Category Archives: Politics

Politics, West Bengal

Governor Likely to Withhold Clearance for ‘Aparajita’ Bill, Citing Lack of Technical Report from State Government

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, September 6, 2024: West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has indicated that Raj Bhavan may not give its assent to the ‘Aparajita’ Bill, recently passed by the state assembly, due to procedural lapses by the state government. The Governor has pointed out that the bill, aimed at protecting the rights of unprivileged women and children, was submitted without the requisite technical report, a critical document needed for his approval.

In a statement issued from Raj Bhavan, Governor Bose made it clear that without the necessary technical documentation, the bill cannot be cleared. “No technical report has been sent by the state with this bill, which is necessary for giving clearance to the bill. Despite knowing that, the state has not sent any technical report,” stated the Governor. The Governor further criticized the state government, alleging that this is not the first time such a procedural lapse has occurred, and he suggested that the state is well aware of these requirements but has chosen to ignore them.

The Governor also noted that the ‘Aparajita’ Bill is not unique, but rather an imitation of similar women’s protection bills currently pending with the President of India, including those from Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. “The Aparajita Bill of Bengal is nothing new. It is just an imitation of Andhra, Arunachal, Maharashtra Women’s Protection Bills. These bills are now lying with the President. The Chief Minister deliberately brought such bills despite knowing it,” said Governor Bose.

The statement from Raj Bhavan has highlighted a growing tension between the Governor’s office and the state administration. “It is the duty of the state government to send its technical report along with the bill. The state government has not sent it. This is not the first time that the state government has blamed the Raj Bhavan for withholding the bill despite not sending the technical report several times,” the statement read.

The Governor reportedly communicated his concerns directly to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, advising the state to conduct thorough homework before introducing bills in the assembly. This move has sparked a fresh political confrontation between the Raj Bhavan and the ruling Trinamool Congress government.

As per legislative procedures in India, after a bill is passed by a state assembly, it is sent to the Governor for approval. If the Governor signs the bill, it becomes law. However, if the Governor withholds assent or does not take a decision on the bill for a prolonged period, the bill may be sent to the President of India for final approval. In this case, the Governor’s reservations could potentially lead to such an escalation, delaying the implementation of the bill.

The ‘Aparajita’ Bill, officially titled the “Unprivileged Women and Children Bill,” was unanimously passed by the West Bengal State Assembly last Tuesday. Following its passage, the Leader of the Opposition, Subhendu Adhikari, expressed his support, stating, “As a responsible opposition, we will help pass the bill.” However, with the Governor’s reservations coming to light, the political dynamics have taken a sharp turn.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has responded by urging opposition leaders to put pressure on the Governor to clear the bill. “Opposition leaders should ask the Governor to approve the bill soon,” said Banerjee, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Mahila Morcha, the women’s wing of the ruling party, has threatened to stage a dharna (sit-in protest) in front of the Raj Bhavan if the bill does not receive clearance. The announcement from the Mahila Morcha signals the potential for heightened political drama in the coming days, as tensions between the Raj Bhavan and the state government continue to rise.

The fate of the ‘Aparajita’ Bill now hangs in the balance. If the Governor withholds his assent or sends the bill back for reconsideration, the state government may need to address the technical deficiencies pointed out by the Governor. Alternatively, if the bill is sent to the President of India, it could face further delays, given that similar bills from other states are already pending at that level.

As both the state government and Raj Bhavan brace for the next steps, the standoff over the ‘Aparajita’ Bill is becoming a key test of governance and political maneuvering in West Bengal. The outcome will not only affect the bill’s future but could also have broader implications for state-center relations and the functioning of democratic institutions in the state.

Politics, West Bengal

Governor Hints at Withholding Clearance for Aparajita Bill Amid Political Tensions

Leave a comment
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, September 6, 2024: In a significant political development, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has hinted that the Raj Bhavan will likely withhold clearance for the ‘Aparajita’ Bill, recently passed by the state assembly. Governor Bose cited the absence of a required technical report from the state government as the primary reason for not granting assent to the bill.
“No technical report has been sent by the state with this bill, which is necessary for giving clearance,” stated the Governor, expressing concerns over the procedural lapses by the state government. “Despite knowing that, the state has not sent any technical report,” he added, indicating a clear stance against the bill without the necessary documentation.
The ‘Aparajita’ Bill, formally named the “Unprivileged Women and Children Bill,” aims to address the protection and rights of underprivileged women and children in the state. It was passed unanimously by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly last Tuesday. The bill received support even from the opposition, with Leader of the Opposition, Subhendu Adhikari, stating that they would assist in the bill’s passage as “a responsible opposition.”
However, Governor Bose criticized the bill as an “imitation” of similar legislation from other states like Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. “The Aparajita Bill of Bengal is nothing new. It is just an imitation of Andhra, Arunachal, and Maharashtra Women’s Protection Bills. These bills are now lying with the President,” he remarked, suggesting that the Chief Minister deliberately pushed such a bill despite knowing its possible fate.
The Governor’s Office issued a statement emphasizing the procedural protocol that the state government must follow. “It is the duty of the state government to send its technical report along with the bill. The state government has not sent it. This is not the first time that the state government has blamed the Raj Bhavan for withholding the bill despite not sending the technical report several times,” read the statement. The Governor has also communicated with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, advising that “the State should do more homework before introducing the Bill.”
As per established legislative procedures, once a bill is passed by the state assembly, it is forwarded to the Governor for assent. If the Governor approves it, the bill becomes law. If the Governor is unable to decide, the bill is escalated to the President of India, who makes the final decision.
The Chief Minister has responded to the Governor’s comments, urging the opposition to put pressure on the Governor to approve the bill. “Opposition leaders should ask the governor to approve the bill soon,” she stated, emphasizing the need for swift action on this issue.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Mahila Morcha, the women’s wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress, has warned of protests if the Governor refuses to clear the bill. “If the governor does not give clearance to the bill, they will sit on dharna in front of the Raj Bhavan,” a spokesperson for the organization declared.
The situation is poised to escalate into a broader political confrontation, with the state’s ruling party and opposition aligning on the bill, while the Governor stands firm on procedural grounds. The unfolding scenario is likely to test the dynamics between the state government and Raj Bhavan, potentially impacting future legislative processes in West Bengal. 
Crime, Politics, West Bengal

Debate Intensifies Over Arjikar Case as Questions Arise About Police Handling and FIR Timing

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 31, 2024, Kolkata : The investigation into the RG Kar Hospital case, involving the tragic death of a female doctor, has ignited a fresh wave of debate as new, potentially explosive information emerges. The case, which has already attracted significant judicial scrutiny, is now facing intense scrutiny over the handling of the FIR and the procedural actions of the police.


Delayed FIR Sparks Legal and Public Outcry

The Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court have both previously expressed concerns over the delayed registration of the FIR. The incident in question unfolded on August 9, when the police arrived at RG Kar Hospital by 10 a.m. to investigate the death of the female doctor. Despite their prompt arrival, the FIR was not lodged until 11:45 p.m. on the same day—well after the body had been recovered and examined.

The FIR, filed at Tala police station under FIR No. 52, accuses an unidentified individual of intentional rape and murder. This delay in FIR registration has become a focal point of contention, with critics questioning the effectiveness and transparency of the investigative process.

FIR Content and Discrepancies

The FIR was initially recorded based on General Diary No. 577, with the formal complaint being filed around 12:15 p.m. on August 9. The FIR references Unnatural Death Case No. 861, citing Sections 64 (rape) and 103 (1) (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. However, the post-mortem report, which is crucial to establishing the cause of death and the nature of any assault, did not directly confirm rape. This discrepancy has led to widespread questioning of the police’s decision to include allegations of rape and murder in the FIR without concrete forensic evidence.

Family’s Outcry and Demands for Justice

The victim’s family has publicly expressed their frustration and dismay over the handling of the case. They have alleged that their daughter was subjected to severe torture and ultimately murdered, and are demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible. Their concern is compounded by the apparent mismatch between the FIR’s allegations and the post-mortem findings, which they argue undermines the integrity of the investigation.

Criticism from the Medical Community

An agitating doctor involved in the case has voiced strong criticism of the police’s actions, particularly the decision to file an FIR based on assumptions of criminal activity rather than on substantiated evidence. The lack of direct evidence of rape has further fueled skepticism about the thoroughness and objectivity of the investigation.

Ongoing Controversy and Investigation

As the investigation continues, the controversy surrounding the FIR timing and content remains unresolved. The case has raised critical concerns about procedural integrity and the administration of justice, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in high-profile investigations. The legal and public discourse surrounding the Arjikar case underscores the broader issues of procedural justice and the need for rigorous investigative standards.
National, Politics, West Bengal

Union Minister Criticizes Mamata Banerjee Over RG Kar Scandal and Fast Track Court Claims

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 31, 2024, New Delhi : The ongoing RG Kar Hospital scandal has prompted a sharp exchange between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Union Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Annapurna Devi. The latest development involves a response from the Union Minister to a recent letter from Banerjee, highlighting discrepancies and criticisms related to the handling of rape cases and the functioning of Fast Track Courts.


In her letter to the Prime Minister, Mamata Banerjee reiterated her call for stricter laws to address rape and improve the justice system’s efficiency. This request follows a series of high-profile cases that have underscored the need for more robust legal measures.

Responding to Banerjee’s letter, Union Minister Annapurna Devi issued a second letter, addressing several points raised by the Chief Minister. Devi emphasized that the state administration’s approach to investigating rape cases must be more sensitive and proactive. She asserted that existing Indian laws, including the Indian Penal Code and the Indian Civil Protection Code, already provide comprehensive measures for addressing and investigating rape within specified timelines.

Devi also contested Banerjee’s statements regarding the Fast Track Courts. The Union Minister clarified that the Fast Track Special Courts established under the central scheme, intended specifically for handling rape and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases, are distinct from the Fast Track Courts operating in West Bengal. Devi highlighted that West Bengal still has a backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases that remain unresolved.

Furthermore, Devi rejected Banerjee’s claim of a shortage of judicial officers in Fast Track Courts. According to Devi, the current judicial framework and resources are adequate for handling the cases, and the focus should be on ensuring effective implementation of existing legal provisions.

The exchange underscores the contentious debate over the handling of sexual violence cases and the effectiveness of legal mechanisms designed to address such issues. As the RG Kar scandal continues to unfold, the contrasting perspectives of state and central authorities reflect ongoing tensions and challenges in the pursuit of justice.
Politics, Regional, West Bengal

Statewide Protests Erupt as Junior Doctors Seek Justice for RG Kar Victim and Call for Police Chief’s Resignation

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 30, 2024, Kolkata: Junior doctors across Kolkata and the state are staging widespread protests, demanding justice for Tilottama, a young doctor who was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital on August 9. The outcry has escalated into a major political and social movement, with calls for justice reverberating through the medical community and beyond.


The shocking incident has ignited a fierce response from junior doctors and medical professionals, who have taken to the streets in protest. Slogans such as “Demand Justice” and “Hang the Criminals” are prominently displayed, underscoring the gravity of their demands. The protests have garnered significant political support, with various political parties aligning with the cause and voicing their support for the junior doctors’ demands.

In response to the RG Kar Hospital tragedy, junior doctors have organized a series of demonstrations. A prominent campaign, known as the “Lalbazar Campaign,” is scheduled for September 2. During this event, protesters will demand the resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. Following this, on September 3, doctors across all public and private hospitals in , including private chambers, will observe a pendown strike.

Additionally, a march will take place on the streets of Kolkata to demand the punishment of those involved in the crime. The protestors are determined to keep the issue in the public eye until justice is served.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has addressed the situation in a recent meeting of the Trinamool Congress student council at Mayo Road. She expressed support for the junior doctors, acknowledging their anger and frustration. “I understand your anger and pride,” she said. “However, I urge you to gradually return to work. The Supreme Court has granted special powers to states to address such matters, and I assure you that no punitive action will be taken against you. Careers and opportunities should not be jeopardized.”

In the midst of the ongoing protests, Chief Minister Banerjee took to her X (formerly Twitter) handle to clarify her stance. “I did not threaten the doctors. My comments are being misinterpreted,” she wrote, addressing concerns that her earlier remarks were perceived as a threat.

The protests have not been confined to local or national boundaries. The incident has sparked demonstrations abroad as well, with international solidarity highlighting the severity of the case. Doctors from RG Kar Hospital have been on strike, and efforts are being made to restore normalcy at the facility.

The Junior Doctors’ Association has issued a statement reinforcing their demands and the ongoing nature of their protest. “Our five-point demand continues to evolve,” the statement reads. “We will persist with our movement until justice is achieved.”

The situation remains dynamic, with both state administration and political circles closely watching the developments. The key question now is how the state government will respond to the junior doctors’ demands and the broader implications of the ongoing protests.
Politics, West Bengal

Shubhendu Adhikari Warns of Political Fallout: “Mothers’ Tears Will Destroy Mamata”

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 30, 2024, Kolkata: Leader of the Opposition, Shubhendu Adhikari, issued a stern warning against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that “Mamata Banerjee will be destroyed in the tears of mothers.” He further asserted that the situation of the Kolkata and state police would become worse than that in Bangladesh.


Adhikari also criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks made at a rally on Mayo Road, stating that she is “trembling with fear.” He accused her of having “blood on her hands.” His comments came after the arrest of Sion Lahiri, a prominent face of the West Bengal student movement, who was taken into custody by the police last night and remanded to 14 days of police custody.

Adhikari claimed that around 70 people arrested during the “Navanna Chalo” program have been held in custody at Bankshal and Metropolitan Courts. With Sion’s mother sitting beside him, Adhikari assured that the BJP would provide legal assistance to all those arrested, including Sion. “A contact number has already been released by the party. We will field senior lawyers in the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court for Sion. We believe we will get justice in the court regarding Mamata’s politics of revenge,” he said.

Calling Sion a “nationalist and protesting youth,” Shubhendu added, “He is active on social media. I am not aware that students were involved in politics like this, but he was protesting against injustice. Three cases have been filed against him.” He also challenged Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, saying, “Show me any evidence of Sion breaking barricades, attacking the police, or engaging in vandalism or anarchy.”

Sion’s mother, who lost her husband when Sion was young, said that neither she nor her son is afraid. Sion, an MBA student and a former student of Ballygunge Government School, has been accused of charges that his family and Adhikari claim are “completely baseless.”

Convinced of Sion’s innocence and the innocence of others involved, Adhikari stated, “I myself have faced 47 cases; no section was left out. I don’t engage in the politics of revenge!” Referring to the three-hour protest at Nabanna, which he described as a “non-political program,” he said, “The Chief Minister’s actions using the police will have consequences.”
Northeast, Politics, Regional

भारतीय गोर्खा परिसंघद्वारा गृह मन्त्रालयको एनआरसी बायोमेट्रिक्स-आधार मुद्दासम्बन्धी निर्णयको स्वागत

Leave a comment

कालिमन्युज, गुवाहाटी (असम), २९ अगस्त २०२४: देशको गृह मन्त्रालय (एमएचए) ले एनआरसी बायोमेट्रिक्स र आधार जडानसम्बन्धी लामो समयदेखिको मुद्दा समाधान गर्ने हालै जारी गरेको सूचना भारतभरिका गोर्खाहरूको प्रतिनिधित्व गर्ने राष्ट्रिय संगठन, भारतीय गोर्खा परिसंघ (बीजीपी) ले स्वागत गरेको छ। यस निर्णयले असमका करिब ९.३५ लाख मानिसहरूलाई, जसमा एक लाखभन्दा बढी गोर्खाहरू पनि छन्, राहत दिने अपेक्षा गरिएको छ।

बीजीपीको असम राज्य समितिका महासचिव नन्द किराती देवानले गृह मन्त्रालयको सूचनाको प्रशंसा गर्दै भारतीय गोर्खा परिसंघले यस बायोमेट्रिक्स मुद्दालाई समाधान गर्न भारतीय विशिष्ट पहिचान प्राधिकरण (यूआईडीएआई), भारतका रजिस्ट्रार जनरल (आरजीआई) र गृह मन्त्रालयसँग दस वर्षभन्दा बढी समयदेखि निरन्तर रूपमा संलग्न रहेको कुरा उल्लेख गरे। यो वकालती जिल्ला आयुक्तहरू र असम सरकारदेखि गृह मन्त्रालयका संयुक्त सचिवसम्मका विभिन्न तहहरूमा गरिएको थियो।

देवानले १८ जुन २०२४ मा, बीजीपीले आफ्नो पूर्व प्रतिनिधित्वहरूको सम्झना गराउन एक पत्र (नं. २००१६/१/२०२४-आरओ-घाइ(ई-१४९८८)) मार्फत यूआईडीएआई अधिकारीहरूलाई स्मरण गराएको पनि उल्लेख गरे। यूआईडीएआईले संगठनलाई यो मामिला गम्भीर रूपमा जाँच भइरहेको र असम सरकार पनि प्रमुख सरोकारवाला रहेको आश्वासन दिएको थियो। देवानले मोदी ३.० सरकारको “मानवीय निर्णय” को प्रशंसा गर्दै गृह मन्त्री अमित शाहलाई धन्यवाद दिए, र यो कदम प्रधानमन्त्री नरेन्द्र मोदीको मार्गदर्शक मन्त्र “सबका साथ, सबका विकास, सबका विश्वास” को भावना झल्काउने बताए।

उनले गोर्खा समुदायको आग्रहमा लोकसभा र राज्यसभामा मुद्दा उठाउने शासक र विपक्षी दुवैका सांसदहरूको प्रयासको पनि प्रशंसा गरे। लोकसभाका विपक्षी उपनेता श्री गौरव गोगोईलाई उनको निरन्तर समर्थन र सिफारिशको लागि उनलाई धन्यबाद दिइएको जनाए | राज्यको अभिभावक संस्था असम गोर्खा सम्मेलनले विभिन्न निकायहरूसँगको सहकार्य र तथ्याङ्क सङ्कलनमा गरेको भूमिकाको पनि प्रशंसा गरेका छन।

एनआरसी प्रक्रियाको क्रममा यूआईडीएआई अधिकारीहरूद्वारा बायोमेट्रिक्सको सङ्कलनबाट विवाद उत्पन्न भएको थियो, जसले पाँच वर्षभन्दा बढी समयसम्म आधार कार्डको जारी प्रक्रियामा अवरोध पुर्‍याएको थियो। यसले राष्ट्रिय खाद्य सुरक्षा ऐन (एनएफएसए) अन्तर्गत सार्वजनिक वितरण प्रणाली मार्फत आवश्यकताहरूको पहुँच, बैंकिङ सेवा, प्रत्यक्ष लाभ स्थानान्तरण, स्वास्थ्य सेवा, शिक्षा, रोजगार, र अन्य आवश्यक सेवाहरूको सहुलियत प्राप्त गर्न अनि आधारभूत अधिकारहरूबाट वँचित गर्‍यो।

असमका मुख्यमन्त्री डा. हिमन्त बिश्व सर्माले घोषणा गरेका थिए कि केन्द्रले राज्यका ९.३५ लाखभन्दा बढी मानिसहरूका लागि आधार कार्ड जारी गर्नेछ। मुख्यमन्त्रीले गुवाहाटीमा सञ्चारकर्मीहरूलाई सम्बोधन गर्दै भनेका थिए कि आधार आवंटन प्रक्रिया २०१९ को फरवरीदेखि अगस्तसम्म एनआरसी बायोमेट्रिक अभ्यासका कारण रोकिएको थियो। उनले हालै केन्द्रीय गृह मन्त्री अमित शाहसँग यस मुद्दामा जानकारी गराएको र प्रभावित व्यक्तिहरूले १५ देखि ३० दिनभित्र आफ्नो आधार कार्ड प्राप्त गर्ने सम्भावना रहेको बताएका थिए। बीजीपीले असम सरकार र मुख्यमन्त्री डा. हिमन्त बिश्व सर्मालाई धन्यवाद व्यक्त गरेको छ |

National, Politics

लद्दाखमा पाँच नयाँ जिल्ला सिर्जना गर्ने निर्णय : समृद्ध अनि विकसित बनाउने प्रधानमन्त्री नरेन्द्र मोदीको परिकल्पना

Leave a comment

पी आई बी, २६ अगस्त २०२४ : केन्द्र शासित प्रदेश लद्दाखलाई विकसित अनि समृद्ध बनाउने प्रधानमन्त्री नरेन्द्र मोदीको परिकल्पना अनुरूप, गृह मामिला मन्त्रालयले पाँच नयाँ जिल्ला सिर्जना गर्ने निर्णय लिएको छ।

यस ऐतिहासिक निर्णयबारे एक्स मञ्च (ट्वीटर)मा सूचित गर्दै केन्द्रिय गृह तथा सहकारिता मन्त्री अमित शाहले यस निर्णयका साथै जान्स्कर, द्रास, शाम, नुब्रा र चाङथाङको नयाँ जिल्लाले जनमानसको निम्ति तय लाभ घर-आँगनमा पुऱ्याउनका साथै प्रत्येक कुना-कन्दरासम्म शासनलाई बढावा दिने बताएका छन्। यी नयाँ पाँच जिल्लाको गठनपछि, अब लद्दाखमा लेह अनि कारगिलसहित कूल सातवटा जिल्ला हुनेछ।

क्षेत्रफलको हिसाबले लद्दाख धेरै ठूलो केन्द्र शासित प्रदेश हो। हाल लद्दाखको दुईवटा जिल्ला छ – लेह र कारगिल। यो भारतको सबैभन्दा कम जनसङ्ख्या भएको इलाका हो। विकट अनि दुर्गम भएका कारण, हाल जिल्ला प्रशासनले तृणमूल स्तरसम्म पुग्न धेरै कठिनाईको सामना गर्नुपरिरहेको थियो। यी जिल्लाको गठनपछि, अब सबै केन्द्र सरकारका साथै लद्दाख प्रशासनको जनकल्याण योजना सजिलैसँग जनमानससम्म पुग्नेछ भने धेरैभन्दा धेरैले यसको लाभ उठाउन सक्नेछन्। गृह मन्त्रालयको यो महत्त्वपूर्ण निर्णय लद्दाखको उत्तरोत्तर विकासको निम्ति धेरै उपयोगी साबित हुनेछ।

पाँच नयाँ जिल्ला गठनको निम्ति सैद्धान्तिक अनुमोदन दिनका साथै गृह मन्त्रालयले लद्दाख प्रशासनलाई नयाँ जिल्ला गठनका विभिन्न पक्ष जस्तै मुख्यालय, सीमाना, संरचना, पद सिर्जना लगायत जिल्ला गठनसित सम्बन्धित अन्य बुँदाहरूको मूल्याङ्कन गर्न सममति गठन गरी तीन महिनाभित्र प्रतिवेदन बुझाउन निर्देश पनि दिएको छ। उक्त समितिको प्रतिवेदन प्राप्त भएपछि, लद्दाख केन्द्र शासित प्रदेशले उक्त प्रतिवेदनको आधारमा नयाँ जिल्ला सिर्जनाको निम्ति अन्तिम प्रस्ताव थप कार्वाहीको निम्ति गृह मन्त्रालयलाई पठाउनु पर्नेछ।

लद्दाखका जनमानसको निम्ति अपार सम्भावना सिर्जना गर्न नरेन्द्र मोदीको सरकार प्रतिबद्ध छ।

National, Politics

Govt convenes all-party meet on July 21 ahead of Monsoon Session, TMC to skip meeting

Leave a comment
PTI, New Delhi, Jul 16, 2024 : The government has convened an all-party meeting on July 21 ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament which will start next Monday, the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry said.

The meeting, which will be held at 11 am on Sunday, has been called by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the ministry said in a statement.

This will be Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s first time at the customary session-eve meeting of floor leaders from all parties if he attends it.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) said no representatives from the party will attend the meeting as July 21 is observed by the party as Martyrs’ Day.

TMC’s parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha Derek O’Brien wrote to Rijiju and informed him that his party will not be able to attend the meet.

“For 30 years now, 21st July has been observed as ‘Martyrs’ Day’ in Bengal in honour of our 13 colleagues who were unlawfully killed in a police firing on the day in 1993.

“In this context, all MPs of the All India Trinamool Congress including myself will be in our home state to mark the day along with other party colleagues. Therefore, no MP will be able to attend the meeting,” he said.

The July 21 Martyrs’ Day is observed in memory of 13 Congress supporters who were shot dead in firing by the Kolkata Police in 1993 during a march to the state secretariat — Writers Buildings — when the CPI(M)-led Left Front was in power in West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the state Youth Congress chief at that time and she continued to mark the day by holding a rally every year even after forming the TMC on January 1, 1998.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to begin on July 22 and will conclude on August 12. The Union Budget will be presented on July 23.

The first Parliament session after the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha witnessed the opposition INDIA bloc raising issues like the recent NEET controversy, Manipur situation, and price rise among others, resulting in uproars and adjournments.

Protests were also witnessed in both Houses during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address. In the Lok Sabha, opposition MPs raised slogans demanding a statement on Manipur during the prime minister’s reply, while in the Rajya Sabha, the opposition had staged a walkout. 
National, Politics

Special status demand triggers political slugfest in Bihar

Leave a comment
PTI, Patna, July 12, 2024 : The ruling NDA in Bihar and the opposition Mahagathbandhan on Friday crossed swords over the demand for special status to the state, which seems to have intensified ahead of the Parliament’s budget session.
    
The demand was first made soon after the creation of Jharkhand robbed the state of its mineral wealth, though the Centre has been of the view that the grant of special status was no longer possible since the provision was scrapped by the 14th Finance Commission.

Senior Congress leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, whose party is a part of the opposition coalition in the state, took potshots at the BJP-JD(U) combine.

She said, “There could not be a greater irony that the BJP, which rules the Centre, is not accepting the demand raised by the JD(U) despite being dependent on the ally.”

The allusion was to the JD(U), headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, passing a resolution at its national executive meeting held last month seeking special category status, or, adequate assistance in the form of a special economic package.

The Congress leader also took a swipe at the JD(U) supremo and said, “The PM should show some respect for his ally who has realigned with him after ditching us and making umpteenth volte-face”.

The CM, who had helped the formation of the INDIA bloc, returned to the BJP-led NDA in January this year.

Kumar’s deputy Vijay Kumar Sinha, who belongs to the BJP, was asked about a meeting, in Delhi a day ago, between Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Samrat Choudhary, another Bihar Deputy CM who holds the finance portfolio and is understood to have submitted before her the state’s expectations from the upcoming budget.

Evading a direct reply, Sinha said, “The PM has made it clear that he wants a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India). That is possible only when Bihar, too, is developed. All that is needed for growth of each and every state, will be done.”

Choudhary, who also heads the state BJP, returned from the national capital in the evening, and asserted, “The prime minister has always been concerned about the development of Bihar and we look forward to full cooperation from the PM and the Union finance minister.”

He also ducked pointed queries about the demand for special status raised vehemently by the JD(U), saying “all works that are pending in Bihar will be completed with central help”.

Meanwhile, state minister and senior JD(U) leader Shravan Kumar alleged that the demand for special status was “ignored” by the previous Congress-led UPA government at the Centre and hoped that Modi would give Bihar its due.

Earlier, NDA partner Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) headed by Union minister Chirag Paswan had also come out in support of the demand.

The party’s MP Arun Bharti had told PTI-Video, “Our party has been in support of special status to Bihar since the very beginning. We are confident of some assistance, in the form of either special status or a special package.”

However, the RJD, which helms the Mahagathbandhan, lashed out at the NDA claiming that the ruling coalition was trying to hoodwink the people.

RJD MLA Bhai Virendra said, “The BJP and the JD(U) share power in the Centre as well as in the state. Yet, instead of taking the necessary steps, they are raising demands. Do they think the people are fools?”.

The RJD leader, whose party was ruling Bihar when it was bifurcated in 2000, pointed out that the demand for special status was first raised by the Rabri Devi government.

“I do not wish to create much controversy by taking names. But the NDA was in power, at the Centre, at the time and its leaders deliberately denied Bihar special status fearing that my party would get the credit,” claimed Bhai Virendra.
Politics, West Bengal

Saffron party leadership to revamp state BJP, major reshuffle awaited

Leave a comment
Central BJP leaders are aiming to restructure the saffron party’s organisation at the state and district level ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in view of the party’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections.
RAJIB CHAKRABORTY | SNS  | Kolkata | July 8, 2024 : Saffron party leadership to revamp state BJP, major reshuffle awaited

Central BJP leaders are aiming to restructure the saffron party’s organisation at the state and district level ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in view of the party’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections. According to sources, some central party leaders, who are dealing with organisation affairs are keeping in close touch with some state BJP leaders. The party leadership is said to be planning to replace the presidents of at least 15 out of 43 organisational districts in Bengal. Both winning and losing candidates in the Lok Sabha elections will be utilised for organisational work, said the BJP sources. There is even a possibility of a change in the state BJP president.

On Friday, BJP’s national president J P Nadda assigned new organisational responsibilities in 24 states except West Bengal. Sources said that as the post-election analysis at the grassroots level has revealed several reasons for the BJP’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections in Bengal, so the Delhi headquarters are taking stock of the situation. The saffron party leadership is planning a significant organisational overhaul in view of the disappointing election results.Reports indicated that nearly 15 district presidents will be replaced before the Puja. Additionally, recently state president Sukanta Majumdar hinted at a possible change in his position, noting that the party’s principle is “one person, one post”. He had recently stated: “Our party’s policy is one person, one post.

Therefore, since I have become a minister, I may have to step down. However, the final decision will be made by the central leadership. Our party’s structure undergoes changes from the top to the bottom in terms of organisational restructuring.” The focus will primarily be on revamping the district organisations, from the district to the mandal levels. Most district presidents in areas with poor results in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be replaced.

Over 300 mandal presidents may also be replaced. Furthermore, the majority of booth committees will be restructured. While Mr Majumdar did not directly comment on the organisational reshuffle, a state BJP leader claimed that any changes in the state BJP’s organisational structure would be on the directives of the central leadership. However, sources within the BJP have confirmed that organisational changes are indeed taking place at various levels within the state BJP.

A few days ago, state BJP leaders met at the Salt Lake party office for a post-election review meeting, where it was decided to gather reports from the district level. Subsequently, review meetings are being held in various districts with mandal presidents, district and zone in-charges, and assembly in-charges. The complete grassroots reports will soon be submitted to the state committee, which will then send the refined reports to the central leadership. The grassroots leaders and workers have identified several issues responsible for the party’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections during the review meetings, including that many senior workers were not involved in the election work, booth organisations were quite lax, incorrect booth reports were sent, with optimistic projections that did not match reality.

BJP workers were lax in door-to-door campaigning, and voters were not adequately approached. There was also a lack of coordination between district presidents and party candidates in most Lok Sabha constituencies. Frequent meetings and large gatherings by central leaders resulted in insufficient grassroots voter outreach, said the sources. These issues are being discussed within the party. Organisational reshuffles are expected in several districts, including Howrah, Hooghly, South 24-Parganas, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, and Burdwan. Both Lok Sabha constituencies in Howrah did not yield satisfactory results, the Hooghly seat was lost, and even though Arambagh was considered a positive seat, it was lost. The Burdwan-Durgapur seat was lost, and even though Asansol was considered positive, it was lost as well.

Additionally, there is internal conflict within the party in Burdwan, necessitating organisational restructuring. South 24-Parganas performed very poorly, and reports of factionalism have surfaced. Organisational changes are also expected in Midnapur, Jhargram, and Ghatal. The Bankura seat was lost, and there was significant internal conflict within the party before the elections. In Bishnupur, BJP won by a very small margin. Consequently, organisational changes are planned in Bankura, Bishnupur, Birbhum, and Bolpur.
National, Politics

Delhi police file FIR under new criminal laws against Trinamul MP Mahua Moitra

Leave a comment
Sources said Mahua had been booked under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which deals with gestures or acts intended at outraging a woman’s modesty

Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, TT, New Delhi, 08.07.24 : Delhi police on Sunday filed an FIR under the new criminal laws against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra over her “derogatory” remarks against National Commission of Women chief Rekha Sharma.

Sources said Mahua had been booked under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay

Sanhita (BNS), which deals with gestures or acts intended at outraging a woman’s modesty. Sources said Mahua was the first politician to have been booked under the new BNS, which has replaced the Indian Penal Code.

The commission had earlier sought an FIR against the MP.

Mahua had on July 4 commented on a video posted on X that showed a man holding an umbrella over Sharma’s head and walking behind her during the commission chief’s visit to the site of the Hathras stampede.

Several social media users felt that having someone else hold an umbrella over one’s head was “insensitive”, especially at the site of a tragedy, and asked why Sharma could not hold the umbrella herself.

“She is too busy holding up her boss’s pajamas,” Mahua had posted on X. She later deleted the post.

On July 5, the women’s commission put up a post on X saying: “The National Commission for Women has taken suo mot(u) cognizance of the derogatory remark made by Ms. Mahua Moitra, Member of Parliament, against Ms. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, NCW. The crude remarks are outrageous and a violation of a woman’s right to dignity.”

It added: “The Commission observed that this remark attracts Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023. NCW strongly condemns these defamatory remarks and requests strict action against Ms. Moitra. An FIR should be registered against Ms. Moitra and a detailed action report should be communicated to the Commission within 3 days.”

Responding to the commission’s post, Mahua wrote: “Come on Delhi Police please take action immediately on these suo mot(u) orders. Am in Nadia in case you need me in the next 3 days to make a quick arrest. I Can Hold My Own Umbrella.”

In another post, Mahua shared screenshots of past posts, allegedly from Sharma’s account, that she said passed “crude” comments against political leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and Lalu Prasad.

Mahua wrote: “Also Delhi Police while you’re at it can you please register an FIR against another serial offender under your new Act.”

The BNS came into effect on July 1, replacing the Indian Penal Code.
Crime, Politics, West Bengal

Bengal Raj Bhavan molestation case: Woman employee moves Supreme Court against immunity to Governor Bose

Leave a comment
According to Article 361, criminal proceedings cannot be instituted in a court against the Governor during his term of office
CV Ananda Bose: File

PTI, New Delhi, 04.07.24 : A contractual woman employee, who has alleged molestation by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, has moved the Supreme Court against “blanket immunity” conferred to him under Article 361 of the Constitution.

According to Article 361, criminal proceedings cannot be instituted in a court against the Governor during his term of office.

The woman petitioner has sought directions to frame specific guidelines under which Governors enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution.

“This court has to decide whether a victim like the petitioner can be rendered remediless, with the only option being to wait for the accused to demit his office, which delay will then be inexplainable during the trial, and render the entire procedure a mere lip service, without any justice to the victim herein,” the plea said.

The plea has also sought a probe into the case by West Bengal police and protection for her and her family along with compensation from the government for her loss of reputation.

The contractual woman employee of Raj Bhavan had lodged a complaint with Kolkata Police alleging that she was molested by Bose in the governor’s house on April 24 and May 2.

She accused Bose of orchestrating a “ridiculous drama” to deflect attention from his actions, emphasising that he should have provided the CCTV footage from premises to police at the outset of the investigation.

Footage from two CCTV cameras positioned at the main (north) gate, spanning from 5.32 pm to 6.41 pm on May 2, was shown to a select group of people and journalists at the Central Marble Hall on the ground floor of Raj Bhavan.

In the first footage, the employee, dressed in jeans and a top, was seen hurrying to the police outpost housed within the governor’s house amidst a significant number of police personnel who were deployed in the premises for the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on that day.

The second footage, which lasted for around 10 minutes, showed various vehicles including fire tenders arriving at the north gate of Raj Bhavan and policemen lining up for their regular duties. The victim, however, could not be spotted.

Amid the controversy over the woman’s allegation, Bose had filed a defamation case against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on June 28, a day after the CM claimed that women complained to her that they were afraid to visit the Raj Bhavan because of the activities there.

The Calcutta High Court has adjourned till Thursday the hearing in the matter.
Crime, Politics, West Bengal

Calcutta High Court to hear Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose’s defamation suit against CM Mamata Banerjee on July 3

Leave a comment
 Bose had filed a defamation case against Banerjee on June 28, a day after she claimed women complained to her that they were afraid to visit the Raj Bhavan because of the activities there
PTI,  Calcutta, 03.07.24 : The Calcutta High Court is on Wednesday scheduled to hear a defamation suit filed by West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Bose had filed a defamation case against Banerjee on June 28, a day after she claimed women complained to her that they were afraid to visit the Raj Bhavan because of the activities there.

The defamation suit filed by Bose is listed for hearing on Wednesday before the bench of Justice Krishna Rao, according to the high court’s website.

During an administrative meeting in the state secretariat, Banerjee had on June 27 said “women have informed me they are afraid to visit Raj Bhavan due to recent incidents reported there”.

Following Banerjee’s remarks, the governor had said it was expected of public representatives not to create “erroneous and slanderous impressions”.

On May 2, a contractual woman employee of Raj Bhavan had made an allegation of molestation against Bose, following which the Calcutta Police started an inquiry.

Under Article 361 of the Constitution, no criminal proceedings can be instituted against a governor during his/her term in office.
National, Politics

BJP seeks CM Mamata’s resignation over ‘severe deterioration’ of law and order in state

Leave a comment

PTI, New Delhi, Jul 01 2024 : The BJP called for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation on Monday over a “severe deterioration” in the state’s law and order after a video of a man flogging a couple in public in West Bengal surfaced on social media.

The man seen in the video beating up a couple with a bamboo stick was allegedly a local TMC leader from Chopra in Uttar Dinajpur district, where the incident occurred following a kangaroo court decision.
The accused, Tajmul alias JCB, was arrested.
BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia highlighted the flogging incident and questioned the chief minister’s commitment to justice and governance.
During a press conference, he condemned the act as a grave violation of dignity and fundamental rights and criticised Banerjee’s silence.
“It is a shame that she has not spoken a word on this. As a woman and a chief minister, she should be the first to come out and condemn this incident,” Bhatia asserted.
He also alleged that the perpetrator was a leader from Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) party.
“What makes the matter worse is the fact that the accused happens to be a TMC leader. This is a blatant miscarriage of justice,” the BJP leader claimed.
Bhatia also attacked Banerjee over West Bengal’s governance, accusing the chief minister of failing to maintain law and order.
“Law and order have completely collapsed in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee should resign forthwith as she is unable to ensure the safety and security of citizens,” he said.
Bhatia also highlighted a controversial statement by TMC MLA Hamdulillah, who allegedly justified the incident by referring to justice systems in certain Islamic nations.
“He justified it by saying this kind of justice prevails in Islamic nations, thus endorsing a Talibani style of dispensing justice in a country that believes in the Constitution of India,” Bhatia said.
He also questioned the silence of prominent opposition leaders on the issue.
“Where is Mallikarjun Kharge? Where is Sonia Gandhi? Where is Lalu Prasad Yadav? None of them have made any statement condemning this ghastly incident. Such is their belief in the Constitution of India, or rather, in the Talibani rule of law imposed by the TMC on the citizens of West Bengal,” he said.
Assuring the people of West Bengal and India, Bhatia said, “Our national president JP Nadda has raised this issue and, on behalf of the party, I assure every citizen that we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims. We believe in the Constitution of India and will ensure that this Talabani kind of government does not exist for another day.
National, Politics

Criminal laws passed ‘forcibly’, INDIA will not allow ‘bulldozer’ justice in par system: Cong

Leave a comment

PTI, NEW DELHI, JULY 1, 2024 :  Three new criminal laws came into effect in the country on Monday, bringing far-reaching changes in India’s criminal justice system. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) take into account some of the current social realities and modern-day crimes. 

The new laws replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively. From Monday, all fresh FIRs will be registered under the BNS. However, cases filed earlier will continue to be tried under the old laws till their final disposals. 
The new laws brought in a modern justice system, incorporating provisions such as Zero FIR, online registration of police complaints, summonses through electronic modes such as SMS and mandatory videography of crime scenes for all heinous crimes. 
The new laws have tried to address some of the current social realities and crimes and are going to provide a mechanism to effectively deal with these, keeping in view the ideals enshrined in the Constitution, official sources said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who piloted the laws, had said the new laws would give priority to providing justice, unlike the colonial-era laws that gave primacy to penal action.”
These laws are made by Indians, for Indians and by an Indian Parliament and marks the end of colonial criminal justice laws,” Shah had said. 
The Home Minister had further said the laws were not just about changing the nomenclature but bringing about a complete overhaul. 
“Soul, body and spirit” of the new laws is Indian,” he had said. Justice is an umbrella term that encompasses both the victim and the culprit, the Home Minister had said and added these new laws would ensure political, economic and social justice with an Indian ethos. 
According to the new laws, judgment in criminal cases has to come within45 days of completion of trial and charges must be framed within 60days of first hearing. Statement of rape victims will be recorded by a woman police officer in presence of her guardian or relative and medical reports have to come within seven days. 
Organised crimes and acts of terrorism have been defined, sedition has been replaced with treason and video recording of all search and seizures made mandatory. 
A new chapter on crimes against women and children has been added, buying and selling of any child made a heinous crime and there is a provision for death sentence or life imprisonment for gang rape of a minor. 
Offences against women and children, murder and offences against the State have been given precedence in the new law. 
With the new laws coming into effect, the Congress on Monday accused the Union government of getting them “forcibly” passed in Parliament after suspending 146 MPs and asserted that going forward, the INDIA bloc will not allow such “bulldozer justice” to prevail in the country’s parliamentary system. 
In a post in Hindi on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said: “After the political and moral shock in the elections, Modi ji and the BJP are pretending to respect the Constitution, but the truth is that the three laws of the criminal justice system which are being implemented from today, were passed forcibly after suspension of 146MPs.” “INDIA will no longer allow this ‘bulldozer justice’ to prevail in the parliamentary system,” he asserted. 
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also took a swipe at the government after the first FIR was lodged under the new laws. “The first FIR has already been filed under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023. 
It is by Delhi Police against a street vendor for obstruction, after he was earning his daily livelihood under a foot-over bridge of New Delhi Railway Station, “Ramesh said. Delhi Police registered its first FIR under provisions of the new criminal code the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against a street vendor selling water and tobacco products from a cart that allegedly obstructed a public way in central Delhi’s Kamala Market area on Monday, officials said.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram also slammed the government as the new criminal laws came into effect and said it was another case of “bulldozing” existing laws and replacing them with three new bills without adequate discussion and debate. 
In a post on X, Chidambaram said: “90-99 per cent of the so-called new laws are a cut, copy and paste job. A task that could have been completed with a few amendments to the existing three laws has been turned into a wasteful exercise.” 
“Yes, there are a few improvements in the new laws and we have welcomed them. They could have been introduced as amendments. 
On the other hand, there are several retrograde provisions. Some changes are prima facie unconstitutional,” he said. MPs, who were members of the standing committee, pored over the provisions and wrote detailed dissent notes to the three Bills, the senior leader said. Chidambaram added the government did not rebut or answer any of the criticisms in the dissent notes and there was no worthwhile debate in Parliament. “Law scholars, bar associations, judges and lawyers have in numerous articles and seminars pointed out the grave deficiencies in the three new laws. No one in government has cared to answer the questions,” he said. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the Congress’ concern was that the bills were passed without discussion.
“Something as important and as far reaching as this. Many of us had called for an overhaul of the IPC but we wanted a discussion and the discussion never took place and that is something very regrettable in a democracy like ours,” he told reporters outside Parliament. 
Crime, Politics, Regional

BJP demands CBI probe into torture of woman party leader in CoochBehar

Leave a comment
Paul, who led a BJP delegation to the Mathabhanga area of the district, claimed that the woman, president of the local unit’s minority morcha, was beaten and stripped by TMC miscreants on June 25 while she was grazing cattle in the field.

PTI, 29 June 2024, Kolkata: BJP state general secretary Agnimitra Paul on Saturday demanded a CBI probe into the alleged incident of stripping and physical torture of a woman leader of the saffron party in West Bengal’s Coochbehar district, accusing police of inaction against the real perpetrators.

Paul, who led a BJP delegation to the Mathabhanga area of the district, claimed that the woman, president of the local unit’s minority morcha, was beaten and stripped by TMC miscreants on June 25 while she was grazing cattle in the field. 

“Under the regime of a woman chief minister, a woman representing the mothers, sisters, and the minority community of Bengal was beaten, stripped, and verbally abused in public by a local TMC leader and his associates.

“Police and the government are turning a blind eye to such blatant violence against a woman. We have no faith in this administration. We demand a CBI probe,” she said.

Paul and other BJP leaders briefly blocked the road in Choupti near the police lines and later met Additional SP and the woman involved.

However, a police officer said the incident appeared to be a domestic dispute, and seven out of the ten persons named in the FIR have been arrested. The remaining three will be apprehended soon, he added.

TMC spokesperson Partha Pratim Roy countered BJP’s claims, stating that they were politicising a family dispute following their defeat in the Lok Sabha elections in Coochbehar.

BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar alleged that the Mamata Banerjee-led government was diverting attention from the incident by suddenly highlighting issues like hawkers encroaching on pavements.

“I have personally spoken to the traumatised woman. She is experiencing pain in her head. We are arranging for her treatment in Kolkata,” Majumdar told reporters.

Another TMC spokesperson Trinankur Bhattacharya told PTI that BJP was trying to politicise every minor incident to disrupt peace in Bengal after their electoral defeat and discredit the state government. “They are making baseless allegations. In every unfortunate incident, police take action and apprehend the culprits. However, these people do not belong to our party,” he added.