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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-clashes-erupt-between-bjp-workers-police-in-kolkata-226477">West Bengal</a> Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asked the agitating junior doctors across the state to resume work by 2 pm and warned of action if the order was not followed.

Banerjee, who reached the state-run SSKM hospital around 12.10 pm in the wake of disruption of medical services in several parts of the state over the past three days, directed the police to clear the hospital premises, asserting that no one apart from patients should be allowed on the campus.

She had given the doctors a four-hour deadline to rejoin service but later revised it to 2 pm.

The chief minister claimed that the agitation was part of a conspiracy of her political rivals.

"I condemn the agitation. The junior doctors' strike is a conspiracy by the CPI(M) and the BJP," Banerjee, who also holds the health and family welfare portfolio, said.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief alleged that outsiders had entered medical colleges and hospitals to create disturbances. She also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to give the strike a communal colour.

"The BJP, with help from the CPI(M), is indulging in Hindu-Muslim politics. I am shocked to see their love affair," Banerjee said. "BJP chief Amit Shah is encouraging his party cadre to create communal tension and run propaganda on Facebook."

Senior BJP leader Mukul Roy had alleged that members of a particular community had carried out the attack on doctors and that the perpetrators belonged to the TMC.

The doctors, who have been agitating since Tuesday after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured at the NRS medical college and hospital in Kolkata, raised "we want justice" slogans before the chief minister.

Despite the warning, the protesters were seen continuing with their agitation at the SSKM hospital.

Sources said a joint platform of doctors would be meeting the governor shortly to submit a deputation in connection with the ongoing agitation.

Emergency wards, outdoor facilities, pathological units of many state-run medical colleges and hospitals and a number of private medical facilities in the state have remained closed over the past two days in the wake of the protest.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asked the agitating junior doctors across the state to resume work by 2 pm and warned of action if the order was not followed.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asked the agitating junior doctors across the state to resume work by 2 pm and warned of action if the order was not followed. Banerjee, who reached the state-run SSKM hospital around 12.10 pm in the wake of disruption of medical services in several parts of the state over the past three days, directed the police to clear the hospital premises, asserting that no one apart from patients should be allowed on the campus. She had given the doctors a four-hour deadline to rejoin service but later revised it to 2 pm. The chief minister claimed that the agitation was part of a conspiracy of her political rivals. "I condemn the agitation. The junior doctors' strike is a conspiracy by the CPI(M) and the BJP," Banerjee, who also holds the health and family welfare portfolio, said. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief alleged that outsiders had entered medical colleges and hospitals to create disturbances. She also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to give the strike a communal colour. "The BJP, with help from the CPI(M), is indulging in Hindu-Muslim politics. I am shocked to see their love affair," Banerjee said. "BJP chief Amit Shah is encouraging his party cadre to create communal tension and run propaganda on Facebook." Senior BJP leader Mukul Roy had alleged that members of a particular community had carried out the attack on doctors and that the perpetrators belonged to the TMC. The doctors, who have been agitating since Tuesday after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured at the NRS medical college and hospital in Kolkata, raised "we want justice" slogans before the chief minister. Despite the warning, the protesters were seen continuing with their agitation at the SSKM hospital. Sources said a joint platform of doctors would be meeting the governor shortly to submit a deputation in connection with the ongoing agitation. Emergency wards, outdoor facilities, pathological units of many state-run medical colleges and hospitals and a number of private medical facilities in the state have remained closed over the past two days in the wake of the protest.

Mamata Banerjee asks junior doctors to resume work; blames BJP, CPI(M) for strike

BJP workers clash with state police in Kolkata. Police used bastons, teargas and water cannons to control that. Governor calls for all party meeting tomorrow. BJP's Protest against killing of workers.

India Watch: Clashes At BJP's Kolkata Rally

India Watch, 11th June 2019. To know more watch the video.

Watch: India Watch, 11th June 2019

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday installed a new statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the Vidyasagar college premises — the place where a similar statue was vandalised a month ago during a clash between the BJP and TMC workers.

India Watch: War between TMC & BJP heats up

Clashes broke out between BJP workers and police personnel in Kolkata on Wednesday during a massive rally organised by the party in protest against post-poll violence and an alleged attack on its workers and supporters.

As the BJP activists jostled to reach the Bowbazar crossing in the city, police resorted to firing tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse them. 
In retaliation, the saffron party workers raised slogans and hurled stones and bottles at the officers.

Some of the party workers were seen holding a sit-in demonstration in the area in protest.&nbsp;

BJP party workers, along with 18 newly elected MPs in the state, including BJP state president Dilip Ghosh, were marching towards the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar from the Wellington area of the city.

Bengal's BJP minder Kailash Vijayvargiya and senior party leader Mukul Roy also joined the march.

Post-poll violence has been reported from various places of West Bengal after the BJP secured 18 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, just four less than that of the TMC.

Roy Tuesday blamed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the clashes in North 24 Parganas' Sandeshkhali on Saturday that claimed three lives and demanded an investigation into the violence by anti-terror probe agency NIA.

Banerjee had earlier accused the BJP of "spreading false information as part of a game plan to topple her government".&nbsp;

Clashes broke out between BJP workers and police personnel in Kolkata on Wednesday during a massive rally organised by the party in protest against post-poll violence and an alleged attack on its workers and supporters.

Clashes broke out between BJP workers and police personnel in Kolkata on Wednesday during a massive rally organised by the party in protest against post-poll violence and an alleged attack on its workers and supporters. As the BJP activists jostled to reach the Bowbazar crossing in the city, police resorted to firing tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse them. In retaliation, the saffron party workers raised slogans and hurled stones and bottles at the officers. Some of the party workers were seen holding a sit-in demonstration in the area in protest. BJP party workers, along with 18 newly elected MPs in the state, including BJP state president Dilip Ghosh, were marching towards the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar from the Wellington area of the city. Bengal's BJP minder Kailash Vijayvargiya and senior party leader Mukul Roy also joined the march. Post-poll violence has been reported from various places of West Bengal after the BJP secured 18 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, just four less than that of the TMC. Roy Tuesday blamed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the clashes in North 24 Parganas' Sandeshkhali on Saturday that claimed three lives and demanded an investigation into the violence by anti-terror probe agency NIA. Banerjee had earlier accused the BJP of "spreading false information as part of a game plan to topple her government".

West Bengal: Clashes erupt between BJP workers, police in Kolkata

The Trinamool Congress Monday in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-under-control-west-bengal-government-answers-home-ministrys-advisory-on-violence-225809">MHA advisory to the West Bengal government</a> is a "deep-rooted conspiracy" and an "evil ploy to grab power" in opposition-ruled states.

TMC secretary general and West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee said in the letter that the Ministry of Home Affairs has drawn conclusions without verifying the ground reality or taking a report from the state government.

"We, on behalf of the Trinamool Congress, lodge our strong objection to the advisory issued by the MHA and urge that the same be withdrawn forthwith," he said.

In the advisory sent to the West Bengal government on Sunday, the MHA had expressed "deep concern" over the continuing post-poll violence in the state and asked it to maintain law and order.

The advisory came a day after BJP and TMC workers clashed in Sandeshkhali area of North Parganas district.

Criticising the advisory, Chatterjee said, "We have reason to believe that it is an evil ploy to grab power in states run by parties politically opposed to the BJP. Moreover, this is a deep-rooted conspiracy and game plan to malign the state government and capture the Bengal administration through undemocratic, unethical and unconstitutional means."

Blaming "BJP goons" for having perpetrated violence and chaos across the state, the TMC leader alleged that as the MHA and the saffron party are being headed by the same person, it is "quite obvious" that "whatever the BJP desires, the MHA is implementing it with closed eyes, throwing all constitutional propriety to the wind".

"In a democracy, the Centre and the states work in tandem. Instead of taking the state government into confidence and verifying the ground situation, the unilateral issue of an advisory by the MHA is an insult to the people of Bengal and an assault on the glory, culture, and heritage of the state," Chatterjee said.

On Sunday night, the West Bengal government sent a letter to the MHA saying that the situation in the state was "under control" and there was no failure on part of its law enforcement agencies.

The BJP has claimed that five of its workers were killed in the violence in Sandeshkhali, while the ruling TMC claimed that one was killed.&nbsp;

The Trinamool Congress Monday in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the MHA advisory to the West Bengal government is a "deep-rooted conspiracy" and an "evil ploy to grab power" in opposition-ruled states.

The Trinamool Congress Monday in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the MHA advisory to the West Bengal government is a "deep-rooted conspiracy" and an "evil ploy to grab power" in opposition-ruled states. TMC secretary general and West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee said in the letter that the Ministry of Home Affairs has drawn conclusions without verifying the ground reality or taking a report from the state government. "We, on behalf of the Trinamool Congress, lodge our strong objection to the advisory issued by the MHA and urge that the same be withdrawn forthwith," he said. In the advisory sent to the West Bengal government on Sunday, the MHA had expressed "deep concern" over the continuing post-poll violence in the state and asked it to maintain law and order. The advisory came a day after BJP and TMC workers clashed in Sandeshkhali area of North Parganas district. Criticising the advisory, Chatterjee said, "We have reason to believe that it is an evil ploy to grab power in states run by parties politically opposed to the BJP. Moreover, this is a deep-rooted conspiracy and game plan to malign the state government and capture the Bengal administration through undemocratic, unethical and unconstitutional means." Blaming "BJP goons" for having perpetrated violence and chaos across the state, the TMC leader alleged that as the MHA and the saffron party are being headed by the same person, it is "quite obvious" that "whatever the BJP desires, the MHA is implementing it with closed eyes, throwing all constitutional propriety to the wind". "In a democracy, the Centre and the states work in tandem. Instead of taking the state government into confidence and verifying the ground situation, the unilateral issue of an advisory by the MHA is an insult to the people of Bengal and an assault on the glory, culture, and heritage of the state," Chatterjee said. On Sunday night, the West Bengal government sent a letter to the MHA saying that the situation in the state was "under control" and there was no failure on part of its law enforcement agencies. The BJP has claimed that five of its workers were killed in the violence in Sandeshkhali, while the ruling TMC claimed that one was killed.

Home Ministry advisory 'deep-rooted conspiracy' by BJP to grab power: Trinamool Congress

Four workers of the BJP were shot dead by members of the TMC in Basirhat's Sandeshkhali, BJP leader Mukul Roy has alleged.Reportedly, one TMC workers has also been killed.

The deaths took place on Saturday during a clash between workers of the two parties in the city of North 24 Parganas. Removal of party flags had triggered the fight.

BJP's Mukul Roy alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has unleashed a "reign of terror" in West Bengal.

"TMC goons attacked BJP workers and 4 of our workers were shot dead in Sandeshkhali, Basirhat. Their leader and Chief Minister is indulging in a reign of terror, we have sent a message to Home Minister Amit Shah ji, Kailash Vijayvargiya ji, and our state leaders," said Roy.

He said that a team of MPs will visit Sandeshkhali, Basirhat on Sunday to take stock of the situation and will send a report to the Home Minister Amit Shah.Widespread violence involving the BJP and the TMC was witnessed during Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, with both parties trading blame over the issue.

The polls have come to a close, but the two parties are still at loggerheads.In an election that was marred by violence, BJP made deep inroads into the Trinamool Congress territory by winning 18 seats in Lok Sabha and restricting the TMC to only 22 seats against 34 it had won in 2014 national polls.&nbsp;

Four workers of the BJP were shot dead by members of the TMC in Basirhat's Sandeshkhali, BJP leader Mukul Roy has alleged.Reportedly, one TMC workers has also been killed.

Four workers of the BJP were shot dead by members of the TMC in Basirhat's Sandeshkhali, BJP leader Mukul Roy has alleged.Reportedly, one TMC workers has also been killed. The deaths took place on Saturday during a clash between workers of the two parties in the city of North 24 Parganas. Removal of party flags had triggered the fight. BJP's Mukul Roy alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has unleashed a "reign of terror" in West Bengal. "TMC goons attacked BJP workers and 4 of our workers were shot dead in Sandeshkhali, Basirhat. Their leader and Chief Minister is indulging in a reign of terror, we have sent a message to Home Minister Amit Shah ji, Kailash Vijayvargiya ji, and our state leaders," said Roy. He said that a team of MPs will visit Sandeshkhali, Basirhat on Sunday to take stock of the situation and will send a report to the Home Minister Amit Shah.Widespread violence involving the BJP and the TMC was witnessed during Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, with both parties trading blame over the issue. The polls have come to a close, but the two parties are still at loggerheads.In an election that was marred by violence, BJP made deep inroads into the Trinamool Congress territory by winning 18 seats in Lok Sabha and restricting the TMC to only 22 seats against 34 it had won in 2014 national polls.

West Bengal: 5 dead as BJP, Trinamool Congress workers clash in Basirhat

Tension prevailed on Sunday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-5-dead-as-bjp-trinamool-congress-clash-in-basirhat-225589">strife-affected Sandeshkhali in West Bengal</a>'s North 24 Parganas, with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress accusing each other of orchestrating Saturday's violence that allegedly claimed at least four lives.

A huge contingent of police officers has been deployed in the village and its surrounding areas under the Nyajat police station in the district, where the violence broke out in the evening, to prevent the tension from escalating.

While the BJP leadership on Sunday claimed that five of its supporters were killed in the clash, the TMC said that six of its workers were missing. 
The bodies of one TMC worker and two BJP supporters have been identified by family members at a local hospital.

As of Sunday morning, police are carrying out search operations to trace the persons alleged to have gone missing in what has been deemed as the "worst political violence" following the 2019 general election.

State BJP general secretary Sayantan Basu Saturday said three of his party workers -- Sukanta Mondal, Pradip Mondal and Shankar Mondal -- have been shot dead, while state minister Jyotipriyo Mallick maintained that TMC worker Kayoom Mollah has been killed in the clash.

In claims and counter-claims over the political fallout, both the parties have stated that several of their workers have gone missing.

Continuing his tirade against the ruling party, BJP leader Mukul Roy, who is scheduled to lead a seven-member delegation of party MPs to the violence-hit area on Sunday, accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of instigating political strife in Bengal through her speeches and meetings.

He also maintained that "five members of the saffron party were killed and several others went missing" during the clashes at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district.

Speaking to reporters at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport here on his arrival from Delhi, Roy alleged that local TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh has masterminded the attack on BJP workers.

The state Food and Supplies minister, on the other hand, said his party apprehended that the "missing workers" might have been killed.

Mallick, who is also leading a party delegation comprising state ministers to Sandeshkhali, told PTI, "We apprehend that six TMC workers have been killed and their bodies dumped in the water."

He alleged that it was the BJP workers who had attacked TMC supporters during a procession, and accused the saffron party of bringing in outsiders to foment trouble.

The minister also asserted that the BJP workers were killed from bullets fired by their "own people" and denied that TMC men were involved in their deaths.

Contending that his party wants "peace to prevail", Mallick said that he has asked his partymen not to hold any meeting or procession without the district leadership's permission.

Sources in the TMC and the BJP had claimed on Saturday that the clashes broke out over the removal of saffron party flags in the area.

Local people said several shops and houses were vandalised during the violence, which broke out during a TMC procession.

Tension prevailed on Sunday in strife-affected Sandeshkhali in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas, with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress accusing each other of orchestrating Saturday's violence that allegedly claimed at least four lives.

Tension prevailed on Sunday in strife-affected Sandeshkhali in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas, with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress accusing each other of orchestrating Saturday's violence that allegedly claimed at least four lives. A huge contingent of police officers has been deployed in the village and its surrounding areas under the Nyajat police station in the district, where the violence broke out in the evening, to prevent the tension from escalating. While the BJP leadership on Sunday claimed that five of its supporters were killed in the clash, the TMC said that six of its workers were missing. The bodies of one TMC worker and two BJP supporters have been identified by family members at a local hospital. As of Sunday morning, police are carrying out search operations to trace the persons alleged to have gone missing in what has been deemed as the "worst political violence" following the 2019 general election. State BJP general secretary Sayantan Basu Saturday said three of his party workers -- Sukanta Mondal, Pradip Mondal and Shankar Mondal -- have been shot dead, while state minister Jyotipriyo Mallick maintained that TMC worker Kayoom Mollah has been killed in the clash. In claims and counter-claims over the political fallout, both the parties have stated that several of their workers have gone missing. Continuing his tirade against the ruling party, BJP leader Mukul Roy, who is scheduled to lead a seven-member delegation of party MPs to the violence-hit area on Sunday, accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of instigating political strife in Bengal through her speeches and meetings. He also maintained that "five members of the saffron party were killed and several others went missing" during the clashes at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. Speaking to reporters at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport here on his arrival from Delhi, Roy alleged that local TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh has masterminded the attack on BJP workers. The state Food and Supplies minister, on the other hand, said his party apprehended that the "missing workers" might have been killed. Mallick, who is also leading a party delegation comprising state ministers to Sandeshkhali, told PTI, "We apprehend that six TMC workers have been killed and their bodies dumped in the water." He alleged that it was the BJP workers who had attacked TMC supporters during a procession, and accused the saffron party of bringing in outsiders to foment trouble. The minister also asserted that the BJP workers were killed from bullets fired by their "own people" and denied that TMC men were involved in their deaths. Contending that his party wants "peace to prevail", Mallick said that he has asked his partymen not to hold any meeting or procession without the district leadership's permission. Sources in the TMC and the BJP had claimed on Saturday that the clashes broke out over the removal of saffron party flags in the area. Local people said several shops and houses were vandalised during the violence, which broke out during a TMC procession.

Tension prevails in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, police looking for 'missing' persons

Two Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) supporters were arrested by the police on Wednesday in connection with Trinamool Congress leader Nirmal Kundu’s murder.&nbsp;

Kundu, president of ward number 6 of Dum Dum Municipality in West Bengal, was shot at by miscreants on Tuesday evening at Nimta in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.&nbsp;

Two bike-borne youths appeared in front of Kundu and opened fire at him when he was on his way to the Trinamool Congress party office. Kundu immediately fell on the ground after receiving bullet injuries on his head.&nbsp;

Immediately, the locals gathered and rushed him to the hospital where he was declared as dead.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the Barrackpore Commissionerate arrested two persons – Sumon Kundu and Sujoy Das - from a house in Uttarpara. The police recovered a single shooter firearm along with three cartridges besides a bike from their possession.&nbsp;

According to sources in the police, Das who hails from Murshidabad district of Bengal is a contract or a supari killer who was hired to kill Kundu. However, the actual mastermind and the reason behind the killing is yet to be known.&nbsp;

“We have arrested two persons in connection with the murder. We have also recovered a murder weapon which is a firearm from their possession. The reason behind the murder is not known yet. An investigation is on,” said Ananda Roy, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone II, Barrackpore Commissionerate.&nbsp;

While Trinamool Congress leaders claimed that BJP supporters killed Kundu, BJP ruled out this allegation and termed factional feud in the Trinamool Congress as a reason behind the murder. BJP also said that their party supporters were falsely implicated.&nbsp;

“Our party supporters have nothing to do with this murder. They are not involved at all. This murder is a cause of Trinamool Congress’ factional fight. Each time they arrest our party supporters and put them behind bars by falsely implicating them,” said Bengal BJP president and MP from Midnapore seat Dilip Ghosh.&nbsp;

As per sources in the Trinamool Congress, the party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with other party leaders, will visit the slain party leader’s residence and meet the family members of the deceased.&nbsp;

Two Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) supporters were arrested by the police on Wednesday in connection with Trinamool Congress leader Nirmal Kundu’s murder. Kundu, president of ward number 6 of Dum Dum Municipality in West Bengal, was shot at by miscreants on Tuesday evening at Nimta in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

Two Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) supporters were arrested by the police on Wednesday in connection with Trinamool Congress leader Nirmal Kundu’s murder. Kundu, president of ward number 6 of Dum Dum Municipality in West Bengal, was shot at by miscreants on Tuesday evening at Nimta in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Two bike-borne youths appeared in front of Kundu and opened fire at him when he was on his way to the Trinamool Congress party office. Kundu immediately fell on the ground after receiving bullet injuries on his head. Immediately, the locals gathered and rushed him to the hospital where he was declared as dead. On Wednesday, the Barrackpore Commissionerate arrested two persons – Sumon Kundu and Sujoy Das - from a house in Uttarpara. The police recovered a single shooter firearm along with three cartridges besides a bike from their possession. According to sources in the police, Das who hails from Murshidabad district of Bengal is a contract or a supari killer who was hired to kill Kundu. However, the actual mastermind and the reason behind the killing is yet to be known. “We have arrested two persons in connection with the murder. We have also recovered a murder weapon which is a firearm from their possession. The reason behind the murder is not known yet. An investigation is on,” said Ananda Roy, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone II, Barrackpore Commissionerate. While Trinamool Congress leaders claimed that BJP supporters killed Kundu, BJP ruled out this allegation and termed factional feud in the Trinamool Congress as a reason behind the murder. BJP also said that their party supporters were falsely implicated. “Our party supporters have nothing to do with this murder. They are not involved at all. This murder is a cause of Trinamool Congress’ factional fight. Each time they arrest our party supporters and put them behind bars by falsely implicating them,” said Bengal BJP president and MP from Midnapore seat Dilip Ghosh. As per sources in the Trinamool Congress, the party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with other party leaders, will visit the slain party leader’s residence and meet the family members of the deceased.

West Bengal: Two BJP supporters arrested in connection with Trinamool Congress leader’s murder 

A bitter war between TMC-BJP continues. Mamata begins campaign to ''Re-Capture'' TMC offices. There is a move after row over 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: 'Jai Shri Ram' Row Hits TMC Chief

A bitter war between TMC-BJP continues. Mamata begins campaign to ''Re-Capture'' TMC offices. There is a move after row over 'Jai Shri Ram'slogan. Watch this video to know more.

People of India really don't know how to relax. The majority has chosen Modi and re-elected BJP back to power (or is it the other way round?). It is a time to celebrate, rejoice and celebrate and maybe tune in to watch the beloved PM give speeches of desh, right? No. Because as soon as they have chosen their leaders, they have obviously found a new issue to outrage upon. And of course, like it is in most cases, at the receiving end are two women.&nbsp;

On Monday, as newly elected MPs went to Parliament to collect their IDs and certificates, many of took to social media to post photos from outside and inside Parliament. The excitement of first time MPs was naturally high as for many it was indeed a dream that had come true. Among them were actresses and now TMC MPs Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan - who shared their happiness and excitement via posts on social media. The two looked happy as they flashed their new ID Cards and the victory sign posing right outside Parliament.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
And its us again 
1st day at Parliament <a href="https://twitter.com/nusratchirps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nusratchirps</a> <a href="https://t.co/ohBalZTJCV">pic.twitter.com/ohBalZTJCV</a>
— Mimssi (@mimichakraborty) <a href="https://twitter.com/mimichakraborty/status/1132956102881107968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The junta took no time to take the higher moral ground on the two actresses and tutor them what to wear, what to post on their personal pages and even taught Nusrat a lesson on grammar. They were reminded in not so gentle ways that how this was 'not a film set' or a place to do a 'photoshoot' and how they should know 'what to wear' to the holy sanctum of the Indian democracy.&nbsp;

I almost choked on my coffee reading the comments on their attire and scrolled up to check what Mimi and Nusrat were wearing. After all, the two are indeed very glamorous and rule the Bengali film industry with their charm, beauty and perhaps even acting skills. So being top heroines, they may have gone overboard dressing up for the first day at their new job. Instead, what I found disappointed me to a great extent. You see, the two looked very regular - for the lack of a better word. Mimi was dressed in a white shirt and blue denim and Nusrat wore a burgundy pantsuit- stuff that you would find in almost every girl's wardrobe and nothing that should offend anyone in a free, democratic country like ours these days.&nbsp;

But it did.&nbsp;

To quote some of the trolls, the two were asked to get real. "Seriously? This is how you pose in front of the parliament? This is not some film shooting.. Get real, girl!," wrote one user on Mimi's post while another said, "U actually don't know how to dress up.I hope it's not ur shooting place or ur holiday destination.Its an official purpose."&nbsp;

On Nusrat's post, someone told her to wear something more formal than a pant-suit, and wrote "parliament is not a photo studio... make your getup with formal dress..." while another one dissed the people of Basirhat who voted for her and wrote, "SHAME ON THE PEOPLE OF BOSHIRHAT FOR ELECTING THIS WOMAN WHO HAS MADE A JOKE OF OUR PARLIAMENT."

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Some even compared the women to another newly elected young MP Tejasvi Surya, who won from Bengaluru on a BJP ticket and said that the two needed to learn a thing or two from him.&nbsp;

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Diff between Sanskari &amp; Kusanskari 
 
Pic 1: <a href="https://twitter.com/Tejasvi_Surya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tejasvi_Surya</a> anna 🙏🏻 
 
Pic 2: <a href="https://twitter.com/mimichakraborty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mimichakraborty</a> madam this is not Film set to pose like that I wondered how people elected you 🤷‍♂️ 
 
Many many congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/Tejasvi_Surya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tejasvi_Surya</a> anna 💐💐 All the best for feature 🚩 
 
Proud to be <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPian</a> 💪🏻🚩 <a href="https://t.co/fepZ4DmMbk">pic.twitter.com/fepZ4DmMbk</a>
— shashank Sharma Gonguluri (@shashiiBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/shashiiBJP/status/1133236539142463489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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At this point, it is important to know that just like Mimi and Nusrat, Tejasvi too shared his excitement at being inside the parliament and posted numerous photos with senior BJP leaders. Tejasvi wore formal pant and shirt and a Nehru jacket and looked happy in all the photos flashing the rocking sign. But no one seemed to have any problem with his selfies or his attire. Neither did they have problem with former cricketer and now MP Gautam Gambhir posing outside Parliament- flashing his id card much like Mimi, dressed in a white t-shirt and blue denim. There were congratulatory messages, praises for the men- but no criticism about their attires, no questions raised about their credibility.&nbsp;

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Oh man!! 
 
I had waited for this selfie with my favourite <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@smritiirani</a> ji from such a long time. So many countless hours I have spent hearing her speeches &amp; interviews! 
 
Her victory in Amethi only reinforces our faith in democracy. 
 
Smriti Ji you are a rockstar! 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/zYsxIlp0Ka">pic.twitter.com/zYsxIlp0Ka</a>
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tejasvi_Surya/status/1132329538556350464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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How sexist is our society that we diss the women and question their credibility and praise the men at the same time? It may be alright to be a sceptic but to completely admonish the two women on their credibility even before they have started their work is absolutely unfair.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The biases are blind to the point of being hilarious at the same time trivialising the mandate of the people and the populous votes on the basis which the women have come to power. Not just Mimi and Nursat, many other MPs have posted photos from that day- thanking their voters and rejoicing at the new role that has been bestowed upon them. So targetting just the two women, questioning their credibility and pointing out their attires speaks volumes about the society we live in. Where everyone is quick to police the woman and turn blind to the man's action.&nbsp;

Then there were some, who brought out old TikTok videos of the two stars and guffawed at how could they be members of Parliament.&nbsp;

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Wow Wow Wow!!! New MPs from Bengal.. Mimi Chakraborty &amp; Nusrat Jahaan_India is really really progressing ..it’s a welcome relief to see MP’s who are so easy on the eye 🙏🙏🙏 <a href="https://t.co/F4B0EZxkZJ">pic.twitter.com/F4B0EZxkZJ</a>
— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) <a href="https://twitter.com/RGVzoomin/status/1132493248994275328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While the verdict is out on whether RGV was mocking the two or praising them, the tweet itself reflects the mindset of many who are quick to judge even before they have seen their work. A person's attire, language, and face has nothing to do in Parliament. Work speaks ultimately and only time will tell how serious these new politicians are about the responsibilities that they have been given. Now is not the time.&nbsp;

In a free country, one has every right to speak their mind. Internet just multiplies that right manifold. But there is a thin line between calling out the wrong and making noise unnecessarily. We Indians need to understand that.&nbsp;

People of India really don't know how to relax. The majority has chosen Modi and re-elected BJP back to power (or is it the other way round?). It is a time to celebrate, rejoice and celebrate and maybe tune in to watch the beloved PM give speeches of desh, right?

People of India really don't know how to relax. The majority has chosen Modi and re-elected BJP back to power (or is it the other way round?). It is a time to celebrate, rejoice and celebrate and maybe tune in to watch the beloved PM give speeches of desh, right? No. Because as soon as they have chosen their leaders, they have obviously found a new issue to outrage upon. And of course, like it is in most cases, at the receiving end are two women. On Monday, as newly elected MPs went to Parliament to collect their IDs and certificates, many of took to social media to post photos from outside and inside Parliament. The excitement of first time MPs was naturally high as for many it was indeed a dream that had come true. Among them were actresses and now TMC MPs Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan - who shared their happiness and excitement via posts on social media. The two looked happy as they flashed their new ID Cards and the victory sign posing right outside Parliament. And its us again 1st day at Parliament @nusratchirps pic.twitter.com/ohBalZTJCV — Mimssi (@mimichakraborty) May 27, 2019 × The junta took no time to take the higher moral ground on the two actresses and tutor them what to wear, what to post on their personal pages and even taught Nusrat a lesson on grammar. They were reminded in not so gentle ways that how this was 'not a film set' or a place to do a 'photoshoot' and how they should know 'what to wear' to the holy sanctum of the Indian democracy. I almost choked on my coffee reading the comments on their attire and scrolled up to check what Mimi and Nusrat were wearing. After all, the two are indeed very glamorous and rule the Bengali film industry with their charm, beauty and perhaps even acting skills. So being top heroines, they may have gone overboard dressing up for the first day at their new job. Instead, what I found disappointed me to a great extent. You see, the two looked very regular - for the lack of a better word. Mimi was dressed in a white shirt and blue denim and Nusrat wore a burgundy pantsuit- stuff that you would find in almost every girl's wardrobe and nothing that should offend anyone in a free, democratic country like ours these days. But it did. To quote some of the trolls, the two were asked to get real. "Seriously? This is how you pose in front of the parliament? This is not some film shooting.. Get real, girl!," wrote one user on Mimi's post while another said, "U actually don't know how to dress up.I hope it's not ur shooting place or ur holiday destination.Its an official purpose." On Nusrat's post, someone told her to wear something more formal than a pant-suit, and wrote "parliament is not a photo studio... make your getup with formal dress..." while another one dissed the people of Basirhat who voted for her and wrote, "SHAME ON THE PEOPLE OF BOSHIRHAT FOR ELECTING THIS WOMAN WHO HAS MADE A JOKE OF OUR PARLIAMENT." Some even compared the women to another newly elected young MP Tejasvi Surya, who won from Bengaluru on a BJP ticket and said that the two needed to learn a thing or two from him. Diff between Sanskari & Kusanskari Pic 1: @Tejasvi_Surya anna 🙏🏻 Pic 2: @mimichakraborty madam this is not Film set to pose like that I wondered how people elected you 🤷‍♂️ Many many congratulations @Tejasvi_Surya anna 💐💐 All the best for feature 🚩 Proud to be #BJPian 💪🏻🚩 pic.twitter.com/fepZ4DmMbk — shashank Sharma Gonguluri (@shashiiBJP) May 28, 2019 × At this point, it is important to know that just like Mimi and Nusrat, Tejasvi too shared his excitement at being inside the parliament and posted numerous photos with senior BJP leaders. Tejasvi wore formal pant and shirt and a Nehru jacket and looked happy in all the photos flashing the rocking sign. But no one seemed to have any problem with his selfies or his attire. Neither did they have problem with former cricketer and now MP Gautam Gambhir posing outside Parliament- flashing his id card much like Mimi, dressed in a white t-shirt and blue denim. There were congratulatory messages, praises for the men- but no criticism about their attires, no questions raised about their credibility. Oh man!! I had waited for this selfie with my favourite @smritiirani ji from such a long time. So many countless hours I have spent hearing her speeches & interviews! Her victory in Amethi only reinforces our faith in democracy. Smriti Ji you are a rockstar! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/zYsxIlp0Ka — Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) May 25, 2019 × How sexist is our society that we diss the women and question their credibility and praise the men at the same time? It may be alright to be a sceptic but to completely admonish the two women on their credibility even before they have started their work is absolutely unfair. The biases are blind to the point of being hilarious at the same time trivialising the mandate of the people and the populous votes on the basis which the women have come to power. Not just Mimi and Nursat, many other MPs have posted photos from that day- thanking their voters and rejoicing at the new role that has been bestowed upon them. So targetting just the two women, questioning their credibility and pointing out their attires speaks volumes about the society we live in. Where everyone is quick to police the woman and turn blind to the man's action. Then there were some, who brought out old TikTok videos of the two stars and guffawed at how could they be members of Parliament. Wow Wow Wow!!! New MPs from Bengal.. Mimi Chakraborty & Nusrat Jahaan_India is really really progressing ..it’s a welcome relief to see MP’s who are so easy on the eye 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/F4B0EZxkZJ — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) May 26, 2019 × While the verdict is out on whether RGV was mocking the two or praising them, the tweet itself reflects the mindset of many who are quick to judge even before they have seen their work. A person's attire, language, and face has nothing to do in Parliament. Work speaks ultimately and only time will tell how serious these new politicians are about the responsibilities that they have been given. Now is not the time. In a free country, one has every right to speak their mind. Internet just multiplies that right manifold. But there is a thin line between calling out the wrong and making noise unnecessarily. We Indians need to understand that.

Dear sexist trolls, Mimi and Nusrat were not the only ones to post photos outside Parliament

Leaders from Bimstec countries as well as Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth have confirmed their participation at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30. Watch this video to know more.

Bimstec leaders confirm attendance for PM Modi's swearing-in

Watch 'India Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest & tracks India's big events, We bring you verified updates & unbiased analysis on that.

India Watch; 28th May 2019

In this segment of India Watch, Have a look at guests list for Modi's Swearing-in Ceremony. We also discuss the importance of these guests of Modi's Swearing-in Ceremony with our Guests or Experts Mr. Gurjit Singh, India former ambassador to Germany & with Mr. Harsh V. Pant, Distinguished fellow and observer research foundation.

India Watch: Guests List For Modi's Swearing-In Ceremony

In this segment of India Watch, Have a look at the major political headlines of the day.

India Watch: Major Political headlines of the day

In a major setback to West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress, three MLAs from West Bengal, including Trinamool Congress-turned-BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu Roy, along with more than 50 councillors on Tuesday joined the BJP here.

The other two MLAs are Tushar Kanti Bhattacharya from Bishnupur (Trinamool Congress) and Debendra Roy from Hemtabad (CPI-M). Roy represents Bijpur Assembly constituency.

Led by BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu, who was suspended by the Trinamool for six years for "demeaning the party", a large number of MLAs and councillors reached Delhi where they accepted BJP membership in the presence of Party President Amit Shah.

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Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP National General Secretary on 3 MLAs and more than 50 Councillors from WB joining BJP: Like the elections were held in seven phases in West Bengal, joinings in BJP will also happen in seven phases. Today was just the first phase. <a href="https://t.co/YbYEYK2KwU">pic.twitter.com/YbYEYK2KwU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1133325427043254272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mukul Roy claimed in Delhi that the BJP could take control of up to 60 municipalities in the near future.

"I feel in the next two-three months the BJP will wrest 55-60 municipalities in the state," he said.

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West Bengal: 16 TMC Councillors of the Kanchrapara Municipality collectively withdraw from AITC Councillor' Party. Subhrangshu Roy, son of BJP leader Mukul Roy also withdraws his membership. <a href="https://t.co/h2F9wZf4SN">pic.twitter.com/h2F9wZf4SN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1133317419823296513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"More than 20 women councillors are here in Delhi. We are not upset with Mamata Ji (Banerjee) but BJP's massive gains in Bengal has influenced us to join the party. People are liking BJP as they are working for them," Ruby Chatterjee, TMC councillor from Garifa, Ward no 6, told ANI.

In Lok Sabha polls&nbsp;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 ANI)

In a major setback to West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress, three MLAs from West Bengal, including Trinamool Congress-turned-BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu Roy, along with more than 50 councillors on Tuesday joined the BJP here.

In a major setback to West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress, three MLAs from West Bengal, including Trinamool Congress-turned-BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu Roy, along with more than 50 councillors on Tuesday joined the BJP here. The other two MLAs are Tushar Kanti Bhattacharya from Bishnupur (Trinamool Congress) and Debendra Roy from Hemtabad (CPI-M). Roy represents Bijpur Assembly constituency. Led by BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu, who was suspended by the Trinamool for six years for "demeaning the party", a large number of MLAs and councillors reached Delhi where they accepted BJP membership in the presence of Party President Amit Shah. Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP National General Secretary on 3 MLAs and more than 50 Councillors from WB joining BJP: Like the elections were held in seven phases in West Bengal, joinings in BJP will also happen in seven phases. Today was just the first phase. pic.twitter.com/YbYEYK2KwU — ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2019 × Mukul Roy claimed in Delhi that the BJP could take control of up to 60 municipalities in the near future. "I feel in the next two-three months the BJP will wrest 55-60 municipalities in the state," he said. West Bengal: 16 TMC Councillors of the Kanchrapara Municipality collectively withdraw from AITC Councillor' Party. Subhrangshu Roy, son of BJP leader Mukul Roy also withdraws his membership. pic.twitter.com/h2F9wZf4SN — ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2019 × "More than 20 women councillors are here in Delhi. We are not upset with Mamata Ji (Banerjee) but BJP's massive gains in Bengal has influenced us to join the party. People are liking BJP as they are working for them," Ruby Chatterjee, TMC councillor from Garifa, Ward no 6, told ANI. 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 ANI)

Setback for Mamata Banerjee: 2 Trinamool Congress MLAs, over 50 councillors join BJP

In a major blow to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, 50-60 councillors and some Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the latter’s headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday.

More than 50 TMC councillors join BJP, Vijayvargiya says it's the beginning

It's their first time at Parliament and so the excitement is but natural. As newly-elected MPs of Trinamool Congress Party, Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, posted photos outside Parliament, a certain section of social media was up in arms about their posts and even raised an objection about their attire.&nbsp;

On Monday, both Mimi and Nusrat, well-known stars in Bengali films, posted photos outside Parliament. Dressed in western outfits, the two posed outside Parliament and flashed their new ID cards and flashed the victory sign. But the two actresses were subjected to bitter trolling with many questioning their credentials as politicians.&nbsp;

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And its us again 
1st day at Parliament <a href="https://twitter.com/nusratchirps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nusratchirps</a> <a href="https://t.co/ohBalZTJCV">pic.twitter.com/ohBalZTJCV</a>
— Mimssi (@mimichakraborty) <a href="https://twitter.com/mimichakraborty/status/1132956102881107968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A new beginning..!! I thank <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a> and people of my <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basirhat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basirhat</a> constituency to have belief in me.. <a href="https://t.co/GU4Xcyz1Ff">pic.twitter.com/GU4Xcyz1Ff</a>
— Nusrat (@nusratchirps) <a href="https://twitter.com/nusratchirps/status/1132936153814904833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Some even remarked about the choice of the attire and commented on Mimi's photo saying, "This is not a film shooting."

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On Nusrat's post, someone wrote, "This is not a place for a photoshoot. This is a place where you should fight for the people's rights and legislate for the country. You don't belong here."

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Interestingly, Mimi Chakraborty defeated veteran CPIM leader and former Kolkata mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya with a huge margin in Jadavpur constituency while Nusrat too won with a massive mandate in Basirhat constituency.&nbsp;

It's their first time at Parliament and so the excitement is but natural. As newly-elected MPs of Trinamool Congress Party, Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, posted photos outside Parliament, a certain section of social media was up in arms about their posts and even raised an objection about their attire.

It's their first time at Parliament and so the excitement is but natural. As newly-elected MPs of Trinamool Congress Party, Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, posted photos outside Parliament, a certain section of social media was up in arms about their posts and even raised an objection about their attire. On Monday, both Mimi and Nusrat, well-known stars in Bengali films, posted photos outside Parliament. Dressed in western outfits, the two posed outside Parliament and flashed their new ID cards and flashed the victory sign. But the two actresses were subjected to bitter trolling with many questioning their credentials as politicians. And its us again 1st day at Parliament @nusratchirps pic.twitter.com/ohBalZTJCV — Mimssi (@mimichakraborty) May 27, 2019 × A new beginning..!! I thank @MamataOfficial and people of my #Basirhat constituency to have belief in me.. pic.twitter.com/GU4Xcyz1Ff — Nusrat (@nusratchirps) May 27, 2019 × Some even remarked about the choice of the attire and commented on Mimi's photo saying, "This is not a film shooting." On Nusrat's post, someone wrote, "This is not a place for a photoshoot. This is a place where you should fight for the people's rights and legislate for the country. You don't belong here." Interestingly, Mimi Chakraborty defeated veteran CPIM leader and former Kolkata mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya with a huge margin in Jadavpur constituency while Nusrat too won with a massive mandate in Basirhat constituency.

Trinamool Congress MPs Mimi Chakraborty, Nusrat Jahan trolled for posing outside Parliament

A Modi wave and simmering anger over TMC's alleged appeasement of the minorities that polarised voters after bloodied panchayat elections last year may have cost the ruling party in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/polarisation-nrc-transfer-of-left-votes-help-bjp-breach-mamata-banerjees-fortress-221352">West Bengal</a> dearly as its tally came down from 34 to 22 in the Lok Sabha polls.

Stunned by the sudden saffron surge, daggers seems to have been drawn in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) camp with local leaders blaming those holding top party posts for their "lack of foresightedness" and "arrogant approach" as primary reasons behind the poor poll show.

Although the TMC has managed to increase its vote share from 39 per cent in 2014 to 43 per cent this time, it failed to hold on to its strongholds in tribal-dominated Jangalmahal region of south Bengal and tea garden belt in the north, where the party faced a complete rout.

The BJP won 18 of total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and increased its vote share from 17 per cent in 2014 to 40.5 per cent this time. Even in the seats the TMC won, the BJP emerged as the runners-up, relegating the Left to the third spot.

Although the TMC leadership is tight-lipped as a sense of "fear and despair" gripped party's ranks with some even apprehending the stability of its government in the state, its secretary general Partha Chatterjee has described BJP's rise in the state as "temporary".

"We just failed to gauge the undercurrent. We really don't know what lies ahead. It would be really tough to keep the flock together," said a TMC leader, who did not wish to be named.

Of the 22 seats the TMC won, 16 constituencies witnessed a battle of nerves till the last round of counting with leads changing in minutes.

If the data of the national polls are analysed assembly segment-wise, the BJP is ahead in nearly 130 of the 294 assembly constituencies in the state, the majority mark being 148. West Bengal will go for assembly polls in 2021.

According to TMC sources, initial assessment has revealed that there was groundswell against the party in rural areas due to several factors, foremost of which was the violence during panchayat polls due to which many couldn't cast their votes. The others being corruption at the local level and stiff polarisation amid an anger over "appeasement".

TMC insiders said the party virtually failed to counter BJP's nationalism narrative and Hindutva pitch, which resulted in the polarisation in the state, where Muslims constitute 27 per cent of the population.

Bengal, where the electoral discourse has largely steered clear of communal flairs after Independence, witnessed allegations of appeasement flying from both sides -- TMC and BJP -- resulting in the polarisation.

"While the BJP banked on its plank of NRC to drive out infiltrators and a sustained campaign against alleged attempts by the TMC to stop Durga Puja in Bengal, our part not only failed to counter, but in its bid to project itself as messiah of Muslims earned the wrath of a large section of Hindus," said a senior TMC leader.

The viral video of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee getting down from her car and chasing few youths who shouted "Jai Shri Ram" also didn't go down well and the BJP milked the incident to further polarise the election, according to analysts.

They said the infighting in party's rank also led to discontent with a section of TMC cadres voting for the BJP in order to "teach their own party leaders a lesson".

BJP's spectacular performance may have raised eyebrows given its dismal organisational strength in the state, but according to Mukul Roy, considered to be the main architect of the lotus (BJP's election symbol) bloom, the victory was much anticipated.

"In most of the areas, a large section of disgruntled TMC workers and leaders have voted in favour of the BJP. Several TMC leaders have actually worked for us. Now it's time for us to bring those TMC workers and leaders into the BJP and work towards the final battle for assembly polls," he said.

Also the en masse shift of Left votes played a key role in BJP's Bengal show.

Compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Left vote share of 29 per cent dwindled to about 7 per cent, indicating a complete shift to the saffron side. 
According to senior Left leaders, a huge section of Left voters, including party cadres, chose the BJP to defeat Banerjee in the state.

The TMC which had systematically poached elected representatives of the Congress and the Left over the last few years while working towards its mission of "opposition-free" Bengal, actually led to a bipolar political field between TMC and BJP - the only opposition, political observers said.

With assembly elections in two-year's time, municipal polls next year, the biggest challenge before the TMC is to keep its flock together as its top leadership is apprehensive of an exodus to BJP.&nbsp;

A Modi wave and simmering anger over TMC's alleged appeasement of the minorities that polarised voters after bloodied panchayat elections last year may have cost the ruling party in West Bengal dearly as its tally came down from 34 to 22 in the Lok Sabha polls.

A Modi wave and simmering anger over TMC's alleged appeasement of the minorities that polarised voters after bloodied panchayat elections last year may have cost the ruling party in West Bengal dearly as its tally came down from 34 to 22 in the Lok Sabha polls. Stunned by the sudden saffron surge, daggers seems to have been drawn in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) camp with local leaders blaming those holding top party posts for their "lack of foresightedness" and "arrogant approach" as primary reasons behind the poor poll show. Although the TMC has managed to increase its vote share from 39 per cent in 2014 to 43 per cent this time, it failed to hold on to its strongholds in tribal-dominated Jangalmahal region of south Bengal and tea garden belt in the north, where the party faced a complete rout. The BJP won 18 of total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and increased its vote share from 17 per cent in 2014 to 40.5 per cent this time. Even in the seats the TMC won, the BJP emerged as the runners-up, relegating the Left to the third spot. Although the TMC leadership is tight-lipped as a sense of "fear and despair" gripped party's ranks with some even apprehending the stability of its government in the state, its secretary general Partha Chatterjee has described BJP's rise in the state as "temporary". "We just failed to gauge the undercurrent. We really don't know what lies ahead. It would be really tough to keep the flock together," said a TMC leader, who did not wish to be named. Of the 22 seats the TMC won, 16 constituencies witnessed a battle of nerves till the last round of counting with leads changing in minutes. If the data of the national polls are analysed assembly segment-wise, the BJP is ahead in nearly 130 of the 294 assembly constituencies in the state, the majority mark being 148. West Bengal will go for assembly polls in 2021. According to TMC sources, initial assessment has revealed that there was groundswell against the party in rural areas due to several factors, foremost of which was the violence during panchayat polls due to which many couldn't cast their votes. The others being corruption at the local level and stiff polarisation amid an anger over "appeasement". TMC insiders said the party virtually failed to counter BJP's nationalism narrative and Hindutva pitch, which resulted in the polarisation in the state, where Muslims constitute 27 per cent of the population. Bengal, where the electoral discourse has largely steered clear of communal flairs after Independence, witnessed allegations of appeasement flying from both sides -- TMC and BJP -- resulting in the polarisation. "While the BJP banked on its plank of NRC to drive out infiltrators and a sustained campaign against alleged attempts by the TMC to stop Durga Puja in Bengal, our part not only failed to counter, but in its bid to project itself as messiah of Muslims earned the wrath of a large section of Hindus," said a senior TMC leader. The viral video of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee getting down from her car and chasing few youths who shouted "Jai Shri Ram" also didn't go down well and the BJP milked the incident to further polarise the election, according to analysts. They said the infighting in party's rank also led to discontent with a section of TMC cadres voting for the BJP in order to "teach their own party leaders a lesson". BJP's spectacular performance may have raised eyebrows given its dismal organisational strength in the state, but according to Mukul Roy, considered to be the main architect of the lotus (BJP's election symbol) bloom, the victory was much anticipated. "In most of the areas, a large section of disgruntled TMC workers and leaders have voted in favour of the BJP. Several TMC leaders have actually worked for us. Now it's time for us to bring those TMC workers and leaders into the BJP and work towards the final battle for assembly polls," he said. Also the en masse shift of Left votes played a key role in BJP's Bengal show. Compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Left vote share of 29 per cent dwindled to about 7 per cent, indicating a complete shift to the saffron side. According to senior Left leaders, a huge section of Left voters, including party cadres, chose the BJP to defeat Banerjee in the state. The TMC which had systematically poached elected representatives of the Congress and the Left over the last few years while working towards its mission of "opposition-free" Bengal, actually led to a bipolar political field between TMC and BJP - the only opposition, political observers said. With assembly elections in two-year's time, municipal polls next year, the biggest challenge before the TMC is to keep its flock together as its top leadership is apprehensive of an exodus to BJP.

Amid saffron surge, Mamata Banerjee's challenge to keep flock together ahead of state polls

The BJP made massive inroads in West Bengal, giving a substantial jolt to the Trinamool Congress in the state. The BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) retained its ground in the Northeast with almost fifteen seats going to the BJP and leaving just four for the Congress.

In Bengal, the Trinamool Congress had bagged as many as 34 seats in the 2014 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-a-mandate-to-form-new-india-pm-modi-delivers-first-address-after-lok-sabha-polls-result-221070">Lok Sabha elections</a> with a vote share of 39 per cent. While the number of seats for the Trinamool Congress fell alarmingly this election, the vote share shot up to 46 per cent, retaining a 6 per cent gain.

Trinamool Congress’ star candidate Moon Moon Sen from Asansol constituency lost to BJP’s sitting MP Babul Supriyo. Deepak Adhikari (Dev) retained his seat from Ghatal. Two Tollywood actresses fielded from Jadavpur and Basirhat on TMC ticket, Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, won with a substantial margin defeating BJP and CPI(M) candidates.

While Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee refrained from addressing the press, she took to Twitter and posted, “Congratulations to the winners. But all losers are not losers. We have to do a complete review and then we will share our views with you all. Let the counting process be completed fully and the VVPATs matched.”

On the other hand, the BJP made major inroads in the state almost decimating the Left Front and Congress’ vote bank. While the Left Front could not secure a single seat, the lone survivor of the Congress in the state – Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury - managed to retain the seat with a margin of more than 80,000 votes.

A statement issued by the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) read, “The Indian electorate has given a decisive verdict in the favour of the BJP and its allies. The CPI(M) has suffered a severe setback in these elections. We shall introspect the reasons for this and draw proper lessons for the future.”

For the BJP in West Bengal, the panchayat election results formed a ground for the party to further prosper in the state. BJP leaders in charge - Kailash Vijaywargiya and Mukul Roy - ensured that the party achieves the target set by BJP president Amit Shah of 23 seats in the state. Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh gave the party’s organizational structure a facelift after he took over and travelled across the length and breadth of the state to establish the party’s organisation in each of the districts.

For the final push in the seventh phase of elections, where nine seats including two in Kolkata were to go for polls, two other senior BJP leaders – Sunil Deodhar and Himanta Biswa Sarma - reached the city to encourage the party leaders and workers.

From a 17 per cent vote share in the 2014 elections, it rose to a whopping 40 per cent in this election. Political analysts feel that the diminishing vote share of the CPI(M) contributed to a consolidated vote share of the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The CPI(M) had a vote share of 29 per cent in 2014 and fell to a meagre 7 per cent in this election.

The BJP won major seats in North Bengal – Darjeeling, Raiganj, Alipurduar, Balurghat and others - among several seats in the Western Zones like Purulia and others. While Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh bagged the Midnapore seat, singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo managed to retain his Asansol seat.

While addressing BJP workers, party president Amit Shah said, “Even after so much violence and rigging, BJP won 18 seats in West Bengal. It tells that in coming days, BJP will establish its might in West Bengal.”

As far as the Northeastern part of India is concerned, political analysts had suggested that the BJP might not do well after the party faced a backlash while trying to push the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). However, the votes polled in favour of the BJP suggested that the push for the Citizenship Amendment Bill did not affect BJP’s electoral gains in the region.

In Assam, BJP candidates won with good margins in seats like Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Nowgong, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Silchar, Mangaldai and Tezpur. Barpeta seat went to BJP’s electoral ally in Assam – Asam Gono Parishad (AGP). All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF)’s Badruddin Ajmal won the Dhubri seat. Congress managed to secure three seats in Assam with party’s young leader Gaurav Gogoi securing the Kaliabor seat.

The man who engineered BJP’s victory in India’s Northeast and the chairman of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Himanta Biswa Sarma took a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying, “Politics is not meant for Rahul Gandhi. The party should consider giving him an early retirement.”

The BJP made massive inroads in West Bengal, giving a substantial jolt to the Trinamool Congress in the state. The BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) retained its ground in the Northeast with almost fifteen seats going to the BJP and leaving just four for the Congress.

The BJP made massive inroads in West Bengal, giving a substantial jolt to the Trinamool Congress in the state. The BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) retained its ground in the Northeast with almost fifteen seats going to the BJP and leaving just four for the Congress. In Bengal, the Trinamool Congress had bagged as many as 34 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections with a vote share of 39 per cent. While the number of seats for the Trinamool Congress fell alarmingly this election, the vote share shot up to 46 per cent, retaining a 6 per cent gain. Trinamool Congress’ star candidate Moon Moon Sen from Asansol constituency lost to BJP’s sitting MP Babul Supriyo. Deepak Adhikari (Dev) retained his seat from Ghatal. Two Tollywood actresses fielded from Jadavpur and Basirhat on TMC ticket, Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, won with a substantial margin defeating BJP and CPI(M) candidates. While Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee refrained from addressing the press, she took to Twitter and posted, “Congratulations to the winners. But all losers are not losers. We have to do a complete review and then we will share our views with you all. Let the counting process be completed fully and the VVPATs matched.” On the other hand, the BJP made major inroads in the state almost decimating the Left Front and Congress’ vote bank. While the Left Front could not secure a single seat, the lone survivor of the Congress in the state – Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury - managed to retain the seat with a margin of more than 80,000 votes. A statement issued by the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) read, “The Indian electorate has given a decisive verdict in the favour of the BJP and its allies. The CPI(M) has suffered a severe setback in these elections. We shall introspect the reasons for this and draw proper lessons for the future.” For the BJP in West Bengal, the panchayat election results formed a ground for the party to further prosper in the state. BJP leaders in charge - Kailash Vijaywargiya and Mukul Roy - ensured that the party achieves the target set by BJP president Amit Shah of 23 seats in the state. Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh gave the party’s organizational structure a facelift after he took over and travelled across the length and breadth of the state to establish the party’s organisation in each of the districts. For the final push in the seventh phase of elections, where nine seats including two in Kolkata were to go for polls, two other senior BJP leaders – Sunil Deodhar and Himanta Biswa Sarma - reached the city to encourage the party leaders and workers. From a 17 per cent vote share in the 2014 elections, it rose to a whopping 40 per cent in this election. Political analysts feel that the diminishing vote share of the CPI(M) contributed to a consolidated vote share of the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The CPI(M) had a vote share of 29 per cent in 2014 and fell to a meagre 7 per cent in this election. The BJP won major seats in North Bengal – Darjeeling, Raiganj, Alipurduar, Balurghat and others - among several seats in the Western Zones like Purulia and others. While Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh bagged the Midnapore seat, singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo managed to retain his Asansol seat. While addressing BJP workers, party president Amit Shah said, “Even after so much violence and rigging, BJP won 18 seats in West Bengal. It tells that in coming days, BJP will establish its might in West Bengal.” As far as the Northeastern part of India is concerned, political analysts had suggested that the BJP might not do well after the party faced a backlash while trying to push the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). However, the votes polled in favour of the BJP suggested that the push for the Citizenship Amendment Bill did not affect BJP’s electoral gains in the region. In Assam, BJP candidates won with good margins in seats like Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Nowgong, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Silchar, Mangaldai and Tezpur. Barpeta seat went to BJP’s electoral ally in Assam – Asam Gono Parishad (AGP). All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF)’s Badruddin Ajmal won the Dhubri seat. Congress managed to secure three seats in Assam with party’s young leader Gaurav Gogoi securing the Kaliabor seat. The man who engineered BJP’s victory in India’s Northeast and the chairman of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Himanta Biswa Sarma took a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying, “Politics is not meant for Rahul Gandhi. The party should consider giving him an early retirement.”

BJP makes massive inroads in West Bengal, Northeast; gives major jolt to Congress, Trinamool Congress

All India Trinamool Congress may not have made a clean sweep in West Bengal but its star candidates, Tollywood actresses Nusrat Jahan and Mimi Chakraborty are leading in their respective constituencies.&nbsp;

In Basirhat constituency in West Bengal, actress Nusrat Jahan has so far garnered more than 1.5 lakh votes. The actress, who is a star in Bengali cinema, is making her debut in politics this election season.&nbsp;

Her colleague from the film industry, Mimi Chakraborty contesting against CPIM stalwart Bikash Bhattacharya and BJP' Anupam Hazra is also leading with nearly 2 lac votes. Chakraborty is also contesting for the first time on a TMC ticket.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, actress MoonMoon Sen, also contesting for TMC, is trailing behind in Asansol where Babul Supriyo, from BJP, is leading with 1.8 lac votes. Sen is trailing so far with 1.2 lakh votes.&nbsp;

All India Trinamool Congress may not have made a clean sweep in West Bengal but its star candidates, Tollywood actresses Nusrat Jahan and Mimi Chakraborty are leading in their respective constituencies.

All India Trinamool Congress may not have made a clean sweep in West Bengal but its star candidates, Tollywood actresses Nusrat Jahan and Mimi Chakraborty are leading in their respective constituencies. In Basirhat constituency in West Bengal, actress Nusrat Jahan has so far garnered more than 1.5 lakh votes. The actress, who is a star in Bengali cinema, is making her debut in politics this election season. Her colleague from the film industry, Mimi Chakraborty contesting against CPIM stalwart Bikash Bhattacharya and BJP' Anupam Hazra is also leading with nearly 2 lac votes. Chakraborty is also contesting for the first time on a TMC ticket. Meanwhile, actress MoonMoon Sen, also contesting for TMC, is trailing behind in Asansol where Babul Supriyo, from BJP, is leading with 1.8 lac votes. Sen is trailing so far with 1.2 lakh votes.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: In Bengal, TMC candidates Nusrat Jahan, Mimi Chakraborty leading

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