News for 'west bengal chief minister'

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.

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Nitin Nabin, a five-time Bihar MLA, has been elected unopposed as the BJP national president, becoming the youngest person to hold the position. His appointment signals a generational shift in the party's leadership as it prepares for key state elections.

Report or face action: Centre warns former Bengal chief secy

Report or face action: Centre warns former Bengal chief secy

Rediff.com1 Jun 2021

The Centre sent a reminder to West Bengal Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay who 'retired' on Monday to report to the Personnel Ministry in Delhi at 10 am on Tuesday, failing which disciplinary action would be initiated against him, officials said.

Jamiat wants Article 356 imposed in West Bengal

Jamiat wants Article 356 imposed in West Bengal

Rediff.com22 Nov 2007

"We want the Centre to invoke Article 356 of the Constitution in West Bengal. We want Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to go. He is an arrogant and stubborn leader. Let a sincere leader come as the chief minister. Please remove him. The United Progressive Alliance government should take action to send message to the poor people that they care," says Maulana Mahmood Madani, All India general secretary, Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Hind.

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.

SIR begins in 12 states, UTs; Oppn claims poll rigging

SIR begins in 12 states, UTs; Oppn claims poll rigging

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list commenced in nine states and three Union territories on Tuesday, amid objections from several parties with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the anti-SIR offensive in West Bengal with a rally in Kolkata and alleging 'silent, invisible rigging' through the exercise.

EXPLAINED: What's this row over now-retired Bengal Chief Secretary

EXPLAINED: What's this row over now-retired Bengal Chief Secretary

Rediff.com1 Jun 2021

Following is the gist of the controversy over sudden transfer of West Bengal Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, who retired on Monday, to Delhi and related rules.

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.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

People have right to protest, but...: Mamata on Bengal violence

People have right to protest, but...: Mamata on Bengal violence

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday appealed for peaceful protests in the wake of violence that erupted in several parts of the state during protests against the amended Wakf law. She emphasized the importance of respecting the law and urged people not to indulge in non-religious activities in the name of religion.

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.

Buddhadeb steps down as WB chief minister

Buddhadeb steps down as WB chief minister

Rediff.com13 May 2011

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Friday stepped down as West Bengal chief minister following the Left Front's drubbing in the Assembly election at the hands of the Trinamool Congress-Congress combine that saw the collapse of the 34-year-old red bastion.

Muslim names in LD lists exceed population share in 4 Kolkata seats: Study

Muslim names in LD lists exceed population share in 4 Kolkata seats: Study

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A new study alleges that Muslim voters are disproportionately represented in Logical Discrepancy (LD) lists during Kolkata's voter roll revision, raising concerns about potential bias in the electoral process.

Mamata's message to GJM: West Bengal, Darjeeling are inseparable

Mamata's message to GJM: West Bengal, Darjeeling are inseparable

Rediff.com24 Oct 2013

In a strong message to the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that West Bengal and Darjeeling were inseparable.

Five chief ministers skip NIC meet

Five chief ministers skip NIC meet

Rediff.com10 Sep 2011

Chief Ministers of a number of states including those from Gujarat, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on Saturday skipped the meeting of the prime minister-led National Integration Council in New Delhi.

'Prashant Tamang Was In His Sleep When He Left Us'

'Prashant Tamang Was In His Sleep When He Left Us'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Prashant Tamang's wife Martha Aley shut down all speculation about his sudden death on January 11 by confirming that his death was 'natural' and occurred while he was asleep.

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.

Sikkim's Pawan Chamling becomes India's longest-serving chief minister

Sikkim's Pawan Chamling becomes India's longest-serving chief minister

Rediff.com30 Apr 2018

The founding president of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front completed 23 years, four months and 17 days of uninterrupted service in office on Sunday.

Suspended TMC MLA lays 'Babri-style' mosque foundation in WB

Suspended TMC MLA lays 'Babri-style' mosque foundation in WB

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Kabir cut a ceremonial ribbon alongside visiting clerics on the dais as slogans of "Nara-e-Takbeer, Allahu Akbar" were raised at the venue, where thousands had gathered since morning.

Kolkata marks hockey centenary with India's largest stadium

Kolkata marks hockey centenary with India's largest stadium

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Beighton Cup to throw open '22,000-seat' hockey stadium in Salt Lake.

West Bengal governor visits riot-hit areas, appeals for peace

West Bengal governor visits riot-hit areas, appeals for peace

Rediff.com31 Mar 2018

The violence fanned out to Asansol areas, prompting police to suspend Internet services and clamp prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in the trouble-torn areas of the district.

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.

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.

Adani highest bidder for West Bengal's Tajpur deep-sea port

Adani highest bidder for West Bengal's Tajpur deep-sea port

Rediff.com25 Mar 2022

India's largest private port operator Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ) Ltd has emerged as the highest bidder for the West Bengal government's greenfield deep-sea port project at Tajpur in a neck-to-neck fight with JSW Group, a source said on Friday. APSEZ and Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group were the only two entities that took part in the financial bid round, though there were more port and logistics majors who had expressed initial interest in the estimated Rs 7,000-crore project in Purba Medinipur district. "APSEZ is the highest bidder, offering a share of 0.25 per cent of gross revenue. "It was marginally higher than the second bidder who offered 0.23 per cent," a senior government official said, without wanting to be named.

Death toll due to cyclone Amphan in West Bengal now 98

Death toll due to cyclone Amphan in West Bengal now 98

Rediff.com30 May 2020

The state government is releasing Rs 6,250 crore for the cyclone relief operations. Along with this, Rs 20,000 and Rs 28,000 will be given as wage to workers of the 100-day job programme.

72 dead as Super Cyclone Amphan devastates West Bengal

72 dead as Super Cyclone Amphan devastates West Bengal

Rediff.com22 May 2020

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that at least 72 people have died due to Cyclone Amphan and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the affected districts and provide help to 'rebuild those areas from scratch'

Mamata RULES OUT division of West Bengal

Mamata RULES OUT division of West Bengal

Rediff.com31 Jul 2013

With the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha renewing the demand for Gorkhaland in Darjeeling following United Progressive Alliance unanimously endorsing creation of a separate Telangana state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday ruled out division of West Bengal and blamed the Congress for the agitation in the hills.

West Bengal: GJM rejects talks offer

West Bengal: GJM rejects talks offer

Rediff.com13 Jun 2008

The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha on Friday rejected the West Bengal government's offer for talks on the Darjeeling issue on June 18, saying the agenda of development of the hills was "irrelevant" when the main issue was a separate state of Gorkhaland.

India urges Dhaka not to demolish Satyajit Ray's ancestral home

India urges Dhaka not to demolish Satyajit Ray's ancestral home

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

India on Tuesday called on Bangladesh to reconsider its decision to demolish the ancestral property of noted filmmaker Satyajit Ray and offered help to preserve the iconic building as it symbolises Bangla cultural 'renaissance'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mamata links man's suicide to NRC terror, blames BJP

Mamata links man's suicide to NRC terror, blames BJP

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A man's alleged suicide in West Bengal, with a note blaming the National Register of Citizens (NRC), has ignited a political firestorm between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with accusations of fear-mongering and political exploitation.

PM Modi hails 'spectacular win' by India's women's team

PM Modi hails 'spectacular win' by India's women's team

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the congratulatory messages, lauding the team's spirit and performance.

Another bridge collapses in West Bengal

Another bridge collapses in West Bengal

Rediff.com7 Sep 2018

The middle portion of the structure near Siliguri collapsed on a canal below at around 9.30 am when a truck was crossing it.

Ex-Bengal chief secy Alapan Bandyopadhyay may lose retirement perks

Ex-Bengal chief secy Alapan Bandyopadhyay may lose retirement perks

Rediff.com21 Jun 2021

The Centre has initiated 'major penalty proceedings' against former West Bengal Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, amid a tug-of-war between the Union government and the Mamata Banerjee dispensation over him, which may deprive him of post-retirement benefits, partially or fully.

High voter turnout in Assam, West Bengal polls

High voter turnout in Assam, West Bengal polls

Rediff.com11 Apr 2016

High voter turnout was recorded in the assembly polls in Assam and West Bengal where an estimated 82.02 per cent and 79.51 per cent of the voters cast their ballots till 5 pm.

Pranab quits as Congress' West Bengal state chief

Pranab quits as Congress' West Bengal state chief

Rediff.com27 Jun 2010

Senior Congress leader and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee resigned as chief of party's West Bengal unit on Sunday citing "heavy government responsibilities", and Congress Legislature Party leader Manas Ranjan Bhunia was appointed to the post by Sonia Gandhi.

Darkness at noon in West Bengal

Darkness at noon in West Bengal

Rediff.com17 Oct 2007

The new economic dawn that is being sought to be initiated in the state may have received a severe jolt from two ongoing developments