The conflict between the two influential figures traces back to a disagreement over the foundation day of the student council, an event organized by Calcutta University. Shanta Dutta, who serves as the university’s acting Vice Chancellor, did not comply with Bratya Basu’s directives regarding the event, which led to growing tensions between them. Since that time, Dutta has been increasingly critical of the Education Minister, and the discord reached a boiling point when, on Saturday, Bratya Basu, the Trinamool Congress MLA from Dumdum, mocked Dutta by likening her to a crow and a peacock. These comments were seen as an attempt to belittle Dutta, perhaps in retaliation for her refusal to follow his instructions.

In response, Shanta Dutta took to a private news channel where she accused Bratya Basu of using his political power to undermine academic authority. She also recalled an incident involving Bratya Basu earlier this year at Jadavpur University, which she felt was pertinent to the current conflict.

The incident, which occurred in March 2023, was a flashpoint for widespread protests against the state government and its handling of education. Bratya Basu was accused of running over a student named Indranuj Roy during a protest at the university. The protests stemmed from deep-rooted dissatisfaction among students with the state’s educational policies and ministerial actions. Bratya Basu himself was injured during the episode, but many viewed his actions as reckless. Dutta pointed to this episode to question Basu’s leadership and draw attention to what she perceived as his failure to take responsibility for the consequences of his actions.

Dutta also took this opportunity to address the recent controversy surrounding examinations at Calcutta University. She explained that decisions regarding exams were made by the university’s syndicate, not by her alone. She expressed frustration that she was being personally attacked for a decision that involved multiple stakeholders. In her statement, Dutta clarified, “I am not acting alone in these matters. The decisions are collective, made by the syndicate, and yet, I am being unfairly targeted.”

Drawing parallels with the incident at Jadavpur University, Dutta recounted how, during that protest, students had barricaded her car for over six hours, leading to an incredibly tense standoff. She further detailed how one student had even climbed onto the bonnet of her car, disrupting the situation, and abusing her with offensive language. Despite this, Dutta emphasized that she did not instruct her driver to run over the student, calling attention to the fact that the protests were out of her control. However, her remarks made it clear that she felt the government had failed to address the root causes of such protests and had not taken action against those responsible for the escalation of violence.

Dutta’s comments regarding the handling of student protests were pointed. She criticized the government’s inability to curb the disruptive actions of protesting students and referenced the court’s order which had explicitly banned outsiders from entering the university premises. However, Dutta claimed that the students flouted this order by tearing the notice and even setting it on fire, an act she compared to “Muhammad bin Tughlaqi acts”—a historical reference used in Bengal to criticize policies perceived as despotic or irrational. Despite these acts of defiance, Dutta lamented that the government did nothing to hold these students accountable.

As the war of words continued, the issue also touched upon Abhirup Chakraborty, the General Secretary of the Trinamool Student Union (TMC), who had made pointed remarks regarding the exam issue. Dutta responded by announcing that Chakraborty would be banned from the university for five years, preventing him from registering for any higher education courses, such as MPhil or PhD, and blocking his application for any employment opportunities at Calcutta University. This measure was seen as a direct response to his provocative statements, as well as a message to student leaders who attempt to influence university policies through political means.

Dutta’s critique was not limited to student leaders; she also expressed her disappointment in the lack of action taken against Chakraborty by his own party leadership. In a sharply worded comment, she stated, “Had I seen any criticism or punishment from the party for his offensive remarks, I would have respected the action. But the days passed without any such response.”

Dutta also turned her attention to Bratya Basu’s behavior, particularly his media comments about the autonomy of the Vice Chancellor. The Education Minister had accused her of being too reliant on government directives, claiming that if the Vice Chancellor of a university were to act merely as a puppet of the government, it would be detrimental to the institutional autonomy of the university. In response, Dutta expressed her surprise at the Education Minister’s aggressive tone and lamented the “downfall of his standards”. She went so far as to suggest that if the party did not take action against him, the responsibility to address his misconduct would fall to the academic institutions, implying that someone had to step up to restore order.

In conclusion, the conflict between Shanta Dutta and Bratya Basu seems far from resolution. Academic freedom and institutional autonomy have become major points of contention as both parties continue to make their cases in public. The issue now extends beyond just a disagreement over university policies to a larger debate over the relationship between political forces and educational institutions. The question remains: will academic institutions like Calcutta University be able to maintain their independence from the heavy hand of politics, or will this struggle for power redefine the future of education in West Bengal?

The situation has raised serious questions about academic freedom and the role of political figures in shaping the education system, with many watching closely to see how these tensions will unfold in the coming months.

Chakraborty’s legal team asserts that Ghosh’s accusations have caused irreparable harm to the actor’s personal and professional reputation. The suit specifically refers to Ghosh’s allegations that Chakraborty was involved in several high-profile financial scandals, including the notorious Alchemist Group money laundering case, the Rose Valley Financial Scandal, and the Saradha Chit Fund Scandal. According to Chakraborty’s lawyers, these accusations are entirely unfounded and have been made with malicious intent, driven by political animosity.

In addition to the financial allegations, the defamation suit also highlights Ghosh’s claims about Chakraborty’s family. Ghosh reportedly accused Chakraborty’s son of being involved in a rape case, an allegation Chakraborty vehemently denies. Furthermore, the TMC spokesperson allegedly made remarks about Chakraborty’s wife, suggesting her involvement in dubious financial transactions. These comments, Chakraborty argues, were designed to tarnish his family’s reputation and harm their social standing.

The actor-turned-politician, who is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award, claims that the defamatory remarks have not only affected his personal life but have also jeopardized his career in films and advertising. He is now seeking legal redress in a bid to restore his and his family’s honor and to hold Ghosh accountable for the damage caused by his statements.

In a sharp counteraction, Kunal Ghosh has also taken legal steps, filing a criminal defamation suit against Mithun Chakraborty. Ghosh expressed his readiness to face the legal proceedings and indicated that he would seek a CBI investigation into the allegations he made against the actor. He further stated that he had already filed his own defamation suit against Chakraborty in the Bankshall Court, claiming that the actor had made defamatory remarks about him. Ghosh has also challenged Chakraborty’s claims, pointing out the actor’s history of political affiliations — from his early involvement with the Naxalite movement to his later affiliations with Shiv Sena, TMC, and now BJP. Ghosh argues that Chakraborty’s frequent changes in political allegiance raise questions about his credibility.

The situation has become a highly charged political and legal standoff, with both parties using the courtroom as a platform for their broader political battles. Ghosh’s remarks about Chakraborty’s political career — including accusations that the actor switched parties to avoid investigation — have only fueled the fire. Ghosh, who has been vocal about his criticism of Chakraborty’s political moves, emphasized that he was “waiting for this situation” to present documents related to the chit fund cases in court, and insisted that the CBI should investigate the matter further.

While the legal battle intensifies, it remains to be seen how the courts will rule on the defamation suits. The legal proceedings, which have been marked by intense public scrutiny, have yet to announce a hearing date, although sources suggest that the case may be brought before the court as early as next week.

This high-profile defamation dispute underscores the ongoing rivalry between two prominent political figures in West Bengal and highlights the complex interplay between politics and personal reputations in the state. It also sheds light on the intricacies of political discourse, where personal attacks and legal confrontations often spill over into public view, creating dramatic spectacles that resonate with the public and media alike.

As the case develops, the people of Bengal, and indeed the entire nation, will be watching closely to see how this legal drama unfolds in the courts.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 4, 2025, Kolkata :  In a significant development for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, state president Shamik Bhattacharya has officially launched the ‘Karyakarta Darbar’ at the party’s historic headquarters at 6 Muralidhar Sen Lane. The initiative, designed to bridge the gap between the party leadership and its workers, is aimed at addressing the concerns of BJP members at the grassroots level.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 2, 2025, Kolkata :  Abhishek Banerjee, the All India General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), delivered a stern message of unity and cooperation to the leadership of the Ghatal organizational district of West Midnapore during a meeting in Kolkata on Monday. The meeting, held at Camac Street, came in the wake of internal disputes within the district leadership, particularly over the changes at the block level.

Present at the meeting were senior state ministers, including Manas Bhuiyan, Shiuli Saha, former minister Humayun Kabir, and Ajit Maiti, among other prominent leaders of the Ghatal district’s branch organizations. Abhishek Banerjee emphasized the importance of working cohesively to strengthen the party, particularly as leadership adjustments and changes at the block level are inevitable.

The main point of contention in the district is the ongoing dispute between key leaders, specifically Radhakant Maiti, the current chairperson of Ghatal, and Humayun Kabir, the current MLA of Debra. The tension between the two stems from their differing approaches to leadership at the block level. Radhakant, who was previously the MLA of Debra, has clashed with Humayun, and their relationship has been described as strained. The leaders’ disagreements have become particularly evident in the ongoing changes to the leadership in the blocks of Debra, Pingla, and Keshpur.

Moreover, Shiuli Saha, another influential leader from the district, has faced opposition from a section of the district over leadership changes in Keshpur. These internal conflicts have created a rift within the Ghatal organizational district, hindering the party’s unity and progress in the region.

According to several leaders present at the meeting, Abhishek Banerjee addressed these concerns directly. He acknowledged the differing proposals from the district’s leadership, including suggestions from Radhakant, Shiuli, Humayun, and Ajit. However, he made it clear that while these proposals would be considered, the final decision regarding leadership changes and organizational matters would rest with party leader Mamata Banerjee.

Abhishek’s call for unity was not just a directive but a firm reminder that the TMC must move forward together. “In the coming days, everyone, including Mamata Banerjee, will have to accept the necessary changes made at the block level. The party’s future depends on collective efforts and working together,” Abhishek asserted during the meeting.

The tensions within the Ghatal district are part of broader discussions around party unity and leadership restructuring within the TMC. With the party facing challenges in maintaining cohesion, Abhishek’s message was seen as a clear indication that internal conflicts must be resolved swiftly and with the party’s broader goals in mind.

As the party moves forward, the hope is that these internal disputes will be resolved and the leadership can unite to focus on the larger objective of strengthening the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. 

Political Turmoil Erupts in West Bengal Assembly Over Army Incident on Mayor Road

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 2, 2025, Kolkata :  The West Bengal Assembly witnessed intense chaos and heated exchanges on Tuesday, following a controversial incident on Mayor Road involving the Indian Army. The political fallout from this incident sparked protests, suspensions, and fiery debates, leading to an escalating confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

On Monday, the Indian Army reportedly dismantled a stage erected by the TMC for a Bengali language movement on Mayor Road, triggering widespread protests from the ruling party. The TMC strongly condemned the Army’s actions, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the event. TMC Supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee immediately visited the site, claiming that the BJP had used the Army to dismantle the stage and suppress the movement. She later described the incident as a form of ‘assault on the Bengali language.’

In the aftermath, the TMC organized protest meetings in various districts across the state on Tuesday, and the issue was brought to the floor of the Assembly. Tensions escalated when Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition, raised slogans in support of the Indian Army, further aggravating the situation. The Assembly witnessed an uproar as members of the ruling party and opposition clashed over the incident, with TMC lawmakers expressing anger at the BJP’s stance.

Suvendu’s action in favor of the Indian Army led to his suspension from the Assembly. The Speaker of the House, Biman Banerjee, was forced to call for marshals to remove him from the session after he continued chanting slogans despite repeated warnings to cease. The suspension of the opposition leader resulted in a walkout by BJP legislators, who left the Assembly in protest.

Speaking to the media outside the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari strongly criticized his suspension, asserting, “I have been suspended again. I was suspended for speaking in favor of the Army. I feel proud of the Indian Army.” He further claimed that his suspension was unlawful and that he was unjustly removed from the Assembly for raising his voice in support of the nation’s armed forces.

As the Assembly debate continued, tensions reached new heights with inflammatory comments from both sides. State Minister Bratya Basu described the Army’s actions on Mayor Road as reminiscent of the violence on March 25, 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, comparing the incident to the Pakistani Army’s atrocities. This remark, in particular, sparked further outrage among opposition members, who accused the TMC of politicizing the issue for electoral gain.

In response, Minister Firhad Hakim called the BJP an “anti-Bengali” party, fueling the ongoing war of words between the two parties. BJP lawmakers, in turn, vociferously defended the actions of the Army, and Suvendu continued to raise slogans like “Indian Army Zindabad” (Long Live the Indian Army), solidifying his position as a staunch supporter of the military.

After the session, BJP leaders expressed outrage at what they described as an “undemocratic” suspension, accusing the ruling party of attempting to stifle their voices. Suvendu, in particular, remained defiant, reiterating his pride in the Army and his firm belief that the incident on Mayor Road needed to be thoroughly investigated.

The political controversy shows no signs of abating, with both sides dug in and accusations flying in all directions. With Assembly sessions in turmoil and protests breaking out across the state, the political standoff between the TMC and BJP is set to dominate West Bengal’s political landscape for the foreseeable future.

Although the state BJP leadership, including figures like State President Shamik Bhattacharya, share a consensus on Ghosh’s value, it is ultimately the central leadership in Delhi that will determine his future role. The ongoing question in political circles is whether Delhi will re-appoint the former state president to the state committee or assign him to another crucial post.

In a recent meeting at the state BJP office in Salt Lake, Ghosh, in his signature candid style, declared that despite lacking an official party position and facing the impending end of his tenure as MP in 2024, he still maintains his relevance in Bengal’s political arena. “I still have a price in the market,” Ghosh remarked, signaling that he has not been sidelined completely, despite his diminishing visibility. His consistent assertion that he has not lost his relevance in the state speaks volumes about his self-assuredness and potential political maneuvering.

However, the critical question remains: Is Dilip Ghosh about to receive a new political responsibility? Will the party grant him a place back in the central or state committee? Responding to this uncertainty in the past, Ghosh stated, “Let’s see how the party wants. I have previously contested in the assembly and Lok Sabha, and I will do whatever is needed for the party’s needs.” His willingness to adapt to the party’s demands suggests that Ghosh is keeping his options open, awaiting a potential political reshuffle.

The political dynamics within the state BJP have certainly shifted since Shamik Bhattacharya assumed the role of state president. Bhattacharya’s leadership has elevated the importance of veteran party members, and one of his clear objectives is to integrate long-serving workers back into the party’s fold. Given this context, it is highly possible that Ghosh, as a prominent leader with years of experience, could be reintroduced into the political fold.

As one of the party’s strongest and most influential leaders in Bengal, Dilip Ghosh’s political trajectory is far from over. With the next assembly elections on the horizon, many are watching closely to see whether Ghosh will once again be at the forefront of West Bengal BJP’s political strategy. The coming months will likely reveal whether Ghosh’s political influence will be revived or if he will continue to play a more diminished role in state politics.

The controversy erupted on Friday when Rakesh Singh and his supporters were seen engaging in a violent attack on the Pradesh Congress office, setting fire to photographs of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, and burning the party’s flags. The event has sparked widespread backlash, with critics accusing Singh of crossing a line that could damage the BJP’s public image. However, the most significant fallout appears to be within the party itself.

As the incident gained attention, the state BJP, under pressure from various quarters, distanced itself from Singh. State President Shamik Bhattacharya, who had been under political pressure, condemned the actions, making it clear that the BJP does not support the burning of any political party’s flag. “This was not an approved program of the party,” Bhattacharya asserted, signaling his firm stance against the attack.

Meanwhile, Shuvendu Adhikari, who has often been seen as a guiding force for Rakesh Singh within the BJP, also distanced himself from the controversy. In his response, Adhikari confirmed that Singh is a BJP member but made it clear that the party does not condone his actions. “I support what our state president Shamik Bhattacharya has said about this incident. This was not an approved program of the party,” Adhikari stated, further signaling his discomfort with Singh’s actions.

The growing tension between Rakesh Singh and key BJP leaders has underscored the factional struggles within the state unit of the party. Singh’s close ties to Shuvendu Adhikari have long been noted in political circles, and his sudden isolation raises questions about internal power dynamics within the Bengal BJP. The lack of support from both Adhikari and Bhattacharya highlights the deepening divide among party leaders, especially as the state prepares for the upcoming elections.

Rakesh Singh, who was once seen as an influential figure in the party, now faces a precarious position. His political future seems uncertain as he finds himself increasingly isolated, with his recent actions seemingly out of step with the party’s official stance. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Singh will be able to mend his relationship with the party leadership or if this marks the beginning of his political decline within the BJP.

Amid a record-breaking turnout, Abhishek described the crowd as “historic,” asserting that the TMCP had shattered all previous attendance records. “The kind of passion and unity we saw today proves that the BJP doesn’t stand a chance—not even against TMCP, let alone against our senior leaders or block presidents,” he said.

Taking a direct dig at a BJP rally held earlier this month at the same venue, he remarked, “Whether it was a rally or a circus on August 11, it was hard to differentiate.” His comments drew loud cheers from students gathered at the site.

Reinforcing Trinamool’s criticism of the Centre, Abhishek revisited the pending RG case and asked why the Aparajita Bill still hasn’t been passed. “Why is this delay happening? Who is blocking justice? These questions must be answered,” he demanded from the stage, suggesting systemic delays and discrimination.

Abhishek also lauded the Trinamool government for settling pending dues of 69 lakh job card holders in the state, calling it a significant milestone that reflects the state’s commitment to the underprivileged and working class. “If we can fight and win for these 69 lakh, we can fight for the 10 crore Bengalis being insulted every day,” he asserted.

In a strong cultural and political rebuttal to recurring narratives targeting Bengalis, he criticized those who label people from the state as “Bangladeshis” or question the legitimacy of the Bengali language. “We will answer those who dare to say that Bengali is not a language,” he thundered, rallying students to rise against such divisive propaganda.

The TMCP rally became a launching pad for Abhishek Banerjee to energize the party’s youth base while issuing strong warnings to political rivals. With growing prominence in the party’s leadership structure, his speech reflected a fusion of assertive politics, generational change, and continuity in the party’s core message.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Aug 29 2025, Kolkata : At the massive Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) Foundation Day rally held today at Mayo Road, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress Chairperson Mamata Banerjee delivered a fiery and emotional speech, touching upon her personal political struggles, institutional challenges, and Bengal’s development milestones.

Addressing a sea of supporters, Mamata Banerjee launched a direct attack on the Election Commission, accusing it of partisan behaviour. She alleged that forces she called “high-voltage viruses” were “violently withholding funds” and working in collaboration with what she termed “SIR” to strip citizens of their voting rights. “It is unfortunate that the Election Commission is playing someone’s lollipop,” she said, criticising what she sees as politically motivated targeting of migrant workers and voters.

Mamata Banerjee drew a sharp contrast between her government’s treatment of migrant labourers and that of others. “They call 22 lakh migrant workers names and torture them. But here in Bengal, we support 1.5 crore migrant workers and provide them with dignity and jobs,” she asserted, adding that under her leadership, the state had created employment for 2 crore individuals.

Revisiting her early political activism, Banerjee shared a chilling account of a near-death experience during a college election in Kolkata. She recalled how Communist Party goons allegedly abducted two boys during her speech at Ashutosh College. “I went to drink water and saw them taking the boys away. I grabbed one by the collar, but they chased me with a pipe gun,” she recounted. She described how local shopkeepers from a nearby restaurant, Srihari Mishtanna Bhandar, sheltered her. “Had they not hidden me, I wouldn’t have survived that day,” she said, visibly emotional.

Amid the political commentary, Banerjee also underscored the strides made by her administration in education. “We have spent ₹69,000 crore on building Bengal’s educational infrastructure. Kanyashree has won the highest international awards,” she stated, proudly claiming that her government’s initiatives under the leadership of Subrata Bakshi have transformed the state’s educational landscape.

She concluded by reaffirming her deep-rooted connection with the people of Bengal, saying, “My Bengali land is the best of all states. I have travelled the world, but no one knows this country better than I do.”

The rally, marking TMCP’s foundation day, served as more than just a student gathering — it became a platform for Mamata Banerjee to reassert her leadership, defend the values of her government, and issue a sharp critique of her political opponents and federal institutions.

Sources indicate that Abhishek Banerjee, TMC’s All India General Secretary, has issued a clear and uncompromising directive to the district leadership: win all six assembly seats in South Dinajpur in the upcoming elections. The message, delivered during a recent organisational review, is being interpreted as both a challenge to BJP dominance in North Bengal and a matter of prestige for the ruling party.

Trinamool’s strategy appears to involve a detailed analysis of past electoral setbacks. Abhishek has reportedly ordered a constituency-wise review to identify the reasons behind previous losses, assess the impact of internal factionalism, and evaluate the performance of district leaders. The instruction is to pinpoint not just where the party fell short, but also why and who contributed to those outcomes.

Despite South Dinajpur being considered a relatively small district, its political significance is far greater. Known as Sukanta Majumdar’s home turf, the area holds symbolic weight for the BJP. The TMC’s decision to go all in on the district underscores its desire to reclaim ground and demonstrate strength in what has historically been a BJP-leaning region within North Bengal.

Court officials confirmed that Banerjee’s appearance was to sign and submit a counter affidavit in response to a petition filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Abhijit Das, who had contested against him in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Diamond Harbour. Several Trinamool lawyers greeted Banerjee at the court premises, with some even taking photographs with him before he departed.

Das had moved the Calcutta High Court last year, challenging the results of the Diamond Harbour constituency and alleging irregularities during the election. In the 2024 polls, Banerjee secured his third consecutive victory with 10,48,230 votes, while Das polled 3,37,300. The margin of 7,10,930 votes not only gave Banerjee a landslide win but also set a record in West Bengal for the highest margin of victory in that election.

The case gained renewed attention in April this year when the High Court directed the preservation of all election-related materials, including data, CCTV footage, and digital records from the constituency. The Election Commission and the district electoral officer were specifically instructed to maintain these records.

On August 19, the Calcutta High Court warned that an ex parte order could be passed against Banerjee if he failed to respond to the petition. While his legal team requested additional time, the court set August 28 as the final deadline for filing his reply. Monday’s court appearance was therefore crucial, as Banerjee formally filed his counter affidavit ahead of the deadline. The court has now scheduled the next hearing for September 4.

The issue has also taken on a political dimension in recent weeks. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Anurag Thakur alleged at a press conference that a large number of ineligible voters were included in Diamond Harbour’s rolls. Trinamool Congress countered this claim, stating that Banerjee’s representatives had visited Thakur’s residence with a pen drive reportedly containing video evidence and documents refuting the allegations. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari later echoed similar concerns, adding further weight to the opposition’s challenge.

With the matter once again active before the High Court and the assembly elections approaching, the political spotlight has returned sharply to Diamond Harbour. Banerjee’s massive 2024 victory margin remains both a point of pride for the Trinamool Congress and a source of dispute for his rivals, making the outcome of the legal proceedings significant for Bengal’s evolving political narrative.

Administrative Meetings and Project Launches Set to Begin in Burdwan on August 26

According to official sources, the Chief Minister will reach Burdwan on Tuesday and hold a comprehensive administrative meeting at 12 noon at the Burdwan Municipal Boys’ High School ground. The meeting will bring together senior administrative officials, elected representatives including MPs, MLAs, and other public figures from both East and West Burdwan districts.

Alongside the administrative deliberations, Mamata Banerjee will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for six major development projects in the two districts. Additionally, she is expected to hand over land deeds (pattas) to several beneficiaries during the program, furthering the government’s commitment to inclusive development and welfare delivery.

The significance of the visit goes beyond governance. With the Assembly elections less than a year away, political parties are beginning to ramp up their field-level preparations. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is moving swiftly to fortify its organizational structure, while the opposition—particularly the BJP—has also sharpened its focus on Bengal. The BJP, which views Bengal as a high-stakes battleground similar to Bihar, has already had the Prime Minister visit the state thrice this year.

Mamata Banerjee’s recent district tours reflect a two-pronged approach: reviewing ongoing administrative work and signaling political intent. Following her visit to Birbhum, a district considered a traditional TMC stronghold but recently fraught with internal challenges involving leaders such as Anubrata Mondal and Kajol Sheikh, she now turns her attention to Burdwan, a region considered more politically stable but not without its undercurrents.

Although Burdwan has not witnessed the same factional disputes as Birbhum, the shadow of internal dynamics remains, prompting the TMC to begin early groundwork. With memories of internal friction still fresh, the leadership is keen to avoid any surprises during the election season.

Ahead of the Chief Minister’s visit, district authorities have been conducting field inspections, particularly at the venue for Tuesday’s meeting. On Thursday, top officials personally visited the Burdwan Municipal Boys’ High School ground to review security, logistics, and crowd management plans. Reports confirm that security arrangements are being strengthened, and coordination meetings among police and civil administration are already underway.

District TMC President and MLA Rabindranath Chattopadhyay confirmed the preparations, stating that “the Chief Minister will hold a joint administrative meeting for East and West Burdwan on August 26 at 12 noon. She will inaugurate projects, lay foundation stones, and hand over pattas to eligible beneficiaries.”

War of Words Escalates Ahead of Polls as Subhendu Adhikari Faces Renewed Allegations

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews | Kolkata | August 23, 2025 : 

The political temperature in West Bengal surged yet again following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fiery speech from Dum Dum, where he launched a scathing attack on jailed Trinamool Congress ministers Partha Chatterjee and Jyotipriya Mallick over corruption. Within hours, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) struck back—general secretary and spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, along with senior leader Dr. Shashi Panja, hit back at the BJP by publicly resurfacing the Narada sting video implicating opposition leader Subhendu Adhikari, a former TMC heavyweight now with the BJP.

In his speech earlier in the day, the Prime Minister targeted the controversial ‘Ministry Abolition’ Bill, using it as a platform to highlight alleged corruption among TMC leaders. Without naming them directly, Modi pointed to Partha Chatterjee, arrested in the teacher recruitment scam, and Jyotipriya Mallick, implicated in the ration distribution corruption case. “They did not step down even after being arrested,” he said, accusing the TMC leadership of having no regard for public accountability and adding that “the public is being cheated.”

He further issued a stern warning, stating, “Insult to the Constitution will not be tolerated,” reinforcing his party’s anti-corruption narrative ahead of the upcoming elections.

The TMC’s counteroffensive was swift and calculated. From the party headquarters at Trinamool Bhavan, Kunal Ghosh blasted the Prime Minister’s remarks, stating, “Narendra Modi is throwing stones while sitting in a glass house. The people he shares the stage with also face serious corruption allegations.” Ghosh then played a video clip from the Narada sting operation, which had previously shown several political figures, including Subhendu Adhikari, allegedly accepting bribes on camera.

Dr. Shashi Panja, standing alongside Ghosh, reinforced the party’s stance by questioning the BJP’s moral authority: “If the Prime Minister wants to talk about corruption, he should first address the presence of those with tainted records within his own party.”

The Narada sting, though years old, remains a politically potent symbol in Bengal’s high-stakes electoral landscape. While Subhendu Adhikari has denied any wrongdoing, the footage continues to be a thorn in the BJP’s side—especially when used strategically by the TMC to blunt anti-corruption criticisms.

Today’s exchange marks yet another chapter in the intensifying political rivalry between Bengal’s ruling party and the BJP, which continues to sharpen its focus on the state ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. With both parties trading charges of corruption, the narrative on governance, accountability, and ethics is likely to remain at the forefront of public debate in the coming months.

The contentious bill mandates that if the Prime Minister, a Chief Minister, or any minister is arrested and remains in police custody for 30 consecutive days on charges of serious crimes, the individual would be forced to resign from office on the 31st day. The matter has now been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for scrutiny.

Banerjee, however, raised strong objections, claiming that such a clause undermines judicial authority. “If someone has to resign on the 31st day, then the accused will not even get an opportunity to defend himself. Then there is no need for the courts at all. This amounts to showing a thumbs down to the judicial system,” he told the media.

He further argued that the bill was politically motivated, designed to target opposition leaders while shielding ruling party members. “How can the opposition be eliminated? By arresting and jailing leaders, and when that is not enough, this bill is being passed,” Banerjee remarked.

Citing data, the TMC MP claimed that “28 Union Cabinet ministers are facing various cases, including 19 with serious allegations like murder and crimes against women.” He questioned whether the provisions of the bill would be applied uniformly, noting that in multiple instances, investigations against leaders accused of wrongdoing had been halted once they joined the BJP.

In a pointed challenge to the ruling party, Banerjee sarcastically proposed a counter-condition: “Why wait for 31 days? Reduce the time to 15 days, we will support you. But there will be a condition—if the guilt is not proven, then the investigating officer must spend double that time in jail.”

The TMC leader also referred to the government’s recent setback in the Supreme Court regarding the SIR (Special Investigation Report), alleging that the Centre was attempting to divert attention from it by pushing through the controversial legislation.

Meanwhile, opposition MPs in Parliament protested the bill’s introduction, alleging that it trampled on the constitutional principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” weakened federalism, and could be easily misused for political vendetta. Despite the uproar, the bill has been sent to the JPC, which is expected to submit its report in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.

As the political battle lines sharpen, the amendment bill—framed by the Centre as a measure to uphold morality in public life—is emerging as a flashpoint in the broader contest between the ruling BJP and opposition parties ahead of the next phase of legislative debates.

The development triggered sharp criticism from opposition benches, with Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and MP Abhishek Banerjee strongly attacking the Centre. Taking to social media, Banerjee accused the government of undermining federalism and misusing legislative powers. He alleged that the Centre’s real intention was to destabilize elected state governments under the guise of morality in public life.

In his post, Banerjee wrote that the government had “proven itself to be anti-people, anti-farmer, anti-poor, anti-Scheduled Castes, anti-tribals, anti-OBC, anti-federal and above all anti-India,” further alleging that it was treating the country as “private property” and “selling the Constitution.” He also questioned the government’s stance on national security, remarking that while it makes lofty speeches, it shows “no real initiative when it comes to protecting India’s sovereignty and borders, particularly in relation to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).”

According to the provisions outlined, if a prime minister, chief minister, or minister is arrested and remains in police custody for 30 days on serious charges, the head of state—either the President for the Union government or the Governor in the case of a state—would be empowered to act on the matter. If convicted with a sentence exceeding five years, the individual could be removed from ministerial office altogether.

The Lok Sabha session witnessed chaotic scenes following the introduction of the bills around 2 pm. Opposition MPs from Congress, TMC, AIMIM, and other parties stormed into the well of the House, raised slogans, and even tore up copies of the draft legislation in front of Amit Shah. Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Ravneet Singh Bittu intervened to prevent opposition lawmakers from marching closer to the Home Minister’s bench.

Opposition leaders including K C Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Asaduddin Owaisi, and N K Premachandran argued that the proposal ran contrary to constitutional principles and the federal structure. They also claimed it overturned the jurisprudential doctrine of “innocent until proven guilty” and could potentially be weaponized for political vendetta, thereby threatening to convert India into a “police state.”

In a fiery exchange, Venugopal questioned Shah’s moral authority by pointing to his 2010 arrest in Gujarat. Shah, however, retorted that he had resigned on “moral grounds” prior to the arrest, insisting the allegations were false and that he did not return to office until fully discharged by the courts. “What are they teaching us about morality? I had resigned before my arrest. I want moral values to rise. We cannot be so shameless as to continue holding constitutional positions while facing serious charges,” Shah responded.

Despite the uproar, the bills were referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament comprising 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. The committee is expected to submit its report by the end of the first week of the next parliamentary session, likely in November 2025.

The three bills introduced on Wednesday were the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

With the Centre defending the move as a step toward higher standards of probity in public life, and the opposition warning of an assault on democratic values, the stage appears set for an intense nationwide debate in the months to come.