MURSHIDABAD
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.
Murshidabad’s forgotten crisis: Beedi workers struggle amid charged political debates, SIR deletions
In Murshidabad's beedi belt, children work alongside mothers to meet daily targets. Families earn meager wages for rolling beedis. Contractors control work and political influence. Many workers suffer from health issues. Political parties discuss other issues, ignoring the plight of these workers. Survival depends on contractors, not votes.
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.
Voter roll deletions shift West Bengal polls from governance to identity battle
West Bengal's election focus has dramatically shifted. Massive deletions from electoral rolls have transformed the campaign. Issues of corruption and jobs now take a backseat. The election is now a battle over identity and citizenship. Voters are concerned about their names being removed from the voter list. This has created anxiety and polarization across the state.
Had Mamata Banerjee worked with ECI, SIR wouldn't be so complicated: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticizes Mamata Banerjee's role in voter list issues. He states the Congress will contest all assembly seats alone this time. Chowdhury believes the political landscape has changed. The party aims to establish its presence in every polling booth. He discusses the Congress's prospects in Malda and Murshidabad.
Bengal Polls: Voting for any party other than TMC means vote for BJP, says Abhishek Banerjee
Abhishek Banerjee urged Murshidabad voters to support TMC for development and stability. He accused opposition parties of aligning with the BJP and highlighted TMC's welfare plans for erosion-hit families and farmers. Banerjee promised piped water, healthcare, pensions, and housing for all. He also raised concerns about electoral roll deletions and rising input costs for farmers.
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Minority drift may reverse as SIR, UCC, AIMIM-AJUP collapse could strengthen TMC's Muslim fortress
Recent developments, including significant voter list deletions and the BJP's UCC promise, have seemingly reversed a potential drift in the TMC's minority vote bank. Smaller Muslim outfits' ability to challenge the ruling party has diminished, leading to a renewed consolidation of Muslim voters behind the TMC out of fear of a divided vote aiding the BJP.
Border villages in WB's Murshidabad caught in whirlpool of infiltration politics, identity fears
Illegal immigration from Bangladesh dominates politics in Murshidabad's border areas. Parties debate infiltration, identity cards, and demographic changes. Residents face scrutiny and fear name deletions from voter lists. The unfenced border fuels smuggling. Both major parties use the issue, while smaller parties criticize the focus on the border over local issues.
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.
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.
Kolkata Weather: IMD warns of stormy week, issues yellow alert, predicts rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Check the full forecast for next 7 days
Kolkata weather today: The 'City of Joy' is bracing for a stormy week as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a yellow alert for two days in Kolkata, warning of thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds. Kolkata residents are expected to heave a sigh of relief from the hot and humid conditions. The weather conditions are expected to remain stable from April 19 in Kolkata.
EC to deploy 2,407 central forces for first phase of Bengal elections on April 23
Central armed police forces will secure the first phase of West Bengal assembly polls on April 23. Over 2,400 companies will be deployed. Murshidabad district will receive the highest number of personnel. Purba Medinipur district follows with significant deployment. Security measures aim for free and fair elections across eight north Bengal districts and other western regions.
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.
TMC flays govt's 'devious plot' to push delimitation
Derek O'Brien accused the Centre of using women’s reservation as a cover to push delimitation, alleging it could alter political representation.
West Bengal elections: Mass deletions in Murshidabad spark identity and citizenship fears
In Murshidabad district, the electoral landscape is shifting dramatically as thousands discover their names missing from voter rolls. Families are anxious about their democratic rights, while political parties exchange heated allegations concerning these deletions. With the 2026 assembly elections looming, the critical discussion now revolves around voter eligibility, exposing significant political rifts.
India can't buy Iranian or Russian oil without Trump's permission, alleges Rahul Gandhi
Gandhi also claimed that the names of PM Modi, several BJP leaders and ministers have been found in the Epstein files. “The key (chabi) of the Epstein files is in Trump’s hands and he controls Modi,” Gandhi alleged.
Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of 'compromised' foreign deals at Bengal rally
Rahul Gandhi, addressing a public rally in Raniganj, made strong allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP, and the RSS, claiming that India’s foreign and economic policies were being influenced through a “compromised” arrangement with the United States and alleging adverse impacts on farmers; he further accused the ruling party of promoting a “hate-driven ideology” that he said was weakening the Constitution and democracy, reiterated claims about links between PM Modi, BJP leaders, and the “Epstein files,” and alleged a nexus between Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani in political funding and governance, while also criticising the Trinamool Congress over corruption and multiple scams in West Bengal, asserting that both BJP and TMC were responsible for exploiting the people.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury returns to state politics, faces incumbent BJP MLA Subrata Maitra in fight for survival at Berhampore
Congress heavyweight Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is set to return to state politics after two and a half decades, facing Bharatiya Janata Party incumbent MLA Subrata Maitra and Trinamool Congress's Naru Gopal Mukherjee in a tough fight for survival at Berhampore Assembly Constituency.
'Change in Bengal is Inevitable': Sonamukhi BJP candidate predicts 'Double-Engine' government
A significant political change is anticipated in West Bengal as assembly elections approach. Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Dibakar Gharami and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung have called for unity among alliance partners. They are urging collective efforts to ensure the victory of the BJP and its allies in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
West Bengal Polls: In Murshidabad's Beldanga, gamochas weave livelihoods amid election noise
Beldanga, Murshidabad, famous for its handwoven towels, faces religious polarization. Past incidents of violence and NIA probes have shifted focus from development. The upcoming election sees a divided electorate. Local residents highlight communal harmony despite external perceptions. Election officials are ensuring peaceful polling arrangements.
West Bengal's 65-seat faultline: How razor-thin margins, SIR deletions could decide who forms govt
West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly election is shaping up as a closely contested battle that may hinge on 65–70 marginal constituencies, where small vote differences and recent electoral roll revisions could prove decisive.
Over 3.6 cr people eligible to cast votes in first phase of Bengal assembly polls: EC
Over 3.6 crore voters across 16 districts are eligible to vote in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 on April 23, according to Election Commission of India data. This includes 1.84 crore men, 1.75 crore women and 465 third-gender voters.
West Bengal phase 1 voter roll at 3.6 cr; 1.85 cr men, 1.76 cr women, 465 transgenders voters in the list
Bengal's first phase election details are out. Over 3.60 crore voters are registered. Men form the majority with 18.49 crore. Women voters number 17.57 crore. A total of 465 transgenders are on the list. Murshidabad district leads with the most voters. Purba Medinipur follows closely. Malda also has a significant voter base.
West Bengal Elections: PM Modi, Shah, Mamata hit campaign ground with multiple allies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are set to address six campaign rallies across West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will also hold four rallies. The state goes to polls in two phases on April 19 and April 23. The BJP released its election manifesto on Friday, outlining welfare, cultural identity, and security measures.
West Bengal Polls: Amid video row, Owaisi's AIMIM ends alliance with Humayun Kabir
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen has ended its alliance with Humayun Kabir's party. This comes after allegations of a deal to split minority votes. AIMIM will now contest the West Bengal assembly elections on its own. The party stated it aims to provide a political voice for marginalized communities. Humayun Kabir denies the allegations, calling the video fake.
West Bengal polls 2026: Murshidabad sees highest voter deletions in Bengal roll revision; tribal belt reports lowest
West Bengal's voter rolls saw significant deletions. Shamsherganj and Lalgola in Murshidabad district reported the most removals. Purulia and Jhargram had the fewest. Electoral rolls are now frozen for upcoming elections. The Chief Minister alleged targeted exclusions. Affected voters are seeking legal recourse to restore their names.
Alliances & distrust: Trinamool faces minority stronghold test
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's traditional minority vote base in Murshidabad and Malda faces challenges. Electoral roll issues, Waqf protests, and OBC reservation concerns are causing anger. Alliances of AIMIM with Humayun Kabir's party and Congress with CPI-M-AISF may divide Muslim votes. Minority community members express dissatisfaction with the government's actions over the past two years.
West Bengal elections: Nearly 91 lakh names deleted from electoral rolls after SIR exercise
West Bengal's voter list has seen a significant reduction of 91 lakh names before the assembly elections. Over 27 lakh voters were deemed ineligible after judicial review. Murshidabad and Malda districts recorded the highest number of deletions. The electoral rolls were finalized for the first phase of polling on April 23. Results will be declared on May 4.
West Bengal Assembly Elections: TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee urges voters not to back Congress and allies
Abhishek Banerjee, a senior TMC leader, has asked voters to reject the Congress. He stated that voting for Congress would inadvertently benefit the BJP. Banerjee highlighted the TMC's efforts in rectifying voter list errors, contrasting it with the Congress's inaction. He also accused opposition parties of spreading misinformation and attempting to incite communal tensions in Murshidabad.
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