A day after the grand launch of the ‘Didi Ke Bolo’ campaign on July 29 by Trinamool Congress supremo, Mamata Banerjee it faced initial glitches on the first day.

While the callers complained that their calls could not be completed, the managing team of ‘Didi Ke Bolo’ said that the pressure was huge because of the euphoria and were trying to reach out to everyone who called. Most callers claimed either their call was on ‘waiting’ or was ‘redirected’ to another line.

“In the last 24 hours, more than one lakh people have called on the phone line. Currently, more than 250 people are working round the clock on this. We are further ramping up our resources to handle the overwhelming response. We thank you for your patience,” said the spokesperson from the managing campaign team.

Sources reveal that more than 50,000 people from the state have shared their opinion and problems through the digital platform.

On Monday, Banerjee launched a phone line and a website so that people can share their complaints and opinions. “In a bid to interact more with the people of the state, and hear their concerns, I am announcing a dedicated phone number, 9137091370. Side by side, opinions can also be posted at this website, www.didikebolo.com,” she said ahead of her meeting with party MLAs, district and block presidents at the Nazrul Manch.

She also launched a massive outreach program for the Trinamool Congress party on Monday.

Under the outreach program, party leaders have been asked to reach out to the people on the grass-root level and connect with them. Sources in the party say that the results in the recently concluded elections have shown that a party has failed to connect with the people at the grass-root level.

“This reach out initiative will involve both traditional and modern methods of communication. We have created a digital platform whereby the public can contact us directly. It is not that it will be possible to solve all problems, but an effort will be made to tackle most of them. The party’s representatives and workers will simultaneously spread the ideas and ideals of the Trinamool Congress,” she added.

Banerjee highlighted that over the next 100 days, more than 1,000 elected representatives and post-holders of the party will have to visit as many as 10,000 villages and towns and interact with the local residents. If needed, they will stay overnight and also hear what the local party workers have to say.

A day after the grand launch of the ‘Didi Ke Bolo’ campaign on July 29 by Trinamool Congress supremo, Mamata Banerjee it faced initial glitches on the first day.

A day after the grand launch of the ‘Didi Ke Bolo’ campaign on July 29 by Trinamool Congress supremo, Mamata Banerjee it faced initial glitches on the first day. While the callers complained that their calls could not be completed, the managing team of ‘Didi Ke Bolo’ said that the pressure was huge because of the euphoria and were trying to reach out to everyone who called. Most callers claimed either their call was on ‘waiting’ or was ‘redirected’ to another line. “In the last 24 hours, more than one lakh people have called on the phone line. Currently, more than 250 people are working round the clock on this. We are further ramping up our resources to handle the overwhelming response. We thank you for your patience,” said the spokesperson from the managing campaign team. Sources reveal that more than 50,000 people from the state have shared their opinion and problems through the digital platform. On Monday, Banerjee launched a phone line and a website so that people can share their complaints and opinions. “In a bid to interact more with the people of the state, and hear their concerns, I am announcing a dedicated phone number, 9137091370. Side by side, opinions can also be posted at this website, www.didikebolo.com,” she said ahead of her meeting with party MLAs, district and block presidents at the Nazrul Manch. She also launched a massive outreach program for the Trinamool Congress party on Monday. Under the outreach program, party leaders have been asked to reach out to the people on the grass-root level and connect with them. Sources in the party say that the results in the recently concluded elections have shown that a party has failed to connect with the people at the grass-root level. “This reach out initiative will involve both traditional and modern methods of communication. We have created a digital platform whereby the public can contact us directly. It is not that it will be possible to solve all problems, but an effort will be made to tackle most of them. The party’s representatives and workers will simultaneously spread the ideas and ideals of the Trinamool Congress,” she added. Banerjee highlighted that over the next 100 days, more than 1,000 elected representatives and post-holders of the party will have to visit as many as 10,000 villages and towns and interact with the local residents. If needed, they will stay overnight and also hear what the local party workers have to say.

Didi Ke Bolo: Mamata Banerjee’s outreach campaign faces glitches on first day

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo Raj Thackeray on Wednesday meet West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee in a bid to discuss electoral reforms and the current political situation in the country.

Thackeray arrived&nbsp;in Kolkata on Tuesday.

According to reports, Thackeray had called up Mamata Banerjee and expressed his desire to meet her and discuss the issue.&nbsp;

Opposition parties had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of winning the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by tampering EVM machines. 
 
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had rejected opposition's accusation, saying that EVMs are tamper-proof and can't be hacked. 
 
Mamata Banerjee was one of the earliest interlocutors of the united opposition, wherein all like-minded anti-BJP parties had come under one umbrella to take on the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls.

In June, Mamata had asked all the Opposition parties to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. "I ask all the 23 political parties in the opposition to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. We must raise our voices. Even a country like the US has banned EVMs," Banerjee said.&nbsp;

BJP returned to power with a thumping majority securing 303 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo Raj Thackeray on Wednesday meet West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee in a bid to discuss electoral reforms and the current political situation in the country.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo Raj Thackeray on Wednesday meet West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee in a bid to discuss electoral reforms and the current political situation in the country. Thackeray arrived in Kolkata on Tuesday. According to reports, Thackeray had called up Mamata Banerjee and expressed his desire to meet her and discuss the issue. Opposition parties had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of winning the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by tampering EVM machines. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had rejected opposition's accusation, saying that EVMs are tamper-proof and can't be hacked. Mamata Banerjee was one of the earliest interlocutors of the united opposition, wherein all like-minded anti-BJP parties had come under one umbrella to take on the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls. In June, Mamata had asked all the Opposition parties to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. "I ask all the 23 political parties in the opposition to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. We must raise our voices. Even a country like the US has banned EVMs," Banerjee said. BJP returned to power with a thumping majority securing 303 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Raj Thackeray to meet Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday, discuss electoral reforms

The outgoing Governor of West Bengal, Keshari Nath Tripathi spoke exclusively to World Is One News (WION). He shared his views on a whole range of issues, including the National Register of Citizens, political violence in West Bengal and the state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Watch the full interview to know more.

WION Exclusive: Keshari Nath Tripathi speaks to WION

The Kolkata High Court on Monday amended its May 23 interim order directing the counsel of former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, accused in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam, to seek the permission of CBI, twenty-four hours before giving consultation to the former top cop.

A single bench of Justice Madhumati Mitra amended the order, which further stated that the consultation between Rajeev and his lawyer Milan Mukhopadhyay can take place only twice a week.

The matter is slated to be heard tomorrow.

In the May 23 interim order, the high court had directed Rajeev to submit his passport to the CBI and prevented the investigating agency from arresting him for custodial interrogation in connection with the scam.

An unprecedented chain of events had unfolded on February 3 when a CBI team reached Kumar's residence to question him. The team was detained, taken to a police station and was later released.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also visited the officer's residence.

The Kolkata High Court on Monday amended its May 23 interim order directing the counsel of former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, accused in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam, to seek the permission of CBI, twenty-four hours before giving consultation to the former top cop.

The Kolkata High Court on Monday amended its May 23 interim order directing the counsel of former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, accused in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam, to seek the permission of CBI, twenty-four hours before giving consultation to the former top cop. A single bench of Justice Madhumati Mitra amended the order, which further stated that the consultation between Rajeev and his lawyer Milan Mukhopadhyay can take place only twice a week. The matter is slated to be heard tomorrow. In the May 23 interim order, the high court had directed Rajeev to submit his passport to the CBI and prevented the investigating agency from arresting him for custodial interrogation in connection with the scam. An unprecedented chain of events had unfolded on February 3 when a CBI team reached Kumar's residence to question him. The team was detained, taken to a police station and was later released. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also visited the officer's residence.

Kolkata High Court directs counsel of Rajeev Kumar to seek CBI permission before consultation

The outgoing Governor of West Bengal, Keshari Nath Tripathi spoke exclusively to World Is One News (WION). He shared his views on a whole range of issues, including the National Register of Citizens, political violence in West Bengal and the state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Stay tuned for full interview...

Outgoing Bengal Governor Breaks Silence

Joint Forum, a platform of 29 tea trade unions, has sought the intervention of Union <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-not-a-suitcase-carrying-government-nirmala-sitharaman-237269">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</a> and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the implementation of Minimum Wages Act for the tea garden workers.

West Bengal government had formed a Minimum Wages Advisory Committee to resolve the crisis earlier. However, the forum claims "not a single positive step has been taken by the committee in favour of the workers even after conducting 14 meetings on the issue."

With their demands not being met despite repeated pleas, the forum has now decided to step up its protest. A meeting is being organised on July 29 in Terai and Dooars and later the workers plan to take out a march.

Aloke Chakraborty, President, Darjeeling district, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and senior leader of Joint Forum said, "Around 4.5 lakh tea garden workers have been facing severe distress due to the prolonged negligence. The situation has deteriorated further now. Many tea gardens have been closed down. We are surprised that no step has been taken so far by the state government or the central government to reopen the gardens."

Pratap Kujur, tea garden worker and forum leader said, "We have sent our demands to Mamata Banerjee and Nirmala Sitharaman and have requested them to call us to resolve the crisis. We are hoping for the best."

&nbsp;

Joint Forum, a platform of 29 tea trade unions, has sought the intervention of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the implementation of Minimum Wages Act for the tea garden workers.

Joint Forum, a platform of 29 tea trade unions, has sought the intervention of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the implementation of Minimum Wages Act for the tea garden workers. West Bengal government had formed a Minimum Wages Advisory Committee to resolve the crisis earlier. However, the forum claims "not a single positive step has been taken by the committee in favour of the workers even after conducting 14 meetings on the issue." With their demands not being met despite repeated pleas, the forum has now decided to step up its protest. A meeting is being organised on July 29 in Terai and Dooars and later the workers plan to take out a march. Aloke Chakraborty, President, Darjeeling district, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and senior leader of Joint Forum said, "Around 4.5 lakh tea garden workers have been facing severe distress due to the prolonged negligence. The situation has deteriorated further now. Many tea gardens have been closed down. We are surprised that no step has been taken so far by the state government or the central government to reopen the gardens." Pratap Kujur, tea garden worker and forum leader said, "We have sent our demands to Mamata Banerjee and Nirmala Sitharaman and have requested them to call us to resolve the crisis. We are hoping for the best."

Joint Forum of tea trade unions seek intervention of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Mamata Banerjee

The outgoing Governor of West Bengal, Keshari Nath Tripathi spoke exclusively to World Is One News (WION). He shared his views on a whole range of issues, including the National Register of Citizens, political violence in West Bengal and the state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-issues-a-show-cause-notice-to-babul-supriyo-for-poll-code-violation-204374">Union Minister Babul Supriyo</a> on Sunday hit out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bjp-has-set-an-ambitious-goal-of-dislodging-mamata-banerjee-from-power-229100">Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> claiming that Trinamool Congress will be `swept away` from the state by 2021.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, BJP leader Supriyo wrote: "They became half in 2019 and they will be swept away by 2021" (`19 mein `HALF` huye, `21 mein `SAAF` hojayenge (Trinamool Samabesh)".

The Union Minister has been critical of TMC supremo Mamata accusing her of provoking violence in the state and employing her party workers and police for the same.&nbsp;

Last month, he had asserted that Mamata-led government won`t last till 2021.&nbsp;

"The head of Bengali community is down with shame not only in India but across the world just because of the present scenario in West Bengal," he had said.&nbsp;

TMC and other opposition parties have been claiming that BJP is trying to topple their governments formed in various states.

On July 13, BJP leader Mukul Roy had said that as many as 107 MLAs of Congress, TMC and CPM will join the BJP. "A total of 107 West Bengal MLAs from CPM, Congress, and TMC will join the BJP," said Roy, while addressing a press conference.&nbsp;

Union Minister Babul Supriyo on Sunday hit out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claiming that Trinamool Congress will be `swept away` from the state by 2021. Taking to Twitter, BJP leader Supriyo wrote: "They became half in 2019 and they will be swept away by 2021" (`19 mein `HALF` huye, `21 mein `SAAF` hojayenge (Trinamool Samabesh)".

Union Minister Babul Supriyo on Sunday hit out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claiming that Trinamool Congress will be `swept away` from the state by 2021. Taking to Twitter, BJP leader Supriyo wrote: "They became half in 2019 and they will be swept away by 2021" (`19 mein `HALF` huye, `21 mein `SAAF` hojayenge (Trinamool Samabesh)". The Union Minister has been critical of TMC supremo Mamata accusing her of provoking violence in the state and employing her party workers and police for the same. Last month, he had asserted that Mamata-led government won`t last till 2021. "The head of Bengali community is down with shame not only in India but across the world just because of the present scenario in West Bengal," he had said. TMC and other opposition parties have been claiming that BJP is trying to topple their governments formed in various states. On July 13, BJP leader Mukul Roy had said that as many as 107 MLAs of Congress, TMC and CPM will join the BJP. "A total of 107 West Bengal MLAs from CPM, Congress, and TMC will join the BJP," said Roy, while addressing a press conference.

Trinamool Congress to be swept away from West Bengal by 2021: Babul Supriyo

Former TMC MP Kunal Ghosh on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with Saradha chit fund case.&nbsp;

The ED had on Monday summoned Ghosh to appear before it. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had earlier questioned Ghosh and Rajeev Kumar, who headed the Special Investigation Team of the state police that probed the multi-crore scam case. Ghosh was arrested by the state police on November 23, 2013.&nbsp;

He sent to CBI custody on September 4, 2014 after the agency took over the investigation on the orders of the Supreme Court. In 2016, the Calcutta High Court had granted interim bail to Ghosh against a bond of Rs 2 lakh.&nbsp;

Kumar, the former Kolkata Police commissioner, is accused of tampering with evidence in the case.&nbsp;

The CBI had earlier said that there was prima facie evidence against Kumar that he "tried to destroy or tamper with evidence and shield high and mighty" in the case. The probe agency had claimed that Kumar did not disclose any crucial information he was privy to.&nbsp;

An unprecedented chain of events unfolded on February 3 when a CBI team was detained by Kolkata Police when it reached Kumar`s residence to question him.&nbsp;

It was followed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to the officer`s home. The CBI officers were taken into police custody and later released.

 
&nbsp;

Former TMC MP Kunal Ghosh on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with Saradha chit fund case. The ED had on Monday summoned Ghosh to appear before it.

Former TMC MP Kunal Ghosh on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with Saradha chit fund case. The ED had on Monday summoned Ghosh to appear before it. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had earlier questioned Ghosh and Rajeev Kumar, who headed the Special Investigation Team of the state police that probed the multi-crore scam case. Ghosh was arrested by the state police on November 23, 2013. He sent to CBI custody on September 4, 2014 after the agency took over the investigation on the orders of the Supreme Court. In 2016, the Calcutta High Court had granted interim bail to Ghosh against a bond of Rs 2 lakh. Kumar, the former Kolkata Police commissioner, is accused of tampering with evidence in the case. The CBI had earlier said that there was prima facie evidence against Kumar that he "tried to destroy or tamper with evidence and shield high and mighty" in the case. The probe agency had claimed that Kumar did not disclose any crucial information he was privy to. An unprecedented chain of events unfolded on February 3 when a CBI team was detained by Kolkata Police when it reached Kumar`s residence to question him. It was followed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to the officer`s home. The CBI officers were taken into police custody and later released.

Saradha chit fund case: Former TMC MP Kunal Ghosh appears before Enforcement Directorate

In her first press conference after Trinamool Congress' poll drubbing in Lok Sabha elections, party supremo Mamata Banerjee stressed on concentrating more on organisational functioning to assess the losses. In tandem with that agenda, Banerjee has conducted more than 10 organisational meetings in the last one and half month, sitting down with all her ministers and councillors. Political strategist Prashant Kishor, credited for the poll success of YSRCP chief Jaganmohan Reddy’s victory in Andhra Pradesh and helping other top politicians, has also joined hands with Trinamool in an effort to revamp the party's game plan.&nbsp;

Here are some ways the party’s changing:

More emphasis on internal democracy

On every Friday in the last month, Banerjee is sitting with leaders from different districts from ministers to block level councillors.

She has held more than 400 administrative meetings. While earlier such meetings had live coverage, they are now held away from the prying eye of the media. Without the media glare, Banerjee is interacting with grassroots workers and asking them to speak their minds, something that party insiders feel was the need of the day.&nbsp;

Shifting action back to TMC headquarter

Every during the election season, the TMC headquarter bore a vacant look.

Last year, Banerjee conducted only one meeting here. Now, senior party leaders including the likes of Subhendu Adhikary and Abhishek Banerjee have been assigned to sit in the party office on certain days of the week. They have been asked to listen to problems of the common worker.

Banerjee herself has visited the party HQ 10 times and now all party organisational meeting takes place here.

Reaching out to Opposition

For the first time in eight years, the SC/ST MLAs of Opposition parties got a call to attend the CM’s tribal review meeting. Not only has Banerjee invited them, but she has also asked them to give suggestions for development.

She has also asked party members to avoid unnecessary political violence stating that it was giving opposition more mileage.

Jan Sangjog Yatra

To cut out the idea that the TMC were behaving like overlords rather than elected leaders, Banerjee has asked party workers to increase public outreach. Leaders have been asked to do the Jan Sangjog Yatra and for party workers to hear public grievances.

She even asked party workers to go the people and apologise if they’d made mistakes.

The Prashant Kishore effect

In the last month, Prashant Kishor has visited the state a couple of times and had a meeting with Ministers and district presidents. He has reportedly asked for the party’s top brass to come out of election mode and reach out to people. He has asked for party leaders to keep calm and not react to everything.

Prashant Kishor has also made it abundantly clear that he has only come to assist leaders and all instructions are being given by high command. Whether PK manages to help this new-look TMC combat the BJP juggernaut is something we’ll find out in the coming days. 
&nbsp;

In her first press conference after Trinamool Congress' poll drubbing in Lok Sabha elections, party supremo Mamata Banerjee stressed on concentrating more on organisational functioning to assess the losses.

In her first press conference after Trinamool Congress' poll drubbing in Lok Sabha elections, party supremo Mamata Banerjee stressed on concentrating more on organisational functioning to assess the losses. In tandem with that agenda, Banerjee has conducted more than 10 organisational meetings in the last one and half month, sitting down with all her ministers and councillors. Political strategist Prashant Kishor, credited for the poll success of YSRCP chief Jaganmohan Reddy’s victory in Andhra Pradesh and helping other top politicians, has also joined hands with Trinamool in an effort to revamp the party's game plan. Here are some ways the party’s changing: More emphasis on internal democracy On every Friday in the last month, Banerjee is sitting with leaders from different districts from ministers to block level councillors. She has held more than 400 administrative meetings. While earlier such meetings had live coverage, they are now held away from the prying eye of the media. Without the media glare, Banerjee is interacting with grassroots workers and asking them to speak their minds, something that party insiders feel was the need of the day. Shifting action back to TMC headquarter Every during the election season, the TMC headquarter bore a vacant look. Last year, Banerjee conducted only one meeting here. Now, senior party leaders including the likes of Subhendu Adhikary and Abhishek Banerjee have been assigned to sit in the party office on certain days of the week. They have been asked to listen to problems of the common worker. Banerjee herself has visited the party HQ 10 times and now all party organisational meeting takes place here. Reaching out to Opposition For the first time in eight years, the SC/ST MLAs of Opposition parties got a call to attend the CM’s tribal review meeting. Not only has Banerjee invited them, but she has also asked them to give suggestions for development. She has also asked party members to avoid unnecessary political violence stating that it was giving opposition more mileage. Jan Sangjog Yatra To cut out the idea that the TMC were behaving like overlords rather than elected leaders, Banerjee has asked party workers to increase public outreach. Leaders have been asked to do the Jan Sangjog Yatra and for party workers to hear public grievances. She even asked party workers to go the people and apologise if they’d made mistakes. The Prashant Kishore effect In the last month, Prashant Kishor has visited the state a couple of times and had a meeting with Ministers and district presidents. He has reportedly asked for the party’s top brass to come out of election mode and reach out to people. He has asked for party leaders to keep calm and not react to everything. Prashant Kishor has also made it abundantly clear that he has only come to assist leaders and all instructions are being given by high command. Whether PK manages to help this new-look TMC combat the BJP juggernaut is something we’ll find out in the coming days.

Mamata Banerjee holds 10 Trinamool Congress meet after Lok Sabha poll debacle

A special court on Thursday summoned Abhishek Banerjee, TMC MP and nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, to appear before it on July 25 in connection a case of false declaration about his educational qualification during the elections. 
 
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Samar Vishal was hearing a plea filed by an advocate Sarthak Chaturvedi, who has accused Banerjee of filing a false affidavit about his educational qualification during the recent elections. 
 
He claimed that Banerjee has misrepresented and falsely stated his qualification as an MBA graduate.&nbsp;

Earlier, Chaturvedi filed a complaint against the lawmaker under section 200 of the Cr. PC, seeking his prosecution for offences under section 125A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), section 181 (false statement)and 418 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the fast track court of ACMM Samar Vishal. Banerjee is the MP from Diamond Harbour Parliamentary Constituency. 
 
He is also the National President of All India Trinamool Youth Congress.&nbsp;

A special court on Thursday summoned Abhishek Banerjee, TMC MP and nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, to appear before it on July 25 in connection a case of false declaration about his educational qualification during the elections.

A special court on Thursday summoned Abhishek Banerjee, TMC MP and nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, to appear before it on July 25 in connection a case of false declaration about his educational qualification during the elections. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Samar Vishal was hearing a plea filed by an advocate Sarthak Chaturvedi, who has accused Banerjee of filing a false affidavit about his educational qualification during the recent elections. He claimed that Banerjee has misrepresented and falsely stated his qualification as an MBA graduate. Earlier, Chaturvedi filed a complaint against the lawmaker under section 200 of the Cr. PC, seeking his prosecution for offences under section 125A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), section 181 (false statement)and 418 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the fast track court of ACMM Samar Vishal. Banerjee is the MP from Diamond Harbour Parliamentary Constituency. He is also the National President of All India Trinamool Youth Congress.

Special court summons Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek in fake degree case

After a fairytale wedding in Turkey, actress-MP Nusrat Jahan and her husband Nikhil Jain hosted a grand reception in Kolkata on Thursday. The guest list comprised of all A-listers from the Bengali film industry.

After a fairytale wedding in Turkey, actress-MP Nusrat Jahan and her husband Nikhil Jain hosted a grand reception in Kolkata on Thursday. The guest list comprised of all A-listers from the Bengali film industry. Even Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came to the event to bless the couple. Dressed in a maroon velvet traditional outfit, Nusrat looked stunning as the new bride as she welcomed guests. Her groom, Nikhil Jain, coordinated his outfit with his wife and looked dapper in a black sherwani. View this post on Instagram Whenever i close my eyes, i see the light of ur love shining all over my heart,giving it the best of pleasures ever.. u have changed my life, u complete me,m a lot more with u.. @nikhiljain09 #thenjaffair A post shared by Nusrat (@nusratchirps) on Jul 4, 2019 at 5:28pm PDT × The newly elected MP along with her husband personally came to welcome the CM. The trio was joined by Nusrat's friend and fellow MP, actress Mimi Chakraborty for a photo op. Mimi looked stunning in a green lehenga. Mimi had also attended Nusrat's Turkey wedding in June. During a brief interaction with media, Nusrat said, "Like any other girl who dresses up like a bride on her reception day, I feel exactly the same today. I also have jitters; I also am excited and slightly nervous as well. Other Bengali stars who were seen at the reception included Bengali superstar Prosenjit, Abir Chakraborty, Raima Sen, Paoli Dam, Tonushree and actor Jeet. View this post on Instagram Wishing you a lifetime happiness sister @nusratchirps & @nikhiljain09 #thenjaffair A post shared by Tnusree C (@tonushree_10) on Jul 4, 2019 at 12:15pm PDT × View this post on Instagram Wishing @nusratchirps & @nikhiljain09 a great life ahead😊😊😊. #thenjaffair @jeet30 @madnanigopal @amitjumrani A post shared by Jeetfansclub Chetla (@jeetfansclubchetla) on Jul 4, 2019 at 6:25pm PDT × View this post on Instagram @raimasen , looking elegant... From Yesterday... #theNJaffair wedding reception ❤️❤️ @nusratchirps , @nikhiljain09 #raimasen#raima#saree#traditional#sareelook#nusratjahan#nikhiljain#weddingdiaries#weddingreception#weddinggoals#beautifuldiva#beautyqueen#bongbeauty#elegant#jewellery#photoshoot#prettinessoverload#gorgeousness#hairstyles#haircolour#makeuplife#makeup#actorslife#❤️ A post shared by Tolly world (@tolly_world_and_fresh_faces) on Jul 4, 2019 at 11:20pm PDT × View this post on Instagram @mimichakraborty, looking pretty as always in her bestie's wedding reception... #theNJaffair ❤️❤️ @nusratchirps , @nikhiljain09 #mimichakraborty#mimi#mimssi#nusratjahan#nikhiljain#weddingphotos#weddinggoals#bestfriendsmarriage#lahengacholi#lahenga#actorslife#makeup#makeuplife#hairstyles#haircolour#weddingreception#jamai420#kelorkirti#crisscross#beautifuldiva#beautyqueen#❤️ A post shared by Tolly world (@tolly_world_and_fresh_faces) on Jul 4, 2019 at 11:01pm PDT × View this post on Instagram Daddy's boy... @prosenstar with his son... #theNJaffair wedding reception ❤️❤️ @nusratchirps , @nikhiljain09 #prosenjitchatterjee#prosenjit#nusratjahan#nikhiljain#nusrat#nikhil#one#weddingphotos#weddinggoals#weddingdiaries#whitekurta#fatherandson#daddysboy#actorslife#dashinglook#handsomehunks#hairstyles#haircolour#traditional#❤️ A post shared by Tolly world (@tolly_world_and_fresh_faces) on Jul 4, 2019 at 11:05pm PDT × Earlier in the day, Nusrat and Nikhil were the chief guests at Iskon's annual Rathyatra where they performed the rituals along with Ms Banerjee. Nusrat and Mimi- immensely popular in Bengali films, made their political debut this year as they won from Basirhat and Jadavpur constituency on TMC tickets. The two were trolled when they posed outside the parliament wearing on western outfits. The two actresses though also got a lot of support from women across parties.

Nusrat Jahan and Nikhil Jain host grand reception in Kolkata; CM Mamata Banerjee, Mimi Chakraborty attend

The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and newly elected MP from Basirhat, Nusrat Jahan attended the Rath Yatra celebrations at ISKCON in Kolkata on Thursday.

Like every year, Banerjee inaugurated the Rath Yatra by offering prayers to Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Goddess Subhadra. Later, Banerjee and Jahan, flanked by her husband Nikhil Jain pulled the chariot.

In the backdrop of the controversy where Jahan was seen sporting the vermillion and ‘chooda’ after her wedding while she took oath in the Lok Sabha, Jahan attended the inauguration despite her reception in the city falling on the same evening.

Jahan said, “Bengal has been an example where all religion come together. Whichever religion we belong, we always celebrate it together. It speaks of unity, it speaks of peace. So I’m very happy to be here.”

Later, Banerjee also attended the Rath Yatra celebrations at Mahesh temple in Sreerampore in Hooghly district. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

At both the places – Kolkata and Hooghly, she reiterated the fact that religion is personal but festivals are universal. She wished for the victory of humanism and communal harmony over divisive forces.

Banerjee while inaugurating the Rath Yatra at Mahesh said, “This is the first time I have come to Mahesh’s temple for Rath Yatra. In the morning, I went to ISKCON for the Rath Yatra inauguration. After Puri, Mahesh’s Rath Yatra is most important.”

She further added that the area in and around the temple will be developed. “We are going to develop this area around Mahesh temple. We will set up guest houses too. People can smoothly come and pray to God. The govt has already sanctioned 10 crore, and we have decided to sanction 15 crores more. We have developed Tarakeshwar temple authority too. We have set up a skywalk at Dakshineswar temple, now we are going to set up a skywalk at Kalighat temple too.”&nbsp;

The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and newly elected MP from Basirhat, Nusrat Jahan attended the Rath Yatra celebrations at ISKCON in Kolkata on Thursday.

The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and newly elected MP from Basirhat, Nusrat Jahan attended the Rath Yatra celebrations at ISKCON in Kolkata on Thursday. Like every year, Banerjee inaugurated the Rath Yatra by offering prayers to Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Goddess Subhadra. Later, Banerjee and Jahan, flanked by her husband Nikhil Jain pulled the chariot. In the backdrop of the controversy where Jahan was seen sporting the vermillion and ‘chooda’ after her wedding while she took oath in the Lok Sabha, Jahan attended the inauguration despite her reception in the city falling on the same evening. Jahan said, “Bengal has been an example where all religion come together. Whichever religion we belong, we always celebrate it together. It speaks of unity, it speaks of peace. So I’m very happy to be here.” Later, Banerjee also attended the Rath Yatra celebrations at Mahesh temple in Sreerampore in Hooghly district. At both the places – Kolkata and Hooghly, she reiterated the fact that religion is personal but festivals are universal. She wished for the victory of humanism and communal harmony over divisive forces. Banerjee while inaugurating the Rath Yatra at Mahesh said, “This is the first time I have come to Mahesh’s temple for Rath Yatra. In the morning, I went to ISKCON for the Rath Yatra inauguration. After Puri, Mahesh’s Rath Yatra is most important.” She further added that the area in and around the temple will be developed. “We are going to develop this area around Mahesh temple. We will set up guest houses too. People can smoothly come and pray to God. The govt has already sanctioned 10 crore, and we have decided to sanction 15 crores more. We have developed Tarakeshwar temple authority too. We have set up a skywalk at Dakshineswar temple, now we are going to set up a skywalk at Kalighat temple too.”

Mamata Banerjee, Nusrat Jahan attend Rath Yatra celebrations in Kolkata

BJP MP from Hooghly Locket Chatterjee has accused TMC leaders in West Bengal of taking cut-money.

"Cut-money is taken by TMC leaders from birth till death. West Bengal Chief Minister has accepted that their leaders take it. TMC leaders from lower to upper level are taking it. Chief Minister had said to her party leaders to keep the 25 per cent amount and give 75 per cent to her," she said raising the issue in the Zero Hour of Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court directed Bengal Food Minister Jyotipriya Mullick, his assistant, a councillor and the state to respond within four weeks to a complaint filed by two businessman brothers that they had been asked to pay Rs 30 lakh for permission to set up a nursing home.

Protests and demonstrations have rocked various parts of the state over people demanding that "cut money" allegedly taken by elected representatives of the ruling TMC from beneficiaries of government schemes be returned.

Cut money amounts to a percentage of money that is illegally charged by elected leaders to the grassroots functionaries at the panchayat and local bodies level from ordinary citizens in return for delivery of services.

Meanwhile, BJP &nbsp;said if voted to power it will seize properties of TMC leaders accused of taking such commissions and return the money to people. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

BJP MP from Hooghly Locket Chatterjee has accused TMC leaders in West Bengal of taking cut-money. "Cut-money is taken by TMC leaders from birth till death. West Bengal Chief Minister has accepted that their leaders take it.

BJP MP from Hooghly Locket Chatterjee has accused TMC leaders in West Bengal of taking cut-money. "Cut-money is taken by TMC leaders from birth till death. West Bengal Chief Minister has accepted that their leaders take it. TMC leaders from lower to upper level are taking it. Chief Minister had said to her party leaders to keep the 25 per cent amount and give 75 per cent to her," she said raising the issue in the Zero Hour of Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court directed Bengal Food Minister Jyotipriya Mullick, his assistant, a councillor and the state to respond within four weeks to a complaint filed by two businessman brothers that they had been asked to pay Rs 30 lakh for permission to set up a nursing home. Protests and demonstrations have rocked various parts of the state over people demanding that "cut money" allegedly taken by elected representatives of the ruling TMC from beneficiaries of government schemes be returned. Cut money amounts to a percentage of money that is illegally charged by elected leaders to the grassroots functionaries at the panchayat and local bodies level from ordinary citizens in return for delivery of services. Meanwhile, BJP said if voted to power it will seize properties of TMC leaders accused of taking such commissions and return the money to people. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP MP accuses TMC leaders of taking cut-money

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to maintain peace in the state as political killings are not good for democracy and such incidents must be stopped.

Replying during a debate in Rajya Sabha over a resolution seeking an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-government-working-on-atal-jis-path-of-jamuriyat-kashmiriyat-aur-insaniyat-amit-shah-232137">extension of President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir</a> for a further period of six months and also the Jammu and Kashmir reservation Bill, Shah also said Modi government was committed to NRC and Citizenship Amendment Bill.

"Advisories were issued to West Bengal government, not for law and order situation in the state. It was issued for political killings. Mamataji should maintain peace. Sending advisories is my right. Political killing is not good for a healthy democracy. It must be stopped," Shah said.

He was responding to the criticism by Trinamool Congress's Derek O'Brien that Modi government sent two advisories to West Bengal but remained silent on deaths of children in Bihar's Muzaffarpur and killings in Uttar Pradesh.

"Advisories are not issued on health issues," Shah said differentiating the violence in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

"Uttar Pradesh has not witnessed a single political killing after the BJP government took over," he said.

The Union Minister said that the Modi government was clear that infiltration must be curbed and infiltrators must be identified and sent away.

"We are committed to NRC," he said.

Shah said the government will bring Citizenship Amendment Bill to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted Hindu refugees. 
&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to maintain peace in the state as political killings are not good for democracy and such incidents must be stopped.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to maintain peace in the state as political killings are not good for democracy and such incidents must be stopped. Replying during a debate in Rajya Sabha over a resolution seeking an extension of President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir for a further period of six months and also the Jammu and Kashmir reservation Bill, Shah also said Modi government was committed to NRC and Citizenship Amendment Bill. "Advisories were issued to West Bengal government, not for law and order situation in the state. It was issued for political killings. Mamataji should maintain peace. Sending advisories is my right. Political killing is not good for a healthy democracy. It must be stopped," Shah said. He was responding to the criticism by Trinamool Congress's Derek O'Brien that Modi government sent two advisories to West Bengal but remained silent on deaths of children in Bihar's Muzaffarpur and killings in Uttar Pradesh. "Advisories are not issued on health issues," Shah said differentiating the violence in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. "Uttar Pradesh has not witnessed a single political killing after the BJP government took over," he said. The Union Minister said that the Modi government was clear that infiltration must be curbed and infiltrators must be identified and sent away. "We are committed to NRC," he said. Shah said the government will bring Citizenship Amendment Bill to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted Hindu refugees.

Political killings must stop in West Bengal: Home Minister Amit Shah to Mamata Banerjee

Veteran Communist leader Sudhakar Reddy on Thursday termed as "meaningless" the appeal of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to the Congress and Left parties to come together with her party -- the TMC -- to fight the BJP.

Banerjee Wednesday reached out to opposition Congress and CPI(M) but the two parties rejected her appeal saying her policies are responsible for the saffron party's growth.

The national General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) said the Trinamool Congress chief still sees the Left parties as "enemies and not as political opponents".

"Several hundred of offices of the Left parties in West Bengal are still occupied by Trinamool. More than 100 people were killed. Several thousands were thrown out of their villages. Still, that type of attacks are going on", he told PTI.

The Chief Minister's appeal in this background is meaningless, Reddy said.

He further charged the ruling outfit in West Bengal with "attacking and destroying" the Left.

"It is she (Mamata) who is responsible for forcibly using violence against the Left in a very big way, and weaken the Left in West Bengal in the most undemocratic way and now what's the meaning of this appeal?", Reddy asked.

Left parties see the BJP as an "enemy" and would like to fight against it but at the same time view Trinamool as "equally a rival", he said.

Speaking during the debate on the Governor's address in the state Assembly in Kolkata, Banerjee had said the BJP is trying to run a parallel government in West Bengal and parties like the Congress and the CPI(M) should "join hands" with the Trinamool Congress to fight against it.&nbsp;

Veteran Communist leader Sudhakar Reddy on Thursday termed as "meaningless" the appeal of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to the Congress and Left parties to come together with her party -- the TMC -- to fight the BJP.

Veteran Communist leader Sudhakar Reddy on Thursday termed as "meaningless" the appeal of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to the Congress and Left parties to come together with her party -- the TMC -- to fight the BJP. Banerjee Wednesday reached out to opposition Congress and CPI(M) but the two parties rejected her appeal saying her policies are responsible for the saffron party's growth. The national General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) said the Trinamool Congress chief still sees the Left parties as "enemies and not as political opponents". "Several hundred of offices of the Left parties in West Bengal are still occupied by Trinamool. More than 100 people were killed. Several thousands were thrown out of their villages. Still, that type of attacks are going on", he told PTI. The Chief Minister's appeal in this background is meaningless, Reddy said. He further charged the ruling outfit in West Bengal with "attacking and destroying" the Left. "It is she (Mamata) who is responsible for forcibly using violence against the Left in a very big way, and weaken the Left in West Bengal in the most undemocratic way and now what's the meaning of this appeal?", Reddy asked. Left parties see the BJP as an "enemy" and would like to fight against it but at the same time view Trinamool as "equally a rival", he said. Speaking during the debate on the Governor's address in the state Assembly in Kolkata, Banerjee had said the BJP is trying to run a parallel government in West Bengal and parties like the Congress and the CPI(M) should "join hands" with the Trinamool Congress to fight against it.

Mamata Banerjee's appeal for Left, Congress, TMC to join hands 'meaningless': Sudhakar Reddy

Lashing out at the BJP rule at the Centre, Trinamul Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday claimed that the country reeled from a “super Emergency” in the past five years.

India Watch: Mamata's double standards on emergency

Making her stand clear on the cut money issue, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday asserted that there is nothing wrong if she tries to discipline her party workers, but no one has the right to malign them without evidence.

"Whatever I had to say, I had said it at an internal meeting of party councillors. What is wrong if I try to discipline my party workers? What is wrong if I ask my party workers to ensure that there is no misuse of government schemes?" Banerjee said in the state assembly.

Protests and demonstrations have rocked various parts of the state for the past one week over people demanding that "cut money" allegedly taken by elected representatives of the ruling TMC from beneficiaries of government schemes be returned.

"Just because we are a party of the masses doesn't mean anyone has the right to malign us without any evidence," the chief minister said.

Criticising the BJP, Banerjee said the saffron party is trying to bring in an alien culture in Bengal. "The people of the state are witnessing in Bhatpara what happens if you vote for the BJP. I feel all of us [TMC, Congress and CPI(M)] should come together in the fight against the BJP. It doesn't mean we have to join hands politically, but on common issues at the national level, we can come together," she said.

A TMC citadel for long, Bhatpara has been witnessing frequent post-poll violence between the rival Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress.

The fight has intensified ever since Arjun Singh crossed over from the TMC to the BJP and won the Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat, under which Bhatpara falls.

"Those who will spread fake news and try to instigate riots, the administration will take stern action against them," the CM added.

Making her stand clear on the cut money issue, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday asserted that there is nothing wrong if she tries to discipline her party workers, but no one has the right to malign them without evidence.

Making her stand clear on the cut money issue, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday asserted that there is nothing wrong if she tries to discipline her party workers, but no one has the right to malign them without evidence. "Whatever I had to say, I had said it at an internal meeting of party councillors. What is wrong if I try to discipline my party workers? What is wrong if I ask my party workers to ensure that there is no misuse of government schemes?" Banerjee said in the state assembly. Protests and demonstrations have rocked various parts of the state for the past one week over people demanding that "cut money" allegedly taken by elected representatives of the ruling TMC from beneficiaries of government schemes be returned. "Just because we are a party of the masses doesn't mean anyone has the right to malign us without any evidence," the chief minister said. Criticising the BJP, Banerjee said the saffron party is trying to bring in an alien culture in Bengal. "The people of the state are witnessing in Bhatpara what happens if you vote for the BJP. I feel all of us [TMC, Congress and CPI(M)] should come together in the fight against the BJP. It doesn't mean we have to join hands politically, but on common issues at the national level, we can come together," she said. A TMC citadel for long, Bhatpara has been witnessing frequent post-poll violence between the rival Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress. The fight has intensified ever since Arjun Singh crossed over from the TMC to the BJP and won the Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat, under which Bhatpara falls. "Those who will spread fake news and try to instigate riots, the administration will take stern action against them," the CM added.

Nothing wrong in disciplining party workers: Mamata on cut money issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage&nbsp;to people who resisted the Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on this day in 1975.

"India salutes all those greats who fiercely and fearlessly resisted the Emergency. India's democratic ethos successfully prevailed over an authoritarian mindset," he tweeted with a short video. 
&nbsp;

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India salutes all those greats who fiercely and fearlessly resisted the Emergency. 
 
India’s democratic ethos successfully prevailed over an authoritarian mindset. <a href="https://t.co/vUS6HYPbT5">pic.twitter.com/vUS6HYPbT5</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1143362212335144960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Home minister Amit Shah also recalled how people were deprived of their fundamental rights during the Emergency. "It was on this day in 1975 that democracy of the country was killed for political interests. Millions of patriots were tortured in their fight to restore democracy. I salute all the fighters," Shah tweeted. 
&nbsp;

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1975 में आज ही के दिन मात्र अपने राजनीतिक हितों के लिए देश के लोकतंत्र की हत्या की गयी। देशवासियों से उनके मूलभूत अधिकार छीन लिए गए, अखबारों पर ताले लगा दिए गए। लाखों राष्ट्रभक्तों ने लोकतंत्र को पुनर्स्थापित करने के लिए अनेकों यातनाएं सहीं। 
 
मैं उन सभी सेनानियों को नमन करता हूं। <a href="https://t.co/XzRc4vEdJS">pic.twitter.com/XzRc4vEdJS</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1143361005583552513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Defence minister Rajnath Singh said Emergency was one of the darkest chapters in Indian history. "The declaration of Emergency on June 25, 1975 and the incidents that followed, mark as one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. On this day, we the people of India should always remember the importance of upholding the integrity our institutions and the Constitution," he tweeted. 
&nbsp;

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The declaration of Emergency on June 25, 1975 and the incidents that followed, mark as one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. 
 
On this day, we the people of India should always remember the importance of upholding the integrity our institutions and the Constitution.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1143345301756846080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile lashing out at BJP, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter and said that while it was the anniversary of Emergency imposed in 1975, the country is going through "super emergency" for the past five years.

"Today is the anniversary of the Emergency declared in 1975. For the last five years, the country went through a 'Super Emergency'. We must learn our lessons from history and fight to safeguard the democratic institutions in the country," Banerjee tweeted. 
&nbsp;

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Today is the anniversary of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Emergency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Emergency</a> declared in 1975. For the last five years, the country went through a ‘Super Emergency’. We must learn our lessons from history and fight to safeguard the democratic institutions in the country
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1143336759205306368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Emergency was imposed in India from June 25, 1975 to March 21, 1977.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to people who resisted the Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on this day in 1975. "India salutes all those greats who fiercely and fearlessly resisted the Emergency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to people who resisted the Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on this day in 1975. "India salutes all those greats who fiercely and fearlessly resisted the Emergency. India's democratic ethos successfully prevailed over an authoritarian mindset," he tweeted with a short video. India salutes all those greats who fiercely and fearlessly resisted the Emergency. India’s democratic ethos successfully prevailed over an authoritarian mindset. pic.twitter.com/vUS6HYPbT5 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2019 × Home minister Amit Shah also recalled how people were deprived of their fundamental rights during the Emergency. "It was on this day in 1975 that democracy of the country was killed for political interests. Millions of patriots were tortured in their fight to restore democracy. I salute all the fighters," Shah tweeted. 1975 में आज ही के दिन मात्र अपने राजनीतिक हितों के लिए देश के लोकतंत्र की हत्या की गयी। देशवासियों से उनके मूलभूत अधिकार छीन लिए गए, अखबारों पर ताले लगा दिए गए। लाखों राष्ट्रभक्तों ने लोकतंत्र को पुनर्स्थापित करने के लिए अनेकों यातनाएं सहीं। मैं उन सभी सेनानियों को नमन करता हूं। pic.twitter.com/XzRc4vEdJS — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 25, 2019 × Defence minister Rajnath Singh said Emergency was one of the darkest chapters in Indian history. "The declaration of Emergency on June 25, 1975 and the incidents that followed, mark as one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. On this day, we the people of India should always remember the importance of upholding the integrity our institutions and the Constitution," he tweeted. The declaration of Emergency on June 25, 1975 and the incidents that followed, mark as one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. On this day, we the people of India should always remember the importance of upholding the integrity our institutions and the Constitution. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 25, 2019 × Meanwhile lashing out at BJP, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter and said that while it was the anniversary of Emergency imposed in 1975, the country is going through "super emergency" for the past five years. "Today is the anniversary of the Emergency declared in 1975. For the last five years, the country went through a 'Super Emergency'. We must learn our lessons from history and fight to safeguard the democratic institutions in the country," Banerjee tweeted. Today is the anniversary of the #Emergency declared in 1975. For the last five years, the country went through a ‘Super Emergency’. We must learn our lessons from history and fight to safeguard the democratic institutions in the country — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 25, 2019 × Emergency was imposed in India from June 25, 1975 to March 21, 1977. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah remember those who resisted Emergency; Mamata Banerjee lashes out at BJP

The BJP Tuesday accused the Mamata Banerjee government of trying to create "West Bangladesh" by allowing infiltrators from Bangladesh to settle in West Bengal.

The TMC, however, claimed that the National Register for Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Bill were aimed at deliberately targeting the minority community.

Speaking on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Lok Sabha, Dilip Ghosh said the law and order situation in the state is in complete shambles and democracy in the doldrums.

"The (West Bengal) chief minister is very interested to become prime minister. She is trying to combine Bengal and Bangladesh and create West Bangladesh. There is a conspiracy going on to separate Bengal from India," Ghosh said.

The first time BJP MP from West Bengal said there is nothing political about 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan of the BJP since it was Lord Rama who taught justice and law and order, which is required in the state.

"Jai Bangla is a slogan imported from Bangladesh, whereas Jai Shri Ram is our own slogan," Ghosh said.

The BJP won 18 out of the total 42 parliamentary seats in the TMC stronghold West Bengal in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll.

"West Bengal is the only state which witnessed violence during the general elections. They are saying that you have to learn Bengali to go to West Bengal. This is the 'Sonar Bangla' we are now witnessing," Ghosh said.

Speaking in the House, Mahua Moitra (TMC) accused the BJP of spreading fear across the country since 2014 and politicising the issue of 2.77 acres of land (in Ayodhya).

"The BJP is mixing religion with citizenship. Through the National Register for Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Bill, only one community is being targeted," Moitra charged, adding even school textbooks are being changed to indoctrinate students.

She said there is an erosion of electoral system and a "dangerous fascism" rising in India under the BJP. Holding that the Constitution was under threat, Mahua Moitra (TMC) said there were signs everywhere that the country was being torn apart.

Citizens were being thrown out of their homes, she claimed. The lynching of young citizens, she said, was taking place and drew the attention of members to the lynching of Tabrez Ansari in Jharkhand.

She also alleged the five large media houses in India were directly or indirectly is controlled by a single man.

BJP member Nishikant Dubey objected to Moitra's reference to 2.77-acre land and NRC in her speech, saying the two issues are pending before the Supreme Court.

To this, TMC leader Saugata Roy attacked Dubey saying his objections are "bogus".

"He has been put up by the Government to obstruct the opposition. He is using the green book (Lok Sabha rule book) without understanding to impede opposition speech," Roy said.

In his defence, Dubey said Roy has become "so blind in defending Mamata Banerjee that he cannot read Lok Sabha rules".

The BJP Tuesday accused the Mamata Banerjee government of trying to create "West Bangladesh" by allowing infiltrators from Bangladesh to settle in West Bengal. The TMC, however, claimed that the National Register for Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Bill were aimed at deliberately targeting the minority community.

The BJP Tuesday accused the Mamata Banerjee government of trying to create "West Bangladesh" by allowing infiltrators from Bangladesh to settle in West Bengal. The TMC, however, claimed that the National Register for Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Bill were aimed at deliberately targeting the minority community. Speaking on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Lok Sabha, Dilip Ghosh said the law and order situation in the state is in complete shambles and democracy in the doldrums. "The (West Bengal) chief minister is very interested to become prime minister. She is trying to combine Bengal and Bangladesh and create West Bangladesh. There is a conspiracy going on to separate Bengal from India," Ghosh said. The first time BJP MP from West Bengal said there is nothing political about 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan of the BJP since it was Lord Rama who taught justice and law and order, which is required in the state. "Jai Bangla is a slogan imported from Bangladesh, whereas Jai Shri Ram is our own slogan," Ghosh said. The BJP won 18 out of the total 42 parliamentary seats in the TMC stronghold West Bengal in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll. "West Bengal is the only state which witnessed violence during the general elections. They are saying that you have to learn Bengali to go to West Bengal. This is the 'Sonar Bangla' we are now witnessing," Ghosh said. Speaking in the House, Mahua Moitra (TMC) accused the BJP of spreading fear across the country since 2014 and politicising the issue of 2.77 acres of land (in Ayodhya). "The BJP is mixing religion with citizenship. Through the National Register for Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Bill, only one community is being targeted," Moitra charged, adding even school textbooks are being changed to indoctrinate students. She said there is an erosion of electoral system and a "dangerous fascism" rising in India under the BJP. Holding that the Constitution was under threat, Mahua Moitra (TMC) said there were signs everywhere that the country was being torn apart. Citizens were being thrown out of their homes, she claimed. The lynching of young citizens, she said, was taking place and drew the attention of members to the lynching of Tabrez Ansari in Jharkhand. She also alleged the five large media houses in India were directly or indirectly is controlled by a single man. BJP member Nishikant Dubey objected to Moitra's reference to 2.77-acre land and NRC in her speech, saying the two issues are pending before the Supreme Court. To this, TMC leader Saugata Roy attacked Dubey saying his objections are "bogus". "He has been put up by the Government to obstruct the opposition. He is using the green book (Lok Sabha rule book) without understanding to impede opposition speech," Roy said. In his defence, Dubey said Roy has become "so blind in defending Mamata Banerjee that he cannot read Lok Sabha rules".

'Mamata Banerjee conspiring to separate Bengal from India': BJP in Lok Sabha

Several persons were injured as fresh clashes were reported in trouble-torn Bhatpara area in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal Saturday as rival groups violated Section 144 imposed there.

Police had to resort to lathi charge to disperse the crowd.

The incident happened moments after a three-member BJP central delegation left the area after their scheduled visit.

As the delegation left, two groups, one led by the BJP and other by TMC, engaged in pitched battle as both sides hurled countrymade bombs and stones at each other.

Several persons were injured in the incident.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> West Bengal: Slogans of "Bengal Police haye haye! Mamata Banerjee haye haye!" raised during the visit of BJP delegation to Bhatpara, North 24 Parganas district. <a href="https://t.co/gVV3WoWgsl">pic.twitter.com/gVV3WoWgsl</a>
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Bhatpara had witnessed clashes between rival groups suspected to be affiliated to TMC and BJP on Thursday in which two persons had died.&nbsp;

A three-member BJP delegation, led by former Union minister S S Ahluwalia, arrived at trouble-torn Bhatpara on Saturday, where two people were killed and seven injured in clashes between two groups believed to be affiliated to the TMC and the BJP.

The BJP central leadership had asked the team led by Ahluwalia, an MP from West Bengal, to visit Bhatpara in North 24 Pargana district.

Two people had died and seven others injured in clashes in Bhatpara between the groups suspected to be attached to TMC and BJP on Thursday. Section 144 has been imposed by the administration in the wake of the clashes.

Earlier in the day, a joint delegation of CPI(M) and Congress headed by Leader of Opposition Abdul Mannan and CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty visited the troubled areas of Baruipara, Jagaddal, Bhatpara. They demanded a CBI inquiry into the killings.

On Friday, the BJP leadership had also demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident to bring out the truth.

A TMC citadel for long, Bhatpara has been witnessing frequent post-poll violence between the rival parties.

The fight intensified ever since TMC MLA Arjun Singh crossed over to the BJP and was elected to Lok Sabha from Barrackpore. Bhatpara comes under the Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency.

In the bypoll to the Bhatpara Assembly seat that were held along with the Lok Sabha elections, Arjun Singh's son Pawan Singh had defeated TMC candidate and former state minister Madan Mitra.&nbsp;

Several persons were injured as fresh clashes were reported in trouble-torn Bhatpara area in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal Saturday as rival groups violated Section 144 imposed there.

Several persons were injured as fresh clashes were reported in trouble-torn Bhatpara area in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal Saturday as rival groups violated Section 144 imposed there. Police had to resort to lathi charge to disperse the crowd. The incident happened moments after a three-member BJP central delegation left the area after their scheduled visit. As the delegation left, two groups, one led by the BJP and other by TMC, engaged in pitched battle as both sides hurled countrymade bombs and stones at each other. Several persons were injured in the incident. #WATCH West Bengal: Slogans of "Bengal Police haye haye! Mamata Banerjee haye haye!" raised during the visit of BJP delegation to Bhatpara, North 24 Parganas district. pic.twitter.com/gVV3WoWgsl — ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2019 × Bhatpara had witnessed clashes between rival groups suspected to be affiliated to TMC and BJP on Thursday in which two persons had died. A three-member BJP delegation, led by former Union minister S S Ahluwalia, arrived at trouble-torn Bhatpara on Saturday, where two people were killed and seven injured in clashes between two groups believed to be affiliated to the TMC and the BJP. The BJP central leadership had asked the team led by Ahluwalia, an MP from West Bengal, to visit Bhatpara in North 24 Pargana district. Two people had died and seven others injured in clashes in Bhatpara between the groups suspected to be attached to TMC and BJP on Thursday. Section 144 has been imposed by the administration in the wake of the clashes. Earlier in the day, a joint delegation of CPI(M) and Congress headed by Leader of Opposition Abdul Mannan and CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty visited the troubled areas of Baruipara, Jagaddal, Bhatpara. They demanded a CBI inquiry into the killings. On Friday, the BJP leadership had also demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident to bring out the truth. A TMC citadel for long, Bhatpara has been witnessing frequent post-poll violence between the rival parties. The fight intensified ever since TMC MLA Arjun Singh crossed over to the BJP and was elected to Lok Sabha from Barrackpore. Bhatpara comes under the Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency. In the bypoll to the Bhatpara Assembly seat that were held along with the Lok Sabha elections, Arjun Singh's son Pawan Singh had defeated TMC candidate and former state minister Madan Mitra.

West Bengal: Fresh clashes break out in trouble-hit Bhatpara, many injured

After a record performance in Lok Sabha elections (18 seats / 40 per cent vote share), BJP has set an ambitious target of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power in 2021 state elections. A weakened Left, a charged-up cadre, poor law and order situation and perceived excessive minority appeasement provide an opportunity for BJP.&nbsp;

Critics who were giving BJP not more than 8-10 seats in Lok Sabha were shocked at its tally of 18 seats (+16 vs 2014). It recorded a vote share jump of 23 per cent clearly emerging as the main opposition to Mamata overtaking the Left and benefitting from its collapse. Even if TMC and Congress would have contested together BJP would have still won 12 seats. TMC was leading in 161 Assembly seats, 16 more than majority and BJP in 123 as per trends.&nbsp;

The BJP did to TMC, what it did to Congress in 2014, successfully managing to brand Mamata as anti-Hindu and pro-minority community. It led to a sort of Hindu awakening in the state. BJP’s support among STs increased by 42 per cent (TMC -6 per cent), SCs by 37 per cent (TMC -11 per cent) and Gen / OBCs by 31 per cent (TMC -8 per cent). TMC, on the other hand, consolidated its supports among Muslims (+25 per cent) due to reverse polarisation.&nbsp;

After a record performance in Lok Sabha elections (18 seats / 40 per cent&nbsp;vote share), BJP has set an ambitious target of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power in 2021 state elections. A weakened Left, a charged-up cadre, poor law and order situation and perceived excessive minority appeasement provide an opportunity for BJP.&nbsp;

Critics who were giving BJP not more than 8-10 seats in Lok Sabha were shocked at its tally of 18 seats (+16 vs 2014). It recorded a vote share jump of 23 per cent&nbsp;clearly emerging as the main opposition to Mamata overtaking the Left and benefitting from its collapse. Even if TMC and Congress would have contested together BJP would have still won 12 seats. TMC was leading in 161 Assembly seats, 16 more than majority and BJP in 123 as per trends.&nbsp;

The BJP did to TMC, what it did to Congress in 2014, successfully managing to brand Mamata as anti-Hindu and pro-minority community. It led to a sort of Hindu awakening in the state. BJP’s support among STs increased by 42 per cent (TMC -6 per cent), SCs by 37 per cent (TMC -11 per cent) and Gen / OBCs by 31 per cent (TMC -8 per cent). TMC, on the other hand, consolidated its supports among Muslims (+25 per cent) due to reverse polarisation.&nbsp; 
 
The BJP checkmated Mamata in her own brand of politics. Bengal has been a hotbed of class politics with not much role in caste politics. Left positioned itself as the champion of poor, downtrodden and minorities, though it was Bhadralok which held majority cabinet positions and power.&nbsp;

In 2009, for the first time, Mamata flirted with caste politics. A strategy was put in place by Mukul Roy (now in BJP) to divide the SC vote (19 per cent of the population) by wooing the influential Matua community. 55-60 per cent of the SC population used to vote for Left Front. Mamata became a lifetime member of Matua Mahasangha in December 2009.&nbsp;

The TMC received 48 per cent of Matua and 46 per cent of other SC votes in 2011 state elections in which Mamata displaced the 34-year rule of Left. Modi-Shah duo also set their eyes on this vote bank. The community’s spiritual family split into two groups, one backing the BJP and other the TMC after the death of its leader. BJP received strong support from SC voters in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

Ten years is a good enough time to develop anti-incumbency against any government. Mamata’s constant conflicts with the central government are also impacting state government’s performance. Many voters could be swayed, thinking that same government in the Centre and the state is good for development. Mamata is seen as doing minority appeasement. This has upset even the educated Hindus who do not believe in caste/religion politics.&nbsp;

She has lost her cool on many occasions and pressure is clearly visible on her face. The BJP is enjoying all this tamasha. Recently, a video of Mamata was doing the rounds wherein she stopped her vehicle after hearing ‘Jai Shree Ram’ chants and was seen asking officials to take action.&nbsp;

Her handling of the doctors’ strike which has paralysed the health facilities in the state, with 700 doctors resigning at last count, has evoked nation-wide rage among the medical fraternity. Mamata’s statement that ‘outsiders’ had entered medical colleges to create disturbances and the agitation was a conspiracy by the CPM and the BJP has added fuel to the fire. Mamata has accepted all demands of the doctors requesting them to return to the office which they have rejected.

Her statement that if you are in Bengal you have to speak Bangla is an attempt to create a wedge between locals (Bengalis) and outsiders (non-Bengalis) and brand BJP as a party of Hindi speaking North Indians. She is trying to invoke the Bengali pride. As per estimates, 15 per cent&nbsp;of the population of Bengal consists of non-Bengalis which are likely to further consolidate behind the BJP.

The BJP enjoys the support of half of the Hindu population which translates into 35 per cent vote share, its core vote now. Many cadres of Left have switched over to BJP, demoralized by their existential crisis, and have given the much-needed last mile connectivity which it was missing earlier. The deaths of workers (which are highly condemnable) after elections shows that damage has been inflicted on both sides and BJP workers are not taking it lying down like earlier. The organizational structure has been emboldened. &nbsp;

However, challenges remain. PM Modi factor played a big role in the BJP’s performance in Lok Sabha. About one-third of the votes received by BJP were due to PM Modi. In state elections, this factor may not hold to be that strong like it was seen in Delhi and Bihar state elections in 2015. PM Modi held 17 rallies and road-shows in Bengal. He may not be able to campaign with same vigour in state elections due to Prime Ministerial duties.

The elections are increasingly becoming personality oriented and BJP lacks a state level leader who can match Mamata. It needs to project a CM face soon and develop it over the next two years. Voters are also increasingly differentiating between state and national elections as witnessed in Rajasthan, Odisha, MP and Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

In Lok Sabha, people voted to elect a PM, which gave BJP a boost. In Vidhan Sabha people will be voting to elect a CM, thus negating this boost factor. In 2016 state polls, BJP’s vote share declined by 7 per cent in absolute terms and 40 per cent in relative terms which it has to be wary of.&nbsp;

An alliance between Left and Congress could be potentially damaging as this combine could appeal to a section of voters. Mamata has appointed political strategist Prashant Kishore as her campaign manager exhibiting her first sign of weakness. The BJP has to refrain from pressures to invoke President’s Rule in the state which will act as a sympathy factor for Mamata. It needs to keep up the ante, manage defections and wait for Mamata to commit errors under pressure.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bjp-s-audacious-target-2763265">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

After a record performance in Lok Sabha elections (18 seats / 40 per cent vote share), BJP has set an ambitious target of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power in 2021 state elections.

After a record performance in Lok Sabha elections (18 seats / 40 per cent vote share), BJP has set an ambitious target of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power in 2021 state elections. A weakened Left, a charged-up cadre, poor law and order situation and perceived excessive minority appeasement provide an opportunity for BJP. Critics who were giving BJP not more than 8-10 seats in Lok Sabha were shocked at its tally of 18 seats (+16 vs 2014). It recorded a vote share jump of 23 per cent clearly emerging as the main opposition to Mamata overtaking the Left and benefitting from its collapse. Even if TMC and Congress would have contested together BJP would have still won 12 seats. TMC was leading in 161 Assembly seats, 16 more than majority and BJP in 123 as per trends. The BJP did to TMC, what it did to Congress in 2014, successfully managing to brand Mamata as anti-Hindu and pro-minority community. It led to a sort of Hindu awakening in the state. BJP’s support among STs increased by 42 per cent (TMC -6 per cent), SCs by 37 per cent (TMC -11 per cent) and Gen / OBCs by 31 per cent (TMC -8 per cent). TMC, on the other hand, consolidated its supports among Muslims (+25 per cent) due to reverse polarisation. After a record performance in Lok Sabha elections (18 seats / 40 per cent vote share), BJP has set an ambitious target of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power in 2021 state elections. A weakened Left, a charged-up cadre, poor law and order situation and perceived excessive minority appeasement provide an opportunity for BJP. Critics who were giving BJP not more than 8-10 seats in Lok Sabha were shocked at its tally of 18 seats (+16 vs 2014). It recorded a vote share jump of 23 per cent clearly emerging as the main opposition to Mamata overtaking the Left and benefitting from its collapse. Even if TMC and Congress would have contested together BJP would have still won 12 seats. TMC was leading in 161 Assembly seats, 16 more than majority and BJP in 123 as per trends. The BJP did to TMC, what it did to Congress in 2014, successfully managing to brand Mamata as anti-Hindu and pro-minority community. It led to a sort of Hindu awakening in the state. BJP’s support among STs increased by 42 per cent (TMC -6 per cent), SCs by 37 per cent (TMC -11 per cent) and Gen / OBCs by 31 per cent (TMC -8 per cent). TMC, on the other hand, consolidated its supports among Muslims (+25 per cent) due to reverse polarisation. The BJP checkmated Mamata in her own brand of politics. Bengal has been a hotbed of class politics with not much role in caste politics. Left positioned itself as the champion of poor, downtrodden and minorities, though it was Bhadralok which held majority cabinet positions and power. In 2009, for the first time, Mamata flirted with caste politics. A strategy was put in place by Mukul Roy (now in BJP) to divide the SC vote (19 per cent of the population) by wooing the influential Matua community. 55-60 per cent of the SC population used to vote for Left Front. Mamata became a lifetime member of Matua Mahasangha in December 2009. The TMC received 48 per cent of Matua and 46 per cent of other SC votes in 2011 state elections in which Mamata displaced the 34-year rule of Left. Modi-Shah duo also set their eyes on this vote bank. The community’s spiritual family split into two groups, one backing the BJP and other the TMC after the death of its leader. BJP received strong support from SC voters in Lok Sabha. Ten years is a good enough time to develop anti-incumbency against any government. Mamata’s constant conflicts with the central government are also impacting state government’s performance. Many voters could be swayed, thinking that same government in the Centre and the state is good for development. Mamata is seen as doing minority appeasement. This has upset even the educated Hindus who do not believe in caste/religion politics. She has lost her cool on many occasions and pressure is clearly visible on her face. The BJP is enjoying all this tamasha. Recently, a video of Mamata was doing the rounds wherein she stopped her vehicle after hearing ‘Jai Shree Ram’ chants and was seen asking officials to take action. Her handling of the doctors’ strike which has paralysed the health facilities in the state, with 700 doctors resigning at last count, has evoked nation-wide rage among the medical fraternity. Mamata’s statement that ‘outsiders’ had entered medical colleges to create disturbances and the agitation was a conspiracy by the CPM and the BJP has added fuel to the fire. Mamata has accepted all demands of the doctors requesting them to return to the office which they have rejected. Her statement that if you are in Bengal you have to speak Bangla is an attempt to create a wedge between locals (Bengalis) and outsiders (non-Bengalis) and brand BJP as a party of Hindi speaking North Indians. She is trying to invoke the Bengali pride. As per estimates, 15 per cent of the population of Bengal consists of non-Bengalis which are likely to further consolidate behind the BJP. The BJP enjoys the support of half of the Hindu population which translates into 35 per cent vote share, its core vote now. Many cadres of Left have switched over to BJP, demoralized by their existential crisis, and have given the much-needed last mile connectivity which it was missing earlier. The deaths of workers (which are highly condemnable) after elections shows that damage has been inflicted on both sides and BJP workers are not taking it lying down like earlier. The organizational structure has been emboldened. However, challenges remain. PM Modi factor played a big role in the BJP’s performance in Lok Sabha. About one-third of the votes received by BJP were due to PM Modi. In state elections, this factor may not hold to be that strong like it was seen in Delhi and Bihar state elections in 2015. PM Modi held 17 rallies and road-shows in Bengal. He may not be able to campaign with same vigour in state elections due to Prime Ministerial duties. The elections are increasingly becoming personality oriented and BJP lacks a state level leader who can match Mamata. It needs to project a CM face soon and develop it over the next two years. Voters are also increasingly differentiating between state and national elections as witnessed in Rajasthan, Odisha, MP and Chhattisgarh. In Lok Sabha, people voted to elect a PM, which gave BJP a boost. In Vidhan Sabha people will be voting to elect a CM, thus negating this boost factor. In 2016 state polls, BJP’s vote share declined by 7 per cent in absolute terms and 40 per cent in relative terms which it has to be wary of. An alliance between Left and Congress could be potentially damaging as this combine could appeal to a section of voters. Mamata has appointed political strategist Prashant Kishore as her campaign manager exhibiting her first sign of weakness. The BJP has to refrain from pressures to invoke President’s Rule in the state which will act as a sympathy factor for Mamata. It needs to keep up the ante, manage defections and wait for Mamata to commit errors under pressure. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

BJP has set an ambitious goal of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power

In a fresh jolt to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Biswajit Das, along with 12 party councillors have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Das joined the BJP in&nbsp;the presence of senior party leaders Kailash Vijayvargiya and Mukul Roy in the national capital.

On Monday, TMC MLA Sunil Singh along with 15 party councillors had joined the Saffron party.

Reacting to the crossover of TMC MLAs and councillors to BJP, Mamata on Tuesday said she doesn't want thieves in the party. "TMC is not a weak party. I don't care if 15-20 councillors leave the party after accepting cash. If party MLAs want to leave they can. We don't want thieves in our party. If one person leaves I will prepare 500 more," she said.

Furthermore, she also wrote a letter to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and informed him that she will be unable to attend the meeting of Presidents of all political parties, called by the Prime Minister.

In Lok Sabha polls 2019, BJP inflicted a massive blow to the ruling TMC by winning 18 of the 42 parliamentary constituencies, in contrast with the figure of 2 seats in the 2014 general elections.

The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC although retained the state, it won just 22 seats, as against 34 in 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a fresh jolt to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Biswajit Das, along with 12 party councillors have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In a fresh jolt to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Biswajit Das, along with 12 party councillors have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Das joined the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders Kailash Vijayvargiya and Mukul Roy in the national capital. On Monday, TMC MLA Sunil Singh along with 15 party councillors had joined the Saffron party. Reacting to the crossover of TMC MLAs and councillors to BJP, Mamata on Tuesday said she doesn't want thieves in the party. "TMC is not a weak party. I don't care if 15-20 councillors leave the party after accepting cash. If party MLAs want to leave they can. We don't want thieves in our party. If one person leaves I will prepare 500 more," she said. Furthermore, she also wrote a letter to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and informed him that she will be unable to attend the meeting of Presidents of all political parties, called by the Prime Minister. In Lok Sabha polls 2019, BJP inflicted a massive blow to the ruling TMC by winning 18 of the 42 parliamentary constituencies, in contrast with the figure of 2 seats in the 2014 general elections. The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC although retained the state, it won just 22 seats, as against 34 in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

More trouble for Mamata Banerjee as another Trinamool Congress MLA, 12 councillors join BJP

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin,&nbsp;former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and&nbsp;Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal&nbsp;will not attend the meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament today.

''PM Modi has invited the party presidents of all parties to the Parliament on June 19 to interact and exchange views with the government,'' Parliamentary Minister Prahlad Joshi said.

''He will discuss the issue of 'one nation, one election' with them,'' Joshi added.

Prime Minister will also discuss the celebration of 75 years of India's independence in 2022, 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year.

Raghav Chadha will&nbsp;represent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Parliament.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-modis-meeting-with-party-chiefs-congress-discusses-strategy-on-key-matters-228215">Ahead of PM Modi's meeting</a>, a meeting of the Congress top brass, including Sonia Gandhi and party chief Rahul Gandhi, was held to decide the strategy on key matters such as Lok Sabha speaker's election and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to discuss the ''one nation, one election'' issue.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday wrote to Joshi saying that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-not-to-attend-tomorrows-all-party-meeting-228338">she will not be able to attend the meeting</a>.

"Response on such a sensitive and serious subject like 'One Country and One Election' in such a short time would not do justice to the subject it deserves," Mamata said.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will not attend the meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament today.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will not attend the meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament today. ''PM Modi has invited the party presidents of all parties to the Parliament on June 19 to interact and exchange views with the government,'' Parliamentary Minister Prahlad Joshi said. ''He will discuss the issue of 'one nation, one election' with them,'' Joshi added. Prime Minister will also discuss the celebration of 75 years of India's independence in 2022, 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year. Raghav Chadha will represent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Parliament. Ahead of PM Modi's meeting, a meeting of the Congress top brass, including Sonia Gandhi and party chief Rahul Gandhi, was held to decide the strategy on key matters such as Lok Sabha speaker's election and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to discuss the ''one nation, one election'' issue. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday wrote to Joshi saying that she will not be able to attend the meeting. "Response on such a sensitive and serious subject like 'One Country and One Election' in such a short time would not do justice to the subject it deserves," Mamata said.

After Mamata, Kejriwal, Stalin and Chandrababu to skip PM Modi's 'one nation, one election' meeting today

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday wrote to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi expressing her inability to attend Wednesday's meeting of leaders of political parties.

The meeting has been convened&nbsp;by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue of "one nation one election".

Earlier, Banerjee had declined to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Modi on May 23, objecting to families of BJP workers allegedly killed in political violence in the state being invited to the function.

The Lok Sabha polls witnessed a heated verbal duel between Modi and Banerjee who spearheaded the campaigns of their parties in West Bengal.

Besides winning 303 Lok Sabha seats on his own (the NDA tally being 352), the BJP came up with a surprising poll show in West Bengal by bagging 18 of the state's 42 seats, only four less than the TMC's 22.

The saffron party leapt from two seats in the state in 2014 to 18, while the TMC slided to 22 from 34. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday wrote to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi expressing her inability to attend Wednesday's meeting of leaders of political parties.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday wrote to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi expressing her inability to attend Wednesday's meeting of leaders of political parties. The meeting has been convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue of "one nation one election". Earlier, Banerjee had declined to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Modi on May 23, objecting to families of BJP workers allegedly killed in political violence in the state being invited to the function. The Lok Sabha polls witnessed a heated verbal duel between Modi and Banerjee who spearheaded the campaigns of their parties in West Bengal. Besides winning 303 Lok Sabha seats on his own (the NDA tally being 352), the BJP came up with a surprising poll show in West Bengal by bagging 18 of the state's 42 seats, only four less than the TMC's 22. The saffron party leapt from two seats in the state in 2014 to 18, while the TMC slided to 22 from 34. (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata Banerjee not to attend all-party meeting on Wednesday

In the backdrop of Trinamool Congress lagging behind other political parties in more than 50% civic bodies in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the party supremo Mamata Banerjee sounded the bugle for the 2020 civic body polls on Tuesday.

Banerjee held a meeting with close to 3,000 corporators and councillors from several municipalities and municipal corporations across the state.&nbsp;

She sent out a stern message that those who take ‘cut money’ and ‘commission’ will not be spared. Even if they wish to leave the party, they must do it right away.&nbsp;

"Now I’m witnessing a new trend, once you conduct an audit and if someone is found to be at fault, they will switch parties. No matter how many parties you switch, you will not be spared. You will be booked. If someone wants to leave the party, please leave now," &nbsp;Banerjee said. &nbsp;

Ahead of the semi-final before the final battle of the 2021 assembly elections in Bengal, the state is all set to go for civic body polls next year, where the Trinamool Congress will be tested.&nbsp;

The party faced a major setback recently after five municipal bodies governed by TMC were taken over by BJP with corporators and councillors joining the BJP in Delhi at the party headquarters.

Five municipalities – Halisahar, Kachrapara, Bhatpara, Naihati and Darjeeling were recently taken over by BJP. &nbsp;

In the backdrop of Trinamool Congress lagging behind other political parties in more than 50% civic bodies in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the party supremo Mamata Banerjee sounded the bugle for the 2020 civic body polls on Tuesday.

In the backdrop of Trinamool Congress lagging behind other political parties in more than 50% civic bodies in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the party supremo Mamata Banerjee sounded the bugle for the 2020 civic body polls on Tuesday. Banerjee held a meeting with close to 3,000 corporators and councillors from several municipalities and municipal corporations across the state. She sent out a stern message that those who take ‘cut money’ and ‘commission’ will not be spared. Even if they wish to leave the party, they must do it right away. "Now I’m witnessing a new trend, once you conduct an audit and if someone is found to be at fault, they will switch parties. No matter how many parties you switch, you will not be spared. You will be booked. If someone wants to leave the party, please leave now," Banerjee said. Ahead of the semi-final before the final battle of the 2021 assembly elections in Bengal, the state is all set to go for civic body polls next year, where the Trinamool Congress will be tested. The party faced a major setback recently after five municipal bodies governed by TMC were taken over by BJP with corporators and councillors joining the BJP in Delhi at the party headquarters. Five municipalities – Halisahar, Kachrapara, Bhatpara, Naihati and Darjeeling were recently taken over by BJP.

West Bengal: TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee addresses corporators and councillors ahead of 2020 civic body polls

A day after a Trinamool Congress legislator and 15 councillors of the party in West Bengal joined the BJP, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she doesn't want thieves in the party. 
 
Furthermore, she also wrote a letter to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and informed him that she will be unable to attend the meeting of Presidents of all political parties, called by the Prime Minister, tomorrow.

"TMC is not a weak party. I don't care if 15-20 councillors leave the party after accepting cash. If party MLAs want to leave they can. We don't want thieves in our party. If one person leaves I will prepare 500 more," said Mamata.

Last month, three MLAs from West Bengal, including Trinamool Congress-turned-BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu Roy, along with more than 50 councillors had joined the Saffron party.&nbsp;

In Lok Sabha polls 2019, BJP inflicted a massive blow to the ruling TMC by winning 18 of the 42 parliamentary constituencies, in contrast with the figure of 2 seats in the 2014 general elections.

The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC although retained the state, it won just 22 seats, as against 34 in 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after a Trinamool Congress legislator and 15 councillors of the party in West Bengal joined the BJP, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she doesn't want thieves in the party.

A day after a Trinamool Congress legislator and 15 councillors of the party in West Bengal joined the BJP, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she doesn't want thieves in the party. Furthermore, she also wrote a letter to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and informed him that she will be unable to attend the meeting of Presidents of all political parties, called by the Prime Minister, tomorrow. "TMC is not a weak party. I don't care if 15-20 councillors leave the party after accepting cash. If party MLAs want to leave they can. We don't want thieves in our party. If one person leaves I will prepare 500 more," said Mamata. Last month, three MLAs from West Bengal, including Trinamool Congress-turned-BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu Roy, along with more than 50 councillors had joined the Saffron party. In Lok Sabha polls 2019, BJP inflicted a massive blow to the ruling TMC by winning 18 of the 42 parliamentary constituencies, in contrast with the figure of 2 seats in the 2014 general elections. The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC although retained the state, it won just 22 seats, as against 34 in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

'I don't care if 15-20 leave the party after accepting cash,' says Mamata Banerjee

The protesting doctors in West Bengal on Monday agreed to withdraw their week-long stir after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced steps to scale up security at hospitals.

India Watch: Junior doctors ends strike in West Bengal after meeting Mamata Banerjee

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The joint forum of regional junior doctors on Monday evening called off the ongoing impasse after holding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-talks-with-chief-minister-mamata-banerjee-west-bengal-doctors-set-to-call-off-strike-228009">talks with West Bengal Chief Minister</a> Mamata Banerjee.&nbsp;

The delegation said they were satisfied with the meeting and measures proposed by the government.&nbsp;

Junior doctors met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday and apprised her of the problems they have been facing at medical colleges and hospitals in the state.

Banerjee was told that medical professionals have been working under tremendous fear. "We want exemplary punishment for those who assaulted NRS doctors," the joint forum of regional doctors told the chief minister today.

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Junior doctors of NRS hospital, Kolkata announce that they are calling off the strike. <a href="https://t.co/OGVbtToORH">pic.twitter.com/OGVbtToORH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1140634502256947201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, Banerjee during the meeting accepted the proposal of doctors to set up a Grievance Redressal Cell in government hospitals, news agency ANI reported.

She directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma to deploy a nodal police officer in every hospital.

"We have taken adequate measures, arrested five people involved in NRS hospital incident," she added.&nbsp;

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Junior doctors of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NRSMedicalCollege?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NRSMedicalCollege</a> &amp; Hospital, Kolkata: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the CM. After an enormous movement, the meeting and discussions with our CM met a logical end. Considering everything we expect the govt to solve the issues as discussed in due time. <a href="https://t.co/QSF9NZc24E">pic.twitter.com/QSF9NZc24E</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1140636563367325696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Only two regional news channels were allowed to cover the meeting between Banerjee and junior doctors that took place at the state secretariat.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday agreed for media coverage of her meeting with two representatives from each Medical College of the state.

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Press Secy to WB Guv: He appreciates initiative taken by CM &amp; jr doctors to resolve the impasse. He hopes doctors will take up work of care&amp;treatment of patients as per high ideals of their profession&amp;also that state govt will take all steps committed in the meeting expeditiously <a href="https://t.co/VtayaaU9ub">https://t.co/VtayaaU9ub</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1140640038197190656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Medical professionals went on strike and took to protesting after two junior doctors at Kolkata's NRS hospital were allegedly attacked by the relative of a patient last Tuesday. The patient had died on June 10.

The unrest spilt over to other states, assuming a nationwide agitation.&nbsp;

The Indian Medical Association (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hospitals-in-delhi-to-join-doctors-strike-call-today-227805">IMA) on Monday began its strike</a> with the withdrawal of non-essential health services across the country in the wake of the recent assault on doctors in West Bengal.

The joint forum of regional junior doctors on Monday evening called off the ongoing impasse after holding talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The delegation said they were satisfied with the meeting and measures proposed by the government.

The joint forum of regional junior doctors on Monday evening called off the ongoing impasse after holding talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The delegation said they were satisfied with the meeting and measures proposed by the government. Junior doctors met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday and apprised her of the problems they have been facing at medical colleges and hospitals in the state. Banerjee was told that medical professionals have been working under tremendous fear. "We want exemplary punishment for those who assaulted NRS doctors," the joint forum of regional doctors told the chief minister today. Junior doctors of NRS hospital, Kolkata announce that they are calling off the strike. pic.twitter.com/OGVbtToORH — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2019 × According to reports, Banerjee during the meeting accepted the proposal of doctors to set up a Grievance Redressal Cell in government hospitals, news agency ANI reported. She directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma to deploy a nodal police officer in every hospital. "We have taken adequate measures, arrested five people involved in NRS hospital incident," she added. Junior doctors of #NRSMedicalCollege & Hospital, Kolkata: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the CM. After an enormous movement, the meeting and discussions with our CM met a logical end. Considering everything we expect the govt to solve the issues as discussed in due time. pic.twitter.com/QSF9NZc24E — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2019 × Only two regional news channels were allowed to cover the meeting between Banerjee and junior doctors that took place at the state secretariat. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday agreed for media coverage of her meeting with two representatives from each Medical College of the state. Press Secy to WB Guv: He appreciates initiative taken by CM & jr doctors to resolve the impasse. He hopes doctors will take up work of care&treatment of patients as per high ideals of their profession&also that state govt will take all steps committed in the meeting expeditiously https://t.co/VtayaaU9ub — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2019 × Medical professionals went on strike and took to protesting after two junior doctors at Kolkata's NRS hospital were allegedly attacked by the relative of a patient last Tuesday. The patient had died on June 10. The unrest spilt over to other states, assuming a nationwide agitation. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday began its strike with the withdrawal of non-essential health services across the country in the wake of the recent assault on doctors in West Bengal.

After assurances by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, agitating doctors call off strike

NRS junior doctors meeting went on till 3 AM today. Doctors asked Mamata for a open doors meeting, not behind closed doors. IMA has called for a nation-wide strike today. AIIMS doctors are away from IMA strike. Watch this video to know more.

Doctors-Mamata meet at 3 PM today

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