News for 'West Bengal Legislative Assembly'

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

Congress Challenges BJP On Women's Reservation Stance

Congress Challenges BJP On Women's Reservation Stance

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticised the BJP's stance on women's reservation, challenging them to reject ideological texts like the Manusmriti. He accused the BJP of using the issue for political gains and misrepresenting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks.

Mamata Banerjee Faces Resignation Calls After President's Displeasure

Mamata Banerjee Faces Resignation Calls After President's Displeasure

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

BJP MP Khagen Murmu has demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging she insulted President Droupadi Murmu. The demand follows the President's expression of displeasure over changes to her programme's venue and the absence of the CM or senior ministers.

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Ashok Lahiri, a distinguished economist with experience in government, the private sector, and electoral politics, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, tasked with strengthening India's reform trajectory and policy-making.

Bengal guv prorogues assembly on TMC govt's recommendation

Bengal guv prorogues assembly on TMC govt's recommendation

Rediff.com12 Feb 2022

Prorogation is discontinuing a session of Parliament or a legislative assembly without dissolving it.

193 Oppn MPs sign notice seeking CEC's removal, submission on Friday

193 Oppn MPs sign notice seeking CEC's removal, submission on Friday

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Over 130 Lok Sabha and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs have signed notices seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging partisan conduct and obstruction of electoral fraud investigations.

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Spreading Falsehoods In Speeches

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Spreading Falsehoods In Speeches

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of spreading falsehoods and offering no relief to the poor through his speeches. She made these remarks at a rally in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas district, ahead of Modi's address to the nation.

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI investigation into the role of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, senior police officials and others for allegedly obstructing its raids in Kolkata against political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director in connection with an alleged coal scam.

I will be 'kingmaker' after Bengal polls, claims TMC rebel MLA Kabir

I will be 'kingmaker' after Bengal polls, claims TMC rebel MLA Kabir

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir asserts he will be a 'kingmaker' after the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, claiming no government can be formed without his support. He plans to announce a new political party on December 22 and contest in 135 seats.

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.

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP and the Opposition have engaged in a war of words over the implementation of the women's reservation bill, which aims to reserve seats for women in legislatures. The bill was defeated in the Lower House, leading to accusations and counter-accusations between the parties.

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The government has released a set of FAQs to address concerns and clarify the details surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to provide 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures.

BJP chief Nitin Nabin to contest RS polls from Bihar

BJP chief Nitin Nabin to contest RS polls from Bihar

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The BJP has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections across multiple states, including Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Haryana.

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a significant increase in Lok Sabha seats for the five southern states following delimitation, countering misinformation and clarifying the timeline for women's reservation implementation.

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with President Droupadi Murmu to request the termination of Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab who defected to the BJP. Mann also advocated for a constitutional provision allowing voters to remove elected officials who fail to perform.

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Calcutta high court on Friday refused to intervene in the construction of a mosque -- modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid -- at Beldanga in West Bengal's Murshidabad, proposed by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir.

Debate, vote on motion to remove Birla to be taken up on Mar 9: Rijiju

Debate, vote on motion to remove Birla to be taken up on Mar 9: Rijiju

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announces the debate and vote on the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will occur on March 9. The Budget Session's second part will also address important legislation and critical bills.

West Bengal assembly clears proposal to rename state

West Bengal assembly clears proposal to rename state

Rediff.com29 Aug 2016

The state will be referred to as Bangla in Hindi and Bengal in English.

Centre says no nod given to rename West Bengal; Mamata writes to PM

Centre says no nod given to rename West Bengal; Mamata writes to PM

Rediff.com3 Jul 2019

Changing a state's name requires constitutional amendment and it is done after taking into consideration all relevant factors, he said.

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The ruling NDA alliance has secured a majority in the Rajya Sabha elections, winning key seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, while other candidates were elected unopposed across multiple states. The elections were marked by cross-voting allegations and political maneuvering.

Bengal Guv makes most of typo, summons assembly session at 2 am

Bengal Guv makes most of typo, summons assembly session at 2 am

Rediff.com24 Feb 2022

Noting that the meeting time was 'unusual and history of sorts in the making', the governor, however, said the decision was taken as per the recommendation of the state Cabinet.

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Several opposition parties on Wednesday decided to jointly oppose the delimitation provisions in the Constitution amendment bill in Parliament, even as they reiterated support for women's reservation, with Mallikarjun Kharge alleging the move is politically motivated.

Mamata's Bhabanipur sees high voter deletions, surpasses Nandigram

Mamata's Bhabanipur sees high voter deletions, surpasses Nandigram

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Election Commission data reveals Bhabanipur constituency in West Bengal recorded significantly higher voter deletions compared to Nandigram, sparking political debate ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.

SC notice to Centre, governors on pleas by Kerala, Bengal

SC notice to Centre, governors on pleas by Kerala, Bengal

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Friday agreed to consider the separate pleas of opposition-ruled Kerala and West Bengal, alleging the denial of assent to bills passed by the respective legislative assemblies.

Rs 1.3 cr and counting: Donations pour in for Babri-style mosque

Rs 1.3 cr and counting: Donations pour in for Babri-style mosque

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Donation boxes kept for the proposed Babri masjid-style mosque by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir in West Bengal's Murshidabad district are nearly full, with cash-counting machines whirring through the night as donations continue to pour in both physically and online.

NHRC notice to Bengal DGP over detention of scribe covering Sandeshkhali

NHRC notice to Bengal DGP over detention of scribe covering Sandeshkhali

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

The National Human Rights Commission in a statement said the allegations raise a serious issue of violation of human rights and also restriction on the freedom of the press.

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.

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.

No alliance with Cong for Bengal polls, says Mamata

No alliance with Cong for Bengal polls, says Mamata

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will return to power with a two-thirds majority in the 2026 Assembly elections in the state and ruled out the possibility of stitching any alliance with the Congress. Banerjee's statement comes amidst speculation over a possible Congress-TMC understanding in West Bengal, following the removal of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as state Congress president and the appointment of Subhankar Sarkar. However, Banerjee has categorically stated that the TMC will fight alone and secure a historic victory. The Congress, on the other hand, has responded by saying that regional parties are bothered about the Congress because they have realised their mistake in ignoring the party during the Delhi polls. The BJP has downplayed Banerjee's remarks, stating that the TMC's defeat in the upcoming elections is inevitable. The West Bengal Assembly elections are likely to be held in April-May next year.

3K personnel deployed as Kabir's mosque plan heightens Dec 6 heat in Bengal

3K personnel deployed as Kabir's mosque plan heightens Dec 6 heat in Bengal

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Governor C V Ananda Bose, meanwhile, urged citizens not to be swayed by "provocative statements and rumours" and asked the state to ensure there was 'no disturbance anywhere'.

Feud erupts in Matua head family in Bengal; BJP uneasy

Feud erupts in Matua head family in Bengal; BJP uneasy

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

A family feud within the politically influential Matua community has erupted between Union minister Shantanu Thakur and his brother, BJP MLA Subrata Thakur, creating ripples in West Bengal's political landscape and posing a challenge for the BJP ahead of upcoming elections.

BJP makes Sunil Bansal in charge of West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana

BJP makes Sunil Bansal in charge of West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana

Rediff.com11 Aug 2022

The BJP appointed Sunil Bansal, one of the party's key election managers, as its national general secretary and in charge of three opposition-ruled states -- West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana -- in run-up to the Lok Sabha polls in 2024.

Ex-Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passes away

Ex-Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passes away

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

The CPI-M leader was the chief minister of the state from 2000 to 2011.

'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.

Migrant row: TMC leader threatens to 'pour acid' on...

Migrant row: TMC leader threatens to 'pour acid' on...

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

A TMC legislator in West Bengal has allegedly threatened to pour acid in the throat of anyone criticizing migrant workers from the state, sparking controversy and condemnation from opposition parties.

'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.

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.

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.

RG Kar fallout: Bengal assembly passes anti-rape bill

RG Kar fallout: Bengal assembly passes anti-rape bill

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

The draft legislation seeks capital punishment for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim's death or leave her in a vegetative state.

Ex-VP Dhankhar applies for MLA pension in Rajasthan

Ex-VP Dhankhar applies for MLA pension in Rajasthan

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

Dhankhar, who represented the Kishangarh Assembly constituency as a Congress MLA from 1993 to 1998, received pension as a former legislator until July 2019. It was discontinued after he was appointed the governor of West Bengal.