In 2019, Bengali actress and MP Nusrat Jahan's wedding photos went viral on the internet. She had just won the Lok Sabha election from Kolkata on a TMC ticket and then before taking oath as a member of the Parliament, had flown to Turkey to get married to beau, businessman Nikhil Jain. Photos of the dream-like wedding were shared on social media, which went viral in no time.&nbsp; 
 
On Wednesday, amid rumours of divorce, Nusrat stated that her marriage to Nikhil Jain was not legal in the eyes of law in India and hence there was no question of divorcing him.&nbsp; 
 
"Being on foreign land, as per Turkish Marriage Regulation, ceremony is invalid. It was an interfaith marriage, it requires validation under Special Marriage Act in India which didn't happen. As per court of Law, it's not marriage but relationship or live-in relationship," Nusrat, 31, said in a statement, reported news agency ANI. "Thus, the question of divorce does not arise."

"Our separation happened long back, but I did not speak about it as I intended to keep my private life to myself. Thus, my actions must not be questioned based on 'separation', by the media or anybody I am not related to. The alleged marriage is not legal, valid and tenable; and thus, was not a marriage at all in the eye of law," she alleged.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-is-nusrat-jahan-trending-controversies-are-not-new-to-actress-mp-390555">Also see:&nbsp;Controversies are not new to actress-MP Nusrat Jahan</a>

Commenting on Jahan's statement, Jain told reporters, &nbsp;"I don't want to say anything. Everything will be decided by the court. The matter is in court."

Following a fairytale wedding in Turkey, the couple had hosted a grand wedding reception in Kolkata which was attended by several dignitaries including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and several Bengali film actors.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nusrat-jahan-and-nikhil-jain-host-grand-reception-in-kolkata-cm-mamata-banerjee-mimi-chakraborty-attend-233204"> See pics of the event here.</a> 
 
Nusrat has now deleted all photos of her husband from her Instagram page. Her wedding photos are also not there on the timeline.&nbsp; 
 
Rumours of their separation started doing the rounds late last year, when Nusrat was linked to actor and BJP candidate Yash Dasgupta. The two have so far not confirmed or denied their relationship.&nbsp;

Nusrat's statement came amid speculations of a rift in her marriage and reports that she is living separately and is pregnant. 
 
"My visit to any place for business or for the purpose of leisure, should not concern anyone with whom I have separated. All my expenses have always been borne by me contrary to claims by 'someone'," she further said in the statement. 
 
Nusrat and Nikhil, are reportedly living separately since November 2020.&nbsp;

In 2019, Bengali actress and MP Nusrat Jahan's wedding photos went viral on the internet. She had just won the Lok Sabha election from Kolkata on a TMC ticket and then before taking oath as a member of the Parliament, had flown to Turkey to get married to beau, businessman Nikhil Jain.

In 2019, Bengali actress and MP Nusrat Jahan's wedding photos went viral on the internet. She had just won the Lok Sabha election from Kolkata on a TMC ticket and then before taking oath as a member of the Parliament, had flown to Turkey to get married to beau, businessman Nikhil Jain. Photos of the dream-like wedding were shared on social media, which went viral in no time. On Wednesday, amid rumours of divorce, Nusrat stated that her marriage to Nikhil Jain was not legal in the eyes of law in India and hence there was no question of divorcing him. "Being on foreign land, as per Turkish Marriage Regulation, ceremony is invalid. It was an interfaith marriage, it requires validation under Special Marriage Act in India which didn't happen. As per court of Law, it's not marriage but relationship or live-in relationship," Nusrat, 31, said in a statement, reported news agency ANI. "Thus, the question of divorce does not arise." "Our separation happened long back, but I did not speak about it as I intended to keep my private life to myself. Thus, my actions must not be questioned based on 'separation', by the media or anybody I am not related to. The alleged marriage is not legal, valid and tenable; and thus, was not a marriage at all in the eye of law," she alleged. Also see: Controversies are not new to actress-MP Nusrat Jahan Commenting on Jahan's statement, Jain told reporters, "I don't want to say anything. Everything will be decided by the court. The matter is in court." Following a fairytale wedding in Turkey, the couple had hosted a grand wedding reception in Kolkata which was attended by several dignitaries including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and several Bengali film actors. See pics of the event here. Nusrat has now deleted all photos of her husband from her Instagram page. Her wedding photos are also not there on the timeline. Rumours of their separation started doing the rounds late last year, when Nusrat was linked to actor and BJP candidate Yash Dasgupta. The two have so far not confirmed or denied their relationship. Nusrat's statement came amid speculations of a rift in her marriage and reports that she is living separately and is pregnant. "My visit to any place for business or for the purpose of leisure, should not concern anyone with whom I have separated. All my expenses have always been borne by me contrary to claims by 'someone'," she further said in the statement. Nusrat and Nikhil, are reportedly living separately since November 2020.

Nusrat Jahan claims her marriage is 'invalid', deletes husband Nikhil Jain's photos from Instagram

Election strategist Prashant Kishor, who guided the TMC to what is likely to be a spectacular victory, announced Sunday he is "quitting this space", after firing a parting shot at the Election Commission, accusing it of being an "extension of BJP".

"I am quitting this space," he told India Today TV channel after trends showed a landslide victory for the TMC, the party whose election strategy he helped craft for the assembly elections.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-bengal-assembly-election-result-strict-covid-19-precautions-followed-at-counting-centre-382201/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I have never seen a more partial Election Commission, it did everything to help BJP....From allowing use of religion to scheduling poll and bending rules, EC did everything to help the BJP," he said, calling the poll panel an "extension" of the saffron party.

Talking to NDTV, Kishor stuck to his stand that the BJP was a formidable force in West Bengal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-bjp-shares-audio-chat-of-prashant-kishor-praising-pm-modi-376620">West Bengal: BJP shares audio chat of Prashant Kishor praising PM Modi</a>

He said he was confident about the TMC's victory despite the BJP's attempt to "build a massive propaganda" that it was winning.

"The result may look like one-sided but it was a tough fight. BJP is a formidable force and will be," he said.

"..., in reality BJP will struggle to cross double digits in #WestBengal," he had tweeted as early as December last year and his words proved prophetic.

"If BJP does any better, I must quit this space!", he had said.

Election strategist Prashant Kishor, who guided the TMC to what is likely to be a spectacular victory, announced Sunday he is "quitting this space", after firing a parting shot at the Election Commission, accusing it of being an "extension of BJP".

Election strategist Prashant Kishor, who guided the TMC to what is likely to be a spectacular victory, announced Sunday he is "quitting this space", after firing a parting shot at the Election Commission, accusing it of being an "extension of BJP". "I am quitting this space," he told India Today TV channel after trends showed a landslide victory for the TMC, the party whose election strategy he helped craft for the assembly elections. "I have never seen a more partial Election Commission, it did everything to help BJP....From allowing use of religion to scheduling poll and bending rules, EC did everything to help the BJP," he said, calling the poll panel an "extension" of the saffron party. Talking to NDTV, Kishor stuck to his stand that the BJP was a formidable force in West Bengal. Also read | West Bengal: BJP shares audio chat of Prashant Kishor praising PM Modi He said he was confident about the TMC's victory despite the BJP's attempt to "build a massive propaganda" that it was winning. "The result may look like one-sided but it was a tough fight. BJP is a formidable force and will be," he said. "..., in reality BJP will struggle to cross double digits in #WestBengal," he had tweeted as early as December last year and his words proved prophetic. "If BJP does any better, I must quit this space!", he had said.

'Quitting this space', declares Kishor, calls EC 'extension of BJP'

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Saturday said that Trinamool Congress' (TMC) election strategist Prashant Kishor`s leaked audiotape stating Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very popular in West Bengal has put the final nail in TMC's coffin.

Speaking to ANI, BJP MP from Cooch Behar Nisith Pramanik said, "Narendra Modi Ji is famous throughout the world. Prashant Kishor has done the work of putting the last nail in the coffin after finishing TMC."&nbsp;

Pramanik is contesting from the Dinhata constituency in the West Bengal Assembly election. Another BJP MP and party`s candidate from Chunchura Assembly seat Locket Chatterjee said, "Prashant Kishor also knows that Modi Ji is the best and a `sonar Bangla` will be made under his leadership. But to fool the people he got associated with TMC."

Meanwhile, BJP leader Rajib Banerjee who is contesting from the Domjur constituency in Howrah said Kishor`s strategy failed TMC in West Bengal.&nbsp;

"Prashant Kishor`s strategy will not work in Bengal. His strategy has failed. TMC has finished here. In Bengal, only Narendra Modi`s strategy will work," Rajib told ANI.&nbsp;

An audio chat of `Club House room` involving Prashant Kishor and a few journalists went viral on social media. "There is no anti-incumbency against Modi.&nbsp;

Modi has become a cult in the country. Modi is popular in Bengal. The Hindi speaking people is the core support base of BJP in Bengal. Modi is very popular here. Modi and Mamata are equally popular in Bengal," Kishore said in that conversation.&nbsp;

"When we made a survey and asked people whose government will be formed in Bengal. The outcomes predominantly come in favour of the BJP. The majority says BJP`s government will be formed. There are sufficient workers of BJP on the ground. If we leave one or two districts, everywhere there are strong cadets of BJP," added Kishor. "Suvendu is not a factor. Hindus, schedule caste, Dalit and Hindi speaking population are the key factors. Around 50-55 per cent of Hindus are voting for BJP. There are around one crore Hindi speaking population in West Bengal.&nbsp;

Matuas will predominantly vote for the BJP. When we made a survey and asked people whose government will be formed in Bengal. The outcomes predominantly comes in favour of BJP. In-ground there are workers of BJP," explained Kishor.&nbsp;

He further said the parties like Congress, Left and TMC have been practising appeasement politics in West Bengal.&nbsp;

"For the last 20 years, there has been a blatant effort to appease the minority. The entire political ecosystem in Bengal be it Left, Congress or Didi have been to grab the Muslim votes. There is some element that BJP is exploiting. And that element is coming from the blatant misuse of minority politics," Kishor stated.&nbsp;

The election strategist was roped in by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, voting for 44 constituencies in West Bengal`s fourth phase Assembly elections began at 7 am on Saturday amid tight security. This phase of the elections will witness an intense battle between 373 candidates in 44 constituencies of the state across five districts -- Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, South 24 Parganas, Howrah and Hooghly.&nbsp;

Among the 44 constituencies, nine are in Howrah, 10 in Hooghly, 11 in South 24 Parganas, five in Alipurduar and nine in Cooch Behar. A total of 1,15,81,022 voters will participate in this phase, out of which 2,63,016 are first-time voters. The fifth phase of the Assembly elections will commence on April 17. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Saturday said that Trinamool Congress' (TMC) election strategist Prashant Kishor`s leaked audiotape stating Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very popular in West Bengal has put the final nail in TMC's coffin.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Saturday said that Trinamool Congress' (TMC) election strategist Prashant Kishor`s leaked audiotape stating Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very popular in West Bengal has put the final nail in TMC's coffin. Speaking to ANI, BJP MP from Cooch Behar Nisith Pramanik said, "Narendra Modi Ji is famous throughout the world. Prashant Kishor has done the work of putting the last nail in the coffin after finishing TMC." Pramanik is contesting from the Dinhata constituency in the West Bengal Assembly election. Another BJP MP and party`s candidate from Chunchura Assembly seat Locket Chatterjee said, "Prashant Kishor also knows that Modi Ji is the best and a `sonar Bangla` will be made under his leadership. But to fool the people he got associated with TMC." Meanwhile, BJP leader Rajib Banerjee who is contesting from the Domjur constituency in Howrah said Kishor`s strategy failed TMC in West Bengal. "Prashant Kishor`s strategy will not work in Bengal. His strategy has failed. TMC has finished here. In Bengal, only Narendra Modi`s strategy will work," Rajib told ANI. An audio chat of `Club House room` involving Prashant Kishor and a few journalists went viral on social media. "There is no anti-incumbency against Modi. Modi has become a cult in the country. Modi is popular in Bengal. The Hindi speaking people is the core support base of BJP in Bengal. Modi is very popular here. Modi and Mamata are equally popular in Bengal," Kishore said in that conversation. "When we made a survey and asked people whose government will be formed in Bengal. The outcomes predominantly come in favour of the BJP. The majority says BJP`s government will be formed. There are sufficient workers of BJP on the ground. If we leave one or two districts, everywhere there are strong cadets of BJP," added Kishor. "Suvendu is not a factor. Hindus, schedule caste, Dalit and Hindi speaking population are the key factors. Around 50-55 per cent of Hindus are voting for BJP. There are around one crore Hindi speaking population in West Bengal. Matuas will predominantly vote for the BJP. When we made a survey and asked people whose government will be formed in Bengal. The outcomes predominantly comes in favour of BJP. In-ground there are workers of BJP," explained Kishor. He further said the parties like Congress, Left and TMC have been practising appeasement politics in West Bengal. "For the last 20 years, there has been a blatant effort to appease the minority. The entire political ecosystem in Bengal be it Left, Congress or Didi have been to grab the Muslim votes. There is some element that BJP is exploiting. And that element is coming from the blatant misuse of minority politics," Kishor stated. The election strategist was roped in by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021. Meanwhile, voting for 44 constituencies in West Bengal`s fourth phase Assembly elections began at 7 am on Saturday amid tight security. This phase of the elections will witness an intense battle between 373 candidates in 44 constituencies of the state across five districts -- Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, South 24 Parganas, Howrah and Hooghly. Among the 44 constituencies, nine are in Howrah, 10 in Hooghly, 11 in South 24 Parganas, five in Alipurduar and nine in Cooch Behar. A total of 1,15,81,022 voters will participate in this phase, out of which 2,63,016 are first-time voters. The fifth phase of the Assembly elections will commence on April 17. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.

Prashant Kishor finished TMC, put the last nail in coffin: BJP MP

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to boycott the opposition meeting to be held on January 13, 2020, in New Delhi.

“Congress and Left are jointly resorting to hooliganism in West Bengal. They are responsible for the violence in Malda. Both the parties are indulging in dirty politics in the state. I will fight against National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) alone. I am going to boycott the opposition meeting in Delhi,” Banerjee said on the floor of the house at the Bengal Legislative Assembly during a special session today.

Her statements came in the wake of uproar in the assembly house where several Left and Congress leaders raised questions at the administration after a viral video surfaced where policemen were allegedly seen vandalising series of vehicles in Malda’s Sujapur.

“What we saw yesterday is condemnable. The administration has completely failed. Yesterday we saw policemen resorting to vandalism, the government must fix responsibility,” said CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty.

A day ago, massive clashes erupted in Malda district’s Sujapur after Left and Congress supporters were blocking the National Highway- 34 in support of the Bharat Bandh. When police tried to remove the blockade, they clashed with police and also hurled brickbats. Police in retaliation resorted to lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells. As many as ten vehicles were set ablaze by agitators claimed the police.

The opposition meeting to be convened by Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on January 13, 2020, at the Parliament House will be attended by several opposition leaders over the present situation in the country in the wake of widespread protests against NRC and CAA.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to boycott the opposition meeting to be held on January 13, 2020, in New Delhi. “Congress and Left are jointly resorting to hooliganism in West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to boycott the opposition meeting to be held on January 13, 2020, in New Delhi. “Congress and Left are jointly resorting to hooliganism in West Bengal. They are responsible for the violence in Malda. Both the parties are indulging in dirty politics in the state. I will fight against National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) alone. I am going to boycott the opposition meeting in Delhi,” Banerjee said on the floor of the house at the Bengal Legislative Assembly during a special session today. Her statements came in the wake of uproar in the assembly house where several Left and Congress leaders raised questions at the administration after a viral video surfaced where policemen were allegedly seen vandalising series of vehicles in Malda’s Sujapur. “What we saw yesterday is condemnable. The administration has completely failed. Yesterday we saw policemen resorting to vandalism, the government must fix responsibility,” said CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty. A day ago, massive clashes erupted in Malda district’s Sujapur after Left and Congress supporters were blocking the National Highway- 34 in support of the Bharat Bandh. When police tried to remove the blockade, they clashed with police and also hurled brickbats. Police in retaliation resorted to lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells. As many as ten vehicles were set ablaze by agitators claimed the police. The opposition meeting to be convened by Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on January 13, 2020, at the Parliament House will be attended by several opposition leaders over the present situation in the country in the wake of widespread protests against NRC and CAA.

Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee to boycott opposition meet in Delhi

Bengali film actress Nusrat Jahan has been admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata after she complained of 'breathing problem'. Jahan was taken to Apollo Hospital in Kolkata on Sunday after she reportedly complained of breathing problems. Sources state that the actress has a history of asthma.&nbsp;

Abhishek Majumdar, the spokesperson for the actor, said Nusrat will be released from the hospital by Monday evening.&nbsp;News of her falling sick due to medicine overdose was doing the rounds earlier, which the actor’s family rubbished later.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections, Nusrat Jahan had defeated her nearest rival BJP’s Sayantan Ghosh by 3,50,369 votes. She won on a TMC ticket.&nbsp;

Soon after winning the elections, Nusrat Jahan&nbsp;tied the knot with Kolkata-based businessman Nikhil Jain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actress-and-mp-nusrat-jahan-marries-boyfriend-nikhil-jain-in-turkey-228896">in the Turkish town of Bodrum </a>in June. The couple had later hosted a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nusrat-jahan-and-nikhil-jain-host-grand-reception-in-kolkata-cm-mamata-banerjee-mimi-chakraborty-attend-233204"> grand reception in Kolkata </a>which was attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other celebrities from Bengal film industry.&nbsp;

Bengali film actress Nusrat Jahan has been admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata after she complained of 'breathing problem'. Jahan was taken to Apollo Hospital in Kolkata on Sunday after she reportedly complained of breathing problems.

Bengali film actress Nusrat Jahan has been admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata after she complained of 'breathing problem'. Jahan was taken to Apollo Hospital in Kolkata on Sunday after she reportedly complained of breathing problems. Sources state that the actress has a history of asthma. Abhishek Majumdar, the spokesperson for the actor, said Nusrat will be released from the hospital by Monday evening. News of her falling sick due to medicine overdose was doing the rounds earlier, which the actor’s family rubbished later. Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections, Nusrat Jahan had defeated her nearest rival BJP’s Sayantan Ghosh by 3,50,369 votes. She won on a TMC ticket. Soon after winning the elections, Nusrat Jahan tied the knot with Kolkata-based businessman Nikhil Jain in the Turkish town of Bodrum in June. The couple had later hosted a grand reception in Kolkata which was attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other celebrities from Bengal film industry.

TMC MP- actress Nusrat Jahan hospitalised for 'breathing problem'

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can never form a government in West Bengal, nor can it ever implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) enumeration exercise here, said Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Madan Mitra on Saturday.&nbsp;

"I say not only in 2021, the BJP can never come to power in West Bengal, nor can NRC exercise ever be implemented here," Mitra told ANI here.

He said TMC has become very focussed and alert and has rebuilt itself after the Lok Sabha election results.&nbsp;

Reacting to BJP President Amit Shah`s repeated comments pledging to carry out NRC exercise in the state, the TMC leader said, "They (BJP leaders) said here that only Muslim immigrants will be identified in the NRC exercise but look what happened in Assam lakhs of Hindus have also been left out of the register."

Asserting that there was an environment of communal harmony in the state, Mitra said his party stands for all places of worship whether it be temples, mosques, or churches.&nbsp;

Mitra was speaking to ANI on the sidelines of Vijay Sammelan organised to protest against BJP`s plan to implement NRC in the state. The event witnessed the participation of members from the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can never form a government in West Bengal, nor can it ever implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) enumeration exercise here, said Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Madan Mitra on Saturday.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can never form a government in West Bengal, nor can it ever implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) enumeration exercise here, said Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Madan Mitra on Saturday. "I say not only in 2021, the BJP can never come to power in West Bengal, nor can NRC exercise ever be implemented here," Mitra told ANI here. He said TMC has become very focussed and alert and has rebuilt itself after the Lok Sabha election results. Reacting to BJP President Amit Shah`s repeated comments pledging to carry out NRC exercise in the state, the TMC leader said, "They (BJP leaders) said here that only Muslim immigrants will be identified in the NRC exercise but look what happened in Assam lakhs of Hindus have also been left out of the register." Asserting that there was an environment of communal harmony in the state, Mitra said his party stands for all places of worship whether it be temples, mosques, or churches. Mitra was speaking to ANI on the sidelines of Vijay Sammelan organised to protest against BJP`s plan to implement NRC in the state. The event witnessed the participation of members from the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities.

BJP can never come to power in West Bengal, nor can it implement NRC here: TMC's Madan Mitra

Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC)&nbsp;MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday.

He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah.

On Monday, Dutta had said that he will be joining the party in the presence of Amit Shah.

"I will be joining BJP tomorrow at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Dutta had said on Monday.

Last month, former Kolkata Mayor and TMC MLA Sovan Chatterjee joined the BJP.

In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made deep inroads in West Bengal, winning 18 out of 42 parliamentary constituencies while the TMC managed just 22, 12 less than it had won in the 2014 polls.

Since then, several TMC leaders including Biswajit Das Tusharkanti Bhattacharya, Monirul Islam and Sunil Singh have joined the BJP.

The Mamata Banerjee-led party has also lost control over five civic bodies of Bhatpara, Halisahar, Kanchrapara, Naihati and Garulia.

Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah.

Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah. On Monday, Dutta had said that he will be joining the party in the presence of Amit Shah. "I will be joining BJP tomorrow at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Dutta had said on Monday. Last month, former Kolkata Mayor and TMC MLA Sovan Chatterjee joined the BJP. In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made deep inroads in West Bengal, winning 18 out of 42 parliamentary constituencies while the TMC managed just 22, 12 less than it had won in the 2014 polls. Since then, several TMC leaders including Biswajit Das Tusharkanti Bhattacharya, Monirul Islam and Sunil Singh have joined the BJP. The Mamata Banerjee-led party has also lost control over five civic bodies of Bhatpara, Halisahar, Kanchrapara, Naihati and Garulia.

Trinamool Congress MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joins Bharatiya Janata Party

In her first meeting after the general elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and termed it as "good".

This is also Banerjee's first meeting with the Prime Minister after two years and the first after he was elected to power for the second time in bitterly-fought elections including in West Bengal where the BJP has made spectacular gains.

"We had a good meeting. I had plans to meet the Prime Minister but due to some unwanted incidents the plan could not take shape," she said.

During the meeting, the issue of West Bengal's name change to Bangla was discussed. The Chief Minister made it clear that any suggestion from the Centre will be accepted.

"Bengal is open to any 'addition or alternation'&nbsp;on the name change," Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister specifically mentioned that the meeting was "government to government sans political interferences".

"We need to keep faith in the Constitution and democracy.

Both state government and central government are elected and need to work towards development," Banerjee remarked.

Other issues discussed in the meeting were the merger of public sector banks. Moreover, Banerjee handed over a prepared plan to the Prime Minister on how West Bengal performed in the last eight years.

The TMC supremo arrived in the national capital on Tuesday to pay a courtesy call with the Prime Minister.

Banerjee said she will seek an appointment with Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday.

At present, BJP is the key opponent of TMC after the former performed exceptionally well in West Bengal during the Lok Sabha elections, where the party won 18 seats.

In her first meeting after the general elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and termed it as "good".

In her first meeting after the general elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and termed it as "good". This is also Banerjee's first meeting with the Prime Minister after two years and the first after he was elected to power for the second time in bitterly-fought elections including in West Bengal where the BJP has made spectacular gains. "We had a good meeting. I had plans to meet the Prime Minister but due to some unwanted incidents the plan could not take shape," she said. During the meeting, the issue of West Bengal's name change to Bangla was discussed. The Chief Minister made it clear that any suggestion from the Centre will be accepted. "Bengal is open to any 'addition or alternation' on the name change," Banerjee said. The Chief Minister specifically mentioned that the meeting was "government to government sans political interferences". "We need to keep faith in the Constitution and democracy. Both state government and central government are elected and need to work towards development," Banerjee remarked. Other issues discussed in the meeting were the merger of public sector banks. Moreover, Banerjee handed over a prepared plan to the Prime Minister on how West Bengal performed in the last eight years. The TMC supremo arrived in the national capital on Tuesday to pay a courtesy call with the Prime Minister. Banerjee said she will seek an appointment with Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday. At present, BJP is the key opponent of TMC after the former performed exceptionally well in West Bengal during the Lok Sabha elections, where the party won 18 seats.

Mamata Banerjee meets PM Modi in Delhi, says meeting was 'good'

West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee faced double blow when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) not only returned to power with a thumping majority in Lok Sabha elections, but also made inroads in the state by winning 18 seats out of 42 Lok Sabha seats.

This holds significance here because the BJP had won just two seats in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

She ran from pillar to post to unite all like-minded parties against the BJP. Mamata had declared that TMC will lead in throwing out the NDA government from power and forming the new government at the Centre, and thus, BJP's spectacular performance was a huge setback to didi.

This is when poll strategist Prashant Kishor came to her rescue for her image makeover and to prepare the battlefield for 2021 Assembly elections. &nbsp;

Banerjee's recent campaign - 'Didi Ke Bolo' (Talk to didi) attracted over 10 lakh responses in 30 days. The campaign was launched for the aggrieved people to reach out to the state government with their grievances.&nbsp;

Another campaign was launched by the TMC to connect with the masses - 'Grame Chalo' wherein the party functionaries visit homes in villages to speak to common people.&nbsp;

The party also came out with a Twitter page - "Aamar Gorbo Mamata' (Mamata My Pride) where netizens were asked to share why they are proud of Mamata Banerjee and post appreciation for development work done by her government.

The campaigns have been devised by Prashant Kishor to help Mamata regain her grassroots connect in West Bengal and let people know that their chief minister is accessible and approachable.&nbsp;

TMC also wants to overhaul its image of being a party which indulges in minority appeasement. Mamata, accused of dividing people of the state on the religious lines to secure its vote bank, is trying to balance it out after the Lok Sabha election results.

Earlier, Prashant Kishor helped Narendra Modi become Gujarat chief minister for the third time in 2012. Following which, he was roped in by the BJP for 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

His campaigns for Nitish Kumar in 2015 Bihar Assembly elections, Amarinder Singh in 2017 Punjab Assembly elections and Jagan Mohan Reddy in 2019 generated positive results.

With the increased use of social media and a strategy to build a direct connect with the electorate, Mamata intends to prepare a firm ground to take on the BJP in 2021 Assembly elections.&nbsp;

An image makeover is need of the hour for Mamata Banerjee, who must appear more temperate and gentler to counter organised and ideology-driven BJP.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee faced double blow when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) not only returned to power with a thumping majority in Lok Sabha elections, but also made inroads in the state by winning 18 seats out of 42 Lok Sabha seats.

West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee faced double blow when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) not only returned to power with a thumping majority in Lok Sabha elections, but also made inroads in the state by winning 18 seats out of 42 Lok Sabha seats. This holds significance here because the BJP had won just two seats in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. She ran from pillar to post to unite all like-minded parties against the BJP. Mamata had declared that TMC will lead in throwing out the NDA government from power and forming the new government at the Centre, and thus, BJP's spectacular performance was a huge setback to didi. This is when poll strategist Prashant Kishor came to her rescue for her image makeover and to prepare the battlefield for 2021 Assembly elections. Banerjee's recent campaign - 'Didi Ke Bolo' (Talk to didi) attracted over 10 lakh responses in 30 days. The campaign was launched for the aggrieved people to reach out to the state government with their grievances. Another campaign was launched by the TMC to connect with the masses - 'Grame Chalo' wherein the party functionaries visit homes in villages to speak to common people. The party also came out with a Twitter page - "Aamar Gorbo Mamata' (Mamata My Pride) where netizens were asked to share why they are proud of Mamata Banerjee and post appreciation for development work done by her government. The campaigns have been devised by Prashant Kishor to help Mamata regain her grassroots connect in West Bengal and let people know that their chief minister is accessible and approachable. TMC also wants to overhaul its image of being a party which indulges in minority appeasement. Mamata, accused of dividing people of the state on the religious lines to secure its vote bank, is trying to balance it out after the Lok Sabha election results. Earlier, Prashant Kishor helped Narendra Modi become Gujarat chief minister for the third time in 2012. Following which, he was roped in by the BJP for 2014 Lok Sabha elections. His campaigns for Nitish Kumar in 2015 Bihar Assembly elections, Amarinder Singh in 2017 Punjab Assembly elections and Jagan Mohan Reddy in 2019 generated positive results. With the increased use of social media and a strategy to build a direct connect with the electorate, Mamata intends to prepare a firm ground to take on the BJP in 2021 Assembly elections. An image makeover is need of the hour for Mamata Banerjee, who must appear more temperate and gentler to counter organised and ideology-driven BJP. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Mamata Banerjee trying hard for image makeover

In a landmark move, Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council have formally signed a final power-sharing deal here on Saturday.

The agreement, which will pave the way for a transition to a civilian-led government, came after a long period of protest and negotiations following the overthrow of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-sudan-president-omar-al-bashir-to-be-sent-for-trial-soon-prosecutor-says-227709">longtime leader President Omar al-Bashir</a> in the wake of mass protests.

The power-sharing deal creates a joint military and civilian sovereign council to rule for a little over three years until elections can be held.

Under the agreement, a military leader would head the 11-member council for the first 21 months, followed by a civilian leader for the next 18.

It would also establish a cabinet appointed by the activists and a legislative body.

The deal was signed by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy chief of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), and Ahmed al-Rabie, who represented the Alliance for Freedom and Change umbrella group.

The signing ceremony was attended by heads of states, prime ministers and dignitaries from several countries, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.

The deal has revived hopes for a peaceful transition of power in Sudan, which has been rocked by violent protests in April which saw the ouster of-Bashir.

Mass protests, first against the al-Bashir regime, and now the TMC have been ongoing in Sudan.

The TMC was formed after the military overthrew al-Bashir on April 11 in a coup.

Protesters have been demanding the military council to transfer power to a civilian-led government.&nbsp;

The United States has welcomed the power-sharing deal, following months of ongoing protests in the African nation.

"The United States congratulates the people of Sudan on the August 17 signing of the Constitutional Declaration and political agreement between the Forces for Freedom and Change and the Transitional Military Council. We are encouraged by this first step in the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government," Morgan Ortagus, the state department`s spokeswoman said.

In a landmark move, Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council have formally signed a final power-sharing deal here on Saturday. The agreement, which will pave the way for a transition to a civilian-led government, came after a long period of protest and negotiations following the overthrow of longtime leader President Omar al-Bashir in the wake of mass protests.

In a landmark move, Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council have formally signed a final power-sharing deal here on Saturday. The agreement, which will pave the way for a transition to a civilian-led government, came after a long period of protest and negotiations following the overthrow of longtime leader President Omar al-Bashir in the wake of mass protests. The power-sharing deal creates a joint military and civilian sovereign council to rule for a little over three years until elections can be held. Under the agreement, a military leader would head the 11-member council for the first 21 months, followed by a civilian leader for the next 18. It would also establish a cabinet appointed by the activists and a legislative body. The deal was signed by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy chief of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), and Ahmed al-Rabie, who represented the Alliance for Freedom and Change umbrella group. The signing ceremony was attended by heads of states, prime ministers and dignitaries from several countries, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. The deal has revived hopes for a peaceful transition of power in Sudan, which has been rocked by violent protests in April which saw the ouster of-Bashir. Mass protests, first against the al-Bashir regime, and now the TMC have been ongoing in Sudan. The TMC was formed after the military overthrew al-Bashir on April 11 in a coup. Protesters have been demanding the military council to transfer power to a civilian-led government. The United States has welcomed the power-sharing deal, following months of ongoing protests in the African nation. "The United States congratulates the people of Sudan on the August 17 signing of the Constitutional Declaration and political agreement between the Forces for Freedom and Change and the Transitional Military Council. We are encouraged by this first step in the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government," Morgan Ortagus, the state department`s spokeswoman said.

Sudan leaders sign power-sharing deal with military 

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Wednesday and called for the return of ballot boxes.

Thackeray on a two-day visit to Kolkata met Banerjee on the second day at the Bengal state secretariat – Nabanna and his meeting lasted for around half an hour with her.

Thackeray called for the return of ballot boxes in the elections. “We discussed electoral reforms in the meeting. We want the elections to be conducted in ballot boxes. When most countries have done away with the EVMs, we are still using it. Questions are being raised on the credibility of EVMs,” said Thackeray.

He added, “We want the Maharashtra Assembly elections to be conducted through the ballot boxes instead of the EVMs.” Asked on whether he will move court demanding ballot boxes he said, “I have no faith in the High Court and Supreme Court.”

The MNS chief stated that he came to Kolkata to also invite the TMC supremo Mamata for a ‘Save Democracy’ programme to be held in Maharashtra on August 21.&nbsp;

“I came here to invite her. We want her to attend the programme. We want other regional parties to also join us in our demand for ballot boxes,” he added.

However, Banerjee said that she was yet to confirm whether she will be able to attend the program or not considering her prior commitments.

“We had fruitful discussions over our demand of ballot boxes. Earlier, Thackeray has met the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Delhi and he has discussed it with the senior leaders of Congress as well. We had also demanded the elections be conducted in ballot boxes. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, we had approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Supreme Court raising similar demands. But, our plea was rejected. Elections through ballot boxes will be free and fair,” said Banerjee.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Wednesday and called for the return of ballot boxes.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Wednesday and called for the return of ballot boxes. Thackeray on a two-day visit to Kolkata met Banerjee on the second day at the Bengal state secretariat – Nabanna and his meeting lasted for around half an hour with her. Thackeray called for the return of ballot boxes in the elections. “We discussed electoral reforms in the meeting. We want the elections to be conducted in ballot boxes. When most countries have done away with the EVMs, we are still using it. Questions are being raised on the credibility of EVMs,” said Thackeray. He added, “We want the Maharashtra Assembly elections to be conducted through the ballot boxes instead of the EVMs.” Asked on whether he will move court demanding ballot boxes he said, “I have no faith in the High Court and Supreme Court.” The MNS chief stated that he came to Kolkata to also invite the TMC supremo Mamata for a ‘Save Democracy’ programme to be held in Maharashtra on August 21. “I came here to invite her. We want her to attend the programme. We want other regional parties to also join us in our demand for ballot boxes,” he added. However, Banerjee said that she was yet to confirm whether she will be able to attend the program or not considering her prior commitments. “We had fruitful discussions over our demand of ballot boxes. Earlier, Thackeray has met the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Delhi and he has discussed it with the senior leaders of Congress as well. We had also demanded the elections be conducted in ballot boxes. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, we had approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Supreme Court raising similar demands. But, our plea was rejected. Elections through ballot boxes will be free and fair,” said Banerjee.

MNS Chief Raj Thackeray meets TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee calls for return of ballot boxes

Normal life in several districts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fani-heading-towards-west-bengal-rain-lashes-city-215652">West Bengal</a> remains disrupted due to incessant rainfall over the past few days.

According to the Irrigation and Waterways Department, Jalpaiguri has received 154.60 mm of rainfall, Coochbehar 197.40 mm and Siliguri 97 mm, so far.

The continuous downpour has led to a rise in the water level of the Torsa river, forcing people to migrate to other places.

&nbsp;Local administration is making efforts to bring back normalcy by pumping out water from the blocked roads. The schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in some places have been shut by the local authorities due to waterlogging.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-234250">Indian Meteorological Department</a> has predicted rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms for the next few days in parts of West Bengal.

Normal life in several districts of West Bengal remains disrupted due to incessant rainfall over the past few days. According to the Irrigation and Waterways Department, Jalpaiguri has received 154.

Normal life in several districts of West Bengal remains disrupted due to incessant rainfall over the past few days. According to the Irrigation and Waterways Department, Jalpaiguri has received 154.60 mm of rainfall, Coochbehar 197.40 mm and Siliguri 97 mm, so far. The continuous downpour has led to a rise in the water level of the Torsa river, forcing people to migrate to other places. Local administration is making efforts to bring back normalcy by pumping out water from the blocked roads. The schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in some places have been shut by the local authorities due to waterlogging. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms for the next few days in parts of West Bengal.

Incessant rainfall hits normal life in parts of West Bengal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BJP MP accuses TMC leaders of taking cut-money

As many as 14 Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, NCP, AAP and CPI, have given notice over discussion in Rajya Sabha tomorrow under Rule 176 on the `need for electoral reforms in the country`.

The leaders of the parties are expected to talk about electoral bonds, One Nation One Election and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-learn-a-lot-from-indian-experience-on-electronic-voting-machines-indonesian-envoy-211182">Electronic Voting Machine</a> (EVM) malfunction, among other issues.&nbsp;

Claiming that a majority of political parties were in favour of "One Nation, One Election" idea, the government had on June 19 announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will constitute a committee to study the feasibility of the concept after a meeting of parties from which main Opposition Congress and major parties kept away.&nbsp;

As many as 14 Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, NCP, AAP and CPI, have given notice over discussion in Rajya Sabha tomorrow under Rule 176 on the `need for electoral reforms in the country`.

As many as 14 Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, NCP, AAP and CPI, have given notice over discussion in Rajya Sabha tomorrow under Rule 176 on the `need for electoral reforms in the country`. The leaders of the parties are expected to talk about electoral bonds, One Nation One Election and Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunction, among other issues. Claiming that a majority of political parties were in favour of "One Nation, One Election" idea, the government had on June 19 announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will constitute a committee to study the feasibility of the concept after a meeting of parties from which main Opposition Congress and major parties kept away.

14 opposition parties give notice over discussion in Rajya Sabha on 'need for electoral reforms'

Many Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and leaders joined the BJP here in presence of West Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh.

The inclusion of TMC workers into BJP took place at the Jogdaan Mela organised by the party on Saturday.

Prior to the event, 20 BJP workers were admitted to a hospital after they were attacked by unidentified people on their way to the function.&nbsp;

Many Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and leaders joined the BJP here in presence of West Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh. The inclusion of TMC workers into BJP took place at the Jogdaan Mela organised by the party on Saturday.

Many Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and leaders joined the BJP here in presence of West Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh. The inclusion of TMC workers into BJP took place at the Jogdaan Mela organised by the party on Saturday. Prior to the event, 20 BJP workers were admitted to a hospital after they were attacked by unidentified people on their way to the function.

TMC workers join BJP in presence of West Bengal party president Dilip Ghosh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch India Watch, 25th June 2019. To know more watch the video

India Watch, 25th June 2019

Bengali film actress and newly elected MP Nusrat Jahan is now married. The actress married her boyfriend, Nikhil Jain in an intimate ceremony in Turkey. Nikhil is a Kolkata based businessman.&nbsp; 
 
The newly-elected MP gave a glimpse of her special day with a picture of her nuptials where the two are looking at each other in admiration."Towards a happily ever after with Nikhil Jain," she captioned the picture.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/By6JrcDn9v1/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Towards a happily ever after with @nikhiljain09 ❤️</a>

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Clad in a traditional red bridal lehenga, the actor looked stunning, while the groom looked dapper in a light pink sherwani. 
 
The wedding celebrations which took place in the Turkish town of Bodrum were attended by close friends and family of the couple. 
 
Jahan and her friend and actor Mimi Chakraborty took the political plunge this year and won from Basirhat and Jadavpur parliamentary constituencies, respectively. 
 
The Trinamool MPs couldn`t take their oath as members of the 17th Lok Sabha because they were engaged in wedding preparations in Turkey.&nbsp;On their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tmc-mps-mimi-chakraborty-nusrat-jahan-trolled-for-posing-outside-the-parliament-222251">maiden visit to the Parliament</a>, the two were trolled on social media for the choice of their attires. While they were trolled by some for posing outside the parliament, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/dear-sexist-trolls-mimi-and-nusrat-were-not-the-only-ones-to-post-photos-outside-the-parliament-222465">the two women also gained support </a>on social media.&nbsp;

Bengali film actress and newly elected MP Nusrat Jahan is now married. The actress married her boyfriend, Nikhil Jain in an intimate ceremony in Turkey. Nikhil is a Kolkata based businessman.

Bengali film actress and newly elected MP Nusrat Jahan is now married. The actress married her boyfriend, Nikhil Jain in an intimate ceremony in Turkey. Nikhil is a Kolkata based businessman. The newly-elected MP gave a glimpse of her special day with a picture of her nuptials where the two are looking at each other in admiration."Towards a happily ever after with Nikhil Jain," she captioned the picture. View this post on Instagram Towards a happily ever after with @nikhiljain09 ❤️ A post shared by Nusrat (@nusratchirps) on Jun 19, 2019 at 3:46pm PDT × Clad in a traditional red bridal lehenga, the actor looked stunning, while the groom looked dapper in a light pink sherwani. The wedding celebrations which took place in the Turkish town of Bodrum were attended by close friends and family of the couple. Jahan and her friend and actor Mimi Chakraborty took the political plunge this year and won from Basirhat and Jadavpur parliamentary constituencies, respectively. The Trinamool MPs couldn`t take their oath as members of the 17th Lok Sabha because they were engaged in wedding preparations in Turkey. On their maiden visit to the Parliament, the two were trolled on social media for the choice of their attires. While they were trolled by some for posing outside the parliament, the two women also gained support on social media.

Actress and MP Nusrat Jahan marries boyfriend Nikhil Jain in Turkey

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

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

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

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

Amid the escalating tensions between the civilians and military in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russia-joins-gulf-states-in-coaching-sudans-military-227032">Sudan</a>, the country's army ruler on Wednesday called on protest leaders to resume talks on the transfer of power without any conditions.

"We are calling on the Alliance for Freedom and Change and all political powers to come and sit without any conditions... we need a solution that satisfies all people," General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told a gathering of medics in a speech broadcast on state television.

"The country has been without a government for three months... the Sudanese people and foreign policy have been affected by the lack of government," Burhan said.

"We don't want the situation to get out of control. We don't want to see another coup," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">How Sudan’s economic crisis had a role in protests that toppled al-Bashir</a>

The remark by Sudan's army ruler came two weeks after the military-led deadly dispersal of the civilians' from their sit-in protest.

Crowds of protesters who had camped for weeks outside the capital's army headquarters to demand civilian rule were violently dispersed on June 3 by armed men in military fatigues.

At least 128 people have been killed since the crackdown, the majority on the day the sit-in was cleared, according to the doctors linked to the protest movement.

The health ministry, however, has put the nationwide death toll on June 3 at 61.

The dispersal came after multiple rounds of failed talks between the military council and protest leaders.

The killings sparked a wave of international condemnation, and the ruling military council has distanced itself from the events.

The military council took power after deposing long-time president<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-sudan-president-omar-al-bashir-to-be-sent-for-trial-soon-prosecutor-says-227709"> Omar al-Bashir </a>on April 11, following months of demonstrations against his iron-fisted rule.

(With inputs from AFP)

Amid the escalating tensions between the civilians and military in Sudan, the country's army ruler on Wednesday called on protest leaders to resume talks on the transfer of power without any conditions.

Amid the escalating tensions between the civilians and military in Sudan, the country's army ruler on Wednesday called on protest leaders to resume talks on the transfer of power without any conditions. "We are calling on the Alliance for Freedom and Change and all political powers to come and sit without any conditions... we need a solution that satisfies all people," General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told a gathering of medics in a speech broadcast on state television. "The country has been without a government for three months... the Sudanese people and foreign policy have been affected by the lack of government," Burhan said. "We don't want the situation to get out of control. We don't want to see another coup," he said. Also read: How Sudan’s economic crisis had a role in protests that toppled al-Bashir The remark by Sudan's army ruler came two weeks after the military-led deadly dispersal of the civilians' from their sit-in protest. Crowds of protesters who had camped for weeks outside the capital's army headquarters to demand civilian rule were violently dispersed on June 3 by armed men in military fatigues. At least 128 people have been killed since the crackdown, the majority on the day the sit-in was cleared, according to the doctors linked to the protest movement. The health ministry, however, has put the nationwide death toll on June 3 at 61. The dispersal came after multiple rounds of failed talks between the military council and protest leaders. The killings sparked a wave of international condemnation, and the ruling military council has distanced itself from the events. The military council took power after deposing long-time president Omar al-Bashir on April 11, following months of demonstrations against his iron-fisted rule. (With inputs from AFP)

Sudan army ruler calls on protest leaders to hold unconditional talks

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

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

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

Mamata Banerjee not to attend all-party meeting on Wednesday

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