Total Voter Turnout In Second Phase of Lok Sabha Polls Stands Above 61 Percent. The Phase Saw Sporadic Instances Of Violence. Palki sums up all the action on the day of second phase of Lok Sabha polls. Instances of violence have been reported in West Bengal, Assam, Manipur and Chhattisgarh

WION Gravitas: Phase 2 of Lok Sabha Polls: Incidents of stray violence reported

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

Meanwhile, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear-gas to clear the blockade at Chopra which falls under Darjeeling parliamentary constituency.

"TMC workers were trying to capture booth. They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn`t election campaign," Debasree alleged.

She also claimed that TMC workers tried to capture booth at Raiganj Coronation High School.

In Chopra, security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth.

A local, Sujit Kumar, said that people were stopped by few miscreants from reaching their respective polling booths and the unscrupulous elements allegedly also snatched their EPIC cards or voter I-cards.

"While voters were on their way to polling booths some persons have beaten them and snatched their EPIC card and make them run away. We want peace," said Kumar.

Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly campaigned for TMC`s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in the ongoing elections.

The government subsequently blacklisted Ahmed from campaigning, cancelled his business visa and asked him to leave India.

Polling is underway at three constituencies in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Raiganj today in the second phase of general elections.

On April 11, Coochbehar and Alipurduar went to the polls. While in phase 3 on April 23, 5 Lok Sabha constituencies will go for polls, 8 Lok Sabha seats in phase 4 on April 29, while 7, 8 and 9 parliamentary constituencies will vote on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively.

There are 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.95 parliamentary constituencies spread across 11 states and a Union Territory will go to polls today.

Polling is being held in Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (38), Uttar Pradesh (8), West Bengal (3), and a single parliamentary seat of Puducherry.

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency. Meanwhile, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear-gas to clear the blockade at Chopra which falls under Darjeeling parliamentary constituency. "TMC workers were trying to capture booth. They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn`t election campaign," Debasree alleged. She also claimed that TMC workers tried to capture booth at Raiganj Coronation High School. In Chopra, security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth. A local, Sujit Kumar, said that people were stopped by few miscreants from reaching their respective polling booths and the unscrupulous elements allegedly also snatched their EPIC cards or voter I-cards. "While voters were on their way to polling booths some persons have beaten them and snatched their EPIC card and make them run away. We want peace," said Kumar. Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly campaigned for TMC`s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in the ongoing elections. The government subsequently blacklisted Ahmed from campaigning, cancelled his business visa and asked him to leave India. Polling is underway at three constituencies in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Raiganj today in the second phase of general elections. On April 11, Coochbehar and Alipurduar went to the polls. While in phase 3 on April 23, 5 Lok Sabha constituencies will go for polls, 8 Lok Sabha seats in phase 4 on April 29, while 7, 8 and 9 parliamentary constituencies will vote on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively. There are 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.95 parliamentary constituencies spread across 11 states and a Union Territory will go to polls today. Polling is being held in Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (38), Uttar Pradesh (8), West Bengal (3), and a single parliamentary seat of Puducherry.

West Bengal: Violence mars polling at Raiganj, Chopra

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: EVM glitches delay voting in Tamil Nadu, 61% turnout recorded till 6 pm</a>

West Bengal went to polls braving violence.

Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few place in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal with 76 per cent of voter turnout till 6pm on Thursday, officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-suspends-loc-trade-with-pakistan-says-route-being-misused-211563">Government of India suspends LoC trade with Pakistan, says route being misused</a>

In a blow to Pakistan, India on Thursday called off trade between J&amp;K and POK(Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) along the line of control(LoC).

The ministry of home affairs letter, procured by WION and dated April 18, 2019, said the trade is being misused by the Pakistan-based elements for funnelling illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency and called for a "stricter regulatory regime".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-bangladeshi-actor-asked-to-leave-india-for-participating-in-political-rally-in-west-bengal-mha-211516">Another Bangladeshi actor asked to leave India for participating in political rally in West Bengal: MHA</a>

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday.&nbsp;

As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/local-insurgent-group-claims-responsibility-for-balochistan-bus-attack-211475">Local insurgent group claims responsibility for Balochistan bus attack</a>

A Baluch insurgent group on Thursday claimed responsibility for killing 14 people in southwest Pakistan, it said in a statement emailed to reporters and newspaper offices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-to-meet-putin-in-russia-in-late-april-211539">North Korea's Kim to meet Putin in Russia in late April</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in late April for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Moscow said Thursday.

"Following an invitation from Vladimir Putin... Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in the second half of April," the Kremlin said in a statement on its website.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: EVM glitches delay voting in Tamil Nadu, 61% turnout recorded till 6 pm West Bengal went to polls braving violence. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few place in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal with 76 per cent of voter turnout till 6pm on Thursday, officials said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: EVM glitches delay voting in Tamil Nadu, 61% turnout recorded till 6 pm West Bengal went to polls braving violence. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few place in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal with 76 per cent of voter turnout till 6pm on Thursday, officials said. Government of India suspends LoC trade with Pakistan, says route being misused In a blow to Pakistan, India on Thursday called off trade between J&K and POK(Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) along the line of control(LoC). The ministry of home affairs letter, procured by WION and dated April 18, 2019, said the trade is being misused by the Pakistan-based elements for funnelling illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency and called for a "stricter regulatory regime". Another Bangladeshi actor asked to leave India for participating in political rally in West Bengal: MHA The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired. Local insurgent group claims responsibility for Balochistan bus attack A Baluch insurgent group on Thursday claimed responsibility for killing 14 people in southwest Pakistan, it said in a statement emailed to reporters and newspaper offices. North Korea's Kim to meet Putin in Russia in late April North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in late April for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Moscow said Thursday. "Following an invitation from Vladimir Putin... Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in the second half of April," the Kremlin said in a statement on its website.

News brief: Big stories of the day

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling.

Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked. He claimed it was Trinamool Congress’ handiwork.

“I came here after hearing reports that Trinamool Congress’ men were preventing people from casting their votes. When I confronted them, they attacked my vehicle. &nbsp;My driver and assistant were still inside the vehicle when it was attacked with stones and bricks. They had to flee along with the vehicle to save their life,” said Salim.

“Massive rigging was on when I arrived here. Trinamool Congress men also tried to attack me with rods,” added Salim.

Immediately after, the sector officer arrived at the polling booth and asked Salim to wait till Central force jawans arrived at the booth.

Meanwhile, Salim has registered a complaint with the CEO’s office.

Sources in the CEO office says that they are looking into the matter.&nbsp;

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling. Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked.

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling. Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked. He claimed it was Trinamool Congress’ handiwork. “I came here after hearing reports that Trinamool Congress’ men were preventing people from casting their votes. When I confronted them, they attacked my vehicle. My driver and assistant were still inside the vehicle when it was attacked with stones and bricks. They had to flee along with the vehicle to save their life,” said Salim. “Massive rigging was on when I arrived here. Trinamool Congress men also tried to attack me with rods,” added Salim. Immediately after, the sector officer arrived at the polling booth and asked Salim to wait till Central force jawans arrived at the booth. Meanwhile, Salim has registered a complaint with the CEO’s office. Sources in the CEO office says that they are looking into the matter.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: CPI(M) candidate Md. Salim’s convoy attacked in West Bengal

A massive contingent of 41,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed in politically crucial West Bengal during the remaining six phases of Lok Sabha polls in the state which has often seen violence during elections, officials said.

This is the maximum number of central security forces ever deployed in the state for the general elections, they said.

Officials in the central security establishment said a "massive mobilisation" of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is being made. The state sends 42 Lok Sabha MPs.

Elections to two constituencies was held in phase one on April 11, while three seats will go to polls on Thursday in the second phase. The state will have seven-phase polls.

About 41,000 personnel drawn from the central pool, as part of 400 companies, will be deployed gradually in West Bengal till the last and seventh phase of voting on May 19, they said.

Officials said the build up in the numbers of the central forces is evident from the first phase of polls in the state when about 84 companies (nearly 100 personnel each) were deployed to conduct polls in two seats of Coochbehar and Alipurduar. For polls in three seats of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj on Thursday, a total of 194 companies are being deployed.

Officials said the aim is to have "85-90 per cent" of the polling booths in the state under the cover of the central forces as a number of incidents of voters intimidation, booth attack and looting of EVMs have taken place in the state during the panchayat polls held last year and the assembly polls in 2016.

A number of polling booths have been declared sensitive from the point of view of violence and suspicion of distribution of poll inducements like liquor and cash, they said.

Reports state that while about 12-13 people were killed during the panchayat polls, over a dozen were injured and wide-scale violence during the last assembly elections in the state.

A large of chunk of the 400 companies will be drawn from the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Central Industrial Security Force and Indian Reserve Battalions (IRBs) of different states, officials added.

Huge logistics and requisitioning of railway coaches, trucks and helicopter sorties are being arranged to send these forces, they said.

As the phases are getting over, the troops are being moved from one state to the other and maximum numbers are being sent to West Bengal, they said.

The Election Commission has appointed former Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ajay V Nayak as a special observer for West Bengal, while retired IPS officer Vivek Dubey has been sent to the state as a special police observer.

About 2.5 lakh central police forces are being deployed across the country for the Lok Sabha polls that began on April 11 and will end on May 19. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 23.&nbsp;

A massive contingent of 41,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed in politically crucial West Bengal during the remaining six phases of Lok Sabha polls in the state which has often seen violence during elections, officials said.

A massive contingent of 41,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed in politically crucial West Bengal during the remaining six phases of Lok Sabha polls in the state which has often seen violence during elections, officials said. This is the maximum number of central security forces ever deployed in the state for the general elections, they said. Officials in the central security establishment said a "massive mobilisation" of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is being made. The state sends 42 Lok Sabha MPs. Elections to two constituencies was held in phase one on April 11, while three seats will go to polls on Thursday in the second phase. The state will have seven-phase polls. About 41,000 personnel drawn from the central pool, as part of 400 companies, will be deployed gradually in West Bengal till the last and seventh phase of voting on May 19, they said. Officials said the build up in the numbers of the central forces is evident from the first phase of polls in the state when about 84 companies (nearly 100 personnel each) were deployed to conduct polls in two seats of Coochbehar and Alipurduar. For polls in three seats of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj on Thursday, a total of 194 companies are being deployed. Officials said the aim is to have "85-90 per cent" of the polling booths in the state under the cover of the central forces as a number of incidents of voters intimidation, booth attack and looting of EVMs have taken place in the state during the panchayat polls held last year and the assembly polls in 2016. A number of polling booths have been declared sensitive from the point of view of violence and suspicion of distribution of poll inducements like liquor and cash, they said. Reports state that while about 12-13 people were killed during the panchayat polls, over a dozen were injured and wide-scale violence during the last assembly elections in the state. A large of chunk of the 400 companies will be drawn from the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Central Industrial Security Force and Indian Reserve Battalions (IRBs) of different states, officials added. Huge logistics and requisitioning of railway coaches, trucks and helicopter sorties are being arranged to send these forces, they said. As the phases are getting over, the troops are being moved from one state to the other and maximum numbers are being sent to West Bengal, they said. The Election Commission has appointed former Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ajay V Nayak as a special observer for West Bengal, while retired IPS officer Vivek Dubey has been sent to the state as a special police observer. About 2.5 lakh central police forces are being deployed across the country for the Lok Sabha polls that began on April 11 and will end on May 19. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: 41,000 central forces personnel to be deployed in West Bengal over multiple phases

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday cancelled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-seeks-report-on-bangladeshi-actor-ferdous-ahmed-campaigning-for-trinamool-congress-in-west-bengal-210909">Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed</a>'s business visa and issued him a 'leave India' notice. Ahmed has also been blacklisted.

"After receiving a report from the Bureau of Immigration regarding visa violations committed by a Bangladesh National Mr Ferdous Ahmed," the MHA statement noted.&nbsp;

The ministry, earlier in the day, had asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's campaign for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.&nbsp;

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MHA: After receiving report from Bureau of Immigration regarding visa violations committed by a Bangladesh National Mr Ferdous Ahmed(actor who campaigned for TMC), MHA has cancelled his business visa and issued him a leave India notice. He also has been blacklisted. <a href="https://t.co/3lbqJEboEg">pic.twitter.com/3lbqJEboEg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118154504015241217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The 45-year-old Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for Agarwal at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The FRRO is responsible for providing visa services in the area under its jurisdiction.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday took notice of the incident and had raised the issue of Model Code of Conduct violation.&nbsp;

The BJP moved the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raiganj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor - Ahmed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday cancelled Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's business visa and issued him a 'leave India' notice. Ahmed has also been blacklisted.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday cancelled Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's business visa and issued him a 'leave India' notice. Ahmed has also been blacklisted. "After receiving a report from the Bureau of Immigration regarding visa violations committed by a Bangladesh National Mr Ferdous Ahmed," the MHA statement noted. The ministry, earlier in the day, had asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's campaign for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. MHA: After receiving report from Bureau of Immigration regarding visa violations committed by a Bangladesh National Mr Ferdous Ahmed(actor who campaigned for TMC), MHA has cancelled his business visa and issued him a leave India notice. He also has been blacklisted. pic.twitter.com/3lbqJEboEg — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019 × The 45-year-old Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for Agarwal at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border. The FRRO is responsible for providing visa services in the area under its jurisdiction. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday took notice of the incident and had raised the issue of Model Code of Conduct violation. The BJP moved the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raiganj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor - Ahmed.

Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed, who campaigned for Trinamool Congress, blacklisted for visa violations

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladeshi-actor-ferdous-ahmed-campaigns-for-tmc-in-west-bengal-bjp-alleges-code-violation-210619">Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed campaigning for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal</a>.&nbsp;

The move comes following reports that Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly took part in campaigning for TMC's Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal.

The Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) Kolkata has been asked to send a detailed report whether Ahmed has violated visa conditions by allegedly participating in the Lok Sabha poll campaigning, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous campaigning for TMC in West Bengal. <a href="https://t.co/9uj22bZvEn">pic.twitter.com/9uj22bZvEn</a>
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Ahmed is said to be visiting India on a Business Visa.

The Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for Agarwal at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The FRRO is responsible for providing visa services in the area under its jurisdiction.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday took notice of the incident and had raised the issue of Model Code of Conduct violation.&nbsp;

The BJP moved the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raiganj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor - Ahmed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed campaigning for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed campaigning for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. The move comes following reports that Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly took part in campaigning for TMC's Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal. The Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) Kolkata has been asked to send a detailed report whether Ahmed has violated visa conditions by allegedly participating in the Lok Sabha poll campaigning, news agency PTI reported. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous campaigning for TMC in West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/9uj22bZvEn — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019 × Ahmed is said to be visiting India on a Business Visa. The Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for Agarwal at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border. The FRRO is responsible for providing visa services in the area under its jurisdiction. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday took notice of the incident and had raised the issue of Model Code of Conduct violation. The BJP moved the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raiganj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor - Ahmed. (With inputs from PTI)

Centre seeks report on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's campaign for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal

In a major controversy, Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed was seen campaigning in favour of the Trinamool Congress candidate from Raiganj constituency Kanhaiyalal Agarwal on Sunday.

Ahmed participated in a roadshow, accompanied by Bengali Tollywood actors Ankush and Payal from Karandighi to Islampur through the Bengal-to-Bengal road.

After road show, Ahmed took the stage for Trinamool Congress’ election campaign and said, “All should vote for the Trinamool Congress. All should vote for didi.”

Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Janta Party has moved the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raiganj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor - Ahmed.

“This is illegal. This is a violation of the MCC. This proves Trinamool Congress’ love for Bangladeshis. They want to consolidate minority votes in this constituency by inviting Bangladeshi actors to campaign for them. We have moved Election Commission demanding action against the Trinamool Congress,” said BJP leader Pratap Banerjee.

On the other hand, the Election Commission communicated to this correspondent that they have received a complaint and are looking into it.

However, Trinamool Congress has maintained that there was nothing wrong in roping in the Bangladeshi actor for the campaign.&nbsp;

“Our contribution for Bangladesh in the 1971 Liberation War has been immense. And I do not feel that we have done anything wrong by inviting Ferdous to campaign for us here. We will not do anything that is anti-national, illegal or violates the Model Code of Conduct. If the commission takes action against us, they must also take action against BJP candidates and leaders flashing arms and swords on Ramnavami during the election period,” said former Trinamool Congress minister Madan Mitra.

In a major controversy, Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed was seen campaigning in favour of the Trinamool Congress candidate from Raiganj constituency Kanhaiyalal Agarwal on Sunday.

In a major controversy, Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed was seen campaigning in favour of the Trinamool Congress candidate from Raiganj constituency Kanhaiyalal Agarwal on Sunday. Ahmed participated in a roadshow, accompanied by Bengali Tollywood actors Ankush and Payal from Karandighi to Islampur through the Bengal-to-Bengal road. After road show, Ahmed took the stage for Trinamool Congress’ election campaign and said, “All should vote for the Trinamool Congress. All should vote for didi.” Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Janta Party has moved the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raiganj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor - Ahmed. “This is illegal. This is a violation of the MCC. This proves Trinamool Congress’ love for Bangladeshis. They want to consolidate minority votes in this constituency by inviting Bangladeshi actors to campaign for them. We have moved Election Commission demanding action against the Trinamool Congress,” said BJP leader Pratap Banerjee. On the other hand, the Election Commission communicated to this correspondent that they have received a complaint and are looking into it. However, Trinamool Congress has maintained that there was nothing wrong in roping in the Bangladeshi actor for the campaign. “Our contribution for Bangladesh in the 1971 Liberation War has been immense. And I do not feel that we have done anything wrong by inviting Ferdous to campaign for us here. We will not do anything that is anti-national, illegal or violates the Model Code of Conduct. If the commission takes action against us, they must also take action against BJP candidates and leaders flashing arms and swords on Ramnavami during the election period,” said former Trinamool Congress minister Madan Mitra.

Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed campaigns for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal; BJP alleges code violation

Once a Congress stronghold, the Raiganj Lok Sabha seat is set to witness a four-cornered contest this time with the candidates of major political parties in the state pitted against each other in a neck-and-neck battle.

Since 1952, Congress candidates have won the seat 13 times including the two terms for party stalwart Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi in 1999 and 2004. His wife Deepa Dasmunsi also represented the constituency in Parliament for a term.

The former Congress bastion in Uttar Dinajpur district has also sent CPI(M) candidates to Parliament four times including the outgoing one.

CPI(M)'s Mohammed Salim, who had won the seat in Uttar Dinajpur district in 2014 by a razor thin margin of 1,634 votes, seems to have an uphill task this time to retain the seat.

In the 2014 general election, the CPI(M) candidate got 3,17,515 votes and the Congress secured 3,15,881 votes. The BJP and the TMC came third and fourth bagging 2,03,131 and 1,92,698 votes respectively.

Congress leaders later said the fight between the party and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had helped the CPI(M) candidate win the seat in the last Lok Sabha election.

Besides the Murshidabad seat, Raiganj had been the bone of contention between the Congress and the CPI(M) in the seat-sharing talks in the state that did not materialise. The CPI(M) had won only Raiganj and Murshidabad in 2014.

Between 2014 and 2019, the BJP has gained strength in the state eating into the vote share of the Left Front and the Congress, as evident from the 2018 rural election results.

In the three-tier panchayat polls, the TMC had won hands down. The BJP had come a distant second relegating the Congress to the third spot. The LF nominees won only few seats.

The TMC has also poached many opposition leaders into its fold over the years. The Congress MLA from Islampur, 64-year-old Kanaialal Agarwal, is one such.

The TMC has fielded Agarwal, who was once a follower of Dasmunsi, in the Lok Sabha seat. Raiganj Lok Sabha seat is one of the few seats in the state from where the party has never won.

Agarwal said he is confident of winning the seat for two reasons- opposition parties do not have support base in the constituency and the development work done by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

However, shifting of the proposed AIIMS from Raiganj to Kalyani in south Bengal at the insistence of Banerjee is an issue, Congress candidate Deepa Dasmunsi is banking on.

It was Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi's dream to set up the AIIMS to ensure better healthcare for local people, she said.

Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi had suffered a stroke in 2008 when he was a Union minister, and gone into a vegetative state. He died in 2017. Deepa had won from the seat in 2009.

At a recent rally, AICC president Rahul Gandhi had promised to set up one AIIMS at Raiganj if voted to power.

Agarwal, however, claimed that the AIIMS is no longer an issue here after the chief minister set up the Raiganj Medical College and Hospital.

CPI(M) nominee Mohammed Salim has quite an outstanding performance in the 16th Lok Sabha with 85 per cent attendance. He has also spent Rs 20.50 crore out of the Rs 21.51 crore sanctioned in MPLAD fund for Raiganj during his tenure.

But, he has been accused of being absent in his constituency for long periods of time.

"We have not seen much of our MP in the last five years," says Tapan Das, a resident of Raiganj.

The senior CPI(M) leader, however, denied the charge.

"Probably I am one of the most accessible MPs in the country. People have always got me during their need," he said.

He said he is hopeful of retaining the seat as he has worked hard for the constituency during the past five years.

BJP candidate Debasree Chaudhuri, a familiar face at the BJP state headquarter in Kolkata, asserted that it is imperative that central forces are deployed in each of the 1,623 booths in the seat to ensure a peaceful election.

Coochbehar, where polling was held in the first phase on April 11, witnessed widespread manipulations and strong-arm tactics by the ruling TMC, she told PTI.

"People have seen the Congress and the Left becoming irrelevant. They have also suffered TMC atrocities. So the natural choice for them will be the BJP," Chaudhuri claimed.

The death of two youths at Daribhit School in Islampur in September 2018 in alleged police firing while protesting appointment of an Urdu teacher has found a prominent place in the saffron party's campaign in the constituency, which has a sizeable minority population.

BJP president Amit Shah at a rally had raked up the issue to allege minority appeasement by the TMC government.

There are 14 candidates including five Independents in the fray in the constituency, which will go to vote on April 18 in the second phase. 
There are a total 15.99 lakh voters in the constituency.&nbsp;

Once a Congress stronghold, the Raiganj Lok Sabha seat is set to witness a four-cornered contest this time with the candidates of major political parties in the state pitted against each other in a neck-and-neck battle.

Once a Congress stronghold, the Raiganj Lok Sabha seat is set to witness a four-cornered contest this time with the candidates of major political parties in the state pitted against each other in a neck-and-neck battle. Since 1952, Congress candidates have won the seat 13 times including the two terms for party stalwart Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi in 1999 and 2004. His wife Deepa Dasmunsi also represented the constituency in Parliament for a term. The former Congress bastion in Uttar Dinajpur district has also sent CPI(M) candidates to Parliament four times including the outgoing one. CPI(M)'s Mohammed Salim, who had won the seat in Uttar Dinajpur district in 2014 by a razor thin margin of 1,634 votes, seems to have an uphill task this time to retain the seat. In the 2014 general election, the CPI(M) candidate got 3,17,515 votes and the Congress secured 3,15,881 votes. The BJP and the TMC came third and fourth bagging 2,03,131 and 1,92,698 votes respectively. Congress leaders later said the fight between the party and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had helped the CPI(M) candidate win the seat in the last Lok Sabha election. Besides the Murshidabad seat, Raiganj had been the bone of contention between the Congress and the CPI(M) in the seat-sharing talks in the state that did not materialise. The CPI(M) had won only Raiganj and Murshidabad in 2014. Between 2014 and 2019, the BJP has gained strength in the state eating into the vote share of the Left Front and the Congress, as evident from the 2018 rural election results. In the three-tier panchayat polls, the TMC had won hands down. The BJP had come a distant second relegating the Congress to the third spot. The LF nominees won only few seats. The TMC has also poached many opposition leaders into its fold over the years. The Congress MLA from Islampur, 64-year-old Kanaialal Agarwal, is one such. The TMC has fielded Agarwal, who was once a follower of Dasmunsi, in the Lok Sabha seat. Raiganj Lok Sabha seat is one of the few seats in the state from where the party has never won. Agarwal said he is confident of winning the seat for two reasons- opposition parties do not have support base in the constituency and the development work done by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, shifting of the proposed AIIMS from Raiganj to Kalyani in south Bengal at the insistence of Banerjee is an issue, Congress candidate Deepa Dasmunsi is banking on. It was Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi's dream to set up the AIIMS to ensure better healthcare for local people, she said. Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi had suffered a stroke in 2008 when he was a Union minister, and gone into a vegetative state. He died in 2017. Deepa had won from the seat in 2009. At a recent rally, AICC president Rahul Gandhi had promised to set up one AIIMS at Raiganj if voted to power. Agarwal, however, claimed that the AIIMS is no longer an issue here after the chief minister set up the Raiganj Medical College and Hospital. CPI(M) nominee Mohammed Salim has quite an outstanding performance in the 16th Lok Sabha with 85 per cent attendance. He has also spent Rs 20.50 crore out of the Rs 21.51 crore sanctioned in MPLAD fund for Raiganj during his tenure. But, he has been accused of being absent in his constituency for long periods of time. "We have not seen much of our MP in the last five years," says Tapan Das, a resident of Raiganj. The senior CPI(M) leader, however, denied the charge. "Probably I am one of the most accessible MPs in the country. People have always got me during their need," he said. He said he is hopeful of retaining the seat as he has worked hard for the constituency during the past five years. BJP candidate Debasree Chaudhuri, a familiar face at the BJP state headquarter in Kolkata, asserted that it is imperative that central forces are deployed in each of the 1,623 booths in the seat to ensure a peaceful election. Coochbehar, where polling was held in the first phase on April 11, witnessed widespread manipulations and strong-arm tactics by the ruling TMC, she told PTI. "People have seen the Congress and the Left becoming irrelevant. They have also suffered TMC atrocities. So the natural choice for them will be the BJP," Chaudhuri claimed. The death of two youths at Daribhit School in Islampur in September 2018 in alleged police firing while protesting appointment of an Urdu teacher has found a prominent place in the saffron party's campaign in the constituency, which has a sizeable minority population. BJP president Amit Shah at a rally had raked up the issue to allege minority appeasement by the TMC government. There are 14 candidates including five Independents in the fray in the constituency, which will go to vote on April 18 in the second phase. There are a total 15.99 lakh voters in the constituency.

In West Bengal, 4-cornered contest in cards for Raiganj Lok Sabha seat

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she can contest from any part of the country but chose not to do so as does not want division of votes, adding that stronghold of regional parties in states is a must.

"I could have fought from several places. People asked me why I'm not contesting as our TMC has got national party recognition. I can contest from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. If I'm winning I can contest from anywhere but I do not want division of votes," she said while addressing a public gathering at Siliguri in West Bengal.

"I want regional parties to go ahead. Lalu Yadav in Bihar, Mayawati and Akhilesh in Uttar Pradesh and AAP in Delhi. I have helped everyone and brought everyone together," she stressed.

Underlying the need for the Opposition to defeat the BJP government, Mamata said, "We contest on 9 seats in Assam, 1 in Andaman, 2 to 4 in Odisha. We will contest from Jharkhand on three to four sets but Bengal is our main focus and loyalty. We will not leave any stone unturned to come into power in the state. Everyone vote is very important to bring development in Bengal."

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said wherever regional parties are strong they should not lose their votes from their area. "BJP is at no place, CPM is something in Kerala but nothing across the country. Even Congress can do nothing. Whatever little they have in other states let them fight from there...we have no issue with it. But where I am strong why would you vote for the Congress. Where Chandrababu Naidu is strong why would you vote for some other party," she said.

Continuing her tirade against the BJP and Prime Minister Modi for ruling in an authoritative manner, Mamata said, "BJP looted traders, framers, industrialist, young generation and maa-behen (mother-daughter). Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are facing atrocities. We will not allow this. We will follow the footsteps of Dr BR Ambedkar. No political party has the right to torture the minority."

"Air India no more serves non-vegetarian food. It is like what he (PM Modi) wants to eat everyone has to eat that. We will eat what we want. It is my choice whether I want to eat veg or non-veg. Who is Modi to tell us?" she said.

She added it is dangerous for us that there is a party called RSS who carries "danda (stick) and roam around with goondas" (goons). Asserting that Prime Minister Modi is spreading rumours about two most prominent religious festivals -- Saraswati pooja and Durga Pooja, the TMC chief said, "Is it so? Are not we celebration Durga pooja and Saraswati pooja. Who is he to tell us about our people, state and culture. Can he chant a single mantra? For his whimsical thoughts, he has started behaving like Hitler."

The Lok Sabha polls for 42 parliamentary seats in West Bengal began on April 11 and it is staggered in all seven phases till May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she can contest from any part of the country but chose not to do so as does not want division of votes, adding that stronghold of regional parties in states is a must.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she can contest from any part of the country but chose not to do so as does not want division of votes, adding that stronghold of regional parties in states is a must. "I could have fought from several places. People asked me why I'm not contesting as our TMC has got national party recognition. I can contest from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. If I'm winning I can contest from anywhere but I do not want division of votes," she said while addressing a public gathering at Siliguri in West Bengal. "I want regional parties to go ahead. Lalu Yadav in Bihar, Mayawati and Akhilesh in Uttar Pradesh and AAP in Delhi. I have helped everyone and brought everyone together," she stressed. Underlying the need for the Opposition to defeat the BJP government, Mamata said, "We contest on 9 seats in Assam, 1 in Andaman, 2 to 4 in Odisha. We will contest from Jharkhand on three to four sets but Bengal is our main focus and loyalty. We will not leave any stone unturned to come into power in the state. Everyone vote is very important to bring development in Bengal." The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said wherever regional parties are strong they should not lose their votes from their area. "BJP is at no place, CPM is something in Kerala but nothing across the country. Even Congress can do nothing. Whatever little they have in other states let them fight from there...we have no issue with it. But where I am strong why would you vote for the Congress. Where Chandrababu Naidu is strong why would you vote for some other party," she said. Continuing her tirade against the BJP and Prime Minister Modi for ruling in an authoritative manner, Mamata said, "BJP looted traders, framers, industrialist, young generation and maa-behen (mother-daughter). Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are facing atrocities. We will not allow this. We will follow the footsteps of Dr BR Ambedkar. No political party has the right to torture the minority." "Air India no more serves non-vegetarian food. It is like what he (PM Modi) wants to eat everyone has to eat that. We will eat what we want. It is my choice whether I want to eat veg or non-veg. Who is Modi to tell us?" she said. She added it is dangerous for us that there is a party called RSS who carries "danda (stick) and roam around with goondas" (goons). Asserting that Prime Minister Modi is spreading rumours about two most prominent religious festivals -- Saraswati pooja and Durga Pooja, the TMC chief said, "Is it so? Are not we celebration Durga pooja and Saraswati pooja. Who is he to tell us about our people, state and culture. Can he chant a single mantra? For his whimsical thoughts, he has started behaving like Hitler." The Lok Sabha polls for 42 parliamentary seats in West Bengal began on April 11 and it is staggered in all seven phases till May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.

I can contest from anywhere but don't want division of votes: Mamata Banerjee

Something "very very serious" seems to be going on in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-writes-poem-key-to-democracy-196767">West Bengal</a>, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supreme-court-upholds-conviction-life-imprisonment-of-saravana-bhavan-founder-in-murder-case-206445">Supreme Court</a> said on Friday (April 12) as it agreed to hear a plea alleging harassment of customs officials at Kolkata Airport for checking the luggage of a Trinamool Congress leader's wife.

The top court asked the West Bengal government to file its reply on the plea within four weeks.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said: "Someone has drawn our attention to something very very serious. We don't know yet whose claim is bona fide but we would like to go into the root of the matter."

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the customs department and assisted by advocate Ravi Prakash, told the bench that the plea pertains to the incident of March 15-16 when customs officials were obstructed from carrying out their duty.

The obstruction was caused to the officials, when two women including one Rujira Naroola Banerjee, wife of Abhishek Banerjee who is TMC MP and nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was intercepted at the airport for checking.

Senior advocate Abhishek M Singhvi objected to the issuance of notice and said that the petition is not maintainable as the petitioner Rajkumar Barthwal is a member of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and has no locus standi to file the plea.

To this, the bench observed that it does not know the bona fide of the petitioner but "We cannot ignore what is going on in West Bengal. If required we can ourselves take suo motu cognizance of the events and get to the bottom of the issue".

On March 29, the Centre had told the apex court that customs officials at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata were "intimidated, harassed and threatened" by the local police for checking the baggage of the wife of the TMC MP.

It had also alleged that "institutional anarchy" and "complete lawlessness" have been prevailing in West Bengal.

Mehta had told the court that on the intervening night of March 15-16 at around 1.10 AM, two women, who arrived from an international flight, and their luggage were checked by the customs officials.

"They were asked to allow checking of their baggage but they resisted. They were asked to show their passports after which they abused the officials present there," he had said.

Mehta had added that soon after the ladies left the airport, a huge contingent of police personnel entered the premises and tried to arrest the customs officials for checking the baggage of the women.

"This is institutional anarchy and complete lawlessness going on in West Bengal," he had said, adding that customs officials tried to lodge the FIR but no case was registered by the police so far.

A letter was written by Assistant Commissioner of Customs to Inspector-in-charge of Airport police station on March 22, seeking registration of an FIR for interfering, obstruction and criminal intimidation by the West Bengal police, he had said.

The custom commissioner has narrated the entire incident and said that one of the ladies whose baggage was checked was wife TMC MP, the nephew of the West Bengal CM, as per the letter.

The Commissioner alleged that police officers who entered the airport in different batches tried to intimidate, harass and threaten the customs officials with arrests.

The commissioner has said that West Bengal police wanted a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by the customs officials where VIPs were not "checked" and "a safe passage of their VIPs without any interception by customs".

Police personnel, who arrived at the airport, have claimed that they have received a complaint from one of the two women who was checked by customs officials alleging harassment, intimidation and extortion by them, the letter said.

Something "very very serious" seems to be going on in West Bengal, the Supreme Court said on Friday (April 12) as it agreed to hear a plea alleging harassment of customs officials at Kolkata Airport for checking the luggage of a Trinamool Congress leader's wife.

Something "very very serious" seems to be going on in West Bengal, the Supreme Court said on Friday (April 12) as it agreed to hear a plea alleging harassment of customs officials at Kolkata Airport for checking the luggage of a Trinamool Congress leader's wife. The top court asked the West Bengal government to file its reply on the plea within four weeks. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said: "Someone has drawn our attention to something very very serious. We don't know yet whose claim is bona fide but we would like to go into the root of the matter." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the customs department and assisted by advocate Ravi Prakash, told the bench that the plea pertains to the incident of March 15-16 when customs officials were obstructed from carrying out their duty. The obstruction was caused to the officials, when two women including one Rujira Naroola Banerjee, wife of Abhishek Banerjee who is TMC MP and nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was intercepted at the airport for checking. Senior advocate Abhishek M Singhvi objected to the issuance of notice and said that the petition is not maintainable as the petitioner Rajkumar Barthwal is a member of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and has no locus standi to file the plea. To this, the bench observed that it does not know the bona fide of the petitioner but "We cannot ignore what is going on in West Bengal. If required we can ourselves take suo motu cognizance of the events and get to the bottom of the issue". On March 29, the Centre had told the apex court that customs officials at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata were "intimidated, harassed and threatened" by the local police for checking the baggage of the wife of the TMC MP. It had also alleged that "institutional anarchy" and "complete lawlessness" have been prevailing in West Bengal. Mehta had told the court that on the intervening night of March 15-16 at around 1.10 AM, two women, who arrived from an international flight, and their luggage were checked by the customs officials. "They were asked to allow checking of their baggage but they resisted. They were asked to show their passports after which they abused the officials present there," he had said. Mehta had added that soon after the ladies left the airport, a huge contingent of police personnel entered the premises and tried to arrest the customs officials for checking the baggage of the women. "This is institutional anarchy and complete lawlessness going on in West Bengal," he had said, adding that customs officials tried to lodge the FIR but no case was registered by the police so far. A letter was written by Assistant Commissioner of Customs to Inspector-in-charge of Airport police station on March 22, seeking registration of an FIR for interfering, obstruction and criminal intimidation by the West Bengal police, he had said. The custom commissioner has narrated the entire incident and said that one of the ladies whose baggage was checked was wife TMC MP, the nephew of the West Bengal CM, as per the letter. The Commissioner alleged that police officers who entered the airport in different batches tried to intimidate, harass and threaten the customs officials with arrests. The commissioner has said that West Bengal police wanted a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by the customs officials where VIPs were not "checked" and "a safe passage of their VIPs without any interception by customs". Police personnel, who arrived at the airport, have claimed that they have received a complaint from one of the two women who was checked by customs officials alleging harassment, intimidation and extortion by them, the letter said.

Something serious going on in West Bengal says Supreme Court; seeks state's reply on customs officials' harassment

Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of intervening in state matters while questioning the removal of Andhra Pradesh chief secretary by the Election Commission.

She sought to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn't removing his own Cabinet secretary or the Union home secretary if he was so "fond of making last-minute changes".

"Why is the Centre intervening in state matters? Why was Andhra Pradesh chief secretary removed?" Banerjee asked at an election rally here. 
"Why don't you (Modi) remove your own cabinet secretary," she asked.

The Election Commission on Friday removed Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha from the post and appointed senior-most IAS officer LV Subrahmanyam in his place.

Reacting to the poll panel's move of removing four IPS officers in West Bengal, including Kolkata and Bidhanagar police commissioners, the West Bengal chief minister Saturday wrote a letter protesting its decision.

The letter said the removals were "unfortunate, highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, and urged the poll panel to review its decision.

Retorting to PM's claim that the TMC supremo was afraid of him, Banerjee said that it was Modi who was afraid of her and not the other way round.

Without naming former political associate Mukul Roy, whom she addressed as a traitor for quitting her party to join the BJP, she accused Modi of holding a meeting with a person accused in Saradha, Narada cases.

"Have you (PM Narendra Modi) been able to clean the Ganga at Varanasi, that you are looking at Bengal?" Banerjee questioned, saying that the BJP should trying to save its seat in Delhi before turning to Bengal.

She dared the BJP to implement NRC in Bengal, saying it will never be allowed in the state.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of intervening in state matters while questioning the removal of Andhra Pradesh chief secretary by the Election Commission.

Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of intervening in state matters while questioning the removal of Andhra Pradesh chief secretary by the Election Commission. She sought to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn't removing his own Cabinet secretary or the Union home secretary if he was so "fond of making last-minute changes". "Why is the Centre intervening in state matters? Why was Andhra Pradesh chief secretary removed?" Banerjee asked at an election rally here. "Why don't you (Modi) remove your own cabinet secretary," she asked. The Election Commission on Friday removed Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha from the post and appointed senior-most IAS officer LV Subrahmanyam in his place. Reacting to the poll panel's move of removing four IPS officers in West Bengal, including Kolkata and Bidhanagar police commissioners, the West Bengal chief minister Saturday wrote a letter protesting its decision. The letter said the removals were "unfortunate, highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, and urged the poll panel to review its decision. Retorting to PM's claim that the TMC supremo was afraid of him, Banerjee said that it was Modi who was afraid of her and not the other way round. Without naming former political associate Mukul Roy, whom she addressed as a traitor for quitting her party to join the BJP, she accused Modi of holding a meeting with a person accused in Saradha, Narada cases. "Have you (PM Narendra Modi) been able to clean the Ganga at Varanasi, that you are looking at Bengal?" Banerjee questioned, saying that the BJP should trying to save its seat in Delhi before turning to Bengal. She dared the BJP to implement NRC in Bengal, saying it will never be allowed in the state.

Mamata lashes out at Modi, questions Andhra chief secretary's Removal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners.

The EC decision is "unfortunate", "highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, the letter said, urging the poll panel to review its decision.

"Should there be any deterioration in the law order situation of the state, would the Commission take responsibility?" said the letter, the content of which was shared with PTI.

It also asked the EC to initiate a probe as to how and under whose guidance the decision on the transfer of the top police officers was taken.

"I strongly feel that the EC plays a neutral role to save democracy in India. But, it is very unfortunate that I have to write this letter today to raise strong protest against the transfer order dated April 5, 2019 issued by the EC by way of removing four senior officers from their existing positions," Banerjee said in her letter.

"The decision of the Commission is highly arbitrary, motivated and biased. We have every reason to believe that the decision of the Commission is at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre, i.E the BJP," the letter read.

Banerjee alleged that the EC transfer orders came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a BJP candidate alleged in a TV programme that the law and order situation in West Bengal is bad.

The EC had on Friday night removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh in a major shake-up ahead of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in the state.

Rajesh Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Pollution Control Board, was made the new Kolkata top cop, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu, ADG and IGP, Operations, was named the Bidhannagar police commissioner.

The poll body also named Avannu Ravindranath, deputy commissioner (Airport Division) of Bidhannagar, as the new Birbhum superintendent of police and appointed Srihari Pandey, deputy commissioner of Kolkata Armed Police, 3rd Battalion, as the Diamond Harbour police superintendent.

The announcement comes days after opposition parties in the state had alleged that free and fair elections would not be possible under these officers.

"The flow of events gives rise to strong doubts whether the Commission is functioning as per its constitutional mandate of conducting free and fair elections or working in a manner to appease the ruling BJP at the centre," the letter said.

Describing Sharma and Singh as "bright and experienced", she said they had played key roles in the seizure of illegal currency, gold, liquor and other prohibited items and in enforcing law and order in strict manner.

"The decision of the ECI to remove these officers leaves a big question mark whether this step is to give a shield to the vested interested parties and their political masters," Banerjee's letter said.

She said those brought in place of the two top police officers had been given the duty of police observers in other states and have little idea about Kolkata and Bidhannagar.

Stating that law and order is a state subject, Banerjee alleged that the state government was not consulted on the transfer.

"By not following the established practice and not seeking a panel of officers from the state government, the action of the ECI is prima facie undemocratic, biased and suffers from principles of natural justice," she wrote.

The EC had written to Chief Secretary Malay De directing immediate implementation of the transfers and sought a compliance report within 24 hours.

It also directed that the police officers who have been transferred should not be involved by the state government in any election-related duty.

Both Sharma and Singh were present when Banerjee began her sit-in on February 3 to protest against CBI's attempts to question former police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into the Saradha scam.

Kumar was later interrogated by the CBI in Shillong under the orders of the Supreme Court and Sharma had replaced Kumar.

After TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's wife was allegedly found carrying gold at the Kolkata airport, BJP had lodged a complaint with the EC against Bidhannagar Police commissioner Gyanwant Singh.

The party had demanded that Singh be held responsible for the alleged police interference if "prima facie any such incident happened". 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners. The EC decision is "unfortunate", "highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, the letter said, urging the poll panel to review its decision. "Should there be any deterioration in the law order situation of the state, would the Commission take responsibility?" said the letter, the content of which was shared with PTI. It also asked the EC to initiate a probe as to how and under whose guidance the decision on the transfer of the top police officers was taken. "I strongly feel that the EC plays a neutral role to save democracy in India. But, it is very unfortunate that I have to write this letter today to raise strong protest against the transfer order dated April 5, 2019 issued by the EC by way of removing four senior officers from their existing positions," Banerjee said in her letter. "The decision of the Commission is highly arbitrary, motivated and biased. We have every reason to believe that the decision of the Commission is at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre, i.E the BJP," the letter read. Banerjee alleged that the EC transfer orders came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a BJP candidate alleged in a TV programme that the law and order situation in West Bengal is bad. The EC had on Friday night removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh in a major shake-up ahead of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in the state. Rajesh Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Pollution Control Board, was made the new Kolkata top cop, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu, ADG and IGP, Operations, was named the Bidhannagar police commissioner. The poll body also named Avannu Ravindranath, deputy commissioner (Airport Division) of Bidhannagar, as the new Birbhum superintendent of police and appointed Srihari Pandey, deputy commissioner of Kolkata Armed Police, 3rd Battalion, as the Diamond Harbour police superintendent. The announcement comes days after opposition parties in the state had alleged that free and fair elections would not be possible under these officers. "The flow of events gives rise to strong doubts whether the Commission is functioning as per its constitutional mandate of conducting free and fair elections or working in a manner to appease the ruling BJP at the centre," the letter said. Describing Sharma and Singh as "bright and experienced", she said they had played key roles in the seizure of illegal currency, gold, liquor and other prohibited items and in enforcing law and order in strict manner. "The decision of the ECI to remove these officers leaves a big question mark whether this step is to give a shield to the vested interested parties and their political masters," Banerjee's letter said. She said those brought in place of the two top police officers had been given the duty of police observers in other states and have little idea about Kolkata and Bidhannagar. Stating that law and order is a state subject, Banerjee alleged that the state government was not consulted on the transfer. "By not following the established practice and not seeking a panel of officers from the state government, the action of the ECI is prima facie undemocratic, biased and suffers from principles of natural justice," she wrote. The EC had written to Chief Secretary Malay De directing immediate implementation of the transfers and sought a compliance report within 24 hours. It also directed that the police officers who have been transferred should not be involved by the state government in any election-related duty. Both Sharma and Singh were present when Banerjee began her sit-in on February 3 to protest against CBI's attempts to question former police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into the Saradha scam. Kumar was later interrogated by the CBI in Shillong under the orders of the Supreme Court and Sharma had replaced Kumar. After TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's wife was allegedly found carrying gold at the Kolkata airport, BJP had lodged a complaint with the EC against Bidhannagar Police commissioner Gyanwant Singh. The party had demanded that Singh be held responsible for the alleged police interference if "prima facie any such incident happened".

'Unfortunate,' says Mamata in letter to EC against transfer of top police officials

The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh on Friday.&nbsp;

The Commission posted Dr Rajesh Kumar, presently serving as ADG, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner. Natarajan Ramesh Babu is presently posted as ADG and IG, Operations as the new Bidhannagar Police Commissioner.&nbsp;

Interestingly, Sharma and Singh were reportedly seen sharing the ‘dharna’ spot of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while protesting the CBI's move to investigate former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar.&nbsp;

Opposition parties on several occasions levelled concerns over Sharma and Singh being directly involved in the electoral process after they were reportedly seen at the protest.&nbsp;

This apart, two other officers were also transferred. Selva Murugan was transferred from the post of SP Diamond Harbour Police district. Avvaru Ravindranath was posted as the SP Diamond Harbour. Shrihari Pandey was posted as SP Diamond Harbour replacing former SP Shyam Singh.&nbsp;

The notification issued by the ECI reads, “The direction of the Commission be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in respect of joining of above officers be sent within 24 hours. The present incumbent officers being shifted not to be involved by the state government in any election-related duties.”&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh on Friday. The Commission posted Dr Rajesh Kumar, presently serving as ADG, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh on Friday. The Commission posted Dr Rajesh Kumar, presently serving as ADG, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner. Natarajan Ramesh Babu is presently posted as ADG and IG, Operations as the new Bidhannagar Police Commissioner. Interestingly, Sharma and Singh were reportedly seen sharing the ‘dharna’ spot of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while protesting the CBI's move to investigate former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar. Opposition parties on several occasions levelled concerns over Sharma and Singh being directly involved in the electoral process after they were reportedly seen at the protest. This apart, two other officers were also transferred. Selva Murugan was transferred from the post of SP Diamond Harbour Police district. Avvaru Ravindranath was posted as the SP Diamond Harbour. Shrihari Pandey was posted as SP Diamond Harbour replacing former SP Shyam Singh. The notification issued by the ECI reads, “The direction of the Commission be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in respect of joining of above officers be sent within 24 hours. The present incumbent officers being shifted not to be involved by the state government in any election-related duties.”

West Bengal: ECI transfers Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma seen at Mamata Banerjee’s dharna 

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power.

“We give equal respect to all religions in the country. But Mamata didi gives a monthly stipend to Imams only. But the same monthly stipend is not given to the pandits. This is minority appeasement. She forcibly imposes Urdu language in schools. She alloted Rs 4,000 crore budget to Madrasa but the entire higher education budget is less than 4,000 crore depriving children of becoming engineers and doctors,” Shah said during a campaign rally in Alipurduar district of Bengal.

He added that if voted to power, the party will implement the NRC in the state. “We are going to implement the NRC in West Bengal and kick out all infiltrators. I want to assure all refugees that we will give you shelter through the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Mamata ji wants to kick out the refugees but we will not allow that,” added Shah.

The BJP national president once again raised the issue of the Rath Yatra permission being denied by the authorities and claimed that democracy does not prevail in the state.

“When we were to take out the Rath Yatra we were not given permission. Helicopter’s permission was denied to me, Rajnath Singh ji and Yogi Adityanath ji. Mamata ji doesn't allow villagers to cast their vote. I want to tell everyone that TMC's time is up and we are confident of getting 23 seats here,” he said.

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power.

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power. “We give equal respect to all religions in the country. But Mamata didi gives a monthly stipend to Imams only. But the same monthly stipend is not given to the pandits. This is minority appeasement. She forcibly imposes Urdu language in schools. She alloted Rs 4,000 crore budget to Madrasa but the entire higher education budget is less than 4,000 crore depriving children of becoming engineers and doctors,” Shah said during a campaign rally in Alipurduar district of Bengal. He added that if voted to power, the party will implement the NRC in the state. “We are going to implement the NRC in West Bengal and kick out all infiltrators. I want to assure all refugees that we will give you shelter through the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Mamata ji wants to kick out the refugees but we will not allow that,” added Shah. The BJP national president once again raised the issue of the Rath Yatra permission being denied by the authorities and claimed that democracy does not prevail in the state. “When we were to take out the Rath Yatra we were not given permission. Helicopter’s permission was denied to me, Rajnath Singh ji and Yogi Adityanath ji. Mamata ji doesn't allow villagers to cast their vote. I want to tell everyone that TMC's time is up and we are confident of getting 23 seats here,” he said.

Lok Sabha polls: 'TMC's time is up, will implement NRC in state if voted to power,' says Amit Shah in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are all set to kick-start the party's campaign in Bengal ahead of the first phase of elections scheduled to be held on April 11, 2019.

The party has set a target of at least 23 of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the top leadership is leaving no stone unturned to boost the morale of the state unit and reach out to the masses.

According to the BJP's state unit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in the state on April 3. He will hold two public rallies on the day. The first rally will be held in North Bengal's Siliguri — part of the Darjeeling constituency — at 1pm and later hold another public meeting in Kolkata at the Brigade Parade Grounds at 3pm.

Brigade Parade Grounds is a significant venue for this is where Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee held her first Mahagathbandhan meeting on January 19 early this year.

BJP president Amit Shah will hold two public meetings on March 30 ahead of the first phase of elections.

Shah's first meeting will be held at Cooch Behar and the second at Raigunj in North Dinajpur – both North Bengal districts.

He will return to Bengal again for a second time on April 2 and hold a public meeting at Jalpaiguri.

Sources in the state unit say the party is also trying to rope in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are all set to kick-start the party's campaign in Bengal ahead of the first phase of elections scheduled to be held on April 11, 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are all set to kick-start the party's campaign in Bengal ahead of the first phase of elections scheduled to be held on April 11, 2019. The party has set a target of at least 23 of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the top leadership is leaving no stone unturned to boost the morale of the state unit and reach out to the masses. According to the BJP's state unit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in the state on April 3. He will hold two public rallies on the day. The first rally will be held in North Bengal's Siliguri — part of the Darjeeling constituency — at 1pm and later hold another public meeting in Kolkata at the Brigade Parade Grounds at 3pm. Brigade Parade Grounds is a significant venue for this is where Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee held her first Mahagathbandhan meeting on January 19 early this year. BJP president Amit Shah will hold two public meetings on March 30 ahead of the first phase of elections. Shah's first meeting will be held at Cooch Behar and the second at Raigunj in North Dinajpur – both North Bengal districts. He will return to Bengal again for a second time on April 2 and hold a public meeting at Jalpaiguri. Sources in the state unit say the party is also trying to rope in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Modi, Amit Shah to kick-start BJP campaign in Bengal

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government.

"Opposition CM in Kerala has a Left government but it is implementing all the schemes of the Central government. Southern states are better. Two states which do not cooperate at all are West Bengal and Delhi," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership. The ability to take strong decisions like Balakot airstrike has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership.

Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday.

Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor."

Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government. "Opposition CM in Kerala has a Left government but it is implementing all the schemes of the Central government. Southern states are better. Two states which do not cooperate at all are West Bengal and Delhi," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership. The ability to take strong decisions like Balakot airstrike has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership. Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday. Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor." Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Only West Bengal, Delhi resist Centre's development schemes: Arun Jaitley

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo.

The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background. It has been in use for a week now, party sources said.

It was way back in 1998 that present West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress and formed the TMC over differences of opinion on dealing with the then ruling CPI(M).

"TMC is called Trinamool and after 21 years, it was time for change," a party leader said.

The Congress name has been dropped from party banners, posters and all communication material.

However, it will remain registered with the Election Commission as Trinamool Congress, party sources said.

The official Facebook and Twitter pages of the party, the CM, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and Trinamool's leader in the Rajya Sabha Derek O Brien already have the new logo.&nbsp;

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo. The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background.

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo. The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background. It has been in use for a week now, party sources said. It was way back in 1998 that present West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress and formed the TMC over differences of opinion on dealing with the then ruling CPI(M). "TMC is called Trinamool and after 21 years, it was time for change," a party leader said. The Congress name has been dropped from party banners, posters and all communication material. However, it will remain registered with the Election Commission as Trinamool Congress, party sources said. The official Facebook and Twitter pages of the party, the CM, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and Trinamool's leader in the Rajya Sabha Derek O Brien already have the new logo.

TMC removes Congress's name from its logo

Asansol Mayor and TMC MLA Jitendra Tiwari courted controversy on Tuesday after he promised party councillors with contracts worth lakhs of rupees if they ensured victory of TMC Lok Sabha candidate Moon Moon Sen from their respective wards.

Tiwari, while conducting an election committee meeting in Asansol, West Bengal&nbsp;in presence of Sen, promised contracts worth Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh to the party councillors depending on the number of votes polled in favour of the TMC LS candidate.&nbsp;

"If you are able to get a lead of more than 5,000 votes in your ward, I promise you to give contracts worth Rs 1 crore, if you manage to get a lead of 3,000 votes, you will get contracts worth Rs 50 lakh. If you manage a lead of 2,000 and 1,000 votes, you will be given contracts worth Rs 25 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively," he said.

The Asansol mayor also said if any councillor failed to ensure a lead of votes, he or she should resign from the post.

"If I fail to give a lead from my ward, I will also resign," he said.

Commenting on the statement, Union minister and BJP candidate from the seat Babul Supriyo said the remarks reflect the TMC culture and how the party conducts elections in the state.

"It shows their culture. I would urge the Election Commission to take note of it and take steps accordingly. It shows how TMC is trying to use money power in the elections," he said.

Senior TMC leader and state Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim, however, came to Tiwari's defence and said he was encouraging councillors to work hard in the elections.&nbsp;

Asansol Mayor and TMC MLA Jitendra Tiwari courted controversy on Tuesday after he promised party councillors with contracts worth lakhs of rupees if they ensured victory of TMC Lok Sabha candidate Moon Moon Sen from their respective wards.

Asansol Mayor and TMC MLA Jitendra Tiwari courted controversy on Tuesday after he promised party councillors with contracts worth lakhs of rupees if they ensured victory of TMC Lok Sabha candidate Moon Moon Sen from their respective wards. Tiwari, while conducting an election committee meeting in Asansol, West Bengal in presence of Sen, promised contracts worth Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh to the party councillors depending on the number of votes polled in favour of the TMC LS candidate. "If you are able to get a lead of more than 5,000 votes in your ward, I promise you to give contracts worth Rs 1 crore, if you manage to get a lead of 3,000 votes, you will get contracts worth Rs 50 lakh. If you manage a lead of 2,000 and 1,000 votes, you will be given contracts worth Rs 25 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively," he said. The Asansol mayor also said if any councillor failed to ensure a lead of votes, he or she should resign from the post. "If I fail to give a lead from my ward, I will also resign," he said. Commenting on the statement, Union minister and BJP candidate from the seat Babul Supriyo said the remarks reflect the TMC culture and how the party conducts elections in the state. "It shows their culture. I would urge the Election Commission to take note of it and take steps accordingly. It shows how TMC is trying to use money power in the elections," he said. Senior TMC leader and state Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim, however, came to Tiwari's defence and said he was encouraging councillors to work hard in the elections.

Lok Sabha 2019: TMC MLA promises contracts if councillors ensure victory of party candidate

India Election Watch: Congress to contest alone in West Bengal

At a time when two arch rivals – Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) are fighting it out on the Bengal turf in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, election-themed sarees have become a fad among women in Kolkata.

Women are making a beeline at a store in the city’s largest shopping complexes – New Market to view and purchase sarees with political party symbols on it. &nbsp;

These sarees have the TMC, BJP symbols digitally printed on it and come in several fabrics and patterns, designs.

''We always come up with something new on festivals. Be it Diwali or Holi, we come up with festival-themed sarees. Since the election is our biggest political festival, we thought why not come up with election-themed sarees,'' said the shop owner of Mansa sarees.

He adds, ''People who are passing by our store are also looking at these sarees with much astonishment as they have not seen anything like this before. Curious customers are buying sarees of their choice as they are available at very affordable ranges. We have the same symbol sarees in different patterns, designs and colours, so a lot of variety is on offer.''

A customer, Shrishti Jha who was caught in a surprise said, ''Fashion is synonymous with fashion. Our political leaders are fashion icons at the same time. The beauty of democracy is that we can openly flaunt our party affiliation. We can wear the saree of our own choice and support the party we wish to vote for this election.''

The shop owner further added that sarees begin at Rs 1200 and goes up to higher ranges. ''We have received a great response so far. Not just the candidates or party supporters are buying these sarees, but a lot of general public are buying them. If someone comes up with their own design, we can customize the saree according to their choice,'' he said.

At a time when two arch rivals – Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) are fighting it out on the Bengal turf in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, election-themed sarees have become a fad among women in Kolkata.

At a time when two arch rivals – Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) are fighting it out on the Bengal turf in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, election-themed sarees have become a fad among women in Kolkata. Women are making a beeline at a store in the city’s largest shopping complexes – New Market to view and purchase sarees with political party symbols on it. These sarees have the TMC, BJP symbols digitally printed on it and come in several fabrics and patterns, designs. ''We always come up with something new on festivals. Be it Diwali or Holi, we come up with festival-themed sarees. Since the election is our biggest political festival, we thought why not come up with election-themed sarees,'' said the shop owner of Mansa sarees. He adds, ''People who are passing by our store are also looking at these sarees with much astonishment as they have not seen anything like this before. Curious customers are buying sarees of their choice as they are available at very affordable ranges. We have the same symbol sarees in different patterns, designs and colours, so a lot of variety is on offer.'' A customer, Shrishti Jha who was caught in a surprise said, ''Fashion is synonymous with fashion. Our political leaders are fashion icons at the same time. The beauty of democracy is that we can openly flaunt our party affiliation. We can wear the saree of our own choice and support the party we wish to vote for this election.'' The shop owner further added that sarees begin at Rs 1200 and goes up to higher ranges. ''We have received a great response so far. Not just the candidates or party supporters are buying these sarees, but a lot of general public are buying them. If someone comes up with their own design, we can customize the saree according to their choice,'' he said.

People make a beeline to buy TMC-BJP themed sarees in Kolkata

After several days of deliberations with the Congress, the Left Front announced the first list of 25 candidates from West Bengal on Friday.

While the party had announced the names of two candidates from Raigunj and Murshidabad constituency, the party fielded their only two sitting MPs from Bengal – Md Salim from Raigunj and Badrudozza Khan from Murshidabad constituency.

Even as the Left-Congress alliance is yet to be officially announced, the party has decided to not field candidates in four seats where Congress had won in the 2014 elections. These four seats are traditional Congress bastions – Malda Uttar, Malda Dakshin, Jangipur and Berhampur.

The 25 candidates whose names were announced today are :-

<ol>
	<li>Coochbehar – Gobind Ray</li>
	<li>Alipurduar – Mili Urao</li>
	<li>Jalpaiguri – Bhagirath Ray</li>
	<li>Raigunj – Md&nbsp;Salim</li>
	<li>Balurghat – Ronen Barman</li>
	<li>Murshidabad – Badrudozza Khan</li>
	<li>Ranaghat – Rama Biswas</li>
	<li>Bongaon – Alokesh Das</li>
	<li>Dum Dum – Nepal Chandra Bhattacharya</li>
	<li>Barasat – Haripad Biswas</li>
	<li>Basirhat – Pallab Sengupta</li>
	<li>Joynagar – Subhas Naskar</li>
	<li>Diamond Harbour – Dr&nbsp;Fuad Halim</li>
	<li>Jadavpur – Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya</li>
	<li>Kolkata South – Nandini Mukherjee</li>
	<li>Uluberia – Maksuda Khatun</li>
	<li>Hooghly – Pradip Saha</li>
	<li>Arambagh – Saktimohan Mullick</li>
	<li>Ghatal – Tapan Ganguly</li>
	<li>Mednipur – Biplab Bhatt</li>
	<li>Purulia – Bir Singh Mahato</li>
	<li>Bishnupur – Sunil Kha</li>
	<li>Burdwan Purba – Iswarchandra Das</li>
	<li>Burdwan Durgapur – Abhas Roy Chowdhuryt</li>
	<li>Birbhum – Dr&nbsp;Rezaul Karim</li>
</ol>

After several days of deliberations with the Congress, the Left Front announced the first list of 25 candidates from West Bengal on Friday. While the party had announced the names of two candidates from Raigunj and Murshidabad constituency, the party fielded their only two sitting MPs from Bengal – Md Salim from Raigunj and Badrudozza Khan from Murshidabad constituency.

After several days of deliberations with the Congress, the Left Front announced the first list of 25 candidates from West Bengal on Friday. While the party had announced the names of two candidates from Raigunj and Murshidabad constituency, the party fielded their only two sitting MPs from Bengal – Md Salim from Raigunj and Badrudozza Khan from Murshidabad constituency. Even as the Left-Congress alliance is yet to be officially announced, the party has decided to not field candidates in four seats where Congress had won in the 2014 elections. These four seats are traditional Congress bastions – Malda Uttar, Malda Dakshin, Jangipur and Berhampur. The 25 candidates whose names were announced today are :- Coochbehar – Gobind Ray Alipurduar – Mili Urao Jalpaiguri – Bhagirath Ray Raigunj – Md Salim Balurghat – Ronen Barman Murshidabad – Badrudozza Khan Ranaghat – Rama Biswas Bongaon – Alokesh Das Dum Dum – Nepal Chandra Bhattacharya Barasat – Haripad Biswas Basirhat – Pallab Sengupta Joynagar – Subhas Naskar Diamond Harbour – Dr Fuad Halim Jadavpur – Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya Kolkata South – Nandini Mukherjee Uluberia – Maksuda Khatun Hooghly – Pradip Saha Arambagh – Saktimohan Mullick Ghatal – Tapan Ganguly Mednipur – Biplab Bhatt Purulia – Bir Singh Mahato Bishnupur – Sunil Kha Burdwan Purba – Iswarchandra Das Burdwan Durgapur – Abhas Roy Chowdhuryt Birbhum – Dr Rezaul Karim

Lok Sabha polls: Left Front announces first list of 25 candidates from West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday met Trinamool Congress candidates and advised them about strategies of campaigning for the Lok Sabha election.

The TMC supremo urged them to inform the people about the "achievements" of her government in the past seven years and to campaign about the "failures" of the Narendra Modi regime.

"Didi (Banerjee) gave us details about various modes of campaigning and the issues that need to be raised," said a TMC candidate after the meeting at Banerjee's residence.

All the candidates were briefed on how to take on the BJP in their respective constituencies, the candidate said.

Banerjee yesterday released the list of candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs and bringing in 18 new faces.

The list, which is a mix of seasoned political players and greenhorns, has 17 women candidates, five more than the last elections.

West Bengal goes to seven-phase polls beginning April 11.

Of the 42 seats in the state, TMC had won 34 in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday met Trinamool Congress candidates and advised them about strategies of campaigning for the Lok Sabha election.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday met Trinamool Congress candidates and advised them about strategies of campaigning for the Lok Sabha election. The TMC supremo urged them to inform the people about the "achievements" of her government in the past seven years and to campaign about the "failures" of the Narendra Modi regime. "Didi (Banerjee) gave us details about various modes of campaigning and the issues that need to be raised," said a TMC candidate after the meeting at Banerjee's residence. All the candidates were briefed on how to take on the BJP in their respective constituencies, the candidate said. Banerjee yesterday released the list of candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs and bringing in 18 new faces. The list, which is a mix of seasoned political players and greenhorns, has 17 women candidates, five more than the last elections. West Bengal goes to seven-phase polls beginning April 11. Of the 42 seats in the state, TMC had won 34 in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

Mamata briefs party candidates about strategies of campaigning

The BJP Wednesday urged the Election Commission to declare West Bengal as a "super sensitive state" to enure fair Lok Sabha polls there and demanded that central forces be deployed at all polling stations in the state.&nbsp;

A BJP delegation including Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nirmala Sitharaman, J P Nadda and party's general secretaries Bhupender Yadav and Kailash Vijayvargiya met top officials of the poll body and apprised them of their demands.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Prasad said, "We have requested the Election Commission that the state of West Bengal should be declared as super-sensitive. And have also demanded that central forces should be deployed at all polling booths in the state."

He said the party has also requested the poll panel to transfer those police officers whose electoral impartiality is questionable as well as the withdrawal of former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar from election duty.

The BJP is trying to make inroads into TMC's bastion state (West Bengal) which has 42 Lok Sabha seats. In 2014, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) won 34 seats, the Congress four, while the BJP and CPI(M) bagged two seats each from the state.

The state assumes importance for the saffron party as it aims to win a sizeable number of seats there.&nbsp;

The BJP delegation also alleged that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi broke the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and complained to the poll panel regarding the same.

"The party has requested the Election Commission to take action against Rahul Gandhi for levelling unverified allegations against the prime minister yesterday in Ahmedabad, where the model code of conduct is already in effect," Prasad said.

The BJP Wednesday urged the Election Commission to declare West Bengal as a "super sensitive state" to enure fair Lok Sabha polls there and demanded that central forces be deployed at all polling stations in the state.

The BJP Wednesday urged the Election Commission to declare West Bengal as a "super sensitive state" to enure fair Lok Sabha polls there and demanded that central forces be deployed at all polling stations in the state. A BJP delegation including Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nirmala Sitharaman, J P Nadda and party's general secretaries Bhupender Yadav and Kailash Vijayvargiya met top officials of the poll body and apprised them of their demands. Briefing the media after the meeting, Prasad said, "We have requested the Election Commission that the state of West Bengal should be declared as super-sensitive. And have also demanded that central forces should be deployed at all polling booths in the state." He said the party has also requested the poll panel to transfer those police officers whose electoral impartiality is questionable as well as the withdrawal of former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar from election duty. The BJP is trying to make inroads into TMC's bastion state (West Bengal) which has 42 Lok Sabha seats. In 2014, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) won 34 seats, the Congress four, while the BJP and CPI(M) bagged two seats each from the state. The state assumes importance for the saffron party as it aims to win a sizeable number of seats there. The BJP delegation also alleged that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi broke the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and complained to the poll panel regarding the same. "The party has requested the Election Commission to take action against Rahul Gandhi for levelling unverified allegations against the prime minister yesterday in Ahmedabad, where the model code of conduct is already in effect," Prasad said.

Declare West Bengal 'super sensitive' state: BJP to Election Commission

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