Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 16, 2025, Kolkata : In a dramatic turn of events following his defection to the Trinamool Congress, former Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, John Barla, has found himself at the center of a legal dispute. Barla, who joined the ruling party on Thursday, used the occasion to launch a fierce attack on his former political associate, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Subhendu Adhikari. Barla’s accusations, made during a press conference, have since triggered a swift legal response from Subhendu, who has sent a legal notice demanding an apology.
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Pakistan Proposes Peace Talks with India Amidst Ceasefire and Rising Tensions
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 16, 2025, Delhi : In a significant development on Thursday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister visited the Kamra Air Force Base and delivered a message of peace, asserting that his country is committed to dialogue and is willing to engage in talks with India. However, he attached a condition that has raised eyebrows—insisting that the issue of Kashmir must be addressed as part of any peace discussions. This announcement comes amidst a tense backdrop of India and Pakistan’s complicated relations, prompting questions as to why Pakistan, which has recently been involved in violent clashes, is suddenly advocating for peace.
Padma Shri Awardee Scientist Subanna Ayyappan Found Dead in Cauvery River; Police Investigating Cause
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 15, 2025, Delhi : Subanna Ayyappan, the renowned Padma Shri awardee and former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), was found dead in the Cauvery river in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, on Saturday, three days after his disappearance. His body was recovered by local authorities after being spotted floating in the river, triggering a wave of confusion and speculation regarding the circumstances of his death.
According to police sources, the body was initially unidentifiable, and it wasn’t until Sunday that it was confirmed to be Ayyappan’s after his scooter was found nearby on the banks of the river. Ayyappan, a respected scientist who lived in Mysore with his wife and two daughters, had gone missing after leaving his home on May 7. His family was notified of his death on Sunday evening.
Initial investigations suggest the possibility of suicide, as police believe Ayyappan may have taken his own life. However, the Srirangapatna police have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death. Local authorities are exploring all angles, including whether Ayyappan’s regular visits to a nearby ashram for meditation might have played a role in the incident. Family sources confirmed that Ayyappan frequently went to the ashram near the Cauvery river for spiritual reflection, and investigators are trying to ascertain if he had visited the site on the day he went missing.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, with colleagues and friends mourning the loss of a distinguished figure who made significant contributions to Indian agriculture and research. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his death, and authorities are working to uncover more details to bring clarity to the case.
Hindu Mahasabha Stages Historic Rally in Kolkata Demanding Independent Balochistan
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 15, 2025, Kolkata : In a bold display of solidarity with the people of Balochistan, the Hindu Mahasabha organized a protest rally and roadshow in Kolkata today, advocating for an independent Balochistan and condemning the ongoing atrocities committed by Pakistan against the region. The rally, led by State President Dr. Chandrachud Goswami, took place near Uttam Kumar Metro Station in Tollygunge and saw participation from about fifty members of the political organization.
Dr. Goswami, addressing the crowd, fiercely criticized Pakistan for its treatment of Balochistan, which he described as a Muslim-majority region under brutal occupation. “Although Pakistan talks about Muslim brotherhood, for many years they have been brutally abusing the Muslim-dominated country of Balochistan. They are destroying the dignity of their women,” he stated. The leader also pointed out that Balochistan is critical to Pakistan’s economy, stating, “Dishonest Pakistan should remember that ninety percent of their country’s economy is dependent on Balochistan.”
The Hindu Mahasabha’s support for Balochistan’s independence is not new. Dr. Goswami confirmed that the Mahasabha had reached out to the United Nations, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the leader of Balochistan, Mir Yasir Baloch, urging them to take action for the cause of the Baloch people. “We stand by our Baloch brothers with the last drop of blood in our chest,” Goswami declared.
Other prominent leaders from the Hindu Mahasabha also took the stage, adding weight to the cause. Dr. Surath Chakraborty, a senior member, emphasized that the liberation of Balochistan is crucial to weakening Pakistan’s control over terrorists. “Only if Balochistan is liberated can Pakistani terrorists be suppressed militarily and economically,” Chakraborty argued. He further criticized the Pakistani state, which he said is now under the control of terrorists.
Pandit Subhash Singh Roy, another Mahasabha leader, underscored the historical and cultural ties between India and Balochistan. “Hindustani classical music has established a spiritual connection with Indian soil and our former state of Balochistan for ages,” Roy said. The protest also drew attention to religious sentiments, with Mahasabha Office Secretary Anamika Mandal highlighting the presence of the revered Sati Peeth of Marutirtha Hinglaj in Balochistan. “We Sanatanis must have been specially associated with Balochistan in terms of religious sentiments for many ages,” Mandal added.
Among the many speakers at the event, the words of State Committee members like Manoj Chatterjee, Seema Dutt, and Kajal Halder resonated deeply with the audience. Their speeches inspired widespread enthusiasm and participation.
The rally culminated with Dr. Goswami hoisting the flag of an independent Balochistan, accompanied by the national anthem of Balochistan, performed by the cultural team of the Mahasabha, including Soma De, Lipa Pal, Debangshu Dutta, and Debasrita Dutta.
In a symbolic gesture of support, the participants of the historic roadshow expressed their solidarity for Balochistan and called on the United Nations and Indian leadership to recognize the demand for an independent Balochistan. The streets of Kolkata echoed with slogans of support for the Baloch people, marking a significant moment of political expression and international solidarity in the ongoing struggle for Balochistan’s independence.
Supreme Court Set to Hear Long-Pending DA Case of Bengal Government Employees on Friday
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 15, 2025,
Delhi: After years of delays and repeated adjournments, the dearness allowance (DA) case concerning West Bengal state government employees is finally set for a crucial hearing in the Supreme Court on Friday. The case, which holds immense importance for thousands of state employees, has been entangled in legal proceedings for over two years, despite employees securing favorable verdicts at every stage of the judicial process.Originally sparked by disputes surrounding the recommendations of the Pay Commission, the matter progressed from the State Administrative Tribunal to the Calcutta High Court and eventually reached the Supreme Court. Throughout this legal journey, state government employees have consistently prevailed, bolstering hopes for a conclusive outcome.
The case’s trajectory in the Supreme Court has been particularly complex due to frequent changes in the composition of the bench. It was initially heard in 2022 by Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Hrishikesh Roy. The last hearing took place on April 28, 2023, under Justices Maheshwari and Sanjay Kumar. However, with the subsequent retirement of Justices Maheshwari and Roy, the case faced further delays and uncertainty.
Despite yet another adjournment on Wednesday, optimism surged following confirmation from Advocate Vikas Ranjan Bhattacharya that the matter is now scheduled for a final hearing this Friday. Speaking to reporters, Bhattacharya said, “The DA case was scheduled at 2 p.m. today. We were all present, but due to some special reasons, the court could not take it up. On our request, the hearing has been rescheduled to Friday. This time, the case will not be adjourned. We expect the final hearing to take place.”
As anticipation builds, government employees across the state are hopeful that the verdict—if delivered this week—will finally bring closure to a case that has long affected their financial entitlements.
Former Union Minister John Barla Joins Trinamool Congress, Cites BJP Obstruction to Development
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 15, 2025, Kolkata : After weeks of speculation, former Union Minister and BJP MP John Barla formally joined the Trinamool Congress on Thursday, marking a significant political shift ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. He was welcomed into the party fold by senior Trinamool leaders Subrata Bakshi and Arup Biswas at a public event, where Barla expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for giving him what he described as a “big opportunity” to work for his community.
Barla, who had reportedly been discontented with the BJP for some time, stated that discussions about his joining Trinamool had been ongoing for the past six to seven months. “Didi also called me occasionally. She asked me to work, and I wanted to continue doing what I had started in my own areas, like the tea gardens and local fields,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure as Union Minister, Barla claimed that he faced persistent internal resistance from within the BJP, particularly from the current Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Shuvendu Adhikari. He pointed to a stalled hospital project as an example, saying, “I went to build a hospital worth ₹160 crore with 100 percent grant funding on railway land. The land was identified by the Railways, and only the MoU was pending. But a call came, and the project was stopped. It was not the opposition—it was someone from my own party. Who will build a party if development is obstructed like this?”
Barla’s decision to switch parties has sent ripples through political circles in the state, with many viewing it as a setback for the BJP. His work in Alipurduar and his strong connection with tea garden workers in North Bengal are seen as significant assets that the Trinamool Congress is eager to leverage. Welcoming him to the party, Trinamool leader Arup Biswas handed over the party flag and remarked, “I am joining the party of mother, soil, and people after becoming disillusioned with the BJP.”
The Trinamool Congress has expressed optimism that Barla’s grassroots experience and regional popularity will bolster its presence in North Bengal, a region where the BJP had made notable gains in previous elections.
Arjun Singh Calls Migrant Bengali Voters ‘Game Changers’ in Bengal, Bihar Elections
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 15, 2025, Kolkata : In the run-up to crucial elections in Bihar later this year and West Bengal in 2026, BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh has stirred the political pot with a strong appeal aimed at mobilizing Bengali voters living outside the state. Speaking alongside Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey, Singh claimed that voters from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar—especially Bengalis who have migrated for work—could significantly influence the outcome of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Addressing party workers and supporters, Singh urged that steps be taken to ensure that Bengalis residing in Bihar and other states return to Bengal to cast their votes during the upcoming state elections. In return, he suggested that those who are voters in Bihar but currently living in Bengal should go back to vote in their home constituencies during the Bihar elections. “All these Bengalis should be sent to Bengal to vote. And those who are voters in Bihar, they will go from Bengal and vote in Bihar. If this can be done, then BJP is sure to win in both states,” Singh asserted.
The former MP described these migrant voters as “game changers” and emphasized the need for their mobilization to secure a favorable outcome for the Bharatiya Janata Party in both states. He appealed directly to Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey to coordinate efforts in this regard. Singh’s remarks align with previous statements made by BJP leader Shuvendu Adhikari, who has consistently advocated for strong outreach efforts and emphasized religious identity in political strategy.
Stressing the need for action beyond rhetoric, Singh urged party workers to take to the ground rather than rely solely on speeches and public addresses. Drawing a parallel with national defense, he stated, “The BJP’s defense system should be strengthened. Just as the Prime Minister strengthened the defense system and taught Pakistan a lesson in three hours by sitting in India, similarly the BJP’s defense system should be strengthened.”
His comments reflect a broader strategy by the BJP to consolidate support across state borders and tap into the influence of migrant voters, positioning them as a critical element in the upcoming electoral battles in both Bihar and West Bengal.
West Bengal Tops in Small Industries, Announces New Industrial and Marketing Infrastructure Plans
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 15, 2025, Kolkata : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced significant developments in the state’s industrial landscape, highlighting the state’s top position in the country for small-scale industries. Speaking from Kolkata, she stated that 140 lakh individuals are currently employed in 90 lakh small industrial units across the state. The Chief Minister emphasized the state’s leadership in the sector, noting that 660 industrial clusters already exist, and more are in demand. She underlined the state’s methodical approach to approving new units by ensuring proper land verification and multi-level clearances before granting permissions.
In a major move aimed at supporting small entrepreneurs and self-help groups, the Chief Minister unveiled a plan to construct 23 shopping complexes across the 23 districts of West Bengal. These hubs are intended to promote local products and facilitate better market access. Each complex will be constructed by private entities on one acre of land provided free of cost by the state government. In return, two floors in each complex will be reserved exclusively for self-help groups, also at no cost. Land clearances for these projects have already been granted in 11 districts, including Purulia, Darjeeling, Bankura, Cooch Behar, Howrah, Jalpaiguri, Jhargram, Murshidabad, West Midnapore, and Uttar Dinajpur. The process for clearance in the remaining 12 districts is underway.
The Chief Minister also announced the allocation of 10 industrial plots to prominent companies in key locations including Raghunathpur (Purulia), Mankar (Durgapur), and Panagarh (Burdwan). These plots, covering a total of 2,515 acres, are expected to attract investments worth approximately ₹25,000 crore. She projected that the resulting projects—many in the steel sector—will create over 70,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the state government has expanded its support for micro and small enterprises, allocating land to 43 such units across 15 industrial estates following a recent cabinet decision. These units will be distributed across various districts, contributing to decentralized industrial growth. According to the Chief Minister, “All these will be in different districts. In this case, there will be an investment of hundreds of crores of taka and employment will be created in every district.
Mamata Banerjee Announces New Industrial Zones and Livelihood Security for Workers in West Bengal
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, May 14, 2025 : In a major move to bolster industrialization and provide greater employment opportunities, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced the identification of new industrial zones across West Bengal. This initiative comes as part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to attract investments and stimulate economic growth, especially following the successful World Bengal Trade Conference.
India Rejects Trump’s Claim of Mediation in Ceasefire, Slams Unfounded Allegations
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Delhi, May 14, 2025 : Tensions flared as the Indian government responded sharply to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Trump had claimed that both India and Pakistan had agreed to halt hostilities due to American pressure, suggesting his direct involvement in bringing about the ceasefire. India, however, has expressed strong disapproval of these remarks, clarifying that the ceasefire was not influenced by external intervention.