Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 13, 2025, Delhi: In the ongoing budget discussions in the Delhi Parliament, veteran actress and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan has raised significant concerns about the lack of attention given to the film industry in the Union Budget for 2025. Although she stepped away from acting years ago and prefers to stay out of the limelight, Bachchan has now taken a stand for the future of Bollywood.
State Secretary of Asha Karmi Union Expresses Disappointment with State Budget’s Response to Workers’ Needs
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 13, 2025, Kolkata : In response to the state budget presented by Minister of State for Finance, Chandrima Bhattacharya, on Wednesday, West Bengal Asha Karmi Union State Secretary, Ara Khatun, has voiced her dissatisfaction with the proposed measures. The budget outlined the allocation of Rs 200 crore for providing free smartphones to Asha Karmi and Anganwadi workers, a step that was welcomed initially. However, Khatun, who represents the union, expressed concerns that the announcement might not be enough to address the longstanding issues faced by these workers.
Tragic Death of Housewife in Murshidabad: Unable to Repay Loan, Woman Jumps Under Moving Train
BSF Officer Dies, 4 Injured in Tragic Road Accident in Cooch Behar
Local residents rushed to the scene after hearing the crash and immediately helped rescue the injured. The victims were quickly transported to Cooch Behar MJN Medical College Hospital, where one of the injured, identified as BSF jawan Hariyom Prakash, was later declared dead. The remaining injured, including a BSF doctor, are receiving treatment, with the doctor’s condition reported as critical. The doctor has been transferred to a private hospital in Cooch Behar for further care.
All the injured individuals are jawans from the 45th Battalion of Dhubri BSF, who had been assigned to a special mission in the Gopalpur sector of Cooch Behar when the accident took place. The cause of the collision is under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
Chief Minister Discusses Future Reduction in Electricity Prices Amid Deucha-Pachami Coal Project
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, February 12, 2025: In a recent press conference following the state budget presentation, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed public concerns regarding electricity prices in the state, particularly those associated with the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC). She expressed optimism about future reductions in electricity tariffs, attributing this potential decrease to the upcoming Deucha-Pachami coal mining project.
Finance Minister Announces Rs 500 Crore Allocation for Ghatal Master Plan
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 12, 2025, Kolkata : In a significant move aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of flooding in the Ghatal sub-division of West Midnapore, Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya proposed an allocation of Rs 500 crore for the completion of the Ghatal Master Plan during the state budget presentation. The announcement was met with widespread optimism among the residents of Ghatal, who have long faced the consequences of seasonal flooding in the region.
Bengal Doctors Protest RG Kar Case, Salaries of 16 North Bengal Doctors Stopped for Absenteeism
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 12, 2025, Kolkata : The state of Bengal has been in turmoil following the RG Kar case, which has sparked widespread protests, particularly among the medical community. Doctors from various parts of Bengal, including many from North Bengal, have gathered in Kolkata to participate in the movement. The protests have been a response to the case involving Tilottama, and numerous doctors from Siliguri and other regions have traveled to the city to demand justice.
BJP MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato Raises Concerns Over Partha Chatterjee’s Safety, Draws Parallels with Kishanji’s Death
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 12, 2025, Kolkata : BJP Member of Parliament Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of Partha Chatterjee, a senior leader from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), following the latter’s recent detention. Drawing a stark comparison with the controversial death of Maoist leader Kishanji, Mahato expressed fears that Chatterjee might face a similar fate while in custody. In a letter to West Bengal Governor CV Anand Bose, Mahato urged for increased security measures to protect Chatterjee, citing concerns about his safety while incarcerated.
Tulsiberia Dargah Sharif to Host Three-Day Commemoration in Honor of Hazrat Pir Mr. Abdul Hamid Ali Khan (RA)
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 12, 2025, Kolkata : The Tulsiberia Dargah Sharif Committee, under the leadership of President MD Moktar, will organize a series of events over three days starting tomorrow to honor the memory of Hazrat Pir Mr. Abdul Hamid Ali Khan (RA) at Rajapur Police Station, Howrah Rural District. This annual program, rooted in tradition, is expected to draw millions of devotees, guests, and visitors from across India and abroad, according to Chip Gaddinshin and Moallim Dargah Sharif Committee Secretary Pirzada Rafiqul Islam Khan.
Police Action Following Violent Clash Between Rival TMC Factions Over Illegal Sand Mining in Birbhum
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 12, 2025, Kolkata : In an alarming turn of events in Birbhum, two factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) clashed on Tuesday, resulting in serious injuries to a party worker. The confrontation, which took place in Jamalpur, Kankartala, was linked to a longstanding dispute over control of the illegal sand mining business along the Ajay River. The incident involved bomb explosions between rival groups, leaving Sheikh Saktar Ali severely injured, with his right leg amputated as a result. His brother, Babu Sheikh, also sustained splinter injuries.
BJP Criticizes Kejriwal’s “Shishmahal,” Declares New CM Will Not Stay There
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 11, 2025, New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has written to the Lieutenant Governor, informing him that the newly elected BJP Chief Minister will not take residence in the bungalow at 6 Flagstaff Road, which the party has dubbed the “Shishmahal of sins.” The letter, signed by BJP leader Virendra, alleges that Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, constructed this luxurious residence through “encroachment” on the land of four other government houses. The BJP has called for the restoration of the area to its original state and stated that the new government will decide the future use of the bungalow. The property is currently under investigation in relation to the excise corruption case.
Subhendu Adhikari Demands NIA Investigation into Kalyani Firecracker Factory Explosion, Criticizes State Government for Negligence
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 11, 2025, Kolkata : In the aftermath of the tragic explosion at a firecracker factory in Kalyani, State Opposition Leader Subhendu Adhikari has called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the incident. Adhikari visited the site on Tuesday and personally handed over a check of Rs 2 lakh 1 thousand to the families of those who died in the explosion, underscoring the severity of the situation. He also took the opportunity to criticize the state government, particularly the Chief Minister, for what he called a failure to hold the responsible authorities accountable.
State Makes Property Tax Mandatory in Rural Areas, Implements Self-Assessment Method
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 11, 2025, Kolkata : In a move aimed at curbing property tax evasion, the state government has made property tax mandatory across both urban and rural areas. The newly introduced self-assessment method, which was already in practice in all municipalities, will now be extended to the rural areas through an initiative by the Panchayat Department. This method will be applicable during the registration of new properties, such as land and houses.
CBI Faces Crucial Moment in Primary Recruitment Corruption Case as Sujoy Krishna Bhadra Appears in Court for Voice Sample Collection
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 11, 2025, Kolkata : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is facing mounting pressure in the ongoing primary recruitment corruption case, with significant developments unfolding today. Sujoy Krishna Bhadra, known as “Kalighat’s uncle,” has appeared in court as part of the investigation, with his voice sample set to be collected in the presence of a judge. The collection of this sample is seen as a critical step in the case, as the CBI aims to verify and compare it with other existing evidence to strengthen its investigation.
Factional Conflict in Birbhum Escalates as Bombings Mark Power Struggle Within Trinamool
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 11, 2025, Kolkata : The district of Birbhum, known for its deep political ties to West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), is witnessing a violent escalation of internal factionalism. The long-standing cold war within the party has now taken a deadly turn, with bomb blasts rocking the area. The conflict, analysts suggest, revolves around control over various local mafias, particularly the lucrative sand money business.
Birbhum has long been associated with Keshtar Mandal, a key figure in the region and a close ally of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Mandal’s influence had grown during his time in jail, earning him the title of the “uncrowned king” of Birbhum. Now, after his release, tensions are simmering again, and the question remains whether this internal struggle within Trinamool will ever subside.
The situation in Birbhum is increasingly volatile, with rival factions clashing over power and influence. On Tuesday, the area around Jamalpur, in Kankartala police station jurisdiction, erupted into violence following a bombing incident. Local sources suggest that two Trinamool groups were fighting over the division of sand money, leading to the explosive confrontation. The blasts left the surrounding area in chaos, with thick smoke rising from the scene.
The bombs, which have become disturbingly common in the region, are reportedly being used freely by the factions vying for dominance. The police, observers say, have largely remained silent, leaving locals to contend with the violence on their own. Despite the clear evidence of internal discord, Trinamool district president Kajal Sheikh has denied any division within the party. According to Sheikh, “There is only one group of Trinamool Congress in Birbhum, and that is the group led by Mamata Banerjee. We all do Trinamool.”
However, sources on the ground suggest that the bombing incident was the work of two key figures—Swapan Sen from Sheikh’s faction and Ujjwal Haque Quaderi, a member of the core committee loyal to Anubrata Mandal. The violence has already resulted in injury, with reports stating that a grassroots worker lost a leg due to one of the explosions.
This escalating violence signals a deepening power struggle within Trinamool Congress, where factions fight not only for control of political turf but also for lucrative illegal businesses. The people of Birbhum, caught in the crossfire, are left helpless, with little indication that the violence will cease anytime soon.
BJP Sets Sights on Bengal, Trinamool Dismisses 2026 Prospects in Retort
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 10, 2025, Kolkata : Following its parting with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has now shifted its focus to West Bengal, gearing up for the 2026 elections. The Union Education Minister has openly stated that the BJP’s attention is firmly on Bengal this time, signaling their intent to make significant political inroads. However, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the state remains resolutely unimpressed and has shown little interest in entertaining the BJP’s demands.
BJP’s Victory in Delhi Raises Concerns for TMC and Signals Political Shifts
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 9, 2025, Delhi: BJP is set to form the government in Delhi after a massive victory in the 2025 Assembly elections, ending a 27-year-long wait for power in the capital. While this outcome marks a significant setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), political experts suggest that it could also have implications for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal. Despite the differences in size and characteristics between Delhi and West Bengal, the trends seen in Delhi’s election may serve as a warning sign for TMC, especially with BJP as the primary opposition.
One of the key takeaways from AAP’s defeat is the diminishing effectiveness of charity-driven politics. Arvind Kejriwal’s administration introduced several populist measures, including free bus travel for women, subsidized electricity bills up to 200 units, and even financial allowances for Hindu priests. However, this election result indicates that voters may be prioritizing governance and development over such schemes, setting a precedent that could influence political strategies in other states, including West Bengal.
Another significant factor was the shifting pattern of Muslim votes. It is believed that a portion of AAP’s traditional Muslim voter base was divided between Congress and AIMIM. While AAP’s Amanatullah Khan retained his seat in Okhla, AIMIM gained a strong foothold, securing the second position. In Mustafabad, AIMIM’s presence further fragmented the vote share, ultimately benefiting the BJP candidate. If this trend continues, it could weaken opposition strongholds in states like West Bengal, where Muslim votes play a crucial role in electoral outcomes.
AAP’s continuous confrontations with the BJP-led central government also played a role in its decline. Since coming to power, the Kejriwal administration has frequently clashed with the center, leading to policy roadblocks and withdrawal from several central projects. In a centrally controlled union territory like Delhi, such conflicts may have alienated voters who prefer cooperative governance. Similar patterns have been observed in West Bengal, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has consistently opposed the central government. Analysts speculate that prolonged conflicts with the center could create political challenges for TMC in the future.
With BJP’s resurgence in Delhi, the political landscape in India is witnessing significant shifts. The implications of this victory extend beyond Delhi, posing strategic challenges for opposition parties in other states. The evolving voter sentiment and changing political dynamics will be crucial in determining the course of upcoming elections across the country.