Tension flares as BJP workers reach BLO workers protest site outside Bengal CEO's office
KOLKATA: High drama unfolded as a group of BJP workers came face to face with protesting members of a booth-level officers' forum in front of the West Bengal CEO's office here around midnight, while a police force stood as a barrier between the two groups, a senior officer said on Tuesday. Several members of the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee were on a sit-in outside the CEO's office since the afternoon hours on Monday, alleging excessive work pressure and unmanageable workload during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Matters came to a head when around 50 BJP activists led by KMC Councillor Sajal Ghosh arrived at the spot at 11 pm, shouting slogans against TMC's alleged bid to stall the SIR exercise by intimidating the Election Commission officials who were confined in the CEO's office. The situation turned volatile when the protesting BLOs raised counter-slogans, accusing the BJP of working in collusion with the Election Commission to delete names of genuine voters in West Bengal. They also alleged that the BJP activists were rying to terrorise and provoke the peacefully demonstrating BLOs who only wanted an audience with the CEO. The protesters are not BLOs. They are leaders of TMC-backed organisations, Ghosh claimed. The BLO forum members dismissed the allegation. As the two groups traded barbs in front of mediapersons, a strong police force led by DC Central Indira Mukherjee stood between the warring sides to soothe frayed tempers. West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal - who was confined due to the sit-in by the BLOs - left his office around 11.40 pm. He refused to comment on the late-night development, but tension subsided as he and other EC officials were escorted by the police to their residences. Ghosh and his party men announced that they would leave the place as the CEO and others boarded vehicles in the presence of the police. As asked by our top leadership, we are now leaving the area. Our immediate objective was to see that the CEO and other officials are not harassed by the Trinamool Congress. Since they have managed to leave, we don't wish to stay back here any more. The TMC got a befitting reply to its sinister campaign to harass the CEO, Ghosh said. Earlier, members of the booth-level officers' platform engaged in altercations with the police while attempting to enter the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office here during a demonstration. The BLO protesters went on a march from College Square to the CEO's office in central Kolkata on Monday afternoon. At least three BLOs in West Bengal have died by suicide over alleged inhuman work pressure during the door-to-door enumeration form distribution and collection process.
Tensions erupt at West Bengal Election Commission Office over SIR dispute
Dec 14 rally against vote theft a pure Congress show
NEW DELHI: INDIA bloc constituents will not take part in the December 14 rally being organised by the Congress to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI)s alleged vote theft. Party leaders insist that it will be a purely Congress affair and the decision to go solo was firmed up at the AICC review meeting early last week. A senior Congress leader told this newspaper that the rally at Ramlila Maidan would be completely a Congress show aimed at conveying that the party has consistently been at the forefront of exposing irregularities in the electoral process. We have been campaigning on this issue for months and has collected five crore signatures from across the country against vote chori. The party has invested its organisational strength on the matter. This protest is specifically our initiative, the leader said, adding that the party is expecting a huge turnout driven by state units that have been asked to mobilise workers from constituencies where alleged irregularities have surfaced. According to sources, the decision was finalised during the AICC review meeting chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with key office-bearers from 12 states and Union Territories (UT), where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls is underway. The meeting was attended by former party president Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretaries, state unit chiefs, Congress Legislature Party leaders and secretaries of 12 states and UTs where the SIR is underway. The states and UTs are Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to polls in 2026. Phase 2 of the SIR exercise began on November 4 and will continue till December 4. The party has alleged that the EC is now a blatantly partisan player that is completely destroying the very concept of a level-playing field for all political parties. After the EC rolled out the second phase of the SIR on October 27, opposition-ruled states Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala have escalated their objections to the ECs move by seeking legal options. Despite being a key constituent of the INDIA bloc and a primary opposition party, the Congress had not convened a joint meeting or crafted a coordinated strategy with its alliance partners on the SIR issue until now. On Sunday, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the EC, linking the ongoing SIR directly to the deaths of 16 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) over nearly three weeks. Gandhi alleged that the ECs rushed, paperwork-heavy process is a deliberate ploy to harass citizens and enable voter fraud. Decision finalised during AICC review meeting According to sources, the decision was finalised during the AICC review meeting chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with key office-bearers from 12 states and Union Territories (UT). The meeting was attended by former party president Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretaries, state unit chiefs, Congress Legislature Party leaders and secretaries of 12 states and UTs where the SIR is underway.
Modi to kickstart Mission Bengal with public rally
NEW DELHI/KOLKATA : The BJP has shifted its attention from what its leaders are calling Fateh Bihar to an ambitious Mission Bengal, but insiders admit that West Bengal will be far more challenging than Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may kick off the poll campaign in the second week of December, followed by a strategy tour of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Modi may address a rally in Hooghlys Arambag on December 13 or 14, followed by Bhagwats six-day tour beginning December 18. Hindu organisations will also hold a Panch Lokkho Konthe Gita Path at the Brigade Parade Ground on December 7 to consolidate Hindu voters. Party functionaries said the demographic mix in several Bengal districts, even after the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, remains formidable and favourable for the ruling Trinamool Congress. The BJP has drawn up a fresh strategy for the 2026 Assembly polls. Bengal might not go the way Bihar did because caste dynamics dont play the same role here, a senior functionary said. He added that the BJPs focus would be on consolidating Hindu voters who are less outspoken even after being subjected to exploitation by rowdy elements of a particular community enjoying government patronage. The state has been divided into 56 organisational zones, each monitored by senior leaders from outside Bengal. The party is spotlighting alleged law-and-order failures and Jungle-Raj under TMC, echoing its Bihar campaign. With women and youth, we will take the same approach that helped us in Bihar, a BJP leader said, citing the Prime Ministers recent assertion that Bengal bhi mukt hoga Jungle-raj se jald. As the SIR continues, the party expects large deletions of dead and bogus voters, which it claims will reduce the TMCs advantage. The BJP has set up more than 71,000 booth committees and brought in leaders such as Bhupender Yadav, Biplab Deb, Amit Malviya and Sunil Bansal to strengthen ground operations.
West Bengal CEO meets telecom service providers over internet connectivity issues among BLOs
This comes in the wake of a section of BLOs raising concerns around the unavailability of high-speed internet necessary for the digitisation process of enumeration forms
BJP flags threats to officials conducting SIR in West Bengal, Jharkhand
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that Jharkhand Minister allegedly said that any booth-level officer of the Election Commission who comes to gather information from people should be taken hostage
PM Modi vs Mamata Banerjee: BJP's Kaleidoscopic Strategy In The Bengal Battlefield
As the sun sets on the electoral battle in Bihar, the BJP - which appears to have perfected the art of anticipation - has started laying the groundwork for its next big performance: the West Bengal assembly elections of 2026.
BJP to deploy 'Bihar model' for West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu elections
Following its Bihar victory, the BJP is focusing on upcoming elections in West Bengal and Assam. The party plans to use the successful strategies from Bihar. A dinner meeting is scheduled for November 26 to review the Bihar campaign and prepare a roadmap. Key leaders will discuss booth management and outreach for Bengal and Assam.
As BLOs protest, Bengal CEO says no one has been suspended
Booth-level officers in West Bengal protested against demanding work pressure during electoral roll revision. Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal acknowledged their hard work and assured action on reported issues. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the CEO's proposal for hiring data entry operators and setting up polling booths in private complexes. The Special Intensive Revision process is ongoing.
Modi To Begin BJP Campaign in Poll-bound West Bengal Next Month
It might be recalled that the Prime Minister had sent a message to the BJPs workers and supporters in West Bengal while delivering his thanksgiving speech on the Bihar poll results when he said that the Ganga flows through Bihar and reaches Bengal I also congratulate the brothers and sisters of Bengal. Now together with you, the BJP will uproot jungle raj from West Bengal as well. In Bihar, jungle raj (misgovernance) during the RJD era was the main poll plank of the NDA
West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya has strongly criticized the Mamata Banerjee government. He highlighted concerns over law and order and border security. Bhattacharya stated that the people of West Bengal will end what he termed the 'Maha Jungle Raj'. He asserted that no force can help the Trinamool Congress retain power for a third term.
West Bengal CM writes to CEC asking whether initiatives taken are at the behest of a political party
This is the second letter addressed by the Trinamool Congress chairperson to CEC; in her letter dated November 20, Ms. Banerjee had urged CEC Gyanesh Kumar to halt the SIR pointing out that the human cost of the management of the exercise has turned unbearable
WBSSC SLST Result 2025 declared: Check direct link, steps to download and next process
WBSSC SLST 2025 result declared: The West Bengal School Service Commission has announced the SLST Result for Class IX-X. Candidates can check their scores and download scorecards online. The examination aimed to fill thousands of Assistant Teacher vacancies. Shortlisted candidates will undergo document verification and interviews. Counselling for selected candidates will commence soon, offering choices for subject and posting.
West Bengal Election 2026: Will Mamata Banerjee launch new scheme like Nitish Kumar did in Bihar?
After Nitish Kumar's surprise win backed by women voters, speculation grows on whether Mamata Banerjee will launch a new scheme ahead of the 2026 West Bengal election. Here's a look at her key women-centric programmes.
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Monday protesting the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwals proposal to set up polling booths inside private housing complexes. The CEO has sent proposals to the state government and directed all district magistrates, who are district electoral officers (DEOs) across the state on the matter. Agarwal has asked the DEOs not to engage the contractual Data Entry Operators and Bangla Sahayata Kendra staff for SIR-related or other election-related data work. When district offices already have a substantial number of competent professionals performing such functions, what necessities the CEOs office initiative to outsource the same work through an external agency for full year? Traditionally, field offices have always hired their own contractual data entry personnel as per requirement. If there is an urgent need, DEOs are fully empowered to undertake such hiring themselves, Mamata raised questions through the letter. Is this the exercise being undertaken at the behest of a political party to serve vested interests? she questioned indicating the CEO and opposition BJP. The Chief Minister, protesting the CEOs move to set up polling booths inside private housing complexes stated, The proposal is deeply problematic. Polling stations have always been-and must remain-located in government or semi-government institutions, preferably within a 2 km radius, to ensure accessibility and neutrality. Private buildings are typically avoided for clear reasons: They compromise fairness, violate established rooms and create discriminatory distinctions between privileged residents and the general public-the haves and have-nots. Why is such a move being contemplated at all? Again, is this being done under pressure from a political party to advance their partisan interests? she wrote in the letter. Why? Why? Why? she questioned the CEC. Its learnt that the ECI has already written to several housing societies in north Kolkata to set up booths on their premises. These booths will be exclusively for residents of societies with over 300 voters. After the incident of the BLOs deaths by suicide in Bardhaman and Jalpaiguri districts last week, Mamata came down heavily on the ECI alleging that precious lives are lost due work pressure and stress generated by the SIR process in the state. She urged the commission to immediately halt this unplanned drive before more lives are lost. BJP leaders alleged that the Chief Minister is fearing her partys fate in the coming assembly polls next year in the state and thats why she is involving saffron camp in connection with CEOs proposals.
BLOs hold protest outside West Bengal CEO's office over 'excessive' work pressure
Booth-level officers in West Bengal clashed with police during a protest against excessive work pressure during the SIR process. A delegation submitted grievances to the Chief Electoral Officer's deputy, leading to an impromptu sit-in and their removal by authorities. The BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee alleges intense workloads, sickness, and suicides due to stress, demanding intervention.
ECI should protect BLOs, safeguard voters' rights: TMC MP
TMC has been vocal in its criticism of the poll panel over reported incidents of death of Booth Level Officers (BLO), particularly in West Bengal
Mamata Banerjee writes to CEC, seeks his intervention into two recent issues
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar seeking urgent intervention over two issues: a bar on hiring contractual data staff by district election officers and a proposal to set up polling booths inside private residential complexes, which she alleged could serve partisan interests.
KOLKATA: Rattled by complaints of alleged negligence in supervising the filling up of enumeration forms during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in the state has decided to engage electoral roll observers (ERO) to prevent manipulations in the exercise. Sources said senior government officers will be appointed as EROs to keep watch on a section of booth level officers (BLOs) who are the backbone of the ongoing SIR process in the state. The CEO office took the unheard-of move after issuing show-cause notices to seven BLOs in Kolkatas Beliaghata constituency over alleged lapses in the digitisation of SIR enumeration forms. According to the sources, the complaint pertains to incomplete or incorrect digitisation of voter data collected during the ongoing revision exercise. The BLOs have been asked to explain why the assigned work was not carried out properly. Disciplinary action may follow if their responses are found inadequate. The Election Commission is currently conducting the second phase of the SIR exercise across 12 states and Union Territories including West Bengal, which goes to the polls early next year. The revision process began on 4 November and will continue until 4 December. The draft electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on 9 December, while the final rolls will be released on 7 February. Earlier this month, the opposition BJP had written a letter to the CEO, alleging appointment of BLOs affiliated to the ruling Trinamool Congress in Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district. Lock BLOs inside your house, don't let them delete names from voter list: Jharkhand minister on SIR The party alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress' activists or their spouses have been appointed as BLOs to give the party electoral benefits in the 2026 assembly polls in the state. Despite drawing attention of respective district magistrates as well district electoral officers (DEOs) the improper appointment of BLOs continues. In most cases the incumbent BLO is directly a TMC activist/worker or linked through his/her spouse, stated a complaint lodged by the BJP with the Election Commission of India (ECI). With the enumeration phase of the SIR just days away, complaints regarding the wrong appointment of BLOs continue, which will vitiate the process. Since West Bengal will be poll-bound in a few months, there will not be any chance to correct the wrong done by the BLOs who clearly have a party affiliation, the BJP claimed. On the other hand, BLOs belonging to a newly-floated platform BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee backed by the Trinamool Congress staged a march on Monday afternoon in the city protesting what it describes as excessive workload and systemic lapses in the exercise. The march, which started from Sealdah area around 12.30 pm, reached the CEO office at BBD Bag around 2 pm and staged a protest demanding extension of the deadline for digitisation of enumeration forms. The agitating BLOs alleged that the national poll body is working as a BJP agent. Two BLOs have died by suicide triggered by SIR-related work pressure and another succumbed to a cerebral attack since 9 November in the state. Hours after BLO Rinku Tarafdar, a 53-year-old para teacher of a local school in Krishnagar in Nadia district, died by suicide on Thursday, chief minister Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the Election Commission of India (ECI), asking how many more BLOs must die under the SIR drive. Struggling to counter Opposition attack, BJP launches SIR training for cadre
BLOs hold protest outside Bengal CEOs office over excessive work pressure under SIR
Kolkata: Booth-level officers, engaged in the ongoing SIR process in West Bengal, scuffled with police personnel on Monday while trying to enter the CEOs office here during a demonstration to protest against alleged excessive work pressure, a senior officer said. Members of the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee took out the procession from College Square in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed alarm to the Election Commission over two disturbing developments concerning the state's election machinery. She questioned the outsourcing of data entry work by the Chief Electoral Officer and the proposal to set up polling booths in private housing complexes, citing concerns about fairness and potential political influence.
'End of an era': PM Modi, Bollywood and fans mourn death of veteran actor Dharmendra
Politicians, actors and fans across the country are mourning the death of veteran actor Dharmendra , affectionately known as Bollywoods He-Man and Dharam Paaji. Prime Minister Modi described the actors passing as the end of an era in Indian cinema and expressed his condolences to Dharmendras family, friends, and fans. The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he portrayed diverse roles struck a chord with countless people, Modi wrote, adding that the actor will always be admired for his simplicity, humility, and warmth. Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 89. The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025 Dharmendra left a deep impression with his unparalleled acting, simple life: Kharge Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condoled the passing away of Bollywood actor Dharmendra, saying the Indian film industry has lost a precious star who ruled over the hearts of cinema lovers for decades. The Indian film world has lost a precious star today. The renowned actor Dharmendra is no longer with us. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, Dharmendra reigned over the hearts of cinema lovers for decades and left a deep impression with his unparalleled acting and simple life, Kharge said in a post in Hindi on X. He said his passing away marks the end of an era. In this hour of grief, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and millions of fans. May God grant peace to his soul, the Congress president said. 2012 , pic.twitter.com/Ys1lIHx2LY Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 24, 2025 His immense contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations - Mamata Banerjee West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expressed sorrow over the actors demise, saying she was deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor-hero. She added that his immense contribution to Indian cinema would continue to inspire generations. Deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary actor-hero Dharmendra ji today in Mumbai. His immense contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, fraternity, fans and followers. Hema Malini ji, his sons and Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 24, 2025 There is a gaping hole in the industry a space that can never be filled by anyone - Karan Johar Filmmaker Karan Johar took to his Instagram account to offer his condolences. He directed Dharmendras last film, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani . Remembering the actors warmth, love, and positivity, Karan said the loss leaves a void in Bollywood that no one can ever fill. Today, there is a gaping hole in our industry a space that can never be filled by anyone. There will always be the one and only Dharamji. We love you, kind sir. We will miss you so much. The heavens are blessed today. It will always be my blessing to have worked with you, and my heart says -with respect, reverence, and love, Karan wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) The OG of the Good Man is gone - Actress Kajol Actress Kajol posted a photo of Dharmendra with her son and penned a heartfelt message on Instagram. The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always. RIP Dharamji with love always. Kajol had worked with Dharmendra in the films Jab Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya and Taaqat . View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) Weve lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema: Ajay Devgn Bollywood star Ajay Devgn took to Instagram to pay tribute to the veteran actor. Heartbroken to hear about Dharam ji. His warmth, generosity, and presence inspired generations of artists. The industry has lost a legend and weve lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema. Rest in peace, Dharam ji, he wrote. Dharmendra began his film journey with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960. He later shared the screen with Amitabh Bachchan in the commercially and critically acclaimed Sholay , a film that redefined Indian cinema and popularised the dacoit western genre. Over the years, he delivered memorable performances in several hits such as Yaadon Ki Baarat , Mera Gaon Mera Desh , Naukar Biwi Ka , Phool Aur Patthar , Betaab , and Ghayal , among many others. Dharmendra is survived by his wife Hema Malini and his children - actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, and Ahana Deol, as well as Ajeeta and Vijeta.
KOLKATA: On a day the West Bengal School Service Commission is scheduled to publish the SLST results for recruitment of teachers to classes 9-10, two groups of job aspirants held separate protest marches here on Monday over illegal mark allotment and recruitment delays, reflecting persisting unrest in the state's school education sector. Thousands of fresh SSC aspirants to classes 11 and 12 took out a march from the Sealdah Station in north Kolkata, breached multiple police barricades and clashed with personnel in uniform to reach the Esplanade area of central Kolkata, their destination. The unrest broke out after police denied permission to protesters to march along their planned route to the Y-channel in Esplanade and tried to divert them to the Ramleela Maidan on CIT Road instead, which the protesters refused to accept. Till reports last received, the agitating aspirants were holding a sit-in at the Esplanade crossing, throwing traffic along the arterial intersection out of gear. The new aspirants demanded scrapping of the 'experience'-based 10 marks granted to previously appointed teachers whose panel was cancelled by the court in the jobs scam case, public display of all OMR sheets, and creation of one lakh additional teaching posts. We will continue our agitation against the unlawful 10 marks. We worked day and night doing tuition to pay for the exam application fee, and now we are not eligible despite securing full marks, a protester said. The provision of 10 extra marks for experience to former teachers whose appointments were annulled has emerged as a major point of contention among new candidates and has been challenged before both the Supreme Court as well as the Calcutta High Court. In a separate mobilisation, hundreds of candidates from the 2016 Upper Primary batch marched from the Karunamoyee crossing in Salt Lake to Bikash Bhaban, the state education department headquarters, demanding completion of the long-pending appointment process. Though results were declared nearly a decade ago and a court had directed recruitment of 14,052 candidates, appointments of 1,241 qualified aspirants remain stalled despite completing all formalities, including interviews, the protesters alleged, while holding a sit-in near Central Park in Salt Lake. The protesters claimed that counselling he final step before appointment had not been conducted despite a Supreme Court upheld directive that set November 20 as the deadline. It is contempt of the Supreme Court order. Despite the deadline, we are being pushed back and forth between authorities. The chairman asks us to go to Bikash Bhavan for vacancy matching, and officials there direct us back to the chairman, a protester said.
BLO platform holds protest rally in Kolkata in demand of immediate stoppage of SIR in West Bengal
The platform claimed that the poll panel had not taken necessary steps to ease their workload and burdened them with digitization without training despite repeated requests, during the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls. The SIR started in Bengal on November 4.
PM Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to visit West Bengal ahead of 2026 Assembly polls
KOLKATA: Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls, Prime Minister PM Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat are likely to attend separate programmes to kick off election campaigns for BJP in the state. The Bengal BJP unit has already approached the state administration seeking clearance for a rally in Arambag of Hooghly district on 13 or 14 December. The Bengal leadership of the saffron camp held a meeting in Kolkata last week where the PMs visit to the state to attend the proposed election rally in Arambag was discussed. Besides the PM, heavyweights like Amit Shah, JP Nadda and others may also be called to address several rallies of the party in the state during December and January, according to the insiders of the party. Requesting anonymity, insiders said, The date of the Arambag programme will be finalised soon after the PMO clears their proposal. The union home minister Amit Shah is also expected to attend a programme in Kolkata in end-December. It will be a mega beginning for our party workers ahead of polls if leaders like Modiji and Amitji attend first two or three rallies separately in a row. In order to consolidate Hindu votes in poll-bound Bengal with 70 percent Hindu vote banks, RSS has outlined its plans at the backdrop against its ongoing centenary celebration programmes across the country. The RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat likely to visit the state for around six days from 18 December, hardly four days after Modi attends the Arambag rally. Bhagwat may attend programmes in Siliguri in northern part of the state, on 18 and 19 December. He is also expected to interact with intelligentsia in Kolkata at Science City auditorium on either 20 or 21 December. He has already attended such programmes meeting the intellectual community in Delhi and Mumbai. Besides Bhagwats visit, three Hindu organisations will also organise Panch Lokkho konthe Geeta Path event at the historic Brigade Parade Ground on December 7 where five lakh people will chant verses from the Bhagavada Gita. The same programme organised by the Hindu organisations was also held at the same venue in 2023. Sources said that the RSS would be there behind programme though it is organised by the Hindu bodies in papers. Observers felt that the main agenda of these events starting from RSS chiefs Bengal visits and Panch Lokkho konthe Geeta Path is to woo Hindu voters in favour of the BJP in the forthcoming elections in the state. The BJP had around 39 percent vote share in previous elections, while the ruling Trinamool Congress had retained around 46 percent. BJP plans to increases its vote percentage by a maximum of 6-7% , relying heavily on the Hindu vote bank amidst the ongoing Special intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The BJP leadership claims that there will be a huge deletion of around one crore dead and bogus voters in the list leading a electoral loss for the ruling party in the state.
Chartered Accountant Found Dead In Kolkata Hotel Room, 2 Arrested
Two people have been arrested after a man was found dead inside his room at a hotel in West Bengal's Kasba area in South 24 Parganas district.
SIR in Bengal: BLOs to hold march on Monday to protest against work pressure
Kolkata: An organisation of booth-level officers engaged in the ongoing SIR process in West Bengal is scheduled to hold a march here on Monday to protest against the alleged excessive work pressure and systemic lapses in the exercise. Members of the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee planned to submit a representation to the Election Commission, a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
I Am Now In Fear: BLO Alleges Threat Over Dispute In Filling Up Voter's SIR Form In West Bengal
A BLO in North 24 Parganas was threatened by TMC worker Jamirul Islam Molla over a voter form dispute. Molla was arrested after the BLO filed complaints.
Woman pushed off train while resisting snatchers in West Bengal
Kolkata: A woman passenger was seriously injured after she was allegedly pushed off the HowrahPuri Dhauli Express near Kolaghat in West Bengals Purba Medinipur district on Sunday while resisting a snatching attempt, a district police official said. Two snatchers were later arrested by the villagers and handed over to the railway police. Also ReadBurdened by Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Allay fears of people over SIR, West Bengal Governor tells ECI and State government
Ananda Boses call comes amid the BJPs allegation of change of demography in border districts due to infiltration from Bangladesh and the Trinamool Congresss charge that 100-150 voters are being deleted from every booth at the behest of one political party
Attempt to build mosque in name of Babur will meet Ayodhya-like fate: Uma Bharti
Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti issued a strong warning regarding the construction of mosques. She stated that any mosque built in the name of Mughal emperor Babur will meet the same fate as the structure in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. Bharti urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take action against such proposals.
NEW DELHI: Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) have given standing instructions to ensure the welfare of government employees working under their administrative supervision, sources in the Election Commission of India (ECI) said. The clarification comes amid growing uproar over a number of deaths and suicides among Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in states where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is under way. They said that in line with the instructions issued to them, the CEOs are looking into the cases of reported deaths and seeking detailed reports from the respective District Collectors while investigating the cases. The sources said, the question of SIR work-related pressure should not be there, as each of the BLOs is given responsibility of distributing and collecting enumeration forms not more than 1,000, as for nearly 51 crore voters, there are five lakh BLOs in the field. However, since cases of deaths and suicides are being reported from West Bengal, Kerala, Gujarat and Rajastan, the CEOs and the District Returning Officers (DROs) are made responsible to ensure welfare of government employees working under their supervision, the sources said. During the past few days, cases of several deaths have been reported from different states. Ruling parties in the opposition-ruled states have demanded postponement of the exercise, as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharde termed the SIR as an imposed oppression and a deliberate ploy under which citizens are being harassed, which is reminiscent of demonetisation and the COVID-19 lockdown. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that chaos has been created across the country in the name of the SIR of electoral rolls. The result? Sixteen BLOs have lost their lives in three weeks. Heart attacks, stress, suicide - SIR is not a reform, it is an imposed oppression, he said in a post in Hindi on X. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shot off a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar recently urging him to take immediate corrective measures to prevent loss of lives owing to SIR-related stress and work pressure. Now, I am compelled to write to you as the situation surrounding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has reached a deeply alarming stage. The manner in which this exercise is being forced upon officials and citizens, it is not only unplanned and chaotic, but also dangerous, the West Bengal CMO told the CEC in the letter. Hasty SIR implementation reminiscent of demonetisation and Covid lockdown, says Congress on BLO deaths
Rebel TMC MLA vows to lay foundation stone for Babri Masjid in West Bengal's Murshidabad
KOLKATA: Rebel Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir is all set to lay the foundation stone for a Babri Masjid in Beldanga, Murshidabad district, a political hotbed with around 70% minority vote share in West Bengal, on December 6, the 33rd anniversary of the demolition of the historic mosque in Ayodhya in 1992. The move has prompted the BJP to allege that it is a sinister move of the ruling party in the state for electoral benefit ahead of the assembly elections scheduled in AprilMay next year. Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, along with her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, the partys national general secretary, is scheduled to lead a peace march in Kolkata on the same day. Humayun, MLA from Bharatpur constituency in Murshidabad, will head the foundation stone ceremony for the project, estimated at around Rs 125 crore, on 20 bighas of land in Beldanga. The project, which includes a Babri Masjid, a college, a hospital and a six-storied rest house, will come up on 20 bighas of land. I have already prepared invitation letters and will distribute them among dignitaries and guests, including political leaders from my own district, Murshidabad, only, to attend the programme on December 6, the MLA told the TNIE on Sunday. I dont need any approval from my party leadership for the initiative. I wont invite my party supremo or other leaders because they will be busy with another programme the same day in Kolkata. About a year ago, I announced the project to set up a Babri Masjid, and my party leadership is well aware of it. To avoid attending the programme, they have decided to participate in a peace march in the city, Humayun said. He added that the Muslim community across the country had assured him of financial support for the project, initiated by a trust the West Bengal Islamic Foundation of India where he serves as general secretary. Around 10% non-Muslims, mainly Hindus, will be part of the trust, he said. Humayuns move to set up the mosque has triggered a major political row in Bengal. Political analyst Prof Biswanath Chakraborty said, Murshidabad district has 70% Muslims, and Humayun Kabir knows their socio-economic problems. To mobilise vote banks ahead of the assembly polls, he has decided to set up the masjid in his home district. It is too early to comment on its political impact in the coming months until the project progresses and he makes any political decision. Rahul Sinha, veteran BJP leader and former state party president, said, He has been using such tactics to create pressure politics because he has been sidelined in the party for long. We are conveying messages to the general Muslim community, asking them to know their MLA like Humayun Kabir, who has been doing politics with mosques. TMC leaders, especially MLA Humayun Kabir, are known for the politics of hatred. He does politics purely for appeasement. He is intentionally creating communal tension in Bengal, Sinha added. The Bengal Imam Association (BIA) has also strongly opposed Humayuns move. He should clarify his political stand first. What was he doing when he was in the BJP and supported the partys communal agendas? While staying with the saffron camp, he was silent about the mosque. Now he is doing politics with Muslims for his personal gain, said Md Yahiya, chairman of the BIA. The chief minister, who is also the Trinamool Congress supremo, should immediately take action against him and stop the project. What is the necessity of setting up a mosque 33 years after the Babri Masjid demolition? he added. The Trinamool Congress has earlier suspended Humayun on several occasions for anti-party activities, particularly when he joined the BJP in 2019 for about two years. He later returned to the ruling party and was elected MLA from Bharatpur in the 2021 assembly polls.
Reacting to the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in several states, the Congress on Sunday alleged that the hasty implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is similar to the chaos seen during demonetisation and the COVID-19 lockdown. He said that the mounting workload associated with the SIR exercise is driving BLOs and polling officers to suicide. Citing a media report that 16 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have died in just 19 days, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the BJPs vote chori has now taken a deadly turn. Kharge expressed condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Based on ground reality, this number is far higher than reported, which is extremely worrying. Who will provide justice to these families? Kharge said in his post. The BJP is busy enjoying the fruits of stolen power, while the Election Commission is watching as a mute spectator. The hasty, unplanned, forced implementation of SIR is reminiscent of demonetization and the COVID-19 lockdown, he added. Kharge further alleged that the BJPs hunger for power is driving institutions to forced suicides, shredding of the Constitution, and weakening of democracy. Enough now!! If we still don't wake up, no one can save the last pillars of democracy from collapsing. Those who remain silent on SIR and vote theft are culpable in the deaths of these innocent BLOs. Raise your voice, save democracy!! Kharge said. BLO Polling Officers , , , pic.twitter.com/MTuPaOS6IQ Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 23, 2025 A female BLO assistant collapsed and died on duty at a Gujarat school on Saturday (November 22). Another Booth Level Officer (BLO), Arvind Mulji Vadher , died by suicide in Gujarat on Friday(November 21). He left a suicide note that directly blamed the crushing workload of SIR (Special Intensive Revision) and rising mental stress. His suicide note, written to his wife, read: I cant do this SIR work anymore I have been feeling constantly tired and mentally stressed for the last few days. Take care of yourself and our son. I love you both very much but now I have no choice but to take this final step. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.) One more BLO dies by suicide in West Bengal, family alleges SIR-related stress
SIR Sparks Reverse Migration as Undocumented Bangladeshis Queue to Return Home
At West Bengals Hakimpur border, fears over document verification drive a surge in departures amid political tension
In a surprising turn, undocumented Bangladeshi migrants are making their way back from West Bengal, driven by the anxiety surrounding the new Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Families are forming long lines at border posts, eager to return to their roots before the threat of detention looms larger.
ED recovers Rs 14 crore during raids at 44 locations in Jharkhand, West Bengal over coal scam
RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized cash and jewellery worth over Rs 14 crore during extensive raids carried out across Jharkhand and West Bengal on November 21, as part of a probe into an alleged illegal coal mining and smuggling network operating across the two states. According to an official statement, the searches were conducted under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and targeted individuals and entities suspected of participating in a longstanding coal theft, transportation, and sale racket. Officials also recovered several property deeds linked to the alleged syndicate, documents related to land dealings, digital devices, and books of accounts belonging to companies reportedly controlled by the accused. In Jharkhand, raids were carried out at 20 locations in Dhanbad and Dumka, covering premises associated with Lal Bahadur Singh, Anil Goyal, Sanjay Khemka, Amar Mondal, and others. In West Bengal, ED teams searched 24 locations across Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata, including residences, offices, illegal toll booths, and coke plants tied to individuals such as Narendra Kharka, Krishna Murari Kayal, Yudhishthir Ghosh, Raj Kishore Yadav, Lokesh Singh, Chinmay Mondal, and Nirad Baran Mondal. More than 100 ED officers, supported by CRPF personnel, were involved in the coordinated operation. The crackdown follows multiple FIRs registered by police in both states, which allege that a wide network has been moving coal from Jharkhand into West Bengal using forged or invalid documents. Diaries, registers, seized documents, and digital data, according to ED officials, have corroborated claims of a large illegal supply chain and hinted at the involvement of local authorities. Register entries detailing illegal cash collections and beneficiary lists were also recovered, offering investigators key insights into the financial flow of the suspected racket. The ED said the syndicate was particularly active in border districts and generated huge proceeds of crime. The agency noted that scrutiny of the seized material is ongoing and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.
Illegal cough syrup trade: UP Police book 12 medical store owners
An FIR has been filed against twelve medical store owners and two individuals in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. They are accused of running a large illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup. Over 37 lakh bottles worth Rs 57 crore were allegedly sold using forged documents. The syrup was smuggled to Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
50,000 votes per seat: Akhilesh Yadavs big charge against EC, BJP; claims SIR to target UP, Bengal
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the Election Commission and BJP of colluding to remove over 50,000 votes in constituencies won by INDIA bloc parties during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He alleged this targeted political preparation, using the Special Intensive Revision exercise, is focused on Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. And urged citizens to verify their voter enrollment.
Two booth level officers engaged in SIR die in Madhya Pradesh, kin blame work pressure
BHOPAL: Two government teachers working as booth level officers under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls have died in two separate districts of Madhya Pradesh over the last 24 hours. The two have been identified as Ramakant Pandey and Sitaram Gond. While the authorities claimed that the two BLOs died due to health related issues, the bereaved families alleged that it was due to unbearable work pressure and fear of being suspended for not achieving the daily targets. Confirming the death of Ramakant Pandey, a teacher-cum-BLO from Satlapur area, who was assigned voter list revision task in Mandideep area, the sub divisional officer (SDO) and electoral registration officer of Raisens Bhojpur assembly segment Chandrashekhar Srivastava reportedly said that Pandey died on Friday night due to some illness. We are awaiting the autopsy, which will make the cause of death clear. Pandeys widow Rekha and other family members, however, alleged that excessive work pressure, including working late at nights, repeated orders to achieve unrealistic targets and fear of being suspended for dereliction of duty if the targets werent met, caused the death of the middle-aged teacher, who was posted at Tilakhedi primary school. Around 220 km away, in Damoh district, another middle-aged school teacher Sitaram Gond, who was tasked with enumeration duties in Ranjra and Kuda Kudan villages, suddenly fell ill on Thursday while getting the enumeration forms filled. He was first taken to the Damoh district hospital, but later referred by doctors to Jabalpur for advanced treatment in serious condition, where he breathed last during treatment on Friday night, an education department official said. The deceased teachers close relatives and friends claimed that he was under severe work pressure. He had only managed to complete 10-15% of work in the two villages assigned to him. Vadodara BLO assistant dies on duty amid rising SIR workload concerns; four deaths in four days across Gujarat Earlier, on Wednesday, another teacher-cum-BLO identified as Bhuwan Singh Chouhan, had died at his home in Alirajpur district, after slipping from the stairs in his house. He left behind his widow and eight children, only two of whom are married. While recounting his suspension for dereliction of duties on Tuesday, elder daughter Sangita and son Anil alleged that the stress after being suspended caused the death. His brother-in-law, who too is a teacher-cum-BLO, said, Unrealistic verbal targets have been set for us, completing enumeration of 100 voters in a single day. A large part of the population works as migrant labourers in the adjoining Gujarat, so its becoming difficult to track them and get the enumeration work done. Bhuwan Singh was suspended for not attending the training. How can he attend training while he was in the field to achieve the unwritten targets of completing enumeration tasks with 100 voters daily? He was under severe stress due to suspension and subsequent attachment to Ranapur tehsil in adjoining Jhabua district, which could have caused the killer mishap. According to SDM-Jhabua district Bhaskar Gachle, Bhuwan was suspended on the basis of a report by Nayab Tehsildar-Bori about the concerned BLO not doing the enumeration work properly. Prior to this, on November 11, a 50-year-old teacher-cum-BLO Udaybhan Sihare had allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a noose tied to a ventilator in the washroom of a primary school in Pandokhar of Datia district. My brother neither knew how to drive a motorcycle, nor did he know how to properly operate a mobile phone. He was unable to do the SIR related work properly and was under severe stress, owing to the fear of getting suspended. It perhaps provoked him to take the extreme step, the deceased teacher-cum-BLOs brother Dharmendra Sihare said. One more BLO dies by suicide in West Bengal, family alleges SIR-related stress
BLO in West Bengal dies by suicide; SIR work pressure alleged
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) in West Bengal's Nadia district allegedly committed suicide due to work pressure from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, blaming the Election Commission. This marks the third such death since SIR began, prompting shock from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and calls for investigation. BLOs report immense pressure from miscommunication, workload, and server issues.
Fresh TMCBJP clash erupts after another BLO suicide in poll-bound West Bengal
KOLKATA: Yet another Booth Level Officer (BLO) suicide in West Bengal has sparked a fresh TrinamoolBJP clash, heightening tensions ahead of next years Assembly elections. Hours after the death of BLO Rinku Tarafdar, a 53-year-old para teacher of a local school in Krishnagar in Nadia district on Saturday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee once again lashed out at the Election Commission of India (ECI), questioning how many more BLOs must die under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Profoundly shocked to know of the death of yet another BLO, a lady para-teacher, who has committed suicide at Krishnanagar today. BLO of part number 201 of AC 82 Chapra, Smt Rinku Tarafdar, has blamed ECI in her suicide note (copy is attached herewith) before committing suicide at her residence today, Mamata said in a social media post, continuing her protest against SIR. How many more lives will be lost? How many more need to die for this SIR? How many more dead bodies shall we see for this process? This has become truly alarming now! the Trinamool Congress supremo said, targeting the national poll panel. Rinku wrote in her suicide note that she had completed ninety per cent of the work but could not finish the digital component. She allegedly feared being penalised for it, writing that she did not want to have a stroke from the stress and dreaded the prospect of going to jail at this age for failing to comply. Accusing the Mamata government of indifference in appointing data entry operators for SIR work, the rival saffron camp alleged that the state administration was responsible for Rinkus death. The ECI had directed the appointment of data entry operators for SIR-related works, but the chief minister has been doing nothing despite the guidelines of the national poll body. According to Rinkus family members, she knew nothing about the computer-based online job of data entry operators. We could not have lost her if the state government had appointed data entry operators to relieve the workload of BLOs, alleged Agnimitra Paul, BJP legislator. Meanwhile, the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal has sought a detailed report from the district magistrate and the district electoral officer (DEO) of Nadia in connection with Rinkus death.
Akhilesh Yadav alleges 'major SIR scam' in UP; accuses EC of colluding with BJP
LUCKNOW: After the poor performance of the opposition bloc in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party has intensified its tirade against the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh, with party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleging irregularities in SIR here on Saturday. He accused the Election Commission of India of working in collusion with the ruling party and cooking up a major scam in the form of SIR. The SP chief alleged that in Assembly seats where the party was strong and had emerged victorious, nearly 50,000 votes were being deleted. Such preparations are underway in UP and West Bengal, he claimed. Akhilesh said, Right now, we are entangled in SIR. We will have to fight the paper battle as well; we have to win elections. Taking a veiled jibe at the attire of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh said he was ready to jump in the ring whenever asked, but some peoples attire was such that they would not even be able to jump. Akhilesh Yadav was interacting with media persons on SP patriarch late Mulayam Singh Yadavs 85th birth anniversary here on Saturday. We have seen the role of the Election Commission in the by-elections. In 2022, voters' names were removed on a large scale. The Election Commission should issue SOPs to political parties about what to do and how to do it, he said, demanding an extension of the time allotted for conducting SIR. UP is the biggest state and 415 days are left for the UP Assembly election. There is a conspiracy to remove more than 50,000 names from every assembly in UP and West Bengal. We are prepared for this. We will work hard to save democracy, he asserted. He added that contrary to the Election Commissions claim that 99 per cent of people had received the counting form, BLOs were not visiting Dalit and Muslim-populated areas. BLOs sit at ruling party leaders' places and distribute forms from there, alleged the SP chief. He also claimed that Booth Level Agents of political parties were not receiving training anywhere in UP. There is so much pressure on BLOs that they have committed suicide in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. There is no preparation. BLOs are being pressured, he said. The SP chief further accused the present dispensation of indulging in corruption. The government has no time left now. They say they will clean rivers, Mother Ganga will now go till Bengal. They will talk about Vision-2047 and discuss old issues, but won't talk about the present circumstances, he said. Calling the Union government a failure, Akhilesh said it had failed on every issue from the dollar to foreign policy. Everything is running under industrialists' control. We lost one pilot, and if we say something, they call us traitors, he added.
SIR form download: Check steps to download and submit SIR enumeration form online
The Election Commission of India has launched an online system for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration forms, eliminating the need for downloads. Electors can now fill and submit forms directly via the ECI/CEO West Bengal website or ECINET app. Linking EPIC and mobile numbers is mandatory for online submission.
Another BLO Dies By Suicide In Bengal, Family Alleges SIR Work-Related Stress; Note Recovered
Rinku Tarafdar, a BLO in West Bengal, was found dead amid SIR workload stress. Similar suicides occurred in Jalpaiguri, Jaipur, and Kannur. Mamata Banerjee urged suspension of SIR.
Bengal Poll Officer Found Dead, Family Says Stress Over Voter Roll Revision
A woman working as a Booth Level Officer was found dead in West Bengal's Nadia, with her family claiming that she was under tremendous work stress due to the Special Intensive Revision exercise.
BLO found dead in West Bengal`s Nadia, family claims SIR work-related stress
A BLO in Nadia district was found dead at her home, with her family alleging extreme SIR-related workload stress. Police have begun a probe
Special Intensive Revision: West Bengal CEO says most BLOs working well
SIR Review: West Bengal's electoral roll revision is progressing with 99% of booth-level officers working hard. The Chief Electoral Officer highlighted their crucial role. Meanwhile, preparations for the 2026 assembly elections are advancing. The first-level checking of EVMs and VVPATs has commenced in Kolkata. This process ensures the machines are ready for the upcoming polls.
Appeasement Politics: BJP Hits Out At TMC MLA Over Babri Mosque Event On December 6
TMC MLA Humayun Kabir plans to lay Babri Masjids foundation in Murshidabad on December 6, sparking BJP criticism and internal TMC tensions ahead of West Bengal polls.
BJP, Trinamool spar over alleged mass exfiltration of Bangladeshis amid voter roll revision
In a striking display of migration, Bangladeshis are seen retreating from the Hakimpur border in West Bengal, a movement closely linked to rising political tensions between the BJP and Trinamool. The BJP's concerns over demographic integrity lead to calls for the removal of so-called infiltrators, while Trinamool shifts blame towards the Centre and BSF regarding border security lapses.
Bengal Poll Officer Returning From SIR Duty Dies, Minister Meets Family
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) died in a road accident while returning home after completing work related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district on Thursday.
Trinamool Tries To Win Over Matua Community, Arms SIR To Consolidate Votes
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will hold a rally in the bordering district of Thakurnagar on November 25.
Arms, ammunition, and fake currency seized in West Bengals Murshidabad
Arms seizure, fake currency, and arrests raise security concerns ahead of West Bengal Assembly elections
Migrant workers fill gaps in Tiruchis farm sector
As local residents eschew agricultural occupations in Tamil Nadu, migrant labourers from Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha working on the paddy fields has become a common sight in Cauvery delta districts
Probe Agency ED Conducts Raids Across Bengal In Multi-Crore Coal Smuggling Scam
The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted simultaneous raids and search operations at several locations across West Bengal, including the state capital Kolkata, as part of a money laundering probe against the coal mafia.
Bricks, Sticks Fly As Groups Clash During Kartik Puja In West Bengal
Tensions flared in West Bengal's Krishnanagar during the immersion of idols after Kartik Puja, with visuals showing vandalism at a government bus passenger shelter.
BLO Attacked In West Bengal's Maheshtala While Collecting SIR Forms; Accused Arrested
A BLO was allegedly attacked while collecting SIR forms in Ward 31, Maheshtala Municipality. He filed a complaint and the accused has been arrested.
Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, ECI has started preparing for the 2026 legislative assembly in the state, with the poll body set to start Electronic Voting Machine checking exercise and voting rehearsals exercise on Friday.
Trinamool To Ramp Up Fight Against Voter Revision With Focus On Matuas
Amid the political tussle in West Bengal over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise between the TMC and the BJP, Trinamool National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee will virtually address over 10,000 party leaders on Monday.
Don't wish to come across as greedy by demanding Bihar deputy CM's post: Chirag Paswan
PATNA: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Friday asserted that he did not wish to come across as greedy by demanding the deputy chief ministers post, as he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allocating two berths to his Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in the new Bihar cabinet. Addressing a press conference here, Paswan also said he wished to expand the partys footprint beyond Bihar as an NDA partner in states like West Bengal, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Our party won 19 seats out of the 29 we were given as part of the seat-sharing arrangements within the NDA. We contested those seats which were considered weak for the alliance. This was possible because of the peoples blessings and the support of the Prime Minister to our party. Now, the LJP (RV) has been given two berths in the new cabinet in Bihar. Its enough. How much more greedy can Chirag Paswan be? the Union minister said. The NDA stormed back to power in Bihar, winning 202 seats in the 243-member assembly, with the BJP bagging 89, JD(U) 85, LJP(RV) 19, HAM 5, and RLM 4. In 2021, there was not one person around me. My party was split And in 2024, the PM put faith in the party and gave us five seats to contest in the Lok Sabha polls. We won all five seats. If I now ask for something from the alliance, then no one will be more greedy than me, Paswan said, when queried whether he would demand the post of deputy CM. On the partys expansion plans, the Hajipur MP said, After winning 19 seats in the recently concluded assembly polls in Bihar, we are now seriously preparing to expand the partys base in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. We will contest the upcoming assembly elections there as part of the NDA.
Coal Smuggling Case: ED Raids Multiple Locations In Bengal, Jharkhand; Cash, Gold Seized
ED raided 25 sites in West Bengal and Jharkhand, recovering Rs 1 crore cash and gold linked to a coal smuggling case involving BCCL. CBI and ED are conducting parallel probe.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the BJP-led NDAs sweeping victory in the Bihar assembly elections reflected a strong public mandate against infiltrators, and accused Opposition parties of shielding illegal immigrants by resisting the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Speaking at the BSFs 61st Raising Day celebrations in Bhuj, Kutch, Shah said parties opposing the SIR exercise want to ensure that names of infiltrators remain on the voters list. He described the SIR as a purification process crucial for protecting Indias democratic system. Stopping infiltration is essential not only for national security but also for safeguarding our democracy. Some political parties are weakening the anti-infiltration campaign, Amit Shah said, adding that the government is committed to deporting every single infiltrator. Opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress in poll-bound West Bengal, have alleged that the SIR could disenfranchise lakhs of valid voters. Shah countered that no political party supporting infiltrators will gain public support. The Bihar election was a clear mandate against infiltrators, he said. The NDA won over 200 seats in the 243-member Assembly, decimating the Mahagathbandhan. The Home Minister also hailed the BSFs role in counter-insurgency and anti-Naxal operations. He said combined efforts of security forces will make India free from the Naxal menace by March 31, 2026. In Chhattisgarh, he noted, the BSF has secured the surrender of 127 Maoists, arrested 73 and neutralised 22. EC working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress
Hyderabad: Goldsmith shot after auto fare dispute, two arrested
Hyderabad: A 36-year-old goldsmith from West Bengal was seriously injured after a man allegedly shot at him with a firearm following an altercation over an auto-rickshaw fare here, police said on Friday. The incident occurred at around 1 am on November 20 near the under-construction house of the goldsmith in Shamshabad mandal, and two persons Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Buoyed by its strong Bihar results, the BJP has launched an aggressive strategy for the West Bengal Election 2026.
Strong earthquake tremors were felt across West Bengal, including Kolkata, on Friday morning around 10:08 AM. A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Ghorashal in Bangladesh, with its epicenter 14 km from Narsingdi. The tremors caused panic, leading people to evacuate buildings across various districts.
SIR Leaves Suicide Trail as BLOs Buckle Under Pressure, Citizens Panic
A series of suicides involving Booth Level Officers and marginalised citizens in West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Kerala, families and employee unions allege that the pressure to complete a traditionally lengthy verification process.
5.7magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh triggers tremors in West Bengal
Kolkata: Tremors were felt across West Bengal and parts of the northeast on Friday morning, as an earthquake of magnitude 5.7 jolted Bangladeshs Narsingdi, the National Centre for Seismology said. The quake struck 13 km south-southwest of Narsingdi in the neighbouring country at 10.08 am, and at a depth of 10 km, it said. Also Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
TMC Calls Crucial SIR Strategy Meet After Mamata Banerjees Attack On Election Commission
TMC will hold a virtual review meeting on November 24, where Abhishek Banerjee will address over 10,000 leaders and outline strategy for the SIR process in West Bengal.
Seven BLOs in Kolkata issued show-cause notices by EC as politics over SIR escalates
KOLKATA: Seven Booth Level Officers (BLOs) of the Beliaghata constituency in Kolkata have been issued show-cause notices by the Election Commission (EC), citing lapses in the digitisation process of SIR enumeration forms, an official said. The complaint concerns improper and incomplete digitisation of collected enumeration forms, he said. The BLOs have been instructed to explain, by Friday afternoon, why they failed to carry out the assigned tasks properly, he said. Disciplinary action may be taken if the explanations are deemed unsatisfactory, he added. The EC is conducting phase two of the special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, where elections would be due early next year. The exercise began on November 4 and will continue till December 4. The draft electoral rolls will be released on December 9, and the final rolls will be published on February 7.
ED raids in Jharkhand, West Bengal against coal mafia
RANCHI/KOLKATA, Nov 21: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted a mega search operation in Jharkhand and West Bengal as part of a money laundering probe against the coal mafia in the two neighbouring states, officials said. More than 40 premises are being covered in the raids that were launched around 6 am with almost 100 officials and staff of the federal probe agency participating. Teams of central security forces provided security to the ED teams, which searched residences and offices [] The post ED raids in Jharkhand, West Bengal against coal mafia appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tremors felt across West Bengal as 5.7 magnitude quake jolts Bangladesh
The quake struck 13 km south-southwest of Bangladeshs Narsingdi around 10 a.m.
Tremors Felt in West Bengal, NE as 5.7 Magnitiude Quake Jolts Bangladesh
Several people in Kolkata and other districts were seen coming out on the streets as a precautionary measure
Strong tremors shake West Bengal, NE as 5.7-magnitude earthquake hits Bangladesh
Tremors were felt across WesT Bengal, including Kolkata and parts of North East on Friday morning after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck Bangladeshs Narsingdi district, the IMD reported. The quake occurred at 10:08 am, with its epicentre located about 13 km south-southwest of Narsingdi at a depth of 10 km. Several people in West Bengal and the northeast, including Kolkata and Assam's Guwahati, were seen coming out on the streets as a precautionary measure. No immediate reports of damage or injuries have been received. Futher details are awaited.
Tremors Felt Across West Bengal As 5.7 Magnitiude Quake Jolts Bangladesh
KOLKATA, Nov 21: Tremors were felt in several places of south Bengal, including Kolkata on Friday morning, as an earthquake of magnitude 5.7 jolted Bangladeshs Narsingdi, the IMD said. The quake struck 13 km south-southwest of Narsingdi in the neighbouring country at 10.08 am, and at a depth of 10 km, it said. Several people in Kolkata and other districts were seen coming out on the streets as a precautionary measure. There was no immediate report of any injury or [] The post Tremors Felt Across West Bengal As 5.7 Magnitiude Quake Jolts Bangladesh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
West Bengal NEET PG counselling for 2025 begins today, November 21st, with Round 1 choice filling open until November 24th. Allotment results are expected on November 27th. A revised schedule indicates Round 2 registrations will occur from December 8th to 12th. Candidates must adhere to a 3 lakh penalty for course discontinuation.
Most Intense Earthquake Of My Life: Residents On Kolkata Tremors
An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 struck Bangladesh's Ghorashal, with the tremors being felt in West Bengal's Kolkata.
ED raids over 40 locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal against coal mafia
Enforcement Directorate officials on Friday carried out searches at more than 40 locations across Jharkhand and West Bengal in connection with a money laundering probe involving the coal mafia network. The cases together point to large-scale coal pilferage, causing an estimated loss of hundreds of crores to the government. In Jharkhand, the agency is searching around 18 locations as part of its probe. In West Bengal, the EDs Kolkata unit is conducting searches at 24 premises across Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah and Kolkata. These operations pertain to several major cases of coal theft and smuggling, including those linked to Anil Goyal, Sanjay Udhyog, LB Singh and Amar Mandal. Premises associated with Narendra Kharka, Anil Goyal, Yudhistir Ghosh, Krishna Murari Kayal and others are also being searched. (This is a developing story)
ED conducts searches in Jharkhand, West Bengal amid crackdown on coal mafia
More than 40 premises in the two States are being covered as part of the action under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
16 child workers rescued from Koyambedu market
CHENNAI: Sixteen children were rescued from the Koyambedu market on Wednesday during a crackdown by the District Task Force consisting of officials from the Labour, Police and Child Welfare deparmtents. The boys, found working at vegetable, fruit, flower and grain sections, were first taken to the Koyambedu police station, and later shifted to the government-run shelter in Royapuram for counselling. Sources said, of the 16 children, 14 are from Bihar and the other two from TN and West Bengal. The action followed repeated complaints that minors were being engaged for loading, and sorting work inside the market. Several kids fled on seeing the officers, officials said.
Mamata Banerjee urges EC to halt Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee urged the Election Commission to halt the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, citing excessive pressure and intimidation of Booth Level Officers. Meanwhile, the Election Commission team reviewed progress, and opposition leaders accused the CM of protecting bogus voters. Reports of BLO health issues have also surfaced.
BJP West Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya accuses Mamata Banerjee govt of protecting infiltrators
BJP leaders Amit Malviya and Sukanta Majumdar accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government of facilitating infiltration and settling illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in electorally strategic areas. They claim the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is exposing the truth, causing panic among TMC leaders and voters.
Mamata slams SIR as chaotic, coercive, urges CEC to stop exercise
Kolkata: Upping the ante on SIR, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote a strongly worded letter to CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday, asking him to immediately halt the exercise that she claimed was chaotic, coercive and dangerous. Banerjee said she was compelled to write because the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Mamata Banerjee writes to CEC, urges him to halt SIR of voter rolls
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mentioned that she has time and again raised concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state and is now compelled to write to CEC
Three-way kidney swap links families across India in life-saving chain
NEW DELHI: Fate brought together three families living nearly a thousand kilometres apart, in Bihar, Odisha and Delhi, after each was confronted with the same crisis: a loved one battling end-stage kidney disease and a willing family donor deemed incompatible. Doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, noticed an unusual compatibility chain while reviewing their medical records. Each familys donor matched a patient from one of the other families, enabling a rare three-way paired kidney transplant that ultimately gave all three men a second chance at life. The procedure required six surgeries to be conducted simultaneously across six operation theatres between 8 am and 3 pm. Doctors said the coordination required for such an exchange was immense, particularly because the recipients had significant health complications. All donors and recipients recovered well and were discharged within a week, the hospital said. The three recipients, 36-year-old Shadab Ali from Rani Ganj in West Bengal, 52-year-old Joginder Kumar from Hari Nagar in Delhi, and 51-year-old Vinod Kumar from Obra in Bihar, had been surviving on dialysis for months. Shadab was battling IgA nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy, a neurological complication associated with advanced kidney disease. Joginder had undergone a previous transplant that had failed, and doctors said his heart function was critically low. Vinod had a history of coronary artery disease and had undergone bypass surgery before his kidneys deteriorated. Although all three had relatives willing to donate, none was compatible with their own patient. According to hospital officials, that changed when the families agreed to participate in a paired kidney exchange. Under the arrangement, Shadabs wife, 30-year-old Simran Parveen, donated her kidney to Joginder. Joginders sister, 41-year-old Suman, donated to Vinod. Vinods wife, 51-year-old Poonam Devi, donated to Shadab. Dr Anant Kumar, chairman of urology, renal transplant and robotics at Max Saket, who led the transplant team, said the case was a moving example of unity and empathy. Families who had never met before placed complete trust in one another, defying religious and regional divides to give the ultimate gift of life, he said. For him, the challenge was not only surgical but emotional. Coordinating six simultaneous transplants, including patients with cardiac and neurological complications, was a major challenge, but the collaboration between the families and the hospital teams made it a success, Kumar said. Dr Dinesh Khullar, group chairman of nephrology and renal transplant medicine at the hospital, said paired kidney exchanges are becoming increasingly necessary. Kidney transplants in India largely depend on living related donors, but this pool is shrinking as nuclear families become the norm. Often, a willing donor cannot donate because of a blood group mismatch or immune sensitisation from previous transplants, transfusions or pregnancies. In such cases, a paired or swap transplant becomes the way forward, he said. Khullar said advanced software helped the team identify the cross-matches needed to carry out all three surgeries on the same day.
Nineteen years and counting: Nitishs unbroken grip on Bihar
On Thursday, Nitish Kumar achieved yet another rare political milestone, becoming Bihars longest-serving chief minister, despite his party repeatedly finishing as the second-largest partner in both the Mahagathbandhan and NDA alliances in recent times. With this latest swearing-in , he joins the group of Indias ten longest-serving chief ministersa list long dominated by political stalwarts such as Sikkims Pawan Kumar Chamling and Odishas Naveen Patnaik. Chamling served as chief minister for 25 years, while Patnaik has held office for 24 years. West Bengals Jyoti Basu governed for more than 23 years, and Arunachal Pradeshs Gegong Apang for over 22 years. Mizorams Lal Thanhawla also crossed the 22-year mark, while Himachal Pradeshs Virbhadra Singh served more than 21 years. Tripuras Manik Sarkar held office for 19 years. Nitish Kumar, similarly, has now completed roughly 19 years as Bihars chief minister. Tamil Nadus M. Karunanidhi served for more than 18 years, and Punjabs Parkash Singh Badal is also credited with over 18 years in office. In Bihar, however, what distinguishes Nitish Kumar most is his repeated return to the top post, even after shifting between alliances. While Prime Minister Modi promotes the mantra of Sabka Vikas with Sabka Saath through Sabka Prayas, Nitish Kumar is often described as Sabka CM. Political observers in the state believe this contributes to his steady influence among minority voters. He has again included a Muslim minister in his cabinet, and the JD(U) fielded four Muslim candidates in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections. Another point of alignment between him and Prime Minister Modi is his refusal to allow family members to hold roles within the JD(U), reflecting his firm stance against dynastic politicssomething that contrasts with many parties in the Mahagathbandhan. Just as Modi maintains a stance of zero tolerance for corruption and nepotism, Nitish Kumar has ensured that neither corruption, nepotism, nor communalism gains a foothold in his administration. The political chemistry between Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi within the NDA is often regarded as one of the most dependable partnerships in Bihar. Both leaders have no family members active in politics and are widely seen by the public as hardworking, sincere, and trustworthy.
Citing 28 BLO deaths, inadequate training, and fears of mass voter deletions similar to Bihar, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has warned the CEC that the SIR process is unplanned, chaotic and dangerous, intensifying the political standoff in the state.
Bengal CM Mamata blames SIR pressure for BLO deaths; urges EC to halt drive in Bengal
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday urging him to take immediate corrective measures to prevent loss of lives owing to SIR-related stress and work pressure. Hours after a Booth Level Officer (BLO) died by suicide in Jalpaiguri district on Wednesday, the chief minister came down heavily on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that precious lives were being lost due to the pressure generated by the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. She urged the commission to immediately halt this unplanned drive before more lives are lost. On Thursday, she reiterated the request, asking the ECI to stop the SIR process in the state. Now, I am compelled to write to you as the situation surrounding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has reached a deeply alarming stage. The manner in which this exercise is being forced upon officials and citizens is not only unplanned and chaotic, but also dangerous, Mamatas letter states. She wrote that the absence of basic preparedness, adequate planning and clear communication had crippled the process from the beginning. According to the letter, The human cost of this mismanagement is now unbearable. Yesterday, an anganwadi worker serving as BLO in Mal, Jalpaiguri, died by suicide reportedly under crushing SIR-related pressure. Several others have lost their lives since this process began. A revision that previously required three years is now being forcibly compressed into three months, subjecting BLOs and officials to inhuman working conditions and forcing common people under the shadow of fear and uncertainty. Standing beside the BLOs, mostly state government employees such as schoolteachers and ICDS workers, she criticised the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for serving show-cause notices to BLOs without reason. West Bengal: Chhitmahal tag for 51 enclaves in SIR forms BLOs are now operating far beyond human limits. They are expected to manage their principal duties (many being teachers and frontline workers) while simultaneously conducting door-to-door surveys and handling complex e-submissions. Most are struggling online due to lack of training, server failures and repeated data mismatches, the letter adds. She wrote that instead of offering support, extending timelines or addressing systemic flaws, the office of the CEO West Bengal had resorted to intimidation. Show-cause notices are being issued without justification. BLOs are being threatened with severe disciplinary action simply because the Commission refuses to acknowledge the reality on the ground, the letter says. Mamata urged the CEC to intervene decisively to halt the ongoing exercise, stop coercive measures, provide proper training and support, and thoroughly reassess the present methodology and timelines. Continuing this unplanned, coercive drive not only endangers more lives but also jeopardises the legitimacy of the electoral revision process, she said. Political observers believe the chief minister, who is also the Trinamool Congress supremo, is attempting a strategic outreach by standing beside the BLOs and bringing them into her confidence during the SIR drive. Opposition BJP and CPI(M) alleged that many BLOs were found carrying out SIR work from inside Trinamool Congress party offices or local clubs dominated by the ruling party, enabling dubious and dead voters to re-enter the electoral rolls. They claimed the letter was an attempt to influence BLOs so that Trinamools Booth Level Agents (BLAs) could pressure them to retain fake voters on the list. According to opposition allegations, names of around 6,000 dead voters were found in the electoral rolls during the Kaliganj bypoll in Nadia district. The SIR-charged upcoming election in West Bengal and why it's a cause for great worry
TMC MP questions UIDAI list of deactivated Aadhaar numbers in Bengal
UIDAI claimed that 32.8 lakh Aadhaars were deactivated based on the death reported by West Bengal government.
BJP accuses Mamata of halting SIR to shield fraudulently created bogus voter base in Bengal
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Thursday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was complaining against the special intensive revision of the electoral rolls and resorting to dramatics over it because her political survival depends on shielding a voter base created fraudulently. The assertion came after Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in the state was being conducted in an unplanned and coercive manner, putting citizens and officials at risk. She also claimed that the SIR exercise has reached an alarming and a dangerous stage, and demanded an immediate corrective action. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari termed Banerjee's letter to the chief election commissioner signs of desperation and accused her of trying to halt the voter roll cleanup exercise to shield the very ecosystem that kept it in power. Mamata Banerjee writing a letter to the Election Commission on halting the SIR exercise is nothing short of an admission that the TMC's top leadership is rattled. For years, TMC quietly benefited from illegal infiltration and bogus voters, Bhandari alleged in a post on X. Signs of Desperation from Mamata Banerjee! Mamata Banerjee writing a letter to the Election Commission on 'halting the SIR exercise' is nothing short of an admission that TMCs top leadership is rattled. For years, TMC quietly benefited from illegal infiltration and bogus pic.twitter.com/7ybkTtFQpj Pradeep Bhandari( ) (@pradip103) November 20, 2025 Now that the voter list is being cleaned through SIR and fake entries are being removed, Mamata is panicking. A nervous, desperate TMC is trying to shield the very ecosystem that kept it in power, he added. BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya claimed that Banerjee will continue to complain and dramatise the SIR process because she knows he noose is tightening and she risks being defeated in the 2026 assembly polls. Rickshaw-puller attempts suicide as his name was not in 2002 electoral rolls in West Bengal Her political survival depends on shielding a voter base created through fraudulent and illegal means, he charged, adding, In 2026, West Bengal will elect a chief minister for the state, not someone who behaves as though she is the provincial leader of East Pakistan. Malviya said India shares its international land borders with seven countries, stretching a total of about 15,106.7 km. The longest of these is the boundary with Bangladesh, extending 4,096.7 km, touching West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, he pointed out. The BSF guards this entire stretch, yet West Bengal has witnessed the highest levels of illegal infiltration, he claimed. The reason is clear: Mamata Banerjee's administration has repeatedly been accused of enabling this infiltration -- facilitating documentation, providing cover, and settling infiltrators in electorally strategic areas, the BJP leader added. Malviya claimed the ruling TMC's mandate rests heavily on the seats it wins in the Kolkata Presidency region, which includes Kolkata, and parts of South and North 24 Parganas. These are also the areas that have seen maximum infiltration and the highest concentration of fake voters, he claimed. This region consistently witnesses widespread violence during elections, and the notorious Diamond Harbour is part of it, Madviya alleged. Mamata slams ECI after one more BLO dies by suicide in West Bangal; alleges 'unbearable SIR pressure'
Rickshaw-puller attempts suicide as his name was not in 2002 electoral rolls in West Bengal
KOLKATA: A 64-year-old rickshaw-puller on Wednesday night attempted suicide, reportedly owing to depression after his name was not in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the 2002 electoral rolls in West Bengal. The incident occurred near the CCR Bridge at Belghoria Railway station in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night when the rickshaw-puller Ashok Sarder, a resident of Kamarhati Municipality area, jumped onto the railway track and sustained severe injury. He was rushed to the state-run R G Kar Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Ashoks family members alleged that he was suffering from depression after he couldnt find his name on the SIR in 2002, but his mothers name was there in the voter list. The spelling of his mothers name was also wrong in the last electoral roll revision list. He was desperately looking for documents so that he could include his name during the ongoing SIR process this time, and was psychologically upset, they alleged. Mamata slams ECI after one more BLO dies by suicide in West Bangal; alleges 'unbearable SIR pressure' There have been regular complaints of deaths of voters and booth-level officers (BLO) allegedly triggered by either suicides or severe cardiac arrests and cerebral attacks in Bengal since the announcement of the SIR exercise was made in the state. A female BLO who was an Anganwadi in Jalpaiguri died by suicide in Jalpaiguri district in the state, allegedly because of relentless work pressure in connection with rigorous SIR duty. The incident took place hardly 10 days after another BLO in East Burdwan on 9 November died of a cerebral attack allegedly triggered by the tremendous workload due to the ongoing electoral roll revision drive. With reports of these suicidal and normal deaths and suicide attempts, both ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition BJP got involved in attacks and counterattacks with each other for the past several weeks. Hours after the BLOs death on Wednesday, the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came down heavily on the Election Commission of India (ECI), saying lives are lost due to work pressure and stress generated by the SIR process in the state. She urged the commission to immediately halt this unplanned drive before more lives are lost. The saffron camp alleged that the ruling party has been spreading an atmosphere of panic among common people through regular negative campaigns against the SIR process. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
