West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Saturday her party would oppose the citizenship bill and demanded that the Centre withdraw the contentious legislation. Banerjee called Prime Minister Narendra Modi the “grandfather of corruption” and alleged that he was a “demon” gulping everything in the country, starting from judiciary, media and even democracy.

“The Centre will have to withdraw the citizenship bill. There is no question of supporting it. We will oppose it. We will not let him (Modi) succeed,” she said.

The chief minister dared Modi to put her behind the bars. “What will he (Modi) do because I am saying this? Will he get me murdered? Or will he threat me using the agencies? I am ready to be in jail but will not bow my head. I have always held my head high.” Banerjee was reacting to Modi seeking the TMC’s support for the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, at a rally in North 24 Parganas district.

The TMC supremo said she would not let the saffron party initiate violence and drive out the people from the country. “Using the NRC (National Register of Citizens), they (BJP) have driven out nearly 22-lakh Bengalis from Assam. They do not want anybody else other than themselves to stay in the country, they want to drive out everybody. We will not let him (Modi) succeed in driving out anyone.

“We are all citizens of the country. We all have ration cards and have rights as the country’s citizen” she said.

At the rally organised by the Matua community in Thakurnagar, Modi said the citizenship bill would bring “justice and respectability” to those who faced religious persecution. “India got Independence after splitting it into pieces. People thought they can make a living in the country of their choice, but there they (Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Parsis and Christians) faced atrocities and torture because of communal malice,” Modi said.

“It was because of this that we brought the citizenship bill. These people have no place to go other than India. Should they not be given justice and respectability? I ask the TMC to support the bill and facilitate its passage in Parliament,” he added. The Matuas originally hail from erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and began migrating to West Bengal at the beginning of the 1950s, mostly due to religious persecution. Many of them have claimed to have still not got Indian citizenship.

The citizenship bill seeks to provide citizenship after six years of residence in India to non-Muslims who had fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014, even if they do not possess any document. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8 and is pending in the Rajya Sabha. The TMC had staged a walkout from the Lower House, demanding that the bill is sent to a parliamentary panel.

Banerjee hit back at Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for their blistering criticism of her government in separate rallies during the day and said the two leaders should worry about retaining their own Lok Sabha seats before dreaming of victory in the state. “They (BJP) have no leaders in West Bengal. They are bringing in outsiders (Modi, Singh) who have no idea about the culture, customs of the state and have no connection with the people,” Banerjee said.

“They need not think about West Bengal, which is capable of looking after itself, it does not need anybody from outside. Ask Narendra Modi to look after New Delhi. Will Modi be able to win from Varanasi? Ask Yogi Adityanath to look after his own state (Uttar Pradesh),” she said.

Reacting sharply to Modi’s comment that the TMC government was nearing its end, the chief minister said the Centre had used government agencies to “torment and torture” the country’s people in the past five years. “They (BJP-led government) have actually ruined the future of the youths and destroyed the country’s economy. They have used the agencies in a fascist manner to threaten most of the opposition leaders.

“Actually it (Modi government) has reached its expiry date and he is not ready to accept that. He (Modi) has grown arrogant and does not know the courtesy to talk as the prime minister,” she shot back. Banerjee said the BJP leaders were not “fit for politics” and were “experts” in ‘gau Raksha’ (cow protection) and lynching and initiate violence and riots.

“Leaders like Atalji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) used to do politics and that’s why we (TMC) have respect for him,” she said. Referring to the Union home minister, Banerjee said Singh, despite being a senior BJP leader, had to follow instructions as his son has been “framed and named” in an FIR.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Saturday her party would oppose the citizenship bill and demanded that the Centre withdraw the contentious legislation.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Saturday her party would oppose the citizenship bill and demanded that the Centre withdraw the contentious legislation. Banerjee called Prime Minister Narendra Modi the “grandfather of corruption” and alleged that he was a “demon” gulping everything in the country, starting from judiciary, media and even democracy. “The Centre will have to withdraw the citizenship bill. There is no question of supporting it. We will oppose it. We will not let him (Modi) succeed,” she said. The chief minister dared Modi to put her behind the bars. “What will he (Modi) do because I am saying this? Will he get me murdered? Or will he threat me using the agencies? I am ready to be in jail but will not bow my head. I have always held my head high.” Banerjee was reacting to Modi seeking the TMC’s support for the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, at a rally in North 24 Parganas district. The TMC supremo said she would not let the saffron party initiate violence and drive out the people from the country. “Using the NRC (National Register of Citizens), they (BJP) have driven out nearly 22-lakh Bengalis from Assam. They do not want anybody else other than themselves to stay in the country, they want to drive out everybody. We will not let him (Modi) succeed in driving out anyone. “We are all citizens of the country. We all have ration cards and have rights as the country’s citizen” she said. At the rally organised by the Matua community in Thakurnagar, Modi said the citizenship bill would bring “justice and respectability” to those who faced religious persecution. “India got Independence after splitting it into pieces. People thought they can make a living in the country of their choice, but there they (Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Parsis and Christians) faced atrocities and torture because of communal malice,” Modi said. “It was because of this that we brought the citizenship bill. These people have no place to go other than India. Should they not be given justice and respectability? I ask the TMC to support the bill and facilitate its passage in Parliament,” he added. The Matuas originally hail from erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and began migrating to West Bengal at the beginning of the 1950s, mostly due to religious persecution. Many of them have claimed to have still not got Indian citizenship. The citizenship bill seeks to provide citizenship after six years of residence in India to non-Muslims who had fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014, even if they do not possess any document. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8 and is pending in the Rajya Sabha. The TMC had staged a walkout from the Lower House, demanding that the bill is sent to a parliamentary panel. Banerjee hit back at Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for their blistering criticism of her government in separate rallies during the day and said the two leaders should worry about retaining their own Lok Sabha seats before dreaming of victory in the state. “They (BJP) have no leaders in West Bengal. They are bringing in outsiders (Modi, Singh) who have no idea about the culture, customs of the state and have no connection with the people,” Banerjee said. “They need not think about West Bengal, which is capable of looking after itself, it does not need anybody from outside. Ask Narendra Modi to look after New Delhi. Will Modi be able to win from Varanasi? Ask Yogi Adityanath to look after his own state (Uttar Pradesh),” she said. Reacting sharply to Modi’s comment that the TMC government was nearing its end, the chief minister said the Centre had used government agencies to “torment and torture” the country’s people in the past five years. “They (BJP-led government) have actually ruined the future of the youths and destroyed the country’s economy. They have used the agencies in a fascist manner to threaten most of the opposition leaders. “Actually it (Modi government) has reached its expiry date and he is not ready to accept that. He (Modi) has grown arrogant and does not know the courtesy to talk as the prime minister,” she shot back. Banerjee said the BJP leaders were not “fit for politics” and were “experts” in ‘gau Raksha’ (cow protection) and lynching and initiate violence and riots. “Leaders like Atalji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) used to do politics and that’s why we (TMC) have respect for him,” she said. Referring to the Union home minister, Banerjee said Singh, despite being a senior BJP leader, had to follow instructions as his son has been “framed and named” in an FIR.

Will oppose citizenship bill, Centre must withdraw it, says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-roasts-mamata-on-her-home-turf-accuses-her-of-orchestrating-violence-against-bjp-workers-194559">Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government</a> of foisting a tolabaji (hafta) culture all over the state.&nbsp;

“Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state. Every child in West Bengal is aware of this TTT. West Bengal is the only state where you have to pay tax for education. No one opposed this culture of syndicate and TTT, which is why the Trinamool Congress got a free run," Modi said. &nbsp;

"But now, the BJP will oppose this. The chowkidar has started a cleanliness drive against this culture,” Modi added.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking in Durgapur, where he kickstarted the BJP campaign in the state before the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

“People are having to pay tax to get education, find jobs and also pay syndicate tax, when the focus should have been on recruiting teachers. You don't have to fear the syndicate when you enrol in Central government schemes,” Modi added.&nbsp;

Modi also took a swipe at the West Bengal government for opting out of the Ayushman scheme.&nbsp; 
“West Bengal could've been the largest beneficiary of Ayushman Bharat. But the local government snatched it from the poor people of Bengal," Modi said.&nbsp;

"A government which betrays the poor can never benefit anyone. Those who play with the lives of the poor should be punished,” he added.&nbsp;

The government's Ayushman Bharat scheme provides health insurance cover of upto Rs 5 lakh a year to each family.&nbsp;

And for the second time on Saturday, the prime minister slammed the West Bengal chief minister for violence in the state.&nbsp;

“The pure and austere land of Bengal won't tolerate this abuse of democracy. The party which can't respect democracy and indulges in dirty politics is bound to be thrown out. It is imperative that the TMC go."&nbsp;

Modi had earlier in the day attended another public meeting organised by the All India Matua community at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of foisting a tolabaji (hafta) culture all over the state. “Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of foisting a tolabaji (hafta) culture all over the state. “Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state. Every child in West Bengal is aware of this TTT. West Bengal is the only state where you have to pay tax for education. No one opposed this culture of syndicate and TTT, which is why the Trinamool Congress got a free run," Modi said. "But now, the BJP will oppose this. The chowkidar has started a cleanliness drive against this culture,” Modi added. Modi was speaking in Durgapur, where he kickstarted the BJP campaign in the state before the Lok Sabha elections. “People are having to pay tax to get education, find jobs and also pay syndicate tax, when the focus should have been on recruiting teachers. You don't have to fear the syndicate when you enrol in Central government schemes,” Modi added. Modi also took a swipe at the West Bengal government for opting out of the Ayushman scheme. “West Bengal could've been the largest beneficiary of Ayushman Bharat. But the local government snatched it from the poor people of Bengal," Modi said. "A government which betrays the poor can never benefit anyone. Those who play with the lives of the poor should be punished,” he added. The government's Ayushman Bharat scheme provides health insurance cover of upto Rs 5 lakh a year to each family. And for the second time on Saturday, the prime minister slammed the West Bengal chief minister for violence in the state. “The pure and austere land of Bengal won't tolerate this abuse of democracy. The party which can't respect democracy and indulges in dirty politics is bound to be thrown out. It is imperative that the TMC go." Modi had earlier in the day attended another public meeting organised by the All India Matua community at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district.

Modi to Mamata in Bengal: Trinamool Tolabaji (hafta) Tax all over the state

Chinese Consul General to Kolkata Zha Liyou on Sunday said that confidence-building measures between five eastern Indian states, including West Bengal, and Chinese provinces were one of his topmost priorities.

"Our leadership attaches great importance to state-province level ties, which is called sub-national level relationship," said Mr Liyou, who became the new Chinese Consul to Kolkata this month.

He said culture, education, sports, youth, media, academics and film are some of the areas the two sides can work on as part of the state-province relationship.

The Chinese diplomat said, "We need to make Bengal and Yunnan sister states, and Kolkata and Kunming as twin cities to boost ties at various levels."

"The West Bengal capital and Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, can reach consensus on many areas including culture and tourism," he said.

On the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit, to be held in February, Mr Liyou said, "For many years we have tried to convince the Chinese provincial leaders to come to the summit. A very high-level delegation from Yunnan province would be sent to the summit."

The vice-chairman of the Provincial People's Congress will head the delegation, he told reporters in Kolkata.

Informing reporters that an expo will be held in Yunnan in June, the consul-general said, "I will extend an invitation to the chief ministers from five states."

Stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi four times in 2018, Liyou said, "To put in practice what our president agreed with your prime minister, our foreign minister can tour India at the end of this year."

Chinese Consul General to Kolkata Zha Liyou on Sunday said that confidence-building measures between five eastern Indian states, including West Bengal, and Chinese provinces were one of his topmost priorities.

Chinese Consul General to Kolkata Zha Liyou on Sunday said that confidence-building measures between five eastern Indian states, including West Bengal, and Chinese provinces were one of his topmost priorities. "Our leadership attaches great importance to state-province level ties, which is called sub-national level relationship," said Mr Liyou, who became the new Chinese Consul to Kolkata this month. He said culture, education, sports, youth, media, academics and film are some of the areas the two sides can work on as part of the state-province relationship. The Chinese diplomat said, "We need to make Bengal and Yunnan sister states, and Kolkata and Kunming as twin cities to boost ties at various levels." "The West Bengal capital and Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, can reach consensus on many areas including culture and tourism," he said. On the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit, to be held in February, Mr Liyou said, "For many years we have tried to convince the Chinese provincial leaders to come to the summit. A very high-level delegation from Yunnan province would be sent to the summit." The vice-chairman of the Provincial People's Congress will head the delegation, he told reporters in Kolkata. Informing reporters that an expo will be held in Yunnan in June, the consul-general said, "I will extend an invitation to the chief ministers from five states." Stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi four times in 2018, Liyou said, "To put in practice what our president agreed with your prime minister, our foreign minister can tour India at the end of this year."

Good ties with 5 eastern Indian states including West Bengal my top priority: Chinese diplomat

Owing to ill health, the BJP national president Amit Shah cut short his Bengal tour as a part of the Lok Sabha election campaign.

Shah was to hold five rallies beginning today at Malda, Birbhum, Jhargram, Nadia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.

While he attended the meeting today at Malda district, Shah decided to fly back to Delhi owing to ill health.

“I am here in Bengal to sound the bugle for 2019 polls. Country’s future depends on this election and most importantly, Bengal’s future depends on this election. We will dethrone Trinamool Congress from Bengal. Trinamool Congress is stopping BJP from taking out the Rath Yatra. This election will restore faith in democracy in Bengal. This election will bring back the Bengal of Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Surya Sen,” he said while launching a blistering attack on the Trinamool Congress.

“President Amit Shah will fly back to Delhi. The four other rallies will be held as per schedule without the president. While I will lead the rally in Jhargram, the rally in Birbhum will be lead by senior leader Smriti Irani,” said Dilip Ghosh, Bengal BJP President.

Sources in the state BJP said that Shah was running high temperatures even as he was holding a meeting today at Malda and that he has not fully recovered from swine flu.

Shah was admitted to the AIIMS hospital in Delhi last week after being detected with swine flu. While he was discharged days later, but sources say that he is yet to recover fully.

Later, senior leaders decided to replace Shah with Smriti Irani at the remaining rallies. On January 24, two rallies will be held at the Nadia and South 24 Parganas district.

This apart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Brigade rally scheduled to be held on February 8 has also been cancelled.

However, Prime Minister Modi will also be holding three rallies in Bengal this month.

The first rally will be held on January 28 either in Siliguri or in Jalpaiguri, the venue is yet to be decided. The second and third rally will be held in Thakurnagar and Asansol respectively.

Owing to ill health, the BJP national president Amit Shah cut short his Bengal tour as a part of the Lok Sabha election campaign. Shah was to hold five rallies beginning today at Malda, Birbhum, Jhargram, Nadia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.

Owing to ill health, the BJP national president Amit Shah cut short his Bengal tour as a part of the Lok Sabha election campaign. Shah was to hold five rallies beginning today at Malda, Birbhum, Jhargram, Nadia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal. While he attended the meeting today at Malda district, Shah decided to fly back to Delhi owing to ill health. “I am here in Bengal to sound the bugle for 2019 polls. Country’s future depends on this election and most importantly, Bengal’s future depends on this election. We will dethrone Trinamool Congress from Bengal. Trinamool Congress is stopping BJP from taking out the Rath Yatra. This election will restore faith in democracy in Bengal. This election will bring back the Bengal of Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Surya Sen,” he said while launching a blistering attack on the Trinamool Congress. “President Amit Shah will fly back to Delhi. The four other rallies will be held as per schedule without the president. While I will lead the rally in Jhargram, the rally in Birbhum will be lead by senior leader Smriti Irani,” said Dilip Ghosh, Bengal BJP President. Sources in the state BJP said that Shah was running high temperatures even as he was holding a meeting today at Malda and that he has not fully recovered from swine flu. Shah was admitted to the AIIMS hospital in Delhi last week after being detected with swine flu. While he was discharged days later, but sources say that he is yet to recover fully. Later, senior leaders decided to replace Shah with Smriti Irani at the remaining rallies. On January 24, two rallies will be held at the Nadia and South 24 Parganas district. This apart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Brigade rally scheduled to be held on February 8 has also been cancelled. However, Prime Minister Modi will also be holding three rallies in Bengal this month. The first rally will be held on January 28 either in Siliguri or in Jalpaiguri, the venue is yet to be decided. The second and third rally will be held in Thakurnagar and Asansol respectively.

BJP president Amit Shah cancels four rallies in West Bengal

The proposed rally of Narendra Modi at the Brigade Parade Grounds here next month has been cancelled, the BJP said Monday, adding that the prime minister would initially attend three rallies in West Bengal starting next week.

The historic ground, also known as the Maidan, was the venue for the mega Opposition rally organised by West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee last Saturday.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address three rallies in West Bengal. On January 28 (Monday), he will address a rally at Thakurnagar in Bongaon. On February 2, he will address a rally at Siliguri in north Bengal," state Bharatiya Janata Party president Dilip Ghosh said.

Modi's scheduled rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds on February 8 has been cancelled, instead, he will be addressing a rally at Asansol -- represented by party MP Babul Supriyo -- on the same day, Ghosh said. "So far, this is the schedule."

Asked why the BJP was not organising the Kolkata rally as scheduled, Ghosh said as the party would be holding three rallies in various parts of the state, that was why they had decided to call off the rally. "We will organise a rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds later," he added.

The state BJP will kick-start its Lok Sabha polls campaign in the state from Tuesday, with a rally of party president Amit Shah in Malda district. Shah will be addressing two other rallies at Jhargram and Suri in Birbhum district on Wednesday.

The saffron party has set a target to win 22 out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state for the upcoming general election.&nbsp;

The proposed rally of Narendra Modi at the Brigade Parade Grounds here next month has been cancelled, the BJP said Monday, adding that the prime minister would initially attend three rallies in West Bengal starting next week.

The proposed rally of Narendra Modi at the Brigade Parade Grounds here next month has been cancelled, the BJP said Monday, adding that the prime minister would initially attend three rallies in West Bengal starting next week. The historic ground, also known as the Maidan, was the venue for the mega Opposition rally organised by West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee last Saturday. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address three rallies in West Bengal. On January 28 (Monday), he will address a rally at Thakurnagar in Bongaon. On February 2, he will address a rally at Siliguri in north Bengal," state Bharatiya Janata Party president Dilip Ghosh said. Modi's scheduled rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds on February 8 has been cancelled, instead, he will be addressing a rally at Asansol -- represented by party MP Babul Supriyo -- on the same day, Ghosh said. "So far, this is the schedule." Asked why the BJP was not organising the Kolkata rally as scheduled, Ghosh said as the party would be holding three rallies in various parts of the state, that was why they had decided to call off the rally. "We will organise a rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds later," he added. The state BJP will kick-start its Lok Sabha polls campaign in the state from Tuesday, with a rally of party president Amit Shah in Malda district. Shah will be addressing two other rallies at Jhargram and Suri in Birbhum district on Wednesday. The saffron party has set a target to win 22 out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state for the upcoming general election.

West Bengal: BJP cancels PM Modi's Brigade rally in Kolkata

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district.

Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said Amit Shah's chopper should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting information and misleading people".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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WB CM: Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said chopper(Amit Shah's)should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting info&amp;misleading ppl <a href="https://t.co/pUcLTrqPF3">pic.twitter.com/pUcLTrqPF3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087264218020225024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier reports said that the West Bengal government has denied the permission for the landing of the helicopter in the Malda district&nbsp;citing ongoing "up-gradation" in the area.

Shah who is scheduled to address a rally in Malda on January 22 is supposed to take a helicopter from Kolkata to reach Malda and address the public rally.&nbsp;

A letter written by the Additional DM to the BJP had stated, "Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand and material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of the helicopter. Permission not possible".

BJP General Secretary, on the other hand, claimed that the Malda airport is being used by West Bengal government for landing their airport service every Wednesday.

"Malda airport is now being used by West Bengal government for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB government?" General Secretary, BJP Malda asked the administration.

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WB: In letter dated 18 Jan, Addl DM, Malda replied to BJP over permission for landing chopper at Malda airport on 20 Jan, states 'Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand&amp;material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible'
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087216353394741250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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General Secy, BJP Malda had written to Malda DM on 18 Jan stating 'Malda airport is now being used by WB govt for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB govt?' <a href="https://t.co/igpJisZyul">https://t.co/igpJisZyul</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087217407113003009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Reacting on the incident Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " Tomorrow our National President Amit Shah, after having recovered, was to address a rally in Malda in West Bengal. But permission had been refused for his helicopter to land on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there".

"At same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied".

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Union Min RS Prasad: At same helipad Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat &amp; clean. Helicopters are landing &amp; can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of govt power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied. <a href="https://t.co/xdOrCSvgra">pic.twitter.com/xdOrCSvgra</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087235557149663232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district. Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district. Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said Amit Shah's chopper should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting information and misleading people". WB CM: Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said chopper(Amit Shah's)should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting info&misleading ppl pic.twitter.com/pUcLTrqPF3 — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Earlier reports said that the West Bengal government has denied the permission for the landing of the helicopter in the Malda district citing ongoing "up-gradation" in the area. Shah who is scheduled to address a rally in Malda on January 22 is supposed to take a helicopter from Kolkata to reach Malda and address the public rally. A letter written by the Additional DM to the BJP had stated, "Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand and material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of the helicopter. Permission not possible". BJP General Secretary, on the other hand, claimed that the Malda airport is being used by West Bengal government for landing their airport service every Wednesday. "Malda airport is now being used by West Bengal government for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB government?" General Secretary, BJP Malda asked the administration. WB: In letter dated 18 Jan, Addl DM, Malda replied to BJP over permission for landing chopper at Malda airport on 20 Jan, states 'Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand&material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible' — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × General Secy, BJP Malda had written to Malda DM on 18 Jan stating 'Malda airport is now being used by WB govt for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB govt?' https://t.co/igpJisZyul — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Reacting on the incident Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " Tomorrow our National President Amit Shah, after having recovered, was to address a rally in Malda in West Bengal. But permission had been refused for his helicopter to land on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there". "At same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied". Union Min RS Prasad: At same helipad Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat & clean. Helicopters are landing & can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of govt power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied. pic.twitter.com/xdOrCSvgra — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 ×

West Bengal finally says it will allow Amit Shah's helicopter to land

The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government.

More than 20 national leaders, including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie; three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang will attend the meeting, TMC sources said. Most of them have already arrived in the city.

"I have met Deve Gowda-ji, Hemant-ji (Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) and Akhilesh Yadav. I will meet other Opposition leaders too," Banerjee told reporters.

With Bharatiya Janata Party's recent defeats in the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Banerjee has raised the pitch to be united against the saffron party in the 2019 general election.

Bahujan Samaj Party general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, too, have already arrived. The other leaders will either arrive on Friday night or by Saturday morning, the sources said.

Large scale preparations have been made to ensure that it is a complete success. Besides the huge stages, 20 watch towers have been erected and 1,000 microphones and 30 LED screens put up so that the spectators can see and hear the speeches of the leaders clearly.

Lakhs of TMC supporters and workers are expected to attend the rally and huge numbers of them from various corners of the state have already started pouring into the city. They have been put up in the outskirts of the city and in some auditoriums and stadiums.

Hundreds of TMC volunteers will be on the grounds to take care of supporters.

A thick security blanket has been thrown on the sprawling Brigade Parade Ground, the venue for the mega rally, to prevent any untoward incident.

As many as 10,000 police personnel will be deployed and around 400 police pickets have been set up to ensure foolproof security, police said.

Policemen in plain clothes, personnel of the Rapid Action Force and Quick Response Team would be deployed at the rally venue.

Police posting would start from as early as 4am with senior officials in the rank of assistant commissioners in charge of the five dais set up for the rally, a senior police officer said.

"We are expecting a huge turnout from all parts of the state as well as from the country. There will be so many important dignitaries. We have arranged foolproof arrangements for their security," he said.

Separate entrances have been arranged for the five dais that would be looked after by around 15 teams of police officers, he said adding that commandos and other officers would also be posted there.

"We are not allowing any food stall near the venue. Only water tanks are being allowed at a safe distance from the dais. Nobody will be allowed to light fire near the venue for cooking or any other purpose," the officer said.

Vehicular movement in and around the venue has been either restricted or directed.

"VVIPs will be taken in small cars to the venue. Other would have to park their vehicle at designated parking lots. We will not let anybody to drive motorbikes to the place," he said.

A central monitoring desk has been set up at the Kolkata Police headquarters to keep a watch on the proceedings of the rally.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government. More than 20 national leaders, including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie; three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang will attend the meeting, TMC sources said.

The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government. More than 20 national leaders, including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie; three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang will attend the meeting, TMC sources said. Most of them have already arrived in the city. "I have met Deve Gowda-ji, Hemant-ji (Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) and Akhilesh Yadav. I will meet other Opposition leaders too," Banerjee told reporters. With Bharatiya Janata Party's recent defeats in the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Banerjee has raised the pitch to be united against the saffron party in the 2019 general election. Bahujan Samaj Party general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, too, have already arrived. The other leaders will either arrive on Friday night or by Saturday morning, the sources said. Large scale preparations have been made to ensure that it is a complete success. Besides the huge stages, 20 watch towers have been erected and 1,000 microphones and 30 LED screens put up so that the spectators can see and hear the speeches of the leaders clearly. Lakhs of TMC supporters and workers are expected to attend the rally and huge numbers of them from various corners of the state have already started pouring into the city. They have been put up in the outskirts of the city and in some auditoriums and stadiums. Hundreds of TMC volunteers will be on the grounds to take care of supporters. A thick security blanket has been thrown on the sprawling Brigade Parade Ground, the venue for the mega rally, to prevent any untoward incident. As many as 10,000 police personnel will be deployed and around 400 police pickets have been set up to ensure foolproof security, police said. Policemen in plain clothes, personnel of the Rapid Action Force and Quick Response Team would be deployed at the rally venue. Police posting would start from as early as 4am with senior officials in the rank of assistant commissioners in charge of the five dais set up for the rally, a senior police officer said. "We are expecting a huge turnout from all parts of the state as well as from the country. There will be so many important dignitaries. We have arranged foolproof arrangements for their security," he said. Separate entrances have been arranged for the five dais that would be looked after by around 15 teams of police officers, he said adding that commandos and other officers would also be posted there. "We are not allowing any food stall near the venue. Only water tanks are being allowed at a safe distance from the dais. Nobody will be allowed to light fire near the venue for cooking or any other purpose," the officer said. Vehicular movement in and around the venue has been either restricted or directed. "VVIPs will be taken in small cars to the venue. Other would have to park their vehicle at designated parking lots. We will not let anybody to drive motorbikes to the place," he said. A central monitoring desk has been set up at the Kolkata Police headquarters to keep a watch on the proceedings of the rally.

Mamata Banerjee's mega rally at Kolkata's Brigade ground today, security beefed up

The scheduled rallies of BJP in West Bengal has been deferred by two days to January 22 owing to its national president Amit Shah's ill health, party officials said Friday.

"As he (Shah) is not well, we have decided to change dates (of the rallies) so that he can attend them. There has been change in dates. Amit Shah will address the first rally on January 22 in Malda," Dilip Ghosh, president of the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party said.

Shah, who has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, with swine flu, is doing well and will be discharged in a day or two, the party had said Thursday.

On January 23, Shah will address two rallies at Suri in Birbhum district and Jhargram district. On January 24, he will address rallies at Krishnanagar in Nadia district and Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district, Ghosh said.

The BJP has identified West Bengal as a priority state for the upcoming general elections and Shah has set a target of winning 22 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats.

The party is also looking to host a few rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi although the dates have not been confirmed yet, Ghosh said.

In the last few years, the BJP has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a commendable show in rural polls and by-elections.

Shah's rally will come just days after TMC's mega opposition rally.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday had asked the West Bengal government to allow proposed public meetings and rallies of the BJP under its "Ganatantra Bachao Yatra".

In a show of strength ahead of the national polls, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has organised a massive rally in Kolkata on January 19, which is likely to see participation of lakhs. Leaders of all major opposition parties have been invited to the rally to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of the city.&nbsp;

The scheduled rallies of BJP in West Bengal has been deferred by two days to January 22 owing to its national president Amit Shah's ill health, party officials said Friday.

The scheduled rallies of BJP in West Bengal has been deferred by two days to January 22 owing to its national president Amit Shah's ill health, party officials said Friday. "As he (Shah) is not well, we have decided to change dates (of the rallies) so that he can attend them. There has been change in dates. Amit Shah will address the first rally on January 22 in Malda," Dilip Ghosh, president of the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party said. Shah, who has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, with swine flu, is doing well and will be discharged in a day or two, the party had said Thursday. On January 23, Shah will address two rallies at Suri in Birbhum district and Jhargram district. On January 24, he will address rallies at Krishnanagar in Nadia district and Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district, Ghosh said. The BJP has identified West Bengal as a priority state for the upcoming general elections and Shah has set a target of winning 22 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats. The party is also looking to host a few rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi although the dates have not been confirmed yet, Ghosh said. In the last few years, the BJP has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a commendable show in rural polls and by-elections. Shah's rally will come just days after TMC's mega opposition rally. The Supreme Court on Tuesday had asked the West Bengal government to allow proposed public meetings and rallies of the BJP under its "Ganatantra Bachao Yatra". In a show of strength ahead of the national polls, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has organised a massive rally in Kolkata on January 19, which is likely to see participation of lakhs. Leaders of all major opposition parties have been invited to the rally to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of the city.

BJP defers West Bengal campaign, Amit Shah to address rally on January 22

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah Saturday called the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-my-request-to-all-please-do-not-make-evms-a-football-says-cec-sunil-arora-191353">EVM the "chor machine"</a> and demanded that the ballot paper system be brought back for the sake of transparency.

Speaking at the united opposition rally organised by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, he said, "It is not the question of ousting any single person (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) but of saving the country and honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for its freedom."

"The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used. The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-defers-west-bengal-campaign-amit-shah-to-address-rally-on-january-22-191322">He blamed the BJP</a> for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines. "People are being branded as Pakistanis. But all people right from Ladakh to elsewhere want to continue in India.

"I am a Muslim and I love India, my country," he said.

Continuing his tirade against the BJP, he said it stood for the Triple Talaq Bill in Parliament but did not pass the Women's Reservation Bill.

Urging for a united fight by opposition parties in the coming Lok Sabha election, he said the prime minister can be decided after the poll results.

"We have to fight and oust BJP. We have to come together to put up a one-to-one fight against it. We should fight together to strengthen our country," he said and hoped the new government will take the country forward.&nbsp;

Farooq Abdullah blamed the BJP for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines.

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah Saturday called the EVM the "chor machine" and demanded that the ballot paper system be brought back for the sake of transparency. Speaking at the united opposition rally organised by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, he said, "It is not the question of ousting any single person (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) but of saving the country and honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for its freedom." "The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used. The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he said. He blamed the BJP for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines. "People are being branded as Pakistanis. But all people right from Ladakh to elsewhere want to continue in India. "I am a Muslim and I love India, my country," he said. Continuing his tirade against the BJP, he said it stood for the Triple Talaq Bill in Parliament but did not pass the Women's Reservation Bill. Urging for a united fight by opposition parties in the coming Lok Sabha election, he said the prime minister can be decided after the poll results. "We have to fight and oust BJP. We have to come together to put up a one-to-one fight against it. We should fight together to strengthen our country," he said and hoped the new government will take the country forward.

EVM is 'chor' machine: Farooq Abdullah at opposition rally in West Bengal

DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday said the upcoming general elections will be akin to the second freedom struggle for people of India to fight against the "radical Hinduism" of the BJP.

Stalin, speaking at TMC's mega opposition rally here, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "afraid" of a few people, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"The next (Lok Sabha) elections will be the second fight for Independence. We will stop this poison of Hindutva and radical Hinduism from spreading. Our call is to defeat Modi and save the country," he said at the Brigade Parade Grounds here.

Criticising the central government, Stalin also accused it of working for corporate houses.

"If Modi is back in power, the country will go back 50 years," he said.

Leaders of all the opposition parties, except the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the CPI(M)-led Left Front, are taking part in the rally.&nbsp;

DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday said the upcoming general elections will be akin to the second freedom struggle for people of India to fight against the "radical Hinduism" of the BJP.

DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday said the upcoming general elections will be akin to the second freedom struggle for people of India to fight against the "radical Hinduism" of the BJP. Stalin, speaking at TMC's mega opposition rally here, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "afraid" of a few people, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "The next (Lok Sabha) elections will be the second fight for Independence. We will stop this poison of Hindutva and radical Hinduism from spreading. Our call is to defeat Modi and save the country," he said at the Brigade Parade Grounds here. Criticising the central government, Stalin also accused it of working for corporate houses. "If Modi is back in power, the country will go back 50 years," he said. Leaders of all the opposition parties, except the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the CPI(M)-led Left Front, are taking part in the rally.

Lok Sabha polls will be second freedom struggle: Stalin at TMC's opposition rally

The West Bengal BJP unit Thursday submitted a letter to the state&nbsp;government, giving details about their 'Save Democracy Rally' in the state.

BJP's state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar went to the West Bengal secretariat and submitted the letter which mentioned about holding four yatras in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party requested the state government to consider the programme with "utmost expedition" under the guidelines of the Supreme Court.

The BJP said the yatras would be "a political endeavour of connecting with the people in a peaceful manner. It will not sponsor or subscribe any communal message or insinuations".

The state BJP unit also described that the four yatras would be aiming "to connect people towards strengthening the democratic as well as secular system and practices of our nation, of which the state is a significant part".

"All kinds of law of the land and regulations will be maintained and close coordination with the local administration will be maintained for mutual cooperation," the party's letter mentioned.

"Sensitivity of people from different caste, creed and religion will be adhered in an exemplary manner," the letter added.

The BJP also urged a meeting between the state government authorities with them in case of any required discussions.

The proposed 'Rath Yatras' of the BJP in West Bengal were put on hold by the Supreme Court Tuesday, which asked the party to seek fresh approval from the Mamata Banerjee government in the state by submitting a revised proposal.

The apex court, however, allowed the West Bengal unit of the BJP to continue with its proposed public rallies and meetings under its 'Ganatantra Bachao Yatra'.

The court asked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state to consider the fresh, revised proposal of the saffron party, keeping in mind the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution.

The top court said the state government should respond to the revised proposal of the BJP with "utmost expedition", keeping in mind that with the commencement of the CBSE and other board examinations, the use of loudspeakers might be banned.

The West Bengal BJP unit Thursday submitted a letter to the state government, giving details about their 'Save Democracy Rally' in the state. BJP's state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar went to the West Bengal secretariat and submitted the letter which mentioned about holding four yatras in the state.

The West Bengal BJP unit Thursday submitted a letter to the state government, giving details about their 'Save Democracy Rally' in the state. BJP's state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar went to the West Bengal secretariat and submitted the letter which mentioned about holding four yatras in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party requested the state government to consider the programme with "utmost expedition" under the guidelines of the Supreme Court. The BJP said the yatras would be "a political endeavour of connecting with the people in a peaceful manner. It will not sponsor or subscribe any communal message or insinuations". The state BJP unit also described that the four yatras would be aiming "to connect people towards strengthening the democratic as well as secular system and practices of our nation, of which the state is a significant part". "All kinds of law of the land and regulations will be maintained and close coordination with the local administration will be maintained for mutual cooperation," the party's letter mentioned. "Sensitivity of people from different caste, creed and religion will be adhered in an exemplary manner," the letter added. The BJP also urged a meeting between the state government authorities with them in case of any required discussions. The proposed 'Rath Yatras' of the BJP in West Bengal were put on hold by the Supreme Court Tuesday, which asked the party to seek fresh approval from the Mamata Banerjee government in the state by submitting a revised proposal. The apex court, however, allowed the West Bengal unit of the BJP to continue with its proposed public rallies and meetings under its 'Ganatantra Bachao Yatra'. The court asked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state to consider the fresh, revised proposal of the saffron party, keeping in mind the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution. The top court said the state government should respond to the revised proposal of the BJP with "utmost expedition", keeping in mind that with the commencement of the CBSE and other board examinations, the use of loudspeakers might be banned.

BJP submits details of 'Save Democracy Rally' to West Bengal government

In 1992, Mamata Banerjee had held a meeting at the same venue - Brigade Parade Grounds -- and had used the term ‘death knell’ for the Left Front-led ruling party in Bengal. Several years later, she dethroned the Left and formed a&nbsp;government in 2011.&nbsp;

This time around, she has once again used the term ‘death knell’, now for the BJP.&nbsp;

She had, a day earlier, said that the end of the BJP has begun and that the party will not get more than 125 seats in the upcoming polls.&nbsp;

Leaders of over 20 opposition parties are expected to attend the rally at the iconic <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-mega-rally-mamata-banerjee-says-bjp-will-not-get-more-than-125-seats-191068">Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday</a> to vow to put up a united fight against the ruling government.&nbsp;

Why Brigade Parade Grounds? 

This has been the traditional venue for the Left Front parties'&nbsp;annual congregation where hundreds and thousands of Left supporters gather. However, over the years, the numbers have been reduced to a dwindling thousand.&nbsp;

Not many political parties hold meetings at this one of the largest grounds in Eastern India fearing they might not be able to fill up the entire ground which can accommodate close to 15-17 lakh people.&nbsp;

But, Mamata has said more than 15 lakh people are expected to join the rally.&nbsp;

While UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be skipping the rally, Congress will be represented by senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge.&nbsp;

On the other hand, massive security arrangements are in place. Under the charge of DGP Wireless Department, a team has been formed with officers from Special Branch, Anti-Rowdy Squad and Special Task Force. They will look after the entire security arrangements for the VVIPs. &nbsp;

As many as 7,000 police personnel from Kolkata Police have been deployed who will be on duty round the clock. A control room has also been set up.&nbsp;

This apart, a dedicated corridor has been prepared for the VVIPs from the hotel to the venue.&nbsp;

In 1992, Mamata Banerjee had held a meeting at the same venue - Brigade Parade Grounds -- and had used the term ‘death knell’ for the Left Front-led ruling party in Bengal.

In 1992, Mamata Banerjee had held a meeting at the same venue - Brigade Parade Grounds -- and had used the term ‘death knell’ for the Left Front-led ruling party in Bengal. Several years later, she dethroned the Left and formed a government in 2011. This time around, she has once again used the term ‘death knell’, now for the BJP. She had, a day earlier, said that the end of the BJP has begun and that the party will not get more than 125 seats in the upcoming polls. Leaders of over 20 opposition parties are expected to attend the rally at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday to vow to put up a united fight against the ruling government. Why Brigade Parade Grounds? This has been the traditional venue for the Left Front parties' annual congregation where hundreds and thousands of Left supporters gather. However, over the years, the numbers have been reduced to a dwindling thousand. Not many political parties hold meetings at this one of the largest grounds in Eastern India fearing they might not be able to fill up the entire ground which can accommodate close to 15-17 lakh people. But, Mamata has said more than 15 lakh people are expected to join the rally. While UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be skipping the rally, Congress will be represented by senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge. On the other hand, massive security arrangements are in place. Under the charge of DGP Wireless Department, a team has been formed with officers from Special Branch, Anti-Rowdy Squad and Special Task Force. They will look after the entire security arrangements for the VVIPs. As many as 7,000 police personnel from Kolkata Police have been deployed who will be on duty round the clock. A control room has also been set up. This apart, a dedicated corridor has been prepared for the VVIPs from the hotel to the venue.

Stage set for Mamata Bannerjee's grand show at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata

National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma will meet Jadavpur University's vice chancellor on Friday to discuss the matter involving a professor who allegedly wrote a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/virgin-girls-are-like-sealed-bottles-students-say-they-want-sexist-kolkata-professor-out-190486">"misogynistic" social media post</a>.

The professor had written a post on Facebook on the virginity of women which he deleted later.&nbsp;

In the post, the professor rhetorically asked whether his readers "would be willing to buy a cold drink or a packet of biscuits, if its seal was broken?"

Strongly objecting his comments, Sharma Thursday wrote to Jadavpur University VC Suranjan Das and said the NCW is seriously concerned over the matter.

She said that she will meet Das during her upcoming visit to Kolkata on Friday.

The NCW also took suo motu cognisance of the professor's "shocking, misogynistic" lessons. It asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the matter and take appropriate action in the case and apprise the commission of it.&nbsp;

National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma will meet Jadavpur University's vice chancellor on Friday to discuss the matter involving a professor who allegedly wrote a "misogynistic" social media post.

National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma will meet Jadavpur University's vice chancellor on Friday to discuss the matter involving a professor who allegedly wrote a "misogynistic" social media post. The professor had written a post on Facebook on the virginity of women which he deleted later. In the post, the professor rhetorically asked whether his readers "would be willing to buy a cold drink or a packet of biscuits, if its seal was broken?" Strongly objecting his comments, Sharma Thursday wrote to Jadavpur University VC Suranjan Das and said the NCW is seriously concerned over the matter. She said that she will meet Das during her upcoming visit to Kolkata on Friday. The NCW also took suo motu cognisance of the professor's "shocking, misogynistic" lessons. It asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the matter and take appropriate action in the case and apprise the commission of it.

NCW chief to meet Jadavpur University VC to discuss 'misogynistic' comments of professor

Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.&nbsp;

"We had extended invites to all leaders and we have been told that senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge will be attending," Banerjee said while leaving Nabanna - the state secretariat.&nbsp;

According to TMC sources, a personal invite was extended to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Congress President Rahul Gandhi was also invited.&nbsp;

Congress insiders said that the high command was miffed with Banerjee as she skipped the swearing-in ceremonies of Congress chief ministers in the recently concluded assembly elections. Banerjee had sent party leaders to represent Trinamool Congress at the events instead.&nbsp;

Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that even Mayawati is to skip the meeting. However, it is yet to be known whether she will be sending a representative from her party.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Banerjee confirmed the names of twenty opposition leaders that are to attend the Brigade Parade Grounds rally.&nbsp;

The leaders include HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Badrudding Ajmal, MK Stalin, Arun Shorie, Chandrababu Naidu, Ajit Singh, Jayant Choudhary, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Shatrughan Sinha, Babulal Marandi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel and Yashwant Sinha.&nbsp;

The meeting is being seen as the next major congregation of opposition leaders ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Today, a high-level meeting was held at the state secretariat - Nabanna to discuss the itinerary and security arrangements of the upcoming Brigade rally. The meeting was chaired by CM Banerjee and most senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress. Senior officials from the administration were also present at the meeting.&nbsp;

Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.

Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata. "We had extended invites to all leaders and we have been told that senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge will be attending," Banerjee said while leaving Nabanna - the state secretariat. According to TMC sources, a personal invite was extended to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Congress President Rahul Gandhi was also invited. Congress insiders said that the high command was miffed with Banerjee as she skipped the swearing-in ceremonies of Congress chief ministers in the recently concluded assembly elections. Banerjee had sent party leaders to represent Trinamool Congress at the events instead. Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that even Mayawati is to skip the meeting. However, it is yet to be known whether she will be sending a representative from her party. On the other hand, Banerjee confirmed the names of twenty opposition leaders that are to attend the Brigade Parade Grounds rally. The leaders include HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Badrudding Ajmal, MK Stalin, Arun Shorie, Chandrababu Naidu, Ajit Singh, Jayant Choudhary, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Shatrughan Sinha, Babulal Marandi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel and Yashwant Sinha. The meeting is being seen as the next major congregation of opposition leaders ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Today, a high-level meeting was held at the state secretariat - Nabanna to discuss the itinerary and security arrangements of the upcoming Brigade rally. The meeting was chaired by CM Banerjee and most senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress. Senior officials from the administration were also present at the meeting.

Sonia, Rahul Gandhi and Mayawati to skip Mamata Banerjee's Mahagathbandhan meet on January 19

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to give a go-ahead to BJP's Rath Yatra in West Bengal. The top court, however, said that the BJP state unit can conduct meetings and rallies.&nbsp;

The bench said the apprehension of the state government of possible law and order situation cannot be called "unfounded" and BJP will have to take all possible steps to address the apprehension in a reasonable manner.

The apex court added that if the BJP comes out with a revised plan of Yatra, it may be considered it later, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked the BJP's West Bengal unit to submit a revised schedule of its proposed 'Rath Yatra' with the authorities and seek necessary approvals.

The bench also comprising Justices L N Rao and SK Kaul asked the West Bengal government to consider the revised schedule of the BJP for 'Rath Yatra' keeping in mind the fundamental right of speech and expression under the Constitution, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The BJP has now decided to cut short its 40-day programme to 20 and the fresh 'Yatras' would start from Baharampur in Murshidabad district, Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, Medinipur and the Lok Sabha constituency of Kolkata North, a lawyer associated with the matter said, adding that the decision was taken in view of the upcoming school examinations and the general elections.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-seeks-west-bengal-governments-response-on-bjp-plea-seeking-permission-for-rath-yatra-188949">West Bengal unit of the BJP has challenged</a> the December 21 order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which had set aside the order of a single-judge bench allowing the procession.

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SC refused to give a go ahead for the BJP's Yatra in West Bengal. The Apex Court, however, said that the BJP state unit can conduct meetings and rallies. SC said, if BJP comes out with a revised plan of fresh Yatra, that may be considered afresh later. <a href="https://t.co/TbvYiRQply">pic.twitter.com/TbvYiRQply</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085109724478128128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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An apex court bench headed by Justice S K Kaul also asked the BJP state unit to submit a revised plan for its "Save Democracy Rally" for consideration by the state government.

The bench posted the matter for hearing on January 15.

The BJP's West Bengal unit has approached the apex court seeking permission to take out the rally, which would cover 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state ahead of general elections to be held this year. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In its plea, the BJP has said that their fundamental right to hold a peaceful yatra cannot be withheld, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The party had planned to launch the yatra from three districts of the state.

The rallies, according to the original schedule, were supposed to be flagged off by BJP president Amit Shah from Bengal's Cooch Behar district on December 7, Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas on December 9, and from Tarapith temple in Birbhum on December 14, PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to give a go-ahead to BJP's Rath Yatra in West Bengal. The top court, however, said that the BJP state unit can conduct meetings and rallies.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to give a go-ahead to BJP's Rath Yatra in West Bengal. The top court, however, said that the BJP state unit can conduct meetings and rallies. The bench said the apprehension of the state government of possible law and order situation cannot be called "unfounded" and BJP will have to take all possible steps to address the apprehension in a reasonable manner. The apex court added that if the BJP comes out with a revised plan of Yatra, it may be considered it later, news agency ANI reported. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked the BJP's West Bengal unit to submit a revised schedule of its proposed 'Rath Yatra' with the authorities and seek necessary approvals. The bench also comprising Justices L N Rao and SK Kaul asked the West Bengal government to consider the revised schedule of the BJP for 'Rath Yatra' keeping in mind the fundamental right of speech and expression under the Constitution, news agency PTI reported. The BJP has now decided to cut short its 40-day programme to 20 and the fresh 'Yatras' would start from Baharampur in Murshidabad district, Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, Medinipur and the Lok Sabha constituency of Kolkata North, a lawyer associated with the matter said, adding that the decision was taken in view of the upcoming school examinations and the general elections. The West Bengal unit of the BJP has challenged the December 21 order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which had set aside the order of a single-judge bench allowing the procession. SC refused to give a go ahead for the BJP's Yatra in West Bengal. The Apex Court, however, said that the BJP state unit can conduct meetings and rallies. SC said, if BJP comes out with a revised plan of fresh Yatra, that may be considered afresh later. pic.twitter.com/TbvYiRQply — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × An apex court bench headed by Justice S K Kaul also asked the BJP state unit to submit a revised plan for its "Save Democracy Rally" for consideration by the state government. The bench posted the matter for hearing on January 15. The BJP's West Bengal unit has approached the apex court seeking permission to take out the rally, which would cover 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state ahead of general elections to be held this year. In its plea, the BJP has said that their fundamental right to hold a peaceful yatra cannot be withheld, news agency PTI reported. The party had planned to launch the yatra from three districts of the state. The rallies, according to the original schedule, were supposed to be flagged off by BJP president Amit Shah from Bengal's Cooch Behar district on December 7, Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas on December 9, and from Tarapith temple in Birbhum on December 14, PTI reported. (With inputs from PTI)

Supreme Court refuses to clear BJP's Rath Yatra for now, asks Bengal government to consider revised schedule

A social media post by a professor in Kolkata has angered people. In his Facebook post, which has now been deleted, Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar compared "virgin girls" to "sealed bottles."

As per media reports, Sarkar in his post asked if men would buy a packet of biscuit or a bottle of water or cola with a broken seal, drawing an analogy to female virginity.&nbsp;

The post was titled 'Virgin Bride - Why Not? (Value oriented social counselling for educated youth.'

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While Sarkar continues to face a backlash for his comments, he is reported to have been defending his remarks under the garb of 'freedom of expression.'

Sarkar, on his Facebook account, has been highlighting his comments and remarks previously made in favour for women.&nbsp;

"I write my personal opinion. Supreme Court has repealed section 66A of IT Act and given freedom of expression in Social Media... Feminists also abuse men and patriarchy in seminar and Media," Sarkar noted in one of his social posts.

"It's everybody's right to express his /her thoughts. I have given many posts for and in favour of women. Can verify them in my Timeline," he added.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has asked the West Bengal DGP to probe and take appropriate action in the alleged case of a Jadavpur University professor, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The NCW took suo motu cognisance of the professor's "shocking misogynistic" lessons and asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the matter and take appropriate action in the case and apprise the commission of it.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

A social media post by a professor in Kolkata has angered people. In his Facebook post, which has now been deleted, Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar compared "virgin girls" to "sealed bottles.

A social media post by a professor in Kolkata has angered people. In his Facebook post, which has now been deleted, Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar compared "virgin girls" to "sealed bottles." As per media reports, Sarkar in his post asked if men would buy a packet of biscuit or a bottle of water or cola with a broken seal, drawing an analogy to female virginity. The post was titled 'Virgin Bride - Why Not? (Value oriented social counselling for educated youth.' × While Sarkar continues to face a backlash for his comments, he is reported to have been defending his remarks under the garb of 'freedom of expression.' Sarkar, on his Facebook account, has been highlighting his comments and remarks previously made in favour for women. "I write my personal opinion. Supreme Court has repealed section 66A of IT Act and given freedom of expression in Social Media... Feminists also abuse men and patriarchy in seminar and Media," Sarkar noted in one of his social posts. "It's everybody's right to express his /her thoughts. I have given many posts for and in favour of women. Can verify them in my Timeline," he added. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has asked the West Bengal DGP to probe and take appropriate action in the alleged case of a Jadavpur University professor, news agency PTI reported. The NCW took suo motu cognisance of the professor's "shocking misogynistic" lessons and asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the matter and take appropriate action in the case and apprise the commission of it. (With inputs from PTI)

Kolkata professor says virgin girls are like 'sealed bottles', gets slammed

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-on-the-ground-under-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189394">No change on the ground under Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Army Chief Bipin Rawat</a>

He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/referendum-not-a-good-way-to-decide-on-brexit-spain-foreign-minister-to-wion-189392">Referendum not a good way to decide on Brexit: Spain foreign minister to WION</a>

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seek-assurance-from-india-on-currency-notes-of-higher-denomination-nepal-foreign-minister-to-wion-189396">Seek assurance from India on currency notes of higher denomination: Nepal foreign minister to WION</a>

Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is in India, spoke to WION's Siddhant Sibal on the ban on Indian currency notes and a host of other issues. He also called for reactivation of the Southeast Association of Regional Cooperation or Saarc.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/no-indian-content-to-be-aired-in-the-country-as-it-damages-our-culture-says-pak-chief-justice-189398">No Indian content to be aired in the country as it 'damages our culture', says Pak Chief Justice</a>

The Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar has said that the country's Supreme Court will not allow Indian shows to be aired on Pakistani TV channels. The court has stated that the shows damage the country's culture.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ranveer-singh-vicky-kaushal-alia-bhatt-and-others-feature-in-selfie-of-the-year-with-pm-modi-189416">Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt and others feature in selfie of the year with PM Modi</a>

The meeting was facilitated by Karan Johar and had leading Bollywood stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra in attendance. Ekta Kapoor, directors Rohit Shetty and Ashwini Iyer Tiwari were also part of the delegation.

No change on the ground under Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Army Chief Bipin Rawat He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern.

No change on the ground under Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Army Chief Bipin Rawat He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern." Referendum not a good way to decide on Brexit: Spain foreign minister to WION In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism. Seek assurance from India on currency notes of higher denomination: Nepal foreign minister to WION Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is in India, spoke to WION's Siddhant Sibal on the ban on Indian currency notes and a host of other issues. He also called for reactivation of the Southeast Association of Regional Cooperation or Saarc. No Indian content to be aired in the country as it 'damages our culture', says Pak Chief Justice The Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar has said that the country's Supreme Court will not allow Indian shows to be aired on Pakistani TV channels. The court has stated that the shows damage the country's culture. Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt and others feature in selfie of the year with PM Modi The meeting was facilitated by Karan Johar and had leading Bollywood stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra in attendance. Ekta Kapoor, directors Rohit Shetty and Ashwini Iyer Tiwari were also part of the delegation.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Sporadic&nbsp;incidents of violence reported in several parts of West Bengal on the second day of the Bharat Bandh called by the central trade unions.&nbsp;

While Bengal’s capital Kolkata mostly remained normal with buses, trams and metro train services running smoothly, fewer people were seen on the roads.&nbsp;

Drivers of government-run buses in Kolkata were seen wearing helmets as bandh supporters resorted to vandalism.&nbsp;

CPM supporters clashed with the&nbsp;police today morning when the latter tried to&nbsp;prevent them from carrying out a rally in Kolkata’s Jadavpur area. Police arrested several CPM supporters and leaders including senior leader Sujan Chakraborty following the incident.&nbsp;

In North Bengal’s Coochbehar district, a Dinhata bound bus was vandalised by bandh supporters. The driver and few passengers suffered minor injuries. Buses were also vandalised in Bengal’s Birbhum and Howrah district.&nbsp;

Train services were affected in parts of Bengal as bandh supporters threw banana leaves on train overhead wires to hinder their movement. The Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express was also cancelled due to the obstruction on the rail line.&nbsp;

On the Sealdah-Bongaon line’s Habra station, as many as five crude bombs were recovered from the rail tracks. GRP has rushed to the spot to recover the bombs and clear the tracks for movement of trains.&nbsp;

Sporadic incidents of violence reported in several parts of West Bengal on the second day of the Bharat Bandh called by the central trade unions. While Bengal’s capital Kolkata mostly remained normal with buses, trams and metro train services running smoothly, fewer people were seen on the roads.

Sporadic incidents of violence reported in several parts of West Bengal on the second day of the Bharat Bandh called by the central trade unions. While Bengal’s capital Kolkata mostly remained normal with buses, trams and metro train services running smoothly, fewer people were seen on the roads. Drivers of government-run buses in Kolkata were seen wearing helmets as bandh supporters resorted to vandalism. CPM supporters clashed with the police today morning when the latter tried to prevent them from carrying out a rally in Kolkata’s Jadavpur area. Police arrested several CPM supporters and leaders including senior leader Sujan Chakraborty following the incident. In North Bengal’s Coochbehar district, a Dinhata bound bus was vandalised by bandh supporters. The driver and few passengers suffered minor injuries. Buses were also vandalised in Bengal’s Birbhum and Howrah district. Train services were affected in parts of Bengal as bandh supporters threw banana leaves on train overhead wires to hinder their movement. The Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express was also cancelled due to the obstruction on the rail line. On the Sealdah-Bongaon line’s Habra station, as many as five crude bombs were recovered from the rail tracks. GRP has rushed to the spot to recover the bombs and clear the tracks for movement of trains.

Violence reported in parts of West Bengal on second day of bandh 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-should-be-talks-with-the-taliban-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189220">There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat</a>

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions. Speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, he said talks with Taliban should happen "so long they don't come with a precondition and so long they look at lasting peace in Afghanistan and bring about stability in the country" and this is "in our interest, in region's interest, and it's in Pakistan's interest. We all want stability."

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-others-protest-as-government-moves-constitution-amendment-bill-in-rajya-sabha-189203">10% quota for poor: Congress, others protest as govt introduces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-others-protest-as-government-moves-constitution-amendment-bill-in-rajya-sabha-189203">bill</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-others-protest-as-government-moves-constitution-amendment-bill-in-rajya-sabha-189203"> in Rajya Sabha</a>

The Congress and other opposition parties on Wednesday strongly protested in the Rajya Sabha and demanded the sending of the 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty- Four Amendment) Bill, 2019' to a select committee, after the government introduced the key legislation.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-changed-but-still-much-work-to-do-malala-yousafzai-189223">Pakistan has changed but there's still much work to do: Malala Yousafzai</a>

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai says Pakistan has changed since she left the country nearly six years ago after being attacked by the Taliban and there is more peace but a lot of work is left to be done.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-bandh-2nd-day-violent-protests-rail-blockades-witnessed-in-many-states-189235">Day 2 of Bharat Bandh: Bank attacked in Kerala, stones pelted at school buses in WB</a>

Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/how-hardik-pandya-got-carried-away-comments-that-led-to-storm-and-show-cause-189240">How Hardik Pandya got 'carried away'; the comments that led to a storm and show cause notice</a>

It was meant to be a fun, no-holds-barred interaction but cricketer Hardik Pandya, by his own admission, got "carried away".

Appearing on "Koffee with Karan", hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, with teammate K L Rahul, Pandya's apparent loose talk on women and his sexuality took many by surprise.&nbsp;

Three days after the celebrity chat show aired on Sunday, the two cricketers on Wednesday were issued show cause notices by the BCCI, which took note of the massive outrage on social media and elsewhere. 
&nbsp;

There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions.

There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions. Speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, he said talks with Taliban should happen "so long they don't come with a precondition and so long they look at lasting peace in Afghanistan and bring about stability in the country" and this is "in our interest, in region's interest, and it's in Pakistan's interest. We all want stability." 10% quota for poor: Congress, others protest as govt introduces bill in Rajya Sabha The Congress and other opposition parties on Wednesday strongly protested in the Rajya Sabha and demanded the sending of the 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty- Four Amendment) Bill, 2019' to a select committee, after the government introduced the key legislation. Pakistan has changed but there's still much work to do: Malala Yousafzai Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai says Pakistan has changed since she left the country nearly six years ago after being attacked by the Taliban and there is more peace but a lot of work is left to be done. Day 2 of Bharat Bandh: Bank attacked in Kerala, stones pelted at school buses in WB Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country. How Hardik Pandya got 'carried away'; the comments that led to a storm and show cause notice It was meant to be a fun, no-holds-barred interaction but cricketer Hardik Pandya, by his own admission, got "carried away". Appearing on "Koffee with Karan", hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, with teammate K L Rahul, Pandya's apparent loose talk on women and his sexuality took many by surprise. Three days after the celebrity chat show aired on Sunday, the two cricketers on Wednesday were issued show cause notices by the BCCI, which took note of the massive outrage on social media and elsewhere.

In pictures: Schools shut, banks closed for Bharat Bandh; everyday life affected

Several protesters were arrested as sporadic incidents of vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal on Tuesday during the two-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions protesting against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre.

Stones were pelted at a school bus in Champadali area of Barasat in North 24 Parganas district. The students were later deboarded from the bus, police said.

Strike supporters burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burnt tyres in various parts of the state including Kolkata.

In Howrah, Siliguri, Bardhaman, Birbhum, North and South 24 Paraganas, clashes broke out between Trinamool Congress workers and strike supporters as TMC activists tried to stop them from forcibly imposing the strike.

Despite the incidents of violence, normal life in an around Kolkata and other parts of the state remained more or less unaffected by the strike call till 12 noon, except a few pockets.

Buses and other modes of transportation were seen on the roads although the number of passengers were much less than in other week days.

Tyres were burnt in Central Avenue of Kolkata to stop buses from plying in the roads. The protesters had a scuffle with the police when they tried to stop them from squatting on the roads.

A government bus was damaged by strike supporters at Champadali. Protesters also vandalised a bus at Jamuria in Paschim Bardhaman district.

Scuffles were witnessed between police and strike supporters in some areas of the state.

At Jadavpur area in south Kolkata, senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty along with several other strike supporters were detained by the police.

Protesters squatted on tracks in some places to stop trains and burnt tyres on the roads.

 
In Kerala

Trains were stopped, buses and auto-rickshaws kept off roads as the 48-hour general strike called by 10 central trade unions against "anti-labour policies" of the central government, hit normal life in the southern state Tuesday.

Workers from various sectors have extended support to the two-day strike.

Trains were stopped in Thiruvananthapuram, Tripunithura, Shoranur railway stations.

Venad Express, which runs from the state capital to Shoranur Junction daily, was delayed by more than one hour as agitators squatted on tracks, blocking its route, and raised slogans. Other trains that were stopped here were Jan Shatabdi and Raptisagar Express.

All trade unions except the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh have supported the strike, which has come five days after a 'hartal' was observed by right-wing groups in protest against the entry of two young women into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

The Sabarimala pilgrims, tourists, social and religious functions have been exempted from the strike Tuesday.

To ensure Sabarimala pilgrims were not affected by the strike, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has been operating buses from various destinations to Pamba, the foothills of the Sabarimala temple. However, KSRTC buses were not plying on other routes.

Meanwhile, pilgrims at Nilackal said they have been waiting for hours to reach the hill shrine.&nbsp;Private-run buses are also keeping off the roads.

Several protesters were arrested as sporadic incidents of vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal on Tuesday during the two-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions protesting against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre.

Several protesters were arrested as sporadic incidents of vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal on Tuesday during the two-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions protesting against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre. Stones were pelted at a school bus in Champadali area of Barasat in North 24 Parganas district. The students were later deboarded from the bus, police said. Strike supporters burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burnt tyres in various parts of the state including Kolkata. In Howrah, Siliguri, Bardhaman, Birbhum, North and South 24 Paraganas, clashes broke out between Trinamool Congress workers and strike supporters as TMC activists tried to stop them from forcibly imposing the strike. Despite the incidents of violence, normal life in an around Kolkata and other parts of the state remained more or less unaffected by the strike call till 12 noon, except a few pockets. Buses and other modes of transportation were seen on the roads although the number of passengers were much less than in other week days. Tyres were burnt in Central Avenue of Kolkata to stop buses from plying in the roads. The protesters had a scuffle with the police when they tried to stop them from squatting on the roads. A government bus was damaged by strike supporters at Champadali. Protesters also vandalised a bus at Jamuria in Paschim Bardhaman district. Scuffles were witnessed between police and strike supporters in some areas of the state. At Jadavpur area in south Kolkata, senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty along with several other strike supporters were detained by the police. Protesters squatted on tracks in some places to stop trains and burnt tyres on the roads. In Kerala Trains were stopped, buses and auto-rickshaws kept off roads as the 48-hour general strike called by 10 central trade unions against "anti-labour policies" of the central government, hit normal life in the southern state Tuesday. Workers from various sectors have extended support to the two-day strike. Trains were stopped in Thiruvananthapuram, Tripunithura, Shoranur railway stations. Venad Express, which runs from the state capital to Shoranur Junction daily, was delayed by more than one hour as agitators squatted on tracks, blocking its route, and raised slogans. Other trains that were stopped here were Jan Shatabdi and Raptisagar Express. All trade unions except the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh have supported the strike, which has come five days after a 'hartal' was observed by right-wing groups in protest against the entry of two young women into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The Sabarimala pilgrims, tourists, social and religious functions have been exempted from the strike Tuesday. To ensure Sabarimala pilgrims were not affected by the strike, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has been operating buses from various destinations to Pamba, the foothills of the Sabarimala temple. However, KSRTC buses were not plying on other routes. Meanwhile, pilgrims at Nilackal said they have been waiting for hours to reach the hill shrine. Private-run buses are also keeping off the roads.

Bharat Bandh: School bus attacked in West Bengal, buses & autos stay off roads in Kerala

The Supreme Court Tuesday sought a response from the West Bengal government on a plea by the BJP seeking permission to take out <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rath-yatra-in-west-bengal-supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-bjps-plea-on-january-7-187986">Rath Yatra in the state.</a>

The West Bengal unit of the BJP has challenged the December 21 order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which had set aside the order of a single-judge bench allowing the procession.

An apex court bench headed by Justice S K Kaul also asked the BJP state unit to submit a revised plan for its "Save Democracy Rally" for consideration by the state government.

The bench posted the matter for hearing on January 15.

The BJP's West Bengal unit has approached the apex court seeking permission to take out the rally, which would cover 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state ahead of general elections to be held this year.&nbsp;

In its plea, the BJP has said that their fundamental right to hold a peaceful yatra cannot be withheld.

The party had planned to launch the yatra from three districts of the state.

The high court's division bench had sent the case back to a single-judge bench to hear it afresh and also to consider the intelligence inputs by state agencies.

The order of the division bench had come after hearing an appeal moved by the West Bengal government challenging the order of the single-judge bench.

The rallies, according to the original schedule, were supposed to be flagged off by BJP president Amit Shah from Bengal's Cooch Behar district on December 7, Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas on December 9, and from Tarapith temple in Birbhum on December 14.

In the plea filed in the top court, the BJP's West Bengal unit has contended that authorities cannot abridge their right and they have a duty to facilitate them in exercising their democratic right.

The BJP has alleged in the plea that the state government was repeatedly "attacking" the fundamental right of citizens due to which different petitions have been filed challenging the activities of the state government in denying permission to different organisations.

It has claimed that earlier too, permission was denied several times at the last moment to "harass the BJP" which later moved the high court and that the party "is facing such political vendetta since 2014 in West Bengal".

An apex court bench headed by Justice S K Kaul also asked the BJP state unit to submit a revised plan for its 'Save Democracy Rally' for consideration by the state government.

The Supreme Court Tuesday sought a response from the West Bengal government on a plea by the BJP seeking permission to take out Rath Yatra in the state. The West Bengal unit of the BJP has challenged the December 21 order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which had set aside the order of a single-judge bench allowing the procession. An apex court bench headed by Justice S K Kaul also asked the BJP state unit to submit a revised plan for its "Save Democracy Rally" for consideration by the state government. The bench posted the matter for hearing on January 15. The BJP's West Bengal unit has approached the apex court seeking permission to take out the rally, which would cover 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state ahead of general elections to be held this year. In its plea, the BJP has said that their fundamental right to hold a peaceful yatra cannot be withheld. The party had planned to launch the yatra from three districts of the state. The high court's division bench had sent the case back to a single-judge bench to hear it afresh and also to consider the intelligence inputs by state agencies. The order of the division bench had come after hearing an appeal moved by the West Bengal government challenging the order of the single-judge bench. The rallies, according to the original schedule, were supposed to be flagged off by BJP president Amit Shah from Bengal's Cooch Behar district on December 7, Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas on December 9, and from Tarapith temple in Birbhum on December 14. In the plea filed in the top court, the BJP's West Bengal unit has contended that authorities cannot abridge their right and they have a duty to facilitate them in exercising their democratic right. The BJP has alleged in the plea that the state government was repeatedly "attacking" the fundamental right of citizens due to which different petitions have been filed challenging the activities of the state government in denying permission to different organisations. It has claimed that earlier too, permission was denied several times at the last moment to "harass the BJP" which later moved the high court and that the party "is facing such political vendetta since 2014 in West Bengal".

SC seeks West Bengal government's response on BJP plea seeking permission for Rath Yatra

West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh ruffled a few feathers within his party on Saturday when he said TMC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has the best chance to become the first Bengali prime minister of the country.

Extending birthday wishes to her, Ghosh said he prayed for her good health and success in life "because the fate of our state depends on her success".&nbsp;

"We want her to be fit so that she can work well. She needs to remain fit because if there is any Bengali who has the chance to be the PM from this Bengal, then she is the one," he said.

Asked if anyone from his own party's Bengal unit had the chance to be the PM, Ghosh said that Mamata Banerjee was ahead in the race among Bengalis who can become Prime Minister.

"We can surely have one from Bengal after her. But she has the first chance. We couldn't have Jyoti Basu as the first Bengali prime minister as his party did not allow him to be," Ghosh said.

"We had Pranab Mukherjee from the state as the first Bengali to become President so now it's time to have a Bengali as PM," he added.&nbsp;

The statement came as a shocker for the state BJP as it is engaged in a bitter fight against the TMC in the state.

West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh ruffled a few feathers within his party on Saturday when he said TMC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has the best chance to become the first Bengali prime minister of the country.

West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh ruffled a few feathers within his party on Saturday when he said TMC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has the best chance to become the first Bengali prime minister of the country. Extending birthday wishes to her, Ghosh said he prayed for her good health and success in life "because the fate of our state depends on her success". "We want her to be fit so that she can work well. She needs to remain fit because if there is any Bengali who has the chance to be the PM from this Bengal, then she is the one," he said. Asked if anyone from his own party's Bengal unit had the chance to be the PM, Ghosh said that Mamata Banerjee was ahead in the race among Bengalis who can become Prime Minister. "We can surely have one from Bengal after her. But she has the first chance. We couldn't have Jyoti Basu as the first Bengali prime minister as his party did not allow him to be," Ghosh said. "We had Pranab Mukherjee from the state as the first Bengali to become President so now it's time to have a Bengali as PM," he added. The statement came as a shocker for the state BJP as it is engaged in a bitter fight against the TMC in the state.

If any Bengali has chance to become PM, it's Mamata: West Bengal BJP chief

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a plea filed by&nbsp;Bengal BJP against a Calcutta High Court order not allowing its Rath Yatra in the state.&nbsp;

The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and SK Kaul which agreed to hear it on January 7.&nbsp;

The party had approached the apex court seeking permission to hold the campaign 'Save Democracy Rally', which would cover 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state ahead of the 2019 general elections.&nbsp;

It had challenged the December 21 order of a division bench of the high court which had set aside the order of a single judge allowing the yatra.&nbsp;

BJP has identified Bengal as a priority state and party chief Amit Shah has set a target of 22 seats from here in the upcoming elections.

Over the last few years, the party has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a significant show in rural polls and by-elections.&nbsp;

The PM's first rally is expected to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of city. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will also hold a rally at the same venue on January 19 and has invited leaders of all opposition parties in the country.

The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and SK Kaul which agreed to hear it on January 7.

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a plea filed by Bengal BJP against a Calcutta High Court order not allowing its Rath Yatra in the state. The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and SK Kaul which agreed to hear it on January 7. The party had approached the apex court seeking permission to hold the campaign 'Save Democracy Rally', which would cover 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state ahead of the 2019 general elections. It had challenged the December 21 order of a division bench of the high court which had set aside the order of a single judge allowing the yatra. BJP has identified Bengal as a priority state and party chief Amit Shah has set a target of 22 seats from here in the upcoming elections. Over the last few years, the party has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a significant show in rural polls and by-elections. The PM's first rally is expected to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of city. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will also hold a rally at the same venue on January 19 and has invited leaders of all opposition parties in the country.

Rath Yatra in West Bengal: Supreme Court agrees to hear BJP's plea on January 7

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