India's Home Ministry has written to the Election Commission about West Bengal poll violence and has expressed concern on continuing elections in West Bengal. Watch full video to know more.

Home Ministry writes to Election Commission about West Bengal poll violence

BJP President Amit Shah has accused TMC of triggering violence in West Bengal. Watch full video to know more.

Amit Shah accuse TMC of triggering violence in West Bengal

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/trinamool-congress-can-stop-me-from-attending-rallies-not-bjps-victory-amit-shah-218441">BJP president Amit Shah </a>was denied permission to hold a rally in Jadavpur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday met the state`s Chief Electoral Officer accusing TMC of using the state`s police and administration to suppress the BJP.

"CM Mamata Banerjee is contesting elections using police and administration of the state because she has lost people support. That is why she is trying to suppress BJP using the government. They do not give permission for our leaders to hold rallies in the state," BJP leader Sunil Deodhar told reporters here.

"The District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas Ratnakar Rao is working as an agent of TMC. We have told the CEO that he should be removed. BJP president`s rally also denied permission. Yogi Adityanath has to hold rallies in all 5 LS seats of South 24 Parganas district on May 15. But EC denied permission," he said.

The BJP leader underlined that they did not face such problems anywhere else in the country.

Speaking on the elections, Deodhar said,&nbsp;"In 2014, the results of Uttar Pradesh shook everyone. And in 2019, it will be West Bengal which will surprise all."

Earlier in the day, the BJP also staged a protest outside the CEO`s office here alleging bias in holding the Lok Sabha elections in the state.

Nine parliamentary constituencies including Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Diamond Harbour, Jadavpur, Kolkata Dakshin and Kolkata Uttar will vote in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal on May 19. 
&nbsp;

After BJP president Amit Shah was denied permission to hold a rally in Jadavpur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday met the state`s Chief Electoral Officer accusing TMC of using the state`s police and administration to suppress the BJP.

After BJP president Amit Shah was denied permission to hold a rally in Jadavpur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday met the state`s Chief Electoral Officer accusing TMC of using the state`s police and administration to suppress the BJP. "CM Mamata Banerjee is contesting elections using police and administration of the state because she has lost people support. That is why she is trying to suppress BJP using the government. They do not give permission for our leaders to hold rallies in the state," BJP leader Sunil Deodhar told reporters here. "The District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas Ratnakar Rao is working as an agent of TMC. We have told the CEO that he should be removed. BJP president`s rally also denied permission. Yogi Adityanath has to hold rallies in all 5 LS seats of South 24 Parganas district on May 15. But EC denied permission," he said. The BJP leader underlined that they did not face such problems anywhere else in the country. Speaking on the elections, Deodhar said, "In 2014, the results of Uttar Pradesh shook everyone. And in 2019, it will be West Bengal which will surprise all." Earlier in the day, the BJP also staged a protest outside the CEO`s office here alleging bias in holding the Lok Sabha elections in the state. Nine parliamentary constituencies including Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Diamond Harbour, Jadavpur, Kolkata Dakshin and Kolkata Uttar will vote in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal on May 19.

BJP approaches CEO, after their leaders denied permission to hold rallies in West Bengal

This segment offers you with all the latest updates on campaigns for the last phase of India general elections.

India general elections wrap: PM Modi's campaign blitz

BJP's President Amit Shah was supposed to hold three rallies in the state but his Jadavpur rally cancelled after not getting permission for same. Watch this video to know more.

BJP: TMC scared that Mamata's nephew may lose polls

A day after the arrest of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) youth wing convenor Priyanka Sharma, her mother alleged she was arrested at TMC's behest because she used to work for BJP.

"My daughter was arrested because she used to work for the BJP. This is all part of a big plot. This is the first time she is far away from us. Had she been a TMC worker nothing bad would have happened to her, this is all done by TMC. The fact that she is in jail has increased our worries," Priyanka's mother told ANI.

Priyanka was accused of sharing a morphed photo of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on social media. She was arrested on Friday and sent to jail for 14 days.

Her brother said, at first, he was not allowed to meet her. However, when he put pressure, the authorities let him in. He also alleged that his sister's security was at risk as her entry in jail was not recorded within 24 hours of her arrest.

He also said BJP leader Poonam Mahajan called him to Delhi.

"I will take the matter to Supreme Court to save my sister", he said.

Om Prakash Singh, district president of BJYM, said there was nothing wrong with what Priyanka did, but her arrest was wrong.

"Social media is a place where everybody wants the freedom to express. It is shameful that Mamata Banerjee is curbing freedom on that platform. Priyanka just shared an edited photo which was already viral on the platform. There is nothing vulgar or shameful in the photo. We have ideological differences with TMC, but we have never disrespected her."

"The police have not put a non-bailable warrant against her. She is not being allowed to meet her family or anyone. We will take the legal course of action and also carry out protests against this action taken by the police. We will not stay silent when TMC is trying to end the freedom of speech in West Bengal," Singh told reporters.

This is not the first time that Banerjee took action against someone who took a dig at her. In 2012, Professor Ambikesh Mahapatra of the Jadavpur University was arrested for forwarding a cartoon of the chief minister. In the same year, she had also termed a student "Maoist" for questioning her government`s policies.&nbsp;

A day after the arrest of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) youth wing convenor Priyanka Sharma, her mother alleged she was arrested at TMC's behest because she used to work for BJP.

A day after the arrest of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) youth wing convenor Priyanka Sharma, her mother alleged she was arrested at TMC's behest because she used to work for BJP. "My daughter was arrested because she used to work for the BJP. This is all part of a big plot. This is the first time she is far away from us. Had she been a TMC worker nothing bad would have happened to her, this is all done by TMC. The fact that she is in jail has increased our worries," Priyanka's mother told ANI. Priyanka was accused of sharing a morphed photo of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on social media. She was arrested on Friday and sent to jail for 14 days. Her brother said, at first, he was not allowed to meet her. However, when he put pressure, the authorities let him in. He also alleged that his sister's security was at risk as her entry in jail was not recorded within 24 hours of her arrest. He also said BJP leader Poonam Mahajan called him to Delhi. "I will take the matter to Supreme Court to save my sister", he said. Om Prakash Singh, district president of BJYM, said there was nothing wrong with what Priyanka did, but her arrest was wrong. "Social media is a place where everybody wants the freedom to express. It is shameful that Mamata Banerjee is curbing freedom on that platform. Priyanka just shared an edited photo which was already viral on the platform. There is nothing vulgar or shameful in the photo. We have ideological differences with TMC, but we have never disrespected her." "The police have not put a non-bailable warrant against her. She is not being allowed to meet her family or anyone. We will take the legal course of action and also carry out protests against this action taken by the police. We will not stay silent when TMC is trying to end the freedom of speech in West Bengal," Singh told reporters. This is not the first time that Banerjee took action against someone who took a dig at her. In 2012, Professor Ambikesh Mahapatra of the Jadavpur University was arrested for forwarding a cartoon of the chief minister. In the same year, she had also termed a student "Maoist" for questioning her government`s policies.

My daughter got arrested at Trinamool Congress' behest: BJP youth wing convenor's mother

The BJP Sunday termed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-candidate-attacked-twice-in-west-bengal-ceo-seeks-report-217994">attack on its candidate Bharati Ghosh in West Bengal</a> an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered.

The party also demanded that the Election Commission take suo motu cognisance of matter.

Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by locals on Sunday when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, where she is the BJP candidate when polling was underway there.

One of her security guards was injured in stone pelting while Ghosh herself suffered minor injuries when a group of women allegedly attacked her when she tried to take a BJP agent inside a polling booth at Keshpur area in the morning.

Union minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, "Stones were pelted on her car and she was also injured. Instead of taking action against the goons, Ghosh's movements have been restricted and her car, which was vandalised, has been seized by the local administration. This is unacceptable. The TMC goons are engaged in unabated violence against the BJP. This is an act of frustration."

The state CEO has sought reports from the West Midnapore district magistrate about the incidents.

Javadekar also claimed that in Jhargam Lok Sabha constituency, the body of a BJP booth president has been recovered.

Demanding that poll observers should ensure proper deployment of central forces for smooth voting, the Union minister said, "Mamata (Banerjee) says there is an expiry date for the prime minister. But the way they are conducting elections, the amount of frustration, and with the imminent defeat of the TMC, there is an expiry date of the Mamata government."&nbsp;

The BJP Sunday termed the attack on its candidate Bharati Ghosh in West Bengal an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered.

The BJP Sunday termed the attack on its candidate Bharati Ghosh in West Bengal an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered. The party also demanded that the Election Commission take suo motu cognisance of matter. Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by locals on Sunday when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, where she is the BJP candidate when polling was underway there. One of her security guards was injured in stone pelting while Ghosh herself suffered minor injuries when a group of women allegedly attacked her when she tried to take a BJP agent inside a polling booth at Keshpur area in the morning. Union minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, "Stones were pelted on her car and she was also injured. Instead of taking action against the goons, Ghosh's movements have been restricted and her car, which was vandalised, has been seized by the local administration. This is unacceptable. The TMC goons are engaged in unabated violence against the BJP. This is an act of frustration." The state CEO has sought reports from the West Midnapore district magistrate about the incidents. Javadekar also claimed that in Jhargam Lok Sabha constituency, the body of a BJP booth president has been recovered. Demanding that poll observers should ensure proper deployment of central forces for smooth voting, the Union minister said, "Mamata (Banerjee) says there is an expiry date for the prime minister. But the way they are conducting elections, the amount of frustration, and with the imminent defeat of the TMC, there is an expiry date of the Mamata government."

Attack on BJP candidate by Trinamool Congress in West Bengal act of frustration: Javadekar

Violence was reported in several parts of West Bengal on polling day again as TMC, BJP workers clash over 'Intimidation' of Voters. Watch full video to know more.

Violence in West Bengal on Polling Day again as TMC, BJP workers clash over 'Intimidation' of Voters

As the Lok Sabha election 2019 is about to witness its 6th phase of polling on 12th of May. Watch some of the high profile contests for the this phase.

IEW: High profile contests in phase 6 polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a jibe at West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamta Banerjee for saying she doesn't consider him as the country's prime minister.

Insult to India Constitution: PM Modi on Mamata Banerjee's 'do not consider him PM' remark

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change).

Several locals, who were among the thousands that joined a movement in 2008 to express their angst with the then CPI(M) government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, say they sense another change in this part of West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags dot 'haats' (local markets) and villages, and its signature blue can be seen on walls of several establishments, even schools and security outposts here.

But at Lalgarh's bustling tea stalls and markets, the discussion is about the challenge the TMC faces from the BJP in this erstwhile CPI(M) stronghold.

The BJP making inroads into Lalgarh and its surrounding areas has not gone unnoticed by the TMC chief, who completely overhauled the grassroot-level leadership before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an attempt to earn the goodwill of the people.

"It came as a shock to us to see the BJP gain so much traction in the (Jhargram) district after the panchayat polls last year. It had not done any work in the area...We banked on the development that the TMC has brought in since 2011," Jyoti Prasad Mahato, a local TMC leader, said.

In Jhargram district, the TMC lost 28-gram panchayats out of 79.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Part of the Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency and district, it was in 2008 that this dusty corner of Bengal, around 170 km from Kolkata, became the hotbed for the ultras and later, a centre point of left-wing extremism, which after continuous crackdown by security forces met a natural death in 2011 --the year the TMC came to power.

"Schemes announced by the Centre haven't reached us and those announced by the state are only benefitting people who hobnob with the TMC. Why shouldn't we demand change, now that there is an alternative," said Sushma Mahato, as she rolled tendu leaves into bidis in front of her mud hut.

Echoing Sushma's view, a villager said,"When the TMC won the Jhargram seat we had no other party to protect our interests. Now, we do. We don't want them to feel that they are entitled to our votes. They have to deliver on their promises."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2014, TMC's Uma Soren had wrested the Jhargram from Pulin Bihari Baske of the CPI(M), ending the Left party's 42-year domination in the constituency. This time the TMC has pitted Birbha Soren against CPI(M)'s Deblina Hembram and BJP's Kunar Hembram.&nbsp;

While Deblina is known for her fiery speeches, Kunar, his party people, say will win the polls as there is an anti-Mamata wave and people want change.&nbsp;

However, some changes cannot go unnoticed.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;Dirt and mud roads, which security forces treaded cautiously fearing buried IEDs, have now been paved with asphalt and infrastructure development in Binpur-1 block, under which Lalgarh falls, is on at full pace.

The Banerjee-led government has also delivered around 25,000 cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, built about 30 healthcare centres and about 1,300 self-help groups have come up in block.

"The facelift that you see around here is&nbsp;just that an outer shell. What will we do with them if we don't have jobs and food to eat?&nbsp;asked Sushma.

It was Banerjee's promise of change that brought her to power in Lalgarh that yearned for things like jobs, food, water, electricity and connectivity.

But, two assembly and one Lok Sabha elections since Banerjee swept into power, another resident said there seems to be a "strong feeling of mistrust between the TMC and the people here".

"Nothing has reached us. People have been made civic volunteers, but only those connected with the ruling party have got benefits. The local TMC leaders are so corrupt that they take money from us to even deliver basic benefits," the resident said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

People said they are more concerned about their basic needs, rather than the politics or the violence associated with it, as election day comes closer. Jhargram goes to polls on May 12.

This time, there is a straight contest between the BJP and the TMC, but the ruling party in Bengal is the dominant force, a member of a local group said.

The saffron party has worked quietly and made its mark here, he said.

Even TMC's Jyoti Prasad said, "BJP worked so silently, pumped in money that we didn't even realise what was happening."

Each police station in the area - Lalghar, Binpur, Belpahari and Goaltorh has more than 200 "civic volunteers".

"These men are not to help us, but to spy on us. Who we are speaking with, what are we telling them. Who is coming to campaign here, what are they promising us. It's like living under constant watch. They look out for everything even for Maoist resurgence,"&nbsp;said a villager, claiming that three civic volunteers are in his area.

Rani Mahato rued water comes here for an hour in the morning and in the evening, people have to wait for it.&nbsp;

"It depends on the whims and fancies of the man who releases the water. We are not unhappy with Didi (as Banerjee is popularly known), but her man here needs to be taught a lesson," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders have held several rallies Bengal, including in Jhargram, to counter the heavy presence of the ruling TMC.

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change).

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change). Several locals, who were among the thousands that joined a movement in 2008 to express their angst with the then CPI(M) government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, say they sense another change in this part of West Bengal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags dot 'haats' (local markets) and villages, and its signature blue can be seen on walls of several establishments, even schools and security outposts here. But at Lalgarh's bustling tea stalls and markets, the discussion is about the challenge the TMC faces from the BJP in this erstwhile CPI(M) stronghold. The BJP making inroads into Lalgarh and its surrounding areas has not gone unnoticed by the TMC chief, who completely overhauled the grassroot-level leadership before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an attempt to earn the goodwill of the people. "It came as a shock to us to see the BJP gain so much traction in the (Jhargram) district after the panchayat polls last year. It had not done any work in the area...We banked on the development that the TMC has brought in since 2011," Jyoti Prasad Mahato, a local TMC leader, said. In Jhargram district, the TMC lost 28-gram panchayats out of 79. Part of the Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency and district, it was in 2008 that this dusty corner of Bengal, around 170 km from Kolkata, became the hotbed for the ultras and later, a centre point of left-wing extremism, which after continuous crackdown by security forces met a natural death in 2011 --the year the TMC came to power. "Schemes announced by the Centre haven't reached us and those announced by the state are only benefitting people who hobnob with the TMC. Why shouldn't we demand change, now that there is an alternative," said Sushma Mahato, as she rolled tendu leaves into bidis in front of her mud hut. Echoing Sushma's view, a villager said,"When the TMC won the Jhargram seat we had no other party to protect our interests. Now, we do. We don't want them to feel that they are entitled to our votes. They have to deliver on their promises." In 2014, TMC's Uma Soren had wrested the Jhargram from Pulin Bihari Baske of the CPI(M), ending the Left party's 42-year domination in the constituency. This time the TMC has pitted Birbha Soren against CPI(M)'s Deblina Hembram and BJP's Kunar Hembram. While Deblina is known for her fiery speeches, Kunar, his party people, say will win the polls as there is an anti-Mamata wave and people want change. However, some changes cannot go unnoticed. Dirt and mud roads, which security forces treaded cautiously fearing buried IEDs, have now been paved with asphalt and infrastructure development in Binpur-1 block, under which Lalgarh falls, is on at full pace. The Banerjee-led government has also delivered around 25,000 cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, built about 30 healthcare centres and about 1,300 self-help groups have come up in block. "The facelift that you see around here is just that an outer shell. What will we do with them if we don't have jobs and food to eat? asked Sushma. It was Banerjee's promise of change that brought her to power in Lalgarh that yearned for things like jobs, food, water, electricity and connectivity. But, two assembly and one Lok Sabha elections since Banerjee swept into power, another resident said there seems to be a "strong feeling of mistrust between the TMC and the people here". "Nothing has reached us. People have been made civic volunteers, but only those connected with the ruling party have got benefits. The local TMC leaders are so corrupt that they take money from us to even deliver basic benefits," the resident said. People said they are more concerned about their basic needs, rather than the politics or the violence associated with it, as election day comes closer. Jhargram goes to polls on May 12. This time, there is a straight contest between the BJP and the TMC, but the ruling party in Bengal is the dominant force, a member of a local group said. The saffron party has worked quietly and made its mark here, he said. Even TMC's Jyoti Prasad said, "BJP worked so silently, pumped in money that we didn't even realise what was happening." Each police station in the area - Lalghar, Binpur, Belpahari and Goaltorh has more than 200 "civic volunteers". "These men are not to help us, but to spy on us. Who we are speaking with, what are we telling them. Who is coming to campaign here, what are they promising us. It's like living under constant watch. They look out for everything even for Maoist resurgence," said a villager, claiming that three civic volunteers are in his area. Rani Mahato rued water comes here for an hour in the morning and in the evening, people have to wait for it. "It depends on the whims and fancies of the man who releases the water. We are not unhappy with Didi (as Banerjee is popularly known), but her man here needs to be taught a lesson," she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders have held several rallies Bengal, including in Jhargram, to counter the heavy presence of the ruling TMC.

Lalgarh: In this former Maoist hotbed, TMC's new challenge is BJP

Watch this segment of India Election Watch, Will BJP retain in Haryana in 2019?

India Election Watch: Will BJP retain in Haryana in 2019?

Watch 'India Election Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis. The entire election day wrapped in 30 minutes with the very special panel of guests.

India Election Watch; 07th May, 2019

Politics over Cyclone Fani is getting intensifies day by day. Mamata Banerjee refused to meet PM Modi. PM Modi calls her arrogant.

India Election Watch: Politics over Cyclone Fani, Mamata refuses to meet PM

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know the significance of Phase 6 of Lok Sabha Polls 2019.

India Election Watch: Know the significance of Phase 6 of Lok Sabha Polls 2019

Politics over Cyclone Fani is getting intensifies day by day. PM Modi calls Mamata Banerjee arrogant. PM Modi also praises Naveen Patnaik for coordinating relief work.

India Election Watch: Cyclone Politics grips India

EC has been accused of being biased by opposition and SC has been repeatedly asked to intervene in between. Is Election Commission fighting a perception table?

India Election Watch: Is Election Commission fighting a perception table?

During addressing a election rally in West Bengal, Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Jai Shri Ram' chant. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Jai Shri Ram' chant

Rally roster for top leaders for May 07th, 2019. Watch more to know.

India Election Watch: Rally roster for top leaders for May 07th, 2019

During addressing a rally, Priyanka Gandhi compares PM Modi with Duryodhan, Villain of Mahabharat.

India Election Watch: Priyanka Gandhi compares PM Modi with Duryodhan, Villain of Mahabharat

During addressing a election rally in Chattisgarh, Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of collusion with Big Corporates & Big Firms.

India Election Watch: Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of collusion with Big Corporates

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman calls 'Mamata Banerjee'- A threat to Democracy. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Nirmala Sitaraman calls 'Mamata Banerjee'- A threat to Democracy

India Election Watch; 06th May, 2019

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know what is the significance of 'Phase 5' in Lok Sabha Election 2019. Listen to the chat we had with Mr. Makarand R. Paranjape, Director of IIAS and Mr. Walter Anderson, An Author & Academician from Virginia of US.

India Election Watch: Know why 'Phase 5' of Lok Sabha Polls matters

Tmc, News on Tmc, stories on Tmc, articles on Tmc, Tmc stories at Wion, Tmc news, Tmc latest news

tmc