KOLKATA POLLING
West Bengal Assembly Elections: TMC bastion under threat as BJP veteran Swapan Dasgupta takes on Debasish Kumar in Rashbehari
Kolkata's Rashbehari constituency faces a heated election battle. Trinamool Congress MLA Debasish Kumar is up against Bharatiya Janata Party's Swapan Dasgupta. The TMC holds the seat, but the BJP aims to win. Key issues include infrastructure development and welfare schemes. The election is scheduled for April 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.
West Bengal polls: ECI cracks down on musclemen, 135 arrested ahead of Phase 1 voting
As West Bengal braces for electoral battles, state officials are implementing rigorous security strategies. With more than 135 arrests made to date, the focus is on ensuring a tranquil election process. The Election Commission is harnessing advanced AI surveillance technology and outfitting security personnel with bodycams.
'Won’t let employees lose jobs': Mamata Banerjee defends I-PAC, accuses BJP of intimidation
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the BJP. She accused the party of intimidating her political consultancy firm, I-PAC. Banerjee also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding women's reservation and delimitation. She asserted that the government's actions were aimed at dividing the country. Banerjee vowed to protect I-PAC employees.
TMC ramps up campaign: Abhishek Banerjee urges door-to-door push across Bengal
Bengal's election campaign intensifies as Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee directs party workers to reach out to all voters. Cadres are instructed to explain government schemes and development work. They are also told to remain vigilant on polling day, monitor EVMs, and report any intimidation.
West Bengal polls: ECI flags 55 seats as 'expenditure sensitive'
West Bengal faces heightened election scrutiny. The Election Commission has marked 55 constituencies as expenditure sensitive. This year, 100 observers are deployed, the highest number across poll-bound regions. Seizures of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies have surged. Several border areas and urban centers are under close watch to ensure fair elections.
ED crackdown in Bengal: Kolkata businessman arrested, cop’s premises searched in laundering probe
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested a Kolkata businessman in a money laundering investigation. The probe targets a criminal syndicate operating in the poll-bound state. Searches were conducted at the businessman's residence and that of a Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner. The case is linked to alleged organized criminal activities and illegal fund generation.
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ED raids Kolkata police officer, others in money laundering probe linked to criminal syndicate
The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids on Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas and Joy Kamdar. This action is part of a money laundering investigation. The probe targets alleged criminal Biswajit Podder and his syndicate. The ED previously seized cash and valuables in this case. Podder is wanted for various criminal charges and is currently on the run.
Narendra Modi to address four rallies in West Bengal on Sunday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address four public meetings across West Bengal on Sunday. The BJP is intensifying its campaign for the 2026 assembly elections. Modi's rallies in Bishnupur, Purulia, Jhargram and Medinipur aim to consolidate support in western and south-western districts. These regions have shown strong BJP performance in past elections.
West Bengal: Election Commission adds around 7 lakh new voters ahead of polls
West Bengal's electoral rolls have seen a significant addition of seven lakh new voters. These new electors will participate in the upcoming assembly polls. Over 3.22 lakh will vote in the first phase, with the remaining nearly 3.88 lakh in the second phase. The total electorate now stands at over 6.82 crore.
BJP announces Rs 5,000 monthly allowance to journalists if it comes to power in Bengal
The BJP has pledged a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 for accredited journalists in West Bengal. This financial support aims to provide security for the media fraternity. The scheme will apply to all eligible journalists, regardless of their affiliation. The announcement was made by state BJP President Samik Bhattacharya. Elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and 29.
Only voters allowed within 100 metres of polling stations in Bengal: Election Commission
In West Bengal, the Election Commission is committed to maintaining a serene and unobstructed voting experience. They'll establish a 100-meter buffer zone around polling stations to control access. A thorough verification process is in place to eliminate fraudulent votes, with voter slips being personally delivered to every household.
Calcutta High Court quashes appointment of assistant professors as poll presiding officers in Bengal
The Calcutta High Court has cancelled the appointment of assistant professors as presiding officers for the West Bengal assembly elections. The court ruled that these appointments violated Election Commission guidelines. The petitioners, from the West Bengal Government College Teachers' Association, challenged their assignments. The court found no justification for drafting these senior staff without proper reasons.
West Bengal elections: Income Tax Dept raids premises linked to TMC Candidate, Banerjee's proposer
West Bengal Assembly Elections: Income-Tax Department officials raided the residence of Miraj Shah, who proposed Mamata Banerjee's name for nominations. Raids also targeted Trinamool Congress MLA Debasish Kumar, his relative's house, and party offices. These actions are linked to an alleged illegal land grabbing case. Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches related to the Merlin Group.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accuses Nirmala Sitharaman of breaking MCC
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of violating the Model Code of Conduct by distributing cards to women before elections. Banerjee alleged that the BJP is misusing power and agencies to threaten voters and collect data, warning that women will be robbed of their bank account information and money.
West Bengal polls phase 1: Candidates report asset surge since 2021; BJP''s Adhikari shows decline
Candidates in the West Bengal Assembly polls are declaring significant asset increases. Jakir Hossain's wealth more than doubled to over Rs 133 crore. Sudip Kumar Mukherjee saw a 2,344 percent rise to Rs 11 crore. Krishna Kalyani's assets jumped by 247 percent to over Rs 20 crore. Manas Ranjan Bhunia also more than doubled his assets.
IT Dept conducts raid at TMC MLA Debasish Kumar’s residence & offices; ED searches premises of 3 officials
The Income Tax Department conducted extensive raids at the residence, election office, and relative's house of Trinamool Congress MLA Debasish Kumar in connection with an illegal land grabbing case. Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate is searching premises of three businessmen in Kolkata and North 24 Parganas districts as part of its Merlin Group investigation.
I-T searches at TMC MLA Debasish Kumar's properties in Kolkata ahead of polls
The Income Tax Department searched two locations linked to TMC MLA Debasish Kumar. The searches occurred at his residence and election office. Kumar is contesting the Rashbehari seat. The Enforcement Directorate had previously summoned him regarding a land fraud case. Polling for Rashbehari is on April 29. Central forces were deployed at his residence.
Zero tolerance for violence; repoll if any disruption: EC
West Bengal is preparing for elections with a focus on intimidation-free polling. Super-sensitive booths have been identified across districts like Malda, Murshidabad, and Cooch Behar. Enhanced security measures and customized plans are being implemented. The Election Commission of India emphasizes zero tolerance for violence. Repolls will be ordered if necessary to ensure fair elections.
CM Mamata Banerjee hails SC relief on supplementary voter list ahead of Bengal polls
The Supreme Court has intervened to ensure eligible voters are not disenfranchised in the West Bengal assembly elections. Supplementary voter lists will be published on April 21 and April 27. Individuals whose appeals against exclusion are successful will be allowed to cast their votes. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed happiness with the judiciary's decision.
From bamboo walls to AI eyes: West Bengal election gets unprecedented surveillance push
The Election Commission of India is enhancing surveillance for the West Bengal Assembly polls by installing cameras for 100% webcasting, monitored by AI technology. Temporary bamboo fencing will also be erected at polling stations lacking boundary walls to prevent unauthorized access and improve security.
Central forces tried to check my car, says Mamata
Mamata Banerjee alleged that central forces attempted to search her car near Kolkata airport and accused Union leaders of misusing security vehicles, questioning why only Trinamool leaders were being targeted during checks. The Election Commission denied any such VVIP search, while Banerjee also accused the BJP and central agencies of harassment ahead of elections, urging voters to respond politically.
Will prioritise resolving Gorkha issue, withdraw cases against leaders after winning Bengal: Amit Shah
Amit Shah said the BJP will prioritise resolving the Gorkha issue and withdraw cases against leaders if it comes to power in West Bengal. He also expressed confidence that the party will defeat the TMC in the upcoming state polls.
'Give Ram a chance': BJP's Suvendhu Adhikari ahead of Bengal polls, says 'thieves' ruled for 15 years, left for 35
West Bengal leaders marked Bengali New Year with election campaigning. Suvendu Adhikari urged voters to "give a Ram a chance" in Nandigram. Smriti Zubin Irani held a roadshow in Hooghly. Kunal Ghosh rallied for Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. Polling is scheduled for April 23 and 29, with results on May 4. The state anticipates significant political shifts.
West Bengal Polls: ‘Boroline’ remark sparks row in Kolkata; Mamata Banerjee hits out at poll authorities
A remark by a Kolkata South election officer warning troublemakers would need “Boroline” and “Burnol” has sparked a political row, with Mamata Banerjee criticising poll authorities. The Trinamool Congress filed a complaint, calling the post inflammatory and in violation of election rules. The Election Commission has sought a report. Banerjee also alleged targeting of her party and raised concerns over possible arrests of booth agents.
BJP Tamil Nadu manifesto: From free LPG to Rs 2000/month for women, here are all promises
The Bharatiya Janata Party has unveiled its manifesto for the Tamil Nadu assembly polls. The party is focusing on women voters with promises of financial assistance. Key announcements include monthly pensions for women heads of households and fishermen. The manifesto also outlines plans for job creation for youth and improvements to the state's rail network.
West Bengal assembly elections 2026: 2,926 candidates in fray for Bengal polls
A total of 2,926 candidates are now set to contest the West Bengal assembly elections. This number was finalized after the nomination withdrawal deadline passed. The Election Commission has confirmed the final list. Voters can access candidate details via the ECINet app. Ballot units will feature candidate photographs for easier identification. Polling is scheduled for April 23 and April 29.
Election Commission appoints Odisha-cadre IPS officer as police observer for West Bengal polls
The Election Commission has appointed IPS officer Sarvana Vivek M as police observer for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections. He will oversee police arrangements for the two-phase polls. Vivek, from the Odisha cadre, will be on deputation to the EC.
Ballygunge braces for intense battle as TMC seeks 4th term with veteran leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay
The Ballygunge Assembly constituency - 161 is a wholly urban legislative seat situated in South Kolkata in West Bengal. Known as one of the city's most upscale and affluent residential areas, muslims constitute the majority in this area. The constituency's voters are drawn largely from the professional and educated classes, giving the seat a political character distinct from much of Bengal's rural areas.
EC transfers 12 police officials in poll-bound West Bengal
The Election Commission of India has ordered a major reshuffle of police leadership in poll-bound West Bengal, transferring 12 senior officers across Kolkata Police and the state police. Key changes include new appointments to Joint Commissioner roles in crime, headquarters and intelligence, along with the replacement of Deputy Commissioners in multiple city divisions.
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