West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has called for the reopening of cases related to the 2007 Nandigram violence. The move brings renewed attention to the events in Nandigram, where clashes over land acquisition left several people dead and became a major turning point in West Bengal politics. What is behind Suvendu Adhikari's demand, and could the cases see fresh investigation? Watch for the latest developments.


Suvendu pushes to reopen Nandigram 2007 violence cases

Kolkata: While much of India lit lamps for Diwali, West Bengal worshipped Kali, the fierce goddess of time and destruction. Kali Puja is generally held a day ahead of Diwali. This year it fell on Sunday, November 8. The day after, two villages turned the traditional immersion into something else entirely.&nbsp;<h2>The race</h2>&nbsp;In Malatipur, a village in Malda's Chanchal sub-division, eight Kali idols are hoisted onto shoulders and carried through the streets amid chants, blowing of conch shells and drumbeats. The route ends at a pond near the ancient Kalibari. At the Durga Mandir ground, the idols circle the field like racers for around two hours. The ritual is called Kali Dour, or Kali race.&nbsp;Locals credit Rai Bahadur Sarat Chandra, king of Chanchal, with starting it. The reason was practical. The village had a single pond for all idols, so the king turned immersion into a competition to manage the crowd. Age estimates range from over 300 years to nearly 350. Social media has since made it a draw. Visitors now come from Kolkata and beyond.&nbsp;<h2>The dance</h2>&nbsp;In Shantipur, in Nadia district, the goddess takes the form of Bamakali. Her left foot rests on Shiva's chest, and "Bama" means left, linked to her Tantric form. On the way to the river, the idol dances on devotees' shoulders. Local belief holds that when the procession passes a shrine of a goddess seen as her friend, Bamakali is made to dance facing that deity. This year, a large crowd gathered at Bejpara grounds on November 9 to watch. The videos are going viral on social media now.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why it matters&nbsp;Both rituals survive on community effort. The idols are carried by hand, and the event depends on hundreds of shoulders and thousands of onlookers. Origins and ages are also disputed, a reminder that much of folk tradition rests on oral history. Shantipur's dance is described as 500 years old, yet the present idol tradition dates to 1969.&nbsp;In Bengal, even a goddess associated with destruction is seen off with music and dancing.

In Malatipur, a village in Malda's Chanchal sub-division, eight Kali idols are hoisted onto shoulders and carried through the streets amid chants and drumbeats. The route ends at a pond near the ancient Kalibari. At the Durga Mandir ground, the idols circle the field like racers.

Kolkata: While much of India lit lamps for Diwali, West Bengal worshipped Kali, the fierce goddess of time and destruction. Kali Puja is generally held a day ahead of Diwali. This year it fell on Sunday, November 8. The day after, two villages turned the traditional immersion into something else entirely. The race In Malatipur, a village in Malda's Chanchal sub-division, eight Kali idols are hoisted onto shoulders and carried through the streets amid chants, blowing of conch shells and drumbeats. The route ends at a pond near the ancient Kalibari. At the Durga Mandir ground, the idols circle the field like racers for around two hours. The ritual is called Kali Dour, or Kali race. Locals credit Rai Bahadur Sarat Chandra, king of Chanchal, with starting it. The reason was practical. The village had a single pond for all idols, so the king turned immersion into a competition to manage the crowd. Age estimates range from over 300 years to nearly 350. Social media has since made it a draw. Visitors now come from Kolkata and beyond. The dance In Shantipur, in Nadia district, the goddess takes the form of Bamakali. Her left foot rests on Shiva's chest, and "Bama" means left, linked to her Tantric form. On the way to the river, the idol dances on devotees' shoulders. Local belief holds that when the procession passes a shrine of a goddess seen as her friend, Bamakali is made to dance facing that deity. This year, a large crowd gathered at Bejpara grounds on November 9 to watch. The videos are going viral on social media now. Why it matters Both rituals survive on community effort. The idols are carried by hand, and the event depends on hundreds of shoulders and thousands of onlookers. Origins and ages are also disputed, a reminder that much of folk tradition rests on oral history. Shantipur's dance is described as 500 years old, yet the present idol tradition dates to 1969. In Bengal, even a goddess associated with destruction is seen off with music and dancing.

In Malatipur, a village in Malda's Chanchal sub-division, eight Kali idols are hoisted onto shoulders and carried through the streets amid chants and drumbeats. The route ends at a pond near the ancient Kalibari. At the Durga Mandir ground, the idols circle the field like racers.

In Bengal, goddess Kali doesn’t just get a farewell. She races and dances; videos go viral

The West Bengal government has approved the establishment of dedicated women police stations across 17 districts to strengthen women's safety and improve access to policing. The move aims to provide women with dedicated spaces to report complaints and seek assistance, while expanding the state's efforts to address crimes against women.


Bengal govt approves women police stations across 17 districts to raise women's safety

West Bengal's Silicon Valley Hub is emerging as a major destination for technology companies, startups and investors. Located in New Town, Kolkata, the ambitious IT and business hub aims to strengthen the state's technology ecosystem, attract fresh investments and create employment opportunities.


Bengal Silicon Valley Hub takes centre stage

Prahlad Das, the man accused of raping and murdering a 17-year-old girl in West Bengal's Gaighata, was shot dead in an exchange of fire with police late on Monday night, October 26, according to police sources. He died barely a day after the case was registered.Police say Das was taken to the crime scene at around 11.50 pm for reconstruction of the incident. The team then went to his residence to recover the clothes he allegedly wore during the crime. The incident is the second alleged police encounter death in West Bengal since the BJP government took office in May 2026. The first, reported earlier, involved Prabhas Mondal, the key accused in the gang rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl whose body was recovered from a pond on July 5. Police say Mondal, too, was shot dead after snatching an officer’s service firearm during a nighttime crime-scene reconstruction.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-five-shot-dead-in-guwahati-hotel-over-suspected-property-dispute-police-launch-investigation-1793040337488">At least five shot dead in Guwahati hotel over suspected property dispute</a>On the way back to the police station, the police account says, Das asked to relieve himself. The vehicle was stopped, and he was allowed to step out. It was then, officers claim, that he snatched a sub-inspector's service revolver and fired three rounds at the officer in a bid to escape.Other personnel at the scene returned fire with four rounds, hitting Das. The sub-inspector was injured, and the police vehicle was damaged, sources said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cheranalloor-crash-judge-son-police-lapses-1793030166965">Kerala minister admits police lapses in fatal crash involving judge’s minor son</a>Das was rushed to Chandpara Block Primary Health Centre, where the duty medical officer declared him brought dead. The injured sub-inspector remains under observation. The officer-in-charge of Gaighata Police Station was directed to send a team to secure the site and proceed to the hospital, and legal formalities are underway.The case was registered at Gaighata Police Station on October 25 under Sections 103(1) and 66 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

A rape-murder case in West Bengal has taken a dramatic turn after the accused was shot dead during a late-night crime scene reconstruction. Police say he snatched an officer's revolver and opened fire before being killed in retaliatory firing. All we know.

Prahlad Das, the man accused of raping and murdering a 17-year-old girl in West Bengal's Gaighata, was shot dead in an exchange of fire with police late on Monday night, October 26, according to police sources. He died barely a day after the case was registered. Police say Das was taken to the crime scene at around 11.50 pm for reconstruction of the incident. The team then went to his residence to recover the clothes he allegedly wore during the crime. The incident is the second alleged police encounter death in West Bengal since the BJP government took office in May 2026. The first, reported earlier, involved Prabhas Mondal, the key accused in the gang rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl whose body was recovered from a pond on July 5. Police say Mondal, too, was shot dead after snatching an officer’s service firearm during a nighttime crime-scene reconstruction. Also read | At least five shot dead in Guwahati hotel over suspected property dispute On the way back to the police station, the police account says, Das asked to relieve himself. The vehicle was stopped, and he was allowed to step out. It was then, officers claim, that he snatched a sub-inspector's service revolver and fired three rounds at the officer in a bid to escape. Other personnel at the scene returned fire with four rounds, hitting Das. The sub-inspector was injured, and the police vehicle was damaged, sources said. Also read | Kerala minister admits police lapses in fatal crash involving judge’s minor son Das was rushed to Chandpara Block Primary Health Centre, where the duty medical officer declared him brought dead. The injured sub-inspector remains under observation. The officer-in-charge of Gaighata Police Station was directed to send a team to secure the site and proceed to the hospital, and legal formalities are underway. The case was registered at Gaighata Police Station on October 25 under Sections 103(1) and 66 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

A rape-murder case in West Bengal has taken a dramatic turn after the accused was shot dead during a late-night crime scene reconstruction. Police say he snatched an officer's revolver and opened fire before being killed in retaliatory firing. All we know.

Gaighata rape-murder case: After Baruipur, another accused dies in police firing in West Bengal, a day after FIR

An alleged attempt to attack former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with a knife was reported near her residence in Kolkata's Kalighat area on Tuesday evening. Police detained a woman for questioning after the incident, according to reports.&nbsp;Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Dola Sen filed a police complaint alleging that the woman approached Banerjee while hurling abuses and appearing to be intoxicated. The complaint raised concerns about the security of the TMC leader, ANI reported.<h3>TMC questions security arrangements</h3>The TMC alleged that the woman attempted to attack Banerjee with a knife and questioned how such an incident could occur despite the former chief minister having Z+ category security cover.&nbsp;TMC MP Saket Gokhale also raised the issue on social media, alleging that a drug addict had reached Banerjee's residence and tried to attack her with a knife.&nbsp;“SHOCKING NEWS: A drug addict reached Mamata Banerjee’s residence today and tried to attack her with a knife. This is the condition in Bengal where even a Z+ protectee &amp; 3-time CM is not safe,” Gokhale said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SHOCKING NEWS:

A drug addict reached Mamata Banerjee’s residence today and tried to attack her with a knife. 

This is the condition in Bengal where even a Z+ protectee &amp; 3-time CM is not safe. 

Was this a planned conspiracy by BJP because Didi is determined to finish them off in Delhi?

A complaint has been filed. Will the police act or was this sanctioned by Amit Shah?&mdash; Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) <a href="https://x.com/SaketGokhale/status/2110012915898253405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Gokhale also suggested that the alleged incident could have been part of a conspiracy planned by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;&nbsp;“Was this a planned conspiracy by the BJP because Didi is determined to finish them off in Delhi? A complaint has been filed. Will the police act, or was this sanctioned by Amit Shah?,” he added.

The Trinamool Congress alleged a knife attack attempt on Mamata Banerjee near her Kolkata residence, prompting a police complaint and renewed questions about the security of the former West Bengal chief minister.

An alleged attempt to attack former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with a knife was reported near her residence in Kolkata's Kalighat area on Tuesday evening. Police detained a woman for questioning after the incident, according to reports. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Dola Sen filed a police complaint alleging that the woman approached Banerjee while hurling abuses and appearing to be intoxicated. The complaint raised concerns about the security of the TMC leader, ANI reported. TMC questions security arrangements The TMC alleged that the woman attempted to attack Banerjee with a knife and questioned how such an incident could occur despite the former chief minister having Z+ category security cover. TMC MP Saket Gokhale also raised the issue on social media, alleging that a drug addict had reached Banerjee's residence and tried to attack her with a knife. “SHOCKING NEWS: A drug addict reached Mamata Banerjee’s residence today and tried to attack her with a knife. This is the condition in Bengal where even a Z+ protectee & 3-time CM is not safe,” Gokhale said.

The Trinamool Congress alleged a knife attack attempt on Mamata Banerjee near her Kolkata residence, prompting a police complaint and renewed questions about the security of the former West Bengal chief minister.

Woman allegedly attempts to attack Mamata Banerjee with knife, TMC says

Blood, broken glass and accusations of a knife attack marked a chaotic Sunday at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, after a programme by an RSS-affiliated consumer group erupted into a campus-wide brawl that left students besieged inside their own institute for hours, chased into the library, and at least two hospitalised with serious injuries. This came just weeks after a similar clash rocked Jadavpur University.&nbsp;&nbsp;The trouble began after the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) held a programme in the institute’s main auditorium, which it had booked with the administration’s permission. Some students objected to a private organisation holding a meeting inside a government educational institution. They went to the auditorium and staged a protest, raising slogans.&nbsp;The ABGP is part of the broader Sangh Parivar affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is also the ideological parent body of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;According to the SRFTI Students’ Union, neither the union nor the wider student body had been informed that the event was taking place. Around 2 pm, students went to put up posters questioning why the auditorium had been given over to the group without their knowledge. ABGP members allegedly confronted them and tried to force them out, and the situation quickly turned physical.&nbsp;Students said they were called "anti-national," "urban Naxals" and "terrorists," and that ABGP members — some of whom chased protesters into the library, where a librarian was also allegedly assaulted — attacked them with fists, stones, bricks and sticks.&nbsp;Women students were allegedly manhandled, and some students claimed a knife was used in the assault. The union said students not even involved in the protest were chased down, and that professors were harassed as well.&nbsp;The students’ union said in a statement, “Several students took shelter inside the library. Members of the group followed them there as well, and the librarian was also physically harassed. The library was surrounded, leaving students and staff trapped inside their own institution in a frightening situation.”&nbsp;The ABGP president Pankaj Roy countered by saying that its members were assaulted by the students.&nbsp;It added that it had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent. “We booked the hall by paying ₹15,000 in rent and obtaining permission from the authorities. Our organisation primarily works on consumer protection and creating awareness among consumers. But an attempt was made to disrupt our meeting. Pictures of Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda were torn down. Four people have already been admitted to the hospital. All the students are intoxicated there.”&nbsp;&nbsp;At least 27 people were taken for treatment, including 25 to Desun Hospital, including teachers and students, of whom four were discharged after first aid and two were admitted with serious injuries; two others with minor injuries were treated and released at KPC Medical Hospital.&nbsp;As word spread, students blocked the campus gates and stopped a bus carrying alleged RSS supporters, while bricks and bottles were hurled from outside.&nbsp;Police, led by Deputy Commissioner Arindam Sarkar, later detained a man students identified as main accused, though the union alleged officers were instead noting down complainants' details, raising fears of intimidation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The police eventually signed the students’ complaint and assured them that the matter would be investigated. The van then left the campus. After 8 pm, the crowd outside the gate also began to thin.&nbsp;The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) distanced itself from the incident, calling any attempt to link it to the organisation “factually incorrect and misleading” and urging an impartial inquiry before conclusions are drawn.&nbsp;SRFTI’s new vice-chancellor, who was due to visit the campus on October 1, rushed to Kolkata from Delhi on Sunday after learning of the violence and went straight to the campus after landing.&nbsp;West Bengal BJP’s spokesperson Debjit&nbsp; Sarkar reacted by calling the students “dimagi naxal”. He tweeted on X, “A programme depicting Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda in Bengal is now a "communal" programme. How these naxals are kicking, spitting and tearing down the picture of Swami Vivekananda.”&nbsp;&nbsp;West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee State president Subhankar Sarkar condemned what he called rampage by RSS-backed miscreants, invoking Satyajit Ray's own film Hirak Rajar Deshe as a warning against suppressing education and independent thought. He said the incident reflects an attempt to intimidate progressive voices and undermine free thinking in educational institutions, drew a parallel to the Gajendra Chauhan appointment row at FTII, and demanded a thorough investigation.&nbsp;Filmmaker Indranil Roychowdhury, who also teaches at the institution, described the incident as concerning. He said, “The incident is very worrying. From the images I have seen, the students were brutally beaten. Whatever may have happened, they cannot enter the students’ own campus and beat them like this. If something was objectionable, there were certainly ways to inform the authorities.”

ABGP president Pankaj Roy said its members were assaulted by the students. He added that ABGP had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent.

Blood, broken glass and accusations of a knife attack marked a chaotic Sunday at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, after a programme by an RSS-affiliated consumer group erupted into a campus-wide brawl that left students besieged inside their own institute for hours, chased into the library, and at least two hospitalised with serious injuries. This came just weeks after a similar clash rocked Jadavpur University. The trouble began after the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) held a programme in the institute’s main auditorium, which it had booked with the administration’s permission. Some students objected to a private organisation holding a meeting inside a government educational institution. They went to the auditorium and staged a protest, raising slogans. The ABGP is part of the broader Sangh Parivar affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is also the ideological parent body of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to the SRFTI Students’ Union, neither the union nor the wider student body had been informed that the event was taking place. Around 2 pm, students went to put up posters questioning why the auditorium had been given over to the group without their knowledge. ABGP members allegedly confronted them and tried to force them out, and the situation quickly turned physical. Students said they were called "anti-national," "urban Naxals" and "terrorists," and that ABGP members — some of whom chased protesters into the library, where a librarian was also allegedly assaulted — attacked them with fists, stones, bricks and sticks. Women students were allegedly manhandled, and some students claimed a knife was used in the assault. The union said students not even involved in the protest were chased down, and that professors were harassed as well. The students’ union said in a statement, “Several students took shelter inside the library. Members of the group followed them there as well, and the librarian was also physically harassed. The library was surrounded, leaving students and staff trapped inside their own institution in a frightening situation.” The ABGP president Pankaj Roy countered by saying that its members were assaulted by the students. It added that it had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent. “We booked the hall by paying ₹15,000 in rent and obtaining permission from the authorities. Our organisation primarily works on consumer protection and creating awareness among consumers. But an attempt was made to disrupt our meeting. Pictures of Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda were torn down. Four people have already been admitted to the hospital. All the students are intoxicated there.” At least 27 people were taken for treatment, including 25 to Desun Hospital, including teachers and students, of whom four were discharged after first aid and two were admitted with serious injuries; two others with minor injuries were treated and released at KPC Medical Hospital. As word spread, students blocked the campus gates and stopped a bus carrying alleged RSS supporters, while bricks and bottles were hurled from outside. Police, led by Deputy Commissioner Arindam Sarkar, later detained a man students identified as main accused, though the union alleged officers were instead noting down complainants' details, raising fears of intimidation. The police eventually signed the students’ complaint and assured them that the matter would be investigated. The van then left the campus. After 8 pm, the crowd outside the gate also began to thin. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) distanced itself from the incident, calling any attempt to link it to the organisation “factually incorrect and misleading” and urging an impartial inquiry before conclusions are drawn. SRFTI’s new vice-chancellor, who was due to visit the campus on October 1, rushed to Kolkata from Delhi on Sunday after learning of the violence and went straight to the campus after landing. West Bengal BJP’s spokesperson Debjit Sarkar reacted by calling the students “dimagi naxal”. He tweeted on X, “A programme depicting Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda in Bengal is now a "communal" programme. How these naxals are kicking, spitting and tearing down the picture of Swami Vivekananda.” West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee State president Subhankar Sarkar condemned what he called rampage by RSS-backed miscreants, invoking Satyajit Ray's own film Hirak Rajar Deshe as a warning against suppressing education and independent thought. He said the incident reflects an attempt to intimidate progressive voices and undermine free thinking in educational institutions, drew a parallel to the Gajendra Chauhan appointment row at FTII, and demanded a thorough investigation. Filmmaker Indranil Roychowdhury, who also teaches at the institution, described the incident as concerning. He said, “The incident is very worrying. From the images I have seen, the students were brutally beaten. Whatever may have happened, they cannot enter the students’ own campus and beat them like this. If something was objectionable, there were certainly ways to inform the authorities.”

ABGP president Pankaj Roy said its members were assaulted by the students.&nbsp;He added that ABGP had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent.

After JU, clash erupts at SRFTI: BJP’s ‘Dimagi Naxal’ jibe sparks political firestorm after students protest RSS-linked event

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state government will withdraw all cases registered against members, leaders, and supporters of the Kurmi community during past agitations under the previous administration. Speaking at the Karam festival in Purulia, Adhikari promised to reactivate the Kurmi Development Board with an allocated ₹50 crore budget, push for the inclusion of Kurmali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and protect regional forests and hills from commercial exploitation.   


West Bengal to withdraw all agitation cases against Kurmi activists 

A personal video about a career journey has spiralled into a political controversy in West Bengal, after IPS officer Dr Bushara Bano was transferred within hours of right-wing group's objecting to the Islamic greetings she used in it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bano, a 2021-batch officer, was serving as Additional Superintendent of Police in Kharagpur when she posted a YouTube video describing her path to the civil services — from returning from Saudi Arabia to preparing for the UPSC exam. She credited Aligarh Muslim University's Residential Coaching Academy for helping her succeed.&nbsp;"After returning from Saudi Arabia, I started preparing for the UPSC examination… AMU's RCA helped me a lot," she said in the video.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-be-completely-different-and-very-short-if-europe-attacks-russia-warns-lavrov-1789561780082">War will be ‘completely different and very short’ if Europe attacks Russia, warns Lavrov</a>&nbsp;The video drew swift backlash from a group calling itself Hindu Legal Fund, which said it had written to West Bengal Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh objecting to Bano opening with "Assalamu Alaikum," using "Inshallah," and closing with "Jazak Allah" — instead of, it said, "Vande Mataram" or "Jai Hind."&nbsp;"A serving officer representing the Indian state should maintain neutrality and use national expressions," the group posted on X.&nbsp;Within hours, the state government transferred Bano out of Kharagpur to the post of Deputy Commandant, SAP 4th Battalion, officially citing "public interest."&nbsp;Two West Bengal Police Service officers were reshuffled in the same order. Bano declined to comment when contacted.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-military-commanders-from-us-israel-and-7-arab-nations-held-secret-meeting-on-iran-war-1789503060237">Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War</a>&nbsp;The transfer triggered sharp political reactions. Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned what was offensive about words of blessing, arguing they reflected "patriotism... rooted in compassion, faith and goodwill — one that the bhakts will never understand."&nbsp;TMC MP Mahua Moitra called the move absurd, pointing to a Parliament inaugurated with sadhus and a sengol. "For a country whose Prime Minister inaugurated the new Parliament with a sengol and bare-chested sadhus, transferring a Muslim IPS officer for saying Assalamu Alaikum and Inshallah is ridiculous. We are a nation gone mad, poisoned with hate and bigotry. God Save India," she wrote.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-carried-out-over-350-airstrikes-on-yemen-violated-sovereignty-say-houthis-1789491294418">‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official</a>&nbsp;TMC MP Sagarika Ghose posed a sharper question, asking if every Muslim officer in BJP-ruled Bengal must now undergo a "loyalty test," calling it a departure from Bengal's tradition of "civilised plurality and social harmony."&nbsp;The state government has offered no explanation beyond the formal transfer order, framing it as routine and in public interest. But the timing — hours after a complaint over an officer's choice of words in a personal video unrelated to her policing record — has made that explanation difficult to sustain but Dr Bushara Bano herself has chosen not to comment.

The transfer triggered sharp political reactions as Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned what was offensive about words of blessing. TMC MP Mahua Moitra called the move absurd, pointing to a Parliament inaugurated with sadhus and a sengol.

A personal video about a career journey has spiralled into a political controversy in West Bengal, after IPS officer Dr Bushara Bano was transferred within hours of right-wing group's objecting to the Islamic greetings she used in it. Bano, a 2021-batch officer, was serving as Additional Superintendent of Police in Kharagpur when she posted a YouTube video describing her path to the civil services — from returning from Saudi Arabia to preparing for the UPSC exam. She credited Aligarh Muslim University's Residential Coaching Academy for helping her succeed. "After returning from Saudi Arabia, I started preparing for the UPSC examination… AMU's RCA helped me a lot," she said in the video. Also Read: War will be ‘completely different and very short’ if Europe attacks Russia, warns Lavrov The video drew swift backlash from a group calling itself Hindu Legal Fund, which said it had written to West Bengal Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh objecting to Bano opening with "Assalamu Alaikum," using "Inshallah," and closing with "Jazak Allah" — instead of, it said, "Vande Mataram" or "Jai Hind." "A serving officer representing the Indian state should maintain neutrality and use national expressions," the group posted on X. Within hours, the state government transferred Bano out of Kharagpur to the post of Deputy Commandant, SAP 4th Battalion, officially citing "public interest." Two West Bengal Police Service officers were reshuffled in the same order. Bano declined to comment when contacted. Also Read: Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War The transfer triggered sharp political reactions. Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned what was offensive about words of blessing, arguing they reflected "patriotism... rooted in compassion, faith and goodwill — one that the bhakts will never understand." TMC MP Mahua Moitra called the move absurd, pointing to a Parliament inaugurated with sadhus and a sengol. "For a country whose Prime Minister inaugurated the new Parliament with a sengol and bare-chested sadhus, transferring a Muslim IPS officer for saying Assalamu Alaikum and Inshallah is ridiculous. We are a nation gone mad, poisoned with hate and bigotry. God Save India," she wrote. Also Read: ‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official TMC MP Sagarika Ghose posed a sharper question, asking if every Muslim officer in BJP-ruled Bengal must now undergo a "loyalty test," calling it a departure from Bengal's tradition of "civilised plurality and social harmony." The state government has offered no explanation beyond the formal transfer order, framing it as routine and in public interest. But the timing — hours after a complaint over an officer's choice of words in a personal video unrelated to her policing record — has made that explanation difficult to sustain but Dr Bushara Bano herself has chosen not to comment.

The transfer triggered sharp political reactions as Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned what was offensive about words of blessing. TMC MP Mahua Moitra called the move absurd, pointing to a Parliament inaugurated with sadhus and a sengol.

Opposition reacts to IPS officer’s transfer in Bengal after right-wing group objects to ‘Inshallah’ in personal video

A massive political firestorm has erupted in West Bengal after a 10-member advisory panel headed by Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj) began reviewing proposals to rename iconic Kolkata thoroughfares, bridges, and Metro stations. Prominent roads under consideration include Lenin Sarani, Karl Marx Sarani, and Ho Chi Minh Sarani. Senior BJP leader Tathagata Roy has also advocated removing the Esplanade Lenin statue and replacing names with Indian cultural icons and nationalist figures. The TMC and CPI(M) have fiercely slammed the move as "destructive vendetta politics."  

Bengal committee mulls proposals to rename roads, bridges, metro stations

A muslim Indian Police Service officer, Bushra Bano, was transferred by the West Bengal Government two days after Hindutva groups on social media criticised her for using Islamic greetings. The state government officials reportedly said that it was part of routine transfers; however, opposition leaders have accused the government of furthering the hate spread by the mainstream media.Bushra Bano posted a video on Sunday on the Social Media platform X, where she was elaborating on the help she received from Aligarh Muslim University’s Residential Coaching Academy while preparing for the Union Public Service Commission exam. She spoke about preparing for the exams after completing her PhD and returning from a teaching job in Saudi Arabia in the video.&nbsp;“I hope more students enrol at the academy and use this platform so that more people like me can come forward,” she said.&nbsp;Some social media accounts like The Jaipur Dialogue and the Hindu Legal Fund criticised her for using words like “assalamualaikum” (peace be unto you), as well as “inshallah”(god willing) and “jazakallah” (may god reward you).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-schools-punjabi-bomb-threat-mails-hoax-1789482161130">Delhi schools receive bomb threats in Punjabi, security checks find nothing suspicious</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Complaint filed with West Bengal Home Secretary regarding IPS Bushra Bano’s official video statement. She began with Assalamualaikum, used Inshallah, ended with Jazakallah — and did not use Vande Mataram or Jai Hind. A serving officer representing the Indian state should…&mdash; Hindu Legal Fund (@HinduLegalFund) <a href="https://x.com/HinduLegalFund/status/2099093555142955193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hindu Legal Fund, which describes itself as a unit of the Hindu Network Foundation, said that it filed a complaint against her video with the Bengal Home Minister, saying that she had not said “Vande Mataram” or “Jai Hind”“A serving officer representing the Indian state should maintain neutrality and use national expressions in public communication,” The Hindu Legal Fund had said.On Monday, IPS officer Bano, who was serving as the Additional Superintendent of Police in Kharagpur, was transferred and appointed as the Deputy Commandant of the State Armed Police 4th Battalion. Two West Bengal Police Service officers were part of the rotational transfer. Bano was replaced by Partha Ghosh, from his position as Additional DC of the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate. The vacancy left by Partha Ghosh was filled by Subhendu Mandal, former Deputy Commandant of the State Armed Police 4th Battalion.&nbsp;The status and pay scale of the Additional Superintendent of Police and the Deputy Commandant in the State Armed Police battalions are almost similar. However, the shift is widely viewed in political circles as a "shunt" or punitive posting.Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra attacked the BJP-led state government for furthering the hate agenda. In a post on the social media platform X, Moitra argued that the central government is pretending to be secular at the BRICS summit by creating a “prayer room”; on the other hand, the West Bengal government “sidelines Muslim woman IPS officer Dr Bushara Bano” simply for saying “Assalamalaikum “ &amp; “JazakAllah”.

West Bengal IPS officer Bushra Bano was transferred days after Hindutva groups criticised her use of Islamic greetings in a social media video.

A muslim Indian Police Service officer, Bushra Bano, was transferred by the West Bengal Government two days after Hindutva groups on social media criticised her for using Islamic greetings. The state government officials reportedly said that it was part of routine transfers; however, opposition leaders have accused the government of furthering the hate spread by the mainstream media. Bushra Bano posted a video on Sunday on the Social Media platform X, where she was elaborating on the help she received from Aligarh Muslim University’s Residential Coaching Academy while preparing for the Union Public Service Commission exam. She spoke about preparing for the exams after completing her PhD and returning from a teaching job in Saudi Arabia in the video. “I hope more students enrol at the academy and use this platform so that more people like me can come forward,” she said. Some social media accounts like The Jaipur Dialogue and the Hindu Legal Fund criticised her for using words like “assalamualaikum” (peace be unto you), as well as “inshallah”(god willing) and “jazakallah” (may god reward you). Also Read: Delhi schools receive bomb threats in Punjabi, security checks find nothing suspicious

West Bengal IPS officer Bushra Bano was transferred days after Hindutva groups criticised her use of Islamic greetings in a social media video.

West Bengal IPS officer Bushra Bano transferred after objections to ‘Assalamualaikum’, ‘Inshallah’

Japan and West Bengal are looking to strengthen economic ties following high-level discussions between Japanese officials and state representatives. Talks focused on boosting Japanese investment, expanding cooperation in renewable energy and addressing electricity tariff concerns. Both sides also explored the possibility of direct flight connectivity, a move that could enhance business, tourism and cultural exchanges. The discussions reflect growing interest in deepening Japan's engagement with one of eastern India's key economic hubs.


Japan eyes bigger West Bengal bet as talks focus on investment and connectivity

Japan is looking to deepen its economic engagement with West Bengal, with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Ayano meeting state Industry, Commerce and Enterprises Minister Tapas Roy in Kolkata on Friday.&nbsp;Ms. Ayano&nbsp;led a six-member delegation, including officials from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Japan’s Consul-General in Kolkata Yoshihisa Ishikawa. The discussions focused on Japanese investment, trade, renewable energy and better connectivity between Bengal and Japan.&nbsp;Speaking to the media after the meeting, Tapas Roy said, “Japan is very interested in investing in West Bengal. We discussed how we can remove the hurdles faced by Japanese companies and create a more business-friendly environment.”&nbsp;The minister said the two sides also discussed renewable and non-conventional energy, electricity tariffs and the possibility of direct air connectivity between West Bengal and Japan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Roy added that the state expects the engagement to translate into greater trade and investment, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure.&nbsp;The two sides also discussed plans to mark 25 years of India-Japan diplomatic and cultural ties in 2027, with cultural programmes, performances and food showcases being considered.&nbsp;This comes two months after Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi's New Delhi visit, where Tokyo flagged eastern India — Bengal, Assam, the Northeast — as key to its Indo-Pacific strategy. Analysts see Japan eyeing the Bay of Bengal as one economic corridor linking South Asia to Southeast Asia. &nbsp;

The discussions focused on Japanese investment, trade, renewable energy and better connectivity between Bengal and Japan.

Japan is looking to deepen its economic engagement with West Bengal, with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Ayano meeting state Industry, Commerce and Enterprises Minister Tapas Roy in Kolkata on Friday. Ms. Ayano led a six-member delegation, including officials from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Japan’s Consul-General in Kolkata Yoshihisa Ishikawa. The discussions focused on Japanese investment, trade, renewable energy and better connectivity between Bengal and Japan. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Tapas Roy said, “Japan is very interested in investing in West Bengal. We discussed how we can remove the hurdles faced by Japanese companies and create a more business-friendly environment.” The minister said the two sides also discussed renewable and non-conventional energy, electricity tariffs and the possibility of direct air connectivity between West Bengal and Japan. Mr. Roy added that the state expects the engagement to translate into greater trade and investment, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure. The two sides also discussed plans to mark 25 years of India-Japan diplomatic and cultural ties in 2027, with cultural programmes, performances and food showcases being considered. This comes two months after Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi's New Delhi visit, where Tokyo flagged eastern India — Bengal, Assam, the Northeast — as key to its Indo-Pacific strategy. Analysts see Japan eyeing the Bay of Bengal as one economic corridor linking South Asia to Southeast Asia.

The discussions focused on Japanese investment, trade, renewable energy and better connectivity between Bengal and Japan.

Tokyo Turns East: Japan Pitches Bigger Investment Push in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari led the BJP’s ‘Gerua Samman Yatra’ in south Kolkata on Wednesday. The three-kilometre march began at Golpark and ended near Jadavpur University, with BJP workers, monks and seers taking part. Adhikari said the march was aimed at upholding the dignity of the saffron colour amid an ongoing political row at the university.


West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari leads BJP’s saffron march in Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari led a three-kilometre procession through south Kolkata on Wednesday, culminating outside Jadavpur University, in what the BJP described as a march to defend the “dignity” of the saffron colour.&nbsp;Dressed in a saffron kurta and carrying a saffron flag, CM Adhikari headed the ‘Gerua Samman Yatra’, which began at Golpark and moved along the southbound flank of Raja Subodh Chandra Mullick Road before ending at the 8B bus stand, adjacent to the university campus. The route passed through Dhakuria, and the rally concluded at the same spot where a mass rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ had been held on August 28.&nbsp;Security was tightened along the route, roads were largely cleared, and loudspeakers played the Gayatri mantra as saffron flags lined the procession.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-s-pm-world-s-highest-paid-leader-gets-64-hike-surges-far-ahead-of-his-global-peers-1788966635640">Singapore’s PM, world’s highest paid leader, gets 64% hike; surges far ahead of his global peers</a>&nbsp;The march was joined by a large number of monks and seers, including Naga Sadhus, along with BJP workers chanting “Jai Shri Ram”. One Naga Sadhu, addressing the gathering, questioned why their faith was being targeted, asking why they should be insulted after sacrificing for the country and taking up arms to protect their beliefs.&nbsp;Addressing the crowd, Adhikari described Jadavpur University as the land of Sri Aurobindo and said he would not tolerate any insult to saffron. He said he had vowed to eliminate slogans such as “Kashmir Mange Azadi” and “red salute” from the campus, and pledged to confront supporters of the farmers’ movement associated with the university. He further announced that he would return to the area, saying those who insult saffron would be “taught a lesson” through recitation of the Gita and the Hanuman Chalisa, and unveiled plans for a three-day Vedic recital programme, invoking Swami Vivekananda's legacy tied to the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/festivals-are-inclusive-if-muslim-comes-to-garba-cm-fadnavis-s-wife-amruta-after-vhp-bans-entry-1788959055047">‘Festivals are inclusive, if Muslim comes to garba...’: CM Fadnavis’s wife Amruta after VHP bans entry</a>&nbsp;The rally follows weeks of escalating tension at Jadavpur University, where Left-leaning student groups and the RSS-affiliated ABVP have clashed repeatedly, sparking a running ‘graffiti war’ as rival slogans are painted over and rewritten on campus walls. The controversy deepened after BJP workers allegedly painted part of the state-run Academy of Fine Arts saffron; days later, the boundary wall of a leading Bengali daily was painted the same colour in response to a headline describing the university clashes as “saffron hooliganism”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-iranian-tankers-after-missile-attack-attempts-on-warship-irgc-vows-to-retaliate-1788902833158">US strikes Iranian tankers after missile attack attempts on warship; IRGC vows to retaliate</a>&nbsp;A BJP leader said the march aimed to project saffron as a symbol of India's cultural heritage and national pride. It came less than a fortnight after Adhikari attended the earlier Vande Mataram event, where he had accused the CPI(M)-led Left Front and Trinamool Congress of letting “nationalism fade from public consciousness”.&nbsp;With civic polls for the Calcutta and Howrah Corporations expected after Diwali, the high-visibility campaign is widely being read as part of the BJP's pre-election outreach strategy in the state.

A BJP leader said the march aimed to project saffron as a symbol of India's cultural heritage and national pride. CM Suvendu Adhikari had attended the Vande Mataram event, where he had accused the CPI(M)-led Left Front and TMC of letting nationalism fade from public consciousness.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari led a three-kilometre procession through south Kolkata on Wednesday, culminating outside Jadavpur University, in what the BJP described as a march to defend the “dignity” of the saffron colour. Dressed in a saffron kurta and carrying a saffron flag, CM Adhikari headed the ‘Gerua Samman Yatra’, which began at Golpark and moved along the southbound flank of Raja Subodh Chandra Mullick Road before ending at the 8B bus stand, adjacent to the university campus. The route passed through Dhakuria, and the rally concluded at the same spot where a mass rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ had been held on August 28. Security was tightened along the route, roads were largely cleared, and loudspeakers played the Gayatri mantra as saffron flags lined the procession. Also Read: Singapore’s PM, world’s highest paid leader, gets 64% hike; surges far ahead of his global peers The march was joined by a large number of monks and seers, including Naga Sadhus, along with BJP workers chanting “Jai Shri Ram”. One Naga Sadhu, addressing the gathering, questioned why their faith was being targeted, asking why they should be insulted after sacrificing for the country and taking up arms to protect their beliefs. Addressing the crowd, Adhikari described Jadavpur University as the land of Sri Aurobindo and said he would not tolerate any insult to saffron. He said he had vowed to eliminate slogans such as “Kashmir Mange Azadi” and “red salute” from the campus, and pledged to confront supporters of the farmers’ movement associated with the university. He further announced that he would return to the area, saying those who insult saffron would be “taught a lesson” through recitation of the Gita and the Hanuman Chalisa, and unveiled plans for a three-day Vedic recital programme, invoking Swami Vivekananda's legacy tied to the region. Also Read: ‘Festivals are inclusive, if Muslim comes to garba...’: CM Fadnavis’s wife Amruta after VHP bans entry The rally follows weeks of escalating tension at Jadavpur University, where Left-leaning student groups and the RSS-affiliated ABVP have clashed repeatedly, sparking a running ‘graffiti war’ as rival slogans are painted over and rewritten on campus walls. The controversy deepened after BJP workers allegedly painted part of the state-run Academy of Fine Arts saffron; days later, the boundary wall of a leading Bengali daily was painted the same colour in response to a headline describing the university clashes as “saffron hooliganism”. Also Read: US strikes Iranian tankers after missile attack attempts on warship; IRGC vows to retaliate A BJP leader said the march aimed to project saffron as a symbol of India's cultural heritage and national pride. It came less than a fortnight after Adhikari attended the earlier Vande Mataram event, where he had accused the CPI(M)-led Left Front and Trinamool Congress of letting “nationalism fade from public consciousness”. With civic polls for the Calcutta and Howrah Corporations expected after Diwali, the high-visibility campaign is widely being read as part of the BJP's pre-election outreach strategy in the state.

A BJP leader said the march aimed to project saffron as a symbol of India's cultural heritage and national pride. CM Suvendu Adhikari had attended the Vande Mataram event, where he had accused the CPI(M)-led Left Front and TMC of letting nationalism fade from public consciousness.

CM Suvendu Adhikari leads ‘Gerua Samman Yatra’ near Jadavpur University amid campus tensions

A row over what people eat near Durga Puja pandals has snowballed into a full-blown political headache for the BJP in West Bengal, and on Monday, the party's state chief moved fast to distance himself from it. West Bengal BJP president and Rajya &nbsp;Sabha MP Shamik Bhattacharya, addressing reporters in Salt Lake, flatly ruled out any party position on Bengali food habits.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The BJP has no statement on what people in West Bengal will eat or wear," he said, adding that dietary choices, fish, meat, or vegetarian, is a matter of individual preference. It is not the BJP's position to decide what anyone should eat." The controversy began on August 26, when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad issued an advisory asking that non-vegetarian food be kept away from Durga Puja pandals to preserve the festival's ‘sanctity’. Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad secretary Swami Nirgunananda told puja organisers, "It is the duty of Sanatanis to protect the sanctity of the idol and maintain cleanliness in and around the pandal," adding that non-veg stalls should be restricted to areas away from the venue. The VHP said it wasn't seeking to enforce vegetarianism outright.&nbsp;The row gained real momentum on Sunday, when Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, head priest of Bageshwar Dham and a spiritual leader known for his weekly ‘divya darbar’ sessions in Madhya Pradesh, made a near-identical appeal in Kolkata, “I am appealing to the Hindus of Bengal, that during Navratri, even if you don't keep the idols of the Goddess, do not sell non-veg near the idols.” He also said, “Bangal ke pagalon sab rahenge par kayede mein rahenge toh fayede mein rahenge”. His remarks carried extra political weight because West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had shared the stage with him and publicly invited him to set up spiritual centre &nbsp;in the state: "Baba Maharaj Ji, please open a center here. There should also be a Bageshwar Dham centre… This is the land of the saints."&nbsp;Many in Bengal have read the appeals as a thinly-veiled attempt to impose vegetarianism on a state where fish and meat are woven into festival culture, a charge the BJP has been fighting since the 2026 Assembly polls, when its leaders posed with fish to reassure voters. &nbsp;Content creator Priyam Ghose captured the mood online, "Bageshwar Baba is just 30 years old. First recorded Durga Pujo in Kolkata was in 1610... Don't think Bengalis need a certificate on how to celebrate their age old festival from someone who is about my age."&nbsp;Durga Puja isn't just a festival in Bengal, it's UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage, inscribed in December 2021 for its unique community character, where, as UNESCO put it, the divides of class, religion and ethnicities collapse. Over 40,000 community pujas are held across the state, roughly 3,000 in Kolkata alone. Bhattacharya's clarification came, notably, while he was unveiling the BJP's month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, &nbsp;a campaign marking 25 years of Narendra Modi in top office. The timing underlines the balancing act: distancing the party from a row that risks alienating Bengali voters, without publicly rebuking Hindu religious figures aligned with the wider Hindutva movement.&nbsp;The seva sankalp abhiyan campaign will begin on the Prime Minister’s birthday on September 17 and continue till October 17. On September 17, at least 25 lamps will be lit at every booth in the state to pray for the Prime Minister’s good health, long life and success. Party workers have already begun preparations for this, Bhattacharya informed. He further added that a key component of the campaign will be the ‘Seva Setu Abhiyan’. Through three-day special camps, eligible people who have been deprived of the benefits of various central and state government welfare schemes will be assisted. A documentary and theme song titled ‘Namo Seva Gatha’ will be released to take the Prime Minister’s 25-year administrative journey to the common people.

The controversy started on August 26, when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad issued an advisory asking that non-vegetarian food be kept away from Durga Puja pandals to preserve the festival's ‘sanctity’

A row over what people eat near Durga Puja pandals has snowballed into a full-blown political headache for the BJP in West Bengal, and on Monday, the party's state chief moved fast to distance himself from it. West Bengal BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Shamik Bhattacharya, addressing reporters in Salt Lake, flatly ruled out any party position on Bengali food habits. "The BJP has no statement on what people in West Bengal will eat or wear," he said, adding that dietary choices, fish, meat, or vegetarian, is a matter of individual preference. It is not the BJP's position to decide what anyone should eat." The controversy began on August 26, when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad issued an advisory asking that non-vegetarian food be kept away from Durga Puja pandals to preserve the festival's ‘sanctity’. Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad secretary Swami Nirgunananda told puja organisers, "It is the duty of Sanatanis to protect the sanctity of the idol and maintain cleanliness in and around the pandal," adding that non-veg stalls should be restricted to areas away from the venue. The VHP said it wasn't seeking to enforce vegetarianism outright. The row gained real momentum on Sunday, when Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, head priest of Bageshwar Dham and a spiritual leader known for his weekly ‘divya darbar’ sessions in Madhya Pradesh, made a near-identical appeal in Kolkata, “I am appealing to the Hindus of Bengal, that during Navratri, even if you don't keep the idols of the Goddess, do not sell non-veg near the idols.” He also said, “Bangal ke pagalon sab rahenge par kayede mein rahenge toh fayede mein rahenge”. His remarks carried extra political weight because West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had shared the stage with him and publicly invited him to set up spiritual centre in the state: "Baba Maharaj Ji, please open a center here. There should also be a Bageshwar Dham centre… This is the land of the saints." Many in Bengal have read the appeals as a thinly-veiled attempt to impose vegetarianism on a state where fish and meat are woven into festival culture, a charge the BJP has been fighting since the 2026 Assembly polls, when its leaders posed with fish to reassure voters. Content creator Priyam Ghose captured the mood online, "Bageshwar Baba is just 30 years old. First recorded Durga Pujo in Kolkata was in 1610... Don't think Bengalis need a certificate on how to celebrate their age old festival from someone who is about my age." Durga Puja isn't just a festival in Bengal, it's UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage, inscribed in December 2021 for its unique community character, where, as UNESCO put it, the divides of class, religion and ethnicities collapse. Over 40,000 community pujas are held across the state, roughly 3,000 in Kolkata alone. Bhattacharya's clarification came, notably, while he was unveiling the BJP's month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, a campaign marking 25 years of Narendra Modi in top office. The timing underlines the balancing act: distancing the party from a row that risks alienating Bengali voters, without publicly rebuking Hindu religious figures aligned with the wider Hindutva movement. The seva sankalp abhiyan campaign will begin on the Prime Minister’s birthday on September 17 and continue till October 17. On September 17, at least 25 lamps will be lit at every booth in the state to pray for the Prime Minister’s good health, long life and success. Party workers have already begun preparations for this, Bhattacharya informed. He further added that a key component of the campaign will be the ‘Seva Setu Abhiyan’. Through three-day special camps, eligible people who have been deprived of the benefits of various central and state government welfare schemes will be assisted. A documentary and theme song titled ‘Namo Seva Gatha’ will be released to take the Prime Minister’s 25-year administrative journey to the common people.

The controversy started on August 26, when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad issued an advisory asking that non-vegetarian food be kept away from Durga Puja pandals to preserve the festival's ‘sanctity’

Bengal's Durga Puja plate turns political: BJP tries to duck the non-veg row

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari threatened to cut off schools' financial aid and other institutional support if they do not comply with the mandatory singing of the full version of the Vande Mataram. Addressing the annual programme of Vivekananda Vidyabharati Vikas Parishad, an RSS- affiliated organisation at the Ramkrishna Mission in Kolkata's Golpark, Adhikari alleged that the state's education system had been &nbsp;"brought to the brink of destruction" under successive governments in the past. He emphasised that the directive applies universally, extending to government-run, aided, private, and madrasa institutions across the state."A few people had objected to singing the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. I told them that government aid would stop. Then they budged, but only partially. They stood up, but did not move lips. Then I told them that lips must move as well," said Subhendu Adhikari.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-us-ammunition-shortage-media-iran-war-1788449528737">‘Treasonous scum’: Trump attacks media over reports of US ammunition shortage</a>“The name of former state minister Partha Chatterjee, an accused in school recruitment scam, was included, while the names of freedom fighters such as Khudiram Bose and Matangini Hazra were difficult to find in textbooks,” he alleged.He accused the Left Front of curtailing English-language education and the TMC of distorting school curricula through "appeasement politics". He claimed that words such as 'maa', 'jal' and 'akash' in school curricula were intentionally replaced with 'amma', 'pani', and 'asmaan' in textbooks under past administrations, which he thinks was against the ideals of stalwarts like Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar and Swami Vivekananda. Adhikari also criticised previous governments for banning the National Cadet Corps in educational institutions.&nbsp;

Suvendu Adhikari warned West Bengal schools of funding cuts if they fail to comply with the directive to sing the full version of Vande Mataram.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari threatened to cut off schools' financial aid and other institutional support if they do not comply with the mandatory singing of the full version of the Vande Mataram. Addressing the annual programme of Vivekananda Vidyabharati Vikas Parishad, an RSS- affiliated organisation at the Ramkrishna Mission in Kolkata's Golpark, Adhikari alleged that the state's education system had been "brought to the brink of destruction" under successive governments in the past. He emphasised that the directive applies universally, extending to government-run, aided, private, and madrasa institutions across the state. "A few people had objected to singing the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. I told them that government aid would stop. Then they budged, but only partially. They stood up, but did not move lips. Then I told them that lips must move as well," said Subhendu Adhikari. Also Read: ‘Treasonous scum’: Trump attacks media over reports of US ammunition shortage “The name of former state minister Partha Chatterjee, an accused in school recruitment scam, was included, while the names of freedom fighters such as Khudiram Bose and Matangini Hazra were difficult to find in textbooks,” he alleged. He accused the Left Front of curtailing English-language education and the TMC of distorting school curricula through "appeasement politics". He claimed that words such as 'maa', 'jal' and 'akash' in school curricula were intentionally replaced with 'amma', 'pani', and 'asmaan' in textbooks under past administrations, which he thinks was against the ideals of stalwarts like Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar and Swami Vivekananda. Adhikari also criticised previous governments for banning the National Cadet Corps in educational institutions.

Suvendu Adhikari warned West Bengal schools of funding cuts if they fail to comply with the directive to sing the full version of Vande Mataram.

Suvendu Adhikari threatens to cut school aid over refusal to sing full Vande Mataram

The West Bengal government has formally submitted a proposal to the Union government, insisting that the interests of the state's rivers, ports and industries must not be compromised in any way as India prepares to renegotiate the 30-year Ganga-Padma water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh. The landmark agreement, first signed in 1996, is set to expire in December this year. Ahead of the deadline, representatives of the state government presented a detailed report on the matter before an internal committee of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, flagging a series of concerns that officials say could have far-reaching consequences for North Bengal and the state's riverine economy if left unaddressed in the new pact.<h2>Farakka flow critical for Kolkata port operations</h2>At the heart of the state's submission is the demand that adequate water flow be maintained through the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river via the Farakka Barrage during the dry season months. "Any reduction in the lean-season flow at Farakka does not remain a localised issue- it directly threatens the navigability of the Hooghly, which in turn puts shipping operations at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port at risk. The port is a critical gateway for eastern India's trade, and its viability depends on the river being kept navigable through the year," a senior state government official said, explaining why the flow issue has been placed at the centre of West Bengal's proposal.<h2>Erosion and flood risk in upstream districts</h2>The state has also warned that a diminished water flow could aggravate riverbank erosion and silt accumulation, worsening flood conditions in districts on both the upstream and downstream sides of the barrage. "Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia are already vulnerable to erosion and seasonal flooding. If the flow regime is altered without factoring in these districts' ground realities, we could see accelerated land loss and more frequent flood distress in these areas. This is not a hypothetical risk, it is something these districts have lived with for decades," the official added, underlining why the state wants erosion management written into the treaty framework itself.<h2>Arsenic contamination adds urgency to drinking water concerns</h2>Officials pointed out that the stakes extend beyond navigation and erosion. With groundwater levels declining and arsenic contamination affecting parts of the state, treated Ganga water has increasingly become a primary source for both drinking water supply and industrial use. Given how dependent our public health infrastructure has become on treated river water, especially in arsenic-affected belts, any compromise on the quantum or quality of flow in the new agreement will have consequences that go far beyond agriculture or shipping, it becomes a direct public health and industrial security issue for the state. &nbsp;Taking this into account, the state has urged that the renewed agreement accord ‘special importance’ to environmental risk assessment, erosion prevention, and long-term water security for the region.<h2>Call for consultation through Joint Rivers Commission</h2>West Bengal has additionally pressed for detailed discussions at the administrative level of the India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission before the Centre arrives at any final decision on the treaty's terms. "A treaty of this scale and duration needs to be negotiated with full participation of the state that bears its direct consequences. We have asked that no conclusions be finalised without a thorough round of administrative-level deliberations through the Joint Rivers Commission," the official said.<h2>Technical assessments already underway</h2>Meanwhile, technical teams from India and Bangladesh have already begun on-ground measurement of water flow and data collection along the Ganga-Padma system, focusing on the Farakka and Hardinge Bridge areas, a process expected to feed into the eventual terms of the renewed agreement.

The landmark agreement, first signed in 1996, is set to expire in December this year

The West Bengal government has formally submitted a proposal to the Union government, insisting that the interests of the state's rivers, ports and industries must not be compromised in any way as India prepares to renegotiate the 30-year Ganga-Padma water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh. The landmark agreement, first signed in 1996, is set to expire in December this year. Ahead of the deadline, representatives of the state government presented a detailed report on the matter before an internal committee of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, flagging a series of concerns that officials say could have far-reaching consequences for North Bengal and the state's riverine economy if left unaddressed in the new pact. Farakka flow critical for Kolkata port operations At the heart of the state's submission is the demand that adequate water flow be maintained through the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river via the Farakka Barrage during the dry season months. "Any reduction in the lean-season flow at Farakka does not remain a localised issue- it directly threatens the navigability of the Hooghly, which in turn puts shipping operations at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port at risk. The port is a critical gateway for eastern India's trade, and its viability depends on the river being kept navigable through the year," a senior state government official said, explaining why the flow issue has been placed at the centre of West Bengal's proposal. Erosion and flood risk in upstream districts The state has also warned that a diminished water flow could aggravate riverbank erosion and silt accumulation, worsening flood conditions in districts on both the upstream and downstream sides of the barrage. "Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia are already vulnerable to erosion and seasonal flooding. If the flow regime is altered without factoring in these districts' ground realities, we could see accelerated land loss and more frequent flood distress in these areas. This is not a hypothetical risk, it is something these districts have lived with for decades," the official added, underlining why the state wants erosion management written into the treaty framework itself. Arsenic contamination adds urgency to drinking water concerns Officials pointed out that the stakes extend beyond navigation and erosion. With groundwater levels declining and arsenic contamination affecting parts of the state, treated Ganga water has increasingly become a primary source for both drinking water supply and industrial use. Given how dependent our public health infrastructure has become on treated river water, especially in arsenic-affected belts, any compromise on the quantum or quality of flow in the new agreement will have consequences that go far beyond agriculture or shipping, it becomes a direct public health and industrial security issue for the state. Taking this into account, the state has urged that the renewed agreement accord ‘special importance’ to environmental risk assessment, erosion prevention, and long-term water security for the region. Call for consultation through Joint Rivers Commission West Bengal has additionally pressed for detailed discussions at the administrative level of the India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission before the Centre arrives at any final decision on the treaty's terms. "A treaty of this scale and duration needs to be negotiated with full participation of the state that bears its direct consequences. We have asked that no conclusions be finalised without a thorough round of administrative-level deliberations through the Joint Rivers Commission," the official said. Technical assessments already underway Meanwhile, technical teams from India and Bangladesh have already begun on-ground measurement of water flow and data collection along the Ganga-Padma system, focusing on the Farakka and Hardinge Bridge areas, a process expected to feed into the eventual terms of the renewed agreement.

Ahead of the deadline, representatives of the state government presented a detailed report on the matter before an internal committee of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti

West Bengal urges Centre to safeguard state's rivers, ports before Ganga-Padma Treaty renewal

Families across West Bengal are living through an agonising wait, as at least 36 tourists from Kolkata and surrounding districts remain unaccounted for following a devastating flash flood that struck the Rasuwagadhi area on the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday (Aug 26). According to the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 178 Indians are still missing.<h2>A pilgrimage turned nightmare</h2>The group, organised by Kolkata-based Chalo Jai Travel for a 12-day Kailash-Manasarovar package tour, had left Howrah Station on August 21, brimming with spiritual anticipation. The itinerary had gone smoothly at first — a peaceful first day in Kathmandu, visits to the sacred Pashupatinath and Guhyeshwari temples, then the journey toward Syabrubesi and onward to the Tibet border crossing at Rasuwagadhi.That is where tragedy struck. According to the travel agency, the group of 30 tourists and two tour managers was crossing at Rasuwagadhi around 8:35 am IST on Wednesday when a flash flood tore through the area and destroyed a bridge. Contact was lost by 10:30 am and has not been re-established since. Chilling irony: another group of 94 South Indian tourists had crossed the very same spot just five minutes earlier, narrowly escaping disaster as their vehicle had already crossed into Tibet.<h2>Fragments of hope amid fear</h2>For one family, a small ray of hope emerged. Shubhashree Chakraborty, currently missing, texted her husband early Wednesday morning that she had cleared Nepal immigration, her passport freshly stamped, and that she was waiting on the bus for what should have been a short 15-minute ride to Chinese immigration. Then — silence. The flood hit around 8:30 am, suggesting she and others may have already crossed into the Tibet immigration office when disaster struck. Reports suggest Chinese immigration authorities shut the office by 9 am and moved several people to an army camp for rescue operations. Her husband believes contacting Chinese authorities directly may be the only way to learn her fate.Susmita Bhattacharya (66), a resident of Kasba, left on August 21 with the Mithila Express along with the Chalo Jai group to travel to Mansarovar.“We last spoke to her on Sunday, and had WhatsApp contact on Monday. That was the last time we heard from her,” said Tiyasha Chatterjee, her daughter-in-law.Other families are equally desperate. Sujata Banerjee, whose husband's friend Arindam Ganguly is missing along with his wife Mausumi Ganguly, described the torment of incomplete answers: "We have not been able to speak to them since yesterday. We also called the travel agency, and they told us that they had spoken to them last night and again this morning... They are not giving us complete details, and we are extremely worried and disturbed."Another pilgrim couple who travelled with the Chalo Jai are also missing. Manas Kumar Ghosh (65), a retired employee, and his wife, Dipali Sarkar, left on August 21. Their flat is currently locked. Their daughter, Adrija, lives in Delhi and is studying medicine at AIIMS.Not every story ends in the unknown. Actor Rajatava Dutta confirmed that fellow actor Kharaj Mukherjee, who was in Nepal for a film shoot and had been reported stranded near Pokhara, is safe — though stuck far from the disaster zone with roads blocked and flights grounded.<h2>State and Centre mobilise</h2>The West Bengal government said it is in constant touch with Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and is preparing to send a team of officials to the affected area today. Kolkata Police has opened a toll-free helpline — 1800-345-5678 — for anxious families seeking information. So far, 36 people from Kolkata and other parts of the state have been reported missing.Meanwhile, the Centre has directed Chief Secretaries across all states to compile detailed lists of missing residents, intended to help the Ministry of External Affairs coordinate directly with grieving and frightened families.Four representatives from Chalo Jai Travel have flown to Kathmandu to work with Nepalese authorities in the search. As rescue efforts continue in the flood-ravaged Rasuwagadhi region, families in Kolkata, Hooghly, and Bardhaman can do little but wait by their phones — clinging, as one husband put it, to the hope that even silence from behind a closed border does not mean the worst.

The West Bengal government said it is in constant touch with Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and is preparing to send a team of officials to the affected area today. 

Families across West Bengal are living through an agonising wait, as at least 36 tourists from Kolkata and surrounding districts remain unaccounted for following a devastating flash flood that struck the Rasuwagadhi area on the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday (Aug 26). According to the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 178 Indians are still missing. A pilgrimage turned nightmare The group, organised by Kolkata-based Chalo Jai Travel for a 12-day Kailash-Manasarovar package tour, had left Howrah Station on August 21, brimming with spiritual anticipation. The itinerary had gone smoothly at first — a peaceful first day in Kathmandu, visits to the sacred Pashupatinath and Guhyeshwari temples, then the journey toward Syabrubesi and onward to the Tibet border crossing at Rasuwagadhi. That is where tragedy struck. According to the travel agency, the group of 30 tourists and two tour managers was crossing at Rasuwagadhi around 8:35 am IST on Wednesday when a flash flood tore through the area and destroyed a bridge. Contact was lost by 10:30 am and has not been re-established since. Chilling irony: another group of 94 South Indian tourists had crossed the very same spot just five minutes earlier, narrowly escaping disaster as their vehicle had already crossed into Tibet. Fragments of hope amid fear For one family, a small ray of hope emerged. Shubhashree Chakraborty, currently missing, texted her husband early Wednesday morning that she had cleared Nepal immigration, her passport freshly stamped, and that she was waiting on the bus for what should have been a short 15-minute ride to Chinese immigration. Then — silence. The flood hit around 8:30 am, suggesting she and others may have already crossed into the Tibet immigration office when disaster struck. Reports suggest Chinese immigration authorities shut the office by 9 am and moved several people to an army camp for rescue operations. Her husband believes contacting Chinese authorities directly may be the only way to learn her fate. Susmita Bhattacharya (66), a resident of Kasba, left on August 21 with the Mithila Express along with the Chalo Jai group to travel to Mansarovar. “We last spoke to her on Sunday, and had WhatsApp contact on Monday. That was the last time we heard from her,” said Tiyasha Chatterjee, her daughter-in-law. Other families are equally desperate. Sujata Banerjee, whose husband's friend Arindam Ganguly is missing along with his wife Mausumi Ganguly, described the torment of incomplete answers: "We have not been able to speak to them since yesterday. We also called the travel agency, and they told us that they had spoken to them last night and again this morning... They are not giving us complete details, and we are extremely worried and disturbed." Another pilgrim couple who travelled with the Chalo Jai are also missing. Manas Kumar Ghosh (65), a retired employee, and his wife, Dipali Sarkar, left on August 21. Their flat is currently locked. Their daughter, Adrija, lives in Delhi and is studying medicine at AIIMS. Not every story ends in the unknown. Actor Rajatava Dutta confirmed that fellow actor Kharaj Mukherjee, who was in Nepal for a film shoot and had been reported stranded near Pokhara, is safe — though stuck far from the disaster zone with roads blocked and flights grounded. State and Centre mobilise The West Bengal government said it is in constant touch with Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and is preparing to send a team of officials to the affected area today. Kolkata Police has opened a toll-free helpline — 1800-345-5678 — for anxious families seeking information. So far, 36 people from Kolkata and other parts of the state have been reported missing. Meanwhile, the Centre has directed Chief Secretaries across all states to compile detailed lists of missing residents, intended to help the Ministry of External Affairs coordinate directly with grieving and frightened families. Four representatives from Chalo Jai Travel have flown to Kathmandu to work with Nepalese authorities in the search. As rescue efforts continue in the flood-ravaged Rasuwagadhi region, families in Kolkata, Hooghly, and Bardhaman can do little but wait by their phones — clinging, as one husband put it, to the hope that even silence from behind a closed border does not mean the worst.

The West Bengal government said it is in constant touch with Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and is preparing to send a team of officials to the affected area today.&nbsp;

Nepal floods: 36 West Bengal pilgrims missing as State, Centre launch rescue coordination

As appellate tribunals in West Bengal disclose that over 82,782 Special Intensive Revision (SIR) appeals have been disposed of so far—with a striking 91% resulting in names being re-added to the electoral rolls—fresh questions are mounting over the massive backlog of millions of pending cases.


West Bengal: Over 82 thousand S.I.R. appeals disposed of so far

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal continues to face intense legal scrutiny, with the Supreme Court pressing the Election Commission of India (ECI) for detailed data on pending and disposed appeals regarding voter exclusion.


West Bengal S.I.R. faces fresh scrutiny, were eligible voters denied voting right?

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a probe into alleged ‘anti-national’ graffiti and violent drawings reported inside Jadavpur University’s Arts Division Boys Hostel. He has directed officials to verify the material, remove it if confirmed, fix accountability and initiate administrative and legal action against those responsible.


West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari orders probe into 'anti-national' graffiti in Jadavpur University 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday held a crucial meeting with senior Gorkha leaders and West Bengal government representatives at Sukna in the Darjeeling foothills, signalling a fresh push to resolve the long-standing political issue in the hills.&nbsp;The meeting, held on the final day of Shah’s three-day north Bengal visit, brought together West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung, GNLF chief Mann Ghisingh, GJM leader Roshan Giri, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, state ministers, BJP MLAs from the hills and senior government officials.&nbsp;The central agenda was the BJP’s long-standing promise of a ”permanent political solution” for Darjeeling and the Gorkha community within the constitutional framework.&nbsp;After the meeting, BJP MP Raju Bista described it as a historic moment and said the Centre had now moved towards formally drafting an agreement.&nbsp;“Today is a truly historic day for the Gorkha community and for Darjeeling… On behalf of the entire delegation, we apprised the Home Minister of the suffering endured by the people of Darjeeling and the Terai over the last two years and the struggles of the past 40 years.”&nbsp;Bista said Shah listened to the concerns raised by the delegation and outlined a roadmap for the resolution of the issue.&nbsp;“A committee comprising a team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Pankaj Kumar Singh, has been constituted to finalise the drafting of today’s agreement.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="BJP passes 'Vande Mataram' resolution, condemns Congress' two stanza decision">BJP passes 'Vande Mataram' resolution, condemns Congress' two stanza decision</a>&nbsp; BJP MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said the meeting had “paved the way for a positive outcome”, adding that the process of finding a solution to the Gorkhaland issue had now begun.&nbsp;“The process of finding the solution we seek regarding the Gorkhaland issue has now begun. A committee is to be formed… under the leadership of our Gorkhaland interlocutor, Pankaj, to examine the matter in detail.”&nbsp;Shringla, however, said, “No specific timeframe could be stated, as this is just the beginning; we cannot say anything definitive right now.”&nbsp;The development is significant because the Gorkhaland demand has remained unresolved for decades. The demand for a separate political and administrative identity for the Nepali-speaking Gorkha population of the Darjeeling hills predates Independence, while the term “Gorkhaland” gained prominence during the agitation led by GNLF founder Subhash Ghising in the 1980s.&nbsp;The agitation of 1986-88 turned violent, eventually culminating in the 1988 Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Accord between the Centre, the West Bengal government and GNLF. The agreement led to the creation of the semi-autonomous Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, with the separate-state demand effectively set aside at the time. The accord was signed on August 22, 1988 — making Saturday’s meeting particularly significant as it coincided with its anniversary.&nbsp;But the DGHC did not end the demand for Gorkhaland. Political discontent returned, and in 2007 Bimal Gurung’s Gorkha Janmukti Morcha emerged as a major force pushing for statehood. After another prolonged agitation, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was created in 2011-12 as a new autonomous administrative arrangement for the hills.&nbsp;The GTA, however, stopped short of granting statehood. The core demand for a separate Gorkhaland has therefore continued to influence elections and political negotiations in the hills.&nbsp;That is what makes the latest move significant: rather than announcing a separate state, the Centre is now signalling a fresh constitutional arrangement, with the Home Ministry committee expected to work on the details of the proposed agreement.&nbsp;For the BJP, the issue also carries political weight. The party has repeatedly promised a ”permanent political solution” to the Darjeeling hills, while maintaining that the resolution would be within the Indian constitutional framework.&nbsp;The meeting also comes amid renewed political attention to the wider Darjeeling-Terai-Dooars region and its strategic importance.&nbsp;Later on Saturday, Shah is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting on the Siliguri Corridor, the strategically vital land link connecting mainland India with the Northeast. Senior officials from the BSF, SSB, Intelligence Bureau, West Bengal Police and other state and Central agencies are expected to participate.&nbsp;For the Gorkha leadership, however, the immediate question is whether the newly constituted Home Ministry panel can finally translate decades of political assurances into a concrete settlement — and whether that settlement can address the aspirations that the DGHC and GTA failed to resolve. &nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Gorkha leaders in Darjeeling as the Ministry of Home Affairs prepares to form a panel to work on a permanent political solution to the region’s long-standing demands.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday held a crucial meeting with senior Gorkha leaders and West Bengal government representatives at Sukna in the Darjeeling foothills, signalling a fresh push to resolve the long-standing political issue in the hills. The meeting, held on the final day of Shah’s three-day north Bengal visit, brought together West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung, GNLF chief Mann Ghisingh, GJM leader Roshan Giri, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, state ministers, BJP MLAs from the hills and senior government officials. The central agenda was the BJP’s long-standing promise of a ”permanent political solution” for Darjeeling and the Gorkha community within the constitutional framework. After the meeting, BJP MP Raju Bista described it as a historic moment and said the Centre had now moved towards formally drafting an agreement. “Today is a truly historic day for the Gorkha community and for Darjeeling… On behalf of the entire delegation, we apprised the Home Minister of the suffering endured by the people of Darjeeling and the Terai over the last two years and the struggles of the past 40 years.” Bista said Shah listened to the concerns raised by the delegation and outlined a roadmap for the resolution of the issue. “A committee comprising a team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Pankaj Kumar Singh, has been constituted to finalise the drafting of today’s agreement.” Also Read: BJP passes 'Vande Mataram' resolution, condemns Congress' two stanza decision BJP MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said the meeting had “paved the way for a positive outcome”, adding that the process of finding a solution to the Gorkhaland issue had now begun. “The process of finding the solution we seek regarding the Gorkhaland issue has now begun. A committee is to be formed… under the leadership of our Gorkhaland interlocutor, Pankaj, to examine the matter in detail.” Shringla, however, said, “No specific timeframe could be stated, as this is just the beginning; we cannot say anything definitive right now.” The development is significant because the Gorkhaland demand has remained unresolved for decades. The demand for a separate political and administrative identity for the Nepali-speaking Gorkha population of the Darjeeling hills predates Independence, while the term “Gorkhaland” gained prominence during the agitation led by GNLF founder Subhash Ghising in the 1980s. The agitation of 1986-88 turned violent, eventually culminating in the 1988 Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Accord between the Centre, the West Bengal government and GNLF. The agreement led to the creation of the semi-autonomous Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, with the separate-state demand effectively set aside at the time. The accord was signed on August 22, 1988 — making Saturday’s meeting particularly significant as it coincided with its anniversary. But the DGHC did not end the demand for Gorkhaland. Political discontent returned, and in 2007 Bimal Gurung’s Gorkha Janmukti Morcha emerged as a major force pushing for statehood. After another prolonged agitation, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was created in 2011-12 as a new autonomous administrative arrangement for the hills. The GTA, however, stopped short of granting statehood. The core demand for a separate Gorkhaland has therefore continued to influence elections and political negotiations in the hills. That is what makes the latest move significant: rather than announcing a separate state, the Centre is now signalling a fresh constitutional arrangement, with the Home Ministry committee expected to work on the details of the proposed agreement. For the BJP, the issue also carries political weight. The party has repeatedly promised a ”permanent political solution” to the Darjeeling hills, while maintaining that the resolution would be within the Indian constitutional framework. The meeting also comes amid renewed political attention to the wider Darjeeling-Terai-Dooars region and its strategic importance. Later on Saturday, Shah is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting on the Siliguri Corridor, the strategically vital land link connecting mainland India with the Northeast. Senior officials from the BSF, SSB, Intelligence Bureau, West Bengal Police and other state and Central agencies are expected to participate. For the Gorkha leadership, however, the immediate question is whether the newly constituted Home Ministry panel can finally translate decades of political assurances into a concrete settlement — and whether that settlement can address the aspirations that the DGHC and GTA failed to resolve.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Gorkha leaders in Darjeeling as the Ministry of Home Affairs prepares to form a panel to work on a permanent political solution to the region’s long-standing demands.

Amit Shah meets Gorkha leaders in Darjeeling, MHA panel to draft ‘permanent political solution’

A court in West Bengal's Nadia district has ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra over her alleged non-compliance with an earlier order directing her appearance in an alleged hate speech case. The Krishnagar court has also directed that the execution report of the arrest warrant be submitted before it on August 28. Moitra is facing allegations of insulting women and making hate speech. The court had earlier issued pre-cognisance summons to her in connection with the case.

Hate speech case: Arrest warrant against West Bengal TMC leader

A court in West Bengal issued an arrest warrant against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday for failing to honour repeated summons in a hate speech case. The case relates to comments Moitra made at a press conference in Nadia in August 2025 while speaking about infiltration along the India-Bangladesh border.&nbsp;The 3rd judicial magistrate at the Krishnanagar court directed that the arrest warrant be issued immediately and ordered that an execution report be submitted on August 28.&nbsp;On Tuesday, the court had asked Moitra to appear on Wednesday, but she did not turn up. Her lawyer told the court that the MP would not appear at any point, citing fears that she could be heckled outside the court premises.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-prepared-to-defend-all-allies-after-reports-of-iran-mulling-attacks-on-us-targets-in-europe-1787141867863">NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe</a>&nbsp;The court took a strong view of her repeated absence and said her conduct showed a “lackadaisical approach” towards complying with its orders.“The series of disobedience of the order of this court .... goes to show the lackadaisical approach of the accused to comply with the court order and accordingly this court is left with no other option but to issue a warrant of arrest against her,” the judge said in the order.The judge also recorded that Moitra’s lawyer had said she would not appear before the court and observed that she had “no respect for the court of law”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-ceasefire-now-war-must-come-to-a-permanent-end-says-iran-s-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi-1787080893639">‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi</a><h2>What is the hate speech case against TMC MP?</h2>&nbsp;The case against Moitra is over a complaint on a video message she released after an incident in which women gathered outside the court carrying eggs when they heard that the Krishnanagar Trinamool Congress MP was expected to appear.In the video, Moitra advised the women to wear veils and organise various programmes. The video was widely circulated on social media.The complainant alleged that Moitra’s remarks hurt religious sentiments and amounted to religiously provocative comments that insulted both religions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-says-agency-found-tonnes-of-nuclear-material-in-syria-1787067845191">IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria</a>&nbsp;The complaint was registered under sections 79, 196, 299, 351 and 353(2), which relate to allegedly insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity between groups, outraging religious feelings, criminal intimidation and hate speech.&nbsp;<h2>Court gave multiple chances to appear&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The court had repeatedly directed Moitra to appear in connection with the complaint, but she did not comply, prompting the magistrate to issue the arrest warrant.She was given time until 5 pm on Wednesday to appear before the court. However, she did not turn up, following which the court proceeded with the warrant order.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-won-both-war-and-diplomacy-araghchi-says-conflict-completely-dispelled-notion-of-tehran-s-weakness-1787060840037">‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness</a><h2>Lawyer cites fear of heckling, eggs being thrown</h2>&nbsp;Moitra’s lawyer told the court that the MP was apprehensive about appearing because of the possibility of being heckled outside the court premises.The court nevertheless rejected the repeated absence as a reason to defer the proceedings further, pointing to the number of summons already issued to the MP.&nbsp;<h2>‘You are MP, fear eggs? Freedom fighters took bullets’</h2>&nbsp;Earlier this month, the Supreme Court refused to entertain Mahua Moitra’s plea challenging an order of the Calcutta high court directing her to appear before the police on August 15 in another hate speech case.A top court bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu said it was not inclined to interfere with the HC’s order.Senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan, appearing for Moitra, submitted before the court that the last time the TMC leader went to the police station, eggs were thrown at her.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nta-overhaul-after-paper-leak-600-experts-out-four-tier-paper-checking-and-cisf-security-1787085215331">NTA overhaul after paper leak: 600 experts out, four-tier paper checking, and CISF security</a>&nbsp;However, the apex court bench asked her to appear before the police, observing orally, “You are a Member of Parliament. Having taken the plunge into politics, you fear eggs?”“When our freedom fighters have taken bullets on their chest? These are applications that should not come before this court at all,” the bench observed.

On Tuesday, the Kishnanagar court had asked TMC MP Mahua Moitra to appear on Wednesday, but she did not turn up till 5 pm. Her lawyer told the court that the MP would not appear at any point, citing fears that she could be heckled outside the court premises.

A court in West Bengal issued an arrest warrant against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday for failing to honour repeated summons in a hate speech case. The case relates to comments Moitra made at a press conference in Nadia in August 2025 while speaking about infiltration along the India-Bangladesh border. The 3rd judicial magistrate at the Krishnanagar court directed that the arrest warrant be issued immediately and ordered that an execution report be submitted on August 28. On Tuesday, the court had asked Moitra to appear on Wednesday, but she did not turn up. Her lawyer told the court that the MP would not appear at any point, citing fears that she could be heckled outside the court premises. Also Read: NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe The court took a strong view of her repeated absence and said her conduct showed a “lackadaisical approach” towards complying with its orders. “The series of disobedience of the order of this court .... goes to show the lackadaisical approach of the accused to comply with the court order and accordingly this court is left with no other option but to issue a warrant of arrest against her,” the judge said in the order. The judge also recorded that Moitra’s lawyer had said she would not appear before the court and observed that she had “no respect for the court of law”. Also Read: ‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi What is the hate speech case against TMC MP? The case against Moitra is over a complaint on a video message she released after an incident in which women gathered outside the court carrying eggs when they heard that the Krishnanagar Trinamool Congress MP was expected to appear. In the video, Moitra advised the women to wear veils and organise various programmes. The video was widely circulated on social media. The complainant alleged that Moitra’s remarks hurt religious sentiments and amounted to religiously provocative comments that insulted both religions. Also Read: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria The complaint was registered under sections 79, 196, 299, 351 and 353(2), which relate to allegedly insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity between groups, outraging religious feelings, criminal intimidation and hate speech. Court gave multiple chances to appear The court had repeatedly directed Moitra to appear in connection with the complaint, but she did not comply, prompting the magistrate to issue the arrest warrant. She was given time until 5 pm on Wednesday to appear before the court. However, she did not turn up, following which the court proceeded with the warrant order. Also Read: ‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness Lawyer cites fear of heckling, eggs being thrown Moitra’s lawyer told the court that the MP was apprehensive about appearing because of the possibility of being heckled outside the court premises. The court nevertheless rejected the repeated absence as a reason to defer the proceedings further, pointing to the number of summons already issued to the MP. ‘You are MP, fear eggs? Freedom fighters took bullets’ Earlier this month, the Supreme Court refused to entertain Mahua Moitra’s plea challenging an order of the Calcutta high court directing her to appear before the police on August 15 in another hate speech case. A top court bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu said it was not inclined to interfere with the HC’s order. Senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan, appearing for Moitra, submitted before the court that the last time the TMC leader went to the police station, eggs were thrown at her. Also Read: NTA overhaul after paper leak: 600 experts out, four-tier paper checking, and CISF security However, the apex court bench asked her to appear before the police, observing orally, “You are a Member of Parliament. Having taken the plunge into politics, you fear eggs?” “When our freedom fighters have taken bullets on their chest? These are applications that should not come before this court at all,” the bench observed.

On Tuesday, the Kishnanagar court had asked TMC MP Mahua Moitra to appear on Wednesday, but she did not turn up till 5 pm. Her lawyer told the court that the MP would not appear at any point, citing fears that she could be heckled outside the court premises.

Bengal court issues arrest warrant against TMC MP Mahua Moitra in hate speech case

A court in West Bengal's Nadia district has ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra over her alleged non-compliance with an earlier order directing her appearance in an alleged hate speech case. The Krishnagar court has also directed that the execution report of the arrest warrant be submitted before it on August 28. Moitra is facing allegations of insulting women and making hate speech. The court had earlier issued pre-cognisance summons to her in connection with the case.


Breaking: Arrest warrant against TMC MP Mahua Moitra | Bengal court's big order in hate speech case

The BJP government in West Bengal has completed its first 100 days in office, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's administration highlighting what it calls an unprecedented pace of governance and delivery. The government says it has focused on welfare schemes, infrastructure, law and order, and administrative reforms during its opening months. Supporters hail the progress, while critics continue to scrutinize the government's performance.


BJP government completes 100 days in West Bengal

Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was found hanging inside a party office in the state's Birbhum district on Sunday morning.

He was an ex-minister and also a five-time MLA from Rampurhat, having represented the constituency for 25 consecutive years from 2001 to 2026. Banerjee, however, lost the seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's Dhruba Saha in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.

Ex-Bengal deputy speaker Asish Banerjee found dead

Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was found hanging inside a party office in the state's Birbhum district on Sunday. He was an ex-minister and also a five-time MLA from Rampurhat, having represented the constituency for 25 consecutive years from 2001 to 2026. Banerjee, however, lost the seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's Dhruba Saha in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.His body was recovered from a TMC office adjacent to his Rampurhat residence. This came a day after the former TMC MLA participated in a local Independence Day celebration and hoisted the Tricolour there.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-tmc-mla-nirmal-ghosh-arrested-in-rg-kar-cremation-cover-up-case-1786610501435">Former TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh arrested in RG Kar cremation cover-up case</a>&nbsp;A purported suicide note has also been recovered. In the note, Banerjee vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating he was never involved in corruption throughout his political career. He apparently referred to supposed allegations of wrongdoings related to the Tarapith Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA), where he had served as the chairperson. "A suicide note has been found, in which the deceased mentioned that 'no one is responsible for my death'," a police official said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-car-attack-north-24-parganas-1786277620247">Mamata Banerjee's car attacked in West Bengal while meeting family of TMC worker who died in police custody</a>&nbsp;The exact circumstances leading to his death were not immediately clear. Police have launched an investigation and the body has been sent for postmortem. Following the news, TMC workers gathered outside the party office and at Banerjee's residence in Rampurhat. Banerjee had stepped down as chairman of the TMC's Birbhum district core committee in June, weeks after the Mamata Banerjee-led party suffered defeat in the assembly elections. He also lost his Rampurhat seat in the polls. Banerjee had earlier served as the Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly before the TMC lost the polls. Banerjee was a professor at Rampurhat College and served as an MLA for five terms. He earlier served as a minister and held several portfolios including AYUSH and Agriculture. He was defeated by the BJP's Dhruba Saha in this year's assembly elections. Following ews of Banerjee's death today, Bolpur MP Asit Kumar Mal and Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam visited Rampurhat Medical College Hospital.

Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was found hanging inside a party office in Birbhum. The five-time Rampurhat MLA represented the seat for 25 years before losing to BJP’s Dhruba Saha in the 2026 Assembly polls.

Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was found hanging inside a party office in the state's Birbhum district on Sunday. He was an ex-minister and also a five-time MLA from Rampurhat, having represented the constituency for 25 consecutive years from 2001 to 2026. Banerjee, however, lost the seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's Dhruba Saha in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.His body was recovered from a TMC office adjacent to his Rampurhat residence. This came a day after the former TMC MLA participated in a local Independence Day celebration and hoisted the Tricolour there. Also Read: Former TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh arrested in RG Kar cremation cover-up case A purported suicide note has also been recovered. In the note, Banerjee vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating he was never involved in corruption throughout his political career. He apparently referred to supposed allegations of wrongdoings related to the Tarapith Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA), where he had served as the chairperson. "A suicide note has been found, in which the deceased mentioned that 'no one is responsible for my death'," a police official said. Also Read: Mamata Banerjee's car attacked in West Bengal while meeting family of TMC worker who died in police custody The exact circumstances leading to his death were not immediately clear. Police have launched an investigation and the body has been sent for postmortem. Following the news, TMC workers gathered outside the party office and at Banerjee's residence in Rampurhat. Banerjee had stepped down as chairman of the TMC's Birbhum district core committee in June, weeks after the Mamata Banerjee-led party suffered defeat in the assembly elections. He also lost his Rampurhat seat in the polls. Banerjee had earlier served as the Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly before the TMC lost the polls. Banerjee was a professor at Rampurhat College and served as an MLA for five terms. He earlier served as a minister and held several portfolios including AYUSH and Agriculture. He was defeated by the BJP's Dhruba Saha in this year's assembly elections. Following ews of Banerjee's death today, Bolpur MP Asit Kumar Mal and Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam visited Rampurhat Medical College Hospital.

Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was found hanging inside a party office in Birbhum. The five-time Rampurhat MLA represented the seat for 25 years before losing to BJP’s Dhruba Saha in the 2026 Assembly polls.

Former West Bengal deputy speaker Asish Banerjee found dead inside Trinamool office

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday claimed that her vehicle was attacked by “anti-social” elements in front of the police in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. Miscreants reportedly hurled bricks and stones at the car, which she claimed could've killed her. The ruling BJP has condemned the attack and distanced itself from the incident.&nbsp;“Large stones were hurled at my car by anti-social elements, right in front of the police. The attack on the vehicle was so severe that if the windows had been open, my head would have been split open. We could have all been killed,” she said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-north-korean-troops-russia-ukraine-war-1786274276189">Zelensky claims Russia deploying up to 50,000 North Korean troops in Ukraine, seeks help from South Korea</a>Mamta Banerjee was visiting the house of a deceased TMC worker, Birju Keot, who allegedly died in police custody in North 24 Parganas District. When miscreants surrounded the car of the TMC supremo, they shouted “Chor Bhagao”, threw shoes, water bottles and smeared mud on it. The TMC chief alleged that the local administration failed to put safety measures despite being informed about her visit and it was part of a larger political conspiracy.&nbsp;“If my windows weren't closed, it could have split my head open. I could have died. I have never faced such an attack. The police did nothing to protect us. They give protection only to the BJP, ” said Mamata Banerjee.The incident is part of the growing unrest following the controversial death of Birju Keot, the husband of a TMC Councilor. The official explanation is that he fell ill in the custody of the Halisahar Police and succumbed to a heart attack. However, his family and senior TMC leaders claim he was subjected to brutal custodial torture.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Barrackpore: Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says, &quot;Large stones were hurled at my car by anti-social elements,right in front of the police. The attack on the vehicle was so severe that if the windows had been open, my head would have been split open.… <a href="https://t.co/PIdFM1Oxcr">pic.twitter.com/PIdFM1Oxcr</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2086391534849839615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee claims miscreants hurled stones, shoes and bottles at her car during a visit to a TMC worker's home.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday claimed that her vehicle was attacked by “anti-social” elements in front of the police in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. Miscreants reportedly hurled bricks and stones at the car, which she claimed could've killed her. The ruling BJP has condemned the attack and distanced itself from the incident. “Large stones were hurled at my car by anti-social elements, right in front of the police. The attack on the vehicle was so severe that if the windows had been open, my head would have been split open. We could have all been killed,” she said. Also Read: Zelensky claims Russia deploying up to 50,000 North Korean troops in Ukraine, seeks help from South Korea Mamta Banerjee was visiting the house of a deceased TMC worker, Birju Keot, who allegedly died in police custody in North 24 Parganas District. When miscreants surrounded the car of the TMC supremo, they shouted “Chor Bhagao”, threw shoes, water bottles and smeared mud on it. The TMC chief alleged that the local administration failed to put safety measures despite being informed about her visit and it was part of a larger political conspiracy. “If my windows weren't closed, it could have split my head open. I could have died. I have never faced such an attack. The police did nothing to protect us. They give protection only to the BJP, ” said Mamata Banerjee. The incident is part of the growing unrest following the controversial death of Birju Keot, the husband of a TMC Councilor. The official explanation is that he fell ill in the custody of the Halisahar Police and succumbed to a heart attack. However, his family and senior TMC leaders claim he was subjected to brutal custodial torture.

Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee claims miscreants hurled stones, shoes and bottles at her car during a visit to a TMC worker's home.

Mamata Banerjee's car attacked in West Bengal while meeting family of TMC worker who died in police custody

Former government bus driver Minar Mondal was arrested after the seizure of ₹28.5 crore from his residence. He is a relative of Tulu Mondal, who is an alleged close associate of TMC leader Anubrata Mondal.  On the other hand, ED conducted raids on premises linked to an illegal coal mining network

₹28.5 Crore in Cash & Gold Bars Seized from Ex-Government Bus Driver's Home in West Bengal

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