Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 2, 2025, Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s ongoing visit to West Bengal is not limited to political engagements; it also includes key government programs and strategic administrative discussions. During this state visit, a high-level meeting is scheduled in Kolkata today to address pressing issues concerning law and order, border security, and the implementation of the newly codified Indian Penal Code (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).

According to official sources, the meeting will take place at a location near the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass around noon and will be chaired by the Union Home Secretary. Senior officials from the state, including the Chief Secretary, the Home Secretary, and the Director General of Police, are expected to be present. The agenda will focus primarily on enhancing border area security, resolving land-related challenges connected to the installation of border fencing, and outlining a structured plan for the rollout of the new legal code across the state.

The Union Home Department is set to present a detailed PowerPoint presentation to the state officials, highlighting the areas that require further administrative attention and intervention. This interaction forms a part of a coordinated effort to align central and state mechanisms for effective governance and security management.

The Union Home Secretary arrived in Kolkata ahead of the meeting to oversee preparations. Home Minister Amit Shah landed at Kolkata airport around 10 p.m. on Saturday. He was welcomed by a large group of BJP supporters and leaders at the airport. Amid cheering crowds, he acknowledged his supporters by halting his motorcade and waving to them. State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar accompanied him on the same flight, and they were later joined by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari during their onward journey from the airport.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, May 31, 2025 : The arrest of social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli by the Kolkata Police has ignited a fierce political and social debate. The 22-year-old law student and online personality was taken into custody on May 29, 2025, in Haryana’s Gurugram for allegedly making controversial remarks related to India’s Operation Sindoor, which sparked widespread outrage and led to her facing online death threats, including rape and violence.

The arrest follows a video posted by Panoli on May 14, where she made derogatory comments accusing Bollywood actors of remaining silent on Operation Sindoor, the Indian military operation in response to a deadly terrorist attack on Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The attack, which took place on April 22, 2025, left 24 Hindu pilgrims dead, allegedly targeted due to their religious identity. In the video, Panoli voiced her protest against Pakistan’s alleged involvement, leading to her controversial statements that were seen as offensive to a particular religious community.

Legal and Procedural Debate:

While Panoli quickly deleted the video and publicly apologized for her remarks, the backlash continued. Her video went viral, particularly among a section of the Muslim community in Pakistan and India, where it was perceived as an “insult to Islam and Prophet Muhammad.” A coordinated online campaign followed, with threats against Panoli’s life, including rape, death, and calls for her beheading (a reference to the infamous “saar tan se juda” jihad slogan).

The Kolkata Police, however, defended their actions, stating that all legal procedures were followed during Panoli’s arrest. According to authorities, a warrant for Panoli’s arrest had been issued after she failed to respond to multiple notices. The police traveled over 1,500 km to arrest her in Gurugram, where she was brought to Kolkata on transit remand. The Alipore Court then sent her to judicial custody until June 13, 2025.

In contrast, social activists and some online users have rallied behind Panoli, arguing that her arrest was politically motivated and unlawful. Sunaina Hole, a prominent social activist, criticized the police, claiming they had initially lacked proper arrest documents. While this was later resolved with a magistrate’s order, Hole’s accusations of procedural missteps have drawn attention to the legal questions surrounding Panoli’s arrest.

Political Repercussions:

The incident has set off a political firestorm in West Bengal, particularly between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition parties. The opposition BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has seized on the controversy to launch scathing attacks against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government. BJP leaders, including Khagen Murmu, have alleged that the state government is “appeasing” certain communities at the expense of Hindus, accusing Banerjee of turning the state into a “Bangladesh-like” territory where Hindus are under constant threat.

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh took the criticism further, linking the situation to broader religious tensions in the state. “In this state, flags of Hamas, Palestine, Pakistan, and even ISIS are seen. Yet the Ram Navami flag is being removed from cars. Is Kolkata being transformed into Dhaka?” Ghosh said, criticizing the state’s political climate, which he argues undermines Hindu identity.

A Divided Public:

The public response to Panoli’s arrest has been sharply divided. Many have expressed support for the influencer, calling for justice and fairness in handling online speech. Some critics of her arrest have noted that while her remarks may have been inappropriate, the threats of violence against her should have been investigated first. Meanwhile, others argue that Panoli’s video was a clear case of incitement and should have consequences.

The situation has also drawn attention to the growing influence of social media in Indian politics and society. Influencers like Panoli, who have large followings, now face heightened scrutiny, with their online actions having the potential to stir controversy and provoke violence, as evidenced by the online mob that targeted her.

BJP Protests and Future Developments:

The BJP has announced a state-wide protest in response to Panoli’s arrest, with planned rallies and demonstrations across West Bengal. A major protest program is also scheduled for April 12, 2025, during Hanuman Jayanti, which the BJP sees as an opportunity to further galvanize public opposition to the TMC’s policies and actions.

Meanwhile, Panoli’s legal team is preparing for her court appearance, where she will be seeking bail. Her arrest has also raised questions about free speech, the role of social media influencers, and the balance between protecting public order and ensuring individual rights in an increasingly polarized political climate.

As the situation continues to unfold, both legal and political experts are closely monitoring the developments, particularly as it pertains to the freedom of expression in the digital age and the challenges of balancing national security, communal harmony, and individual rights.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 30, 2025, Kolkata: During a public address in Nadia’s Dhantala as part of the Tiranga Yatra on Thursday, West Bengal Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, voiced criticism regarding certain administrative actions of the state government, particularly concerning the School Service Commission (SSC) and the recruitment process in the education sector.

Adhikari alleged that a recent notification issued in the name of the SSC had not followed appropriate procedural norms, claiming that such notifications should come directly from the commission itself, rather than being announced by the Chief Minister. He further commented on the announcement of an increase in vacant posts within the state’s recruitment framework, suggesting that such measures must align with existing legal frameworks, including the directives of the Supreme Court.

In his address, Adhikari expressed solidarity with job seekers and unemployed educators in the state. He asserted that the recruitment issues stemmed from systemic administrative failures and called for corrective measures to restore fairness and transparency. While speaking to the media, he assured that any steps taken outside the bounds of the law would be opposed and addressed accordingly.

Adhikari also questioned the inclusion of certain communities in the state’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) list. Referring to the addition of 111 communities, a majority of which are reportedly under judicial review, he raised concerns about the implications for social equity and ongoing legal scrutiny.

The Leader of the Opposition concluded by stating that his focus remains on safeguarding the rights of job aspirants and ensuring lawful governance. His comments are part of a broader political discourse in the lead-up to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with employment and education likely to remain central issues in the public debate. 

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 27, 2025, Kolkata :  A wave of speculation is sweeping through Bengal’s political circles as rumours swirl that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee may step down from her position and not be a candidate in the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. These reports, fueled by unnamed sources and social media buzz, have ignited a frenzy within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with party leaders and political analysts reacting in varied ways.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 24, 2025, Kolkata :  As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approach, political parties across the state are gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely contested race. Among them, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seems to be taking an especially cautious approach, drawing lessons from the results of the 2021 elections. The saffron camp is making early preparations in the hopes of securing a stronger performance in the upcoming polls.

In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a public meeting and administrative discussions in Alipurduar on May 29. Following this, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to visit Kolkata at the end of the month. According to sources within the BJP, Shah will arrive at Dum Dum Airport on the night of May 31 and has a full day of engagements planned for June 1.

The Union Home Minister’s itinerary for June 1 includes attending a major program at Science City, where he will address key stakeholders. Additionally, Shah is expected to meet with BJP MPs and MLAs, with the possibility of a closed-door meeting with party officials to discuss the party’s strategy ahead of the 2026 elections. While details of his visit remain speculative, the party is believed to be organizing a comprehensive discussion on election tactics involving party leaders and workers at various levels.

The visit of the senior BJP leader is expected to be closely watched, with many speculating that it will set the tone for the party’s campaign in the coming months. On May 26, Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari is also scheduled to convene a meeting of the Legislative Party, where discussions about the Modi-Shah visit and its potential impact on the state’s political landscape are likely to take place.

As the election nears, the political dynamics in West Bengal continue to evolve, with the BJP strategically positioning itself to improve its standing in the state.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 22, 2025, Kolkata : A controversy has emerged over allegations of dual voter registration involving Koel Chowdhury, wife of West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar. According to reports, her name appears on voter rolls in two locations—her parental residence in Jalpaiguri and her in-laws’ residence in Balurghat. While she is registered as Koel Chowdhury in Jalpaiguri, her name appears as Koel Majumdar in Balurghat.

It has been clarified that Koel Chowdhury transferred her voter registration from Jalpaiguri to Balurghat before the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. However, allegations have surfaced that her name was not removed from the Jalpaiguri list after the transfer. Following this revelation about a week ago, Koel Chowdhury reportedly filed an application with the Election Commission to cancel her name from the Jalpaiguri rolls.

Addressing the matter, Sukanta Majumdar stated that his wife’s voter card was officially transferred, and termed the issue a politically motivated distraction. He emphasized that the responsibility for updating voter lists lies with the district administration and not with individuals, adding that state officials act under the directives of the state government. He remarked, “If someone’s name is in two places, Mamata Banerjee is responsible for it. DMs work on her orders, not mine.”

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has raised concerns over the integrity of the electoral rolls, claiming that duplicate voter identity cards indicate broader irregularities. The TMC has demanded a complete revision of the voter rolls, accusing the BJP of attempting to manipulate the list by allegedly including non-resident voters.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a clarification regarding recent reports that highlighted the issuance of identical voter card numbers in different states. The ECI stated that while some Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers might be identical, key demographic details, polling booths, and constituencies remain distinct. The Commission reiterated that voters are only eligible to cast their ballots at polling stations in their officially enrolled constituencies.

Reacting to the ECI’s clarification, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh claimed that the Commission’s acknowledgment reinforced their position that names have been added to the rolls post previous elections, allegedly to benefit a specific political party.

The matter continues to stir political debate in the state, reflecting ongoing tensions between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP over electoral processes.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, May 21, 2025 : In the wake of Operation Sindoor—a decisive Indian military response to the Pahalgam terror attack—India has launched a diplomatic outreach mission across the globe to present its stance and highlight Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism. As part of this initiative, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee is among the multi-party delegation travelling to five Asian countries, reflecting the Indian government’s effort to demonstrate political unity on international platforms during a critical moment in its security narrative.

The outreach follows the events of May 7, when, in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Army struck several terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India has maintained that its military actions targeted only militant infrastructure and not Pakistani civilian or military assets. Operation Sindoor, as it has been named, is being portrayed by the government as a calibrated and precise counterterrorism response in line with international law.

To bolster India’s position diplomatically, the Centre has dispatched several multi-party delegations to key global capitals. These delegations are tasked with presenting India’s perspective on the operation and countering Pakistan’s anticipated diplomatic narrative. A central talking point of the campaign is India’s assertion that Pakistan continues to harbor and sponsor terrorist networks operating across the border.

Originally, the Trinamool Congress’s representative in the delegation was to be MP Yusuf Pathan from Berhampur. However, the party objected to his inclusion, stating that the decision was made unilaterally by the Centre without proper consultation. TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee insisted that the party, not the central government, would choose its representative. In a subsequent call from Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Mamata proposed the name of Abhishek Banerjee, MP from Diamond Harbour and her nephew.

Following this, Abhishek’s name was officially added to the diplomatic team, which is being led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha. The group held a preparatory meeting on Tuesday with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, which Abhishek attended. Early Wednesday morning, he departed from Kolkata airport for Delhi, where he was scheduled to board the flight for the first leg of the mission.

The delegation will visit Japan, followed by South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. During these visits, they will meet with senior officials and think tanks to communicate India’s objectives, reaffirm the country’s commitment to peace, and underline the necessity of international cooperation in combating terrorism.

Abhishek’s inclusion comes at a politically sensitive time, with opposition leaders like BJP’s Subhendu Adhikari using the opportunity to criticize Trinamool’s internal politics and accuse it of functioning as a “private limited company.” Despite the political friction, Abhishek’s participation reflects a rare moment of bipartisan engagement on a critical issue of national interest, signaling India’s intention to show a united front on the global stage.

As the diplomatic campaign unfolds, all eyes are on how effectively the delegation can convey India’s position in the region, counter misinformation, and build consensus on counterterrorism efforts in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 21, 2025, Kolkata :  The political storm over the teacher recruitment scam in West Bengal intensified on Tuesday as Leader of Opposition Subhendu Adhikari launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, blaming her personally for the prevailing crisis. Addressing reporters during a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in the Ranaghat North-West Assembly constituency, Adhikari reignited the controversy surrounding the “qualified versus incompetent” debate, declaring that only one person in Bengal truly fits the label of “incompetent”—and that, according to him, is the Chief Minister herself.

Adhikari’s remarks come in the backdrop of the prolonged unrest over recruitment corruption, which led to the Supreme Court scrapping the 2016 recruitment panel, leaving around 26,000 teaching and non-teaching staff jobless. Amid the public outcry, allegations, and legal fallout, the issue of who is “qualified” and who is “incompetent” has taken center stage in Bengal’s education and political discourse.

Criticizing the West Bengal Board of Primary Education and the broader education department, Adhikari alleged that the system lacks transparent rules and reliable standards for assessing candidate qualifications. He claimed that removing just “one person” from the equation would resolve the entire crisis—pointedly referencing Mamata Banerjee as the root of the dysfunction.

“The debate about qualified versus incompetent is deliberately created to distract from the real issue,” said Adhikari. “There’s only one incompetent individual among the 11 crore people of Bengal. Remove her, and the rest will fall into place.”

His comments drew immediate attention for their directness, but he did not stop there. Adhikari also took jabs at Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee, mocking his recent foreign visits and questioning the party’s decision to promote him over others like former cricketer and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan. Referring to the TMC as a “private limited company,” Adhikari implied that the party operates like a family-run enterprise with little internal democracy or accountability.

The explosive remarks are likely to deepen the political rift in Bengal, where education has become a major battleground. With multiple protests still ongoing—particularly by jobless teachers and non-teaching staff outside Vikas Bhavan—the opposition continues to target the ruling establishment, accusing it of systemic corruption, nepotism, and authoritarianism.

While TMC leaders have yet to officially respond to Adhikari’s latest tirade, political observers note that such confrontational rhetoric signals an increasingly polarized environment in the lead-up to future electoral battles. As the issue of recruitment corruption continues to haunt the state, the political discourse shows no signs of cooling down.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 21, 2025, Kolkata : The prolonged protest by jobless teachers and non-teaching staff outside Vikas Bhavan has taken a new turn as the demonstrators formally submitted an open letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Education Minister Bratya Basu, seeking immediate dialogue to resolve the deadlock surrounding their employment status. The group, united under the banner of Yoob Shiksha Jakhirhara Manch, has been staging an indefinite protest for months, demanding reinstatement without having to undergo another round of examinations.