Category Archives: Politics

Jayanagar Incident Shakes Public: High Court-Ordered Autopsy Confirms Sexual Assault and Strangulation of Minor

Baby Charaborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, October 7, 2024 : The Jayanagar incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with mounting public outrage following the results of the autopsy conducted on a minor victim. On Monday, in accordance with the directive of the Calcutta High Court, doctors at AIIMS Kalyani carried out the post-mortem examination, which revealed disturbing details about the young girl’s death.


According to a report by Anandabazar Patrika, the post-mortem confirmed that the minor was sexually assaulted before being strangled to death. The autopsy, conducted at the behest of the court to ensure transparency, provided crucial insights into the tragic incident, which has since sparked widespread unrest in the community.

This autopsy followed a directive issued by Justice Tirthankar Ghosh of the Calcutta High Court’s Special Bench on Sunday. The court ordered that the post-mortem be conducted at AIIMS Hospital in Kalyani to ensure impartiality and professionalism in handling the sensitive case. The court further instructed that if AIIMS Kalyani lacked the infrastructure for such a procedure, the autopsy should instead be carried out at JNM Hospital, Kalyani. A strict condition was imposed that no doctors or staff from these local institutions would participate in the post-mortem to maintain objectivity.

In line with the court’s directive, on Monday morning, the police transported the body of the minor victim from Kolkata’s Kantapukur Mortuary to Kalyani in a hearse. The autopsy process began at 12 noon, and the official report confirmed the family’s worst fears: the minor had suffered sexual violence before being strangled.

The origins of this tragic case began when the minor’s body was discovered on Saturday, triggering an outpouring of grief and calls for justice. In the aftermath of the discovery, the victim’s father publicly expressed his distrust in the state government’s handling of the investigation. He voiced concerns about potential interference and urged that the post-mortem be conducted at a Central Government hospital instead of a state-run facility. In a formal appeal, the father of the victim wrote to the Director General of State Police, requesting that the post-mortem be handled by an impartial institution, reflecting a lack of confidence in the state’s ability to ensure transparency.

This request likely influenced the court’s decision to appoint AIIMS Kalyani as the site for the post-mortem, removing local involvement from the process. The court’s intervention was seen as a crucial step toward maintaining fairness in the investigation and restoring some level of trust in the legal proceedings.

There is a growing demand for accountability and swift justice for the victim. The horrific details of the case have reignited broader discussions about the safety and security of minors, the effectiveness of law enforcement, and the need for systemic reforms to prevent such atrocities in the future.

As the investigation progresses, there is immense public pressure on both the state government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served. Advocacy groups, political figures, and concerned citizens are calling for a transparent investigation that will hold the perpetrators accountable and deliver justice for the young victim.

In the meantime, the victim’s family and the broader community wait anxiously for further developments in the case, hoping that the legal system will provide swift and fair justice in light of the grievous tragedy. 

Mass Resignation: 50 Senior Doctors of RG Kar and Other Hospitals Resign in Support of Junior Doctors’ Movement

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 

October 7, 2024, Kolkata  :  In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing medical crisis in West Bengal, 50 senior doctors from several prominent hospitals, including RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, have submitted their resignations in a show of solidarity with the junior doctors’ movement. The resigning doctors include heads of various departments, signaling a significant challenge to the state’s healthcare system.

Reports indicate that doctors from other major medical institutions, such as NRS Medical College and Hospital and SSKM Hospital, have also joined the growing protest. This mass resignation is seen as an unprecedented move by senior medical professionals to increase pressure on the state government in support of the junior doctors’ 10-point demand, which includes better working conditions and systemic reforms in the healthcare sector.

Escalating Crisis

The movement began with junior doctors staging a hunger strike at Dharmatala, demanding immediate action on their grievances. As of Monday, the number of junior doctors participating in the hunger strike has continued to grow. In a new development, 3-4 specialist doctors—referred to as “player doctors” for their leadership and influence in the medical community—joined the hunger strike, signaling that the protest is gaining momentum beyond the junior ranks.

Many of the senior doctors who have aligned themselves with the movement are former students of RG Kar Medical College Hospital, creating a powerful bond of solidarity between the two generations of medical professionals. They see the junior doctors’ struggle as a legitimate fight for better working conditions, patient safety, and reforms that would benefit both healthcare providers and recipients.

Relay Hunger Strike and Mass Resignation

On Monday night, the Joint Platform of Doctors, an organization representing senior medical professionals, announced in a press release their decision to initiate a relay fasting program. According to the statement, senior doctors will participate in this fasting program from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, in a rotating manner, to show continuous support for the junior doctors without completely abandoning their duties. However, this symbolic act of protest took a serious turn when 50 senior doctors submitted their resignations during the ongoing relay fast.

The mass resignation followed a meeting of department heads earlier that day. The decision was made collectively by the doctors as a way to further intensify pressure on the state government. Despite the resignations, the senior doctors have clarified that they will not abandon their patients. In their statement, they reassured the public that they will continue to provide care and services at the hospitals, even as their formal roles as state employees come to an end.

“We are resigning in protest, but we will remain with our patients. This movement is not against the people, but for a better healthcare system,” one of the senior doctors stated, underlining their commitment to patient care despite the dire circumstances.

Implications for the State’s Healthcare System

The mass resignation of senior doctors has triggered alarm across the state’s healthcare institutions. With the growing number of junior doctors on hunger strike and the absence of key senior medical staff, there is rising concern about the potential collapse of the state’s healthcare system if the situation is not resolved soon.

Several senior officials in the health department have expressed fears that the mass resignation could cripple the functioning of key hospitals, especially if the protest continues for an extended period. Emergency services and critical care units are already feeling the strain, and any further disruption could lead to severe consequences for patient care.

The state government, thus far, has not provided any official response to the mass resignation, but insiders suggest that high-level discussions are underway to find a resolution. The demands of the junior doctors, which range from better working hours to addressing patient safety concerns, have received widespread support from medical professionals and civil society groups, but negotiations with the state have yet to yield concrete results.

A Call for Urgent Resolution

As the protest continues to gain momentum and the healthcare system teeters on the brink of collapse, there are growing calls for urgent intervention from the state government. Many within the medical community are warning that if the government does not engage in meaningful dialogue with the protesting doctors, the situation could spiral into a full-blown healthcare crisis.

Meanwhile, the public remains on edge, as many patients and their families express concern about the availability of medical care in the days ahead. The doctors, both junior and senior, remain committed to their cause but have also reassured the public that their protest is aimed at improving the very system that serves the people.

With the situation hanging in the balance, the state now faces the dual challenge of addressing the doctors’ demands while maintaining the functionality of its healthcare infrastructure.

Gaza- A year Later: The international community must assume its responsibilities

Since 7 October 2023, only shades of black have been visible in Palestine. 

Anthony Bellanger, IJU, October 7, 2024 : In 12 months, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), a worldwide organisation representing 600,000 media professionals in 150 countries, has recorded at least 138 journalists’ deaths during the course of the war in Gaza. Of these, 128 were Palestinians, five Lebanese, four Israeli and one Syrian. This death toll represents the bloodiest period in the history of journalism.


By way of comparison, the other major conflict in the world between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in the deaths of 18 Ukrainian journalists after 32 months of conflict.
The IFJ’s investigations, with the help of its Palestinian affiliate, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), clearly show that many of these victims were targeted by the Israeli army – a practice the International Court of Justice demanded the cessation of in October 2023, as international law requires.

This war in Gaza – now spread to Lebanon – is the will of the government of one man, Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu. He is trampling international conventions and even took the liberty of boasting about his military actions against civilians at the United Nations General Assembly. His pretext is ‘fighting terrorism’. Yet since the American conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, analysis shows that indiscriminate warfare and arbitrary strikes in the cause of combatting terrorism are totally counterproductive. Evidence suggests that they reinforce radical ideologies and amplify the actions of the very organisations they are intended to oppose. Not only that, but these indiscriminate attacks on civilians create at least two generations of hatred and resentment against their aggressors and their descendants.

Since October 2023, the IFJ has made repeated appeals to the United Nations. We have demanded a ceasefire to allow civilians to leave the Gaza Strip (an area of around 365km2, a third the size of Paris). We have called for humanitarian and logistical aid to be delivered as close as possible to the population, including protective equipment for journalists. And we have joined the call for foreign journalists and media workers to be allowed into the enclave to document the war.

Nothing has happened. The Netanyahu government remains impervious, despite the incessant actions of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
In brazen defiance, Israel has ordered the continuation of strikes by its army, financed mainly by the United States (68%) and Germany (30%).

Dehumanisation

After the deadly attack perpetrated by Hamas in southern Israel on 7 October, which left more than 1,200 people dead and 251 hostages in captivity, the IFJ called on journalists around the world to respect the truth and check the facts – not least because of the publication of one of the biggest ‘fake news’ stories of recent decades on the so-called beheaded babies.

Since then, debates have raged within editorial departments. Some fear being labelled pro-Palestinian; others that they are doing the bidding of Israel. 

One consequence of this small-minded professionalism has been a kind of self-censorship, that has resulted in the total dehumanisation of the Palestinian people. They have no-one but themselves to relate the story of their daily nightmare. When internet connections are authorised or in working order, the only way for the world to be kept informed is through publications on the social networking platforms of Gazan journalists. 

The vast majority of the world’s media are effectively cut off from a huge news story whose daily horrors pass they by. Their only available sources arethe journalists who are members of the PJS and the IFJ, who take all the risks to film and photograph with their phones. They are the only ones who are able to fulfil their mission, providing information from the battle front, even though they lack all but the bare essentials, for which they must pay premiums prices on the black market.

On the Israeli side, the dehumanisation of Palestinian civilians is orchestrated by the journalists themselves. In an interview with AFP, one of Channel 14‘s Israeli journalists, Hallel Bitton-Rosen, stated bluntly that her work focuses on “supporting the fighting forces that are protecting the country and its citizens from the vile terrorists who perpetrated the ”terrible massacre’’. 

Is this self-censorship or propaganda?

Fortunately, many journalists who deserve that title are taking on their mission with professionalism and relaying the work of their colleagues in Gaza, while cross-checking their sources with the official communications of the two belligerents.

Solidarity centers for the media

For its part, the International Federation of Journalists and its member unions have raised several hundred thousand euros for journalists in Gaza via its International Safety Fund. At the end of July we opened the first media solidarity centre in the south of the enclave, in the Khan Younis region. The number of centres has now risen to two, with the help in particular of UNESCO, but it is nowhere near enough. Gazan journalists are determined to tell their story, and for so long as that is the case, it is the IFJ’s duty to support them doing this in whatever way we can.

A few days away from the first anniversary of the terrible 7 October attack, it is clear that this war has the potential to expose the tragic shortcomings of the United Nations, just as the Second World War did the League of Nations. The UN Security Council is paralysed, sclerotic and powerless in the face of an Israeli government that enjoys scandalous impunity.

When the dust settles from the rubble of Gaza, the historians of the 2030s will pass harsh judgement on the international community, if it still deserves that name, so divided is the world, in particular the world’s great ‘powers’. The West and the Arab world have, at best issued weak and disconnected declarations, and at worst have financed the arming of the Israeli government. The international community must accept its responsibilities – and the sooner the better.

If international justice delivers on its obligations, the leaders of Israel and Hamas should be in the dock facing charges ranging from war crimes to crimes against humanity. Many other political leaders should appear for complicity in those crimes.
Apart from our IFJ colleagues, we no longer expect anything from anyone,’ lamented a Palestinian journalist in Gaza in September. “There have been so many deaths that we have nothing left to lose, not even our lives. If hell exists, I think I’m living in it right now. It’s a real massacre. It is beyond the imagination of anyone who is not here.”

(Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary, International Federation of Journalists)  

Suvendu Adhikari Criticizes Mamata Banerjee’s Government Amid CBI Probe Controversy

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 7, 2024, South 24 Parganas: In a pointed critique of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration, Suvendu Adhikari, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, took to Twitter on Sunday night to express his concerns over the handling of the recent Jaynagar incident, which involved the tragic murder of a minor child.

Adhikari’s comments came in the wake of a High Court petition filed by the state government seeking a CBI probe into the brutal crime. He stated, “The state government has suddenly become hyperactive out of fear of the Hon’ble High Court intervening in this matter.” His post highlighted the government’s efforts to expedite the investigation process after facing public and judicial scrutiny.

In his tweet, Adhikari criticized the state’s actions, emphasizing the victim’s family’s desire for the investigation to be handed over to the CBI. “Why is the state silent on that?” he questioned, pointing to the apparent disconnect between the government’s actions and the wishes of the victim’s family.

Furthermore, he referenced a recent reprimand from the High Court regarding the state police’s investigation, which had reportedly failed to include crucial charges such as rape under the POCSO Act in the chargesheet. Adhikari stated, “The dire situation of the State Police is evident,” adding that the Chief Minister seems “scared and visibly shaken by the public anger” stemming from ongoing lawlessness in the state.

His remarks come at a time when the pressure is mounting on the Banerjee government to ensure justice and accountability in light of increasing crime rates. The BJP has positioned itself as a critical voice against the state administration, particularly concerning public safety issues.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the public and media will be closely watching how the state government responds to these allegations and whether the CBI probe will yield the desired results in restoring faith in the justice system.

Lalu Prasad Yadav and Family Granted Conditional Bail in Land Grabbing Corruption Case

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 7, 2024, New Delhi: In a significant legal development, Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Railway Minister, along with his family, has been granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh each by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court. This ruling comes amid ongoing investigations into a corruption case linked to alleged land grabbing for railway jobs during Yadav’s tenure from 2004 to 2009.


The court’s decision stipulates that the Yadav family—comprising Lalu Prasad, his son Tejashwi Yadav, wife Rabri Devi, and daughters Misa and Hema—will not be arrested during the investigation phase. The case, which has drawn considerable public attention, involves accusations that Lalu and his associates illegally recruited individuals for Group D positions in exchange for land and monetary compensation.

According to reports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated the investigation based on a single complaint, leading to scrutiny of land transactions purportedly involving the Yadav family and the company ‘AK Infosystems’. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also actively investigating the matter, having filed a charge sheet against the Yadavs in July 2023.

As part of the bail conditions, the court has imposed several restrictions on the family. They are required to assist in the ongoing investigation, refrain from leaving the country, and must not attempt to influence any witnesses. Additionally, they are required to surrender their passports to the authorities.

This development marks a crucial juncture in the case, as the Yadav family continues to assert their innocence amid the allegations. The public and political observers will be keenly watching how this situation unfolds in the coming months.

BJP Leader Sukanta Majumdar Cancels Puja Inaugurations, Slams Bengal Govt for Failing to Protect Women and Children

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 6, 2024, Kolkata :   In a striking move, Sukanta Majumdar, the BJP’s state president and Union Minister of State for Education, canceled all scheduled Durga Puja inaugurations as a mark of protest against the brutal murder of a young girl in the Kultali area. The shocking incident, where a fourth-grade girl was sexually assaulted and killed, has sent shockwaves across Bengal. Sukanta Majumdar’s decision highlights his deep frustration with the state government’s failure to ensure safety for women and children.


Initially, Majumdar had planned to inaugurate a number of Puja pandals across Kolkata and the districts, but the horrifying events in Jayanagar-Kultali prompted him to reconsider. He announced that he will not participate in any official inauguration ceremonies this year. “I will go to the Puja mandaps and pray for justice, but I will not inaugurate any Pujas,” he said, expressing solidarity with the victim’s family and the people of Bengal. Majumdar added, “We need justice, a fair trial, and harsh punishment for the criminals responsible for this heinous act.”

Speaking to the media, the BJP leader did not hold back in his criticism of the Mamata Banerjee-led government. “The goddesses of Bengal are not safe today,” Majumdar declared, his voice heavy with emotion. As a father and a citizen, he conveyed his fear and concern for the safety of women and children in the state. He accused the state administration and law enforcement agencies of failing to protect vulnerable groups, asserting, “The state government and the police have failed to protect the children and women of Bengal.”

Majumdar’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among citizens and political leaders over the handling of law and order in the state. His decision to cancel Puja inaugurations sends a powerful message during a time when Bengal’s biggest festival is underway, shifting the spotlight to the grim realities of violence and injustice faced by women and children.

As the state reels from the gruesome incident, Sukanta Majumdar’s public protest underscores the need for urgent reforms in policing and governance to restore public confidence in safety measures. With public outcry mounting, all eyes are on the government’s next steps.

Sukant Majumdar Criticizes State Government’s Failure to Protect Women and Children Amid Rising Violence

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 6, 2024, Kolkata :  In a powerful statement amidst the ongoing turmoil in Bengal, Sukant Majumdar, the BJP’s state president and Union Minister of State for Education, has condemned the state government and police for their inability to safeguard women and children. His remarks come in the wake of a tragic incident in Kultali, where a fourth-grade girl was allegedly murdered following a sexual assault.


Initially scheduled to inaugurate several Durga Pujas across Kolkata and surrounding districts, Majumdar has decided to cancel all official puja inaugurations this year as a form of protest against the rising violence. “This year, I will not inaugurate any Durga Puja,” he declared, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. However, he confirmed that he would still attend the puja mandaps to offer prayers, hoping for justice in the horrific Kultali case and calling for a fair trial to ensure the real perpetrators face severe consequences.

“Today, the goddesses of Bengal are not safe,” Majumdar expressed during a press briefing, reflecting on the collective grief over the recent violence against women and children. He shared his personal fears as both a citizen and a father, stating, “As I stand at the site where this young girl was murdered, I feel worried and scared.”

Majumdar specifically targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, holding her administration accountable for the ongoing crisis. “The state government and the police have failed to protect the children and women of Bengal,” he stated, urging for urgent reforms to ensure the safety and security of the vulnerable.

As the Durga Puja festivities approach, the political climate in Bengal remains charged, with demands for justice growing louder amidst calls for greater accountability from the state government. The BJP’s stance, led by Majumdar, highlights the urgent need for addressing public safety concerns and protecting the rights of women and children in the region.

Senior Doctors Join Junior Doctors’ Hunger Strike, Demanding Justice for Victims of Violence

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 6, 2024, Kolkata : In a significant show of solidarity, senior doctors have announced a hunger strike starting next Monday to support their junior counterparts who are protesting for justice following the tragic rape and murder of a young doctor from RG Kar Hospital. Dr. Subarna Goswami, a prominent senior physician, emphasized the importance of the movement, stating, “We must ensure that our juniors’ struggle does not go in vain.”


The protest escalated after the horrifying incident involving the rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl in Kultali, Jayanagar, which further fueled the anger and determination of the medical community. Junior doctors had previously suspended their work, returning only on Saturday after a prolonged period of protests.

Currently, a relay hunger strike is being observed by 6-7 junior doctors each day, with the understanding that if any participant falls ill, the state government will take responsibility for their well-being. On Saturday, six representatives from various government and private hospitals joined the hunger strike, excluding RG Kar, showcasing a united front in demanding justice and safety.

In response to the surge in violent crimes, a group of 12 senior doctors traveled to Mahishmari village on Sunday to offer their support to the family of the young victim. Dr. Goswami expressed her outrage, stating, “We will protest wherever such crimes occur. The administration had a duty to warn and protect the community to prevent these tragedies.”

The medical community’s escalating activism highlights a critical intersection of healthcare and public safety, as they demand systemic changes to ensure the protection of vulnerable populations. With the hunger strike set to commence next week, the call for justice resonates not only within the medical fraternity but also throughout the community at large.

Congress Protests Central Government’s Pre-Election Nomination of Five MLAs in Jammu and Kashmir

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 6, 2024, Kolkata: As the counting of votes for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections approaches on October 8, the Congress party has expressed fierce opposition to the central government’s decision to nominate five members to the assembly prior to the election results.


The Congress leadership has condemned this move as a direct assault on democratic principles and constitutional integrity. They have formally requested Jammu and Kashmir’s Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha, to withhold approval for these nominations, emphasizing that such actions undermine the electorate’s mandate.

According to the stringent amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act of 2019, the assembly is set to include five nominated members, with their selection to be approved by the Lt. Governor based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs. To achieve a majority, a party must secure 48 members.

Ravinder Sharma, vice-president of the Jammu-Kashmir Pradesh Congress, stated, “We oppose the nomination of five MLAs by the Lieutenant Governor before the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir. This is an attack on the fundamental principles of democracy, the people’s verdict, and the Constitution.” The Congress insists that nominations should only occur after a new government is formed, warning that any other course of action would betray the voters’ will.

Tensions Escalate in Jagaddal as Former BJP MP Arjun Singh Injured in Attack

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 4, 2024, North 24 Parganas: The Jagaddal area has erupted into chaos once again as former BJP MP Arjun Singh reported an attack on his home, just ahead of the Puja festivities. Singh claims that his residence was targeted with gunfire and explosives, resulting in injuries to himself.


According to Singh, a group of armed assailants arrived on multiple motorcycles early Friday morning and launched a barrage of bombs and gunfire in front of his house. “I was inside when I heard the blasts. I stepped out to assess the situation and was hit by a splinter from a bomb on my leg,” Singh stated. Eyewitnesses reported a scene of panic as the area became a battlefield, with police forces swiftly arriving to contain the situation.

Singh alleged that the attack occurred in plain sight of law enforcement officers present at the scene. “Bricks and bombs were thrown at my security guards and workers, and shots were fired. It was pure mayhem,” he added, highlighting the danger faced not only by himself but also by those around him, including a local MLA who was reportedly present during the incident.

The attack has heightened tensions in the Meghna Mor area of Jagaddal, leading to widespread concerns among local residents. This isn’t the first time Singh has faced violence; his home, known as Mazdoor Bhavan, was attacked in 2021, prompting an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Singh alleges that these attacks are politically motivated, stemming from his role as a party observer during the Bhavanipur by-election, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the Trinamool Congress candidate.

Interestingly, Singh had switched allegiance to the Trinamool Congress shortly after the 2021 incident but returned to the BJP following his exclusion from the Lok Sabha ticket this election cycle. His political journey has been tumultuous, reflecting the intense rivalries and volatility in West Bengal’s political landscape.

As the situation unfolds, Singh remains at home, recuperating from his injuries, while authorities work to ensure the safety of the area. The incident raises pressing questions about political violence in the region and the safety of public figures amidst escalating tensions as the festive season approaches.

Prime Minister Modi Expresses Concern Over Escalating Crisis in the Middle East During Cabinet Meeting

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 4, 2024, New Delhi: The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East took center stage during a crucial cabinet committee meeting on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing deep concern over the escalating situation. As violence intensifies in the region, key government officials gathered to assess potential impacts on India’s trade and oil imports.


During the meeting, discussions focused on the critical nature of the conflict and its implications for India, particularly in light of rising oil prices and disrupted maritime trade routes. Informants indicate that the deteriorating circumstances in West Asia could lead to increased instability, with the potential for unrest to reverberate within India.

Prime Minister Modi underscored the need for peaceful resolutions, emphasizing that New Delhi has consistently urged warring nations to cease hostilities and engage in constructive dialogue. However, the situation remains precarious, with countries such as Israel and Iran remaining entrenched in their positions. Tensions escalated further on Tuesday when Tehran launched an attack targeting Tel Aviv, heightening concerns over regional security.

The cabinet members acknowledged that rising oil prices, spurred by the conflict, would have significant repercussions for the Indian economy, particularly since India is a major importer of oil from nations like Iran. An increase in oil costs could lead to higher domestic prices, impacting consumers across the country. Additionally, disruptions in maritime trade could exacerbate economic challenges.

Key figures present at the emergency cabinet meeting included Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting underscored the government’s urgent need to formulate strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing conflict while navigating the complexities of international diplomacy.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, India remains vigilant, with government officials closely monitoring developments and preparing to respond to any further escalations that may arise.

BJP Set to Announce New State President Post-Puja: Key Names in the Running

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 4, 2024, Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up to announce a new state president in West Bengal following the upcoming Puja festivities. Current State President Sukanta Majumder, who also serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, recently visited Delhi at the invitation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for crucial discussions regarding the party’s leadership.


Sources within the BJP indicate that a significant reshuffling is on the horizon, with the final name for the state president set to be revealed after obtaining the green light from the party’s All India President, JP Nadda. While the BJP has been discreet about the specifics of the meeting, they have labeled it an “organizational meeting.”

Three prominent names are reportedly in contention for the top position: Member of Parliament Jyotirmoy Singh Mahat, Jagannath Sarkar, and former Union Minister Debashree Chowdhury. These candidates emerged as potential leaders during discussions between West Bengal BJP’s leadership and Amit Shah, signaling a strategic shift in the party’s approach in the region.

As the Puja celebrations draw near, all eyes will be on the BJP to see who will take the helm and steer the party in West Bengal.

Ex-IPS and MLA Humayun Kabir Raises Concerns Over Festival Sentiments Amidst Ongoing Crisis

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 4, 2024, Kolkata: Former IPS officer and current Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir has stirred conversation on social media regarding the emotional toll of recent events overshadowing the festive season. In a poignant post, Kabir expressed, “Tilottama is not in the third year puja. Tears in the eyes of two mothers, heavy hearts. Excluding joy and new clothes.”


Kabir’s heartfelt comments reflect a personal struggle amid a backdrop of unrest, particularly concerning the RG Kar Medical College scandal. The former MLA, who represents Debra, mentioned the difficulties faced by the community, emphasizing the emotional weight he feels as a public servant. He stated, “As a public representative, the card has to be sent. Greetings are to be sent. I might do them. But there is a problem from inside this time. It’s a personal problem. When I see the boy, I remember the girl.”

His remarks come at a tumultuous time for the ruling Trinamool Congress, grappling with criticisms related to the RG Kar Medical College scandal, which has sparked widespread outrage, including protests calling for justice for a doctor allegedly involved in a murder-rape case. The Chief Minister’s recent appeal for citizens to return to the festive spirit has faced backlash, with Kabir’s comments adding to the discomfort within party ranks.

Kabir lamented, “One month has passed. Today is the 9th. Come back to the puja, I beg you. Come back to the festival.” This statement, made in the context of the Chief Minister’s earlier comments encouraging a return to celebration, has ignited fierce debates, particularly among opposition parties, who view it as tone-deaf in light of ongoing crises.

Reflecting on his personal experiences, Kabir shared the sorrow of remembering his late daughter while celebrating the festival. “My son is a doctor. The same age may have passed a little earlier. Seeing him reminds me of the girl. I remember all the time. Where it hurts to think. Buy pajama punjabi during puja. Wear dhoti. I will not buy anything now. I don’t feel good at all,” he noted, revealing the depth of his grief.

As the festival approaches, the tension between celebration and mourning looms large, with Kabir’s candid expressions highlighting the emotional complexities faced by many in the community. His words resonate as a call for reflection, urging both the public and the ruling party to acknowledge the underlying issues that challenge the spirit of celebration during this festive season.

West Bengal Government Urges Hill Tea Gardens to Pay 16% Bonus to Workers

West Bengal government urges hill tea gardens to pay a 16% bonus to workers for fiscal 2023-24, aligning with the Dooars and Terai regions’ decision. The move aims to maintain parity and prevent labor unrest.
PTI, Kolkata, Oct 1, 2024 :  The West Bengal government’s Labour department on Tuesday issued an advisory to disburse bonus to workers of tea gardens of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong at 16 per cent for the fiscal 2023-24.

The government said this advisory has been issued to maintain parity throughout the tea industry in West Bengal as the gardens of Dooars and Terai regions of North Bengal have decided to pay bonus at 16 per cent for the last financial year.

In the advisory, the state government said that while the tea gardens of the hills had earlier agreed to pay bonus to the workers at 8.33 per cent as per the Bonus Act of 1965 after a series of meetings held between management, trade unions, and the government at tripartite level considering the severe financial stress faced by the gardens, labour unrest ensued in North Bengal as the workers were not ready to settle for bonus at less than 20 per cent.

Subsequently, the management of the gardens agreed to pay bonus at 13 per cent but the unions stuck to their demand of 20 per cent resulting in a deadlock.

According to the government, an industry-wide settlement has been already made to pay bonus at 16 per cent in North Bengal, disbursement of the same has started in full swing there.

While the Durga Puja and Dussehra festivals are very near, it has become urgent and necessary that the bonus payment to the workers of North Bengal gardens should start without any further delay by the management.

The government said that workers and their families should not be deprived owing to the impasse. The government also urged the management and the trade unions to ensure industrial peace and harmony.

Regarding financially stressed gardens, the rate of bonus may be decided at a bipartite level agreed upon by the management and trade unions.

The government also said that the bonus payout should be disbursed within October four.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday had refused to intervene in the ongoing impasse over payment of bonus to tea garden workers of Darjeeling hills.

She alleged that the deadlock was the result of political disturbances. 

Partha Chatterjee Seeks Bail from Supreme Court Amid Ongoing CBI Investigation

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 1, 2024, Kolkata: In a pivotal turn of events, Partha Chatterjee has formally approached the Supreme Court with a plea for bail, igniting discussions around his prolonged incarceration. His lawyer has pointed out that, unlike other defendants such as Anubrata Mondal, who have successfully secured their release, Chatterjee remains behind bars, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in the judicial process.


The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to press charges against Chatterjee, intensifying the scrutiny surrounding his case. Despite the serious allegations, his legal team contends that over two years of detention have yielded no substantial evidence to support the claims made against him. The nature of the charges could lead to a maximum sentence of seven years, raising further questions about the implications of his extended imprisonment without definitive proof.

In response to this pressing situation, the Supreme Court has taken significant action by issuing notices to all parties involved in the case. Chatterjee’s bail application, submitted on September 13, has garnered the Court’s attention, and Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan have underscored the importance of expedited proceedings in the lower courts. They have mandated that the lower court conduct regular hearings, with a scheduled Supreme Court review in just ten days.

Chatterjee’s ongoing detention, despite a lack of conclusive evidence, has sparked widespread concern regarding the fairness and integrity of the judicial system. Advocates and legal experts alike are calling for an immediate reevaluation of his situation, emphasizing the need for justice to be served without unnecessary delay. The outcome of this plea could set a significant precedent in the realm of bail applications and the treatment of defendants awaiting trial in similar circumstances.

Minister Blames Central Government for Bengal Floods While Distributing Relief Materials

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 30 September 2024, Harishchandrapur:  

As the Phulahar River continues to rise, flooding nearby villages and leaving thousands stranded, West Bengal Minister Tajmul Hossain delivered much-needed relief materials to the affected areas by boat. Accompanied by Harishchandrapur Block 2 BDO Tapas Kumar Pal, Panchayat Samiti President Representative Monirul Alam, Kumedpur Outpost OC Kajal Banerjee, and other local officials, the minister visited the inundated villages along the riverbank.

The persistent rainfall in North Bengal has caused water levels to surge in various rivers, including the Phulahar. This has led to severe flooding in several villages within the Harishchandrapur 2nd Block of Malda district, particularly Daulatnagar, Rashidpur, North Bhakuria, South Bhakuria, Kawadol, and Tatipara. Minister Tajmul Hossain and BDO Tapas Kumar Pal surveyed the flood-hit areas and distributed relief supplies, including polythene sheets, rice, gur, clothing, and other essentials to 250 affected families.

One local resident, Gauri Mandal from North Bhakuria, expressed her fear: “The water is still rising, and we are very scared. The administration has arranged temporary accommodation for us, but many of us are reluctant to leave our homes.”

During his visit, Minister Hossain took the opportunity to criticize the Central Government, accusing it of causing the floods by releasing water into seven districts of South Bengal without informing the West Bengal government. He stated, “We have come to several villages today, including North and South Bhakuria, Kawadol, and Rashidpur, following the Chief Minister’s directives. Relief materials were distributed to about 250 people. While the state government is actively working to support flood victims, the Central Government has once again deprived West Bengal. They released water into South Bengal without consulting our Chief Minister, leading to flooding in multiple districts. Despite this, our Irrigation Department is doing its best to mitigate the impact.”

The situation remains critical as the floodwaters continue to rise, but the state government has assured that relief efforts will continue for those affected.

TMC Women Unite in 200 km Human Chain Across West Bengal

KalimNews, September 30, 2024, Kolkata: A significant human chain program was held today in Kolkata, Chinsurah, and Kulpi block, organized by the Mahila Trinamool Congress in various legislative assemblies. Law and Health Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya called for a 200 km human chain across the state, emphasizing women’s empowerment and expressing gratitude for the swift trial of victims in the RG Kar case.


Minister Bhattacharya stated, “I don’t know what the opposition is doing. We are making our demands clear.” She highlighted that the RG Kar case was scheduled for hearing today, with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud confirming that the case would be addressed after 2 PM. The Supreme Court had previously discussed the case on August 27, with the Chief Justice indicating that further hearings would occur based on the state government’s application.

In a related development, the court granted permission for a doctors’ march protesting the RG Kar case. Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj allowed the march from College Square to Rabindra Sadan on October 1, from 5 PM to 8 PM, while ensuring adequate volunteers are present during the procession.
In Chinsurah, under Hooghly district, women rallied under the slogan “My hand in your hand, we are all with Didi.” This event, initiated by Health Minister Bhattacharya, was organized to express gratitude to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her developmental projects. Various locations in the city, including Mor, Rabindranagar Petrol Pump, Sarat Sarani, and Bali Mor, hosted the “Human Bonding Program.” Trinamool leaders, including Chinsurah MLA Asit Majumdar, participated in these gatherings.

Additionally, the Trinamool Women’s Organization organized a 175 km human chain event today to honor party leader Mamata Banerjee. Women members from 35 districts participated, creating a 5 km chain in each district from noon until afternoon. In Kulpi block, the program was led by local leaders, including Trinamool Congress President Supriya Halder and Youth President Samsur Alam Mir. Participants expressed their support for Banerjee, chanting, “Aarmi Kaat Tukei, we are all with Didi.”

This event marks a concerted effort to unite women across West Bengal in support of their leader and to celebrate the empowerment initiatives undertaken by the state government.