Around 350 people from Baincha village have taken shelter in Balasore district in Odisha after Cyclonic storm 'Bulbul'&nbsp;created havoc in the region.

The shelter home is situated in the Sadar block of the Baleswar district. The villagers belonging to storm-stricken villages were served food by the local officials and efforts are on to clean up the roads due to fallen trees.

According to Alipore Meteorological Department, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-bulbul-pm-modi-holds-talks-with-mamata-banerjee-assures-help-261122">cyclone Bulbul</a> is now over Bangladesh after crossing West Bengal yesterday.

"Cyclonic storm Bulbul now lies over coastal areas of Bangladesh, away from Bengal. In the next 12 hours, this tropical cyclone will become depressed and lose intensity. There is only wind warning now," said GC Das, an official from Alipore Meteorological Department while speaking to ANI.

Alipore Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for the fishermen in the region advising them not to venture in the sea for the next few days.

Yesterday, around two hundred people have taken shelter at Sagar Pilot Station of Kolkata Port Trust after the cyclonic storm affected several areas of West Bengal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Around 350 people from Baincha village have taken shelter in Balasore district in Odisha after Cyclonic storm 'Bulbul' created havoc in the region. The shelter home is situated in the Sadar block of the Baleswar district.

Around 350 people from Baincha village have taken shelter in Balasore district in Odisha after Cyclonic storm 'Bulbul' created havoc in the region. The shelter home is situated in the Sadar block of the Baleswar district. The villagers belonging to storm-stricken villages were served food by the local officials and efforts are on to clean up the roads due to fallen trees. According to Alipore Meteorological Department, the cyclone Bulbul is now over Bangladesh after crossing West Bengal yesterday. "Cyclonic storm Bulbul now lies over coastal areas of Bangladesh, away from Bengal. In the next 12 hours, this tropical cyclone will become depressed and lose intensity. There is only wind warning now," said GC Das, an official from Alipore Meteorological Department while speaking to ANI. Alipore Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for the fishermen in the region advising them not to venture in the sea for the next few days. Yesterday, around two hundred people have taken shelter at Sagar Pilot Station of Kolkata Port Trust after the cyclonic storm affected several areas of West Bengal.

Cyclone 'Bulbul': Around 350 people take shelter at Baleswar district in Odisha

Cyclone Bulbul has made landfall in West Bengal, according to the reports 4 people have died. No major damage was reported in camps in southeast Bangladesh where hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighbouring Myanmar are living. The Indian Prime Minister has assured all possible assistance to the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Cyclone Bulbul weakens near Bangladesh, death toll rises to 4

The cyclonic storm 'Bulbul' is likely to lash Odisha with heavy rains and strong winds from Friday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

As a precautionary measure, the district administrations in Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara have ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi Centres for two days.

"It is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during the next six hours. It is very likely to move initially north-northwestwards for next 12 hours and then nearly northwards till November 9 morning and then re-curve northeastwards towards Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal," read a statement.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
(A)CS Bulbul intensified into a SCS at 1730 IST and lay centred about 510 km S-SE of Paradip .To intensify further in next 24 hours .To move towards Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coast. (B)Depression over Arabian Sea weakened into a WML over NE AS and adj Saurashtra Coast <a href="https://t.co/KlX1oMEDk2">pic.twitter.com/KlX1oMEDk2</a>
— India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1192470354968469504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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IMD has issued a warning for strong wind speed reaching 35 - 45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph becoming squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph by the afternoon of November 8 over Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Balasore and Bhadrak districts.

(With inputs from agencies)

The cyclonic storm 'Bulbul' is likely to lash Odisha with heavy rains and strong winds from Friday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). As a precautionary measure, the district administrations in Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara have ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi Centres for two days.

The cyclonic storm 'Bulbul' is likely to lash Odisha with heavy rains and strong winds from Friday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). As a precautionary measure, the district administrations in Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara have ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi Centres for two days. "It is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during the next six hours. It is very likely to move initially north-northwestwards for next 12 hours and then nearly northwards till November 9 morning and then re-curve northeastwards towards Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal," read a statement. (A)CS Bulbul intensified into a SCS at 1730 IST and lay centred about 510 km S-SE of Paradip .To intensify further in next 24 hours .To move towards Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coast. (B)Depression over Arabian Sea weakened into a WML over NE AS and adj Saurashtra Coast pic.twitter.com/KlX1oMEDk2 — India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) November 7, 2019 × IMD has issued a warning for strong wind speed reaching 35 - 45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph becoming squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph by the afternoon of November 8 over Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Balasore and Bhadrak districts. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Bulbul likely to lash Odisha with heavy rains and strong winds

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal which originated near the Andaman region has developed into cyclone ‘Bulbul’ and is centred over East Central Bay of Bengal. It is very likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and head to the coast of West Bengal and Bangladesh, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.

Puviarasan, Director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre said, “As the cyclone is moving towards the Bengal coast, fishermen are advised not to venture towards the Central Bay of Bengal region. Few interior districts of Tamil Nadu will receive rainfall due to convective activity between November 8 and 10 while Chennai weather will remain dry”.

Light-to-moderate rainfall has been predicted for Andaman and Nicobar islands and the northern Odisha coast as well as for the coastal districts of West Bengal.&nbsp;

Gale wind warnings for gusts ranging from 35kmph to 90kmph have been issued for the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal. Fishermen have been asked to suspend operations from November 8 at the coasts of Odisha-West Bengal. Those fishing far out in the sea have been advised to return to the coast.&nbsp;

Maha cyclone, which is currently a deep depression adjoining the northeast Arabian Sea around 100 kilometres south-southwest of the Veraval in Gujarat, is likely to move east-northeastwards and weaken into depression. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian sea adjoining South Gujarat and North Maharashtra coast.&nbsp;

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal which originated near the Andaman region has developed into cyclone ‘Bulbul’ and is centred over East Central Bay of Bengal.

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal which originated near the Andaman region has developed into cyclone ‘Bulbul’ and is centred over East Central Bay of Bengal. It is very likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and head to the coast of West Bengal and Bangladesh, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has said. Puviarasan, Director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre said, “As the cyclone is moving towards the Bengal coast, fishermen are advised not to venture towards the Central Bay of Bengal region. Few interior districts of Tamil Nadu will receive rainfall due to convective activity between November 8 and 10 while Chennai weather will remain dry”. Light-to-moderate rainfall has been predicted for Andaman and Nicobar islands and the northern Odisha coast as well as for the coastal districts of West Bengal. Gale wind warnings for gusts ranging from 35kmph to 90kmph have been issued for the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal. Fishermen have been asked to suspend operations from November 8 at the coasts of Odisha-West Bengal. Those fishing far out in the sea have been advised to return to the coast. Maha cyclone, which is currently a deep depression adjoining the northeast Arabian Sea around 100 kilometres south-southwest of the Veraval in Gujarat, is likely to move east-northeastwards and weaken into depression. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian sea adjoining South Gujarat and North Maharashtra coast.

Cyclone ‘Bulbul’ to intensify, head to West Bengal coast

West Bengal BJP unit chief Dilip Ghosh on Monday claimed that cows in the country produce milk which has gold in it and also added that foreign breeds are not "our gaumata" but "aunties".

"The country`s own breed of cows have a special characteristic. There is gold mixed in its milk and that is why the colour of their milk is golden. There is a `Nari` (blood vessel) that helps produce gold with the help of sunlight. So, we have to keep those (local) cows. If we drink `desi` cow milk, we will become healthy and can prevent diseases," he said at a `Gopa Ashtami` programme here.

"The breeds of cows that we bring from abroad are not cows. They are a kind of `janwar` (beast). These foreign breeds don`t sound like cows. Those are not our gaumata, but our aunties. It is not good for the country if we worship such aunties," he said.

The BJP leader asserted that cow is "our mother" and threatened of action against those who "misbehave" with the animal.

"Cow is our mother. We stay alive by consuming cow milk. So, if anyone misbehaves with my mother, I will treat them the way they should be treated. On the holy soil of India, killing cows and consuming beef is a crime," he said.

Ghosh courted controversy when he attacked "few intellectuals" for having beef on roads and asked them to consume `dog meat` at their homes.

"Few intellectuals eat beef on roads. I tell them to eat dog meat too. Their health will be fine..., but why on roads? Eat at your home," he said.

This is not the first time that Ghosh made controversial remarks on various issues.&nbsp;In September, Ghosh had claimed that "bribe" worth Rs 2 lakh was being offered to prove people were committing suicides in West Bengal due to National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Earlier this year, a case was registered against the West Bengal BJP chief for reportedly asking his party workers to beat up their TMC counterparts and police.

He made the purported comment in connection to the recent clashes between TMC and BJP party workers in the state.

West Bengal BJP unit chief Dilip Ghosh on Monday claimed that cows in the country produce milk which has gold in it and also added that foreign breeds are not "our gaumata" but "aunties".

West Bengal BJP unit chief Dilip Ghosh on Monday claimed that cows in the country produce milk which has gold in it and also added that foreign breeds are not "our gaumata" but "aunties". "The country`s own breed of cows have a special characteristic. There is gold mixed in its milk and that is why the colour of their milk is golden. There is a `Nari` (blood vessel) that helps produce gold with the help of sunlight. So, we have to keep those (local) cows. If we drink `desi` cow milk, we will become healthy and can prevent diseases," he said at a `Gopa Ashtami` programme here. "The breeds of cows that we bring from abroad are not cows. They are a kind of `janwar` (beast). These foreign breeds don`t sound like cows. Those are not our gaumata, but our aunties. It is not good for the country if we worship such aunties," he said. The BJP leader asserted that cow is "our mother" and threatened of action against those who "misbehave" with the animal. "Cow is our mother. We stay alive by consuming cow milk. So, if anyone misbehaves with my mother, I will treat them the way they should be treated. On the holy soil of India, killing cows and consuming beef is a crime," he said. Ghosh courted controversy when he attacked "few intellectuals" for having beef on roads and asked them to consume `dog meat` at their homes. "Few intellectuals eat beef on roads. I tell them to eat dog meat too. Their health will be fine..., but why on roads? Eat at your home," he said. This is not the first time that Ghosh made controversial remarks on various issues. In September, Ghosh had claimed that "bribe" worth Rs 2 lakh was being offered to prove people were committing suicides in West Bengal due to National Register of Citizens (NRC). Earlier this year, a case was registered against the West Bengal BJP chief for reportedly asking his party workers to beat up their TMC counterparts and police. He made the purported comment in connection to the recent clashes between TMC and BJP party workers in the state.

Foreign cows are 'aunties', Indian cows have gold in their milk: BJP's Dilip Ghosh

Days after three people allegedly died at an illegal coal mine in Asansol, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday staged a protest demanding that the administration should close mining operations to avoid any such incident in the future.

"Three people died during illegal coal mining, the administration took out their bodies after four days. Poor people go to work in illegal mining. If they will not stop illegal mining, we will demonstrate further," BJP leader Subrat Mishra told ANI.

On October 13, four people allegedly tried to dig the mine illegally, during which the three got trapped inside it. Later, their bodies were recovered by NDRF.

The coal mine reportedly consisted of poisonous methane gas inside and trapped persons lost consciousness due to its effect.

Days after three people allegedly died at an illegal coal mine in Asansol, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday staged a protest demanding that the administration should close mining operations to avoid any such incident in the future.

Days after three people allegedly died at an illegal coal mine in Asansol, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday staged a protest demanding that the administration should close mining operations to avoid any such incident in the future. "Three people died during illegal coal mining, the administration took out their bodies after four days. Poor people go to work in illegal mining. If they will not stop illegal mining, we will demonstrate further," BJP leader Subrat Mishra told ANI. On October 13, four people allegedly tried to dig the mine illegally, during which the three got trapped inside it. Later, their bodies were recovered by NDRF. The coal mine reportedly consisted of poisonous methane gas inside and trapped persons lost consciousness due to its effect.

West Bengal: BJP stages protest against illegal mining in Asansol

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

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

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

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

The West Bengal has ensured food security to more than 8.5 crore people residing in the state under the `Khadya Sathi` scheme, claimed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the occasion of World Food Day.

Taking to the micro-blogging site, CM Banerjee said, "Today is #WorldFoodDay. We have ensured the food security of more than 8.5 crore people of #Bangla through Khadya Sathi Scheme."

The Trinamool Congress president also stated that her government has provided special assistance to the people of Jangalmahal and Hill areas besides Aila-affected areas and farmers of Singur, tea garden workers as well as the Toto tribe.

"Special assistance is also provided to the people of Jangalmahal and Hill areas, Aila-affected areas, farmers of Singur, tea garden workers &amp; Toto tribe," she added.

World Food Day is celebrated worldwide on this day. It calls for action across sectors to make healthy and sustainable diets affordable and accessible to everyone.

At the same time, it calls on everyone to start thinking about what we eat.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The West Bengal has ensured food security to more than 8.5 crore people residing in the state under the `Khadya Sathi` scheme, claimed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the occasion of World Food Day.

The West Bengal has ensured food security to more than 8.5 crore people residing in the state under the `Khadya Sathi` scheme, claimed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the occasion of World Food Day. Taking to the micro-blogging site, CM Banerjee said, "Today is #WorldFoodDay. We have ensured the food security of more than 8.5 crore people of #Bangla through Khadya Sathi Scheme." The Trinamool Congress president also stated that her government has provided special assistance to the people of Jangalmahal and Hill areas besides Aila-affected areas and farmers of Singur, tea garden workers as well as the Toto tribe. "Special assistance is also provided to the people of Jangalmahal and Hill areas, Aila-affected areas, farmers of Singur, tea garden workers & Toto tribe," she added. World Food Day is celebrated worldwide on this day. It calls for action across sectors to make healthy and sustainable diets affordable and accessible to everyone. At the same time, it calls on everyone to start thinking about what we eat.

Ensured food security of over 8.5 crore Bangla people through Khadya Sathi scheme: Mamata

The West Bengal unit of BJP staged a dharna today at Gandhi statue in Kolkata to register their protest against the killings of BJP workers.

The party claimed that as many as eight members have been killed in the last 81 days with the most recent one being reported in Bengal's Nadia and Murshidabad district.

“Our happy days of the Durga Puja turned into days of grief with our partymen being killed. To protest against the killings, we have hit the streets today. We have come here to warn the government that we are not going to tolerate such violence and political killings. The day we reach the saturation point, citizens will take law in their hands and it will have serious repercussions. Hitting the streets is the need of the hour,” said Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh.

Besides Ghosh, other senior BJP leaders like – Swapan Dasgupta, Mukul Roy, Rahul Sinha and Bharati Ghosh were also present in the dharna.

The party announced that soon they will launch a movement against the ruling party in the state - Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal Government to protest against the killings. They also added that they will march to the West Bengal secretariat – Nabanna in Howrah. However, the party is yet to decide the date of the march – Nabanna abhiyaan.

“Such is the state of law and order in our state. We will launch our movement soon including a march to the Nabanna. As of now, the date is yet to be announced. But the Nabanna Abhiyaan will be held soon to give a clear message to the West Bengal government that BJP is not sitting idle and we will not tolerate TMC-sponsored atrocities,” added Ghosh.

The West Bengal unit of BJP staged a dharna today at Gandhi statue in Kolkata to register their protest against the killings of BJP workers. The party claimed that as many as eight members have been killed in the last 81 days with the most recent one being reported in Bengal's Nadia and Murshidabad district.

The West Bengal unit of BJP staged a dharna today at Gandhi statue in Kolkata to register their protest against the killings of BJP workers. The party claimed that as many as eight members have been killed in the last 81 days with the most recent one being reported in Bengal's Nadia and Murshidabad district. “Our happy days of the Durga Puja turned into days of grief with our partymen being killed. To protest against the killings, we have hit the streets today. We have come here to warn the government that we are not going to tolerate such violence and political killings. The day we reach the saturation point, citizens will take law in their hands and it will have serious repercussions. Hitting the streets is the need of the hour,” said Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh. Besides Ghosh, other senior BJP leaders like – Swapan Dasgupta, Mukul Roy, Rahul Sinha and Bharati Ghosh were also present in the dharna. The party announced that soon they will launch a movement against the ruling party in the state - Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal Government to protest against the killings. They also added that they will march to the West Bengal secretariat – Nabanna in Howrah. However, the party is yet to decide the date of the march – Nabanna abhiyaan. “Such is the state of law and order in our state. We will launch our movement soon including a march to the Nabanna. As of now, the date is yet to be announced. But the Nabanna Abhiyaan will be held soon to give a clear message to the West Bengal government that BJP is not sitting idle and we will not tolerate TMC-sponsored atrocities,” added Ghosh.

West Bengal BJP stages dharna in Kolkata against the killing of party workers

One couldn't help but be intrigued by the towering black and white portrait of the middle-aged man on the wall.

"That is Dr Sun Yat-sen," said James Lee.

Sun was the Chinese revolutionary who overthrew the monarchy to pave for modernity in the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. If Mao Zedong is the father of the People's Republic of China then Sun is the father of Modern China.

"The picture's more than 100 years old," added Lee. 
 
<img alt="Club" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3341a73f-7cd6-4668-ae05-a63c97fa6bf0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_sun1.jpg" />

As interesting as the portrait, was its location. The piece of Chinese history is kept at a club in the Eastern Indian city of Kolkata.

It may seem odd at first but this was not an ordinary club - at least culturally. The place called the 'Hupeh Association' is located in Tiretta Bazar- one of Kolkata's Chinatowns.

50-year-old Lee is the owner of the Sei Vu restaurant at the recreational club. A sustained conversation with him would make it clear that he is also the custodian of the history of the more than a century old Hupeh Association.

Lee who was born and raised in India said that he can speak 5 languages - Hindi, English, Bengali, Cantonese &amp; Nepali. He learnt the last language as his wife is from Nepal.

According to Lee, the portrait of Sun was installed in the early 1900s by Chinese workers who were funding the revolution at home.

The history of the Chinese community in India goes back to the 16th century when the first Chinese trader arrived in Kolkata from China's Guangdong or erstwhile Canton province.

Mass migration of Chinese workers to South East Asia and from there to India began in the 19th century owing to employment opportunities and political instability back at home.

Most Chinese labourers found work in Kolkata tanneries.

Lee's own family came from the coastal Guangdong or the erstwhile Canton province.

But the club's name suggested that it was established by settlers from the eponymous Hupeh or the Hubei province in China.

Despite its small size, the Hupeh Association provided a great deal into the history of the Chinese community of the city. 
 
<img alt="Hupeh Association" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="29650bcf-2475-4d81-a933-422d44fecc2c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_hupeh.jpg" />

Inside the club was a Taoist temple which was built with the help of donations from Chinese people. The benefactors' names have been inscribed on a plaque at the place of worship.

The Chinese people retained their traditional practices even though they have been living in India.

"We bury our dead in the cemetery at Tangra. In the past, the remains were taken out the grave after three years and stored in urns," said Lee.

However, the population of the Chinese community of India has been dwindling with many people moving abroad. Only a few thousand of them are currently living in the country. The community faced prejudice after the 1962 Indo-China War.

But Lee begged to differ. "I never faced any ethnic discrimination in Kolkata as it's a cosmopolitan and liberal city," said Lee.

Lee's brother lived in China but he had no intention of visiting his country of origin.

"My father who passed away in the 1980s had four wives," said Lee.

The 50-year-old said that he lost touch with his family in China after his father's death.

Lee added, "There were no means of communication back then. My nephews might still be in China but there's no point in going there now." 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

One couldn't help but be intrigued by the towering black and white portrait of the middle-aged man on the wall. "That is Dr Sun Yat-sen," said James Lee. Sun was the Chinese revolutionary who overthrew the monarchy to pave for modernity in the 1911 Xinhai Revolution.

One couldn't help but be intrigued by the towering black and white portrait of the middle-aged man on the wall. "That is Dr Sun Yat-sen," said James Lee. Sun was the Chinese revolutionary who overthrew the monarchy to pave for modernity in the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. If Mao Zedong is the father of the People's Republic of China then Sun is the father of Modern China. "The picture's more than 100 years old," added Lee. As interesting as the portrait, was its location. The piece of Chinese history is kept at a club in the Eastern Indian city of Kolkata. It may seem odd at first but this was not an ordinary club - at least culturally. The place called the 'Hupeh Association' is located in Tiretta Bazar- one of Kolkata's Chinatowns. 50-year-old Lee is the owner of the Sei Vu restaurant at the recreational club. A sustained conversation with him would make it clear that he is also the custodian of the history of the more than a century old Hupeh Association. Lee who was born and raised in India said that he can speak 5 languages - Hindi, English, Bengali, Cantonese & Nepali. He learnt the last language as his wife is from Nepal. According to Lee, the portrait of Sun was installed in the early 1900s by Chinese workers who were funding the revolution at home. The history of the Chinese community in India goes back to the 16th century when the first Chinese trader arrived in Kolkata from China's Guangdong or erstwhile Canton province. Mass migration of Chinese workers to South East Asia and from there to India began in the 19th century owing to employment opportunities and political instability back at home. Most Chinese labourers found work in Kolkata tanneries. Lee's own family came from the coastal Guangdong or the erstwhile Canton province. But the club's name suggested that it was established by settlers from the eponymous Hupeh or the Hubei province in China. Despite its small size, the Hupeh Association provided a great deal into the history of the Chinese community of the city. Inside the club was a Taoist temple which was built with the help of donations from Chinese people. The benefactors' names have been inscribed on a plaque at the place of worship. The Chinese people retained their traditional practices even though they have been living in India. "We bury our dead in the cemetery at Tangra. In the past, the remains were taken out the grave after three years and stored in urns," said Lee. However, the population of the Chinese community of India has been dwindling with many people moving abroad. Only a few thousand of them are currently living in the country. The community faced prejudice after the 1962 Indo-China War. But Lee begged to differ. "I never faced any ethnic discrimination in Kolkata as it's a cosmopolitan and liberal city," said Lee. Lee's brother lived in China but he had no intention of visiting his country of origin. "My father who passed away in the 1980s had four wives," said Lee. The 50-year-old said that he lost touch with his family in China after his father's death. Lee added, "There were no means of communication back then. My nephews might still be in China but there's no point in going there now." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How a small club is preserving history of Kolkata's Chinatown

The BJP has come down heavily on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after an RSS worker, along with his pregnant wife and son was allegedly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/democracy-is-being-murdered-in-west-bengal-devendra-fadnavis-on-clash-during-amit-shah-rally-218855">brutally murdered</a> in Murshidabad district in the state.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-bjp-worker-killed-in-bengal-body-found-hanging-from-electric-pole-141747"> gruesome murder</a> of the Swayamsevak and his family is being seen as another low in politics of West Bengal by BJP leaders.

Many leaders of the party have taken to social media to express their anger and anguish over the incident. On Tuesday, Bondhu Gopal Pal, a primary school teacher, his pregnant wife and a six-year-old son were found in a pool of blood at their residence in Murshidabad`s Jiyaganj area.

A senior RSS leader while speaking to ANI said that Pal had recently associated with the RSS.&nbsp;

"Though, he did not hold any post but he was a swayamsevak and recently associated with us," said a senior RSS functionary.

While the police are yet to arrest anyone in the case, the BJP leaders expressed dismay over the state of law and order situation especially when it comes to those associated with the RSS and BJP.

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said that West Bengal is going through anarchy and the chief minister`s frustration is evident by the rate at which political violence is taking place.

"After Mamata Banerjee`s defeat in Lok Sabha elections, she is frustrated. In the past five days, four workers have been killed. This spell of violence is not stopping. She wants to regain power by riding on terror that she is spreading in the state," said Vijayvargiya while adding that in democracy one can`t respond to violence through violence.

Taking to Twitter, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said that the murder has shaken his conscience and that liberals have not uttered a single word on the murder.

"A RSS worker Sh Bandhu Prakash Pal,his eight months pregnant wife and his child were brutally slaughtered in West Bengal`s Murshidabad. Not a word by the liberals. Not a letter by 59 liberals to Mamata. Nauseating Selectivism!" he tweeted.

Union Minister Babul Supriya also lambasted Mamata Banerjee and tweeted, "Didi Maa, do people mean anything to you, Mamata Banerjee? Did we want this Bengal? On one hand, we pray to goddess Durga and goddess Kali and on the other hand a mother and her child are brutally killed."&nbsp;

The BJP has come down heavily on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after an RSS worker, along with his pregnant wife and son was allegedly brutally murdered in Murshidabad district in the state.

The BJP has come down heavily on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after an RSS worker, along with his pregnant wife and son was allegedly brutally murdered in Murshidabad district in the state. The gruesome murder of the Swayamsevak and his family is being seen as another low in politics of West Bengal by BJP leaders. Many leaders of the party have taken to social media to express their anger and anguish over the incident. On Tuesday, Bondhu Gopal Pal, a primary school teacher, his pregnant wife and a six-year-old son were found in a pool of blood at their residence in Murshidabad`s Jiyaganj area. A senior RSS leader while speaking to ANI said that Pal had recently associated with the RSS. "Though, he did not hold any post but he was a swayamsevak and recently associated with us," said a senior RSS functionary. While the police are yet to arrest anyone in the case, the BJP leaders expressed dismay over the state of law and order situation especially when it comes to those associated with the RSS and BJP. BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said that West Bengal is going through anarchy and the chief minister`s frustration is evident by the rate at which political violence is taking place. "After Mamata Banerjee`s defeat in Lok Sabha elections, she is frustrated. In the past five days, four workers have been killed. This spell of violence is not stopping. She wants to regain power by riding on terror that she is spreading in the state," said Vijayvargiya while adding that in democracy one can`t respond to violence through violence. Taking to Twitter, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said that the murder has shaken his conscience and that liberals have not uttered a single word on the murder. "A RSS worker Sh Bandhu Prakash Pal,his eight months pregnant wife and his child were brutally slaughtered in West Bengal`s Murshidabad. Not a word by the liberals. Not a letter by 59 liberals to Mamata. Nauseating Selectivism!" he tweeted. Union Minister Babul Supriya also lambasted Mamata Banerjee and tweeted, "Didi Maa, do people mean anything to you, Mamata Banerjee? Did we want this Bengal? On one hand, we pray to goddess Durga and goddess Kali and on the other hand a mother and her child are brutally killed."

BJP slams Mamata Banerjee over murder of RSS worker, his family in West Bengal's Murshidabad

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

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

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

Trinamool Congress MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joins Bharatiya Janata Party

A boat carrying around 50 passengers sank in Rupnarayan river between Mayachar and Danipur area in east Medinipur, earlier on Monday.

The incident occurred at about 9:30 am and is said to have been caused by strong currents in the Rupnarayan river.

Police started search operations in the river as soon as it got the information about the boat capsizing incident.

Till now 15 passengers have been rescued and they have been sent to Shyampur hospital in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/west-bengal-govt-instructs-cinema-halls-in-the-state-to-screen-bengali-films-during-durga-puja-252255">Howrah</a>.

Efforts are being made by the rescue team to track down the other missing passengers.

A boat carrying around 50 passengers sank in Rupnarayan river between Mayachar and Danipur area in east Medinipur, earlier on Monday. The incident occurred at about 9:30 am and is said to have been caused by strong currents in the Rupnarayan river.

A boat carrying around 50 passengers sank in Rupnarayan river between Mayachar and Danipur area in east Medinipur, earlier on Monday. The incident occurred at about 9:30 am and is said to have been caused by strong currents in the Rupnarayan river. Police started search operations in the river as soon as it got the information about the boat capsizing incident. Till now 15 passengers have been rescued and they have been sent to Shyampur hospital in Howrah. Efforts are being made by the rescue team to track down the other missing passengers.

Boat with 50 on board capsizes in West Bengal

BS Yediyurappa-led Karnataka government has issued notification regarding the revised fines on select traffic offences.

The state government has slashed rates on several traffic offences under, The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, but has kept penalties for drunken driving unchanged.

As per the latest order issued on Saturday, the fine for not wearing a helmet and seat belt while driving has been reduced to Rs 500 as against the prescribed amount of Rs 1000 in the new Motor Vehicle Act.

For allowing an unauthorised person to drive vehicles, the fines for two-wheelers and three-wheelers will be Rs 1000, Rs 2000 for LMV and Rs 5000 for other vehicles.

The rates have been slashed "In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 200 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Central Act 59 of 1988) read with Section 21 of the General Clauses Act, 1897," read the notification by the state government.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister, Laxman Sangappa Savadi had earlier said the fine rates under the new Act will be revised.

Before that, Yediyurappa had directed the state transport department to slash fines under the amended Motor Vehicles Act 2019.

"Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa today instructed officials to study the Gujarat model of revised traffic fines to implement something similar in Karnataka," the Chief Minister's office said in a statement.

Gujarat has already reduced the fine for not wearing a helmet and set belt to Rs 500 as against the prescribed amount of Rs 1000 in the new Motor Vehicle Act. Driving without a valid license will cost Rs 2,000 to bikers and Rs 3,000 to four-wheelers as against Rs 5,000 mentioned in the act.

States like Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Punjab have put the new rules on hold.

BS Yediyurappa-led Karnataka government has issued notification regarding the revised fines on select traffic offences. The state government has slashed rates on several traffic offences under, The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, but has kept penalties for drunken driving unchanged.

BS Yediyurappa-led Karnataka government has issued notification regarding the revised fines on select traffic offences. The state government has slashed rates on several traffic offences under, The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, but has kept penalties for drunken driving unchanged. As per the latest order issued on Saturday, the fine for not wearing a helmet and seat belt while driving has been reduced to Rs 500 as against the prescribed amount of Rs 1000 in the new Motor Vehicle Act. For allowing an unauthorised person to drive vehicles, the fines for two-wheelers and three-wheelers will be Rs 1000, Rs 2000 for LMV and Rs 5000 for other vehicles. The rates have been slashed "In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 200 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Central Act 59 of 1988) read with Section 21 of the General Clauses Act, 1897," read the notification by the state government. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister, Laxman Sangappa Savadi had earlier said the fine rates under the new Act will be revised. Before that, Yediyurappa had directed the state transport department to slash fines under the amended Motor Vehicles Act 2019. "Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa today instructed officials to study the Gujarat model of revised traffic fines to implement something similar in Karnataka," the Chief Minister's office said in a statement. Gujarat has already reduced the fine for not wearing a helmet and set belt to Rs 500 as against the prescribed amount of Rs 1000 in the new Motor Vehicle Act. Driving without a valid license will cost Rs 2,000 to bikers and Rs 3,000 to four-wheelers as against Rs 5,000 mentioned in the act. States like Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Punjab have put the new rules on hold.

Karnataka slashes penalties for traffic offences under Motor Vehicle Act

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday visited the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) situated in Bhabani Bhaban area to enquire if the organisation is in contact with Rajeev Kumar.

Kumar, a former Kolkata police commissioner, is wanted in connection with the probe into Saradha chit fund scam.

The Saradha group of companies had allegedly duped scores of people to the tune of Rs 2,500 crore promising higher rates of return on their investments.

Kumar is accused of tampering with evidence in Saradha scam case. He was a part of the SIT constituted by the state government to probe the scam before the Supreme Court transferred it to the CBI.

On Monday, Kumar evaded the CBI for the third time even as the probe agency spanned out to search for him after which it moved Alipore court in the city, seeking an arrest warrant for Rajeev Kumar.

Disposing off the agency`s prayer, the court said the CBI does not need its warrant against Rajeev Kumar, as the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court had already lifted the bar on his arrest in the chit fund case.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday visited the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) situated in Bhabani Bhaban area to enquire if the organisation is in contact with Rajeev Kumar.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday visited the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) situated in Bhabani Bhaban area to enquire if the organisation is in contact with Rajeev Kumar. Kumar, a former Kolkata police commissioner, is wanted in connection with the probe into Saradha chit fund scam. The Saradha group of companies had allegedly duped scores of people to the tune of Rs 2,500 crore promising higher rates of return on their investments. Kumar is accused of tampering with evidence in Saradha scam case. He was a part of the SIT constituted by the state government to probe the scam before the Supreme Court transferred it to the CBI. On Monday, Kumar evaded the CBI for the third time even as the probe agency spanned out to search for him after which it moved Alipore court in the city, seeking an arrest warrant for Rajeev Kumar. Disposing off the agency`s prayer, the court said the CBI does not need its warrant against Rajeev Kumar, as the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court had already lifted the bar on his arrest in the chit fund case.

West Bengal: CBI visits CID headquarters to enquire about Kolkata ex-cop Rajeev Kumar

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday made it clear that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be implemented and no one will be pushed out from the state.

Accusing the BJP of using NRC as a political tool, Banerjee urged the voters to check the names in the list which was being updated.

"BJP has negatively publicised NRC. They are promoting it as a political tool. NRC will not come to Bengal. Nobody will be pushed out of Bengal. People who have been living in Bengal for so many years, they will stay here the same way," she told reporters.

"Voter list is being renewed, so I would urge you to check whether your name is in voter list. Have faith in me, NRC will not happen here," Banerjee said.

On Thursday, Banerjee had met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi where she raised the issue of Assam NRC in which 19 lakh people were excluded.

The TMC supremo had reiterated her today's statement that the exercise will not be implemented in West Bengal.

In the final NRC list published on August 31 for Assam, a total of 3,11,21,004 persons are found eligible for inclusion in final list leaving out 19,06,657 persons, including those who did not submit their claims.

The list is aimed at segregating Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday made it clear that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be implemented and no one will be pushed out from the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday made it clear that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be implemented and no one will be pushed out from the state. Accusing the BJP of using NRC as a political tool, Banerjee urged the voters to check the names in the list which was being updated. "BJP has negatively publicised NRC. They are promoting it as a political tool. NRC will not come to Bengal. Nobody will be pushed out of Bengal. People who have been living in Bengal for so many years, they will stay here the same way," she told reporters. "Voter list is being renewed, so I would urge you to check whether your name is in voter list. Have faith in me, NRC will not happen here," Banerjee said. On Thursday, Banerjee had met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi where she raised the issue of Assam NRC in which 19 lakh people were excluded. The TMC supremo had reiterated her today's statement that the exercise will not be implemented in West Bengal. In the final NRC list published on August 31 for Assam, a total of 3,11,21,004 persons are found eligible for inclusion in final list leaving out 19,06,657 persons, including those who did not submit their claims. The list is aimed at segregating Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh.

NRC won't come to Bengal, nobody will be pushed out: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and said she raised the contentious issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with him.

"Had come here to discuss the 19 lakh people not included in the NRC. They should all be included in it," Mamata said after the meeting at Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) here.

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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on her meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah: He did not say anything about NRC in West Bengal. I have already clarified my stand that NRC is not needed in West Bengal. <a href="https://t.co/XyJEpyk5JY">https://t.co/XyJEpyk5JY</a>
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The chief minister had yesterday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, her first meeting with him after general elections. During her meeting with Modi, the issue of West Bengal's name change to Bangla was discussed. The Chief Minister made it clear that any suggestion from the Centre will be accepted.

"Bengal is open to any 'addition or alternation' on the name change," Banerjee had said. The Chief Minister specifically mentioned that the meeting was "government to government sans political interferences".

At present, BJP is the key opponent of TMC after the former performed exceptionally well in West Bengal during the Lok Sabha elections, where the party won 18 seats.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and said she raised the contentious issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with him.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and said she raised the contentious issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with him. "Had come here to discuss the 19 lakh people not included in the NRC. They should all be included in it," Mamata said after the meeting at Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) here. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on her meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah: He did not say anything about NRC in West Bengal. I have already clarified my stand that NRC is not needed in West Bengal. https://t.co/XyJEpyk5JY — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2019 × The chief minister had yesterday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, her first meeting with him after general elections. During her meeting with Modi, the issue of West Bengal's name change to Bangla was discussed. The Chief Minister made it clear that any suggestion from the Centre will be accepted. "Bengal is open to any 'addition or alternation' on the name change," Banerjee had said. The Chief Minister specifically mentioned that the meeting was "government to government sans political interferences". At present, BJP is the key opponent of TMC after the former performed exceptionally well in West Bengal during the Lok Sabha elections, where the party won 18 seats.

Mamata banerjee meets Amit Shah, says discussed issue of 19 lakh exculded from NRC

A court here on Tuesday reserved its order on the anticipatory bail plea of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saradha-chit-fund-scam-former-kolkata-police-commissioner-rajeev-kumar-seeks-more-time-to-appear-before-cbi-249713">former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar</a>, who is accused of tampering with evidence in Saradha scam case.

District Sessions Judge Md Shabbar Rashidi heard the arguments from both the sides and reserved the order.

Kumar in his plea contended that he was merely a part of the special investigation team (SIT) probing the case and that there were several officers above him in the hierarchy.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saradha-chit-fund-scam-cbi-issues-lookout-notice-against-rajeev-kumar-221738">CBI</a>, on the other hand, sought the custodial interrogation of Kumar.

Earlier today, a special court in Barasat had refused to hear the anticipatory bail plea, saying it does not have the jurisdiction to pass an order on the application.

Special Court Judge Sanjib Talukdar had asked Kumar to move Barasat's District Sessions Court for relief in the matter.

For quite some time Kumar has been avoiding appearing before the CBI despite being summoned after the Calcutta High Court withdrew protection from the arrest granted to him in the case.

Kumar was a part of the SIT constituted by the state government to probe the scam before the Supreme Court transferred it to the CBI.

Earlier, the CBI had said it needs to interrogate the former Kolkata Police Commissioner in the case.

A court here on Tuesday reserved its order on the anticipatory bail plea of former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who is accused of tampering with evidence in Saradha scam case.

A court here on Tuesday reserved its order on the anticipatory bail plea of former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who is accused of tampering with evidence in Saradha scam case. District Sessions Judge Md Shabbar Rashidi heard the arguments from both the sides and reserved the order. Kumar in his plea contended that he was merely a part of the special investigation team (SIT) probing the case and that there were several officers above him in the hierarchy. The CBI, on the other hand, sought the custodial interrogation of Kumar. Earlier today, a special court in Barasat had refused to hear the anticipatory bail plea, saying it does not have the jurisdiction to pass an order on the application. Special Court Judge Sanjib Talukdar had asked Kumar to move Barasat's District Sessions Court for relief in the matter. For quite some time Kumar has been avoiding appearing before the CBI despite being summoned after the Calcutta High Court withdrew protection from the arrest granted to him in the case. Kumar was a part of the SIT constituted by the state government to probe the scam before the Supreme Court transferred it to the CBI. Earlier, the CBI had said it needs to interrogate the former Kolkata Police Commissioner in the case.

West Bengal: Court reserves order on bail plea of former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar

In a bid to overthrow Trinamool Congress government (TMC), Bhartiya Janata Party has prepared a plan to win more than 200 seats in West Bengal in the assembly elections slated to be held in 2021.

According to a party source, Home minister Amit shah met Bengal state BJP leaders over the last few days and has decided to form a team of four members on every seat which will include MPs, MLAs and local organisational heads.

"Also, the leader selected for a particular seat will have no past connection with that constituency. For instance, if someone is from Howrah seat, then they will be selected for the Darjeeling seat. Reason for doing so is that the team can prepare fair reports," the source adds.

The teams have also been tasked to prepare a report for each area to see if there is any groupism in the party in order to neutralize it before the elections.

All the teams will start work from October 8 and the leaders will be in their appointed constituency to observe the current situation closely and prepare a concrete report, the source added.

"Reports will be submitted by the BJP core group of Bengal and not by individual leaders. The reports will be discussed with Home Minister Amit shah in the 1st week of November," the source said.

In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP won 18 seats against just 6 seats in 2014. After the party's massive win, a lot of TMC local leaders have joined BJP.

BJP is also eying 90 seats in the state which have a majority of the minority vote bank and a special plan for the above-mentioned seats is also under the works.

The party will also start a programme to spread awareness about the significance of National Register of Citizens, the source added.

Also from 15th October till the State elections, the BJP cadets will be protesting from Block to state-level on various issues against the state government and the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's appeasement politics, the sources added.

In a bid to overthrow Trinamool Congress government (TMC), Bhartiya Janata Party has prepared a plan to win more than 200 seats in West Bengal in the assembly elections slated to be held in 2021.

In a bid to overthrow Trinamool Congress government (TMC), Bhartiya Janata Party has prepared a plan to win more than 200 seats in West Bengal in the assembly elections slated to be held in 2021. According to a party source, Home minister Amit shah met Bengal state BJP leaders over the last few days and has decided to form a team of four members on every seat which will include MPs, MLAs and local organisational heads. "Also, the leader selected for a particular seat will have no past connection with that constituency. For instance, if someone is from Howrah seat, then they will be selected for the Darjeeling seat. Reason for doing so is that the team can prepare fair reports," the source adds. The teams have also been tasked to prepare a report for each area to see if there is any groupism in the party in order to neutralize it before the elections. All the teams will start work from October 8 and the leaders will be in their appointed constituency to observe the current situation closely and prepare a concrete report, the source added. "Reports will be submitted by the BJP core group of Bengal and not by individual leaders. The reports will be discussed with Home Minister Amit shah in the 1st week of November," the source said. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP won 18 seats against just 6 seats in 2014. After the party's massive win, a lot of TMC local leaders have joined BJP. BJP is also eying 90 seats in the state which have a majority of the minority vote bank and a special plan for the above-mentioned seats is also under the works. The party will also start a programme to spread awareness about the significance of National Register of Citizens, the source added. Also from 15th October till the State elections, the BJP cadets will be protesting from Block to state-level on various issues against the state government and the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's appeasement politics, the sources added.

BJP eyes 200+ seats in West Bengal

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

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

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

Mamata Banerjee trying hard for image makeover

At a time when West Bengal is reeling under a debt burden, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced a Durga Puja ‘gift’ to the organisers that would cost the state exchequer as much as Rs 70 crore.

As many as 3,000 Durga Pujas are organized in Kolkata, while the rest of Bengal witnesses over 25,000 Durga Pujas pandals across the state. Each of these 28,000 Durga Puja committees would be 'gifted' Rs 25,000 increased from Rs 10,000 given last year.

Banerjee also announced an additional Rs 5,000 for the Durga Puja committees which are managed by women only. This apart, she also announced that CESC and WBSEDCL – electricity supply boards in Kolkata and West Bengal - respectively will offer a 25 per cent concession on the total electricity bill of each of the puja pandals. &nbsp;

“We are a poor man’s government but we still try our best for the Durga puja committees. Instead of Rs 10,000 given last year, we are increasing it to Rs 25,000 this year. I am aware that the economic condition of the Durga puja committees is not very well and the electricity unit prices have also risen hence we are offering a 25 per cent discount on electricity bills. Kolkata Municipal Corporation tax has also been eradicated,” said Banerjee.

The Mamata Banerjee-government inherited a debt of around Rs 2 lakh crore from the Left Front government when it came to power back in 2011. However, the chief minister and state finance minister Amit Mitra have been raising the issue of a waiver of the debt time and again with the Centre.&nbsp;

While the total loan repayment figure for the year 2018-19 stood at Rs 49,656 crore, it rose to Rs 56,183.16 crore for the year 2019-20.

This is not the first time when the Bengal government has announced Durga puja ‘gift’ for the puja committees. Last year, an amount of Rs 10,000 was given to as many as 28,000 puja committees costing an amount of Rs 28 crore to the state exchequer.

At a time when West Bengal is reeling under a debt burden, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced a Durga Puja ‘gift’ to the organisers that would cost the state exchequer as much as Rs 70 crore.

At a time when West Bengal is reeling under a debt burden, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced a Durga Puja ‘gift’ to the organisers that would cost the state exchequer as much as Rs 70 crore. As many as 3,000 Durga Pujas are organized in Kolkata, while the rest of Bengal witnesses over 25,000 Durga Pujas pandals across the state. Each of these 28,000 Durga Puja committees would be 'gifted' Rs 25,000 increased from Rs 10,000 given last year. Banerjee also announced an additional Rs 5,000 for the Durga Puja committees which are managed by women only. This apart, she also announced that CESC and WBSEDCL – electricity supply boards in Kolkata and West Bengal - respectively will offer a 25 per cent concession on the total electricity bill of each of the puja pandals. “We are a poor man’s government but we still try our best for the Durga puja committees. Instead of Rs 10,000 given last year, we are increasing it to Rs 25,000 this year. I am aware that the economic condition of the Durga puja committees is not very well and the electricity unit prices have also risen hence we are offering a 25 per cent discount on electricity bills. Kolkata Municipal Corporation tax has also been eradicated,” said Banerjee. The Mamata Banerjee-government inherited a debt of around Rs 2 lakh crore from the Left Front government when it came to power back in 2011. However, the chief minister and state finance minister Amit Mitra have been raising the issue of a waiver of the debt time and again with the Centre. While the total loan repayment figure for the year 2018-19 stood at Rs 49,656 crore, it rose to Rs 56,183.16 crore for the year 2019-20. This is not the first time when the Bengal government has announced Durga puja ‘gift’ for the puja committees. Last year, an amount of Rs 10,000 was given to as many as 28,000 puja committees costing an amount of Rs 28 crore to the state exchequer.

Debt-ridden Mamata Banerjee government 'gifts' Rs 70 crore to West Bengal Durga Puja organisers

A stampede occurred amidst Janmashtami celebrations at a temple in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Friday leaving at least five people dead and 27 grievously injured.

In the wee hours of Friday morning at around 3 am, the boundary wall leading to the Kachua Loknath Temple collapsed on the pilgrims while it was raining heavily. The wall collapse then led to a stampede.

Following the incident, the trapped people were removed immediately and rushed several hospitals including, Basirhat Hospital, National Medical College and SSKM hospital.&nbsp;

Five persons were declared dead on arrival while as many as 27 others are undergoing treatment. Out of the 27, five are in a critical state.

While BJP claimed that the district administration failed to take sufficient precautionary measures to avoid a stampede, the district administration blamed overcrowding and inclement weather leading to the stampede.

"Kumbh Mela is conducted without any fatalities. Here, we saw how a small gathering could not be controlled and led to a stampede. The district administration is responsible for the stampede," said Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh.

Hours after the stampede, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the two hospitals in Kolkata to meet the family members of the deceased and ensured the treatment to the injured.

"It is extremely unfortunate. I am told it was raining heavily and people were taking cover when suddenly the boundary wall leading to the temple collapsed. We are ensuring all treatment to the deceased and have ordered an enquiry into the incident," Banerjee said.

"Compensation has been announced for the deceased. Medical expenses are being borne by the government. My condolences to family members of those who passed away and prayers for the injured to recover soon," she added.

Under the announced compensation for the deceased and injured, five lack rupees will be given to the deceased and one lack rupees to the seriously injured and, fifty thousand rupees to the injured.

A stampede occurred amidst Janmashtami celebrations at a temple in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Friday leaving at least five people dead and 27 grievously injured.

A stampede occurred amidst Janmashtami celebrations at a temple in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Friday leaving at least five people dead and 27 grievously injured. In the wee hours of Friday morning at around 3 am, the boundary wall leading to the Kachua Loknath Temple collapsed on the pilgrims while it was raining heavily. The wall collapse then led to a stampede. Following the incident, the trapped people were removed immediately and rushed several hospitals including, Basirhat Hospital, National Medical College and SSKM hospital. Five persons were declared dead on arrival while as many as 27 others are undergoing treatment. Out of the 27, five are in a critical state. While BJP claimed that the district administration failed to take sufficient precautionary measures to avoid a stampede, the district administration blamed overcrowding and inclement weather leading to the stampede. "Kumbh Mela is conducted without any fatalities. Here, we saw how a small gathering could not be controlled and led to a stampede. The district administration is responsible for the stampede," said Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh. Hours after the stampede, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the two hospitals in Kolkata to meet the family members of the deceased and ensured the treatment to the injured. "It is extremely unfortunate. I am told it was raining heavily and people were taking cover when suddenly the boundary wall leading to the temple collapsed. We are ensuring all treatment to the deceased and have ordered an enquiry into the incident," Banerjee said. "Compensation has been announced for the deceased. Medical expenses are being borne by the government. My condolences to family members of those who passed away and prayers for the injured to recover soon," she added. Under the announced compensation for the deceased and injured, five lack rupees will be given to the deceased and one lack rupees to the seriously injured and, fifty thousand rupees to the injured.

West Bengal: Five dead, 27 injured after Janmashtami celebration leads to stampede in temple

The outgoing Governor of West Bengal, Keshari Nath Tripathi spoke exclusively to World Is One News (WION). He shared his views on a whole range of issues, including the National Register of Citizens, political violence in West Bengal and the state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Watch the full interview to know more.

WION Exclusive: Keshari Nath Tripathi speaks to WION

The outgoing Governor of West Bengal, Keshari Nath Tripathi spoke exclusively to World Is One News (WION). He shared his views on a whole range of issues, including the National Register of Citizens, political violence in West Bengal and the state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Stay tuned for full interview...

Outgoing Bengal Governor Breaks Silence

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