PURBA MEDINIPUR
BJP's Hasirani Rath, Sakharov Sarkar take oath as MLAs in Bengal Assembly
Hasarani Rath and Sakharov Sarkar recently took their oaths as MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly in Kolkata. Their victories in the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls occurred after their predecessors vacated their seats. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari attended the swearing-in and highlighted the transparent live-streaming of the events. Adhikari expressed gratitude to voters and affirmed his commitment to fulfilling their promises.
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha rush to evacuate people before Cyclone Arnab's early morning landfall
Cyclone Arnab is approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting extensive preparations in both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Authorities have cancelled numerous train and flight services to ensure the safety of travelers. Thousands of people have been relocated to cyclone shelters across the affected regions in preparation for the storm's landfall. Emergency teams and supplies have been mobilised to respond to the cyclone's impact effectively.
Nearly 4,000 shelters set up, emergency forces on standby as Odisha, Andhra brace for cyclone Arnab
The Indian Railways cancelled at least 50 trains in the region as a precaution, while traffic restrictions were imposed on many coastal roads in the region. Two IndiGo flights connecting Vijayawada with Chennai and Bengaluru were also cancelled during the day.
Cyclone Arnab Tracker live: When and where will the very severe cyclonic storm make the landfall and how strong will it be?
Severe cyclone Arnab is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast on October 28, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and a possible storm surge. Authorities have shifted more than 1,300 pregnant women to hospitals, cancelled flights and stepped up railway monitoring. West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand have also issued weather alerts or evacuation preparations ahead of the storm’s wider impact.
Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari pitches Rs 12,000-15,000 monthly support for poor families
Suvendu Adhikari addressed gatherings during the Durga Puja pandal inauguration in Nandigram, stressing the need for economic assistance. He proposed that financially weaker families receive Rs 12,000-15,000 monthly through welfare schemes. Adhikari expressed his commitment to representing Bhabanipur while maintaining his voter status in Nandigram. He highlighted the government's goal of providing jobs to one lakh educated youth through merit-based examinations.
Bengal bypolls: BJP wins Nandigram by record margin, bags Muslim-majority Rejinagar by over 75,000 votes
Hasirani Rath of the BJP won the Nandigram Assembly by-election, defeating Congress candidate Milan Pradhan. The election results were announced by the Election Commission after tight security measures during the counting process. Rath secured over 1,64,000 votes while Pradhan received only about 41,000 votes, leading to a substantial victory margin. Other candidates, including those from the Left and ISF, lost their deposits in this crucial contest.
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Bypolls 2026: Four regions, six seats and a fresh test for India’s political map
Voting began in six constituencies across West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry on Tuesday morning. The results of the elections will be announced on October 9, carrying political significance for various parties. In West Bengal, the focus includes the symbolic Nandigram constituency and its contest involving various candidates. Assam's Nagaon constituency is experiencing a triangular contest among prominent parties, including the BJP and Congress.
West Bengal bypolls: Over 70 pc voter turnout recorded in Nandigram, Rejinagar till 3 pm
Bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly seats in West Bengal saw over 70 percent voter turnout. Polling began at 7 am and continued until 6 pm amidst mostly peaceful conditions. The Nandigram seat is significant due to its historical land acquisition movement, and the BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath. Multiple candidates from different parties are contesting, contributing to a complex political landscape.
Nandigram bypoll peaceful so far, Suvendu Adhikari eyes 85% turnout
Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, reported peaceful polling in the Nandigram by-election. Around 50 percent of voters had participated by midday as he cast his vote. He anticipated a turnout exceeding 85 percent based on historical trends in the constituency. Adhikari mentioned he would continue to serve as the MLA for Bhabanipur while promising to remain a voter in Nandigram.
No incriminating items found in house search in 2024 suo motu FIR against Suvendu Adhikari: Police to Calcutta HC
Kolkata police reported to the Calcutta High Court that a search yielded no incriminating material. The case involves West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and a suo motu FIR. The FIR was related to allegations of weapons and cash being stored at a house. Adhikari's lawyer subsequently decided not to pursue the petition based on the police report. The high court dismissed the petition as it was not pressed further.
Calcutta HC sets aside relief to Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan
The Calcutta High Court's division bench has overturned the previous single-bench ruling concerning Milan Pradhan. The court has instructed Pradhan to apply for regular bail rather than seeking interim protection in his criminal case. Currently in judicial remand until October 7 after being apprehended by the Purba Medinipur district police, Pradhan's situation adds urgency as the Nandigram bypoll approaches on October 6, with campaigning halting on October 4.
West Bengal rain alert: Darjeeling landslide, heavy rain forecast till Saturday
Heavy rains have caused significant landslides in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. A landslide affected Takdah Rural Hospital, resulting in minor injuries to one individual. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall through Saturday. Rainfall data indicates that Darjeeling recorded the highest amounts in the state recently. Similar weather patterns are expected to persist in surrounding districts until the weekend.
Calcutta HC asks state to allow Congress' Milan Pradhan to contest Nandigram bypoll
Calcutta High Court has ruled that Milan Pradhan should be allowed to contest the upcoming byelection in Nandigram. Pradhan was arrested in connection with a 2007 criminal case but is not to be treated as arrested until October 12. The High Court expressed surprise at the state’s failure to disclose Pradhan’s production warrant during earlier proceedings. Pradhan's attorney stated that he was unaware of the case pending against his client.
West Bengal bypolls emerge as battle for opposition space
West Bengal’s October 6 bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar have become a contest for the opposition space after the TMC split and loss of its original name and symbol. The Congress and Left seek to regain voters, while rival TMC factions compete for the party’s political inheritance, with BJP also in contention.
Democracy facing deep crisis in country under BJP rule: Bengal Congress chief
West Bengal Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar has accused the BJP government and Election Commission of undermining democracy, alleging repression of dissent and calling for opposition unity ahead of the October 6 Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls. His remarks come as Congress candidate Milan Pradhan remains in judicial custody in connection with cases linked to the 2007 Nandigram agitation.
Calcutta HC to hear Cong's Nandigram bypoll candidate's protection plea on September 22
The Calcutta High Court will hear Congress candidate Milan Pradhan's plea for protection. He seeks relief from coercive action in five additional criminal cases. Pradhan is already in judicial custody for five other registered cases. His arrest effectively ends his campaign for the Nandigram bypoll.
West Bengal: Mamata's Rejinagar bypoll candidate announces withdrawal from contest, retracts later
Rabiul Alam Chowdhury withdrew and then retracted his Rejinagar by-election candidacy. He cited harassment and symbol familiarity issues for his initial decision. Chowdhury later stated he would contest after police assured security and Mamata Banerjee intervened. Meanwhile, Nandigram candidate Sanchita Pradhan Dey withdrew her nomination after meeting Suvendu Adhikari. Banerjee then supported Congress's Nandigram nominee, who was later arrested.
Building demolished for enroaching government land while survey maps showed the property had all approvals; High court orders reconstruction, Rs 10 lakh compensation
Calcutta High Court found that authorities went beyond the government plots marked for encroachment removal and demolished a two-storey commercial building standing on the petitioners' private raiyati land. The court ordered reconstruction according to the sanctioned plan, free alternative accommodation until completion and Rs 10 lakh compensation in two instalments.
Election Commission yet to decide on TMC symbol dispute as West Bengal bypoll nominations close today
The Election Commission of India has not yet decided on the Trinamool Congress symbol row. Nominations for the West Bengal bypolls close today, September 16. The Election Commission will meet on September 17 to discuss the symbol dispute. Both Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata factions are contesting the October 6 bypolls. The bypolls are now set to turn into a five-cornered fight.
Suvendu Adhikari backs Hasirani Rath for record Nandigram bypoll win, puts minority voters to test
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari predicted a record victory for BJP candidate Hasirani Rath in Nandigram. He urged minority voters to support the BJP government in upcoming by-elections. Adhikari assured the people of Nandigram that all promises made would be fulfilled. The Chief Minister also pledged to withdraw false cases against BJP workers. He stated the government would work for the welfare and progress of West Bengal.
DRDO to set up new missile testing range in West Bengal’s Junput
India's DRDO plans a new weapons and missile testing range at Junput in West Bengal. This facility will supplement the existing Integrated Test Range in Odisha's Chandipur. The proposed range aims to expand India's defense testing capacity along the eastern coast. Officials confirm the project is moving forward after a previous delay. The Junput range will become another major hub for DRDO's development efforts.
Suvendu Adhikari eyes Ambani meeting, BRICS dinner as West Bengal steps up investment push
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will attend a BRICS Summit dinner and meet Mukesh Ambani. He will also inaugurate the Adani Group's new hospital project near Kolkata. The state government is actively seeking major corporate investments for development. A defence project at Junput is also being pursued by the government. The completed Haldia Petrochemicals expansion is ready for inauguration soon.
Rotten food, rats, cockroaches and even wall paint in biryani: 40 Kolkata restaurants and sweet shops lose licences ahead of festive season
Kolkata food safety drive: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation suspended the food licences of 40 establishments after inspections revealed several hygiene violations. Rotten food, cockroaches and rats were found at several establishments during the drive. Officials also destroyed more than 1,200 kg of non-conforming food items. The licence suspensions are temporary and will initially remain in place for two weeks. Similar food safety drives were also conducted across West Bengal.
Nandigram, Rejinagar to vote on October 6 in West Bengal bypolls
The Election Commission announced bye-polls for Nandigram and Rejinagar seats on October sixth. These elections are necessitated by the resignations of Suvendu Adhikari and Humayun Kabir. The poll process begins with a gazette notification on September ninth. Candidates can file and withdraw nominations until September nineteenth. The entire election process will be completed by October eleventh.
TMC's 'dissident' MPs Dev, Maliah attend Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari's administrative meeting
TMC dissident MPs June Maliah and Deepak Adhikari attended a West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari administrative meeting. This follows a split in the TMC parliamentary unit. Keshpur MLA Siuli Saha also attended the meeting. Opposition representatives attending such meetings signals real change. The state government will focus on flood plans.
Cyclone Mocha: Disaster Management personnel on high alert in Bengal's Purba Medinipur & South 24 Parganas district
Disaster Management Force personnel were on high alert along the coastal areas of Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal as Cyclone Mocha developed into a severe cyclonic storm and is likely to hit the coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar on Sunday, an official said. Seven groups of NDRF personnel including divers were deployed in Digha-Mandarmani coastal areas in Purba Medinipur district as the sea turned choppy, the official said.
Bengal first phase polls: 2 security personnel injured in bombing, firing in Purba Medinipur
Speaking to ANI, Anup Chakraborty, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) district president, Purba Medinipur, alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) was spreading terror.
Director Security, SP suspended, DM removed over Nandigram incident involving Mamata Banerjee
The decisions come following a meeting of the EC over the report submitted by West Bengal chief secretary and the joint report by special general observers Ajay Nayak and Vivek Dube over the incident that happened on March 10, an official statement said.
Two poll observers arrive in West Bengal district to oversee preparedness
Special Observer Ajay Nayak and Special Police Observer Vivek Dubey are scheduled to hold meetings with district magistrates, SPs, polling officials of Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram districts, he said.
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