Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Aug 7, 2025, Kolkata : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her stance on Bengali language issues and migrant workers’ rights, accusing the BJP government of waging a form of ‘terrorism’ against the Bengali language and labeling Bengal’s migrant workers as Bangladeshis. Speaking in Jhargram on Thursday, Banerjee once again raised her voice against the growing atrocities and injustices faced by migrant workers from Bengal in BJP-ruled states, drawing attention to what she calls an orchestrated effort to tarnish the identity of the Bengali-speaking population.

At a rally in Jhargram, Banerjee launched a fresh call for a “new language movement,” following earlier protests in Kolkata and Bolpur, where she voiced similar concerns. These protests, aimed at addressing the alleged victimization of Bengali-speaking migrant workers, culminated in a speech by the Chief Minister at the end of the Jhargram procession. During her address, Banerjee raised a series of allegations, accusing the BJP government of subjecting Bengali-speaking workers to physical abuse and detention under the false pretext that they were illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

Banerjee went on to claim that her administration had repatriated over 2,000 migrant workers, but many others still remain trapped in detention camps in BJP-ruled states such as Assam, Gurugram, and Rajasthan. She highlighted a particularly disturbing case of a tribal girl from Malda, West Bengal, who was allegedly detained in Madhya Pradesh and subsequently deported to Bangladesh. The Chief Minister denounced such incidents as violations of human rights, asserting that Dalits, in particular, were being disproportionately targeted and mistreated.

In her remarks, Banerjee also lashed out at the Election Commission of India (ECI) over its recent suspension of four state government officials. The suspended officers, including two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and two Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), were accused of tampering with the voter registration list. In response, Banerjee raised critical questions about the legitimacy of the suspensions, demanding to know the authority under which these officials were penalized. She firmly declared that no officer would be suspended from her government, further accusing the Election Commission of being a “slave of the BJP.”

The ongoing controversy revolves around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal, a process that Banerjee fears could lead to the exclusion of genuine voters. She warned that the BJP was attempting to manipulate the voter list to serve its own political agenda. “Behind the SIR, there is a conspiracy to introduce the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Bengal,” Banerjee asserted, reiterating her firm stance that no one’s name should be removed from the voter list. “The BJP is trying to create a voter list for its own convenience through the SIR,” she said.

Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), also joined in the attack against the ECI, accusing the poll body of exceeding its jurisdiction and functioning as a tool of the central government. He criticized the timing of the Election Commission’s intervention, pointing out that its actions seemed to undermine the authority of an elected state government, especially when the Model Code of Conduct had not yet come into effect.

Mamata Banerjee’s comments in Jhargram are part of an escalating campaign against both the BJP-led central government and the Election Commission. She had previously declared that she would take the issue to international forums and expose the alleged wrongdoings of the BJP if any legitimate voters were excluded from the electoral rolls in West Bengal. Banerjee’s statements reflect the growing tensions in the state over issues of identity, migration, and electoral integrity, with the Chief Minister pledging to protect the rights of the Bengali-speaking population at all costs.

The situation in West Bengal is now under intense scrutiny as both the local government and the opposition parties, led by the BJP, engage in a high-stakes political and legal battle that could have significant implications for the state’s electoral future.

The Trinamool Congress currently holds 29 seats in the Lok Sabha. Sudip Bandopadhyay, a senior leader and long-time Lok Sabha face of the party, has been absent from parliamentary proceedings in recent months due to persistent health issues. His absence during the ongoing session of Parliament and his prior removal in May as the North Kolkata district unit president — amid rising local-level discontent — had already hinted at a possible shift.

During the virtual meeting, Mamata Banerjee cited Sudip’s medical condition as the key reason for the change. “Given that our Lok Sabha leader, Shri Sudip Bandyopadhyay, is unwell and undergoing medical treatment, the MPs have unanimously decided to entrust Shri Abhishek Banerjee with the responsibility of leading the party in the Lok Sabha as the leader of the party until Sudip da returns to good health,” she stated.

Abhishek Banerjee’s appointment marks a symbolic and strategic generational transition within the party. Often seen as Mamata Banerjee’s political heir, Abhishek will now wield significant influence over the party’s functioning in the lower house — including deciding who speaks on which subjects and when. The final list of speakers and topics will be shown to Mamata Banerjee, but Abhishek will serve as the operational head for all Lok Sabha proceedings going forward.

This change follows an evolving pattern of leadership transition within the party, where responsibilities are gradually being transferred to younger leaders. A similar process was initiated when Abhishek first raised the idea of “rotation” based on age and performance. Observers within the party suggest that the broader goal is to prepare the next generation of leadership while ensuring continuity of the party’s core vision and control under Mamata Banerjee.

The reshuffle also brings into focus the health of other senior Trinamool leaders. Veteran MP Saugata Roy, another influential figure, is currently hospitalised and has not attended the current Parliament session even once. This has led to mounting concerns within the party regarding the active roles of its ageing leadership.

According to the Trinamool’s organizational structure, the party maintains two separate parliamentary leaders — one for each house of Parliament. Derek O’Brien continues to lead the party in the Rajya Sabha, while Abhishek Banerjee now assumes leadership in the Lok Sabha. However, Mamata Banerjee remains the overall chairperson of the Trinamool’s parliamentary wing in both houses, retaining supreme authority over strategic decisions.

The reshuffle, though anticipated by many, comes at a politically crucial juncture — with Assembly elections due in early 2026 and opposition unity efforts under the INDIA alliance gaining momentum. Abhishek, who is also seen as the bridge between Trinamool and the broader opposition bloc, is now expected to amplify the party’s presence and assertiveness at the national level.

Political analysts note that while Abhishek’s ascendancy represents continuity with change, it may also hint at a shift in the balance of power within the party. Over recent years, Abhishek has occasionally appeared to chart an independent path, sometimes diverging from the party mainstream, leading to speculation over his growing clout. His formal elevation in the Lok Sabha is likely to reinforce that perception.

For now, Sudip Bandopadhyay is expected to return to parliamentary duties after regaining health, but there is growing sentiment that this may be the beginning of a wider reshuffle affecting other senior MPs and MLAs in the months ahead.

With Mamata Banerjee signaling support for this generational shift and entrusting greater responsibilities to her nephew, the Trinamool Congress appears to be moving towards a restructured leadership model — one that balances experience with youthful dynamism, in preparation for both state and national electoral battles.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 28, 2025, Kolkata : In a serious development that has created a political storm, actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty is facing allegations of financial misconduct and harassment following a complaint filed by the wife of his former secretary. The allegation, which has gained significant attention, involves Chakraborty’s failure to honor promises of remuneration and financial security made to his former secretary, a claim that has now led to an FIR being lodged at the Chitpur police station in Kolkata.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 28, 2025, Kolkata :  Abhishek Banerjee, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, has voiced strong opposition against the alleged harassment faced by Bengali migrant workers in other states. Speaking out against the mistreatment, Banerjee condemned the actions of the ruling governments in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Odisha, accusing them of targeting Bengali-speaking individuals in the name of migration.

During a media interaction, Banerjee highlighted the recent incidents where Bengali migrant workers were detained and harassed simply for speaking their native language, a situation that sparked widespread outrage. He emphasized that such discrimination was not isolated and had become a troubling trend. “Whenever we get a chance in Parliament, we will speak in Bengali. Today, during the discussion on Operation Siddur, we will speak in Bengali as well. Bengali migrant workers are being harassed in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Odisha under the BJP’s double-engine government,” he said.

The MP further criticized the Election Commission’s impartiality, alleging that it had been complicit in voter intimidation, particularly targeting the common people under the pretext of conducting the voter ID process. Banerjee remarked, “Voters are being intimidated in the name of SIR. The rights of the common man are being taken away. Meanwhile, voter ID cards are being issued in the name of dogs. All this is done to favor a particular party, and it’s shameful.”

Banerjee also referred to the disturbing incidents that occurred during the 2021 West Bengal election, when voters in Shitalkuchi were allegedly killed in broad daylight, and he expressed similar concerns over the handling of the 2024 elections. He accused the Election Commission of being subservient to political interests, leading to a compromised electoral process.

“Flattery and servitude are being practiced by the ruling party. The land that gave the world four Nobel laureates—Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa, Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, and Amartya Sen—has now been reduced to a political battleground,” Banerjee remarked. He also criticized the BJP’s national leadership, specifically targeting BJP President Amit Shah, accusing him of ignorance regarding the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore and the party’s destructive actions, such as the alleged vandalization of Vidyasagar’s statue under Shah’s leadership.

Turning to the political landscape in Bengal, Banerjee warned that those who continued to oppress the people of Bengal would face consequences similar to those in the 2021 and 2024 elections. “The people of Bengal will not betray their own. They will give the BJP the same lesson they gave them in 2021 and 2024, come 2026,” he asserted.

In a passionate plea, Banerjee questioned why the BJP was engaging in politics of division, pointing out that if the ruling party had truly been concerned about such politics, they could have halted developmental work in the Jangalmahal region, where the BJP had performed well in the past. However, Banerjee proudly stated that the ruling party in Bengal had maintained an inclusive development agenda across the state, without discrimination.

“This is politics, and this should be the policy of the government of this country. It’s unfortunate that we have to fight against such divisions. We will speak out. If BJP believes that insulting the people of Bengal will teach them a lesson, they are gravely mistaken. They should be prepared for a much tougher lesson,” Banerjee concluded, sending a strong message of resilience and unity from Bengal.

The MP’s statement has added to the ongoing political discourse surrounding migrant workers’ rights, voter integrity, and the integrity of the electoral process, and has raised the stakes for upcoming political

In his written complaint, Ghosh stated, “This is a preplanned conspiracy against me. Identify those who have manufactured this video and made it viral and take legal action.” The BJP leader has urged the police to identify the individuals responsible for creating and disseminating the video, and has called for stringent legal action against them under existing laws.

The complaint follows Ghosh’s public assertion on Friday that he would be approaching the police to report the matter. He reiterated his stance that the video is fake and technologically manipulated, and stressed that the person seen in the clip is not him. Several BJP leaders close to Ghosh have also supported this claim, suggesting that the video is a product of digital fabrication aimed at defaming him.

In his detailed submission to the Cyber Crime Police Station, Ghosh expressed concern that digital platforms and social media are being misused as tools in a deeper political conspiracy. He accused unnamed individuals of attempting to smear him both socially and politically and requested that law enforcement act decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Ghosh’s political trajectory has recently been a subject of speculation. On April 30, the day of the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha, he was seen visiting the coastal town with his wife. Notably, he met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the same day and appeared to be in good spirits. His interaction with the Chief Minister, especially amidst strained ties with certain sections of his own party, raised eyebrows within the state BJP.

Following this, rumours began to circulate that Ghosh might be considering a shift to the ruling Trinamool Congress. These speculations gained further momentum with suggestions that he could appear at Trinamool’s annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21. However, Ghosh was present at a BJP meeting in Kharagpur on that very day. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Those who misled workers by saying that Dilip Ghosh would join the BJP are the party that eats eggs and rice.” While refraining from naming individuals, his remarks were seen as a direct attack on a section of the BJP leadership.

Now, with the emergence of the controversial video and his subsequent legal action, Ghosh has once again taken a combative stance, alleging that a politically motivated attempt is underway to undermine his credibility. The developments come at a time when internal rifts within the BJP and broader electoral dynamics in West Bengal remain under intense public and media scrutiny.

This move by the BJP comes at a time when debates and controversies are intensifying around the voter list cleansing initiative, especially after the Commission clarified who is being removed in Bihar. Although the Commission has issued statements regarding the process, questions continue to be raised across the political spectrum, prompting regional units of parties like the BJP to proactively gear up.

In West Bengal, senior BJP leaders, including Shamik Bhattacharya, are leading efforts to ensure party preparedness ahead of the electoral roll update. The party has already begun conducting structured training sessions for thousands of its members, aimed at enhancing grassroots involvement in the revision process. The training program is divided into two distinct tiers: BLO One and BLO Two.

BLO One refers to assembly-based training. Each assembly constituency will have three such BLO One-level trainees whose names will be officially submitted to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) and the District Election Officer (DEO), the latter usually being the District Magistrate. These trained personnel will then be responsible for instructing booth-level workers, termed BLO Two, who will operate at the polling booth level.

The BJP has planned to train approximately 3,000 to 3,500 party workers as BLO Ones across the state. This training program, which commenced recently, is scheduled to continue until August 20. Once trained, these individuals will play a pivotal role in supporting the electoral roll revision exercise.

According to BJP insiders, the aim of the training is not only to streamline the voter list revision process but also to bridge the information gap for common voters who may not be fully aware of the procedural intricacies. These party trainees are expected to assist citizens with filling out necessary forms, advising them on the documentation required, and clarifying doubts during the revision period.

Moreover, party officials have pointed to instances in the past where booth-level officers allegedly neglected duties or failed to communicate effectively with voters. To address such issues, the trained BJP workers will act as supplementary support, monitoring the process to prevent lapses or negligence.

The training initiative reflects the party’s broader electoral strategy and preparedness, particularly in a politically sensitive and closely watched state like West Bengal. As the voter list revision progresses, the presence of such trained cadres on the ground is likely to influence both administrative efficiency and political narratives in the run-up to future elections.

The development adds yet another layer to the national discourse around voter registration, transparency, and fairness, particularly in light of recent electoral policy updates and scrutiny of large-scale deletions elsewhere in the country.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 23, 2025, Kolkata :  Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir has made it clear that he holds no ill will against Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. However, the veteran leader has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Murshidabad district leadership of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), claiming that they are blatantly ignoring the party’s central directives.

In an exclusive interview with TV9 Bangla, Humayun Kabir disclosed that he plans to form a new political party in opposition to the district leadership’s actions. Despite his long association with the TMC, Kabir is taking a significant step in the lead-up to the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, planning to contest on 50 seats across the districts of Malda, Murshidabad, South Dinajpur, and Nadia. The new party will aim to represent the minority communities in the region, particularly those who feel sidelined by the existing leadership.

“I have no grudge against Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee,” Kabir emphasized, but added, “The district leadership in Murshidabad is not even following the orders of the leader. They are ignoring the party’s instructions, which is deeply troubling.” His discontent stems from the growing importance given to junior party members such as Apurba Sarkar and Khalilur Rahman, who he believes have been promoted over more senior and deserving leaders.

Humayun Kabir’s remarks reveal a sense of disillusionment with the current state of leadership. He said, “I want to form a party to prove that farming is done with oxen, not goats. It is not just a matter of party politics; it is about respect for the voters and workers who have long supported the party.” He further pointed out that people in his district have become frustrated with the way the TMC is handling its internal matters and representation of eligible voters.

Kabir’s comments on Murshidabad district leadership were particularly critical. He questioned why the district leadership is failing to represent the true sentiments of the people. “There are many people who support ox-driven farming, but the district leadership seems more inclined to support the goats. It’s time they saw for themselves the strength of the oxen supporters,” Kabir remarked.

Despite his internal party issues, Kabir remained clear that he has no intention of challenging the leadership of Mamata Banerjee on a state level. “TMC will win the next election. Mamata Banerjee will become the Chief Minister for the fourth time. I believe she is the leader who will take Bengal forward,” he said. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring that qualified voters receive the respect they deserve, stating that they have been treated unfairly by the current system.

Humayun’s new party is set to field candidates in key constituencies that are historically strongholds of the minority vote. His aim is to mobilize and represent the people who feel marginalized by the current party leadership. The announcement of his new party is expected to shift the political dynamics in the Murshidabad and Malda regions, where there has been mounting dissatisfaction with the local TMC leadership.

Earlier, Humayun Kabir had made a plea to the Calcutta High Court for permission to conduct a function at his residence to mark the first death anniversary of his wife, but his request was denied. Nevertheless, his frustration with the political situation appears to have fueled his resolve to create a new party. Kabir is determined to take the matter into his own hands, ensuring that the leadership does not remain unaccountable to the voters and party workers.

The new political venture could significantly impact the TMC’s ability to maintain its stronghold in the region. Kabir’s criticisms, alongside his push to create a new party, might be seen as a challenge to the existing district leadership, especially in areas where minority support is pivotal. With Kabir set to announce the formation of his new party after August 15, the political landscape in West Bengal is bound to witness significant changes in the coming months.

This move by Humayun Kabir signals a deeper dissatisfaction with the way the TMC leadership is currently operating at the local level, and it remains to be seen how Mamata Banerjee will address this growing rebellion within her party ranks.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 22, 2025, Kolkata :  A viral video of former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh has sparked a fresh round of political discussions, with the leader hinting at his readiness to contest from Kharagpur Sadar in the upcoming Assembly elections. In the video, Ghosh states, “The party will decide who will contest where. I was asked if I want to contest. I said, yes! The party has fielded me from Kharagpur here from the beginning. If I am fielded again, I will contest.” He also questioned the point of avoiding elections, adding, “What is the point of having to contest elections?”

This statement from Ghosh comes at a time when Kharagpur Sadar, a cosmopolitan constituency in West Bengal’s West Medinipur district, has become a critical battleground for both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Known for its political significance, Kharagpur became a focal point when Ghosh made a remarkable entry into West Bengal politics in 2016, defeating the ten-time Congress MLA Gyan Singh Sohanpal. His victory turned heads and placed him at the forefront of the state’s political narrative.

However, Ghosh’s journey from the state legislature to Parliament saw his influence in Kharagpur weaken. Following his election to the Lok Sabha from Medinipur in 2019, the TMC wrested control of the seat in a by-election, even though the BJP had secured a solid lead of 45,132 votes in the last Lok Sabha elections.

In a surprising move, the BJP leadership has chosen to field actor-turned-politician Hiran Chatterjee, a recent defector from TMC, as the party’s candidate for Kharagpur Sadar this time around. While the decision has created ripples within the party, sources suggest that a faction of BJP leaders and workers are not pleased. Many believe that Ghosh’s return to Kharagpur Sadar would have significantly boosted the party’s prospects, especially given his strong organizational base in the area.

“It would have been different if the BJP had fielded Ghosh,” one local resident from Kharagpur’s Rail Colony said. “The TMC candidate, Pradip Sarkar, is much more familiar to the voters here. Ghosh has a stronger connection with the people. I think the TMC candidate has an edge this time,” he added. A senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously, echoed these sentiments, saying, “If Ghosh was fielded from Kharagpur Sadar, it would have given the party a major boost. Now, many are questioning why the party chose to field Hiran and not Ghosh, especially when four sitting MPs have been fielded in this election.”

While the internal friction over the candidate selection remains a point of contention within the BJP, party officials are hopeful that the non-Bengali voters in the constituency will provide the necessary support to counter any local discontent. “There may be some issues with the candidate selection, but they are not major. People will still vote for the BJP, especially given the strong support we have among non-Bengali voters here,” BJP leader Tushar Mukhopadhyay said.

On the other hand, TMC is leaning heavily on local development issues and discontent against the Centre, particularly over the fuel price hike, to galvanize voter support. With its candidate Pradip Sarkar, who is well-known in the constituency, TMC hopes to capitalize on the simmering discontent over issues like price hikes and governance, which have proven to be effective tools for the party in previous elections.

As the battle intensifies in Kharagpur Sadar, Dilip Ghosh has made it clear that he is ready to take a more active role in the state’s political landscape, especially as the BJP aims to reclaim lost ground in Bengal. His statements about contesting elections and his political trajectory indicate that he is preparing for a comeback of sorts, signaling a new chapter in his political career. Whether this shift will be enough to turn the tide in Kharagpur Sadar remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the upcoming election will be a prestige fight for both BJP and TMC, with both parties pulling out all the stops to claim victory in this key constituency.

As political tensions rise, the people of Kharagpur are watching closely, knowing that their votes will not only decide the future of their local constituency but may also impact the broader political narrative in West Bengal.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 22, 2025, Kolkata :  A tense political exchange unfolded in West Bengal as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to the stage on July 21, launching a scathing attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). From the platform, Mamata raised several allegations against the central government, accusing them of poor governance and mismanagement, while calling for a united stance against BJP’s influence in the state.

In a sharp rebuttal later that evening, the BJP state president countered Mamata’s accusations, saying, “We wish the Chief Minister a long life, and may she live to a hundred. However, she will never witness a BJP-free India or a BJP-free central government in her lifetime.” Emphasizing the ideological differences, he further stated, “Our fight is not just against the ruling party in West Bengal, but against its misrule, the politics of division, and the rampant corruption that has seeped into its institutions. We are also fighting to restore the democratic rights of the people of this state.”

Mamata Banerjee had earlier raised concerns over the treatment of Bengali speakers in other parts of the country, which she described as part of a larger discrimination campaign. She called for a renewed language movement to safeguard the interests of Bengalis, but the BJP leader dismissed her comments, accusing her party of undermining Bengali culture. “The Trinamool Congress itself is attacking the Bengali language,” the BJP leader stated. He added, “The party is erasing the legacy of great Bengali icons like Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, trying to rewrite history and suppress the state’s rich cultural heritage.”

In another striking response, the BJP president addressed Mamata’s claims of harassment against Bengalis, specifically in relation to the disruption of essential services like water and electricity. He argued that these actions were a consequence of a central government that abides by court orders. “The electricity supply was cut as per a court order,” he said, referring to the decision to shut down specific lines that had been illegally distributed under the previous regime. “The Chief Minister may say that we are depriving Bengalis of their rights, but the truth is, these disruptions occurred because of judicial mandates that must be followed,” he added.

The BJP leader also tackled Mamata’s comments about the treatment of Hindu migrants, who she claimed were being harassed in other states. In a sharp remark, he said, “Mamata Banerjee talks about the expulsion of Bengalis, but she overlooks the fact that those who oppress Hindus are allowed to return to this state. We want to identify such individuals and send them back to Bangladesh. The Trinamool Congress is allowing such infiltrators to flourish, continuing a dangerous trend that began during the CPM era. These infiltrators are even being included in voter lists, provided with ration cards, and granted special land entitlements by the Trinamool government.”

This heated exchange between the Trinamool Congress and BJP has further fueled the already volatile political atmosphere in the state. With both parties accusing each other of neglecting Bengali culture, misgovernance, and appeasing anti-national elements, the political debate over identity, governance, and national security is expected to intensify in the coming days.

As the war of words escalates, the people of West Bengal continue to watch closely, aware that the outcome of this battle will shape the political landscape of the state for years to come.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 21, 2025, Kolkata :  Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, has increasingly been making headlines with his outspoken criticism of the state’s ruling party. His frequent remarks on a wide range of issues have positioned him as a vocal critic of the Mamata Banerjee-led government, and his political maneuvering seems to have taken on an intensified tone in recent times.

Suvendu’s claim to leadership in the state has been questioned by many, especially given his contentious history and frequent criticism of the ruling party. Recently, when asked about a cricket match between India and Pakistan, in the backdrop of the Pahalgaon incident, the journalist inquired if his love for the game was overshadowing his patriotism. His response was striking: “I am the leader of the state. My boundaries are within the state. Those who are national leaders will talk about such matters.” This response hints at his nuanced approach — while he positions himself as a leader concerned primarily with state issues, his actions and remarks seem to echo his larger ambitions.

Adhikari’s recent comments once again put him in direct opposition to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). In a speech, he praised Biswajit Sarkar for his relentless fight for justice following his brother’s murder, crediting Sarkar’s efforts with the CBI’s involvement in the case. This marked a stark contrast to his regular criticisms of TMC leadership, highlighting his stance as an advocate for justice, especially when it concerns what he deems as corruption or injustice within the ruling party.

Suvendu did not stop there, speaking out against the state’s handling of various criminal activities. His criticism extended to the recent arrest of the accused in the Chandan Mishra murder case, where a notorious gangster was apprehended after escaping medical parole. Adhikari remarked that “Bengal has become a haven for criminals and goons,” a statement that further painted the state government in a negative light.

Additionally, Adhikari raised concerns over the alleged attacks on BJP MLAs in Cooch Behar, blaming “Trinamool goons” for these incidents. Despite evidence from the CISF and photographic documentation, he claimed the police had failed to take action, further fueling his narrative of lawlessness and state-sponsored violence under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.

A seasoned political figure, Suvendu has held a variety of influential positions. He was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition and head of the BJP’s West Bengal unit in May 2021. Before his transition to the BJP, he served in the TMC government in several key positions, including Minister of Transport and Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources from 2016 to 2020. His political career is marked by significant milestones — from his role in the Nandigram movement in 2007, where he led protests against land acquisition, to his eventual shift to the BJP in 2020. His political lineage is just as notable, being the son of Sisir Adhikari, a Member of Parliament and former Union Minister in the Manmohan Singh government.

However, his time in TMC was far from smooth. Adhikari’s decision to spearhead the anti-land-acquisition movement in Nandigram propelled Mamata Banerjee to prominence, making him a key figure in West Bengal’s political landscape. While his leadership helped TMC expand in districts like Paschim Medinipur, Purulia, and Bankura, it was not without controversy. The CID had alleged that he had armed Maoists to resist the Left Front government, a claim he vehemently denied.

Suvendu’s most significant political triumph came in 2021 when he defeated Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram, a high-profile battle in the state assembly elections. His victory, however, has been contested by Banerjee, who has filed an election petition in the Calcutta High Court, challenging the results.

Despite his victories and vocal opposition to the state government, Adhikari’s political career has not been without scrutiny. He was interrogated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Saradha financial scandal in 2014. Additionally, he has been linked to the Narada sting operation case, where several TMC leaders, including Adhikari, were allegedly caught on camera accepting bribes in exchange for political favors.

Suvendu Adhikari remains a polarizing figure in West Bengal politics. His criticisms of the ruling party, combined with his claims of being the true leader of the state, show that he is positioning himself as the leader of the opposition in both practice and perception. While some view his actions as a call for accountability, others see them as politically motivated. What is certain is that Adhikari’s voice will continue to echo in the state’s political discourse for the foreseeable future.

Baby Chakraborty for KalimNews, Kolkata, July 18, 2025 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit West Bengal on Friday as part of a larger two-state tour, the local BJP unit in Durgapur is scrambling to rally public participation in his scheduled meeting. Despite the significance of the visit, which includes the inauguration of key development projects across sectors in both Bihar and West Bengal worth more than ₹17,000 crore, the state BJP appears to be facing organizational and promotional hurdles.

In Durgapur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has opted for a door-to-door campaign to invite residents to attend the Prime Minister’s rally. With no major processions or public roadshows leading up to the visit, BJP workers have taken to distributing invitation cards house to house. On Wednesday, senior party leaders including State Secretary Locket Chatterjee and MLA Laxman Ghorui were seen handing out invitations across the Gopal Math area. According to sources, around thirty homes were visited that day alone.

However, internal frustrations seem to be surfacing. District-level BJP leaders have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of extensive public outreach ahead of what is being labeled a “mega event.” The party’s central and state leadership is preoccupied with logistics and internal meetings, while local workers are left with limited resources to mobilize the public. Acknowledging the concern, Chatterjee said, “The bell for the 2026 assembly elections has rung. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Durgapur, which is a big surprise for the people. That is why we have called on the people of Gopal Math to attend the meeting.”

While the crowd-pulling capacity of this door-to-door method remains uncertain, BJP cadres are also reportedly working to gather attendees at Nehru Stadium under guidance from party leadership. Critics within the party argue that publicity has been minimal and uncoordinated. There has been little visibility about the timing and venue of the Prime Minister’s event, with many residents learning of the visit primarily through media reports. MLA Laxman Ghorui dismissed such criticisms, stating that due to the short notice of the program, promotional efforts on a larger scale had not been possible but would commence across three to four districts starting Thursday.

Despite the local-level challenges, the Prime Minister’s agenda is extensive and politically significant. His visit to both Bihar and West Bengal on July 19 underscores the government’s push for infrastructure expansion, economic growth, and welfare delivery in these key states.

Major Announcements in Bihar

In Bihar, PM Modi will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay foundation stones for a wide array of projects spanning railway modernization, rural infrastructure, fisheries, digital services, and road connectivity—amounting to investments exceeding ₹12,000 crore. Highlights include the automatic signalling system on the Samastipur-Bachhwara rail line, doubling of Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur rail lines (part of a ₹580 crore project), and the Darbhanga–Narkatiaganj line doubling project worth around ₹4,080 crore.

He will also launch infrastructure for maintaining Vande Bharat trains at Patliputra, introduce automatic signalling on the Bhatni–Chhapra Gramin rail section, and upgrade traction systems for faster and more efficient train operations. Road infrastructure improvements will include four-laning of the Ara bypass (NH-319) and the inauguration of the Parariya to Mohania stretch, expected to significantly boost freight and passenger movement.

Digital infrastructure and employment are also on the agenda, with the inauguration of a Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Darbhanga and an incubation centre in Patna. In fisheries, new hatcheries, biofloc units, and ornamental fish farms under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aim to strengthen rural economies.

Additionally, the Prime Minister will release ₹400 crore to 61,500 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). As part of a symbolic Griha Pravesh ceremony, he will hand over house keys to 12,000 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin and release over ₹160 crore to 40,000 more under the same scheme.

Focus on Development in West Bengal

Later in the day, around 3 PM, PM Modi will arrive in Durgapur, West Bengal, where he will unveil development projects worth more than ₹5,000 crore, spanning energy, transportation, and railway sectors.

Among the key announcements is the foundation stone laying for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s ₹1,950 crore City Gas Distribution project in Bankura and Purulia, aimed at supplying piped natural gas to homes and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles, thereby creating local jobs and supporting clean energy goals. Additionally, the 132-km Durgapur-Kolkata segment of the Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline, worth over ₹1,190 crore, will be dedicated to the nation. This segment is part of the broader Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project and will serve districts including Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Nadia.

In a move to tackle pollution, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems at the Durgapur Steel Thermal Power Station and the Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station. With a combined investment of over ₹1,457 crore, these pollution control systems are expected to significantly improve regional air quality.

On the transport front, the 36-km doubling of the Purulia-Kotshila rail line, valued at ₹390 crore, will be inaugurated. This project is set to improve industrial freight movement and rail connectivity between major hubs like Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Kolkata. Two critical road overbridges at Topsi and Pandabeshwar, built under the Setu Bharatam scheme at a cost exceeding ₹380 crore, will also be inaugurated. These are expected to ease traffic congestion and reduce accidents by replacing level crossings.

As West Bengal gears up for a crucial election season ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls, the Prime Minister’s visit—marked by both high-value development announcements and visible party-level organizational challenges—highlights the stakes and the strategic importance of the state in national politics.