News for '-west-bengal'

'We Want Justice, Not Money'

'We Want Justice, Not Money'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

'Sanjay Roy is not alone.' 'If he's kept alive, maybe we will know what happened.' 'Why was he in the chest medicine department that night when he never went there earlier?' 'Nobody will parade in front of a CCTV camera and then go and murder someone.' 'There are several people who are involved in this heinous crime. They have to be identified and punished.'

'Mamata Has Crossed The Limit'

'Mamata Has Crossed The Limit'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'The TMC can't go on forever taking advantage of the people's fright of the BJP.'

IPL 2025: KKR-LSG match set to be shifted to Guwahati

IPL 2025: KKR-LSG match set to be shifted to Guwahati

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL home game against Lucknow Super Giants on April 6 at Eden Gardens is set to be shifted to Guwahati.

Murshidabad returns to normal, displaced families come back

Murshidabad returns to normal, displaced families come back

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The state police said the situation in Murshidabad is gradually returning to normal, with shops reopening and displaced families starting to come back.

'Bengal Is In Business'

'Bengal Is In Business'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'This is the Bengal story, where businesses are nurtured, dreams are realised, and legacies are built.'

Indian Navy's marine commando dies during training exercise in West Bengal

Indian Navy's marine commando dies during training exercise in West Bengal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2023

People familiar with the matter said Chandaka Govind died while carrying out a para jump from an aircraft.

Why RSS-BJP Have Abandoned West Bengal

Why RSS-BJP Have Abandoned West Bengal

Rediff.com23 Feb 2022

'The RSS-BJP fight against TMC excesses seem to have been limited to fighting the assembly poll, not coming to the defence of ordinary Bengalis who are being crushed daily by Trinamool goons,' points out Virendra Kapoor.

Ambani to invest another Rs 50K cr in Bengal by 2030

Ambani to invest another Rs 50K cr in Bengal by 2030

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani on Wednesday announced a fresh investment commitment of Rs 50,000 crore in West Bengal by the end of this decade. Speaking at the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2025, Ambani said the investment would generate one lakh jobs in the state.

Top-level Indo-Bangla talks next week, first after Hasina's ouster

Top-level Indo-Bangla talks next week, first after Hasina's ouster

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The border forces of India and Bangladesh will hold their bi-annual talks next week in New Delhi, with issues such as border fence construction and attacks on BSF personnel and civilians by Bangladeshi miscreants figuring among the discussion points. The 55th Director General-Level Border Coordination Conference between BSF and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be organised at the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in New Delhi between February 17-20. The conference will be the first top-level meeting between the two sides after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August last year. Discussions will be held on prevention of attacks on BSF personnel and Indian civilians by Bangladesh-based miscreants/nationals, how to prevent trans-border crimes, construction of a single-row fence, action against Indian Insurgent Groups in Bangladesh, issues related to border infrastructure, joint efforts for effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan, Confidence Building Measures and other issues.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi comes from a family of military officers

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi comes from a family of military officers

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Being a 'fauji' kid, Sofiya Qureshi grew up listening to tales of valour and sacrifice of the army shared by her grandfather, who was a soldier.

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

There are challenges galore before him, and it is not going to be easy. In the next four years, he has to conjure a system that changes the optics about him and the BJP both nationally and internationally so that he can ride back on his own, claim the top slot, and not have to lean on a coalition, asserts Ramesh Menon as Modi 3.0 completes a year in power.

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Firhad Hakim, a senior minister in West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), has defended his remarks on the Muslim population in the state and India, saying he is a diehard secular and patriotic Indian. Hakim's comments, made at a minority students' event, have sparked controversy with the BJP, Congress, and Hindu monks accusing him of promoting communalism and advocating for a Muslim majority. Hakim, however, clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and that he was merely advocating for the empowerment of the Muslim community. He also highlighted the need for greater representation of Muslims in the judiciary.

HC orders revival of 2007 Nandigram murder cases

HC orders revival of 2007 Nandigram murder cases

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the revival and prosecution of ten criminal cases related to murders in Nandigram and Khejuri during an anti-land acquisition movement in 2007. The court deemed the West Bengal government's decision to withdraw prosecution in these cases, involving the deaths of at least ten individuals, as unlawful. The bench emphasized that murders had indeed occurred and that allowing the prosecution to withdraw under Section 321 of the Criminal Procedure Code would not be in the public interest. The court stated that violence in any form should be eschewed in a democracy and that a state must exhibit zero tolerance towards it. The court set aside the state government's decision to withdraw prosecution and directed the public prosecutor to take appropriate measures within a fortnight.

Santosh Trophy: Bengal beat Rajasthan to secure QF spot

Santosh Trophy: Bengal beat Rajasthan to secure QF spot

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

West Bengal beat Rajasthan 2-0 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the 78th Senior National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

IWL: Bala Devi's masterclass sends Sribhumi FC soaring

IWL: Bala Devi's masterclass sends Sribhumi FC soaring

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Star Indian footballer Bala Devi scored a hat-trick to lead Sribhumi FC to a 3-2 victory over Sethu FC in the Indian Women's League.

West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar is NDA's VP choice

West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar is NDA's VP choice

Rediff.com16 Jul 2022

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar was on Saturday announced as the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance's vice presidential candidate.

The 2021 West Bengal Election Sentimeter

The 2021 West Bengal Election Sentimeter

Rediff.com23 Mar 2021

The BJP which won only three seats in the last assembly election is looking confident to make inroads is Mamata's den.

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The BJP on Saturday accused the Congress of repeatedly supplying "oxygen" to Pakistan, and slammed the opposition party for its leader Charanjit Singh Channi's remarks questioning the veracity of Balakot air strikes after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that the Congress is full of pro-Pakistan leaders who make statements against India's interests, and mocked the party for its letter that had advised its functionaries to toe the official line on the issue. Patra also criticized other Congress leaders for their comments on the Pulwama and Pahalgam terror attacks, accusing them of lowering the morale of the armed forces. He further slammed the Congress for claiming credit for the government's announcement of the caste census and said the party never carried out the exercise during its over 60-year stint in power.

Gambhir, Saina, Neeraj react strongly to Pahalgam attack

Gambhir, Saina, Neeraj react strongly to Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

India's sporting fraternity, including Olympic medalists Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu, expressed grief and condemnation over the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

Why do Bengal parties clash over attacks on Bangladesh Hindus?

Why do Bengal parties clash over attacks on Bangladesh Hindus?

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have ignited political debate in West Bengal, with the ruling TMC and opposition BJP utilizing the issue to advance their respective agendas. While the TMC emphasizes communal harmony and calls for international intervention, the BJP criticizes the TMC's inaction and links the situation to its push for the Citizenship Amendment Act. The issue has also brought other opposition parties into the fray, with all sides highlighting the interconnectedness of the region's socio-political fabric.

MT Vasudevan Nair, Suzuki, ex-CJI Khehar Singh get Padma Vibhushan

MT Vasudevan Nair, Suzuki, ex-CJI Khehar Singh get Padma Vibhushan

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday approved 139 Padma awards including seven Padma Vibhushans, 19 Padma Bhushans and 113 Padma Shris.

CBI moves HC seeking death penalty for RG Kar convict

CBI moves HC seeking death penalty for RG Kar convict

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an appeal in the Calcutta High Court seeking the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, who was sentenced to "life imprisonment until death" for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The CBI argued that the crime falls under the "rarest of rare" category deserving capital punishment, while the trial court had ruled otherwise. The West Bengal government has also appealed for the death penalty, but the CBI opposed the state's right to file an appeal, claiming it was the prosecuting agency and therefore had the right to appeal on the grounds of inadequacy of the sentence. The high court will hear the appeals from the CBI, the victim's family, and the convict on January 27.

Cong finalises alliance with Left for West Bengal polls

Cong finalises alliance with Left for West Bengal polls

Rediff.com24 Dec 2020

The West Bengal assembly elections are due by March-April next year.

Bombs hurled, shots fired outside Bengal BJP leader's residence

Bombs hurled, shots fired outside Bengal BJP leader's residence

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Unidentified assailants hurled bombs and opened fire outside the residence of BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh in Bhatpara, West Bengal, injuring a youth. Singh alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Sunita Singh's son, Namit Singh, was behind the attack. Police are investigating the incident and have deployed security forces in the area.

IWL: Bala, Murmu dominate as Sribhumi crush Nita FA

IWL: Bala, Murmu dominate as Sribhumi crush Nita FA

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Sribhumi FC secured their first win in three games with a 4-2 victory over Nita Football Academy in their Indian Women's League (IWL) match.

Maharashtra sweeps kho kho golds at National Games

Maharashtra sweeps kho kho golds at National Games

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Maharashtra secured both the men's and women's gold medals in the kho kho event at the 38th National Games.

Hundreds cross Bhagirathi river to flee Murshidabad violence

Hundreds cross Bhagirathi river to flee Murshidabad violence

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Several areas in Muslim-majority Murshidabad, including Suti, Dhulian, Jangipur and Shamsherganj, have witnessed violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that spiralled into communal violence, sparking the exodus.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury appointed West Bengal Cong chief

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury appointed West Bengal Cong chief

Rediff.com10 Sep 2020

Chowdhury is considered a strong critic of Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee. His appointment also triggered speculation on whether he would continue to hold the post of the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, going by the party's principle of giving one post to one person.

Adani highest bidder for West Bengal's Tajpur deep-sea port

Adani highest bidder for West Bengal's Tajpur deep-sea port

Rediff.com25 Mar 2022

India's largest private port operator Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ) Ltd has emerged as the highest bidder for the West Bengal government's greenfield deep-sea port project at Tajpur in a neck-to-neck fight with JSW Group, a source said on Friday. APSEZ and Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group were the only two entities that took part in the financial bid round, though there were more port and logistics majors who had expressed initial interest in the estimated Rs 7,000-crore project in Purba Medinipur district. "APSEZ is the highest bidder, offering a share of 0.25 per cent of gross revenue. "It was marginally higher than the second bidder who offered 0.23 per cent," a senior government official said, without wanting to be named.

Opposition walks out of RS over debate on duplicate voters

Opposition walks out of RS over debate on duplicate voters

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Opposition parties in India's Rajya Sabha, including the Congress and the TMC, walked out of the chamber after their demand for a discussion on the Election Commission's alleged lapses in issuing duplicate voter ID cards and delimitation was disallowed. The Deputy Chairman, Harivansh, rejected the notices under Rule 267, citing non-compliance with previous rulings. While TMC and Congress MPs focused on the duplicate voter ID issue, Tamil parties expressed concerns about the impact of delimitation on southern states. Despite raising slogans and pressing for a discussion, the opposition staged a walkout after their notices were rejected and their statements deemed not part of the official record.

Rahul attacks Mamata in West Bengal

Rahul attacks Mamata in West Bengal

Rediff.com23 Mar 2019

Addressing his maiden poll rally in West Bengal's Malda, the Congress chief said, "Did the youth get employment, did the farmers receive any help? Like Modi, Mamata Banerjee makes only fake promises and lies to the people."

India to see above-normal rains this year, predicts IMD

India to see above-normal rains this year, predicts IMD

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal rainfall for the upcoming monsoon season in India (June to September). The cumulative rainfall is estimated to be 105 percent of the long-period average. The IMD has also ruled out the possibility of El Nino conditions during the entire season. The monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture sector, which supports the livelihood of a significant portion of the population and contributes substantially to the country's GDP. However, while the prediction of normal rainfall brings relief, climate change is expected to cause variations in rainfall distribution.

Only treatment for rioters is 'danda': Yogi slams Mamata

Only treatment for rioters is 'danda': Yogi slams Mamata

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence during protests against the Waqf law, accusing her of remaining silent while "Bengal is burning." He also said that the only treatment for rioters is stick, as "Those who respond only to thrashing don't understand words."

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Opposition parties in India, including the Congress, Left parties, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), have unanimously hailed the armed forces' "Operation Sindoor", a retaliatory strike against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which involved missile and drone strikes, was conducted in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Despite political differences, all parties expressed support for the government and the armed forces, stressing the importance of national unity and integrity in the face of terrorism. While emphasizing the need for diplomatic avenues to prevent further escalation, some parties also called for caution in attributing political credit for the strikes.

National Games: Uttarakhand, Maharashtra off to winning start

National Games: Uttarakhand, Maharashtra off to winning start

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

In women's category, Maharashtra outperformed Uttarakhand, securing a 2-0 win, while Haryana triumphed over Assam with an identical 2-0 score.

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Some of his directives had the Supreme Court judges disclose their assets whereas the row over the discovery of cash from a sitting judge's official residence paved way for inquiry.

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its senior leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim regarding the Muslim percentage in the population. Hakim, in a speech, had claimed that Muslims constitute 33 per cent of the population in West Bengal and 17 per cent nationwide, adding that they could become a numerical majority if they empower themselves. The party issued a statement on Monday condemning Hakim's remarks, asserting that they do not reflect its ideology and commitment to communal harmony. The remarks have sparked a political storm, with the opposition BJP accusing Hakim of attempting to stir communal sentiments. Hakim later clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he was advocating for the empowerment of minorities through education and skill development. However, the controversy has caused ripples within the TMC and complicated the party's messaging.

Twist in B'luru road rage case, now IAF officer booked

Twist in B'luru road rage case, now IAF officer booked

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose made an allegation in a video he shared that he was attacked and verbally abused by a group of Kannada-speaking individuals who chased him on a bike in Bengaluru early Monday morning. Terming it a case of road rage, police arrested Vikas Kumar, who works as a team head at a software company's call centre.

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Ahmedabad civic authorities launched a massive demolition drive on Tuesday, razing over 2,000 illegally constructed houses and properties in the Chandola Lake area. The operation, which involved around 50 teams equipped with earthmovers and 2,000 police personnel, was carried out days after illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were detained from these settlements. The Gujarat High Court declined to stay the action, observing that the dwellings were situated on the periphery of the water body and therefore subject to demolition under the Land Revenue Code. Authorities also demolished the illegal farmhouse of Lalu Pathan, alleged mastermind behind the encroachments, who is suspected to have helped illegal immigrants obtain rental accommodation and Aadhaar cards.