests have triggered violence in the region protesters and police have clashed in recent days. On June 17, baton-wielding police fired teargas shells to disperse protesters after they were attacked with stones, leaving 12 people injured in the attack. Earlier, the local police also conducted raids on the homes and offices of several members of the GJM. Federal government urges peaceful dialogue The federal government of India has urged the West Bengal government and Gorkhaland protesters to hold peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation. India's internal affairs minister Rajnath Singh tweeted: "All concerned parties and stakeholders should resolve their differences and misunderstandings through dialogue in amicable environment. "In a democracy like India resorting to violence would never help in finding a solution. "I appeal to the people living in Darjeeling and nearby areas to remain calm and peaceful. Nobody should resort to violence." Singh also spoke to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee today and discussed with her the situation prevailing there. "She (Banerjee) has apprised me of the situation prevailing in Darjeeling," he said.

GJM accuses govt of spreading lies, warns of trouble if police interfere in Gorkhaland protests

<p>The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) are on an indefinite strike from today demanding a separate state of &#39;Gorkhaland&#39;.</p>

<p>Additional Director General of Police Siddhinath Gupta had said earlier that 3 people have been arrested but added that the situation was under control.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Images posted by ANI show a PWD office in Darjeeling torched by&nbsp;miscreants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal: PWD Office in Darjeeling torched by miscreants, amid call for indefinite bandh by Gorkha Janmukti Morch. <a href="https://t.co/hgzYf1bhVd">pic.twitter.com/hgzYf1bhVd</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/874177284193767424">June 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said that an all-party meeting has been called on June 13 to discuss the matter.</p>

<p>&quot;Offices of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, Bengal government and Central Government will be closed from Monday. Court will be open. Banks will be open on Monday and Thursday. School and colleges have been exempted from bandh. We appealed to put all sign boards in Darjeeling, Kerseong, Kalimpong, Mirik and other places in Nepali and English,&quot; Giri told ANI.</p>

<p>&quot;We have also written to home minister Rajnath Singh apprising him as to how West Bengal suppresses us,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Gurung asked West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee not to do or promote &#39;divisive&#39; politics in the state.</p>

<p>&quot;I request Mamata Banerjee that she is a chief minister and she must not do divisive politics. Her dictatorial politics will find a place in the Guinness book soon,&quot; Gurung told ANI.</p>

<p>He assured that the GJM will talk to the Centre as the state government is trying to suppress Gorkhaland for her own political interest.</p>

<p>&quot;We will talk to the Centre and will send a letter to prime minister and home minister as well regarding all the atrocities. The state government is doing to suppress Gorkhaland for her own political interest,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>On Friday, a PIL was filed in the Calcutta High Court against the bandh called by GJM in Darjeeling, declaring it to be &#39;unconstitutional and illegal&#39;.</p>

<p>The matter will be brought up for hearing this week.</p>

<p>Chief minister Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as &#39;abhorrent&#39; and appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace.</p>

<p>The GJM supporters are also protesting against the alleged imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills.</p>

<p>The agitation arose from an announcement made by Mamata Banerjee earlier that Bengali would be taught compulsorily up to Class 10 in the state schools.</p>

<p>After the GJM cadres clashed with the police following their protests against Mamata&#39;s visit to Darjeeling and her decision to make Bengali compulsory in syllabus of schools across the state, the Army was called in to control the situation.</p>

<p>According to reports, the protest led by the GJM turned violent after protesters resorted to vandalism as they torched police vehicles and attacked policemen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)</p>


GJM president Bimal Gurung has said they will negotiate on the matter of Gorkhaland

The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) are on an indefinite strike from today demanding a separate state of 'Gorkhaland'. Additional Director General of Police Siddhinath Gupta had said earlier that 3 people have been arrested but added that the situation was under control. Images posted by ANI show a PWD office in Darjeeling torched by miscreants. West Bengal: PWD Office in Darjeeling torched by miscreants, amid call for indefinite bandh by Gorkha Janmukti Morch. pic.twitter.com/hgzYf1bhVd — ANI (@ANI_news) June 12, 2017 × Meanwhile, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said that an all-party meeting has been called on June 13 to discuss the matter. "Offices of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, Bengal government and Central Government will be closed from Monday. Court will be open. Banks will be open on Monday and Thursday. School and colleges have been exempted from bandh. We appealed to put all sign boards in Darjeeling, Kerseong, Kalimpong, Mirik and other places in Nepali and English," Giri told ANI. "We have also written to home minister Rajnath Singh apprising him as to how West Bengal suppresses us," he added. On Saturday, Gurung asked West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee not to do or promote 'divisive' politics in the state. "I request Mamata Banerjee that she is a chief minister and she must not do divisive politics. Her dictatorial politics will find a place in the Guinness book soon," Gurung told ANI. He assured that the GJM will talk to the Centre as the state government is trying to suppress Gorkhaland for her own political interest. "We will talk to the Centre and will send a letter to prime minister and home minister as well regarding all the atrocities. The state government is doing to suppress Gorkhaland for her own political interest," he said. On Friday, a PIL was filed in the Calcutta High Court against the bandh called by GJM in Darjeeling, declaring it to be 'unconstitutional and illegal'. The matter will be brought up for hearing this week. Chief minister Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as 'abhorrent' and appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace. The GJM supporters are also protesting against the alleged imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills. The agitation arose from an announcement made by Mamata Banerjee earlier that Bengali would be taught compulsorily up to Class 10 in the state schools. After the GJM cadres clashed with the police following their protests against Mamata's visit to Darjeeling and her decision to make Bengali compulsory in syllabus of schools across the state, the Army was called in to control the situation. According to reports, the protest led by the GJM turned violent after protesters resorted to vandalism as they torched police vehicles and attacked policemen. (ANI)

Indefinite strike across Darjeeling, PWD office torched

<p>BJP workers clashed with police in central Kolkata in India&#39;s eastern state of Bengal leading to arrest of BJP workers.</p>

<p>The BJP were demanding the arrest of TMC (Trinamool Congress)leaders and Imam Barkati for issuing a fatwa against PM Modi.</p>

<p>The state police had already prepared for the day-long protest at Lalbazar, central Kolkata which is widely known as a business district.</p>

<p>The state government had deployed several policemen including Rapid Reaction Force in the Lalbazaar parameter. The situation, however, went out of hand when the BJP workers tried to break the barricade which led to a direct confrontation between BJP workers and the police.</p>

<p>Crude bombs were thrown by protesters from the BJP, said Vineet Goyal, joint commissioner of Kolkata police told Reuters. These set off smoke but did not cause damage or injuries, according to witnesses, while protesters overturned and set ablaze police vehicles.</p>

<p>Senior police officials said about 150 BJP workers and leaders had been taken into custody.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/farmer-rally-turns-violent-in-kolkata-several-injured-15895">Also Read:&nbsp;Farmer rally turns violent in Kolkata, several injured</a></p>

<p>In the ensuing clash, several BJP workers were injured, including police personnel who were hit by BJP activists. BJP leaders Kailash Vijayvargiya general secretary of the BJP who heads the party organisation in West Bengal, state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh, MP Rupa Ganguly and ex-Kolkata deputy mayor Meena Devi Purohit were arrested.</p>

<p>The clash comes just a few days after police had clashed with farmers at a rally in Kolkata on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kolkata: Kailash Vijayvargiya &amp; Dilip Ghosh arrested under Sec 188 CRPC, during BJP&#39;s protest against state govt over law &amp; order situation <a href="https://t.co/jhiKFDPcC9">pic.twitter.com/jhiKFDPcC9</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/867670878628102144">May 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>(WION with Agency inputs)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


The BJP were demanding the arrest of TMC leaders and Imam Barkati for issuing a fatwa against PM Modi

BJP workers clashed with police in central Kolkata in India's eastern state of Bengal leading to arrest of BJP workers. The BJP were demanding the arrest of TMC (Trinamool Congress)leaders and Imam Barkati for issuing a fatwa against PM Modi. The state police had already prepared for the day-long protest at Lalbazar, central Kolkata which is widely known as a business district. The state government had deployed several policemen including Rapid Reaction Force in the Lalbazaar parameter. The situation, however, went out of hand when the BJP workers tried to break the barricade which led to a direct confrontation between BJP workers and the police. Crude bombs were thrown by protesters from the BJP, said Vineet Goyal, joint commissioner of Kolkata police told Reuters. These set off smoke but did not cause damage or injuries, according to witnesses, while protesters overturned and set ablaze police vehicles. Senior police officials said about 150 BJP workers and leaders had been taken into custody. Also Read: Farmer rally turns violent in Kolkata, several injured In the ensuing clash, several BJP workers were injured, including police personnel who were hit by BJP activists. BJP leaders Kailash Vijayvargiya general secretary of the BJP who heads the party organisation in West Bengal, state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh, MP Rupa Ganguly and ex-Kolkata deputy mayor Meena Devi Purohit were arrested. The clash comes just a few days after police had clashed with farmers at a rally in Kolkata on Monday. Kolkata: Kailash Vijayvargiya & Dilip Ghosh arrested under Sec 188 CRPC, during BJP's protest against state govt over law & order situation pic.twitter.com/jhiKFDPcC9 — ANI (@ANI_news) May 25, 2017 × (WION with Agency inputs)

BJP workers clash with police in Kolkata, several arrested

<p>Trinamool Congress on Wednesday won four municipalities in West Bengal -- one in Darjeeling hills and three in the plains -- while Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) captured three civic bodies in the hills including Darjeeling.<br />
<br />
Official sources said that TMC won Domkal municipality in Murshidabad district capturing 18 of the 21 wards. Congress emerged victorious in the rest two seats while CPI(M) bagged one.<br />
<br />
In Raigunj municipality of North Dinajpur district, TMC caputured 24 of the 27 wards while Congress won in two wards and BJP in one.<br />
<br />
TMC bagged Pujali municipality in South 24 Paraganas district winning 12 of the 16 wards. BJP bagged two seats while Congress and Indepentent won one seat each.<br />
<br />
Although GJM manged to retain three civic bodies in the hills, TMC put up a creditable performance winning in Mirik. Of the nine seats in Mirik, TMC won six and GJM three.<br />
<br />
GJM, however, maintained its supremacy in other civic bodies in the hills.<br />
<br />
The Morcha won 31 of the 32 seats in Darjeeling municipality where TMC has been able to emerge victorious in one seat.<br />
<br />
In Kurseong, GJM won 17 wards while TMC bagged the remaining three.<br />
<br />
GJM also won the civic body in Kalimpong capturing 19 of the 23 seats while TMC bagged two.<br />
<br />
Jan Andolan Party of Harka Bahadur Chetri, a former GJM leader who tried to outsmart the Morcha, failed to make a major gain in Kalimpong and managed to win only two seats.<br />
<br />
Election to the seven municipalities were held on May 14.</p>

<p><strong>Mamata &#39;humbled&#39; by results</strong></p>

<p>All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed happiness after the overwhelming resulting of his party.</p>

<p>Banerjee took to Twitter to congratulate her party workers.</p>

<p>&quot;Congratulations to Ma Mati Manush for again &amp; again putting their trust in us. We are honored, privileged &amp; humbled #VerdictOfBengal ,&quot; she tweeted.</p>

<p>&quot;Congratulations to my brothers/sisters in hill areas of Darjeeling Kurseong Kalimpong Mirik for participating in the democratic process,&quot; she added.</p>

<p>She even thanked the people of Mirik for reposing faith on her party and asserted that her party will work sincerely for their development.</p>

<p>&quot;Special thanks to Mirik for reposing faith in us. We will work sincerely for you. After so many decades we begin a new era in the hills,&quot; she tweeted.</p>

<p>(Agencies)</p>


Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) captured the three other municipalities

Trinamool Congress on Wednesday won four municipalities in West Bengal -- one in Darjeeling hills and three in the plains -- while Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) captured three civic bodies in the hills including Darjeeling. Official sources said that TMC won Domkal municipality in Murshidabad district capturing 18 of the 21 wards. Congress emerged victorious in the rest two seats while CPI(M) bagged one. In Raigunj municipality of North Dinajpur district, TMC caputured 24 of the 27 wards while Congress won in two wards and BJP in one. TMC bagged Pujali municipality in South 24 Paraganas district winning 12 of the 16 wards. BJP bagged two seats while Congress and Indepentent won one seat each. Although GJM manged to retain three civic bodies in the hills, TMC put up a creditable performance winning in Mirik. Of the nine seats in Mirik, TMC won six and GJM three. GJM, however, maintained its supremacy in other civic bodies in the hills. The Morcha won 31 of the 32 seats in Darjeeling municipality where TMC has been able to emerge victorious in one seat. In Kurseong, GJM won 17 wards while TMC bagged the remaining three. GJM also won the civic body in Kalimpong capturing 19 of the 23 seats while TMC bagged two. Jan Andolan Party of Harka Bahadur Chetri, a former GJM leader who tried to outsmart the Morcha, failed to make a major gain in Kalimpong and managed to win only two seats. Election to the seven municipalities were held on May 14. Mamata 'humbled' by results All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed happiness after the overwhelming resulting of his party. Banerjee took to Twitter to congratulate her party workers. "Congratulations to Ma Mati Manush for again & again putting their trust in us. We are honored, privileged & humbled #VerdictOfBengal ," she tweeted. "Congratulations to my brothers/sisters in hill areas of Darjeeling Kurseong Kalimpong Mirik for participating in the democratic process," she added. She even thanked the people of Mirik for reposing faith on her party and asserted that her party will work sincerely for their development. "Special thanks to Mirik for reposing faith in us. We will work sincerely for you. After so many decades we begin a new era in the hills," she tweeted. (Agencies)

West Bengal civic polls: Mamata's TMC wins four out of seven seats

<p>In a first, the Congress party has decided that it will not&nbsp;push for a Congress candidate for the presidential elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The name of Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who has served as the governor of West Bengal in the past, is doing the rounds as a consensus candidate for the opposition.</p>

<p>Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, is pushing for opposition unity and it is for this reason that she is amenable to the idea of Gopalkrishna Gandhi being put up as the presidential candidate of a united opposition.</p>

<p>Even some of the non-Congress opposition parties are sceptical to back a Congress candidate for the presidential election.</p>

<p>Sources in the Congress confirmed that the reason why Sonia Gandhi is open to a non-Congress candidate is because she doesn&rsquo;t want to give a walkover to BJP which has the numbers this time around for the President&rsquo;s election. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Though Meira Kumar&rsquo;s name also came up for discussion but there weren&rsquo;t many takers for the name. Many in the opposition are of the view that since BJP is going to propose an insider&rsquo;s name for the President, Mahatma&rsquo;s grandson may work as a glue for the entire opposition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources also said that even Mamata Banerjee is amenable to the idea of having Gopalkrishna Gandhi as the presidential candidate of a united opposition. Though a formal meeting between Mamata Banerjee and Sonia Gandhi is scheduled for the third week of May, Sonia Gandhi has already met Omar Abdullah, Sitaram Yechury and Bihar&rsquo;s chief minister Nitish Kumar in this regard.</p>

<p>The idea is that unity during presidential polls should be a precursor for a grand alliance against BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Congress is hopeful that many regional satraps who feel threatened by BJP&rsquo;s aggressive expansion may come around for a common front.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the irony of the matter is that the idea of a combined front against BJP is an admission to the fact that Congress has reduced in stature and BJP has emerged as the new Congress.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


The name of Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who has served as the governor of West Bengal in the past, is doing the rounds as a consensus candidate for the opposition

In a first, the Congress party has decided that it will not push for a Congress candidate for the presidential elections. The name of Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who has served as the governor of West Bengal in the past, is doing the rounds as a consensus candidate for the opposition. Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, is pushing for opposition unity and it is for this reason that she is amenable to the idea of Gopalkrishna Gandhi being put up as the presidential candidate of a united opposition. Even some of the non-Congress opposition parties are sceptical to back a Congress candidate for the presidential election. Sources in the Congress confirmed that the reason why Sonia Gandhi is open to a non-Congress candidate is because she doesn’t want to give a walkover to BJP which has the numbers this time around for the President’s election. Though Meira Kumar’s name also came up for discussion but there weren’t many takers for the name. Many in the opposition are of the view that since BJP is going to propose an insider’s name for the President, Mahatma’s grandson may work as a glue for the entire opposition. Sources also said that even Mamata Banerjee is amenable to the idea of having Gopalkrishna Gandhi as the presidential candidate of a united opposition. Though a formal meeting between Mamata Banerjee and Sonia Gandhi is scheduled for the third week of May, Sonia Gandhi has already met Omar Abdullah, Sitaram Yechury and Bihar’s chief minister Nitish Kumar in this regard. The idea is that unity during presidential polls should be a precursor for a grand alliance against BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Congress is hopeful that many regional satraps who feel threatened by BJP’s aggressive expansion may come around for a common front. But the irony of the matter is that the idea of a combined front against BJP is an admission to the fact that Congress has reduced in stature and BJP has emerged as the new Congress. (WION)

Congress, others expected to back Gopalkrishna Gandhi as president

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