BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwuvfrs4niAhUR148KHdBmDIEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw12ROzDIs4EIgRlnxFChs_6">Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alert-in-west-bengal-as-cyclone-fani-advances-215108&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOoq3-s4niAhWA8HMBHRtJBHoQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1q2Vsp51QCBF_GpHmOugm4"> West Bengal</a> are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats.

"Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said.

A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area.

"The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed.

He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure."

The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). 
"Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said.

Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989.

He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan. Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in West Bengal are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats. "Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said. A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area. "The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed. He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure." The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). "Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said. Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989. He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

Will Lord Ram's name be taken in Pakistan, if not in India: Amit Shah

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/cyclone-fani-naidu-requests-election-commission-to-relax-model-code-of-conduct-in-4-coastal-districts-215134&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5lceqq4niAhXMuY8KHa3jDesQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GhSHkLR5AvkCjjrLUVDdZ"> N Chandrababu Naidu</a> will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state.

According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia.

After spending Wednesday night at Haldia, Naidu, who is also the Telegu Desam Party president, will speak at another campaign rally at Kharagpur the next day, the official told PTI.

After the meeting in Kharagpur, both the chief ministers will head towards Kolkata where they are likely to have a close door meeting on Thursday evening, he said adding Naidu is scheduled to leave that night itself, the source said.

Naidu shares a very cordial relationship with Banerjee. He had joined the Trinamool Congress' mega opposition rally here in January and visited Banerjee during her dharna in February against CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams.

Banerjee had also participated in a political rally organised by Naidu in Vizag.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state. According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state. According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia. After spending Wednesday night at Haldia, Naidu, who is also the Telegu Desam Party president, will speak at another campaign rally at Kharagpur the next day, the official told PTI. After the meeting in Kharagpur, both the chief ministers will head towards Kolkata where they are likely to have a close door meeting on Thursday evening, he said adding Naidu is scheduled to leave that night itself, the source said. Naidu shares a very cordial relationship with Banerjee. He had joined the Trinamool Congress' mega opposition rally here in January and visited Banerjee during her dharna in February against CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee had also participated in a political rally organised by Naidu in Vizag.

Chandrababu Naidu to participate in Mamata Banerjee's poll rallies

The state government of West Bengal has refused to hold a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-reviews-situation-in-cyclone-hit-odisha-lauds-state-government-says-another-rs-1000-crore-to-be-released-216313">review meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Cyclone Fani</a>.

Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal.

The Centre had written to the Mamata Banerjee-led administration about a review meeting of the prime minister with the state government officials today.

However, the West Bengal government replied that since the government officials are busy with election duty, hence the review meeting should not be held.

"For the purpose of supervision of elections arrangement, the Chief Secretary, West Bengal and State Home Secretary will have to be stationed in the headquarters from morning till the end of elections on 06.05.2019. Hence it will not be possible for Chief Secretary, West Bengal, Home Secretary and other senior officers of the Government of West Bengal to be away from headquarters on 06.05.2019," the letter to the Union Home Ministry from the West Bengal's Department of Disaster Management and Civil Defence stated.

In Odisha, Prime Minister Modi was received by Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the airport in the morning.

The Centre had earlier released Rs 1,000 crore to Odisha and other states, including West Bengal, to deal with the devastation caused by Cyclone Fani.

The prime minister wanted to take stock of the situation in West Bengal as well, but the state government declined.

"It is, therefore, proposed in view of the date coinciding with elections the meeting may be deferred," the letter from the West Bengal government added.

Government sources on Sunday revealed that the PMO had made attempts to connect Prime Minister Narendra Modi to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee twice over telephone post the Cyclone Fani but failed.

Reacting to reports in a section of media that TMC has expressed its displeasure over PM Modi speaking only to West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to inquire about the situation in the aftermath of the cyclone, the sources in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that the claim is incorrect.

According to TMC, the Prime Minister had talked to Governor Tripathi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik but "did not call up" Banerjee.

The PMO sources said that two attempts were made by the PM's staff to connect the Prime Minister to Banerjee over the telephone.

"The claim made by TMC is incorrect. Two attempts were made on Saturday morning from the Prime Minister's staff to connect the Prime Minister to the West Bengal Chief Minister on phone," the sources had told ANI.

They said that on both occasions, PMO staff was told by Banerjee's office that the Chief Minister was on tour and the calls would be returned once she was back.

Cyclone Fani on Friday lashed Odisha and parts of West Bengal, triggering heavy rainfall accompanied by wind touching the speed of 200 kmph, and left three persons dead besides over 160 injured, a trail of destruction that included damaged houses, uprooted trees and electricity poles.

The state government of West Bengal has refused to hold a review meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Cyclone Fani. Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal.

The state government of West Bengal has refused to hold a review meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Cyclone Fani. Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal. The Centre had written to the Mamata Banerjee-led administration about a review meeting of the prime minister with the state government officials today. However, the West Bengal government replied that since the government officials are busy with election duty, hence the review meeting should not be held. "For the purpose of supervision of elections arrangement, the Chief Secretary, West Bengal and State Home Secretary will have to be stationed in the headquarters from morning till the end of elections on 06.05.2019. Hence it will not be possible for Chief Secretary, West Bengal, Home Secretary and other senior officers of the Government of West Bengal to be away from headquarters on 06.05.2019," the letter to the Union Home Ministry from the West Bengal's Department of Disaster Management and Civil Defence stated. In Odisha, Prime Minister Modi was received by Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the airport in the morning. The Centre had earlier released Rs 1,000 crore to Odisha and other states, including West Bengal, to deal with the devastation caused by Cyclone Fani. The prime minister wanted to take stock of the situation in West Bengal as well, but the state government declined. "It is, therefore, proposed in view of the date coinciding with elections the meeting may be deferred," the letter from the West Bengal government added. Government sources on Sunday revealed that the PMO had made attempts to connect Prime Minister Narendra Modi to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee twice over telephone post the Cyclone Fani but failed. Reacting to reports in a section of media that TMC has expressed its displeasure over PM Modi speaking only to West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to inquire about the situation in the aftermath of the cyclone, the sources in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that the claim is incorrect. According to TMC, the Prime Minister had talked to Governor Tripathi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik but "did not call up" Banerjee. The PMO sources said that two attempts were made by the PM's staff to connect the Prime Minister to Banerjee over the telephone. "The claim made by TMC is incorrect. Two attempts were made on Saturday morning from the Prime Minister's staff to connect the Prime Minister to the West Bengal Chief Minister on phone," the sources had told ANI. They said that on both occasions, PMO staff was told by Banerjee's office that the Chief Minister was on tour and the calls would be returned once she was back. Cyclone Fani on Friday lashed Odisha and parts of West Bengal, triggering heavy rainfall accompanied by wind touching the speed of 200 kmph, and left three persons dead besides over 160 injured, a trail of destruction that included damaged houses, uprooted trees and electricity poles.

West Bengal refuses to hold review meeting for 'Fani' with PM Modi

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Barrackpore Arjun Singh on Monday claimed he sustained injuries after an attack by supporters of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress near a village in Barrackpore.

"I was attacked by TMC goons while I was trying to talk with voters. It was a planned attack and I will report the matter to the Election Commission. TMC's hooligans are running unchecked in the state, my bleeding mouth is a proof of it," Singh said.

Slamming the ruling TMC, Singh said he was attacked by the party's goons who have been brought from outside.

"Those people were scaring away our voters. I am injured," he said.

Meanwhile, voters in booth number 148 of Hajipur constituency in Bihar had to face problems as the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) developed problems leading to delay in the start of the voting process.

The voters complained they had to stand for more than an hour due to the EVMs developing problems.

Raj Narayan Mahto, presiding officer of booth number 148, however, said that the EVM had developed some glitches which were resolved in an hour and the voting process could begin soon.

"There was some problem with the EVM which we tried to solve but it took longer than usual. The machines do not need to be changed as the problems have now been sorted, voting will resume in a few minutes," said Mahto.

A voting glitch was also reported from booths in West Bengal's Howrah, reportedly after glitches in EVMs and VVPATs.

Voting in West Bengal is being held for seven out of the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.

Hooghly, Sreerampore, Arambagh, Howrah Uluberia, Barrackpore and Bongaoan are voting in the fifth phase.

These constituencies are spread across three districts of south Bengal - Hooghly, Howrah and North 24 Parganas.

Polling has already been held in 18 seats of the state in the past four phases.

In Bihar, voting is being held in five Lok Sabha seats - Hajipur, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi and Madhubani.

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Barrackpore Arjun Singh on Monday claimed he sustained injuries after an attack by supporters of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress near a village in Barrackpore.

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Barrackpore Arjun Singh on Monday claimed he sustained injuries after an attack by supporters of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress near a village in Barrackpore. "I was attacked by TMC goons while I was trying to talk with voters. It was a planned attack and I will report the matter to the Election Commission. TMC's hooligans are running unchecked in the state, my bleeding mouth is a proof of it," Singh said. Slamming the ruling TMC, Singh said he was attacked by the party's goons who have been brought from outside. "Those people were scaring away our voters. I am injured," he said. Meanwhile, voters in booth number 148 of Hajipur constituency in Bihar had to face problems as the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) developed problems leading to delay in the start of the voting process. The voters complained they had to stand for more than an hour due to the EVMs developing problems. Raj Narayan Mahto, presiding officer of booth number 148, however, said that the EVM had developed some glitches which were resolved in an hour and the voting process could begin soon. "There was some problem with the EVM which we tried to solve but it took longer than usual. The machines do not need to be changed as the problems have now been sorted, voting will resume in a few minutes," said Mahto. A voting glitch was also reported from booths in West Bengal's Howrah, reportedly after glitches in EVMs and VVPATs. Voting in West Bengal is being held for seven out of the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. Hooghly, Sreerampore, Arambagh, Howrah Uluberia, Barrackpore and Bongaoan are voting in the fifth phase. These constituencies are spread across three districts of south Bengal - Hooghly, Howrah and North 24 Parganas. Polling has already been held in 18 seats of the state in the past four phases. In Bihar, voting is being held in five Lok Sabha seats - Hajipur, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi and Madhubani.

I was attacked by Trinamool Congress goons: BJP candidate Arjun Singh in West Bengal's Barrackpore

In Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Election 2019 voting held at 51 seats of 7 states. Now 118 seats are up for grab in the last two phases. Sporadic incidents of violence also reported at West Bengal in Phase 5. Voting for 424 constituencies is over so far.

India Election Watch: Complete highlights of Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Election 2019

Violence is on it's peak in each & every phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2019 in West Bengal. Another incidents reported in Hooghly & Barrackpore.

West Bengal: Scuffle held between BJP-TMC, BJP leader beaten up in Hooghly

While polling has been peaceful across most of the over 96,000 booths today so far, violence returned to West Bengal with allegations of disturbing law and order by both TMC and BJP. There were two incidents of grenades being lobbed outside polling booths in J&K as well.

West Bengal: Media personnel attacked in Barrackpore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani.&nbsp;

"I tried getting in touch with Didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch," PM Modi said during a rally in West Bengal.

"Didi is so frustrated these days that she doesn't even want to talk or hear about God. The situation is such that Didi is arresting and jailing those who are chanting 'Jai Sri Ram'," said the PM while addressing a rally in Tamluk, West Bengal.

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PM Modi in Tamluk,West Bengal: Speedbreaker didi has tried to play politics even on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cycloneFani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cycloneFani</a>. I tried to get in touch with Mamata didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch <a href="https://t.co/g0FudSKqIo">pic.twitter.com/g0FudSKqIo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1125302184327778304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-reviews-situation-in-cyclone-hit-odisha-lauds-state-government-says-another-rs-1000-crore-to-be-released-216313">PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of cyclone-ravaged areas in Odisha</a> and took part in a review meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials.&nbsp;

Later in the day, it was reported that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-refuses-to-hold-review-meeting-for-fani-with-pm-modi-216323">the Banerjee administration refused a review meeting with PM Modi over cyclone Fani</a> citing officials' unavailability due to ongoing elections.&nbsp;

On Sunday, reports surfaced that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063">prime minister's calls went unanswered by Banerjee</a>.&nbsp;

"Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," an official said on Sunday.

Trinamool Congress had hit out at PM Modi for not talking to Banerjee about the ground situation in the state in wake of the cyclone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls. The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls. The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani. "I tried getting in touch with Didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch," PM Modi said during a rally in West Bengal. "Didi is so frustrated these days that she doesn't even want to talk or hear about God. The situation is such that Didi is arresting and jailing those who are chanting 'Jai Sri Ram'," said the PM while addressing a rally in Tamluk, West Bengal. PM Modi in Tamluk,West Bengal: Speedbreaker didi has tried to play politics even on #cycloneFani. I tried to get in touch with Mamata didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch pic.twitter.com/g0FudSKqIo — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of cyclone-ravaged areas in Odisha and took part in a review meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials. Later in the day, it was reported that the Banerjee administration refused a review meeting with PM Modi over cyclone Fani citing officials' unavailability due to ongoing elections. On Sunday, reports surfaced that the prime minister's calls went unanswered by Banerjee. "Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," an official said on Sunday. Trinamool Congress had hit out at PM Modi for not talking to Banerjee about the ground situation in the state in wake of the cyclone.

Didi is playing politics over cyclone Fani, she refuses to take my calls: PM Modi in West Bengal 

Watch this segment for top election news story updates.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Latest polling news

Except for damaging a few huts, Cyclone Fani did not cause much havoc in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said as the severe cyclonic storm weakened Saturday morning and headed towards neighbouring Bangladesh.&nbsp;

While flight operations resumed at the Kolkata airport at 9.57 am, train services on the Sealdah and Howrah sections are also getting back to normal.

The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) resumed its routine operation Saturday morning at both Haldia and Kolkata docks.

"The entire administration was awake the whole night. We were very worried about the cyclone," Banerjee said.

She had cancelled her election programmes and stayed put at Kharagpur in West Midnapore district to monitor the situation.&nbsp;

"There was not much damage in the state. At least 850 mud houses in the districts were partially damaged, while 12 were destroyed," the chief minister said. 
Banerjee said the state government will extend help to people whose houses have been damaged due to the cyclone.

Trees uprooted in different parts of the state due to speedy wind have been removed and the roads cleared for plying of vehicles, she said.

Restoration of electricity snapped in different districts is underway.

"Around 42,000 people have been evacuated by our people who took them to relief shelters. The civic services have been restored in Digha, Mandarmoni, whereas it is work in progress at other places," she said.

The storm weakened on Saturday morning and moved towards Bangladesh. Kolkata witnessed wind speed of 30-40 kmph with moderate to heavy rainfall overnight.

The very severe cyclonic storm weakened into a severe cyclonic storm over the Odisha coast, before moving further north-northeastwards and entering West Bengal through Kharagpur in West Midnapore around 12.30 am Saturday, officials said.

"It has moved to Arambagh in Hooghly and is now in Nadia district from where it will go to Murshidabad district before entering Bangladesh. It is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and weaken further over the next six hours," Deputy Director General of the Regional Meteorological Centre here, Sanjib Bandyopadhyay, told PTI.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim along with senior engineers of the civic body and local councillors was on a night-long vigil in and around the city to keep a tab on the situation.

"We had made arrangements to act on an emergency basis had Fani hit the city. But thank god, nothing major has happened," Hakim told PTI.

Much to the glee of passengers, flight operations which were suspended from 3 pm on Friday resumed at the Kolkata airport at 9.57 am Saturday, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said.

Air India was the first airline to start operating out of Kolkata airport, the official said, adding a GoAir flight from Delhi was the first flight to land in Kolkata at 10.10 am.

The AAI official said airlines had refunded fares of cancelled flights to the passengers and took care of them.

Very few passengers had stayed back at the airport on Friday, the official said.

Out of an average 224 daily flights, only 110 flights operated on Friday, the official said.

Train services on the Sealdah and Howrah sections are also getting back to normal, officials said.

The ferry services on river Hooghly, however, were yet to resume.&nbsp;

Five persons were injured when a portion of the roof of a hutment collapsed on Friday night in central Kolkata's Beniatola Lane, police said.

All of them were released after treatment.

Kolkata Port Trust chairman Vinit Kumar said there had been no damages to the port infrastructure.&nbsp;

"Operations at both Kolkata and Haldia docks have resumed since morning," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi visited Kakdwip subdivision of South 24 Parganas district to review the situation after the area was affected by the cyclone.

Tripathi met local administration officials and interacted with people to ascertain the impact of Fani and the relief work.

"He also went to a multipurpose cyclone shelter in Madhusudanpur where people had taken shelter the preceding night," a source at the Raj Bhawan said.

The Governor will be visiting cyclone-affected areas of West Midnapur district on Sunday, he said.&nbsp;

Except for damaging a few huts, Cyclone Fani did not cause much havoc in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said as the severe cyclonic storm weakened Saturday morning and headed towards neighbouring Bangladesh.

Except for damaging a few huts, Cyclone Fani did not cause much havoc in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said as the severe cyclonic storm weakened Saturday morning and headed towards neighbouring Bangladesh. While flight operations resumed at the Kolkata airport at 9.57 am, train services on the Sealdah and Howrah sections are also getting back to normal. The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) resumed its routine operation Saturday morning at both Haldia and Kolkata docks. "The entire administration was awake the whole night. We were very worried about the cyclone," Banerjee said. She had cancelled her election programmes and stayed put at Kharagpur in West Midnapore district to monitor the situation. "There was not much damage in the state. At least 850 mud houses in the districts were partially damaged, while 12 were destroyed," the chief minister said. Banerjee said the state government will extend help to people whose houses have been damaged due to the cyclone. Trees uprooted in different parts of the state due to speedy wind have been removed and the roads cleared for plying of vehicles, she said. Restoration of electricity snapped in different districts is underway. "Around 42,000 people have been evacuated by our people who took them to relief shelters. The civic services have been restored in Digha, Mandarmoni, whereas it is work in progress at other places," she said. The storm weakened on Saturday morning and moved towards Bangladesh. Kolkata witnessed wind speed of 30-40 kmph with moderate to heavy rainfall overnight. The very severe cyclonic storm weakened into a severe cyclonic storm over the Odisha coast, before moving further north-northeastwards and entering West Bengal through Kharagpur in West Midnapore around 12.30 am Saturday, officials said. "It has moved to Arambagh in Hooghly and is now in Nadia district from where it will go to Murshidabad district before entering Bangladesh. It is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and weaken further over the next six hours," Deputy Director General of the Regional Meteorological Centre here, Sanjib Bandyopadhyay, told PTI. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim along with senior engineers of the civic body and local councillors was on a night-long vigil in and around the city to keep a tab on the situation. "We had made arrangements to act on an emergency basis had Fani hit the city. But thank god, nothing major has happened," Hakim told PTI. Much to the glee of passengers, flight operations which were suspended from 3 pm on Friday resumed at the Kolkata airport at 9.57 am Saturday, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said. Air India was the first airline to start operating out of Kolkata airport, the official said, adding a GoAir flight from Delhi was the first flight to land in Kolkata at 10.10 am. The AAI official said airlines had refunded fares of cancelled flights to the passengers and took care of them. Very few passengers had stayed back at the airport on Friday, the official said. Out of an average 224 daily flights, only 110 flights operated on Friday, the official said. Train services on the Sealdah and Howrah sections are also getting back to normal, officials said. The ferry services on river Hooghly, however, were yet to resume. Five persons were injured when a portion of the roof of a hutment collapsed on Friday night in central Kolkata's Beniatola Lane, police said. All of them were released after treatment. Kolkata Port Trust chairman Vinit Kumar said there had been no damages to the port infrastructure. "Operations at both Kolkata and Haldia docks have resumed since morning," he said. Meanwhile, Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi visited Kakdwip subdivision of South 24 Parganas district to review the situation after the area was affected by the cyclone. Tripathi met local administration officials and interacted with people to ascertain the impact of Fani and the relief work. "He also went to a multipurpose cyclone shelter in Madhusudanpur where people had taken shelter the preceding night," a source at the Raj Bhawan said. The Governor will be visiting cyclone-affected areas of West Midnapur district on Sunday, he said.

Not much damage by Cyclone Fani in West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

Cyclone Fani leaves 12 dead in Odisha, relief work underway. Watch the full video to know more.

13 dead as Cyclone Fani hits Odisha

The severe cyclonic storm Fani entered West Bengal through Odisha's Balasore which led to heavy rainfall in the state. \Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani hits West Bengal triggering strong winds and heavy rainfall

Air India on Saturday announces the recommencement of operation from 9.45 am at Kolkata Airport.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-215767">cyclone Fani</a> on Thursday.

The National carrier also stepped forward to help residents of Odisha affected by the cyclone Fani and has decided to ship free of cost relief material to cyclone-affected areas by any NGO/ Civil society/ Self Help Group etc.

After wreaking havoc at the Puri, Bhubaneswar and other parts in Odisha on Friday, cyclonic storm Fani made landfall in West Bengal early on Saturday. Rain lashed Kolkata and other coastal towns in West Bengal.

According to IMD the cyclone will weaken and move into Bangladesh by noon. "Severe Cyclone FANI weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon," tweeted IMD.&nbsp;

Air India on Saturday announces the recommencement of operation from 9.45 am at Kolkata Airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports due to cyclone Fani on Thursday.

Air India on Saturday announces the recommencement of operation from 9.45 am at Kolkata Airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports due to cyclone Fani on Thursday. The National carrier also stepped forward to help residents of Odisha affected by the cyclone Fani and has decided to ship free of cost relief material to cyclone-affected areas by any NGO/ Civil society/ Self Help Group etc. After wreaking havoc at the Puri, Bhubaneswar and other parts in Odisha on Friday, cyclonic storm Fani made landfall in West Bengal early on Saturday. Rain lashed Kolkata and other coastal towns in West Bengal. According to IMD the cyclone will weaken and move into Bangladesh by noon. "Severe Cyclone FANI weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon," tweeted IMD.

Cyclone Fani: Air India resumes operation at Kolkata Airport

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in its latest update said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-near-puri-in-odisha-215545">Cyclone Fani had completely moved</a> inland on Friday morning.

The extremely severe Cyclonic Storm Fani is very likely to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a very severe cyclonic storm during the next 6 hours, IMD said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/first-pics-from-odisha-as-cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-215566">Also See:&nbsp;First pics from Odisha as Cyclone Fani makes landfall</a>

The cyclone had made landfall near Puri in Odisha a few hours ago hitting the district with wind speeds of up to 180-200&nbsp;kilometre per hour.

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THE EXTREMELY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM “FANI” LAY CENTERED AT 0930 HOURS IST OF TODAY, 03rd MAY, 2019 NEAR LAT. 19.80N AND LONG. 85.70E OVER ODISHA COAST CLOSE TO PURI. LATEST OBSERVATION INDICATES THAT THE EYE OF THE SYSTEM HAS COMPLETELY MOVED INTO LAND BY 1000 HRS IST OF TODAY. <a href="https://t.co/tsJ87o1NpD">pic.twitter.com/tsJ87o1NpD</a>
— India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1124177514568372224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged with water as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state.

Several trees were uprooted and thatched structures destroyed at some places including Bhubaneswar.

"The cyclone has entered the Odisha coast at Puri around 8 am and it will take around three hours for the entire landfall process to be completed," Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, H R Biswas said.

The cyclonic system, whose eye is around 28 km, is moving at around 30 kmph, Biswas said, adding the process of landfall is expected to be complete around 11am.

Puri and neighbouring areas are experiencing wind with a speed of 175 kilometres per hour which may go up to 200 kmph.

Over 1 million people have been evacuated from the east coast covering Odisha and West Bengal in the wake of the cyclone. The NDRF team along with Naval coast guard have been on alert to ensure relief supplies reach the affected area.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in its latest update said Cyclone Fani had completely moved inland on Friday morning. The extremely severe Cyclonic Storm Fani is very likely to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a very severe cyclonic storm during the next 6 hours, IMD said.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in its latest update said Cyclone Fani had completely moved inland on Friday morning. The extremely severe Cyclonic Storm Fani is very likely to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a very severe cyclonic storm during the next 6 hours, IMD said. Also See: First pics from Odisha as Cyclone Fani makes landfall The cyclone had made landfall near Puri in Odisha a few hours ago hitting the district with wind speeds of up to 180-200 kilometre per hour. THE EXTREMELY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM “FANI” LAY CENTERED AT 0930 HOURS IST OF TODAY, 03rd MAY, 2019 NEAR LAT. 19.80N AND LONG. 85.70E OVER ODISHA COAST CLOSE TO PURI. LATEST OBSERVATION INDICATES THAT THE EYE OF THE SYSTEM HAS COMPLETELY MOVED INTO LAND BY 1000 HRS IST OF TODAY. pic.twitter.com/tsJ87o1NpD — India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) May 3, 2019 × Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged with water as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state. Several trees were uprooted and thatched structures destroyed at some places including Bhubaneswar. "The cyclone has entered the Odisha coast at Puri around 8 am and it will take around three hours for the entire landfall process to be completed," Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, H R Biswas said. The cyclonic system, whose eye is around 28 km, is moving at around 30 kmph, Biswas said, adding the process of landfall is expected to be complete around 11am. Puri and neighbouring areas are experiencing wind with a speed of 175 kilometres per hour which may go up to 200 kmph. Over 1 million people have been evacuated from the east coast covering Odisha and West Bengal in the wake of the cyclone. The NDRF team along with Naval coast guard have been on alert to ensure relief supplies reach the affected area.

After landfall, Cyclone Fani has moved inland into Odisha: IMD

Cyclone Fani made landfall at 8am on Friday close <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/landfall-process-of-cyclone-fani-begins-likely-to-last-another-3-hours-imd-215542">to Puri district in Odisha</a>&nbsp;in eastern India, with the area recording wind speeds of 145 kilometres per hour, India's Metrological Department(IMD)&nbsp;said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-81-teams-ndrf-comprising-over-4000-personnel-deployed-215417">Cyclone Warning Division </a>of the IMD&nbsp;said the process of landfall will continue for the next three hours.

Rain and strong winds hit Paradip coast, Odisha on Friday morning.&nbsp;Strong winds also hit Visakhapatnam as Cyclone Fani made&nbsp;landfall in&nbsp;Puri.

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The area along Puri is witnessing winds with a speed of 145 kilometres per hour that could reach up to 180-200 kmph, which could bring&nbsp;"extensive damage", the IMD&nbsp;added.

Authorities in India's east coast in Odisha and West Bengal have evacuated more than one million people out of the path of the "extremely severe cyclone".

All major airports were closed on Friday morning in Odisha and West Bengal and the railway network virtually closed ahead of the arrival of the cyclone.

Thousands of people in West Bengal have been evacuated to safer areas with special teams deployed in villages to ensure safety.

India's Navy has also been positioned in the east coast to ensure relief work reaches people affected by the cyclone on time.&nbsp;

Cyclone Fani made landfall at 8am on Friday close to Puri district in Odisha in eastern India, with the area recording wind speeds of 145 kilometres per hour, India's Metrological Department(IMD) said.

Cyclone Fani made landfall at 8am on Friday close to Puri district in Odisha in eastern India, with the area recording wind speeds of 145 kilometres per hour, India's Metrological Department(IMD) said. Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the process of landfall will continue for the next three hours. Rain and strong winds hit Paradip coast, Odisha on Friday morning. Strong winds also hit Visakhapatnam as Cyclone Fani made landfall in Puri. The area along Puri is witnessing winds with a speed of 145 kilometres per hour that could reach up to 180-200 kmph, which could bring "extensive damage", the IMD added. Authorities in India's east coast in Odisha and West Bengal have evacuated more than one million people out of the path of the "extremely severe cyclone". All major airports were closed on Friday morning in Odisha and West Bengal and the railway network virtually closed ahead of the arrival of the cyclone. Thousands of people in West Bengal have been evacuated to safer areas with special teams deployed in villages to ensure safety. India's Navy has also been positioned in the east coast to ensure relief work reaches people affected by the cyclone on time.

Cyclone Fani makes landfall near Puri in Odisha with wind speed of 180-200 kilometres per hour

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Friday morning that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-65-km-from-gopalpur-80-km-away-from-puri-in-odisha-imd-215530"> landfall impact of Cyclone Fani</a> began two hours ago and is likely to last another three hours. The cyclone was about 40 km south-southwest of Puri in Odisha.

The cyclone will cross <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-81-teams-ndrf-comprising-over-4000-personnel-deployed-215417">Odisha coast Gopalpur and Chandbali</a> around Puri in the next three hours, it said.

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Puri reported maximum sustained wind speed of 142 kmph gusting to 174 kmph, the IMD added.

Authorities in India's east coast in Odisha and West Bengal have evacuated more than one million people out of the path of the "extremely severe cyclone".

All major airports were&nbsp;closed on Friday morning in Odisha and West Bengal and the railway network virtually closed ahead of the arrival of the cyclone.

Thousands of people in West Bengal have been evacuated to safer areas with special teams deployed in villages to ensure safety.&nbsp;

"We have heard that the cyclone has turned towards Bengal and it will also hit Kolkata. But people should not panic unnecessarily. All precautionary steps are being taken to prevent any loss of life," Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim said.

Ports around the east coast have been shut with&nbsp;Indian Navy ships deployed to carry out relief operations.

Cyclone Fani is the fourth major storm to slam into India's east coast in three decades, the last in 2017 when Cyclone Ockhi left nearly 250 people dead and more than 600 missing in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.&nbsp;

The worst cyclone on record in Odisha, in 1999, killed almost 10,000 people and caused an estimated $4.5 billion worth of devastation.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Friday morning that the landfall impact of Cyclone Fani began two hours ago and is likely to last another three hours.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Friday morning that the landfall impact of Cyclone Fani began two hours ago and is likely to last another three hours. The cyclone was about 40 km south-southwest of Puri in Odisha. The cyclone will cross Odisha coast Gopalpur and Chandbali around Puri in the next three hours, it said. Puri reported maximum sustained wind speed of 142 kmph gusting to 174 kmph, the IMD added. Authorities in India's east coast in Odisha and West Bengal have evacuated more than one million people out of the path of the "extremely severe cyclone". All major airports were closed on Friday morning in Odisha and West Bengal and the railway network virtually closed ahead of the arrival of the cyclone. Thousands of people in West Bengal have been evacuated to safer areas with special teams deployed in villages to ensure safety. "We have heard that the cyclone has turned towards Bengal and it will also hit Kolkata. But people should not panic unnecessarily. All precautionary steps are being taken to prevent any loss of life," Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim said. Ports around the east coast have been shut with Indian Navy ships deployed to carry out relief operations. Cyclone Fani is the fourth major storm to slam into India's east coast in three decades, the last in 2017 when Cyclone Ockhi left nearly 250 people dead and more than 600 missing in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The worst cyclone on record in Odisha, in 1999, killed almost 10,000 people and caused an estimated $4.5 billion worth of devastation.

Landfall process of Cyclone Fani begins, likely to last another 3 hours: IMD

India's Metrological Department(IMD) in its latest update said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-likely-to-make-landfall-in-afternoon-at-least-1-million-evacuated-in-odisha-215523">Cyclone Fani was just 65 kilometres</a> from Gopalpur and 80 kilometres from Puri in Odisha.

The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the wind speed of the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">extremely severe Cyclone Fani</a>'&nbsp;could reach 200-230 kilometres when it makes the landfall in the afternoon.&nbsp;

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"The cyclone is moving at a speed of 16 kilometres per hour," the IMD added. In Bhubaneshwar, strong wind conditions already exist. In Puri, strong winds and rainfall have hit the city.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, authorities have closed all schools and Universities around Puri which is expected to face the brunt of the cyclone. The east coast Railway said it had cancelled further 10 more trains for the next three days ahead of the cyclone. Railways had earlier cancelled 147 trains from May 1st to May 3rd.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
RAINFALL REPORTED OVER GOPALPUR-15 CM, PURI-10 CM, BHUBNESHWAR-5 CM, PARADEEP, CHANDBALI, BALASORE-3 EACH; &amp; KALINGAPATNAM-9 CM AT 0630 HRS IST OF TODAY. GOPALPUR &amp; PURI REPORTED WIND SPEED OF 53 (100 KMPH) &amp; 38 KNOTS (70 KMPH) RESPECTIVELY AT 0630 HRS IST OF TODAY. <a href="https://t.co/As2pjfjRDy">pic.twitter.com/As2pjfjRDy</a>
— India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1124121214488727554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In West Bengal which is also expected to face the approaching storm, the state transport department said south Bengal state transport corporation (SBSTC) will operate about 50 buses from Digha on May 3rd to evacuate the stranded tourists to minimise inconvenience caused due to suspension of train operations to Digha.

The Indian Coast Guard has positioned 34 disaster relief teams at different spots and deployed four ships to handle the situation.

Cyclone Fani is billed as the most severe cyclonic storm since the super cyclone of 1999 that claimed close to 10,000 lives and left a trail of destruction in vast swathes of Odisha, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre.

India's Metrological Department(IMD) in its latest update said Cyclone Fani was just 65 kilometres from Gopalpur and 80 kilometres from Puri in Odisha. The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the wind speed of the 'extremely severe Cyclone Fani' could reach 200-230 kilometres when it makes the landfall in the afternoon.

India's Metrological Department(IMD) in its latest update said Cyclone Fani was just 65 kilometres from Gopalpur and 80 kilometres from Puri in Odisha. The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the wind speed of the 'extremely severe Cyclone Fani' could reach 200-230 kilometres when it makes the landfall in the afternoon. "The cyclone is moving at a speed of 16 kilometres per hour," the IMD added. In Bhubaneshwar, strong wind conditions already exist. In Puri, strong winds and rainfall have hit the city. Meanwhile, authorities have closed all schools and Universities around Puri which is expected to face the brunt of the cyclone. The east coast Railway said it had cancelled further 10 more trains for the next three days ahead of the cyclone. Railways had earlier cancelled 147 trains from May 1st to May 3rd. RAINFALL REPORTED OVER GOPALPUR-15 CM, PURI-10 CM, BHUBNESHWAR-5 CM, PARADEEP, CHANDBALI, BALASORE-3 EACH; & KALINGAPATNAM-9 CM AT 0630 HRS IST OF TODAY. GOPALPUR & PURI REPORTED WIND SPEED OF 53 (100 KMPH) & 38 KNOTS (70 KMPH) RESPECTIVELY AT 0630 HRS IST OF TODAY. pic.twitter.com/As2pjfjRDy — India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) May 3, 2019 In West Bengal which is also expected to face the approaching storm, the state transport department said south Bengal state transport corporation (SBSTC) will operate about 50 buses from Digha on May 3rd to evacuate the stranded tourists to minimise inconvenience caused due to suspension of train operations to Digha. The Indian Coast Guard has positioned 34 disaster relief teams at different spots and deployed four ships to handle the situation. Cyclone Fani is billed as the most severe cyclonic storm since the super cyclone of 1999 that claimed close to 10,000 lives and left a trail of destruction in vast swathes of Odisha, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre.

Cyclone Fani 65 km from Gopalpur, 80 km away from Puri in Odisha: IMD

Cyclone Fani which made a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/puri-hit-with-wind-speed-of-240-245-kmph-cyclone-fani-moving-towards-west-bengal-coast-imd-215613"> landfall in Odisha</a> earlier during the day is likely to hit West Bengal by today evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/first-pics-from-odisha-as-cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-215566">Fani hit Odisha's Puri district</a> in eastern India at around 8 am on Friday.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

"The eye of the storm is likely to be weakened when it enters West Bengal. The wind speed will be around 100 kmph to 110 kmph," an official of the meteorological department said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">Cyclone Fani and why it is so powerful</a>

Three&nbsp;people were killed due to the cyclone, an official said.

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One man died of a heart attack in one of several thousand shelters that have been set up, AFP reported.

"Another person went out in the storm despite our warnings and died because a tree fell on him," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-telecommunication-networks-partially-disrupted-in-puri-bhubaneswar-215591">Odisha</a> special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said.

Normal life in and around Kolkata was thrown out of gear as cyclonic storm 'Fani' made landfall in neighbouring Odisha.

Moderate to heavy rains lashed various parts of the city, causing heavy traffic congestion in north and south Kolkata.

In view of the storm heading towards West Bengal, many political parties have cancelled their election programmes for the next 24 hours.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has cancelled all her political meetings for the next 48 hours.

A red alert has been issued in coastal areas and fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea.

The state government has taken precautionary measures for districts like East and West Midnapore, both North and South 24 Parganas besides, Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram and Kolkata and Sundarbans to avert any untoward incident.

Several trains from the city have been cancelled while the city airport has decided to remain shut from 3 PM Friday till 8 AM Saturday.

Kolkata Police has opened a control room at its headquarters to monitor the situation in the city.

All government and government-aided schools have suspended classes from Friday and the Health Department has cancelled leave of doctors and the staff till May 6.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Fani which made a landfall in Odisha earlier during the day is likely to hit West Bengal by today evening. Fani hit Odisha's Puri district in eastern India at around 8 am on Friday.

Cyclone Fani which made a landfall in Odisha earlier during the day is likely to hit West Bengal by today evening. Fani hit Odisha's Puri district in eastern India at around 8 am on Friday. India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast. "The eye of the storm is likely to be weakened when it enters West Bengal. The wind speed will be around 100 kmph to 110 kmph," an official of the meteorological department said. Also read: Cyclone Fani and why it is so powerful Three people were killed due to the cyclone, an official said. × One man died of a heart attack in one of several thousand shelters that have been set up, AFP reported. "Another person went out in the storm despite our warnings and died because a tree fell on him," Odisha special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said. Normal life in and around Kolkata was thrown out of gear as cyclonic storm 'Fani' made landfall in neighbouring Odisha. Moderate to heavy rains lashed various parts of the city, causing heavy traffic congestion in north and south Kolkata. In view of the storm heading towards West Bengal, many political parties have cancelled their election programmes for the next 24 hours. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has cancelled all her political meetings for the next 48 hours. A red alert has been issued in coastal areas and fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea. The state government has taken precautionary measures for districts like East and West Midnapore, both North and South 24 Parganas besides, Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram and Kolkata and Sundarbans to avert any untoward incident. Several trains from the city have been cancelled while the city airport has decided to remain shut from 3 PM Friday till 8 AM Saturday. Kolkata Police has opened a control room at its headquarters to monitor the situation in the city. All government and government-aided schools have suspended classes from Friday and the Health Department has cancelled leave of doctors and the staff till May 6. (With inputs from agencies)

'Fani' heading towards West Bengal, rain lashes Kolkata

Ahead of cyclone Fani hitting the coast, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-to-hit-10000-villages-52-towns-massive-evacuation-underway-215467">Odisha government informed overnight </a>on Thursday&nbsp;that nearly one million people were evacuated in the last 24 hours from vulnerable districts.

The state government said at least 3 lakh people from Ganjam and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">1.3 lakh from Puri district</a> were evacuated.

Meanwhile, India's Metrological Department said cyclone Fani is likely to move north-northeastwards and the cross Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, south of Puri on Friday.

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IMD said the cyclone on Friday&nbsp;afternoon is likely to have maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph.&nbsp;

Landfall is very likely to continue till noon and afternoon of Friday, the IMD said.

After landfall the cyclone is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a "Severe Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 90-100 Kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early morning of Saturday, the IMD added.&nbsp;

"It is very likely to move further north-northeastwards and emerge into Bangladesh on May 4th evening as a "Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph.

The IMD has forecast thunderstorm, dusty winds and light rainfall in several places along the Odisha coast as cyclone Fani begins to enter the area.

The authorities have made elaborate plans including positioning 4,000 specialised personnel as part of 81 NDRF teams have been deployed to deal with the 'extremely severe' cyclone 'Fani'.

Twenty-eight fully equipped teams have also been deployed in and around Puri in Odisha which is likely to be hit hard.

Ahead of cyclone Fani hitting the coast, the Odisha government informed overnight on Thursday that nearly one million people were evacuated in the last 24 hours from vulnerable districts.

Ahead of cyclone Fani hitting the coast, the Odisha government informed overnight on Thursday that nearly one million people were evacuated in the last 24 hours from vulnerable districts. The state government said at least 3 lakh people from Ganjam and 1.3 lakh from Puri district were evacuated. Meanwhile, India's Metrological Department said cyclone Fani is likely to move north-northeastwards and the cross Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, south of Puri on Friday. IMD said the cyclone on Friday afternoon is likely to have maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph. Landfall is very likely to continue till noon and afternoon of Friday, the IMD said. After landfall the cyclone is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a "Severe Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 90-100 Kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early morning of Saturday, the IMD added. "It is very likely to move further north-northeastwards and emerge into Bangladesh on May 4th evening as a "Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph. The IMD has forecast thunderstorm, dusty winds and light rainfall in several places along the Odisha coast as cyclone Fani begins to enter the area. The authorities have made elaborate plans including positioning 4,000 specialised personnel as part of 81 NDRF teams have been deployed to deal with the 'extremely severe' cyclone 'Fani'. Twenty-eight fully equipped teams have also been deployed in and around Puri in Odisha which is likely to be hit hard.

Cyclone Fani likely to make landfall in afternoon, at least 1 million evacuated in Odisha

Three people have died as Cyclone Fani battered Odisha on Friday, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.&nbsp;

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

"The eye of the storm is likely to be weakened when it enters West Bengal. The wind speed will be around 100 kmph to 110 kmph," an official of the meteorological department said.

According to the National<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fani-heading-towards-west-bengal-rain-lashes-city-215652"> Emergency Response Centre</a>, under the home ministry, power and telecommunication lines in Puri district of Odisha are completely down and restoration work is on.

Rescuers belonging to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Navy, Coast Guard, Army and Air Force have been deployed in a mass operations, closely monitored by the central government.

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Moderate rainfall is expected at most places, heavy to very <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-telecommunication-networks-partially-disrupted-in-puri-bhubaneswar-215591">heavy rainfall </a>at a few places and extremely heavy rains at isolated places over coastal Odisha and adjoining districts of interior parts of the state on Friday.&nbsp;

Most places in Odisha is likely to receive light to moderate rains on Saturday with heavy to very heavy rainfall occurring at isolated places in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts.

In Andhra Pradesh, light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places with heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places over Srikakulam district on Friday. Also light to moderate rainfall is likely in West Bengal on Friday, with heavy to very heavy showers at a few places and extremely heavy rains at isolated places.

Light to moderate rainfall is expected at most places and heavy rains at isolated places over sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three people have died as Cyclone Fani battered Odisha on Friday, news agency PTI reported quoting officials. India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

Three people have died as Cyclone Fani battered Odisha on Friday, news agency PTI reported quoting officials. India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast. "The eye of the storm is likely to be weakened when it enters West Bengal. The wind speed will be around 100 kmph to 110 kmph," an official of the meteorological department said. According to the National Emergency Response Centre, under the home ministry, power and telecommunication lines in Puri district of Odisha are completely down and restoration work is on. Rescuers belonging to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Navy, Coast Guard, Army and Air Force have been deployed in a mass operations, closely monitored by the central government. × Moderate rainfall is expected at most places, heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rains at isolated places over coastal Odisha and adjoining districts of interior parts of the state on Friday. Most places in Odisha is likely to receive light to moderate rains on Saturday with heavy to very heavy rainfall occurring at isolated places in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. In Andhra Pradesh, light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places with heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places over Srikakulam district on Friday. Also light to moderate rainfall is likely in West Bengal on Friday, with heavy to very heavy showers at a few places and extremely heavy rains at isolated places. Light to moderate rainfall is expected at most places and heavy rains at isolated places over sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Three dead as Cyclone Fani heads to West Bengal; heavy rainfall predicted in Odisha, AP, Bengal, Northeast

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-landfall-cyclone-fani-has-moved-inland-into-odisha-imd-215570">tracking cyclone Fani</a> said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

Two people were killed due to the cyclone, an official said.

One man died of a heart attack in one of several thousand shelters that have been set up, AFP reported.

"Another person went out in the storm despite our warnings and died because a tree fell on him," Odisha special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said.

Indian Navy's P-8I and Dornier have been scheduled to be launched in the afternoon for undertaking aerial survey to assess the extent of impact and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-telecommunication-networks-partially-disrupted-in-puri-bhubaneswar-215591">devastation post-Fani</a>.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds hit Ganjam as cyclone Fani hit the Puri coast with wind speed of above 175km/per hour.

"In the next three hours, Cyclone Fani is expected to weaken with a wind speed of 150-160 km per hour, subsequently it will weaken and move north-northeastwards. By evening, it may weaken into severe cyclonic storm over extreme northern part of Odisha," Mrityunjay Mohapatra, IMD official in Delhi said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/first-pics-from-odisha-as-cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-215566#gusty-winds-215560">Also See:&nbsp;First pics from Odisha as Cyclone Fani makes landfall</a>

Meanwhile, Airports Authority of India said no flight to and from Kolkata airport will be allowed to fly from 3pm today till 8am on Saturday. In a series of tweets, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said Friday that all airlines must immediately respond to the concerns of passengers affected by Cyclone Fani.

"We are ready to offer help needed for the stranded due to cyclonic storm Fani. The control room, helplines are manned all times to assist affected passengers. All Airlines must immediately respond to the concerns of passengers," he tweeted.

In West Bengal, NDRF team have been deployed at Digha. The disaster relief team have evacuated 132 people, including 52 children, from Dattapur and Tajpur.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast. Two people were killed due to the cyclone, an official said. One man died of a heart attack in one of several thousand shelters that have been set up, AFP reported. "Another person went out in the storm despite our warnings and died because a tree fell on him," Odisha special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said. Indian Navy's P-8I and Dornier have been scheduled to be launched in the afternoon for undertaking aerial survey to assess the extent of impact and devastation post-Fani. Heavy rainfall and strong winds hit Ganjam as cyclone Fani hit the Puri coast with wind speed of above 175km/per hour. "In the next three hours, Cyclone Fani is expected to weaken with a wind speed of 150-160 km per hour, subsequently it will weaken and move north-northeastwards. By evening, it may weaken into severe cyclonic storm over extreme northern part of Odisha," Mrityunjay Mohapatra, IMD official in Delhi said. Also See: First pics from Odisha as Cyclone Fani makes landfall Meanwhile, Airports Authority of India said no flight to and from Kolkata airport will be allowed to fly from 3pm today till 8am on Saturday. In a series of tweets, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said Friday that all airlines must immediately respond to the concerns of passengers affected by Cyclone Fani. "We are ready to offer help needed for the stranded due to cyclonic storm Fani. The control room, helplines are manned all times to assist affected passengers. All Airlines must immediately respond to the concerns of passengers," he tweeted. In West Bengal, NDRF team have been deployed at Digha. The disaster relief team have evacuated 132 people, including 52 children, from Dattapur and Tajpur.

Cyclone Fani hits Puri with wind speeds of 240-245 kmph; 2 dead in Odisha

Indian authorities are using<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-ministry-on-toes-to-face-repercussions-of-cyclone-fani-215218"> boats, buses and trains</a> to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said.

Severe cyclonic storm "Fani" was centred in the west of the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Office said. The south coast of Odisha was also expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said in a bulletin.

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The state-run weather office also forecast wind speeds gusting up to 200 kph (125 mph) by Friday. Cyclone tracker Tropical Storm Risk rated Fani a mid-range category 3 storm.

About 800,000 people were expected to be evacuated from low-lying areas of 14 districts in Odisha to cyclone shelters, safer schools and college buildings, a government statement said.

"We are maximising efforts at all levels for evacuation for the time being," Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told said.

Tourists have also been advised to leave coastal towns in West Bengal and Odisha, state government officials said.

Sea conditions were also likely to be very rough off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, the weather office said.

Cyclones in India generally last from April to December, with severe storms often leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, widespread deaths and damage to crops and property in both India and Bangladesh.

A super-cyclone battered the coast of Odisha for 30 hours, killing 10,000 people, two decades ago. A mass evacuation of nearly a million people in 2013 likely saved thousands of lives.

Indian authorities are using boats, buses and trains to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said.

Indian authorities are using boats, buses and trains to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said. Severe cyclonic storm "Fani" was centred in the west of the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Office said. The south coast of Odisha was also expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said in a bulletin. The state-run weather office also forecast wind speeds gusting up to 200 kph (125 mph) by Friday. Cyclone tracker Tropical Storm Risk rated Fani a mid-range category 3 storm. About 800,000 people were expected to be evacuated from low-lying areas of 14 districts in Odisha to cyclone shelters, safer schools and college buildings, a government statement said. "We are maximising efforts at all levels for evacuation for the time being," Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told said. Tourists have also been advised to leave coastal towns in West Bengal and Odisha, state government officials said. Sea conditions were also likely to be very rough off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, the weather office said. Cyclones in India generally last from April to December, with severe storms often leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, widespread deaths and damage to crops and property in both India and Bangladesh. A super-cyclone battered the coast of Odisha for 30 hours, killing 10,000 people, two decades ago. A mass evacuation of nearly a million people in 2013 likely saved thousands of lives.

At least 800,000 people to be evacuated along east coast ahead of cyclone 'Fani': Odisha government

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India.

Be it in Kerala or Bengal, and to a certain extent, Tripura and Begusarai, it may lose at the hands of secular parties and not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is certainly time for introspection for the mainstream Communist movement in India.

Interestingly, the Left has bounced back in Nepal, where they came to power 16 months ago, or in Mexico, where they won an election last summer. These developments took place more than a quarter century after the collapse of the Reds in Russia. In the same way, China is mostly Communist in name, while post-Castro Cuba is a different country now.

The Indian Communists may have their own political compulsions in Kerala where they are in power and the only force strong enough to take on the Congress. The saffron party has a relatively small base in that state. But in Bengal, there was some possibility of an alliance between the Left and Congress as they had contested the last Assembly election together, yet no such seat-sharing arrangement could be worked out this time. 
 
Notwithstanding the failure of an alliance with secular parties, people, in general, recognise contributions of the Left in fighting political opponents — be it Congress in the past, or the BJP now.

Perhaps they are missing personalities like Harkishen Singh Surjeet, Indrajit Gupta, Jyoti Basu and Somnath Chatterjee. Today there is a general feeling among the non-Communist secular parties that the Left is not following the line of Sitaram Yechury, but of Prakash Karat, the present general secretary of the CPM.

It was in Kerala that the first ever elected Communist government in the world came to power in 1957, when EMS Namboodiripad became the chief minister of the state. If things continue to go the way they are, Pinarayi Vijayan may end up becoming the last elected Chief Minister from the Left!

They have not only lost power in Bengal and Tripura, but have also become more or less politically irrelevant in these two states.

Incidentally, Kanhaiya Kumar the former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union — perhaps by default — has brought a glimmer of hope for the Communist movement. But he is too young and too new to the electoral battle of such a complex constituency as Begusarai, from where he has been fielded. That is why several Left-leaning activists have questioned the wisdom of the CPI to expose him to the rough and tumble of polls so early in his career. They are now asking as to why the Communists failed to build an alliance in Bengal and Begusarai — even if there was no scope for it in Kerala.

The Communists cannot put all the blame on the Congress in Bengal or the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. From the very beginning, they started making unrealistic demands regarding sharing of seats in Bihar and Bengal. For example, the CPI demanded six Lok Sabha seats from the ‘Grand Alliance’ without any presence in the Bihar Assembly. 
 
The big question is even if Kanhaiya wins from Begusarai, how many seats will the Communists win in the rest of the country?

If the Communists end up winning just a handful of seats, Kanhaiya would not be in a position to wage the so-called war against communalism alone. It seems that the hard-line ideological position is taking its toll on the Communist movement in India.

Strangely, even the bitterest rivals of Communists have never questioned their political commitment and honesty of their leaders. Even in Bengal, where they ruled for 34 years, nobody charged them with corruption, though they have repeatedly been blamed for violence and political arm-twisting.

If the Indian Left is really in the lurch, they themselves are to blame. They perhaps failed to read the writing on the wall. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-left-s-unrealistic-poll-demands-scuttled-alliances-2744403">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India.

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India. Be it in Kerala or Bengal, and to a certain extent, Tripura and Begusarai, it may lose at the hands of secular parties and not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is certainly time for introspection for the mainstream Communist movement in India. Interestingly, the Left has bounced back in Nepal, where they came to power 16 months ago, or in Mexico, where they won an election last summer. These developments took place more than a quarter century after the collapse of the Reds in Russia. In the same way, China is mostly Communist in name, while post-Castro Cuba is a different country now. The Indian Communists may have their own political compulsions in Kerala where they are in power and the only force strong enough to take on the Congress. The saffron party has a relatively small base in that state. But in Bengal, there was some possibility of an alliance between the Left and Congress as they had contested the last Assembly election together, yet no such seat-sharing arrangement could be worked out this time. Notwithstanding the failure of an alliance with secular parties, people, in general, recognise contributions of the Left in fighting political opponents — be it Congress in the past, or the BJP now. Perhaps they are missing personalities like Harkishen Singh Surjeet, Indrajit Gupta, Jyoti Basu and Somnath Chatterjee. Today there is a general feeling among the non-Communist secular parties that the Left is not following the line of Sitaram Yechury, but of Prakash Karat, the present general secretary of the CPM. It was in Kerala that the first ever elected Communist government in the world came to power in 1957, when EMS Namboodiripad became the chief minister of the state. If things continue to go the way they are, Pinarayi Vijayan may end up becoming the last elected Chief Minister from the Left! They have not only lost power in Bengal and Tripura, but have also become more or less politically irrelevant in these two states. Incidentally, Kanhaiya Kumar the former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union — perhaps by default — has brought a glimmer of hope for the Communist movement. But he is too young and too new to the electoral battle of such a complex constituency as Begusarai, from where he has been fielded. That is why several Left-leaning activists have questioned the wisdom of the CPI to expose him to the rough and tumble of polls so early in his career. They are now asking as to why the Communists failed to build an alliance in Bengal and Begusarai — even if there was no scope for it in Kerala. The Communists cannot put all the blame on the Congress in Bengal or the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. From the very beginning, they started making unrealistic demands regarding sharing of seats in Bihar and Bengal. For example, the CPI demanded six Lok Sabha seats from the ‘Grand Alliance’ without any presence in the Bihar Assembly. The big question is even if Kanhaiya wins from Begusarai, how many seats will the Communists win in the rest of the country? If the Communists end up winning just a handful of seats, Kanhaiya would not be in a position to wage the so-called war against communalism alone. It seems that the hard-line ideological position is taking its toll on the Communist movement in India. Strangely, even the bitterest rivals of Communists have never questioned their political commitment and honesty of their leaders. Even in Bengal, where they ruled for 34 years, nobody charged them with corruption, though they have repeatedly been blamed for violence and political arm-twisting. If the Indian Left is really in the lurch, they themselves are to blame. They perhaps failed to read the writing on the wall. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

2019 Lok Sabha polls: Left’s unrealistic poll demands scuttled alliances

With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-imd-issues-yellow-warning-in-odisha-predicting-heavy-rainfall-214909">IMD issuing a formal alert that Cyclone Fani</a> is likely to hit the coastal areas of West Bengal, the state government has taken all precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident, officials said Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended cyclone alert to north Andhra Pradesh coast and West Bengal coast, apart from Odisha, which it is expected to cross by Friday.

The state disaster management department in a message issued a warning to the fishermen asking them not to venture into the deep sea and urged those already there to return to the coast by Wednesday evening.

The MHA has released in advance fund for financial assistance to the state disaster management department for undertaking preventive and relief measures in response to Cyclonic storm Fani, officials said.

Of the total financial assistance of Rs 1,086 crore, Odisha will get Rs 340.87 crore, Tamil Nadu Rs 309.37 crore, West Bengal Rs 235.50 crore and Andhra Pradesh will get Rs 200.25 crore, a home ministry statement said.

The cyclone is very likely to intensify further into an extremely severe cyclonic storm shortly, the IMD said in a bulletin in the evening.&nbsp;

With the IMD issuing a formal alert that Cyclone Fani is likely to hit the coastal areas of West Bengal, the state government has taken all precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident, officials said Tuesday.

With the IMD issuing a formal alert that Cyclone Fani is likely to hit the coastal areas of West Bengal, the state government has taken all precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident, officials said Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended cyclone alert to north Andhra Pradesh coast and West Bengal coast, apart from Odisha, which it is expected to cross by Friday. The state disaster management department in a message issued a warning to the fishermen asking them not to venture into the deep sea and urged those already there to return to the coast by Wednesday evening. The MHA has released in advance fund for financial assistance to the state disaster management department for undertaking preventive and relief measures in response to Cyclonic storm Fani, officials said. Of the total financial assistance of Rs 1,086 crore, Odisha will get Rs 340.87 crore, Tamil Nadu Rs 309.37 crore, West Bengal Rs 235.50 crore and Andhra Pradesh will get Rs 200.25 crore, a home ministry statement said. The cyclone is very likely to intensify further into an extremely severe cyclonic storm shortly, the IMD said in a bulletin in the evening.

West Bengal on high alert as Cyclone Fani likely to hit coastal areas

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