News for 'The Bengal Files'

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

'Intimidating me?' Mamata questions CRPF deployment during Bengal polls

'Intimidating me?' Mamata questions CRPF deployment during Bengal polls

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised the deployment of CRPF armoured vehicles during the Assembly elections, accusing the BJP-led Centre of using government resources to favour their party. She also addressed concerns of potato farmers and urged them to sell their produce in other states.

NIA to probe crude bomb recovery in Bengal ahead of second phase polls

NIA to probe crude bomb recovery in Bengal ahead of second phase polls

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe the recovery of 79 crude bombs in West Bengal following a directive from the Union Home Ministry.

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

'They probably imagine any hue and cry in the event Sheikh Hasina is hanged will be shortlived as it happened when Bhutto was hanged in Pakistan in 1979.'

Modi Vows to Transform Bengal with Six Guarantees

Modi Vows to Transform Bengal with Six Guarantees

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced six guarantees for West Bengal if the BJP wins the Assembly polls, criticising the TMC government and promising development and accountability.

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Calcutta high court has held that voter identity cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards are not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship.

TMC MP suspended from Lok Sabha for 'unsavoury' language against women members

TMC MP suspended from Lok Sabha for 'unsavoury' language against women members

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has been suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon session due to his use of "unsavoury" language against women members during a heated exchange with NCPI members.

NIA Probe Ordered in Bhangar Crude Bomb Case: 79 Explosives Recovered Ahead of Bengal Polls

NIA Probe Ordered in Bhangar Crude Bomb Case: 79 Explosives Recovered Ahead of Bengal Polls

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

NIA begins probe into Bhangar crude bomb case after 79 explosives recovered in West Bengal, raising serious security concerns ahead of elections.

Bengal voter list frozen, 2 of 27 lakh deleted names restored

Bengal voter list frozen, 2 of 27 lakh deleted names restored

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Despite numerous appeals, only two names have been restored to the West Bengal electoral rolls after 2.7 million deletions, raising concerns about voter access and the functionality of proposed tribunals.

Modi Vows to End 'Fear' and Corruption in West Bengal

Modi Vows to End 'Fear' and Corruption in West Bengal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, promising development, accountability, and an end to corruption if the BJP wins the upcoming assembly elections.

Mamata Banerjee Claims BJP Using All Resources To Win Bengal Election

Mamata Banerjee Claims BJP Using All Resources To Win Bengal Election

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of deploying its entire machinery, including Union ministers and NDA-ruled state CMs, to defeat her party in the West Bengal assembly elections. She also criticised the BJP's promises to migrant workers and alleged the misuse of central forces during the polls.

FIR against Mamata Banerjee for 'provocative remarks'

FIR against Mamata Banerjee for 'provocative remarks'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

An FIR has been registered against former West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee for allegedly making provocative remarks during the last assembly poll campaign, with a complaint stating her comments were 'capable of promoting enmity between communities'.

ED freezes Rs 440 crore in TMC bank accounts amid money laundering probe

ED freezes Rs 440 crore in TMC bank accounts amid money laundering probe

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has frozen bank deposits of the Trinamool Congress worth Rs 440 crore under the anti-money laundering law. This action follows searches in a funds misappropriation case, with allegations of significant transfers to a private aviation company and the purchase of luxury aircraft.

Modi Blasts TMC for 'Syndicate Raj' in Bengal, Vows Justice for Women

Modi Blasts TMC for 'Syndicate Raj' in Bengal, Vows Justice for Women

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the TMC in West Bengal, accusing them of corruption and syndicate rule, while promising to address atrocities against women if the BJP comes to power.

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.

ED Attaches 159 Crore Assets in West Bengal Coal Pilferage Case

ED Attaches 159 Crore Assets in West Bengal Coal Pilferage Case

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth 159 crore in connection with a money laundering investigation related to illegal coal mining in West Bengal. The case involves alleged pilferage and implicates various entities, including the political consultancy firm I-PAC.

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.

Modi Unveils 'Six Guarantees' for West Bengal, Criticises TMC's Governance

Modi Unveils 'Six Guarantees' for West Bengal, Criticises TMC's Governance

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced six guarantees for West Bengal if the BJP wins the Assembly polls, promising to end the 'reign of fear' and address corruption, while criticising the TMC government's performance.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP and TMC of Failing West Bengal

Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP and TMC of Failing West Bengal

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP and RSS for undermining the Constitution and accused the TMC of failing to provide jobs in West Bengal during recent rallies.

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has appointed a retired judge as a special officer to manage the day-to-day expenses of the Mamata Banerjee-aligned Trinamool Congress (TMC) from three debit-frozen bank accounts. The accounts were frozen following a complaint by a rival TMC faction alleging they held proceeds of crime. The court allowed transactions for party expenses and legal costs, noting that the initial freezing lacked specific material basis and that the complainant had previously benefited from these accounts.

SC Questions West Bengal's Objection to ED Plea, Highlights Officer Rights

SC Questions West Bengal's Objection to ED Plea, Highlights Officer Rights

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court questioned the West Bengal government regarding its objection to the maintainability of the Enforcement Directorate's plea concerning alleged obstruction by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a raid, focusing on the fundamental rights of ED officers.

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon

How fish has become a political storm in Bengal elections

How fish has become a political storm in Bengal elections

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

In West Bengal's assembly elections, fish has become a potent symbol of Bengali identity, with the Trinamool Congress and BJP clashing over food habits and cultural representation.

SC refuses to intervene in TMC plea on vote counting deployment in Bengal

SC refuses to intervene in TMC plea on vote counting deployment in Bengal

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the Election Commission's circular regarding the deployment of central government personnel for vote counting in West Bengal, dismissing a plea by the TMC.

Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel Faces Allegations Of Sexual Assault, Intimidation

Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel Faces Allegations Of Sexual Assault, Intimidation

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Bengal and Delhi Capitals cricketer Abishek Porel is facing a police complaint from a woman who alleges he engaged in a sexual relationship under the false promise of marriage, and subjected her to assault and criminal intimidation. Porel has strongly denied all allegations, and police have begun an investigation.

Ganguly moves police against Facebook page

Ganguly moves police against Facebook page

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has filed a police complaint in Kolkata against a Facebook page and media platform, alleging they are spreading misleading and defamatory content to tarnish his image and reputation.

Rahul Gandhi Criticises BJP's 'Hate-Filled Thinking' and TMC's Job Promises in Bengal

Rahul Gandhi Criticises BJP's 'Hate-Filled Thinking' and TMC's Job Promises in Bengal

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP and RSS for undermining the Constitution and accused the TMC of failing to deliver on job creation promises during rallies in West Bengal.

Assam Girls Missing From Guwahati Rescued In Howrah

Assam Girls Missing From Guwahati Rescued In Howrah

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Four girls who went missing from Guwahati, Assam, have been rescued from Howrah, West Bengal, following a coordinated effort by Assam and West Bengal police.

23 lakh voters in limbo as Bengal sees massive rush to tribunals

23 lakh voters in limbo as Bengal sees massive rush to tribunals

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Thousands of West Bengal residents whose names were deleted from electoral rolls are awaiting decisions from tribunals, the final recourse after initial appeals were rejected. The fate of around 2.3 million people hinges on these adjudications, raising concerns about voting rights and citizenship.

Humayun Kabir Video Sparks Political Storm in West Bengal

Humayun Kabir Video Sparks Political Storm in West Bengal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following the emergence of an alleged video of Humayun Kabir, purportedly claiming links with senior BJP leaders and efforts to defeat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Calcutta High Court Seeks Report On TMC Leader's Arrest

Calcutta High Court Seeks Report On TMC Leader's Arrest

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court has instructed the Enforcement Directorate to submit a report regarding its investigation into the arrest of TMC leader and former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose, who was apprehended in connection with a money laundering probe related to an alleged municipality recruitment scam.

ED raids 5 Kolkata locations in TMC plane, helicopter funding probe

ED raids 5 Kolkata locations in TMC plane, helicopter funding probe

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches in Kolkata as part of an investigation into alleged fund routing from TMC's bank accounts for purchasing an Embraer jet and an AgustaWestland helicopter. The probe suggests Rs 160 crore was transferred to Carewell Aviation, with Rs 112 crore used for aircraft. The ED suspects the arrangement was designed to camouflage the true purpose of transactions. This comes amidst frozen TMC bank accounts and ongoing internal party disputes.

Forgery probe: HC grants interim protection to Abhishek Banerjee

Forgery probe: HC grants interim protection to Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee for three weeks in a signature forgery case related to the appointment of the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal assembly. Banerjee was directed to appear before the CID for questioning, which he complied with. The case involves allegations by rebel TMC MLAs that their signatures were forged on a party resolution, prompting a CID investigation.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the Congress party of indirectly supporting the BJP in West Bengal, urging voters to reject them in the upcoming elections. He alleged a nexus between the Congress, BJP, and Left parties, claiming that votes for Congress would split the opposition and benefit the BJP.

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The BJP has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of using 'victim card' politics to gain sympathy during the assembly elections, dismissing claims of threats to her life as a political strategy.

My brother BJP spokesperson, discloses judge in Mamata poll plea

My brother BJP spokesperson, discloses judge in Mamata poll plea

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A Calcutta High Court judge, Gaurang Kant, disclosed that his elder brother is a national spokesperson for the BJP while hearing Mamata Banerjee's petition challenging the Bhabanipur assembly seat poll result. Despite the disclosure, Banerjee's lawyer expressed full confidence in the judge.

TMC's Jahangir Khan In Custody Over Extortion Charges

TMC's Jahangir Khan In Custody Over Extortion Charges

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan has been remanded to five days police custody by a Diamond Harbour court on "extortion" and other charges. Khan was arrested near the India-Nepal border after seven FIRs were filed against him, and his interim protection from the Calcutta High Court was vacated.

Deleted votes exceeded victory margins on 31 seats: TMC in SC

Deleted votes exceeded victory margins on 31 seats: TMC in SC

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and others to file fresh applications regarding their claim that victory margins were less than the deletion of votes during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

FIR against Mamata for remarks 'hurting religious sentiments'

FIR against Mamata for remarks 'hurting religious sentiments'

Rediff.com27 May 2026

An FIR has been lodged against former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly hurting religious sentiments based on a complaint by a lawyer.

No roadblocks in SIR: SC's clear message to states in Bengal case

No roadblocks in SIR: SC's clear message to states in Bengal case

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria said it would issue whatever orders or clarifications are required in the matter.