News for '-west-bengal'

Suvendu aide murder: Ballia arms trail leads to another arrest

Suvendu aide murder: Ballia arms trail leads to another arrest

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an associate of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The arrest follows inputs from the CBI, which is investigating the murder that occurred in West Bengal on May 6.

Now, TMC rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh's son sends legal notice to Mamata

Now, TMC rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh's son sends legal notice to Mamata

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Rebel Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar's son Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar has sent a legal notice to former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and several TMC leaders, including Mahua Moitra, Kalyan Banerjee, Sougata Roy and Sonali Guha, denying allegations that he had sought a party ticket from the Barasat Assembly Constituency.

Bengal To Probe Fraud In Women's Cash Transfer Scheme

Bengal To Probe Fraud In Women's Cash Transfer Scheme

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal's Chief Minister has ordered a special investigation into alleged fake accounts linked to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, a women's cash transfer initiative by the previous government, citing illegal cash transfers and men falsely claiming benefits.

Student dies after consuming hot tea, RKM school shuts hostel

Student dies after consuming hot tea, RKM school shuts hostel

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya in Narendrapur, West Bengal, has indefinitely closed its hostels and suspended classes after a Class 12 student died following an alleged incident involving hot tea. The decision comes amidst widespread protests, a police probe into negligence, and the suspension of three staffers, with the headmaster also offering to resign.

TMC crisis deepens as Sudip Bandyopadhyay meets BJP leaders

TMC crisis deepens as Sudip Bandyopadhyay meets BJP leaders

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and allegedly with Home Minister Amit Shah has ignited fresh political speculation about his potential defection and the formation of a dissident parliamentary faction, further deepening the turmoil within the Mamata Banerjee-led party.

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

Rediff.com20 May 2026

According to pollster Pradeep Gupta, years of TMC "misrule" that created a "climate of fear", Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma and the organisational abilities of Amit Shah and the RSS brought the BJP to power in West Bengal.

SIR focused on voter exclusion, disturbed free and fair elections: Ex-CEC Quraishi

SIR focused on voter exclusion, disturbed free and fair elections: Ex-CEC Quraishi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi has strongly criticised the Election Commission's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it is 'focussed more on exclusion' and has 'played havoc with democracy' by disturbing free and fair elections.

Centre restarts MGNREGA in West Bengal, but conditions apply

Centre restarts MGNREGA in West Bengal, but conditions apply

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

After a gap of more than three years, the central government has agreed to resume the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) works in West Bengal with immediate effect, but subject to mandatory adherence to stringent conditions. These include a prohibition on any work valued at more than 20 lakh, compulsory 100 per cent electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) verification of all workers, and mandatory pre-estimation field visits for all works before they are undertaken.

'This is betrayal': Mamata loyalists as TMC rebels move closer to BJP

'This is betrayal': Mamata loyalists as TMC rebels move closer to BJP

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Kalyan Banerjee and Kirti Azad have launched a scathing attack on rebel party MPs, accusing them of lacking political morality, maintaining links with the BJP, and abandoning party workers amidst alleged harassment and political attacks.

Bangladesh turns to China on Teesta: Should India be concerned?

Bangladesh turns to China on Teesta: Should India be concerned?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Dhaka and Beijing on Thursday agreed to strengthen cooperation on the management of the Teesta and other rivers and signed 13 agreements to bolster bilateral ties following talks between Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.

RG Kar doc's mother breaks down in assembly as CM Suvendu promises justice

RG Kar doc's mother breaks down in assembly as CM Suvendu promises justice

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said in the assembly that justice would be delivered in the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case, leaving the victim's mother, a BJP MLA who was present in the House, in tears.

'We want Tatas to come back, and that too in Singur'

'We want Tatas to come back, and that too in Singur'

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya has expressed the state government's desire for the Tata Group to return to Singur, viewing it as an economic necessity and a signal that West Bengal is open for business. The move aims to reverse the negative perception created when the Nano project was forced out of the state.

CBI To Investigate Murder Of Suvendu Adhikari's Aide

CBI To Investigate Murder Of Suvendu Adhikari's Aide

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The counsel for one of the arrested individuals, Raj Singh, has welcomed the CBI probe and criticised the West Bengal Police's handling of the arrest.

Tollygunge Extortion Racket: Former Minister's Brother Arrested

Tollygunge Extortion Racket: Former Minister's Brother Arrested

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Swarup Biswas, brother of former West Bengal sports minister Arup Biswas, has been arrested in connection with an alleged extortion racket targeting the Tollygunge film and television industry. The arrest followed a complaint from a makeup artist who was allegedly asked for money for employment and threatened. Police are investigating multiple allegations of extortion and criminal intimidation, with protests erupting outside the police station following his arrest.

Tollygunge Extortion Racket: Former Minister's Brother Arrested

Tollygunge Extortion Racket: Former Minister's Brother Arrested

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Swarup Biswas, brother of former West Bengal sports minister Arup Biswas, has been arrested in connection with an alleged extortion racket targeting the Tollygunge film and television industry. The arrest followed a complaint from a makeup artist who was allegedly asked for money for employment and threatened. Police are investigating multiple allegations of extortion and criminal intimidation, with protests erupting outside the police station following his arrest.

CBI Nabs Key Suspect In Rath Murder Case In Uttar Pradesh

CBI Nabs Key Suspect In Rath Murder Case In Uttar Pradesh

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The CBI has arrested Naveen Kumar Singh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an associate of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The arrest was made in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, and firearms potentially used in the murder have been recovered.

'Yoga for peace, warships for security': Modi commissions 3 naval vessels

'Yoga for peace, warships for security': Modi commissions 3 naval vessels

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used two major public engagements in Kolkata to outline a broader vision for India's future -- one rooted in inner balance and collective well-being through yoga, and the other in national self-reliance and maritime strength.

Calcutta High Court Grants Interim Protection To Actor Parambrata Chatterjee

Calcutta High Court Grants Interim Protection To Actor Parambrata Chatterjee

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection to actor Parambrata Chatterjee from any coercive action by the police regarding an alleged social media post following the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections.

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Newly appointed West Bengal minister Bishal Lama performed a puja before occupying his new office, which was previously used by former education minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested in a school jobs scam. Lama stated it was a personal tradition for auspicious beginnings.

'New TMC' claims support of 64 MLAs, seeks floor test

'New TMC' claims support of 64 MLAs, seeks floor test

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee claims 64 dissident TMC MLAs have submitted their names to the Speaker, constituting over two-thirds of the party's Assembly strength, and has called for a floor test to verify their claims of support amidst a widening split within the Trinamool Congress.

Mamata's crisis deepens as another TMC leader arrested

Mamata's crisis deepens as another TMC leader arrested

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress leader and former Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation chairman, Sabyasachi Dutta, has been arrested in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on charges of extortion and criminal intimidation following a businessman's complaint.

Why Kolkata's Messi Statue Is Being Taken Down

Why Kolkata's Messi Statue Is Being Taken Down

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata, West Bengal, is set to be dismantled due to safety concerns after being found unstable in the wind.

EC's special observer for Bengal SIR appointed as CM's advisor

EC's special observer for Bengal SIR appointed as CM's advisor

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The new BJP government also appointed IAS officer Shantanu Bala as the chief minister's private secretary, according to another notification.

Rs 10K Or Rs 1 Cr: Your NEET Rank Shapes College Costs

Rs 10K Or Rs 1 Cr: Your NEET Rank Shapes College Costs

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

If your All India Rank (AIR) is in the three digits, you could get a seat at one of the prestigious AIIMS colleges and pay tuition fees of just under Rs 10,000 for the entire course. At the other end of the spectrum, if your AIR is in the lakhs, you could end up shelling out a crore at a private or deemed institution.

ED Conducts Raids In Kolkata Money Laundering Investigation

ED Conducts Raids In Kolkata Money Laundering Investigation

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches at multiple premises in West Bengal as part of a money laundering probe linked to arrested Kolkata Police officer Shantanu Sinha Biswas and an alleged criminal Biswajit Poddar alias Sona Pappu.

Modi touches feet of 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal. Who is he?

Modi touches feet of 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal. Who is he?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated senior BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar at a swearing-in ceremony in West Bengal. Sarkar, 98, is an early grassroots figure associated with the nationalist movement. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister after defeating Mamata Banerjee.

9 Doctors Who Became Leaders

9 Doctors Who Became Leaders

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

On Doctors' Day this week let's turn the spotlight onto doctors who decided to become leaders.

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met TMC leader Mamata Banerjee to express solidarity after the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The meeting highlights efforts by opposition parties to strategise and strengthen unity against the BJP.

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim has resigned as the mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), citing an inability to function properly. His resignation, approved by Mamata Banerjee, comes amidst significant political turbulence within the TMC following recent election defeats and a wave of councillor resignations, raising questions about the party's urban political structure.

Thousands stretch with Modi at Kolkata's iconic Red Road to mark 12th Yoga Day

Thousands stretch with Modi at Kolkata's iconic Red Road to mark 12th Yoga Day

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led thousands in a yoga session at Kolkata's Red Road to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga, actively participating and assisting attendees. Several dignitaries also joined the mass demonstration, continuing a tradition Modi has upheld since the event's UN adoption in 2015.

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

There are strong possibilities of some Union ministers being sent to take organisational roles in the BJP and party office-bearers being inducted into the Modi ministry.

Big twist: Humayun offers assembly seat to Mamata after TMC split

Big twist: Humayun offers assembly seat to Mamata after TMC split

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

In a surprising turn of events, AJUP founder Humayun Kabir, a former critic of Mamata Banerjee, has offered her a route back to the West Bengal Assembly from his Rejinagar constituency. This offer comes as Banerjee faces a significant political crisis after the TMC's electoral defeat and internal party rebellion.

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Under attack from senior Trinamool Congress lawmaker Kalyan Banerjee amid turmoil within the party, its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday struck a conciliatory note, describing the Serampore MP as an elder who has "brought him up" and therefore had every right to criticise him.

BJP names Amit Shah as observer for election of Bengal CM

BJP names Amit Shah as observer for election of Bengal CM

Rediff.com5 May 2026

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.

No reports of post-poll violence yet, says CM Adhikari amid TMC protest

No reports of post-poll violence yet, says CM Adhikari amid TMC protest

Rediff.com15 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has stated that his government has no information regarding alleged post-poll violence, as claimed by the opposition TMC. He assured that action would be taken after verifying any such charges. The statement came in response to allegations raised in the West Bengal assembly by Leader of the Opposition Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay.

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend temple fund scam accused

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend temple fund scam accused

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Local legal practitioners in Ayodhya are considering a unanimous refusal to defend the eight individuals accused in the Ram temple donations embezzlement case. The Faizabad Bar Association is set to make a final decision, driven by strong local sentiment against the alleged theft of temple offerings.

Bengal to enforce strict loudspeaker curbs at religious places, events

Bengal to enforce strict loudspeaker curbs at religious places, events

Rediff.com14 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has directed police to take strict action against the use of loudspeakers beyond permissible sound limits at religious places and events across the state.

Bengal Government To Adopt Zero Tolerance Policy Against Vandalism

Bengal Government To Adopt Zero Tolerance Policy Against Vandalism

Rediff.com18 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari asserted that his government would adopt a 'zero tolerance' policy against vandalism carried out under the guise of religious slogans.

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Veteran Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy has suggested that the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s legislative wing could extend to its Members of Parliament, following an unprecedented revolt by MLAs and the party's recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.