News for 'West Bengal'

West Bengal industry minister in hospital; stable

West Bengal industry minister in hospital; stable

Rediff.com14 Oct 2008

Sen suffered from chest pain, fluctuating blood pressure and uneasiness. According to the hospital sources, the minister is in the intensive critical care unit and examinations are being conducted on him.

Mamata 'setting' agenda for West Bengal government

Mamata 'setting' agenda for West Bengal government

Rediff.com28 Dec 2009

Despite being in the Opposition in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress chief and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee is 'setting' the agenda for the state government. In the past weeks, the government has taken three major policy decisions for which the Trinamool Congress had been agitating to make a public opinion.

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal worst-hit by natural disasters

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal worst-hit by natural disasters

Rediff.com4 Dec 2015

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu together account for almost 30 per cent of all deaths and 75 per cent of houses destroyed in the country due to natural calamities.

Congress yields to Mamta in West Bengal

Congress yields to Mamta in West Bengal

Rediff.com12 Mar 2009

Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Bannerjee's ultimatum of "48 hours" to finalise sharing of seats in West Bengal worked. Without asking for more seats, the Congress on Thursday talked of "larger perspective of defeating the Communist Party of India-Marxist" in deciding to contest only 14 Lok Sabha seats, leaving the remaining 26 seats in the state for her party.

TMC, BJP spar over 'detention' of Bengali migrant workers in Odisha

TMC, BJP spar over 'detention' of Bengali migrant workers in Odisha

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The Trinamool Congress on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading lies and criminalising poverty over the detention of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Odisha, while the saffron party charged the Mamata Banerjee dispensation with providing shelters to illegal immigrants.

Nurse's death in Bengal sparks political clash, family alleges murder

Nurse's death in Bengal sparks political clash, family alleges murder

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The death of a 24-year-old nurse at a private nursing home in West Bengal's Hooghly district has triggered political unrest and allegations of a cover-up. Opposition parties are demanding a fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, alleging foul play and potential sexual assault.

Tendulkar is a golden boy: West Bengal CM

Tendulkar is a golden boy: West Bengal CM

Rediff.com12 May 2012

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday described Sachin Tendulkar as a 'golden boy' as the state government and the Cricket Association of Bengal jointly felicitated the senior Indian batsman for completing one hundred international centuries.

Poila Baisakh celebrations canceled in Bengal town after violence

Poila Baisakh celebrations canceled in Bengal town after violence

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The first day of the Bengali New Year, Poila Baisakh, passed without any celebrations in Dhulian, West Bengal, for the first time in over 50 years. Fear gripped the area following violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to canceled rituals, shop closures, and a sense of uncertainty. The violence, which started on April 8, left three people dead and several injured. Protesters blocked highways, torched vehicles, and disrupted train services. While the police deployed central forces and imposed restrictions, locals still fear for their safety and demand permanent security measures. The town and its surrounding areas remain tense, with many families displaced and facing significant losses.

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.

Jindal plans steel plant in West Bengal

Jindal plans steel plant in West Bengal

Rediff.com4 Nov 2004

Jindal Steel is planning to set up a new steel plant in West Bengal at an investment of Rs 10,000-12,000 crore (Rs 100-120 billion).

Now, Nehru's statue blackened in West Bengal

Now, Nehru's statue blackened in West Bengal

Rediff.com17 Mar 2018

The statue at Telephone Maidan at Katwa town in East Burdwan district with its face blackened was found.

West Bengal CM meets dead youth's family

West Bengal CM meets dead youth's family

Rediff.com13 Oct 2007

Furthering his damage control measures, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Saturday visited the family of Rizwanur Rehman, three weeks after the graphics designer died in mysterious circumstances. Bhattacharjee was greeted with protestors wielding black flags and chanting slogans like "Chief minister hai hai" and "Please give us justice". He requested the family members to have faith in the CID, which is investigating the case, and the judicial probe.

West Bengal: Left Front issues gag order

West Bengal: Left Front issues gag order

Rediff.com17 Nov 2009

In the wake of two members of the coalition demanding advancing of the 2011 Assembly elections following its repeated electoral debacles in West Bengal, the ruling Left Front has issued a gag order on public airing of views by leaders that contradicts its policy decisions.

Left Front announces candidates for West Bengal

Left Front announces candidates for West Bengal

Rediff.com3 Mar 2009

Making a head-start over other political parties in West Bengal, the ruling Left Front combine on Tuesday announced names of its candidates in all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, bringing in 18 new faces.

Congress Rout: Rahul's 'Vote Chori' Has No Impact

Congress Rout: Rahul's 'Vote Chori' Has No Impact

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Congress on Friday posted its second worst performance in Bihar's electoral history, managing to win only six of the over 50 seats it contested and losing deposits in most seats as its 'vote chori' pitch failed to make any impact on the ground.

Congratulations to Gyanesh Kumar: Oppn on NDA's big Bihar win

Congratulations to Gyanesh Kumar: Oppn on NDA's big Bihar win

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance appeared to register a landslide victory in Bihar, opening up impressive leads in more than 180 of the state's 243 assembly seats, with early trends also indicating that the saffron party was on track to post its biggest tally.

More takers for Modi's Jan Dhan in Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal

More takers for Modi's Jan Dhan in Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal

Rediff.com27 May 2016

The two states account for 24% of total accounts opened under financial inclusion scheme.

What Gave Birth To Maoists In Bastar

What Gave Birth To Maoists In Bastar

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Maoists in Bastar went from one village to another with kits providing badly needed medical intervention. The medical help was one key reason why the tribals were attracted to the Maoists, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

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.

West Bengal assembly passes resolution to rename the state as Bangla

West Bengal assembly passes resolution to rename the state as Bangla

Rediff.com27 Jul 2018

The resolution said the state will be called Bangla in three languages -- Bengali, English and Hindi.

Why West Bengal lost Rs 547 crore

Why West Bengal lost Rs 547 crore

Rediff.com17 Jul 2009

West Bengal lost Rs 546.68 crore (Rs 5.46 billion) in 2007-08 for not having its own fiscal responsibility law, which mandates fiscal discipline, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

Rain hampers culling operations in West Bengal

Rain hampers culling operations in West Bengal

Rediff.com26 Jan 2008

Inclement weather conditions on Saturday hampered culling in West Bengal with the operations yet to begin in Purulia and Howrah districts where outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed.

CPM discusses poll fiasco in West Bengal

CPM discusses poll fiasco in West Bengal

Rediff.com11 Jun 2009

After its drubbing in West Bengal in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the state unit of CPI-M today began a two-day meeting to analyse reasons behind its poor performance in the Left Front-ruled state.

Cong seeks President's Rule in West Bengal

Cong seeks President's Rule in West Bengal

Rediff.com14 Mar 2007

"It can only be equated with the Jallianwala massacre. It's a planned killing under the leadership of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and it is highly condemnable," Chief Whip of Congress Manash Bhuniya told media persons.

RG Kar anniversary: Bengal drafts 22-point plan for working women's safety

RG Kar anniversary: Bengal drafts 22-point plan for working women's safety

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The West Bengal government has drafted new rules to enhance the security of working women, especially those on night shifts. The rules include setting up a mandatory complaint committee and installing CCTV cameras at workplaces.

Bengal Guv, NHRC, NCW teams meet Murshidabad victims as TMC fumes

Bengal Guv, NHRC, NCW teams meet Murshidabad victims as TMC fumes

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A delegation of the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by its chairman Vijaya Rahatkar, met with riot-affected women in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, assuring them of safety and demanding an NIA probe into the recent communal clashes. The women narrated their harrowing experiences and demanded permanent BSF camps in select areas of the district. The NCW team also visited relief camps in Malda district and assessed the condition of women affected by the violence.

Nandigram: Centre seeks report from West Bengal

Nandigram: Centre seeks report from West Bengal

Rediff.com12 May 2008

The Union Home Ministry on Monday sought a detailed report from West Bengal government on the first phase of panchayat polls, particularly the situation in Nandigram where CRPF and police reportedly clashed with CPI(M) cadres. "The Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from the state government," a Home Ministry spokesman said.

Guv's report on Bengal riots hints at Art 356; says militancy grips state

Guv's report on Bengal riots hints at Art 356; says militancy grips state

Rediff.com4 May 2025

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has submitted a report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs expressing concern over the recent riots in Murshidabad district and the threat of "radicalisation" and "militancy". The governor has suggested a series of measures, including the establishment of a commission of inquiry and the deployment of central forces in border districts, and has hinted at the possibility of President's rule under Article 356 if the situation deteriorates further. He has also criticized the state government's response to the violence, alleging a lack of coordination and a failure to prevent the escalation of the situation.

West Bengal brings Reliance Fresh to halt

West Bengal brings Reliance Fresh to halt

Rediff.com13 Apr 2007

The roll out of Reliance Retail's fresh food format stores has hit a wall in West Bengal, where a key constituent of the state government is against big businesses entering agriculture and allied fields.

Bird flu spreads further in West Bengal

Bird flu spreads further in West Bengal

Rediff.com22 Jan 2008

Samples from two more blocks of Nadia district, three blocks of Burdwan district and two blocks of Birbhum districts were confirmed to be positive for bird flu.

Why Modi wasn't joking in West Bengal

Why Modi wasn't joking in West Bengal

Rediff.com28 Apr 2014

Narendra Modi on Sunday promised to pack up and send back all illegal immigrants from Bangladesh if his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, comes to power.

Richest CMs: 931 Cr Naidu, 332 Cr Khandu

Richest CMs: 931 Cr Naidu, 332 Cr Khandu

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The CMs with lowest assets are West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee with assets worth over Rs 15.38 lakh, Omar Abdullah, CM of Jammu and Kashmir, with assets worth over Rs 55.24 lakh, and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, who has assets worth Rs 1.18 crore.

West Bengal govt tapping my phone: Mamta

West Bengal govt tapping my phone: Mamta

Rediff.com10 Jan 2006

The Trinamool chief said she could not discuss party affairs with her colleagues over telephone.

Odisha on high alert as cyclone nears; heavy rain likely on Oct 28, 29

Odisha on high alert as cyclone nears; heavy rain likely on Oct 28, 29

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

The Odisha government has put all 30 districts on alert as a depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a deep depression and is moving towards the east coast. The IMD forecasts very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Odisha on October 28 and 29.

West Bengal bandh silent but powerful: Mamata

West Bengal bandh silent but powerful: Mamata

Rediff.com9 Oct 2006

'The success of the bandh showed that the people had little confidence in the government. We hope that the government has been able to understand the message of the people,' Banerjee said.

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.

2 States: What binds West Bengal and Kerala?

2 States: What binds West Bengal and Kerala?

Rediff.com17 Apr 2014

Do read Gangapriya Chakraverti's fascinating comparison between the two Indian states

West Bengal: Congress to contest all seats

West Bengal: Congress to contest all seats

Rediff.com15 Mar 2006

West Bengal: Congress to field candidates in all 294 constituencies

West Bengal: 8 killed in train blast

West Bengal: 8 killed in train blast

Rediff.com21 Nov 2006

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.

Bengal BJP ex-chief Dilip Ghosh, 60, marries party colleague

Bengal BJP ex-chief Dilip Ghosh, 60, marries party colleague

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The couple met during morning walks, and the relationship grew over time.