Trinamool Congress MLA from Krishnaganj constituency, Satyajit Biswas, was shot dead by miscreants on Saturday in Bengal’s Nadia district.

Biswas was attending a Saraswati Puja celebration at Majdia-Fulbari area around 8 pm when some miscreants opened fire at him.

He was immediately rushed to the Krishnagar district hospital where he was declared dead. Doctors said that he succumbed to bullet injuries.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, his body has been sent for post mortem examination.

The incident took place after Biswas got down the stage after inaugurating the Saraswati puja event and was walking towards his car. Suddenly, several miscreants appeared and fired at him.

Trinamool Congress general secretary and state education minister Partha Chatterjee said, “We are not going to spare those who killed him. Those responsible for his death will be brought to book. BJP is responsible for this death. There are some ‘gaddars’ who have killed him.”

Chatterjee added that he has asked senior leaders of the party to reach the hospital immediately, adding that he may also leave for Nadia on Sunday.

TMC Nadia district president Gaurishankar Dutta directly blamed BJP leader Mukul Roy for the murder.&nbsp;

“Mukul Roy had been trying very hard to break TMC’s organisation in the district. This is a political murder and we are sure that this is the handiwork of the BJP,” said Dutta.

Mukul Roy couldn’t be reached over the phone for a comment.

On the other hand, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh termed the murder as a result of TMC factional feud and ruled out the allegations of BJP’s involvement.&nbsp;

“This is a politics of murder that has engulfed the state. In the last couple of months, each time a TMC leader or a supporter is killed, they blame our party. I want the truth to be revealed through the investigation and the guilty be punished,” said Ghosh. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, a huge contingent of police force has been rushed to the spot and a pistol has been recovered from the site.

Trinamool Congress MLA from Krishnaganj constituency, Satyajit Biswas, was shot dead by miscreants on Saturday in Bengal’s Nadia district. Biswas was attending a Saraswati Puja celebration at Majdia-Fulbari area around 8 pm when some miscreants opened fire at him.

Trinamool Congress MLA from Krishnaganj constituency, Satyajit Biswas, was shot dead by miscreants on Saturday in Bengal’s Nadia district. Biswas was attending a Saraswati Puja celebration at Majdia-Fulbari area around 8 pm when some miscreants opened fire at him. He was immediately rushed to the Krishnagar district hospital where he was declared dead. Doctors said that he succumbed to bullet injuries. Meanwhile, his body has been sent for post mortem examination. The incident took place after Biswas got down the stage after inaugurating the Saraswati puja event and was walking towards his car. Suddenly, several miscreants appeared and fired at him. Trinamool Congress general secretary and state education minister Partha Chatterjee said, “We are not going to spare those who killed him. Those responsible for his death will be brought to book. BJP is responsible for this death. There are some ‘gaddars’ who have killed him.” Chatterjee added that he has asked senior leaders of the party to reach the hospital immediately, adding that he may also leave for Nadia on Sunday. TMC Nadia district president Gaurishankar Dutta directly blamed BJP leader Mukul Roy for the murder. “Mukul Roy had been trying very hard to break TMC’s organisation in the district. This is a political murder and we are sure that this is the handiwork of the BJP,” said Dutta. Mukul Roy couldn’t be reached over the phone for a comment. On the other hand, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh termed the murder as a result of TMC factional feud and ruled out the allegations of BJP’s involvement. “This is a politics of murder that has engulfed the state. In the last couple of months, each time a TMC leader or a supporter is killed, they blame our party. I want the truth to be revealed through the investigation and the guilty be punished,” said Ghosh. Meanwhile, a huge contingent of police force has been rushed to the spot and a pistol has been recovered from the site.

West Bengal: Trinamool Congress MLA from Krishnaganj shot dead

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar who was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-questions-kolkata-commissioner-rajeev-kumar-in-shillong-196175">questioned by the CBI on Saturday </a>in connection with Saradha chit fund scam will again be examined by the investigating agency on Sunday.

Along with him former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kunal Ghosh will also be questioned by the CBI in Shillong.

Kumar&nbsp;was questioned at a highly secured agency's office at Oakland area.

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Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to be questioned by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at the CBI office in Shillong tomorrow as well, in connection with Saradha chit fund scam.
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Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kunal Ghosh to be questioned by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at CBI office in Shillong tomorrow.
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The Supreme Court on Tuesday had directed the Kolkata Police chief to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam, while making it clear that he will not be arrested.

The CBI had alleged in the Supreme Court that Kumar, who was leading the SIT probe into Saradha chit fund scam, tampered with the electronic evidence and handed over documents to the agency, some of which were "doctored".

The apex court directed him to appear before the investigating agency at a neutral place in Shillong "to avoid all unnecessary controversy".

CBI officials had gone to Kumar's residence in Kolkata to question him on January 3 but their attempt was thwarted by the police, following which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee staged a three-day dharna.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar who was questioned by the CBI on Saturday in connection with Saradha chit fund scam will again be examined by the investigating agency on Sunday.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar who was questioned by the CBI on Saturday in connection with Saradha chit fund scam will again be examined by the investigating agency on Sunday. Along with him former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kunal Ghosh will also be questioned by the CBI in Shillong. Kumar was questioned at a highly secured agency's office at Oakland area. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to be questioned by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at the CBI office in Shillong tomorrow as well, in connection with Saradha chit fund scam. — ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2019 × Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kunal Ghosh to be questioned by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at CBI office in Shillong tomorrow. — ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2019 × The Supreme Court on Tuesday had directed the Kolkata Police chief to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam, while making it clear that he will not be arrested. The CBI had alleged in the Supreme Court that Kumar, who was leading the SIT probe into Saradha chit fund scam, tampered with the electronic evidence and handed over documents to the agency, some of which were "doctored". The apex court directed him to appear before the investigating agency at a neutral place in Shillong "to avoid all unnecessary controversy". CBI officials had gone to Kumar's residence in Kolkata to question him on January 3 but their attempt was thwarted by the police, following which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee staged a three-day dharna. (With inputs from agencies)

CBI to question Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar again on Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dharna will continue till Friday: Mamata Banerjee

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

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

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

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

For voicing their concern against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, 22 opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will visit the Election Commission on Monday.

Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission against the use of EVMs in order to "save constitution and federal structure."

"We have spoken to all opposition parties, we all will go forward. We have to save the Constitution, the country and the federal structure. Later today, all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission," the TMC leader told the&nbsp;media.

Earlier on Friday, opposition parties had announced that they would approach the ECI over the issue of alleged tampering of EVMs.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party’s Satish Chandra Mishra, DMK’s Kanimozhi, Trinamool Congress’ Derek O’Brien, CPI’s D Raja were among those who attended the meeting.&nbsp;

For voicing their concern against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, 22 opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will visit the Election Commission on Monday.

For voicing their concern against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, 22 opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will visit the Election Commission on Monday. Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission against the use of EVMs in order to "save constitution and federal structure." "We have spoken to all opposition parties, we all will go forward. We have to save the Constitution, the country and the federal structure. Later today, all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission," the TMC leader told the media. Earlier on Friday, opposition parties had announced that they would approach the ECI over the issue of alleged tampering of EVMs. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party’s Satish Chandra Mishra, DMK’s Kanimozhi, Trinamool Congress’ Derek O’Brien, CPI’s D Raja were among those who attended the meeting.

EVM tampering issue: TMC, 21 other opposition parties to move Election Commission

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/shah-heaps-praises-on-pm-modi-says-he-makes-india-proud-by-speaking-in-hindi-at-un-193699">BJP president Amit Shah</a>.

The saffron party's state leadership has decided to inform the Election Commission (EC) about the clashes.

The full bench of the EC led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata in the night on a three-day visit to review the preparedness for the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal.&nbsp;

They will also hold a series of meetings with officials of the state's chief electoral office and political parties on Thursday.

Following the clashes in Kanthi on Tuesday Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressed serious concern.

The Trinamool Congress took out a protest march in Kanthi during the day against the clashes.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Senior BJP leaders Mukul Roy and Sayantan Basu took out a protest march from the party's state headquaters to Esplande in the city.

Shouting slogans against the state government, BJP workers carried placards and posters against the TMC government.

Incidently, senior TMC minister and party leader Partha Chatterjee, who was passing through Central Avenue also faced protests and was shown black flags by the BJP workers.

"We have called for the protest against yesterday's violence. The way our party workers were attacked was undemocratic," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.

The saffron party organised agitations in various parts of the state in protest against Tuesday's violence in which several persons were injured.

Later on the BJP activists staged a sit in at Esplanade in Kolkata following which the police removed them and detained some of them, party sources said. 
The Bengal unit of the BJP has decided to inform the EC about the Tuesday violence.

"We will inform the Election Commission about the clashes that took place yesterday at Kanthi. We will portray the real picture of the ground situation that prevails in Bengal," Ghosh said here.

TMC leader and senior minister Suvendu Adhikari said "We have taken out a protest march in Kanthi town against the violence that BJP had let loose on us yesterday. The people have also come out in our support and joined the march."

As the general election is approaching, the hostility between the BJP and the ruling TMC has heightened in Bengal.

Saffron party is making concerted efforts to gain politically in Bengal, the stronghold of the TMC.

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by BJP president Amit Shah.

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by BJP president Amit Shah. The saffron party's state leadership has decided to inform the Election Commission (EC) about the clashes. The full bench of the EC led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata in the night on a three-day visit to review the preparedness for the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal. They will also hold a series of meetings with officials of the state's chief electoral office and political parties on Thursday. Following the clashes in Kanthi on Tuesday Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressed serious concern. The Trinamool Congress took out a protest march in Kanthi during the day against the clashes. Senior BJP leaders Mukul Roy and Sayantan Basu took out a protest march from the party's state headquaters to Esplande in the city. Shouting slogans against the state government, BJP workers carried placards and posters against the TMC government. Incidently, senior TMC minister and party leader Partha Chatterjee, who was passing through Central Avenue also faced protests and was shown black flags by the BJP workers. "We have called for the protest against yesterday's violence. The way our party workers were attacked was undemocratic," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. The saffron party organised agitations in various parts of the state in protest against Tuesday's violence in which several persons were injured. Later on the BJP activists staged a sit in at Esplanade in Kolkata following which the police removed them and detained some of them, party sources said. The Bengal unit of the BJP has decided to inform the EC about the Tuesday violence. "We will inform the Election Commission about the clashes that took place yesterday at Kanthi. We will portray the real picture of the ground situation that prevails in Bengal," Ghosh said here. TMC leader and senior minister Suvendu Adhikari said "We have taken out a protest march in Kanthi town against the violence that BJP had let loose on us yesterday. The people have also come out in our support and joined the march." As the general election is approaching, the hostility between the BJP and the ruling TMC has heightened in Bengal. Saffron party is making concerted efforts to gain politically in Bengal, the stronghold of the TMC.

BJP, TMC hold protest against violence after Amit Shah's rally

The All India Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced that the party will fight upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 14 States including Odisha.

Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar, TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "We are ready to fight elections. The TMC will fight coming Lok Sabha polls in 14 states including Odisha. January 19 was a historic day as all anti-BJP parties united on that day. In 2019, the BJP will be finished."

While talking about West Bengal, the TMC leader said, "In West Bengal, we will fight on 42 Lok Sabha seats."

In December last year, while addressing an event in Mumbai the BJP president Amit Shah had said that the party was aiming to win 23 seats out of the 42 in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won only two seats--Asansol and Darjeeling--in the state.

The All India Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced that the party will fight upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 14 States including Odisha. Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar, TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "We are ready to fight elections.

The All India Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced that the party will fight upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 14 States including Odisha. Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar, TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "We are ready to fight elections. The TMC will fight coming Lok Sabha polls in 14 states including Odisha. January 19 was a historic day as all anti-BJP parties united on that day. In 2019, the BJP will be finished." While talking about West Bengal, the TMC leader said, "In West Bengal, we will fight on 42 Lok Sabha seats." In December last year, while addressing an event in Mumbai the BJP president Amit Shah had said that the party was aiming to win 23 seats out of the 42 in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won only two seats--Asansol and Darjeeling--in the state.

Trinamool Congress to fight Lok Sabha polls in 14 states

The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government.

More than 20 national leaders, including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie; three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang will attend the meeting, TMC sources said. Most of them have already arrived in the city.

"I have met Deve Gowda-ji, Hemant-ji (Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) and Akhilesh Yadav. I will meet other Opposition leaders too," Banerjee told reporters.

With Bharatiya Janata Party's recent defeats in the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Banerjee has raised the pitch to be united against the saffron party in the 2019 general election.

Bahujan Samaj Party general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, too, have already arrived. The other leaders will either arrive on Friday night or by Saturday morning, the sources said.

Large scale preparations have been made to ensure that it is a complete success. Besides the huge stages, 20 watch towers have been erected and 1,000 microphones and 30 LED screens put up so that the spectators can see and hear the speeches of the leaders clearly.

Lakhs of TMC supporters and workers are expected to attend the rally and huge numbers of them from various corners of the state have already started pouring into the city. They have been put up in the outskirts of the city and in some auditoriums and stadiums.

Hundreds of TMC volunteers will be on the grounds to take care of supporters.

A thick security blanket has been thrown on the sprawling Brigade Parade Ground, the venue for the mega rally, to prevent any untoward incident.

As many as 10,000 police personnel will be deployed and around 400 police pickets have been set up to ensure foolproof security, police said.

Policemen in plain clothes, personnel of the Rapid Action Force and Quick Response Team would be deployed at the rally venue.

Police posting would start from as early as 4am with senior officials in the rank of assistant commissioners in charge of the five dais set up for the rally, a senior police officer said.

"We are expecting a huge turnout from all parts of the state as well as from the country. There will be so many important dignitaries. We have arranged foolproof arrangements for their security," he said.

Separate entrances have been arranged for the five dais that would be looked after by around 15 teams of police officers, he said adding that commandos and other officers would also be posted there.

"We are not allowing any food stall near the venue. Only water tanks are being allowed at a safe distance from the dais. Nobody will be allowed to light fire near the venue for cooking or any other purpose," the officer said.

Vehicular movement in and around the venue has been either restricted or directed.

"VVIPs will be taken in small cars to the venue. Other would have to park their vehicle at designated parking lots. We will not let anybody to drive motorbikes to the place," he said.

A central monitoring desk has been set up at the Kolkata Police headquarters to keep a watch on the proceedings of the rally.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government. More than 20 national leaders, including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie; three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang will attend the meeting, TMC sources said.

The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government. More than 20 national leaders, including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie; three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang will attend the meeting, TMC sources said. Most of them have already arrived in the city. "I have met Deve Gowda-ji, Hemant-ji (Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) and Akhilesh Yadav. I will meet other Opposition leaders too," Banerjee told reporters. With Bharatiya Janata Party's recent defeats in the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Banerjee has raised the pitch to be united against the saffron party in the 2019 general election. Bahujan Samaj Party general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, too, have already arrived. The other leaders will either arrive on Friday night or by Saturday morning, the sources said. Large scale preparations have been made to ensure that it is a complete success. Besides the huge stages, 20 watch towers have been erected and 1,000 microphones and 30 LED screens put up so that the spectators can see and hear the speeches of the leaders clearly. Lakhs of TMC supporters and workers are expected to attend the rally and huge numbers of them from various corners of the state have already started pouring into the city. They have been put up in the outskirts of the city and in some auditoriums and stadiums. Hundreds of TMC volunteers will be on the grounds to take care of supporters. A thick security blanket has been thrown on the sprawling Brigade Parade Ground, the venue for the mega rally, to prevent any untoward incident. As many as 10,000 police personnel will be deployed and around 400 police pickets have been set up to ensure foolproof security, police said. Policemen in plain clothes, personnel of the Rapid Action Force and Quick Response Team would be deployed at the rally venue. Police posting would start from as early as 4am with senior officials in the rank of assistant commissioners in charge of the five dais set up for the rally, a senior police officer said. "We are expecting a huge turnout from all parts of the state as well as from the country. There will be so many important dignitaries. We have arranged foolproof arrangements for their security," he said. Separate entrances have been arranged for the five dais that would be looked after by around 15 teams of police officers, he said adding that commandos and other officers would also be posted there. "We are not allowing any food stall near the venue. Only water tanks are being allowed at a safe distance from the dais. Nobody will be allowed to light fire near the venue for cooking or any other purpose," the officer said. Vehicular movement in and around the venue has been either restricted or directed. "VVIPs will be taken in small cars to the venue. Other would have to park their vehicle at designated parking lots. We will not let anybody to drive motorbikes to the place," he said. A central monitoring desk has been set up at the Kolkata Police headquarters to keep a watch on the proceedings of the rally.

Mamata Banerjee's mega rally at Kolkata's Brigade ground today, security beefed up

DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday said the upcoming general elections will be akin to the second freedom struggle for people of India to fight against the "radical Hinduism" of the BJP.

Stalin, speaking at TMC's mega opposition rally here, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "afraid" of a few people, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"The next (Lok Sabha) elections will be the second fight for Independence. We will stop this poison of Hindutva and radical Hinduism from spreading. Our call is to defeat Modi and save the country," he said at the Brigade Parade Grounds here.

Criticising the central government, Stalin also accused it of working for corporate houses.

"If Modi is back in power, the country will go back 50 years," he said.

Leaders of all the opposition parties, except the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the CPI(M)-led Left Front, are taking part in the rally.&nbsp;

DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday said the upcoming general elections will be akin to the second freedom struggle for people of India to fight against the "radical Hinduism" of the BJP.

DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday said the upcoming general elections will be akin to the second freedom struggle for people of India to fight against the "radical Hinduism" of the BJP. Stalin, speaking at TMC's mega opposition rally here, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "afraid" of a few people, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "The next (Lok Sabha) elections will be the second fight for Independence. We will stop this poison of Hindutva and radical Hinduism from spreading. Our call is to defeat Modi and save the country," he said at the Brigade Parade Grounds here. Criticising the central government, Stalin also accused it of working for corporate houses. "If Modi is back in power, the country will go back 50 years," he said. Leaders of all the opposition parties, except the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the CPI(M)-led Left Front, are taking part in the rally.

Lok Sabha polls will be second freedom struggle: Stalin at TMC's opposition rally

The West Bengal BJP unit Thursday submitted a letter to the state&nbsp;government, giving details about their 'Save Democracy Rally' in the state.

BJP's state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar went to the West Bengal secretariat and submitted the letter which mentioned about holding four yatras in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party requested the state government to consider the programme with "utmost expedition" under the guidelines of the Supreme Court.

The BJP said the yatras would be "a political endeavour of connecting with the people in a peaceful manner. It will not sponsor or subscribe any communal message or insinuations".

The state BJP unit also described that the four yatras would be aiming "to connect people towards strengthening the democratic as well as secular system and practices of our nation, of which the state is a significant part".

"All kinds of law of the land and regulations will be maintained and close coordination with the local administration will be maintained for mutual cooperation," the party's letter mentioned.

"Sensitivity of people from different caste, creed and religion will be adhered in an exemplary manner," the letter added.

The BJP also urged a meeting between the state government authorities with them in case of any required discussions.

The proposed 'Rath Yatras' of the BJP in West Bengal were put on hold by the Supreme Court Tuesday, which asked the party to seek fresh approval from the Mamata Banerjee government in the state by submitting a revised proposal.

The apex court, however, allowed the West Bengal unit of the BJP to continue with its proposed public rallies and meetings under its 'Ganatantra Bachao Yatra'.

The court asked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state to consider the fresh, revised proposal of the saffron party, keeping in mind the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution.

The top court said the state government should respond to the revised proposal of the BJP with "utmost expedition", keeping in mind that with the commencement of the CBSE and other board examinations, the use of loudspeakers might be banned.

The West Bengal BJP unit Thursday submitted a letter to the state government, giving details about their 'Save Democracy Rally' in the state. BJP's state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar went to the West Bengal secretariat and submitted the letter which mentioned about holding four yatras in the state.

The West Bengal BJP unit Thursday submitted a letter to the state government, giving details about their 'Save Democracy Rally' in the state. BJP's state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar went to the West Bengal secretariat and submitted the letter which mentioned about holding four yatras in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party requested the state government to consider the programme with "utmost expedition" under the guidelines of the Supreme Court. The BJP said the yatras would be "a political endeavour of connecting with the people in a peaceful manner. It will not sponsor or subscribe any communal message or insinuations". The state BJP unit also described that the four yatras would be aiming "to connect people towards strengthening the democratic as well as secular system and practices of our nation, of which the state is a significant part". "All kinds of law of the land and regulations will be maintained and close coordination with the local administration will be maintained for mutual cooperation," the party's letter mentioned. "Sensitivity of people from different caste, creed and religion will be adhered in an exemplary manner," the letter added. The BJP also urged a meeting between the state government authorities with them in case of any required discussions. The proposed 'Rath Yatras' of the BJP in West Bengal were put on hold by the Supreme Court Tuesday, which asked the party to seek fresh approval from the Mamata Banerjee government in the state by submitting a revised proposal. The apex court, however, allowed the West Bengal unit of the BJP to continue with its proposed public rallies and meetings under its 'Ganatantra Bachao Yatra'. The court asked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state to consider the fresh, revised proposal of the saffron party, keeping in mind the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution. The top court said the state government should respond to the revised proposal of the BJP with "utmost expedition", keeping in mind that with the commencement of the CBSE and other board examinations, the use of loudspeakers might be banned.

BJP submits details of 'Save Democracy Rally' to West Bengal government

In 1992, Mamata Banerjee had held a meeting at the same venue - Brigade Parade Grounds -- and had used the term ‘death knell’ for the Left Front-led ruling party in Bengal. Several years later, she dethroned the Left and formed a&nbsp;government in 2011.&nbsp;

This time around, she has once again used the term ‘death knell’, now for the BJP.&nbsp;

She had, a day earlier, said that the end of the BJP has begun and that the party will not get more than 125 seats in the upcoming polls.&nbsp;

Leaders of over 20 opposition parties are expected to attend the rally at the iconic <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-mega-rally-mamata-banerjee-says-bjp-will-not-get-more-than-125-seats-191068">Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday</a> to vow to put up a united fight against the ruling government.&nbsp;

Why Brigade Parade Grounds? 

This has been the traditional venue for the Left Front parties'&nbsp;annual congregation where hundreds and thousands of Left supporters gather. However, over the years, the numbers have been reduced to a dwindling thousand.&nbsp;

Not many political parties hold meetings at this one of the largest grounds in Eastern India fearing they might not be able to fill up the entire ground which can accommodate close to 15-17 lakh people.&nbsp;

But, Mamata has said more than 15 lakh people are expected to join the rally.&nbsp;

While UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be skipping the rally, Congress will be represented by senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge.&nbsp;

On the other hand, massive security arrangements are in place. Under the charge of DGP Wireless Department, a team has been formed with officers from Special Branch, Anti-Rowdy Squad and Special Task Force. They will look after the entire security arrangements for the VVIPs. &nbsp;

As many as 7,000 police personnel from Kolkata Police have been deployed who will be on duty round the clock. A control room has also been set up.&nbsp;

This apart, a dedicated corridor has been prepared for the VVIPs from the hotel to the venue.&nbsp;

In 1992, Mamata Banerjee had held a meeting at the same venue - Brigade Parade Grounds -- and had used the term ‘death knell’ for the Left Front-led ruling party in Bengal.

In 1992, Mamata Banerjee had held a meeting at the same venue - Brigade Parade Grounds -- and had used the term ‘death knell’ for the Left Front-led ruling party in Bengal. Several years later, she dethroned the Left and formed a government in 2011. This time around, she has once again used the term ‘death knell’, now for the BJP. She had, a day earlier, said that the end of the BJP has begun and that the party will not get more than 125 seats in the upcoming polls. Leaders of over 20 opposition parties are expected to attend the rally at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday to vow to put up a united fight against the ruling government. Why Brigade Parade Grounds? This has been the traditional venue for the Left Front parties' annual congregation where hundreds and thousands of Left supporters gather. However, over the years, the numbers have been reduced to a dwindling thousand. Not many political parties hold meetings at this one of the largest grounds in Eastern India fearing they might not be able to fill up the entire ground which can accommodate close to 15-17 lakh people. But, Mamata has said more than 15 lakh people are expected to join the rally. While UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be skipping the rally, Congress will be represented by senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge. On the other hand, massive security arrangements are in place. Under the charge of DGP Wireless Department, a team has been formed with officers from Special Branch, Anti-Rowdy Squad and Special Task Force. They will look after the entire security arrangements for the VVIPs. As many as 7,000 police personnel from Kolkata Police have been deployed who will be on duty round the clock. A control room has also been set up. This apart, a dedicated corridor has been prepared for the VVIPs from the hotel to the venue.

Stage set for Mamata Bannerjee's grand show at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that her party Trinamool Congress' proposed opposition rally on January 19 will see participation of non-BJP parties from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari".

Banerjee, however, said she is yet to get a response from the Left parties on attending the rally at Brigade Parade Ground, which she claimed will be the biggest public meeting in the eastern region in the last four decades.

The Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge, she said.

On the presence of Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, she said the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was yet to confirm and "perhaps someone else will be nominated to represent her party".

"You will witness how big the representation will be this year from all regions. Heavy-weight national leaders, including a former prime minister and ex-chief ministers will attend this meeting," she told reporters at the state secretariat 'Nabanna' here.

The TMC has forwarded invitations to several opposition parties, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Janata Dal (Secular), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the National Conference (NC) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

"Political leaders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari -- H D Devegowda (former PM), H D Kumaraswamy (Karnataka CM), Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi CM), Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party chief), Sharad Pawar (Nationalist Congress Party chief), Farooq Abdullah (National Conference chief) -- and many more will be attending the rally," Banerjee claimed.

On the participation of Left parties, she said: "I had invited the Left, including the Kerala Chief Minister. I have performed my responsibility. If any party does not want to come due to political compulsions, I respect the decision."

Banerjee has been touring the country for the last one year, attempting to stitch together a strong opposition front to challenge the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that her party Trinamool Congress' proposed opposition rally on January 19 will see participation of non-BJP parties from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that her party Trinamool Congress' proposed opposition rally on January 19 will see participation of non-BJP parties from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari". Banerjee, however, said she is yet to get a response from the Left parties on attending the rally at Brigade Parade Ground, which she claimed will be the biggest public meeting in the eastern region in the last four decades. The Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge, she said. On the presence of Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, she said the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was yet to confirm and "perhaps someone else will be nominated to represent her party". "You will witness how big the representation will be this year from all regions. Heavy-weight national leaders, including a former prime minister and ex-chief ministers will attend this meeting," she told reporters at the state secretariat 'Nabanna' here. The TMC has forwarded invitations to several opposition parties, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Janata Dal (Secular), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the National Conference (NC) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). "Political leaders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari -- H D Devegowda (former PM), H D Kumaraswamy (Karnataka CM), Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi CM), Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party chief), Sharad Pawar (Nationalist Congress Party chief), Farooq Abdullah (National Conference chief) -- and many more will be attending the rally," Banerjee claimed. On the participation of Left parties, she said: "I had invited the Left, including the Kerala Chief Minister. I have performed my responsibility. If any party does not want to come due to political compulsions, I respect the decision." Banerjee has been touring the country for the last one year, attempting to stitch together a strong opposition front to challenge the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls.

TMC rally to see participation of non-BJP political leaders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari: Mamata Banerjee

Left parties will not participate in the All India Trinamool Congress` (TMC) led Opposition rally in Kolkata on January 19.

This comes a day after the announcement that leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge will represent the party in the rally, owing to the absence of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi at the mega event.

TMC is organising the rally to gather support for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-rally-to-see-participation-of-non-bjp-political-leaders-from-kashmir-to-kanyakumari-mamata-190607">pan-India anti-BJP front</a>.&nbsp;

Party chief Mamata Banerjee had been touring the country for the last one year in an effort to shore up a strong and united opposition front to fight the Lok Sabha elections against the BJP.

According to sources in the West Bengal Congress, the state unit of the party wanted Rahul and Sonia to skip the rally and instead send a party leader.&nbsp;

Also, the state leadership is believed to have told the party chief that Congress workers were ready to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections alone.

West Bengal Congress leaders were also annoyed over the TMC supremo not inviting any state leader for the rally.

Rahul, in the past, had assured his state party unit that any decision on forging an alliance with the TMC will be taken after considering state leadership`s opinion.

Among those to be present at the rally include Rashtriya Janata Dal`s Tejashwi Yadav, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal and Janata Dal(Secular) leader and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.

Reportedly, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati are yet to confirm their participation in the mega opposition rally.&nbsp;

Left parties will not participate in the All India Trinamool Congress` (TMC) led Opposition rally in Kolkata on January 19. This comes a day after the announcement that leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge will represent the party in the rally, owing to the absence of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi at the mega event.

Left parties will not participate in the All India Trinamool Congress` (TMC) led Opposition rally in Kolkata on January 19. This comes a day after the announcement that leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge will represent the party in the rally, owing to the absence of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi at the mega event. TMC is organising the rally to gather support for a pan-India anti-BJP front. Party chief Mamata Banerjee had been touring the country for the last one year in an effort to shore up a strong and united opposition front to fight the Lok Sabha elections against the BJP. According to sources in the West Bengal Congress, the state unit of the party wanted Rahul and Sonia to skip the rally and instead send a party leader. Also, the state leadership is believed to have told the party chief that Congress workers were ready to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections alone. West Bengal Congress leaders were also annoyed over the TMC supremo not inviting any state leader for the rally. Rahul, in the past, had assured his state party unit that any decision on forging an alliance with the TMC will be taken after considering state leadership`s opinion. Among those to be present at the rally include Rashtriya Janata Dal`s Tejashwi Yadav, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal and Janata Dal(Secular) leader and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. Reportedly, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati are yet to confirm their participation in the mega opposition rally.

Kolkata: Left to skip TMC rally on January 19

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is playing a pivotal role in building a strong opposition front against the ruling BJP, welcomed the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Parliamentary polls on Saturday.

"I welcome the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-alliance-how-sworn-enemies-became-friends-again-189880">alliance of the SP and the BSP</a> for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections," she said in a tweet.

A vociferous critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo has been touring the country over the last one year, trying to build an Opposition alliance to take on the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls.

She has invited Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and the leaders of various other opposition parties, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Janata Dal (Secular), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the National Conference (NC), the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the Congress and many others to attend a January 19 rally of a united opposition convened by her at the Brigade Parade grounds here.

Although most of the parties have confirmed attending the rally, the Congress is yet to announce whether it will take part in it and whether party chief Rahul Gandhi and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be present on the occasion.

Banerjee had earlier suggested that an alliance between the SP and the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh would wipe out the BJP from the crucial Hindi heartland state that sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha.

Last year, after the victories of the SP-BSP joint candidates in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Banerjee had, in a series of tweets, said it was the beginning of the end for the BJP.

A strong advocate of an opposition front, Banerjee has time and again called for putting up a one-on-one fight against the saffron party to ensure the maximum polling of anti-BJP votes.

The TMC chief has already announced that her party will contest all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is playing a pivotal role in building a strong opposition front against the ruling BJP, welcomed the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Parliamentary polls on Saturday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is playing a pivotal role in building a strong opposition front against the ruling BJP, welcomed the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Parliamentary polls on Saturday. "I welcome the alliance of the SP and the BSP for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections," she said in a tweet. A vociferous critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo has been touring the country over the last one year, trying to build an Opposition alliance to take on the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls. She has invited Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and the leaders of various other opposition parties, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Janata Dal (Secular), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the National Conference (NC), the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the Congress and many others to attend a January 19 rally of a united opposition convened by her at the Brigade Parade grounds here. Although most of the parties have confirmed attending the rally, the Congress is yet to announce whether it will take part in it and whether party chief Rahul Gandhi and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be present on the occasion. Banerjee had earlier suggested that an alliance between the SP and the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh would wipe out the BJP from the crucial Hindi heartland state that sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha. Last year, after the victories of the SP-BSP joint candidates in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Banerjee had, in a series of tweets, said it was the beginning of the end for the BJP. A strong advocate of an opposition front, Banerjee has time and again called for putting up a one-on-one fight against the saffron party to ensure the maximum polling of anti-BJP votes. The TMC chief has already announced that her party will contest all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal.

Engaged in building anti-BJP front, Mamata hails SP-BSP alliance in UP

In pictures: Schools shut, banks closed for Bharat Bandh; everyday life affected

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned 21 on Tuesday and used the occasion to project party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible prime ministerial candidate of any grand opposition alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The party also vowed to work to ensure a secular and progressive India under the leadership of 63-year-old Banerjee.

Describing 2019 as the "year of change", senior TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee said the party is "standing at a historic juncture where it wants to play a vital role in New Delhi in favour of the working class".

Abhishek, who is the nephew of the TMC supremo, said the year will bring good days (achche din) in the country.

"The year of 2019 is a year of change and struggle. We should fight hard in order to ensure that we are able to gift the people of this country a secular and progressive India in New Delhi under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee," he said in a video message on TMC's 21st foundation day.

"Our party has turned 21 today. The number 21 assumes immense significance as it signifies struggle, youthfulness and change," he added.

TMC was founded on January 1, 1998 by Mamata Banerjee, who was herself baptized into politics by the Congress. At present, the TMC has 34 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal.

Banerjee congratulated party workers on the occasion.

"The journey which began on January 1, 1998 has been full of struggles, but we have been steadfast in our resolve to fight for the people #Trinamool21 ...

We are thankful to Maa-Mati-Manush for their constant support. And the workers who work hard 365 days a year for the people. A big salute to you," she said.

The TMC, which has been eyeing a wider political space for the last few years, has been at the forefront of forming an anti-BJP opposition alliance and convened a rally of opposition parties in Kolkata on January 19.

Banerjee has been touring the country and met leaders of several opposition parties in a bid to forge opposition unity to take on the BJP.

The TMC observed the day in the state in every block and subdivision and also at the panchayat level. The party flag was hoisted at Trinamool Bhavan by party general secretary Subrata Bakshi.

Blood donation camps, blanket distribution and cultural events were also held across the state.

The party also vowed to work to ensure a secular and progressive India under the leadership of 63-year-old Banerjee.

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned 21 on Tuesday and used the occasion to project party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible prime ministerial candidate of any grand opposition alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The party also vowed to work to ensure a secular and progressive India under the leadership of 63-year-old Banerjee. Describing 2019 as the "year of change", senior TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee said the party is "standing at a historic juncture where it wants to play a vital role in New Delhi in favour of the working class". Abhishek, who is the nephew of the TMC supremo, said the year will bring good days (achche din) in the country. "The year of 2019 is a year of change and struggle. We should fight hard in order to ensure that we are able to gift the people of this country a secular and progressive India in New Delhi under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee," he said in a video message on TMC's 21st foundation day. "Our party has turned 21 today. The number 21 assumes immense significance as it signifies struggle, youthfulness and change," he added. TMC was founded on January 1, 1998 by Mamata Banerjee, who was herself baptized into politics by the Congress. At present, the TMC has 34 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal. Banerjee congratulated party workers on the occasion. "The journey which began on January 1, 1998 has been full of struggles, but we have been steadfast in our resolve to fight for the people #Trinamool21 ... We are thankful to Maa-Mati-Manush for their constant support. And the workers who work hard 365 days a year for the people. A big salute to you," she said. The TMC, which has been eyeing a wider political space for the last few years, has been at the forefront of forming an anti-BJP opposition alliance and convened a rally of opposition parties in Kolkata on January 19. Banerjee has been touring the country and met leaders of several opposition parties in a bid to forge opposition unity to take on the BJP. The TMC observed the day in the state in every block and subdivision and also at the panchayat level. The party flag was hoisted at Trinamool Bhavan by party general secretary Subrata Bakshi. Blood donation camps, blanket distribution and cultural events were also held across the state.

TMC turns 21, projects Mamata Banerjee as possible PM candidate of grand opposition alliance

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scholarships-awarded-to-17-crore-minority-students-in-west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-184968">West Bengal Chief Minister</a> <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengals-doors-open-for-migrant-and-homeless-people-mamata-banerjee-184999">Mamata Banerjee</a> Sunday paid homage to former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary and said the income of farmers in her state has tripled during the past seven years of the Trinamool Congress rule.

"Respectful homage to Chaudhary Charan Singh, former prime minister, on his birth anniversary. This day is also observed as #KisanDiwas. My best wishes to all the farmers in the country on the occasion," she tweeted.

"In #Bangla the average annual income of farmers has tripled from Rs 91,000 (in 2010-11) to Rs 2.91 lakh (in 2017-18). We have also waived the tax and mutation fee on agricultural land. We are committed to the welfare of farmers #KisanDiwas," she said in a second tweet.

The 'Kisan Diwas' or National Farmers Day is observed across the country on this day to celebrate the birthday of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday paid homage to former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary and said the income of farmers in her state has tripled during the past seven years of the Trinamool Congress rule.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday paid homage to former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary and said the income of farmers in her state has tripled during the past seven years of the Trinamool Congress rule. "Respectful homage to Chaudhary Charan Singh, former prime minister, on his birth anniversary. This day is also observed as #KisanDiwas. My best wishes to all the farmers in the country on the occasion," she tweeted. "In #Bangla the average annual income of farmers has tripled from Rs 91,000 (in 2010-11) to Rs 2.91 lakh (in 2017-18). We have also waived the tax and mutation fee on agricultural land. We are committed to the welfare of farmers #KisanDiwas," she said in a second tweet. The 'Kisan Diwas' or National Farmers Day is observed across the country on this day to celebrate the birthday of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India.

Farmers' incomes tripled in West Bengal during TMC rule, says CM Mamata Banerjee

The Calcutta High Court on Friday quashed the single bench order that allowed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-major-setback-for-mamata-govt-calcutta-hc-allows-bjp-to-hold-its-3-rath-yatras-in-bengal-185498">BJP's 'Rath Yatra' </a>in West Bengal.

The quashing has come a day after the Calcutta High Court set aside Bengal government's denial of permission to the BJP to hold three 'rath yatra'&nbsp;in the state.

On&nbsp;Thursday court's single bench had allowed the BJP to hold rath yatra by adhering&nbsp;to certain&nbsp;reasonable restrictions.&nbsp;

The Division bench comprising Chief Justice Debasish Kargupta and Justice Shampa Sarkar have sent the case back to the single bench to consider intelligence inputs by state agencies.

The order for quashing the previous order has come after an appeal was filed by the state government challenging the Thursday order.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Calcutta High Court on Friday quashed the single bench order that allowed BJP's 'Rath Yatra' in West Bengal. The quashing has come a day after the Calcutta High Court set aside Bengal government's denial of permission to the BJP to hold three 'rath yatra' in the state.

The Calcutta High Court on Friday quashed the single bench order that allowed BJP's 'Rath Yatra' in West Bengal. The quashing has come a day after the Calcutta High Court set aside Bengal government's denial of permission to the BJP to hold three 'rath yatra' in the state. On Thursday court's single bench had allowed the BJP to hold rath yatra by adhering to certain reasonable restrictions. The Division bench comprising Chief Justice Debasish Kargupta and Justice Shampa Sarkar have sent the case back to the single bench to consider intelligence inputs by state agencies. The order for quashing the previous order has come after an appeal was filed by the state government challenging the Thursday order. (With inputs from agencies)

Calcutta HC quashes single bench order that allowed BJP's Rath Yatra in West Bengal

High Court allows BJP Rath Yatra in West Bengal

The TMC is mulling construction of 10 sun temples in Asansol area of south Bengal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-tmc-supremo-mamata-banerjee-plans-to-take-on-bjp-in-west-bengal-171678">to peddle its "soft Hindutva" brand</a> and take the wind out of the BJP's sails in the state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Mayor of Asansol Municipal Corporation, Jitendra Kumar Tiwari is at the forefront of construction of the temples in his area which is likely to be completed before next year's 'Chhath' puja.

In addition to increasing outreach among the majority community members, the TMC's efforts also appear to be guided by its endeavour to further endear itself with the migrant Hindi speaking population from Bihar and Jharkhand in the region which has five Lok Sabha constituencies

"In this area of Durgapur-Asansol, there is a huge Hindi speaking population. Every year, we witness large number of devotees during Chhath Puja. In order to cater to them, we have decided to build 10 sun temples in the area," Tiwari, who is also the chairman of Chhath Puja Coordination Committee, told PTI.

The designs of the temples would be ready by December and the construction will cost around Rs 2 crore, Tiwari, who is also a TMC MLA from the West Burdwan district, said. 
"We have already started mobilizing funds from the locals for the construction of the temples. We have formed temple committees in different areas to raise funds. The Asansol Municipal Corporation will provide infrastructure support such as roads and electricity," he said.

Asansol-Durgapur belt has been one of the most politically and communally volatile regions in the state since 2014 Lok Sabha polls, which witnessed a surprising victory of BJP's Babul Supriyo.

Earlier, in March-April of this year, Asansol in West Burdwan district witnessed communal riots over Ram Navami celebrations.

The TMC's temple building exercise is being seen as its bid to check the saffron party's growth, which has made steady inroads in the region since Supriyo's victory. 
The decision to construct the temples comes at a time when the BJP has registered phenomenal growth in Bengal politics by championing the cause of Hindus and labelling TMC as a party more "keen on appeasing Muslims".

The BJP, which has fixed a target to win 22 seats in Bengal, is also set to start its three 'rath yatras' in Bengal from December 7 covering all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state.&nbsp;

However, a senior TMC leader and MP, on the condition of anonymity said, the party and the state government works for every caste and religion.

"We are aware that 10 sun temples are coming up in Asansol. The allegations of TMC practising soft Hindutva are completely baseless. We respect each and every religion. We don't believe in communal politics of BJP," the TMC leader told PTI.

Although, TMC sources admitted that the temples would endear the party to the Hindi speaking migrants in the region as Chhath festival -- to worship sun god -- is close to their hearts.

The Asansol-Durgapur belt and parts of Birbhum and Purulia, which share its border with Jharkhand, is known as the Hindi heartland of Bengal due to presence of considerable Hindi speaking population.

A majority of the population in the area are migrant labourers from Bihar and Jharkhand who work in factories there.

Despite Tiwari maintaining that the temples had nothing to do with elections or politics, TMC insiders said the initiative would have a "positive" impact on the 2019 polls.

"BJP has been trying to increase its footprint in the area by trying to pitch themselves as champions of Hindutva and saviours of Hindus. So, we want to reach out to the masses of the area, especially Hindi speaking people, with the message that we respect all religions," said a senior TMC leader.

The construction of temples in the areas will send out a strong message to the majority population in the adjoining districts and also tribal areas, which comprises nearly 5-6 Lok Sabha seats that the BJP is eyeing in next Lok Sabha polls, said another TMC leader.

However, the opposition Congress and CPI(M) alleged that the TMC was "peddling soft hindutva" to nullify Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) "pro-Hindu" agenda.

From organising 'purohit sammelan' (congregation of Hindu priests) to Haunuman Jayanti, Ram Navami celebrations and more recently providing Rs 10,000 each to 28,000 Durga puja pandals across the state, the TMC has been charting a course of "soft Hindutva" to take the wind out of BJP's sails, said CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty.

State Congress president Somen Mitra went on to blame TMC's communal politics as the main reason for the rise of the BJP and its mentor the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Bengal.&nbsp;

However, the BJP said that it was due to the "fear psychosis" of the saffron party, that the TMC was forced to shift its stance from "Muslim appeasement to temple construction".

"It is really good to see that the TMC has changed its political strategy from minority appeasement to construction of temples due to the fear of BJP. The TMC is doing it with an eye on next year's Lok Sabha polls," local MP and Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Babul Supriyo said.

BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said if the TMC was so keen on building temples, then it should come out with a clear stand on the issue of construction of Ram Temple in Ayodha.&nbsp;

The TMC is mulling construction of 10 sun temples in Asansol area of south Bengal to peddle its "soft Hindutva" brand and take the wind out of the BJP's sails in the state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The TMC is mulling construction of 10 sun temples in Asansol area of south Bengal to peddle its "soft Hindutva" brand and take the wind out of the BJP's sails in the state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Mayor of Asansol Municipal Corporation, Jitendra Kumar Tiwari is at the forefront of construction of the temples in his area which is likely to be completed before next year's 'Chhath' puja. In addition to increasing outreach among the majority community members, the TMC's efforts also appear to be guided by its endeavour to further endear itself with the migrant Hindi speaking population from Bihar and Jharkhand in the region which has five Lok Sabha constituencies "In this area of Durgapur-Asansol, there is a huge Hindi speaking population. Every year, we witness large number of devotees during Chhath Puja. In order to cater to them, we have decided to build 10 sun temples in the area," Tiwari, who is also the chairman of Chhath Puja Coordination Committee, told PTI. The designs of the temples would be ready by December and the construction will cost around Rs 2 crore, Tiwari, who is also a TMC MLA from the West Burdwan district, said. "We have already started mobilizing funds from the locals for the construction of the temples. We have formed temple committees in different areas to raise funds. The Asansol Municipal Corporation will provide infrastructure support such as roads and electricity," he said. Asansol-Durgapur belt has been one of the most politically and communally volatile regions in the state since 2014 Lok Sabha polls, which witnessed a surprising victory of BJP's Babul Supriyo. Earlier, in March-April of this year, Asansol in West Burdwan district witnessed communal riots over Ram Navami celebrations. The TMC's temple building exercise is being seen as its bid to check the saffron party's growth, which has made steady inroads in the region since Supriyo's victory. The decision to construct the temples comes at a time when the BJP has registered phenomenal growth in Bengal politics by championing the cause of Hindus and labelling TMC as a party more "keen on appeasing Muslims". The BJP, which has fixed a target to win 22 seats in Bengal, is also set to start its three 'rath yatras' in Bengal from December 7 covering all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state. However, a senior TMC leader and MP, on the condition of anonymity said, the party and the state government works for every caste and religion. "We are aware that 10 sun temples are coming up in Asansol. The allegations of TMC practising soft Hindutva are completely baseless. We respect each and every religion. We don't believe in communal politics of BJP," the TMC leader told PTI. Although, TMC sources admitted that the temples would endear the party to the Hindi speaking migrants in the region as Chhath festival -- to worship sun god -- is close to their hearts. The Asansol-Durgapur belt and parts of Birbhum and Purulia, which share its border with Jharkhand, is known as the Hindi heartland of Bengal due to presence of considerable Hindi speaking population. A majority of the population in the area are migrant labourers from Bihar and Jharkhand who work in factories there. Despite Tiwari maintaining that the temples had nothing to do with elections or politics, TMC insiders said the initiative would have a "positive" impact on the 2019 polls. "BJP has been trying to increase its footprint in the area by trying to pitch themselves as champions of Hindutva and saviours of Hindus. So, we want to reach out to the masses of the area, especially Hindi speaking people, with the message that we respect all religions," said a senior TMC leader. The construction of temples in the areas will send out a strong message to the majority population in the adjoining districts and also tribal areas, which comprises nearly 5-6 Lok Sabha seats that the BJP is eyeing in next Lok Sabha polls, said another TMC leader. However, the opposition Congress and CPI(M) alleged that the TMC was "peddling soft hindutva" to nullify Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) "pro-Hindu" agenda. From organising 'purohit sammelan' (congregation of Hindu priests) to Haunuman Jayanti, Ram Navami celebrations and more recently providing Rs 10,000 each to 28,000 Durga puja pandals across the state, the TMC has been charting a course of "soft Hindutva" to take the wind out of BJP's sails, said CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty. State Congress president Somen Mitra went on to blame TMC's communal politics as the main reason for the rise of the BJP and its mentor the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Bengal. However, the BJP said that it was due to the "fear psychosis" of the saffron party, that the TMC was forced to shift its stance from "Muslim appeasement to temple construction". "It is really good to see that the TMC has changed its political strategy from minority appeasement to construction of temples due to the fear of BJP. The TMC is doing it with an eye on next year's Lok Sabha polls," local MP and Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Babul Supriyo said. BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said if the TMC was so keen on building temples, then it should come out with a clear stand on the issue of construction of Ram Temple in Ayodha.

To counter BJP's Hindutva, Mamata's TMC mulls building 10 temples in Bengal

A four-member Trinamool Congress delegation arrived in Assam on Sunday morning and headed to Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district to meet the family members of the five people killed by suspected militants.

Led by Derek O'Brien, the TMC parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha, the team comprises the party's Lok Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haq and MLA Mahua Moitra.

"This is a humanitarian visit. This is a visit to stand with the grieving families. We hope to reach Tinsukia in about two hours and spend some time with the families," O'Brien told reporters outside the airport here.

Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five individuals, including three members of a family, near the village in the district on Thursday night.

Strongly condemning the incident, the senior TMC leader said, "What has happened is a dastardly killing of the most deprived and poorest Indian citizens... They have been murdered in cold blood."

On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed anguish over the killings and said an "environment of violence" was prevailing in the country.

A TMC delegation of six MPs had gone to Silchar on August 2 to assess the situation in Assam in the wake of the publication of the complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) on July 30, but was stopped at the airport.

They were not allowed to leave the airport and were sent back the next day.&nbsp;

A four-member Trinamool Congress delegation arrived in Assam on Sunday morning and headed to Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district to meet the family members of the five people killed by suspected militants.

A four-member Trinamool Congress delegation arrived in Assam on Sunday morning and headed to Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district to meet the family members of the five people killed by suspected militants. Led by Derek O'Brien, the TMC parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha, the team comprises the party's Lok Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haq and MLA Mahua Moitra. "This is a humanitarian visit. This is a visit to stand with the grieving families. We hope to reach Tinsukia in about two hours and spend some time with the families," O'Brien told reporters outside the airport here. Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five individuals, including three members of a family, near the village in the district on Thursday night. Strongly condemning the incident, the senior TMC leader said, "What has happened is a dastardly killing of the most deprived and poorest Indian citizens... They have been murdered in cold blood." On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed anguish over the killings and said an "environment of violence" was prevailing in the country. A TMC delegation of six MPs had gone to Silchar on August 2 to assess the situation in Assam in the wake of the publication of the complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) on July 30, but was stopped at the airport. They were not allowed to leave the airport and were sent back the next day.

Tinsukia killings: Four-member Trinamool delegation arrives in Assam

The killing of a BJP and a TMC worker in two separate incidents in Birbhum district of West Bengal has triggered a fresh round of battle between the two parties with both blaming each other for the killings.

The body of BJP worker Tapas Bagdi was found hanging from a tree in Dwaraka village of Birbhum district, while TMC block president Dipak Ghosh was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Khayrasole area of the same district Sunday night, police said.

Bagdi's family members said he had left the house after lunch. As he did not return home by night, his family started searching for him and found the body hanging from a tree.

The BJP Birbhum district leadership claimed Bagdi was a party worker.

Ananda Bagdi, father of the deceased, lodged a complaint at the Labhpur police station against five local TMC workers alleging that they killed his son, police said.

The district TMC leaders denied the allegations and said, "Our workers were not at all involved in this case."

Superintendent of Police (SP), Birbhum, Kunal Agarwal said the cause of Bagdi's death would be known only after a postmortem.

"We are now treating it as a case of unnatural death. We don't know whether the person was affiliated to any political party," the SP said.

On the Dipak Ghosh murder case, the SP said seven people have been detained for interrogation.

BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said the TMC had let loose a "reign of terror" across the state and was trying to annihilate BJP workers.

"The TMC is trying to kill our party workers. Our party workers are either harassed, threatened or killed just because they are associated with the BJP. This is really shameful," he said.

The incident brought back memories of two BJP workers found hanging in West Bengal's Purulia district on June 2 and May 31, respectively, just after the panchayat polls concluded in the state.

The central BJP unit had hold nation-wide agitations to protest against the killing of two Dalit workers. BJP national president Amit Shah had also held a rally in Purulia to protest against the killing and had called for defeating the TMC in the state.

TMC Khayrasole block president Dipak Ghosh who was shot at Sunday night by unidentified persons passed away at a private hospital Monday, police said.

Ghosh was riding a motorcycle with a party worker when unidentified persons fired at him near Khayrasole village. Ghosh received bullet injuries to his shoulder and the lower parts of the body.

Birbhum district TMC president Anubrata Mondal alleged that goons hired by the BJP attacked Ghosh.

BJP district president Ramkrishna Roy denied the allegations and claimed that the killing was a result of the TMC's infighting.

Roy's views were endorsed by BJP state president Ghosh who claimed that Birbhum district had over the years turned into a battlefield due to the TMC's infighting.

"The allegations against our party are completely baseless. The TMC leadership should first answer why so many incidents are being reported regularly about infighting within the party," he said.

Senior TMC leader and state minister Firhad Hakim termed the allegations of infighting as baseless and accused the BJP of killing TMC workers in the state.

"Just for the sake of power, the BJP is trying spread violence in various parts of the state. They are trying to terrorise us by killing our party workers. But we are soldiers of Mamata Banerjee and we won't let the divisive politics of the BJP succeed in the state," Hakim said.

The killing of a BJP and a TMC worker in two separate incidents in Birbhum district of West Bengal has triggered a fresh round of battle between the two parties with both blaming each other for the killings.

The killing of a BJP and a TMC worker in two separate incidents in Birbhum district of West Bengal has triggered a fresh round of battle between the two parties with both blaming each other for the killings. The body of BJP worker Tapas Bagdi was found hanging from a tree in Dwaraka village of Birbhum district, while TMC block president Dipak Ghosh was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Khayrasole area of the same district Sunday night, police said. Bagdi's family members said he had left the house after lunch. As he did not return home by night, his family started searching for him and found the body hanging from a tree. The BJP Birbhum district leadership claimed Bagdi was a party worker. Ananda Bagdi, father of the deceased, lodged a complaint at the Labhpur police station against five local TMC workers alleging that they killed his son, police said. The district TMC leaders denied the allegations and said, "Our workers were not at all involved in this case." Superintendent of Police (SP), Birbhum, Kunal Agarwal said the cause of Bagdi's death would be known only after a postmortem. "We are now treating it as a case of unnatural death. We don't know whether the person was affiliated to any political party," the SP said. On the Dipak Ghosh murder case, the SP said seven people have been detained for interrogation. BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said the TMC had let loose a "reign of terror" across the state and was trying to annihilate BJP workers. "The TMC is trying to kill our party workers. Our party workers are either harassed, threatened or killed just because they are associated with the BJP. This is really shameful," he said. The incident brought back memories of two BJP workers found hanging in West Bengal's Purulia district on June 2 and May 31, respectively, just after the panchayat polls concluded in the state. The central BJP unit had hold nation-wide agitations to protest against the killing of two Dalit workers. BJP national president Amit Shah had also held a rally in Purulia to protest against the killing and had called for defeating the TMC in the state. TMC Khayrasole block president Dipak Ghosh who was shot at Sunday night by unidentified persons passed away at a private hospital Monday, police said. Ghosh was riding a motorcycle with a party worker when unidentified persons fired at him near Khayrasole village. Ghosh received bullet injuries to his shoulder and the lower parts of the body. Birbhum district TMC president Anubrata Mondal alleged that goons hired by the BJP attacked Ghosh. BJP district president Ramkrishna Roy denied the allegations and claimed that the killing was a result of the TMC's infighting. Roy's views were endorsed by BJP state president Ghosh who claimed that Birbhum district had over the years turned into a battlefield due to the TMC's infighting. "The allegations against our party are completely baseless. The TMC leadership should first answer why so many incidents are being reported regularly about infighting within the party," he said. Senior TMC leader and state minister Firhad Hakim termed the allegations of infighting as baseless and accused the BJP of killing TMC workers in the state. "Just for the sake of power, the BJP is trying spread violence in various parts of the state. They are trying to terrorise us by killing our party workers. But we are soldiers of Mamata Banerjee and we won't let the divisive politics of the BJP succeed in the state," Hakim said.

BJP, TMC workers' killing in West Bengal triggers fresh face-off between parties

Didi has apparently learned from her mistakes in the recent past. The TMC supremo is eager to prove that she doesn't differentiate between Hindu and Muslims, Bengalis and Non-Bengalis.

TMC swept the West Bengal Panchayat elections in May and the BJP emerged as the main challenger to the party. The CPI-M was at the third position, while the Congress was literally wiped out.&nbsp;

On the one hand, BJP's performance worked as a morale booster for the Saffron party, and a wake-up call for the TMC on the other. Panchayat election was the last significant electoral event before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and BJP has emerged as a strong player.

Mamata, accused of dividing people of the state on the religious lines to secure its vote bank, is trying to balance it out to avoid the backlash of the Hindu community.

Durga Puja&nbsp;

Last year, Banerjee drew massive criticism for her decision to impose restrictions on idol immersion during Durga Puja as it collided with Muharram. The Kolkata high court too slammed the state government for creating a divide between the two communities. “Let them (Hindus and Muslims) live in harmony, do not create a line between them," the court had observed.

To cover up the lapses, the chief minister, this year, announced a grant of Rs 28 Crore to 28,000 Puja committees across the state. This is not all. She also penned a theme song for a popular Durga Puja in the city.

The state government then also urged the Muslim community to avoid displaying weapons in processions during Muharram as this could hurt members of other communities.

Cyber War

To widen the use of social media in the run up for 2019 elections, Didi, last month, announced that her party will form a team of 30,000 'cyber sainiks' to counter BJP IT cell for their alleged vindictive politics.

Mamata said the warriors, without using any foul language, will take on the IT cell members of the BJP for their malicious attempts to defame TMC. According to reports, the warriors will respond to the BJP not just in Bengali but in Hindi as well.

BJP too is all set for the cyber war. Party chief Amit Shah and IT Cell head Amit Malviya met the IT cell members in Kolkata recently and reportedly asked them to take government's plans and policies to masses through social media.

TMC Hindi Wing&nbsp;

TMC has announced opening a Hindi wing in the party for a broader reach. Mamata also announced her desire to open a Hindu University in the state. This is again an effort by TMC to revamp its image and win the confidence of BJP's non-Bengali support base in the state.

Federal Front

Mamata Banerjee has been urging opposition parties to set aside their differences and come together to take on the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Leading the pack to unite the opposition, Mamata has announced a massive anti-BJP rally to be held in Kolkata in January, 2019.

She has also met leaders of regional and opposition parties as her efforts to stitch an anti-BJP alliance. Several top opposition leaders, like &nbsp;Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, have already confirmed their presence.

TMC has also planned to invite BSP Supremo Mayawati, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

With all the above strategies, TMC is attempting to overhaul its image of being a party which indulges in minority appeasement and opportunistic politics.&nbsp;

To counter TMC's strategies, BJP has appointed Mukul Roy as the convener of the party's election management committee in West Bengal. Roy, who had quit the TMC to join BJP, is familiar with Mamata Banerjee's style of working.

Beginning December, the Saffron party will take out three Rath Yatras covering all the 42 parliamentary constituencies of the state. Through these Rath Yatras, the party also plans to reach out to the general people to garner support for Assam’s National Register of Citizens.

BJP is likely to score brownie points over TMC on NRC issue after Banerjee faced flak over her U-turn. Mamata, in 2005, had favoured NRC in West Bengal, claiming that the illegal immigrants in Bangladesh had spelt disaster for West Bengal.

However, this year she opposed the Assam’s National Register of Citizens.

West Bengal is crucial for the BJP for its growth in the Lok Sabha elections and the party is targetting at least 22 seats in the state. Meanwhile, TMC, confident of triggering a revolution by uniting the opposition to defeat the BJP in 2019, is putting its best efforts to maintain its stronghold in the state.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Didi has apparently learned from her mistakes in the recent past. The TMC supremo is eager to prove that she doesn't differentiate between Hindu and Muslims, Bengalis and Non-Bengalis.

Didi has apparently learned from her mistakes in the recent past. The TMC supremo is eager to prove that she doesn't differentiate between Hindu and Muslims, Bengalis and Non-Bengalis. TMC swept the West Bengal Panchayat elections in May and the BJP emerged as the main challenger to the party. The CPI-M was at the third position, while the Congress was literally wiped out. On the one hand, BJP's performance worked as a morale booster for the Saffron party, and a wake-up call for the TMC on the other. Panchayat election was the last significant electoral event before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and BJP has emerged as a strong player. Mamata, accused of dividing people of the state on the religious lines to secure its vote bank, is trying to balance it out to avoid the backlash of the Hindu community. Durga Puja Last year, Banerjee drew massive criticism for her decision to impose restrictions on idol immersion during Durga Puja as it collided with Muharram. The Kolkata high court too slammed the state government for creating a divide between the two communities. “Let them (Hindus and Muslims) live in harmony, do not create a line between them," the court had observed. To cover up the lapses, the chief minister, this year, announced a grant of Rs 28 Crore to 28,000 Puja committees across the state. This is not all. She also penned a theme song for a popular Durga Puja in the city. The state government then also urged the Muslim community to avoid displaying weapons in processions during Muharram as this could hurt members of other communities. Cyber War To widen the use of social media in the run up for 2019 elections, Didi, last month, announced that her party will form a team of 30,000 'cyber sainiks' to counter BJP IT cell for their alleged vindictive politics. Mamata said the warriors, without using any foul language, will take on the IT cell members of the BJP for their malicious attempts to defame TMC. According to reports, the warriors will respond to the BJP not just in Bengali but in Hindi as well. BJP too is all set for the cyber war. Party chief Amit Shah and IT Cell head Amit Malviya met the IT cell members in Kolkata recently and reportedly asked them to take government's plans and policies to masses through social media. TMC Hindi Wing TMC has announced opening a Hindi wing in the party for a broader reach. Mamata also announced her desire to open a Hindu University in the state. This is again an effort by TMC to revamp its image and win the confidence of BJP's non-Bengali support base in the state. Federal Front Mamata Banerjee has been urging opposition parties to set aside their differences and come together to take on the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Leading the pack to unite the opposition, Mamata has announced a massive anti-BJP rally to be held in Kolkata in January, 2019. She has also met leaders of regional and opposition parties as her efforts to stitch an anti-BJP alliance. Several top opposition leaders, like Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, have already confirmed their presence. TMC has also planned to invite BSP Supremo Mayawati, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. With all the above strategies, TMC is attempting to overhaul its image of being a party which indulges in minority appeasement and opportunistic politics. To counter TMC's strategies, BJP has appointed Mukul Roy as the convener of the party's election management committee in West Bengal. Roy, who had quit the TMC to join BJP, is familiar with Mamata Banerjee's style of working. Beginning December, the Saffron party will take out three Rath Yatras covering all the 42 parliamentary constituencies of the state. Through these Rath Yatras, the party also plans to reach out to the general people to garner support for Assam’s National Register of Citizens. BJP is likely to score brownie points over TMC on NRC issue after Banerjee faced flak over her U-turn. Mamata, in 2005, had favoured NRC in West Bengal, claiming that the illegal immigrants in Bangladesh had spelt disaster for West Bengal. However, this year she opposed the Assam’s National Register of Citizens. West Bengal is crucial for the BJP for its growth in the Lok Sabha elections and the party is targetting at least 22 seats in the state. Meanwhile, TMC, confident of triggering a revolution by uniting the opposition to defeat the BJP in 2019, is putting its best efforts to maintain its stronghold in the state. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee plans to take on BJP in West Bengal

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