News for '-west-bengal'

EC dismisses Trinamool charge of SIR-related deaths

EC dismisses Trinamool charge of SIR-related deaths

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

A Trinamool Congress delegation on Friday alleged before the Election Commission top brass that around 40 SIR-related deaths had occurred in West Bengal so far, a charge junked by the poll authority.

'Don't rob Gen Z of votes': Uddhav seeks to scrap 'unopposed' civic poll wins

'Don't rob Gen Z of votes': Uddhav seeks to scrap 'unopposed' civic poll wins

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray demands cancellation of civic elections where candidates won unopposed, alleging corruption and manipulation by ruling parties. He also criticizes the Maharashtra legislative assembly speaker and the misuse of BMC funds.

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Over 10.56 lakh voters have been deleted from Assam's electoral rolls following a Special Revision, ahead of upcoming assembly elections. The revision included house-to-house verification and aims to create an error-free electoral roll.

TMC MLA's Babri replica plan on Dec 6 sparks row; party distances itself

TMC MLA's Babri replica plan on Dec 6 sparks row; party distances itself

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

A major controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a TMC MLA announced plans to lay the foundation stone of a mosque modeled on the Babri Masjid, leading to political backlash and concerns over communal polarization.

Fear, anxiety and long journeys: SIR hearings in Bengal

Fear, anxiety and long journeys: SIR hearings in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The second phase of the Systematic Integration of Rolls (SIR) in West Bengal is causing distress among elderly, disabled, and vulnerable voters, leading to political accusations ahead of the assembly polls.

World's largest Messi statue unveiled in Kolkata

World's largest Messi statue unveiled in Kolkata

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday virtually unveiled his towering 70-foot statue at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata.

WC champion Richa Ghosh appointed WB DSP

WC champion Richa Ghosh appointed WB DSP

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

In India's title-winning ICC Women's World Cup, Richa scored 235 runs in eight innings at an average of 39.16 and a strike rate of over 133, with a brilliant, innings-saving 94 against South Africa as her best knock.

Why Messi left in 22 mins: Inside Kolkata's event failure

Why Messi left in 22 mins: Inside Kolkata's event failure

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

What should have been a landmark footballing moment in Kolkata turned into a cautionary tale on Saturday morning, as Lionel Messi's brief appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium was cut short amid crowd mismanagement

SIR sets off reverse migration of 'illegal Bangladeshis' at Bengal border

SIR sets off reverse migration of 'illegal Bangladeshis' at Bengal border

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

The movement has taken the shape of an unusual reverse migration, which officials and they themselves link directly to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls underway in West Bengal.

Foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid': High alert in Murshidabad

Foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid': High alert in Murshidabad

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Security has been tightened in Beldanga, West Bengal, ahead of a foundation stone-laying ceremony for a proposed mosque, modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid. The area has been placed under high security with additional forces deployed.

Relief for Mamata govt as HC reinstates 32K primary teachers

Relief for Mamata govt as HC reinstates 32K primary teachers

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Calcutta High Court overturned a single bench order that annulled the appointments of 32,000 primary school teachers in West Bengal, stating that irregularities were not proven in all recruitments. The decision brings relief to the teachers and is seen as a boost for the TMC-led state government.

TMC MP files counter FIR against Bengal Governor

TMC MP files counter FIR against Bengal Governor

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The face-off between Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee and West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose intensified further on Wednesday after the politician lodged a counter-complaint against the state's Constitutional head at the Hare Street Police Station within 24 hours of the latter having filed a first information report (FIR) against the former at the same PS.

BJP accuses TMC's Kirti Azad of vaping in Parl; party seeks full video

BJP accuses TMC's Kirti Azad of vaping in Parl; party seeks full video

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The BJP has accused TMC MP Kirti Azad of vaping in the Lok Sabha, leading to a political spat. TMC demands the release of full video footage before commenting.

Key Sandeshkhali witness injured in accident, son killed

Key Sandeshkhali witness injured in accident, son killed

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Ghosh's elder son, Biswajit, claimed that this was a planned attempt to murder his father, and alleged that Shahjahan pulled strings sitting in jail to carry out the crime.

EC to publish Bengal draft electoral rolls on Tuesday

EC to publish Bengal draft electoral rolls on Tuesday

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The Election Commission is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on Tuesday following the completion of the statewide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The publication of the draft rolls will mark the end of the enumeration phase and the beginning of a far more contentious stage - claims, objections and hearings that will stretch into February 2026.

SC asks poll panel to respond to parties' pleas on SIR in 2 weeks

SC asks poll panel to respond to parties' pleas on SIR in 2 weeks

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has requested the Election Commission to respond to petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The court has also asked the Madras and Calcutta High Courts to keep proceedings on similar petitions in abeyance.

2 more BLOs die, outrage over 'work load' intensifies

2 more BLOs die, outrage over 'work load' intensifies

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

This is the fourth such death reported in the state since the exercise began on November 4, sparking a political blame game.

Bengal: 32 lakh 'unmapped' voters queue up as SIR hearings begin

Bengal: 32 lakh 'unmapped' voters queue up as SIR hearings begin

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were underway in West Bengal, focusing on 'unmapped' voters who are unable to establish linkage with the 2002 electoral roll. Many people are being asked to prove their citizenship.

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Indians across the country welcomed the New Year 2026 with celebrations, religious observances, and gatherings at tourist spots. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister extended greetings for peace and prosperity.

Bihar verdict: Memefest keeps social media abuzz

Bihar verdict: Memefest keeps social media abuzz

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The social media handles of the Bharatiya Janata Party were abuzz with memes and jibes targeted at Congress and Rahul Gandhi on Friday, soon after the bumper performance of the saffron party in the Bihar assembly polls, with the party's Assam unit apologising for upsetting the 'national child' on Children's Day.

TMC, BJP spar over 'saffron flags' at Messi event

TMC, BJP spar over 'saffron flags' at Messi event

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The TMC and BJP have engaged in a blame game following a chaotic Lionel Messi event at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, which saw spectators storming the field and the main organiser being arrested for alleged mismanagement.

Mamata questions curbs on 'Jai Hind' and 'Vande Mataram' in Parl

Mamata questions curbs on 'Jai Hind' and 'Vande Mataram' in Parl

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Banerjee said she had come across media reports claiming that the patriotic slogans were not being permitted in the House.

Modi to open Vande Mataram debate in LS on Dec 8, Amit Shah in RS on Dec 9

Modi to open Vande Mataram debate in LS on Dec 8, Amit Shah in RS on Dec 9

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Parliament is set to debate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and election reforms, with key discussions led by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah.

'Vote chori': Charges filed against former BJP MLA, son

'Vote chori': Charges filed against former BJP MLA, son

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) which is probing the alleged 'vote chori' (theft)' in the Aland Assembly segment in 2023 Assembly elections in Karnataka, has filed a charge sheet naming seven persons, including a former Bharatiya Janata Party MLA, his son and his close aide.

Kolkata: BLOs protesting over SIR workload clash with cops; EC calls them...

Kolkata: BLOs protesting over SIR workload clash with cops; EC calls them...

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Booth-level officers in Kolkata scuffled with police during a protest against alleged excessive work pressure related to the ongoing SIR process. The officers allege unrealistic deadlines and lack of support from the Election Commission.

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court is examining the validity of the Election Commission's decision to conduct special intensive revisions of electoral rolls in several states, focusing on concerns about democratic participation and the burden on ordinary voters.

Saudi clerics to attend TMC rebel Kabir's Murshidabad 'Babri' mosque event

Saudi clerics to attend TMC rebel Kabir's Murshidabad 'Babri' mosque event

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Kabir told reporters that "nearly 3 lakh people will gather across 25 bighas near Moradighi on Saturday", adding that religious leaders from several states had confirmed their presence.

Protesting BLOs, BJP delegation in face-off outside Kolkata CEO office

Protesting BLOs, BJP delegation in face-off outside Kolkata CEO office

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

A section of BLOs in West Bengal protested excessive workload during the SIR process, leading to clashes with BJP supporters outside the CEO's office. The protest highlights concerns over the enumeration exercise and accusations of political interference.

More than 10 lakh SIR forms 'uncollectable' in Bengal: CEO

More than 10 lakh SIR forms 'uncollectable' in Bengal: CEO

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer reports over 10 lakh SIR enumeration forms identified as 'uncollectable' due to absentee voters, duplicates, deaths, or permanent relocation. The special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is underway with significant BLO involvement.

Govt open to debate on SIR, but don't insist timeline, Rijiju tells Oppn

Govt open to debate on SIR, but don't insist timeline, Rijiju tells Oppn

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is open to discussing electoral reforms in the Rajya Sabha, urging the Opposition not to impose a timeline. Opposition parties staged a walkout after demanding an immediate discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Why Modi And Shah Like Nitin Nabin

Why Modi And Shah Like Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Both Mr Modi and Amit Shah like Nabin because they know he will never answer back, points out Aditi Phadnis.

2 officials die, another paralysed amid claims of 'SIR pressure'

2 officials die, another paralysed amid claims of 'SIR pressure'

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

A series of deaths and health-related incidents involving staff deployed for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in multiple states has triggered alarm, even as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission, calling the ongoing exercise 'chaotic, coercive and dangerous'.

Bengal Guv leads search at Raj Bhavan after TMC's arms stash charges

Bengal Guv leads search at Raj Bhavan after TMC's arms stash charges

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose led a search operation at the Raj Bhavan following allegations by a TMC MP that arms and ammunition were stored there.

You can't fight and defeat me: Mamata warns BJP over chopper row

You can't fight and defeat me: Mamata warns BJP over chopper row

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of sabotaging her helicopter ride to Bongaon, alleging political conspiracy. She claims the cancellation forced her to travel by road, allowing her to connect with more people. Banerjee also addressed concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Modi's 'Bankim da' remark sparks fierce clash with Trinamool

Modi's 'Bankim da' remark sparks fierce clash with Trinamool

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

A political slugfest broke out between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress on Monday after the latter accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of insulting Bankim Chandra Chatterjee by calling him 'Bankim da', prompting a counter-attack from the saffron party, which accused West Bengal's ruling party of defiling the state's cultural legacy for a decade.

11 Unique Stays For 2026

11 Unique Stays For 2026

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Stay somewhere that's as memorable as your destination, and India's got plenty of surprises!

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir floats new political party

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir floats new political party

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Humayun Kabir, recently suspended from the TMC, has launched a new political party, Janata Unnayan Party, and announced candidates for the 2026 assembly elections.

Non-veg food vendors assaulted at Gita recital in Kolkata, Mamata fumes

Non-veg food vendors assaulted at Gita recital in Kolkata, Mamata fumes

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP following an assault on food vendors at a Bhagavad Gita recital event in Kolkata, asserting that the state would not tolerate intimidation, communal division, or attempts to dictate dietary choices. She vowed stringent action against those responsible and accused the BJP of trying to import a culture of communal division and weaponize religious texts for political mobilization.

AI Steps In To Avert Elephant Tragedies

AI Steps In To Avert Elephant Tragedies

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

When elephants are identified close to or on the tracks, real-time alerts are sent to locomotive pilots, station masters and control rooms, allowing trains to slow down or stop in time.

Nitin Nabin vows to carry forward his father's work

Nitin Nabin vows to carry forward his father's work

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Newly appointed Bharatiya Janata Party national working president Nitin Nabin on Monday termed his elevation as a blessing of the party and claimed that it is the only political outfit that allows its grassroots workers to thrive.