West Bengal Desk

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faced protests outside the famous Kalighat Kali Temple during his visit to Kolkata on Sunday. Demonstrators raised “go back” slogans and waved black flags as his convoy arrived near the temple premises. Visit to Review Poll Preparations Gyanesh Kumar is currently on a visit to West Bengal along with Election Commissioners S. S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The officials are touring the state to review preparations for the upcoming high-sta

Kolkata:  The Calcutta High Court has ordered the release and repatriation of a Bangladeshi national  who spent more than 21 years in prison in India , after noting that he was a minor at the time of his arrest . The court directed the authorities of West Bengal to take immediate steps to facilitate the prisoner’s return to his home country, Bangladesh. According to the case records, the man was arrested in the early 2000s for allegedly entering India illegally. However, duri

Kolkata:  Former chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), M. Jagadesh Kumar , has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) . The appointment has been approved by **Droupadi Murmu, the President of India. According to official sources, Jagadesh Kumar will hold the position for a four-year term . The Board of Governors is the top decision-making body of the institute and plays a crucial role in

Kolkata:  A unique women-only Iftar gathering  titled “2026 Dosti Ki Iftar”  is set to be organised at the Deeniyat Muallima College in Santragachi , located across the river from Kolkata. The event aims to create a safe and inclusive space where women can interact, share experiences, and foster mutual understanding. The gathering is being jointly organised by the college and the city-based community initiative Know Your Neighbour. Organisers say the programme is designed spe

Kolkata : Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has called for statewide protests against the recent increase in LPG cylinder prices, accusing the Central government of putting an additional financial burden on common people. Speaking at a public gathering, Banerjee criticized the policies of the BJP-led government at the Centre, stating that the rising prices of essential commodities such as cooking gas were making life difficult for ordinary households. She ur

Actor Rajpal Yadav has strongly responded to recent remarks made by fellow actor Sonu Sood and filmmaker Priyadarshan, asserting that he does not need sympathy or public appeals to secure work in the film industry. In an exclusive interview, the seasoned comic actor addressed the controversy surrounding his recent legal troubles and the reactions that followed from members of the film fraternity. Reaction to ‘Poor Education’ Remark The controversy erupted after director Priya

Following the publication of the final electoral rolls after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)  in West Bengal , data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI)  show a large number of voters whose eligibility is still unresolved and classified as “under adjudication” — meaning their supporting documents are pending judicial scrutiny before final confirmation. Murshidabad  has the highest number of such voters — about 11.01 lakh  awaiting detailed examination. Mald

The Election Commission of India (ECI)  has begun the phased release of West Bengal’s final electoral rolls  after completing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise  ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The publication follows judicial oversight and a Supreme Court directive to ensure transparency in the SIR process. According to official figures: A significant number of names have been removed  from the rolls due to reasons such as death, migration, duplication,

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has begun the phased publication of updated electoral rolls in West Bengal following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. In Bankura district alone, approximately 1.18 lakh names have reportedly been deleted from the voter list after the verification process. Hard Copies Displayed in Districts As part of the publication process, hard copies of the revised electoral rolls were put up at designated locations in

A new collection of essays titled West Bengal: Change and Continuity offers an in-depth examination of the State’s evolving political landscape, economic transitions, and social dynamics. The volume brings together contributions from scholars, policy analysts, and commentators who attempt to unpack the complexities shaping West Bengal today. A Comprehensive Political Analysis The book delves into the transformation of West Bengal’s political sphere over the past decades. Essa

Sulekha Ink makers have said that the original tune of Vande Mataram  represents a unique fusion of classical raga elements and qawwali influences, highlighting the syncretic musical heritage behind India’s national song. The statement was made as the company unveiled a limited-edition collector’s set to commemorate 150 years of the iconic composition. Celebrating 150 Years of a National Song The commemorative collection marks 150 years since the composition of Vande Mataram

At least 72 people have been arrested after two officials engaged in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work in West Bengal were allegedly assaulted by locals when they entered a village in Odisha by mistake, police said. Incident in Balasore District According to police, the incident occurred on February 26 when the two officials entered a village under the Raibania police station limits in Balasore district. The area shares a border with West Bengal. Authorities said the offi

Court proceedings in several districts of West Bengal have reportedly slowed down as a number of judicial officers have been assigned duties related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The diversion of officers to election-related work has led to adjournments and delays in hearings across lower courts, according to legal sources. Court Work Affected Lawyers in multiple districts have said that routine hearings, evidence recording, and arguments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Union Minister and veteran politician Mukul Roy , describing him as an experienced public representative who made notable contributions to public life. In a condolence message, the Prime Minister said he was saddened by Mr. Roy’s passing and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and supporters. He acknowledged Mr. Roy’s long political journey and his role in national as

Kolkata: The authorities of Jadavpur University  have constituted a high-level inquiry committee after a campus clash left two teachers and several students injured, triggering concern within the academic community. The incident, which reportedly occurred during a student demonstration on campus, led to tension and disruption of normal academic activities. According to university sources, the confrontation broke out between two groups of students during a protest over admini

Darjeeling, West Bengal:  The iconic hill town of Darjeeling  has experienced an unusually warm winter this season, with temperatures remaining higher than normal and the familiar biting chill largely absent. Residents and tourists alike have noticed the difference, as the region’s typically frosty mornings and cold nights failed to materialise in full force. According to India Meteorological Department  (IMD), winter temperatures in Darjeeling were consistently above average

Kolkata/New Delhi:  The West Bengal government has registered FIRs against certain poll officers following directions from the Election Commission of India  (EC), even as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee  publicly defended the state’s bureaucrats amid the growing controversy. According to an official communiqué issued by the poll panel, the West Bengal Chief Secretary has sent a formal letter of compliance in response to the EC’s instructions issued earlier this week. “The Beng

New Delhi:  The Supreme Court of India  is set to examine a politically sensitive case arising from alleged obstruction during Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the offices of Indian Political Action Committee  (I-PAC). The court remarked it would consider whether the central agency was being “weaponised” for political ends or had itself been “terrorised” during the incident. The matter reached the apex court after the Enforcement Directorate  filed a petition seeking a p

West Bengal:  A medical student from Bihar  was found dead inside a hostel room in West Bengal , triggering shock and concern among fellow students and family members. Police have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. 📍 Incident Details According to officials, the student was pursuing medical studies at a college in West Bengal and was residing in the institution’s hostel. The body was discovered inside the hostel room after

Kolkata: In a significant recognition for literary translation and Dalit literature, two academicians from West Bengal have been awarded the prestigious A.K. Ramanujan Prize for their English translation of works by noted Dalit woman poet Kalyani Thakur Charal. The award-winning translated volume, titled I Belong to Nowhere, brings Charal’s powerful and evocative Bengali poems to a global readership. The collection is being hailed as a landmark contribution to Dalit feminist