Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 19, 2025, Kolkata :  Political tensions continue to escalate in West Bengal as Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari reiterates his stance on community politics while launching sharp criticisms against the ruling Trinamool Congress. Adhikari, who recently made controversial remarks about minority communities, now asserts that the BJP is not against any community but opposes the policies of the Trinamool Congress. He stated, “We have never spoken against any other community. We are not against the community against which you are angry. We are against this policy of the Trinamool Congress.”

His remarks come amid growing political polarization in the state, where vote-bank strategies remain a focal point. With approximately 33 percent of the electorate comprising minority voters and around 67 percent majority voters, parties are seen making calculated moves to consolidate their respective bases. The upcoming 2026 Assembly elections have heightened the competition, leading to intensifying rhetoric from both sides.

Adhikari did not hold back in his criticism of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, sarcastically remarking, “You left the opposition leader out for nine months. And there are two sessions. Do whatever you can. Kejriwal will go wherever Mamata goes.” The reference to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal adds another dimension to the ongoing political battle, as alliances and rivalries shape the pre-election landscape.

With both sides engaging in aggressive campaigning, the state is witnessing a surge in political messaging, with posters promoting Hindu unity becoming widespread, while the Trinamool Congress counters with its own outreach strategies. The charged atmosphere reflects the deepening divide as the election approaches.

Beyond verbal exchanges, concerns have been raised over potential unrest, with Adhikari alleging that political conflicts in Bengal are not just limited to ideological battles but also involve the threat of violence. Security measures are being assessed to prevent any escalation of tensions. Meanwhile, the administration continues to emphasize governance issues such as employment, industrial growth, and development as key priorities for the state.

As the political landscape shifts, the focus remains on how parties navigate these complexities in the lead-up to the crucial 2026 Assembly elections. Authorities urge political leaders and citizens alike to uphold peace and democratic values while engaging in political discourse.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 16, 2025, Kolkata :  Former BJP state president Dilip Ghosh is set to visit the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday at 2 PM to meet with BJP MLAs, sparking widespread speculation regarding his future role within the party. Ghosh’s visit comes during a crucial pre-election phase, fueling rumors that he might be in line to reclaim the position of BJP state president.

The political buzz surrounding Ghosh has intensified as other key figures within the state BJP, including current State President Sukanta Majumdar and prominent leader Shuvendu Adhikari, are expected to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday night. It is anticipated that discussions surrounding leadership roles, including the state BJP president position, will be on the agenda.

Amit Shah, who is scheduled to visit Kolkata on March 29 for a one-day trip, is expected to hold a series of organizational meetings in preparation for next year’s assembly elections. Majumdar confirmed that Shah’s visit will focus on strengthening the BJP’s organizational framework, with the likelihood of a state president being announced before the visit gaining traction.

Majumdar also revealed that the central leadership has been informed that 25 district presidents have been elected, marking a significant step towards the selection of the state president. However, Majumdar clarified that no formal instructions have been received yet, and the nomination process will commence once the green light is given by the central leadership.

As the political drama unfolds, Dilip Ghosh’s meetings with BJP MLAs prior to the state president announcement are adding fuel to the speculation, with many watching closely to see how these developments will shape the party’s strategy ahead of the crucial state elections.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 16, 2025, Kolkata : Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Bharatpur, Murshidabad, Humayun Kabir, on Saturday submitted his response to the show-cause notice issued by the party’s disciplinary committee. The notice was issued under the directive of TMC chairperson and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, following Kabir’s remarks on religion, which had stirred controversy.

State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, who also chairs the disciplinary committee, confirmed receipt of Kabir’s response and stated that the committee would review it in a meeting on Monday before making a final decision. Sources revealed that Kabir did not offer an apology, asserting that his statements did not violate the party’s disciplinary norms. He maintained that his comments were made in defense of his community and were in response to statements by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari, which he deemed objectionable.

Kabir had initially requested an extension until Monday to submit his response but ultimately sent a two-page reply via WhatsApp on Saturday morning. In his statement, he justified his remarks and reiterated his commitment to defending his religious community against any attacks. He further stated that he prioritized his community over party obligations, emphasizing that his words did not tarnish the party’s image.

The controversy stems from Kabir’s strong reaction to Adhikari’s alleged comments targeting Muslim MLAs in the ruling party. On Thursday, Kabir had demanded an apology or retraction from Adhikari within 72 hours, warning of consequences in the Assembly if the demand was not met. He had previously stated that 42 Muslim MLAs of TMC would collectively respond to Adhikari’s remarks if he failed to apologize.

Chattopadhyay has also instructed Kabir to submit a hard copy of his response, after which the disciplinary committee will deliberate on the matter. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly condemned Adhikari’s statements, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of introducing divisive religious politics into West Bengal. The situation is expected to intensify as the Assembly session resumes on Monday, with both parties holding firm on their positions.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 7, 2025, Kolkata :  In a move that has stirred up political discussions ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, BJP MLA Shuvendu Adhikari from Nandigram has decided to open a party office in Bhavanipur, a seat that was once considered a stronghold of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The office will be inaugurated on May 1, and a team of over 100 workers is being formed to gather critical information about the area. The development has raised questions about Shuvendu’s strategic focus on Bhavanipur, especially after his previous comments suggesting that Bhavanipur is a much safer seat for him than Nandigram.

The office will be located in ward number 73, which is a key part of the Bhavanipur assembly constituency. This area is also the Chief Minister’s own voting ward, adding to the significance of Shuvendu’s decision to set up a base there. Political observers have pointed out that Shuvendu’s focus on Bhavanipur indicates his preparations for a potential contest in the constituency in 2026.

Bhavanipur has traditionally been a stronghold for Mamata Banerjee, who has represented the constituency since becoming Chief Minister in 2011, except for a brief period during the 2021 Assembly elections. However, the dynamics have shifted following the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP showed significant progress in several wards of Bhavanipur. The BJP led in five out of the eight wards of the area, including wards 63, 70, 71, 72, and 74, while the Trinamool was ahead in wards 73, 77, and 82.

The BJP’s success in these wards, particularly in the ward where Mamata Banerjee is a voter, has fueled speculation about the competitiveness of Bhavanipur in the upcoming elections. In ward 73, the BJP was only 279 votes behind the Trinamool in the last Lok Sabha elections, further intensifying the political rivalry.

Shuvendu’s decision to open an office in a constituency that has long been Mamata Banerjee’s stronghold signals his growing interest in challenging her dominance in Bhavanipur. With less Muslim representation and a higher proportion of non-Bengali voters, Bhavanipur presents a unique opportunity for the BJP, particularly given the party’s strong showing in recent elections.

As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, all eyes will be on Bhavanipur to see whether Shuvendu can leverage his party’s momentum and make a serious challenge to Mamata Banerjee’s political fortress. The contest in Bhavanipur is expected to be a closely watched and highly contested battle, with both sides preparing for what could be a significant electoral showdown.

Politics, West Bengal

Trinamool Intensifies Voter List Scrutiny Efforts Ahead of 2026 Elections, Abhishek Banerjee to Lead Virtual Meeting

March 7, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 7, 2025, Kolkata :  As part of its preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress has ramped up efforts to ensure accuracy in the voter list, separating legitimate voters from those whose names might belong to other states. Party supremo Mamata Banerjee and other party leaders have consistently raised concerns about the inclusion of voters from other states in West Bengal’s electoral roll. This issue was addressed with urgency during the mega meeting held on February 27, where a strong message was sent regarding the matter.

A 36-member committee, led by Trinamool state president Subrata Bakshi, was formed to oversee the revision and scrutiny of the voter list across the state. The committee met on Thursday at Trinamool Bhavan to review progress and discuss further steps. However, Abhishek Banerjee, one of the key members of the committee, was not present at the meeting due to prior commitments. Despite this absence, the leadership confirmed that he would lead a virtual meeting with party officials on March 15 to review the work done so far.

Sources revealed that during the meeting on Thursday, it was announced that the virtual discussion with Abhishek Banerjee would be held at 4 pm on March 15. All members of the state committee, district presidents, and leadership from various branches have been instructed to attend the meeting, where reports from each district will be evaluated and presented to the party leader.

While there was speculation surrounding Abhishek Banerjee’s absence from Thursday’s meeting, Trinamool spokesperson Jayaprakash Majumdar clarified that the meeting scheduled for March 15 would be virtual, and hence, there was no need for Abhishek to be physically present at Trinamool Bhavan. Majumdar emphasized that each member of the committee has been assigned specific districts to focus on for the revision of the voter list. Subrata Bakshi will personally oversee the work in South Kolkata, while Abhishek Banerjee is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the voter list in South 24 Parganas district.

This move by the Trinamool Congress signals the party’s heightened focus on ensuring the integrity of the voter list ahead of the 2026 elections, reinforcing their commitment to fair and transparent electoral processes.

Politics, West Bengal

Trinamool’s Mahila Wing Set for March 8 Procession Ahead of International Women’s Day, Pay Tribute to Mamata Banerjee

March 7, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 7, 2025, Kolkata :  Bengal is setting a significant example of women’s empowerment across India, thanks to the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. From the increased participation of women in the state’s political landscape to the record-breaking presence of female representatives in Parliament, the progress is undeniable. Under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, women in Bengal have found a stronger voice, and as the state prepares for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, the ruling Trinamool Congress is leaving no stone unturned to maintain this momentum.

On the eve of International Women’s Day, March 8, the Mahila Trinamool wing of the party is gearing up for a major street procession to celebrate the achievements of women in Bengal and to pay tribute to Mamata Banerjee, who is aiming for a historic fourth term as Chief Minister. This show of strength is part of the party’s broader strategy, which has already gained traction after their impressive performance in the 24th Lok Sabha elections. The procession, which will take place across the state, will be a unified expression of women’s empowerment, with women’s MLAs and MPs including Chandrima Bhattacharya and Shashi Panja at the forefront.

According to Trinamool sources, the procession will begin at 4 pm, following a gathering at Rabindra Sadan at 3 pm on Saturday. The march will stretch from Rabindra Sadan to Dorina Crossing. However, with the ongoing higher secondary exams in the state, the procession will be conducted with utmost sensitivity to the examination schedule. The women’s Trinamool will forgo the usual slogans and speeches via microphone, instead focusing on a peaceful demonstration with posters and hoardings.

The procession will not be confined to Kolkata alone. Similar events will unfold in districts across the state, with the same posters, slogans, and themes, showcasing a unified effort to honor the contribution of women, led by the Chief Minister.

This initiative comes at a time when the state’s political narrative is focusing heavily on women’s issues, with the party planning new slogans and posters that reflect the growing empowerment of women in Bengal. As the Trinamool Congress intensifies its preparations for the next assembly elections, this demonstration is a clear statement of their commitment to continuing the progress they have made under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. The party is determined to further strengthen its base, particularly among female voters, in the lead-up to 2026.

Politics, West Bengal

Jadavpur University Incident Raises Concerns Over Student Unrest and Political Undercurrents, Court Calls for Vigilance

March 7, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 7, 2025, Kolkata :  In the aftermath of the events at Jadavpur University last Saturday and Sunday, a growing debate has emerged about whether these incidents were mere coincidences or part of a larger, more purposeful unrest. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh has criticized the failure of both the intelligence department and the police administration in handling the situation, expressing concerns that if left unchecked, such chaos could escalate across the state. The judge’s warnings are particularly significant, given that the upcoming assembly elections are fast approaching, with the police needing to remain highly vigilant.

Justice Ghosh also highlighted the potential dangers of protesters getting too close to those under police protection, comparing the situation to the instability seen in neighboring states. He emphasized that both sides of the conflict need to take responsibility, as once chaos ensues, it becomes difficult to regain control. However, he did not address the underlying issue that may have contributed to the incident—the delayed student elections in colleges and universities across West Bengal. If these elections had been held on time, it is argued, the situation at Jadavpur University may never have arisen.

The absence of student elections has left a power vacuum in student organizations, which are often seen as anti-institutional. In this context, fair elections could potentially result in outcomes unfavorable to the ruling party, raising suspicions that political maneuvering may be at play. The BJP has echoed this sentiment, with Sukanta Majumdar accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of attempting to revive the SFI (Students Federation of India) and, by extension, the CPI(M). Majumdar also warned that Hindus in West Bengal were becoming increasingly concerned about a potential “Bangladesh ‘Part Two'” scenario, fearing that their votes were being divided, potentially paving the way for a BJP-led government.

In response to these political accusations, the SFI has vehemently denied any such allegations. They maintain that their discussions with the Education Minister centered around university elections, and that the events at Jadavpur University were fueled by a specific incident involving a student being injured in the Education Minister’s car.

Despite these political debates, one thing is clear: the anti-government student movement in West Bengal has been gaining momentum since the RG Kar incident. The court, in its observations, referenced the situation in neighboring Bangladesh, where student unrest had been manipulated by separatist and extremist forces, leading to significant political instability. The court’s warning serves as a reminder of the volatile situation that could unfold if similar unrest were to spread in West Bengal.

Only time will tell how these events will evolve, but it is clear that the political, social, and security landscape of West Bengal is currently at a delicate crossroads. The state government must take heed of these warnings and address the root causes of student unrest before the situation spirals further out of control.

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