News for 'West Bengal'

Modi's Manipur outreach is part of 5-state visit

Modi's Manipur outreach is part of 5-state visit

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar to launch infrastructure projects, participate in Bhupen Hazarika's birth centenary, and attend the Combined Commanders' Conference.

Howrah sex racket prime accused held, mother still at large

Howrah sex racket prime accused held, mother still at large

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

The West Bengal Police on Wednesday arrested Ariyan Khan, one of the prime accused in the Howrah sex and pornographic film racket, from a hideout in the Golf Green area of south Kolkata, a senior officer said.

Why States Miss Monthly Spending Ceilings

Why States Miss Monthly Spending Ceilings

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

CAG warns most states of fiscal imprudence as March spending overshoots limits, with key departments exhausting large portions of budgets in the last month of FY24.

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

New lower GST rates kicked in from Monday, resulting in a slashing of prices of as many as 375 items ranging from toothpaste and shampoo to cars and television sets, a move seen as an attempt to boost consumption to cushion an economy facing tariff headwinds. Tax rates of 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent have been clubbed into two rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, resulting in a reduced price of 99 per cent of daily use items.

Kolkata law college gang rape: State submits progress report

Kolkata law college gang rape: State submits progress report

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

The Calcutta High Court reviewed a progress report submitted by the Kolkata Police regarding the investigation into the alleged gang rape of a student at South Calcutta Law College. The court has requested a further report in four weeks.

Why the CPI-M deserves to lose West Bengal

Why the CPI-M deserves to lose West Bengal

Rediff.com3 May 2011

'People resent the fact that idiotic policies set by the Left Front -- banning English from primary schools, hampering the installation of computers -- have left them behind applicants from other states in the race for jobs. Above all, they are tired of the corruption of the Left Front.'

Singur saga: How Tata's Nano exit reshaped Bengal's political, industrial landscape

Singur saga: How Tata's Nano exit reshaped Bengal's political, industrial landscape

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

On the eve of Durga Puja in October 2008, industrialist Ratan Tata announced that Tata Motors would withdraw from the nearly completed Nano car plant in Singur, attributing the decision to Mamata Banerjee's anti-land acquisition movement, which he claimed had derailed what was meant to be a "groundbreaking project" -- the world's cheapest car.

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.

Gross GST mop-up rises 7.5%; refunds jump 67% in Jul

Gross GST mop-up rises 7.5%; refunds jump 67% in Jul

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Gross GST collection increased 7.5 per cent to about Rs 1.96 lakh crore in July on higher domestic revenues and taxes from imports. Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) mop-up was Rs 1.82 lakh crore in July 2024. Last month, the collection was Rs 1.84 lakh crore.

AAP quits INDIA bloc, Trinamool to attend meet

AAP quits INDIA bloc, Trinamool to attend meet

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) distanced itself from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on Friday, saying it is not part of the opposition alliance anymore and questioning the Congress party's role in leading it.

Cracks in Bengal BJP over Suvendu Adhikari's remark

Cracks in Bengal BJP over Suvendu Adhikari's remark

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

Adhikari asserted that 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' was unnecessary and questioned the need for the Minority Morcha within the party.

Mamata Ready To Take On BJP For 2026

Mamata Ready To Take On BJP For 2026

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The TMC-led West Bengal government has already started laying the groundwork for the election, setting the tone with the recent Bengal Global Business Summit and the state Budget.

Ensure law and order: Centre to West Bengal govt

Ensure law and order: Centre to West Bengal govt

Rediff.com5 Nov 2009

With reports of intermittent clashes between the workers of the Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India-Marxist, the Centre has asked the West Bengal government to strictly ensure law and order whatever be the provocation for the political violence.

I'll never agree to a division of West Bengal, says Mamata

I'll never agree to a division of West Bengal, says Mamata

Rediff.com12 Oct 2011

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she will never agree to a division of the state even as the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha insisted that it has not given up its demand for separate Gorkhaland.

West Bengal riots: Mamata announces judicial probe, attacks BJP

West Bengal riots: Mamata announces judicial probe, attacks BJP

Rediff.com8 Jul 2017

The CM also accused the Modi government and the BJP of trying to disturb peace.

West Bengal CM Mamata assures foolproof security for WT20 final too

West Bengal CM Mamata assures foolproof security for WT20 final too

Rediff.com19 Mar 2016

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured the organisers to provide foolproof safety and security arrangements for the final match on April 3.

How India Let Sri Lanka Steal Its Tea Crown

How India Let Sri Lanka Steal Its Tea Crown

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

India, the land that gave the world Darjeeling and Assam tea, risks losing its place at the global tea table, not because of its leaves, but because of its lost opportunities, notes Kanika Datta.

Red carpet welcome awaits you if...: Amit Shah rejects Maoist ceasefire offer

Red carpet welcome awaits you if...: Amit Shah rejects Maoist ceasefire offer

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah rejects the ceasefire offer from Maoists, stating that surrender is the only option. He also addresses Naxalism's ideological roots and progress in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.

MIG-27 crash in West Bengal, pilot ejects out

MIG-27 crash in West Bengal, pilot ejects out

Rediff.com24 Jul 2010

An IAF spokesperson said in New Delhi that the MiG-27 took off from the Hashimara Air Base for a routine sortie and crashed within minutes of take-off.

How the BJP made inroads in West Bengal

How the BJP made inroads in West Bengal

Rediff.com17 May 2014

Indrani Roy/Rediff.com explains what strengthened the saffron party's foothold in this eastern region of the country

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Modi's charisma may have weakened as last year's Lok Sabha poll results showed but in the eyes of the Sangh Parivar, it has not waned.' 'Minus a strong BJP government at the Centre for another decade and more, there is apprehension that an anti-Hindutva government could reverse many of the ideological gains that the Modi dispensation has achieved through its three terms,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Murshidabad violence: 13 chargesheeted in father-son murder case

Murshidabad violence: 13 chargesheeted in father-son murder case

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

In the aftermath of the violence, the police had arrested over 300 suspected miscreants in connection with over 60 FIRs which were lodged at various police stations in Murshidabad.

Nepal challenges India-China border trade deal, reasserts claim on Lipulekh

Nepal challenges India-China border trade deal, reasserts claim on Lipulekh

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Nepal has reiterated its claim over the Lipulekh territory, stating it is an inseparable part of the country, after India and China agreed to resume border trade through the area. The Nepalese government has incorporated the territory into its official map and Constitution. India has rejected Nepal's claims, asserting they are not based on historical facts or evidence.

JSW Steel defers Rs 350 bn West Bengal project

JSW Steel defers Rs 350 bn West Bengal project

Rediff.com2 Jun 2009

"There is a slight deferral for some time (on the commencement of construction work) till the economic situation improves," JSW Steel Vice-Chairman and MD Sajjan Jindal said. Faced with a liquidity crunch, JSW Steel had earlier said it was cutting its proposed investment by nearly one-third to about Rs 4,000 crore for the first phase of the Rs 35,000 crore mega steel project in West Bengal.

60,000 affected by floods in Malda, West Bengal

60,000 affected by floods in Malda, West Bengal

Rediff.com23 Jul 2008

Sixty thousand people living in the unprotected area between the river bank and the dyke have been hit by floods in Malda district of West Bengal following rise in the water level of the Ganga and Fulhar rivers, official sources said.

3-hour pit stop is not compassion: Cong targets Modi on Manipur visit

3-hour pit stop is not compassion: Cong targets Modi on Manipur visit

Rediff.com13 Sep 2025

'Your last visit to Manipur? January 2022 for elections! Your 'Double Engine' has bulldozed the innocent lives of Manipur. You and Home Minister Amit Shah's gross incompetence and complicity in betraying all communities was shielded from scrutiny, by imposing President's Rule in the state. Violence still continues'

Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit back in Cong after 4-year TMC stint

Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit back in Cong after 4-year TMC stint

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Abhijit Mukherjee, son of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, has rejoined the Indian National Congress after a four-year stint in the Trinamool Congress. He was welcomed back into the party by Congress leaders in Kolkata, marking a significant development in West Bengal politics.

BJP axes Raj spokesperson for questioning treatment to Malik, Dhankhar

BJP axes Raj spokesperson for questioning treatment to Malik, Dhankhar

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

The Rajasthan unit of the BJP expelled state spokesperson Krishna Kumar Janu for six years for publicly criticizing the party's treatment of former governor Satya Pal Malik and ex-vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Symbolic fast in Bengal for junior docs as hunger strike enters Day 9

Symbolic fast in Bengal for junior docs as hunger strike enters Day 9

Rediff.com13 Oct 2024

Three of the junior doctors who were observing 'fast unto death' in Kolkata and Siliguri city in the northern part of the state have so far been hospitalised after their condition deteriorated.

Bengal guv asks Mamata to call Cabinet meet, replace Kolkata top cop

Bengal guv asks Mamata to call Cabinet meet, replace Kolkata top cop

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

Bose is on record that the government cannot evade responsibility and remain silent on the disturbing developments in the state.

West Bengal: 20 killed as bus plunges into canal

West Bengal: 20 killed as bus plunges into canal

Rediff.com4 Apr 2008

At least 20 persons were killed and over 30 injured when a private bus skidded off the road and plunged into a canal at Kestopur in North 24 Parganas on Friday. Two cranes pulled the bus out of the canal. Local people helped the police and fire-brigade in the rescue operations.

Bengal junior doctors resume 'total cease work'

Bengal junior doctors resume 'total cease work'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal resumed their indefinite 'total cease work' on Tuesday to press for various demands, including ensuring their safety and security at all medical establishments.

15,725 : West Bengal tops suicide list in India

15,725 : West Bengal tops suicide list in India

Rediff.com9 Dec 2007

West Bengal and Maharashtra have retained the dubious distinction of having the highest number of suicides in the country, according to statistics available with National Crime Records Bureau.

Violent protests against Waqf law shift to other areas of Bengal

Violent protests against Waqf law shift to other areas of Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashed with police in West Bengal on Monday during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to several injuries and the torching of multiple police vehicles. The clash occurred after police stopped ISF supporters from attending an anti-Waqf Act rally in Kolkata. The protests escalated when the crowd attempted to break through police barricades. The situation was brought under control after a large police force was deployed. ISF leader Naushad Siddique condemned the Waqf Act and accused the BJP of trying to incite communal tension. Meanwhile, the ruling Trinamool Congress dismissed the ISF as a "party of no consequence." Communal violence related to the Waqf Act has also occurred in other parts of West Bengal.

SEE: Mamata Didi gets special gift from Messi

SEE: Mamata Didi gets special gift from Messi

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

In 2022, she launched the 'Khela Hobe Divas' with party leaders organising football matches across West Bengal to promote sports.

After Dhankhar experience, BJP to go for tried, tested method

After Dhankhar experience, BJP to go for tried, tested method

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Several leaders of the BJP and its allies are of the view that the NDA this time is unlikely to follow the instincts that made it pick Dhankhar and will be more conventional in its search for his successor.

India Wins 2 Gold, 2 Silver at Chemistry Olympiad 2025

India Wins 2 Gold, 2 Silver at Chemistry Olympiad 2025

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Devesh Pankaj Bhaiya from Jalgaon and Sandeep Kuchi from Hyderabad won gold medals while Debadatta Priyadarshi from Bhubaneshwar and Ujjwal Kesari from New Delhi secured silver at the International Chemistry Olympiad 2025 in Dubai.

Mamata Banerjee sworn in as West Bengal CM for second time

Mamata Banerjee sworn in as West Bengal CM for second time

Rediff.com27 May 2016

Mamata Banerjee was on Friday sworn in as the chief minister of West Bengal for the second consecutive time, heading a 42-member ministry.

Year-end 2012: The year that was for West Bengal

Year-end 2012: The year that was for West Bengal

Rediff.com21 Dec 2012

The love-hate relationship between Congress and Trinamool Congress finally ended with Mamata Banerjee walking out of the UPA and Congress pulling out its ministers from the West Bengal government in 2012, which saw the chief minister going through some tough times be it for her controversial remarks, Opposition attacks, rumblings within her own party or the cartoon controversy.

You are a corrupt person: SC to Bengal ex-minister Partha Chatterjee

You are a corrupt person: SC to Bengal ex-minister Partha Chatterjee

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India questioned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about the continued incarceration of former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee, who is accused in a cash-for-job scam. The court expressed concern about the length of his detention and questioned the message it sends to society regarding corruption. The court also considered whether releasing him would impact the investigation and what conditions could be imposed to ensure his compliance. The court reserved its order after hearing arguments from both sides.