News for 'west bengal chief minister'

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.

Can Mamata block BJP's advance again in 2026 Bengal polls?

Can Mamata block BJP's advance again in 2026 Bengal polls?

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has set an ambitious goal of winning over 215 seats in the 2026 state assembly elections, aiming to secure a fourth consecutive term for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). She declared that the party will work to significantly reduce the BJP's tally and ensure that their candidates struggle to retain their deposits. The TMC's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, echoed this sentiment, urging party workers to ensure a decisive victory and achieve a two-thirds majority in the upcoming polls. The BJP, however, dismissed the TMC's claims, stating that Banerjee is merely trying to boost morale among party workers.

BJP anti-Bangla party, targets Bengalis for....: TMC's Abhishek

BJP anti-Bangla party, targets Bengalis for....: TMC's Abhishek

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of being 'Bangla-Birodhi' (anti-Bengal) and alleges they want to send Bengalis to detention camps. He vowed to electorally wipe out the BJP in the 2026 Bengal Assembly polls.

Oppn protests Bills on removal of arrested PM, CMs and ministers

Oppn protests Bills on removal of arrested PM, CMs and ministers

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Opposition parties allege the Modi government is attempting to turn India into a 'dictatorship' with the introduction of three Bills that seek to provide for removal of the prime minister, chief ministers and ministers arrested on serious charges, and vowed to oppose it 'tooth and nail'.

Mamata has a fall, hurts her forehead, rushed to hospital

Mamata has a fall, hurts her forehead, rushed to hospital

Rediff.com15 Mar 2024

The 69-year-old leader had a fall inside her Kalighat home in south Kolkata after she returned after attending a programme, her family said.

TCS to create 16,000 jobs in West Bengal

TCS to create 16,000 jobs in West Bengal

Rediff.com5 Jan 2012

The country's largest information technology (IT) service provider, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is all set to expand its footprint in West Bengal, according to state IT minister Partha Chatterjee.

Don't fall for riot provocation, Mamata warns on Eid

Don't fall for riot provocation, Mamata warns on Eid

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Addressing an Eid prayers programme on Red Road in Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress supremo claimed, "Provocations are being made to fuel riots, but please don't fall into these traps. The West Bengal government stands with the minorities. No one can provoke tensions in the state."

Bengal floods: Mamata writes to Modi, threatens to sever ties with DVC

Bengal floods: Mamata writes to Modi, threatens to sever ties with DVC

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that her state would sever all ties with the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for 'unilaterally releasing water', which led to floods in south Bengal districts.

Mamata loses balance, falls while boarding helicopter

Mamata loses balance, falls while boarding helicopter

Rediff.com27 Apr 2024

Following the incident, she flew to Kulti and addressed a rally in support of TMC's Asansol candidate Shatrughan Sinha.

Not our job to protect criminals: Mamata on RG Kar convict

Not our job to protect criminals: Mamata on RG Kar convict

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the Sealdah court's decision to award life imprisonment till death to Sanjay Roy, the sole convict in the rape-murder of an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Banerjee said the incident was a "rare, heinous and sensitive crime" and she has been seeking capital punishment for Roy. She said the state government would challenge the verdict and move Calcutta High Court, which has granted permission to file an appeal against the Sealdah court order.

Mamata revives ICC post row, says 'Can't stop Ganguly'

Mamata revives ICC post row, says 'Can't stop Ganguly'

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee once again threw her weight behind Sourav Ganguly, saying the former India captain should have been the International Cricket Council president by now and warned, in her trademark style that "it's not that easy to stop him."

Violence erupts in Bengal during protest against Waqf Act

Violence erupts in Bengal during protest against Waqf Act

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Protesters in West Bengal's Murshidabad district set fire to police vehicles and hurled stones during a demonstration against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Jangipur area, where a large crowd had gathered demanding the withdrawal of the legislation. Police responded with lathi charges and tear gas to control the situation. Several people were detained and police personnel were injured in the stone-pelting. The West Bengal Police has said the situation is under control and strict action will be taken against those who resorted to violence.

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.

Modi's 'Bankim da' remark sparks fierce clash with Trinamool

Modi's 'Bankim da' remark sparks fierce clash with Trinamool

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

A political slugfest broke out between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress on Monday after the latter accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of insulting Bankim Chandra Chatterjee by calling him 'Bankim da', prompting a counter-attack from the saffron party, which accused West Bengal's ruling party of defiling the state's cultural legacy for a decade.

West Bengal panchayat polls key to Mamata's national ambitions

West Bengal panchayat polls key to Mamata's national ambitions

Rediff.com14 May 2018

The elections are not only a means for TMC to prove its wide, unopposed mass allegiance but also a way to bargain for national leadership among regional political parties in the road to New Delhi.

Downpour triggers 35 landslides in Darjeeling, 23 killed

Downpour triggers 35 landslides in Darjeeling, 23 killed

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

At least 23 people, including children, were killed as relentless rain triggered one of the worst landslides in a decade in Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas on Sunday, sweeping away homes, cutting off roads, isolating villages, and leaving hundreds of stranded tourists amid widespread devastation, officials said.

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir floats new political party

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir floats new political party

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Humayun Kabir, recently suspended from the TMC, has launched a new political party, Janata Unnayan Party, and announced candidates for the 2026 assembly elections.

BJP accuses TMC's Kirti Azad of vaping in Parl; party seeks full video

BJP accuses TMC's Kirti Azad of vaping in Parl; party seeks full video

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The BJP has accused TMC MP Kirti Azad of vaping in the Lok Sabha, leading to a political spat. TMC demands the release of full video footage before commenting.

Non-veg food vendors assaulted at Gita recital in Kolkata, Mamata fumes

Non-veg food vendors assaulted at Gita recital in Kolkata, Mamata fumes

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP following an assault on food vendors at a Bhagavad Gita recital event in Kolkata, asserting that the state would not tolerate intimidation, communal division, or attempts to dictate dietary choices. She vowed stringent action against those responsible and accused the BJP of trying to import a culture of communal division and weaponize religious texts for political mobilization.

Booth reconfiguration plan sparks major row in Bengal

Booth reconfiguration plan sparks major row in Bengal

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

A proposed polling booth reconfiguration in West Bengal has ignited a political battle, with the TMC, BJP, Congress, and CPI(M) raising concerns about bias, partisanship, and flawed processes.

BJP trashes reports of distributing sindoor to women

BJP trashes reports of distributing sindoor to women

Rediff.com30 May 2025

No politician should use such language, the Bharatiya Janata Party said on Friday as it chastised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her choice of words targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

NCW urges Bengal govt to address Murshidabad victims' grievances

NCW urges Bengal govt to address Murshidabad victims' grievances

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called upon the West Bengal government to "act urgently" to address the grievances of the riot-hit people of Murshidabad district, particularly women. Rahatkar, who visited the riot-affected areas in Murshidabad and Malda over the weekend, said the commission is preparing a report which will be submitted soon to the Centre with copies to top state officials. The report will incorporate the views of women who narrated their ordeal during the violence, including demands for a Border Security Force (BSF) camp in the affected area. Rahatkar also expressed concern about the lack of action by the State Women's Commission in visiting the affected areas.

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.

Doctor among 3 held over death threat to ex-Bengal chief secy

Doctor among 3 held over death threat to ex-Bengal chief secy

Rediff.com9 Nov 2021

The officer said the man who had typed out the letter was arrested from Ballygunge on Monday.

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.

'Mithun dreams of becoming Bengal CM'

'Mithun dreams of becoming Bengal CM'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2021

Apparently, Mithunda has shared with BJP leaders that becoming West Bengal's chief minister is his only motive for the political jump from the Trinamool Congress, which sent him to the Rajya Sabha, to the BJP.

West Bengal makes public cabinet papers on Netaji from 1938 to 1947

West Bengal makes public cabinet papers on Netaji from 1938 to 1947

Rediff.com28 Sep 2015

The West Bengal government on Monday made public the cabinet papers on Netaji and allied subjects from 1938 to 1947.

Cyclone Dana causes major damage in Odisha, Bengal; 2 killed in WB

Cyclone Dana causes major damage in Odisha, Bengal; 2 killed in WB

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said that one person died in the state in cyclone Dana, even as the administration evacuated around 2.16 lakh people from the low-lying areas.

B'desh objects to Mamata's 'offer' to shelter refugees

B'desh objects to Mamata's 'offer' to shelter refugees

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

Banerjee, referring to violence-hit Bangladesh, said she would keep the doors of West Bengal open for people in distress from the neighbouring country and offer them shelter.

Mamata offers shelter to Bangladeshis amid violence

Mamata offers shelter to Bangladeshis amid violence

Rediff.com21 Jul 2024

Banerjee also appealed to the people of West Bengal not to get provoked over matters concerning the current situation in Bangladesh.

'Yet to receive a reply': Mamata writes to Modi again

'Yet to receive a reply': Mamata writes to Modi again

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Banerjee had on Wednesday said an amendment to existing laws will be passed in the state assembly next week to ensure capital punishment to convicted rapists.

Kalyan Banerjee quits as TMC chief whip in LS amid coordination issues

Kalyan Banerjee quits as TMC chief whip in LS amid coordination issues

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee resigned as the party's chief whip in the Lok Sabha, citing unfair blame for lack of coordination among MPs and internal party conflicts.

'All The Ministers Surrounded Messi, We Couldn't See Anything'

'All The Ministers Surrounded Messi, We Couldn't See Anything'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's much-hyped visit to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday lasted 22 minutes, just enough to underline everything that is wrong in Indian football and the state administration's mismanagement.

West Bengal will not implement Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act : Mamata

West Bengal will not implement Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act : Mamata

Rediff.com11 Sep 2019

Elaborating on the reason behind the state government not enforcing the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act passed by Parliament, she said "We are not implementing it here as it is harsh. The fine proposed will be very hard on the poor."

Adani meets Mamata, discusses investment scenario in Bengal

Adani meets Mamata, discusses investment scenario in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Dec 2021

Adani later tweeted "Delighted to meet @MamataOfficial,Hon'ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "Discussed different investment scenarios and the tremendous potential of West Bengal. "I look forward to attending the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) in April 2022." Nabanna sources said the meeting continued for one-and-half hours.

Internet suspended in Bengal town rocked by violence over Waqf

Internet suspended in Bengal town rocked by violence over Waqf

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The situation in Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal, which was marred by incidents of violence following protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, was calm and peaceful on Wednesday with no reports of any untoward incident. Prohibitory orders were clamped in and around Raghunathganj and Suti police station areas and large police force deployed in all sensitive areas of the district, especially in and around Jangipur town, where a large number of people had assembled on Tuesday afternoon, demanding the withdrawal of the legislation. Internet connectivity remained suspended within the areas under the Jangipur sub-division to prevent the spread of any disinformation. Protestors, who had gathered in large numbers on the NH-12 in the Jangipur area to protest against the Waqf Bill, hurled stones at the police who were deployed in the area, on Tuesday afternoon. A couple of vehicles belonging to the police were allegedly torched during the protest and police had to resort to lathi-charge and use tear gas shells to bring the situation under control. A few policemen were injured in the stone pelting. Police have also detained a few people in connection with the incident. West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose condemned the incident and said attempts to disturb the law and order situation in the state "should be put down with an iron hand". The opposition BJP alleged that the law and order situation in the state was "crumbling" under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was busy with "minority appeasement". The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament. The Act aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties (assets permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes) with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare. It also seeks to improve governance by enhancing transparency in property management, streamlining coordination between Waqf boards and local authorities and protecting stakeholders' rights.

EC to conduct house-to-house verification of voters in Assam

EC to conduct house-to-house verification of voters in Assam

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Election Commission has ordered a 'Special Revision' of electoral rolls in Assam, with the final voter list to be published on February 10, 2026. The revision aims to ensure clean and accurate electoral rolls, with house-to-house verification taking place from November 22 to December 20.

Bengal will be India's new industrial destination: Mamata

Bengal will be India's new industrial destination: Mamata

Rediff.com1 Dec 2021

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said that the focus of the Trinamool Congress government will be on industrial development in the state for which packages will be drawn up. Speaking at the inaugural session of ABP Infocom virtually, Banerjee said the target of the government now is to promote development of industry in West Bengal and all industries will be given equal importance. "Our state is number one in imparting social justice. "Now our target is industry. More importance will be given to it now. Packages for the industry will come", she said adding that West Bengal will be the new industrial destination in the country.

'Society has accepted': RSS leader on Kharge's 'ban' demand

'Society has accepted': RSS leader on Kharge's 'ban' demand

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

'Such attempts were made three times in the past. What did society say then? What did the court say? Despite all this, the Sangh's work kept growing. There must be valid reasons to impose a ban'

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.