The BJP must respect Bengal's pluralistic ethos and with this historic mandate give the state the constructive change it truly deserves, expects Kolkata native Payal Singh Mohanka.
Politicians and celebrities lined up at polling stations to cast their votes.
An 11-year-old girl's body was found in a pond near Kolkata, with preliminary post-mortem reports indicating head injuries, sexual assault, and drowning. Police have arrested three individuals, including the key accused, as the investigation continues into the brutal crime.
India is currently examining Bangladesh's request for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since her government's collapse in August 2024, with New Delhi confirming the issue is being processed according to established procedures.
West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister Ashok Kirtania has warned of strict action against corruption in the department, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan 'Na khaunga, na khane dunga'. He promised to act against those involved in irregularities during the previous regime, particularly concerning the public distribution system and ration distribution.
West Bengal police are investigating the murder of a BJP leader's aide, suspecting the involvement of professional shooters from neighbouring states and local criminals.
The BJP has appointed Amit Shah and JP Nadda as central observers for the election of legislative party leaders in West Bengal and Assam, respectively, following recent assembly poll victories.
Following their success in the West Bengal assembly elections, BJP leaders are now focusing on winning the Punjab assembly polls in 2027, promising to rid the state of corruption and drugs under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'
The West Bengal government has further scaled down security arrangements for several political leaders, former officials, and other prominent individuals after a review of threat perceptions.
Maa Mansa Devi, revered as the Hindu goddess of serpents, is worshipped for protection from snakebites, fertility and prosperity. She is also popularly known as the wish-fulfilling goddess. In Hindu mythology, Mansa is associated with sage Kashyapa and is regarded as the sister of Vasuki, the serpent king.
Former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged municipality recruitment scam.
The West Bengal State Legislative Assembly has been dissolved by Governor R N Ravi, marking the end of its term after the recent elections where the Trinamool Congress was defeated by the BJP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the TMC, accusing the party of looting West Bengal for 15 years, destroying the state's identity through corruption and infiltration, and turning Jadavpur University into a symbol of disorder.
India's first Asian Games gold-winning heptathlete, Swapna Barman, has been provisionally suspended by NADA after testing positive for the banned substance Boldenone. This disciplinary action proceeds despite her recent retirement announcement. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat doping in Indian sports, with other athletes also facing bans.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal after the assembly polls, asserting that he would return to the state for the oath-taking ceremony after results are announced on May 4.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the credibility of the West Bengal assembly polls, accusing the Election Commission of partisan conduct and alleging large-scale irregularities during the elections.
Deepadhar, featuring former Asian Games gold medallists, has taken an early lead in the fifth East Zone Bridge Championship in Kolkata, accumulating 65.22 Victory Points after four rounds. The tournament, a Bridge Federation of India Ranking Two event, involves around 300 players from 50 teams across East Zone states competing for a Rs 6 lakh prize purse, with the top 16 teams advancing to the knockout stage.
Addressing party legislators after being elected the leader of the BJP legislature party, Adhikari said the atmosphere of fear in Bengal had ended and asserted that the state would now move towards an era of "trust".
Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand inspected Nabanna and surrounding areas ahead of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's first administrative meeting.
Lok Sabha MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's closed-door meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, just before NCPI MPs were to attend an NDA meeting, has ignited speculation about the Nationalist Citizens Party of India's political future and its potential alignment with the BJP-led alliance. The NCPI comprises 20 rebel TMC MPs who broke away after the West Bengal Assembly election.
Private guards at Ttrinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's office, his supporters and some party leaders on Thursday scuffled with police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, trying to prevent them from entering the building on Camac Street and dismantling an "unauthorised" billboard.
The West Bengal government has sanctioned the prosecution of Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with a case of financial irregularities.
West Bengal's chief minister-elect Suvendu Adhikari announced the beginning of 'Sonar Bangla' with the formation of the first BJP government in the state, heralding an era of 'peace and prosperity'. The oath-taking ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent figures, marks a significant political shift for West Bengal.
The West Bengal government has initiated a re-verification process for all caste certificates issued since 2011, following allegations of irregularities during the previous administration.
A man has been arrested in Kolkata for allegedly sending an email threatening a suicide bomb attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Sweet shops across West Bengal are preparing themed sweets in anticipation of the election results, reflecting the charged political atmosphere.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a prime accused in the West Bengal bomb explosion case, which resulted in one fatality and three serious injuries last month. The accused, Ahidul Islam Molla, was apprehended following investigations into his role in the explosion.
Axis Bank has opened 50 new branches across India, while Abakkus Mutual Fund has surpassed Rs 10,000 crore in AUM. YES Bank launched a new credit card for women, and J&K Bank partnered with HDFC Life to enhance its insurance offerings, showcasing significant growth and strategic developments in the Indian financial sector.
'...appearing culturally coercive or administratively vindictive.' 'If it governs as a conquering force, resistance will build.'
Former West Bengal food minister Rathin Ghosh appeared before the ED in connection with the alleged civic recruitment scam case after skipping summons on five earlier occasions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of shielding infiltrators, promoting dynastic politics, and supporting the construction of a mosque resembling the Babri Masjid.
The family of the driver injured in the shooting that killed a BJP leader's aide in West Bengal has demanded justice and urged the government to prevent future incidents.
Suvendu Adhikari and Dilip Ghosh are the top contenders for West Bengal Chief Minister.
A devastating fire at a Kolkata hotel claimed nine lives, including a child and two women, in the early hours of Wednesday. Survivors recounted a terrifying experience, highlighting the absence of fire alarms and safety equipment, and the difficulty of escape due to dense smoke and a single exit. This incident follows another fatal hotel fire in Birbhum.
East Bengal FC continued their dominant run in the Indian Women's League with a 2-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC. Other matches saw SETHU FC triumph over Sribhumi FC, and Kickstart FC, Karnataka outclass SESA Football Academy.
'This government is in the very bad habit of doing so again and again. It has done so many times.'
A devastating fire in a five-storey building housing multiple hotels in central Kolkata resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including a child, and injured six others. Firefighters rescued 80 individuals, but dense smoke hampered operations. Authorities suspect a short circuit and allege significant safety and construction norm violations by the building management. The owner is currently absconding, and police have initiated legal proceedings and raids.
The TMC has dispatched fact-finding teams to investigate alleged post-poll violence against its workers in West Bengal, accusing BJP-backed individuals of carrying out attacks and intimidation.
West Bengal prohibits victory rallies following election result announcements and addresses concerns regarding agents' access to counting centres.
