Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 26, 2024, Basirhat: Following the death of Haji Nurul Islam, state opposition leader Shuvendu Adhikari addressed the media regarding BJP candidate Rekha Patra from the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency. He emphasized that any death is tragic and expressed condolences for the late Trinamool MP.
Category Archives: Politics
IJU Hails Bombay HC Verdict Striking Down FCU
On Friday last, a third judge, Justice Atul S Chandurkar, gave the deciding opinion after a two-judge bench had given a split verdict on the petitions, challenging validity of the rules as being ultra vires or exceeding provisions of IT Act, 2000. He agreed with petitioners the rules were violative of Article 14 (equality before law) and 19 (1) (a) and 19 (1) (g) of Constitution (right to freedom of speech and expression, and right to practice a profession or trade).
As per IT rules amended in April 2023, content marked by FCU as “fake or misleading” will have to be taken down by online intermediaries if they wish to retain their “safe harbour” (legal immunity against 3rd-party content).
The petitioners, stand-up comedian Kunal Kumra, Editors Guild of India, News Broadcasters and Digital Association, Association of Indian Magazines, had challenged these saying the rules made central government the sole arbiter of truth in respect of its business, obliging private parties to impose that version of truth on all users. “This provision, therefore, makes the government the sole gatekeeper of the marketplace of ideas and constitutes a clear breach of Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression).”
While stating that expressions “fake, false or misleading” are “vague and overbroad”, and “test of proportionality” is not satisfied, Justice Chandurkar noted it was also “not a responsibility of the state to ensure that citizens are entitled only to ‘information’ that was not fake, false or misleading as identified
by FCU”. There was “no basis or rationale” to determine whether information viz Central Government business is either fake or false when in digital form, while not taking similar exercise when the same information is in print. The impugned rule resulted in a “chilling effect” for the intermediary.
In a statement, IJU President and former member of Press Council of India Geetartha Pathak and Secretary General and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Vice President Sabina Inderjit said the verdict has not only safeguarded the right to freedom of speech and expression but has protected the citizens’ right to information. The Centre’s FCU would have led to veiled censorship as well as had a chilling effect on freedom of speech, essential to democracy.
Hooghly MP Rachna Banerjee Criticizes DVC’s Water Management Amid Flood Crisis
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 25 September 2024, Hooghly: Hooghly MP Rachna Banerjee, while visiting the flood-affected region of Balagarh in Hooghly on Wednesday, expressed her concerns about the ongoing crisis caused by water discharge from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). Addressing the media, Banerjee said, “Quintals of water are being released, leaving people homeless. Houses are submerged, and residents have been forced onto the streets.” She added that while she does not have all the facts, “what is happening is not right.”
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury: A Leader’s Struggle for Respect and Party Unity in West Bengal
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 24, 2024, Kolkata: In a surprising turn of events, five-time Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury faced a significant setback in the recent Lok Sabha elections, losing his seat in the Baharampur constituency. Many had anticipated that this loss would not diminish his standing within the party; however, he has now been removed from his position as the president of the West Bengal Congress, with Subhankar Sarkar stepping in as his successor.
Compassion in Action: Mamata Banerjee Visits Flood-Affected Areas in Birbhum
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 24, 2024, Calcutta: In response to the devastating floods that have impacted Birbhum district, an action planning meeting was held on Tuesday to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. The relentless heavy rains over the past few days have caused significant chaos in the region, prompting swift action from the state government.
Celebrations in Birbhum: Anubrata Congratulates Mamata Banerjee on Durga Puja
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 24, 2024, Calcutta: After nearly two years of anticipation, Anubrata Mondal, the prominent Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, has returned home, celebrating his newfound freedom following bail in the cow smuggling case. His homecoming coincides perfectly with the Durga Puja festivities, making it a moment of immense joy for his family and supporters.
A Warrior’s Fight: Ahmed Ibrahim Delivers on His Promise to Anubrata Mondal
Shuvendu Adhikari Files Forgery Complaint Related to Death Certificate
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 23, 2024, Calcutta : State opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has filed a significant complaint regarding allegations of forgery connected to a death certificate. In a series of tweets, he raised questions about the RG Kar case, specifically asking, “Who identified the victim as the uncle of the deceased young woman? Who insisted on a swift autopsy? From whom did the threats originate?”
Abhijit Ganguly Threatens Hunger Strike in Banvasi Area
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 23, 2024, Calcutta — Tensions rose in the Banvasi area as BJP MP and former judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay confronted Trinamool leader Devanshu Bhattacharya, who pointedly remarked that Gangopadhyay had been absent from the region. In response to ongoing local issues, Gangopadhyay stated, “If things don’t improve, I will pitch a tent here and sit on hunger strike.”
Surprises Await in Anubrata as Birbhum Prepares for Chief Minister’s Visit
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 23, 2024, Birbhum : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to visit Birbhum district on Tuesday, prompting final preparations across the area. An administrative meeting will take place at Gitanjali Theater at 1 PM, following a site visit by district police and administrative officials on Monday.
Shubhankar Sarkar Appointed New Bengal Pradesh Congress President
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 22 September 2024, Calcutta :
In a significant political development, Shubhankar Sarkar has been appointed as the new President of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC). The announcement was made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, marking a new chapter for the Congress party in the state. Sarkar replaces veteran Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who had held the position for several years and was known for his staunch opposition to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.Anubrata Mandal Plans Swift Return to Kolkata After Bail, Eyes Private Security Until Departure
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 22, 2024, New Delhi : After being granted bail, Anubrata Mandal, the Birbhum President of the Trinamool Congress, is planning a quick exit from Delhi. According to sources, Mandal, who spent 18 months in Tihar Jail, is eager to leave the capital as soon as possible, expressing a desire for security only after stepping out of Tihar.
There is no indication that the Delhi Police will provide security for Mandal, which has led to discussions about arranging private security guards to ensure his safe passage. Sources also reveal that Mandal does not wish to stay in Delhi any longer than necessary after his release.
Flight arrangements are being made for Mandal’s return to Kolkata on Monday night. It is expected that he will travel directly from Tihar to Delhi airport, under private security, before being handed over to the state police for further protection upon his arrival in Kolkata.
There are speculations that Anubrata’s daughter, Sukanya Mandal, who was also recently granted bail, may accompany him on the return journey. Sukanya has reportedly been staying at a confidential location in Delhi since her release.
During his time in Tihar, Anubrata Mandal was granted court-ordered medical treatment at several public and private hospitals in Delhi.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Condemns Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants, Vows Tough Action
Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | September 21, 2024 | New Delhi :
India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a strong statement regarding illegal Bangladeshi immigrants during a BJP election rally in Jharkhand. Addressing the public, Shah issued a stern warning, saying that every illegal Bangladeshi infiltrator would be dealt with harshly if the BJP forms the government in the state. In a fiery speech, he declared that Bangladeshi illegal immigrants would be “hung upside down” as part of the party’s hardline stance on immigration.CBI Pursues New Leads in RG Kar Scandal Amid Junior Doctors’ Return to Work
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 20, 2024, Kolkata : The RG Kar scandal continues to cast a shadow over Kolkata, as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeks to unravel the complexities surrounding the case. Investigators are now requesting a polygraph test for Abhijit Mondal, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Tala police station, and a narco test for Sandeep Ghosh, the former director of RG Kar. They have submitted a formal application to the court, but legal approval is still pending.
Junior Doctors Plan Partial Return to Work Amid Ongoing Protests
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 20, 2024, Calcutta : Junior doctors in West Bengal have announced their decision to partially resume work starting next Saturday, following a press conference held by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front on Thursday night. However, they clarified that not all services would be reinstated immediately.
Anubrata Mondal Granted Bail: A Return Home Before Puja
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 20, 2024, Birbhum : In a significant development, Anubrata Mondal, known as the King of Birbhum, has been granted bail in a case involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi approved his release after a prolonged period of detention.
Mondal had previously secured bail in a separate case with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from the Supreme Court, but he remained in custody due to the ED’s ongoing investigation. His release comes just in time for the upcoming Puja festivities, marking a notable turn of events for his supporters.
Mondal was arrested on September 11, 2022, following a series of inquiries by both the ED and CBI. His daughter, Sukanya Mandal, who was also implicated in the case, had been held in Tihar Jail until she was granted bail just days ago.
While Anubrata Mondal is now free, the court has imposed several conditions on his bail. He is required to inform the court in advance of any changes to his residential address in the state. Additionally, he must provide his mobile phone number to the authorities.
The decision has sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with supporters celebrating his return, while critics remain wary of the ongoing legal proceedings. As Mondal prepares to return home, the community awaits to see how this development will unfold during the festive season.
Junior Doctors Called to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat Residence Again
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 16, 2024, Kolkata: Junior doctors have been summoned for another meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence on Monday afternoon. The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m.