WEST BENGAL ELECTIONS 2024
West Bengal polls: ECI cracks down on musclemen, 199 arrested ahead of Phase 1 voting
As West Bengal braces for electoral battles, state officials are implementing rigorous security strategies. With more than 199 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.
ECI identifies over 8,000 'super sensitive' poll booths across West Bengal
As West Bengal gears up for elections, authorities have identified more than 8,000 polling booths deemed sensitive. In a proactive approach to maintain order, police have arrested 135 individuals. To bolster security, an innovative AI system is overseeing the voting process, designed to thwart booth disruptions.
Supreme Court to seek Calcutta HC Chief Justice's report on tribunal functioning
The Supreme Court is seeking a report from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court. This is regarding the functioning of appellate tribunals for West Bengal electoral rolls. The court ordered that voters cleared by these tribunals before elections can vote. Elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29.
West Bengal Dry Day 2026: EC announces liquor ban in view of polls, check district-wise dates and rules
The Election Commission of India has declared dry days in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu ahead of the Assembly elections. Liquor sales will be prohibited for 48 hours before polling and on the counting day, May 4, across West Bengal's 16 districts in Phase 1 and 7 districts in Phase 2. Similar restrictions apply to Tamil Nadu.
Rajnath Singh promises ‘Durga Squad’ for women’s safety in Bengal if BJP wins
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced a 'Durga Squad' for women's safety if the Bharatiya Janata Party wins in West Bengal. He promised strict action against those troubling women and assured the rule of law. Singh stated the election is about fear versus trust and development versus corruption. He predicted a BJP victory and the end of darkness on May 4.
SIR in West Bengal: Will call for report from chief justice of HC today itself, says SC
The Supreme Court will seek a report from the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice regarding the functioning of appellate tribunals for West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision exercise. Lawyers allege these tribunals are not working, hindering the process. The court previously directed the Election Commission to issue supplementary revised electoral rolls based on tribunal decisions.
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'I-PAC a means to earn money by promoting corruption': BJP's Dilip Ghosh slams TMC ahead of Bengal polls
West Bengal BJP candidate from the Kharagpur Sadar Assembly constituency, Dilip Ghosh, on Monday called the India Political Action Committee (I-PAC) a "means to promote corruption" in the state following the arrest of Director Vinesh Chandel in a money laundering case.
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.
Former Union minister Dinesh Trivedi expected to be India's next High Commissioner to Bangladesh
Dinesh Trivedi is poised to take on the pivotal role of India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, succeeding Pranay Verma, who has transitioned to Belgium. As New Delhi looks to revitalize its relationship with Dhaka, Trivedi's extensive diplomatic background positions him well for this crucial appointment. The official confirmation is on the horizon.
I-T Dept finds 'discrepancies' in declaration of assets by TMC MLA: Sources
The Income Tax Department has uncovered discrepancies in assets declared by TMC MLA Debashis Kumar. Seizures from his residence during recent raids revealed jewellery and bullion not matching his election affidavit. The department has reported these findings to the Election Commission. Investigations are ongoing into unaccounted money and asset increases.
West Bengal elections: TMC 'betrayed' women, will be punished in assembly polls, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Trinamool Congress of betraying women by blocking a bill for 33% reservation in Parliament and state assemblies. He asserted that women voters in West Bengal would punish the TMC in the upcoming assembly polls for opposing women's empowerment.
Modi accuses TMC, Congress of blocking women’s reservation bill
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Trinamool Congress and Congress of conspiring to block the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament. He stated that West Bengal's women will punish TMC for betraying them. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee refuted the claims, stating TMC champions women's representation and opposes the delimitation exercise linked to the bill.
Ethnic aspirations define political loyalty in Bengal's Junglemahal ahead of Assembly elections 2026
West Bengal elections 2026: Political contests in West Bengal's Junglemahal are influenced by ethnic identity struggles. The Kudmi-Mahato community seeks Scheduled Tribe status, expressing disillusionment with the TMC government. Meanwhile, the Santal community prioritizes educational development. These community demands are creating a complex electoral landscape for mainstream parties.
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.
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.
"In name of women empowerment, BJP pushing dangerous delimitation exercise": TMC
Political tensions in West Bengal are heating up ahead of the Assembly elections, as Trinamool Congress (TMC) slammed BJP over the Delimitation Bill on Friday, labelling it a "dangerous" exercise hidden behind the veil of women's empowerment to weaken Bengal's parliamentary representation.
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.
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.
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.
'BJP plan is to bring NIA, detonate bomb, blame someone:' Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of attempt to frame youth in West Bengal
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a gathering, said, "Their (BJP) plan is to bring in the NIA, detonate the bomb, and then blame it on someone else. They'll bring in some people from outside, accuse you, and arrest the boys tomorrow. It's just a matter of a few days. Be patient, just register your name, and don't get into any trouble. I'm appealing to you; they'll steal votes by creating trouble. If necessary, you should monitor them even at night..."
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.
Supreme Court dismisses plea challenging transfer of officers by EC in poll-bound West Bengal
The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the Election Commission's transfer of administrative and police officers in West Bengal. The court stated that the legal question raised remains open. This decision comes as West Bengal prepares for assembly elections. Voting is scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with vote counting on May 4.
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.
Logical discrepancy not recognised term under EC framework, applied only in Bengal: Mamata Banerjee
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee alleged "logical discrepancy" in the SIR exercise was selectively applied in West Bengal to favor the BJP, unlike in Bihar. She criticized the BJP as a "dirty party" and urged voters to reject them, claiming the party manipulates rally attendance by bringing in supporters from other states.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: EC launches 24x7 helpline, email to report poll-related law and order issues
West Bengal voters can now report election-related law and order issues through a new dedicated helpline. The toll-free number 18003450008 is active 24/7. An email facility wbfreeandfairpolls@gmail.com is also available for grievances. These services will operate until vote counting concludes. The Chief Electoral Officer's office will handle all complaints promptly.
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.
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.
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