Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 26, 2024, Kolkata: In a recent discussion, Information Technology Minister Babul Supriyo praised the remarkable growth of Kolkata’s IT sector under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He emphasized that the IT industry in the city has seen an impressive 70% annual growth, significantly contributing to the state’s economy and creating a wealth of new employment opportunities.

Supriyo attributed this rapid expansion to Banerjee’s focused efforts to position Kolkata as a major hub for technology and innovation. He pointed out that the introduction of both front office and back office systems has resulted in a surge in job creation, particularly in the back office sector, further boosting employment in the city. According to the minister, this burgeoning industry is poised to attract significant foreign investment, marking a new phase of growth for the region.

“The Chief Minister is committed to making Kolkata a leading player in the national IT landscape,” Supriyo stated. “Her initiatives have laid the foundation for a thriving IT ecosystem, and the state is poised to become a magnet for both domestic and international investors.”

Supriyo also highlighted three key state policies designed to accelerate the growth of the IT sector: the Drone Policy, the Semi-conductor Policy, and the Global Capability Center. These policies, he explained, are expected to significantly enhance the state’s appeal to global investors, making Kolkata a key destination for cutting-edge technology companies.

Further underscoring the region’s potential, Supriyo mentioned that Webull, a major player in the IT industry, is developing a sprawling Silicon Valley-like campus spanning approximately 200 acres in New Town, Kolkata. The development will host major global companies, including Infosys and Reliance, which are already set to establish a presence in the area.

Additionally, Supriyo revealed that discussions are ongoing with British Telecom, the world’s third-largest telecommunications company, and that a recent delegation of 17 British representatives visited Kolkata to explore opportunities for collaboration. These talks signal a promising future for Kolkata as a key player in the global IT landscape.

In conclusion, Supriyo expressed confidence that with continued investment and policy support, Kolkata will soon emerge as India’s foremost city in the information technology sector. “In the near future, Kolkata will not only lead in India but also become a global hub for IT,” he said.

The state’s concerted efforts, combined with its growing infrastructure and favorable policies, are positioning Kolkata to become a powerhouse in the IT industry, attracting both national and international players.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 24, 2024, Kolkata: In a dramatic turn of events, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Anubrata Mondal’s political fortunes appear to be shifting. Just days after his return to Bolpur from Tihar Jail, Mondal, who had previously been sidelined in the TMC hierarchy, has received a significant signal of his ongoing influence within the party. Despite being relegated to a member of the TMC core committee in Birbhum and witnessing a reduction in his influence within the district, Mondal has been invited to attend the TMC National Working Committee meeting on Monday—an invitation that signifies his continued importance in the party’s plans.

Sources indicate that 22 senior TMC leaders, including Mondal, have been called to the meeting, which will take place in Kolkata tomorrow. This is a notable development given that Sukhendu Shekhar Roy, a prominent figure in the party, did not receive the same invitation, raising eyebrows in the political circles. The meeting, called by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, is seen as a pivotal moment for Mondal, who is set to meet Banerjee in person for the first time in over two and a half years.

Anubrata Mondal’s political trajectory has faced turbulence since his return to Bolpur. Once a dominant figure as Birbhum district president, his stature appeared to be waning with his recent omission from the list of TMC’s core committee leadership in Birbhum. His absence from key positions had fueled speculation that the party might be distancing itself from the once-powerful leader, leading to concerns that his influence in the region was being gradually eroded.

However, the recent invitation to the National Working Committee meeting marks a potential turning point. The timing of the call—just as political observers were questioning Mondal’s diminished role—has sparked renewed discussions about his position in the party. The fact that Mamata Banerjee has personally called him to the meeting suggests that Mondal still holds significant weight within the party, despite earlier indications to the contrary.

Political analysts believe that Mondal’s presence in the National Working Committee meeting could signal a recalibration of power within the TMC. While there has been some speculation that Banerjee might have been distancing herself from Mondal in light of his legal troubles and recent sidelining, this invitation shows that Mamata may be working to reassert control over Birbhum and reintegrate Mondal into the fold.

For Mondal, attending this meeting could be a crucial moment to reestablish his influence within the party’s national structure. A face-to-face meeting with Mamata Banerjee could help solidify his position within the TMC and reaffirm his relevance in Bengal politics. His absence from Birbhum leadership in recent months had led to a sense of political uncertainty, but the invitation to the National Working Committee meeting appears to be a sign of recovery, signaling that the TMC is still banking on his political acumen.

If Mondal attends the meeting and interacts with Mamata Banerjee, it will mark the end of a long political hiatus between the two. Such a meeting could provide clarity on his role moving forward, both within the party and in his home district of Birbhum. The invitation has led to widespread speculation that Mondal’s political career is far from over, and that the TMC is looking to leverage his influence once more.

For the TMC, Mondal’s involvement in key party decisions could offer a boost, especially in Birbhum, where his grassroots support remains substantial. The invitation is being interpreted as a sign that Mamata Banerjee sees Mondal as an integral part of the party’s future—despite the challenges he has faced.

As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how this renewed relationship will reshape the political landscape in Birbhum and beyond. One thing is certain: Anubrata Mondal’s political saga is far from over, and his return to the national stage may signal a new chapter in TMC’s dominance in Bengal.