News for 'West Bengal CM'

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticizes Kerala's ruling Left government over the Sabarimala gold loss case, demanding a neutral investigation and accusing the government of protecting the real culprits. He also signals the start of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The West Bengal government has transferred over 500 bureaucrats ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move has drawn criticism from the opposition BJP, who allege it is an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

Taslima free to return to Bengal: CM

Taslima free to return to Bengal: CM

Rediff.com25 Nov 2007

Controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen was not driven out of West Bengal as published in a section of the press and was free to return when she liked, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya said in Siliguri on Sunday.

'How Did She Come Out At 12.30 At Night?': Mamata's Shocker

'How Did She Come Out At 12.30 At Night?': Mamata's Shocker

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's advice to female boarders on Sunday about not venturing out late at night, in the aftermath of the alleged gangrape of a medical student in Durgapur, drew criticism from the Opposition, which asserted that her remarks were emblematic of the state's law and order situation.

Electric firecrackers likely caused blaze at Goa nightclub: CM

Electric firecrackers likely caused blaze at Goa nightclub: CM

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

A preliminary inquiry suggests electric firecrackers caused a devastating nightclub fire in Goa, resulting in 25 deaths. The incident has exposed illegalities and lax enforcement of safety rules.

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Congress party has strongly criticized the Union Budget, calling it 'lacklustre' and 'disappointing,' claiming it fails to address the needs of farmers, unemployed youth, and other key sectors.

USIBC praises Jyoti Basu, Bengal CM

USIBC praises Jyoti Basu, Bengal CM

Rediff.com2 Mar 2007

The Left Front government led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in West Bengal got tributes from the US-India Business Council.

Let deserving teachers keep their jobs, Bengal board urges SC

Let deserving teachers keep their jobs, Bengal board urges SC

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has appealed to the Supreme Court to modify its order annulling over 25,000 jobs in schools. The board argues that the termination of 11.3% of existing teachers would have a devastating impact on schools in the state and impact the education of over 78.6 lakh students. The WBBSE is seeking to allow untainted candidates to continue in service until the end of the academic year or until the process of fresh appointments is concluded, whichever is earlier.

Centre provides Z category security cover to Delhi CM

Centre provides Z category security cover to Delhi CM

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has been accorded 'Z' category VIP security cover by the Union government following an attack on her. The CRPF has taken charge of her security, providing round-the-clock protection.

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.

Chidambaram sends another stinker to Bengal CM

Chidambaram sends another stinker to Bengal CM

Rediff.com31 Dec 2010

Continuing to bicker with West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee through letters, Home Minister P Chidambaram has described the killings of political workers in the state as 'alarming' and said that the violence points to a virtual collapse of law and order in some parts of Bengal. He also said he used the word Harmad (hired killers) in an earlier letter because of its extensive usage in the media.

'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.

Violence erupts in Bengal during protest against Waqf Act

Violence erupts in Bengal during protest against Waqf Act

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Protesters in West Bengal's Murshidabad district set fire to police vehicles and hurled stones during a demonstration against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Jangipur area, where a large crowd had gathered demanding the withdrawal of the legislation. Police responded with lathi charges and tear gas to control the situation. Several people were detained and police personnel were injured in the stone-pelting. The West Bengal Police has said the situation is under control and strict action will be taken against those who resorted to violence.

Chaos in Bengal assembly; 5 BJP MLAs suspended

Chaos in Bengal assembly; 5 BJP MLAs suspended

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Uproarious scenes on the concluding day of the special session on Thursday turned the West Bengal Assembly into a cauldron of chaos, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's speech was repeatedly drowned out by slogan-shouting, leading to the suspension of five Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs and the collapse of two legislators during forcible eviction by marshalls.

Bengal CM skips CPI-M politburo meet

Bengal CM skips CPI-M politburo meet

Rediff.com5 Sep 2009

The Communist Party of India - Marxist Politburo on Saturday began a two-day meeting to finalise a document, to deal with its organisational problems, which led to its rout in the recent polls in its strongholds of West Bengal and Kerala. The purpose of the meeting is to give final touches to amend and strengthen its 'rectification document' that had been prepared several years ago. The meeting is being attended by all top leaders barring CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'The BJP is keeping its options open and that the final decision is still tightly held.' 'That is consistent with the party's tendency to preserve suspense, avoid premature factional conflict, and use leadership selection as a way of resetting internal hierarchies.'

Bengal CM ignores Ramadoss' suggestion on smoking

Bengal CM ignores Ramadoss' suggestion on smoking

Rediff.com18 Sep 2008

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Wednesday sought to ignore Union Health minister Anbumani Ramadoss' suggestion that he give up the cigarette by refusing to react to it."No comment," was all Bhattacharjee, a heavy smoker, told reporters when asked for his reaction to the minister's suggestion.Ramadoss had sent letters to all state governments, asking them to make the workplace smoke free by October 2.

Mamata to take oath as Bengal CM for 3rd time on May 5

Mamata to take oath as Bengal CM for 3rd time on May 5

Rediff.com3 May 2021

The newly-elected MLAs of the Trinamool Congress unanimously elected Banerjee as the legislative party leader at a meeting, its secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The upcoming Hindi film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is embroiled in controversy, similar to its predecessor, with accusations of hate propaganda and defenses of legitimate concern over religious conversion.

Communists misunderstood Netaji: Bengal CM

Communists misunderstood Netaji: Bengal CM

Rediff.com23 Jan 2003

Buddhadev Bhattacharjee criticised the Congress for not according the 'due importance' to Netaji, as it did to Mahatma Gandhi.

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at the University of Oxford, stressed the importance of inclusive development and stated that division in society is counterproductive. She emphasized that her governance model prioritizes the welfare of all sections of society and does not allow discrimination, highlighting the state's diverse population and the need for a human-centric approach.

TDP's Raju is new Goa guv, J-K ex-deputy CM Gupta named Ladakh LG

TDP's Raju is new Goa guv, J-K ex-deputy CM Gupta named Ladakh LG

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Former Union Minister Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju appointed as the Governor of Goa, Kavinder Gupta named as the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, and Ashim Kumar Ghosh will be the new Governor of Haryana.

Why Bengal CM did not resign

Why Bengal CM did not resign

Rediff.com21 Mar 2007

The same political aide to chief minister's office who had spoken to rediff.com about Bhattacharjee's intent to step down on Monday said over telephone a day after, "I have never seen Buddhababu so perturbed as he was yesterday."

Now, Mamata calls for 'language movement' against BJP

Now, Mamata calls for 'language movement' against BJP

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Addressing a massive Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata, Banerjee gave a clarion call to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2026 assembly elections and eventually oust it from power at the Centre, declaring, "If this linguistic profiling doesn't stop, our resistance movement will reach New Delhi."

Alternative to Left rule is anarchy: Bengal CM

Alternative to Left rule is anarchy: Bengal CM

Rediff.com21 Jun 2010

Facing a stiff challenge to stem the decline of the Left Front in West Bengal, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Monday asserted that the alternative to the Left's rule was anarchy and asked supporters not to be demoralised by the success of the opposition."Change for what, anarchy? West Bengal is in no mood to fall behind. We want to move ahead in agriculture, industry, education, health, human development. Is there any substitute to it," Bhattacharjee said.

Foreigners posing as Biharis, Bengalis in Assam? CM orders verification

Foreigners posing as Biharis, Bengalis in Assam? CM orders verification

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

He said his government will share details of these people with local authorities from where they claim to have come, so that it can be verified that they are not actually from "across the border".

PK, who guided others to victory, meets defeat in debut battle

PK, who guided others to victory, meets defeat in debut battle

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party fails to win any seats in the Bihar assembly elections, while his prediction about JD(U)'s performance proves inaccurate. The article analyzes Kishor's political journey and future prospects.

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.

Mamata sworn-in as Bengal CM, vows to fight COVID, violence

Mamata sworn-in as Bengal CM, vows to fight COVID, violence

Rediff.com5 May 2021

She is the 21st chief minister of West Bengal and 8th person to hold the office.

Nitish among top 10 longest-serving CMs. Here's the full list

Nitish among top 10 longest-serving CMs. Here's the full list

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Bihar's Chief Minister for a record 10th time, extending his tenure and joining the list of longest-serving CMs in India.

Bengal CM faces mob fury again

Bengal CM faces mob fury again

Rediff.com2 Jun 2009

In a repeat of Sunday's mob fury during West Bengal Chief Minister's visit to cyclone-hit Gosaba, hundreds of cyclone victims on Tuesday heckled and jeered at Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, as he came out of a relief camp in Hingalganj in North 24-Parganas district. "You are an inefficient chief minister. You deserve a garland of shoes. What have you done for the development of the Sunderbans in the last five years," the hungry victims shouted at Bhattacharjee.

Bengal CM defends 'recapture' of Nandigram

Bengal CM defends 'recapture' of Nandigram

Rediff.com14 Nov 2007

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya continued defending the actions of Communist Party of India Marxist cadres in Nandigram on Wednesday, unfazed by the scathing attack by his coalition partners about his previous comments. "I am saying today what I have said yesterday. Those who returned home merely followed the tactics of the opposition," said the chief minister,

We have to speed up industrialisation: Bengal CM

We have to speed up industrialisation: Bengal CM

Rediff.com13 Mar 2007

Underscoring the importance of industrialisation, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said on Tuesday its pace would have to be increased to match the flow of investment, both from domestic and foreign ones.

Bengal CM holds rally on Sunday

Bengal CM holds rally on Sunday

Rediff.com11 Feb 2007

The opposition is predicting that the rally will be a failure.

Bypolls: AAP wins in Gujarat, Punjab; Cong in Kerala; TMC in Bengal

Bypolls: AAP wins in Gujarat, Punjab; Cong in Kerala; TMC in Bengal

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Aam Aadmi Party's Gopal Italia on Monday won from Gujarat's Visavadar assembly constituency and his party also retained Punjab's Ludhiana West seat while the Congress-led United Democratic Front wrested Nilambur from the ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala, according to results of assembly bypolls in four states.

155 dead in floods in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha and West Bengal

155 dead in floods in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha and West Bengal

Rediff.com3 Aug 2015

At least 155 people have lost their lives and over 80 lakh people affected in fresh floods due to excessive rains in worst-affected Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Odisha.

Mamata hits out at BJP over voter list 'deletions', attacks EC

Mamata hits out at BJP over voter list 'deletions', attacks EC

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of 'linguistic terror' and plotting to delete Bengali voters from electoral rolls, vowing to protect voting rights.

12 states to spend Rs 1.68L cr on women's cash schemes

12 states to spend Rs 1.68L cr on women's cash schemes

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

A new report indicates that increasing unconditional cash transfer schemes for women across 12 Indian states are impacting their fiscal health, with six states projecting revenue deficits.

Bengal governor invites Mamata to protest inside Raj Bhavan

Bengal governor invites Mamata to protest inside Raj Bhavan

Rediff.com7 Sep 2023

This "offer" comes days after Banerjee had threatened to stage a sit-in outside the Raj Bhavan to protest against his "holding back" bills passed by the state assembly.