News for 'bengal'

Oscar Bruzon Hints At East Bengal Stay After Title Win

Oscar Bruzon Hints At East Bengal Stay After Title Win

Rediff.com22 May 2026

East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon hints at a possible stay after guiding the team to their first national league title in 22 years, pending clarity on the future of the Indian Super League.

Suvendu aide murder: CBI arrests two brothers, probes rival party link

Suvendu aide murder: CBI arrests two brothers, probes rival party link

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested two key suspects in the plot to murder West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's close aide Chandranath Rath, uncovering potential links to the functionary of a rival political party in the state, officials said on Friday.

West Bengal's New Legislators Sworn Into Assembly

West Bengal's New Legislators Sworn Into Assembly

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Newly elected West Bengal legislators, including Chief Minister Sivendu Adhikari, were sworn into the Assembly on Wednesday. Pro tem Speaker Tapas Roy administered the oath to the new members.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

Deepadhar Dominates Opening Day Of East Zone Bridge Championship

Deepadhar Dominates Opening Day Of East Zone Bridge Championship

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Deepadhar, featuring former Asian Games gold medallists, has taken an early lead in the fifth East Zone Bridge Championship in Kolkata, accumulating 65.22 Victory Points after four rounds. The tournament, a Bridge Federation of India Ranking Two event, involves around 300 players from 50 teams across East Zone states competing for a Rs 6 lakh prize purse, with the top 16 teams advancing to the knockout stage.

Major Financial Institutions Expand Reach And Offerings

Major Financial Institutions Expand Reach And Offerings

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Axis Bank has opened 50 new branches across India, while Abakkus Mutual Fund has surpassed Rs 10,000 crore in AUM. YES Bank launched a new credit card for women, and J&K Bank partnered with HDFC Life to enhance its insurance offerings, showcasing significant growth and strategic developments in the Indian financial sector.

Kolkata hotel fire: 'The staff were fast asleep'

Kolkata hotel fire: 'The staff were fast asleep'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A devastating fire at a Kolkata hotel claimed nine lives, including a child and two women, in the early hours of Wednesday. Survivors recounted a terrifying experience, highlighting the absence of fire alarms and safety equipment, and the difficulty of escape due to dense smoke and a single exit. This incident follows another fatal hotel fire in Birbhum.

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

Rediff.com20 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new border security initiative, including land transfer to the BSF and a 'detect, delete and deport' policy targeting infiltrators.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

Bengal polls: Why South Bengal's 91 seats will decide battle for Nabanna

Bengal polls: Why South Bengal's 91 seats will decide battle for Nabanna

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

In West Bengal's electoral chessboard, governments are rarely made in the hills of North Bengal or the forested region of Jangalmahal. Power is usually decided in the crowded plains of South Bengal, where elections are won less by momentum and more by mathematics.

Bangladeshis among 9 killed in Kolkata hotel fire, owner flees

Bangladeshis among 9 killed in Kolkata hotel fire, owner flees

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A devastating fire in a five-storey building housing multiple hotels in central Kolkata resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including a child, and injured six others. Firefighters rescued 80 individuals, but dense smoke hampered operations. Authorities suspect a short circuit and allege significant safety and construction norm violations by the building management. The owner is currently absconding, and police have initiated legal proceedings and raids.

Oscar Bruzon inspires East Bengal to end their two-decade title drought

Oscar Bruzon inspires East Bengal to end their two-decade title drought

Rediff.com22 May 2026

East Bengal ended a 22-year wait to win the national league crown, defeating Inter Kashi in a thrilling final. Under coach Oscar Bruzon, the team overcame early setbacks and showed resilience to secure the title, marking a defining moment for the club and Indian football.

How Ayushman Bharat Will Benefit West Bengal, Says Modi

How Ayushman Bharat Will Benefit West Bengal, Says Modi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the West Bengal government's decision to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme, highlighting the benefits for the state's residents.

Duleep Trophy: Gharami, Shahbaz hit tons after Sooryavanshi, Ishan's flop show

Duleep Trophy: Gharami, Shahbaz hit tons after Sooryavanshi, Ishan's flop show

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Teen batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored just eight runs on his Duleep Trophy debut for East Zone before Sudip Gharami and Shahbaz Ahmed hit hundreds to power them to 355 for 6 against North East.

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' at assembly prayers in all madrassas with immediate effect. This decision follows a similar directive for all schools in the state and aims to bring uniformity in assembly practices across institutions.

Bengal to begin Census in August; CM blames previous regime for delay

Bengal to begin Census in August; CM blames previous regime for delay

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that census operations in the state would commence on August 1 and continue until the end of February next year. He criticised the previous government for delaying the process and highlighted the importance of the census for the state.

NIA charges 31 accused in SIR-linked road blockade cases in Bengal

NIA charges 31 accused in SIR-linked road blockade cases in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The NIA has filed chargesheets against 31 individuals in connection with road blockades and illegal detention of judicial officers in West Bengal's Malda district.

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

Rediff.com20 May 2026

According to pollster Pradeep Gupta, years of TMC "misrule" that created a "climate of fear", Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma and the organisational abilities of Amit Shah and the RSS brought the BJP to power in West Bengal.

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Rediff.com25 May 2026

West Bengal's Bharatiya Janata Party government has moved to institutionalise its "detect, delete and deport" policy by directing all district administrations to set up "holding centres" for suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation -- a step that appeared to give administrative shape to one of the party's most potent political themes in the state.

Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari On West Bengal Win

Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari On West Bengal Win

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated Suvendu Adhikari on assuming office as West Bengal's Chief Minister after the BJP's victory in the state.

Bruzon To Exit East Bengal: Here's Why

Bruzon To Exit East Bengal: Here's Why

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Oscar Bruzon has announced he will step down as head coach of East Bengal at the end of the current Indian Super League season, citing the absence of long-term planning and clarity over the club's future.

West Bengal Transfers Land To BSF For India-Bangladesh Border Fencing

West Bengal Transfers Land To BSF For India-Bangladesh Border Fencing

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The West Bengal government has transferred approximately 32 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border, a process that had been pending for several years. The state cabinet also approved proposals for additional land transfers for permanent border outposts and further fencing work in various districts.

How Brigade Parade Ground became Bengal's political epicentre

How Brigade Parade Ground became Bengal's political epicentre

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground, a historic venue for political rallies and demonstrations, is set to host the swearing-in ceremony of Bengal's first BJP government, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. The ground has been a stage for political heavyweights and pivotal moments in Bengal's history.

The Man Who Always Played A Woman

The Man Who Always Played A Woman

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'We often lament that even now no mainstream actor wants to come out as openly gay. But Chapal Bhaduri has not hidden his sexuality. He has been open about his relationship with a man for decades. He could well be our first out mainstream actor.'

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Sumit Sarkar was never intellectually dismissive of the Hindutva project. He took it with deadly seriousness for he grasped the challenge it posed to the aspirations and ideals of the anti-imperialist movement that generated multiple imaginings of freedom and ways to attain it, recalls Pradeep Kumar Dutta.

Sudip Bandyopadhyay-Suvendu meet fuels NCPI-NDA alliance buzz

Sudip Bandyopadhyay-Suvendu meet fuels NCPI-NDA alliance buzz

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's closed-door meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, just before NCPI MPs were to attend an NDA meeting, has ignited speculation about the Nationalist Citizens Party of India's political future and its potential alignment with the BJP-led alliance. The NCPI comprises 20 rebel TMC MPs who broke away after the West Bengal Assembly election.

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Who is running the show in Dhaka? This kind of flip-flop, culminating in a last-minute decision to skip a maiden visit, can happen only when the remote is in the hands of one of the competing lobbies within the BNP -- one that appears determined to play a game of chess with India.

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Bengal Government To Adopt Zero Tolerance Policy Against Vandalism

Bengal Government To Adopt Zero Tolerance Policy Against Vandalism

Rediff.com18 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari asserted that his government would adopt a 'zero tolerance' policy against vandalism carried out under the guise of religious slogans.

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

Rediff.com23 May 2026

South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's new national team integrates women, minority leaders, and regional representatives to strengthen its organisational structure and national appeal.

Can Fast-Track Courts Handle Paper Leak Cases?

Can Fast-Track Courts Handle Paper Leak Cases?

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

As of December 2025, India had 880 Fast-Track Courts with 1.39 million pending cases, despite disposing of 1.33 million cases during the year.

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Hopefully, the BJP will realise that it's the right time for parivartan (change) in its polarising poll strategies after achieving the impossible-looking goal of winning West Bengal, argues Sheela Bhatt.

Recipe: Mayuri's Sarvapindi

Recipe: Mayuri's Sarvapindi

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Sarvapindi is one of Telangana's most loved traditional snacks, celebrated for its crisp edges, soft centre and wholesome ingredients.

Bengal girl sexually assaulted, thrown into water alive: Autopsy

Bengal girl sexually assaulted, thrown into water alive: Autopsy

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

An 11-year-old girl's body was found in a pond near Kolkata, with preliminary post-mortem reports indicating head injuries, sexual assault, and drowning. Police have arrested three individuals, including the key accused, as the investigation continues into the brutal crime.

Bengal To Investigate Fake Beneficiaries In Cash Transfer Scheme

Bengal To Investigate Fake Beneficiaries In Cash Transfer Scheme

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a special investigation into alleged fake beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, a women's cash transfer programme from the previous government, also initiating a money laundering probe.

Sujit Bose Arrested In Bengal Recruitment Scam Case

Sujit Bose Arrested In Bengal Recruitment Scam Case

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate arrested former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged municipality recruitment scam.

Bengal lunches probe into Abhishek Banerjee-linked Diamond Harbour FC

Bengal lunches probe into Abhishek Banerjee-linked Diamond Harbour FC

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik has announced an investigation into Diamond Harbour FC, a football club linked to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. The probe will examine complaints regarding the club's formation, funding sources, expenditure, and alleged illegal occupation of training grounds. The Sports department is collaborating with the Indian Football Association on the inquiry.

EC deploys 432 counting observers across Bengal

EC deploys 432 counting observers across Bengal

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has deployed 432 counting observers across all 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal to ensure transparent and smooth counting of votes. Several districts have been assigned additional observers in view of their sensitivity and electoral significance. Enforcement agencies have carried out extensive seizure drives during the election period to curb illegal inducements, with total seizures valued at approximately Rs 561 crore.