Court officials confirmed that Banerjee’s appearance was to sign and submit a counter affidavit in response to a petition filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Abhijit Das, who had contested against him in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Diamond Harbour. Several Trinamool lawyers greeted Banerjee at the court premises, with some even taking photographs with him before he departed.

Das had moved the Calcutta High Court last year, challenging the results of the Diamond Harbour constituency and alleging irregularities during the election. In the 2024 polls, Banerjee secured his third consecutive victory with 10,48,230 votes, while Das polled 3,37,300. The margin of 7,10,930 votes not only gave Banerjee a landslide win but also set a record in West Bengal for the highest margin of victory in that election.

The case gained renewed attention in April this year when the High Court directed the preservation of all election-related materials, including data, CCTV footage, and digital records from the constituency. The Election Commission and the district electoral officer were specifically instructed to maintain these records.

On August 19, the Calcutta High Court warned that an ex parte order could be passed against Banerjee if he failed to respond to the petition. While his legal team requested additional time, the court set August 28 as the final deadline for filing his reply. Monday’s court appearance was therefore crucial, as Banerjee formally filed his counter affidavit ahead of the deadline. The court has now scheduled the next hearing for September 4.

The issue has also taken on a political dimension in recent weeks. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Anurag Thakur alleged at a press conference that a large number of ineligible voters were included in Diamond Harbour’s rolls. Trinamool Congress countered this claim, stating that Banerjee’s representatives had visited Thakur’s residence with a pen drive reportedly containing video evidence and documents refuting the allegations. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari later echoed similar concerns, adding further weight to the opposition’s challenge.

With the matter once again active before the High Court and the assembly elections approaching, the political spotlight has returned sharply to Diamond Harbour. Banerjee’s massive 2024 victory margin remains both a point of pride for the Trinamool Congress and a source of dispute for his rivals, making the outcome of the legal proceedings significant for Bengal’s evolving political narrative.

Administrative Meetings and Project Launches Set to Begin in Burdwan on August 26

According to official sources, the Chief Minister will reach Burdwan on Tuesday and hold a comprehensive administrative meeting at 12 noon at the Burdwan Municipal Boys’ High School ground. The meeting will bring together senior administrative officials, elected representatives including MPs, MLAs, and other public figures from both East and West Burdwan districts.

Alongside the administrative deliberations, Mamata Banerjee will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for six major development projects in the two districts. Additionally, she is expected to hand over land deeds (pattas) to several beneficiaries during the program, furthering the government’s commitment to inclusive development and welfare delivery.

The significance of the visit goes beyond governance. With the Assembly elections less than a year away, political parties are beginning to ramp up their field-level preparations. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is moving swiftly to fortify its organizational structure, while the opposition—particularly the BJP—has also sharpened its focus on Bengal. The BJP, which views Bengal as a high-stakes battleground similar to Bihar, has already had the Prime Minister visit the state thrice this year.

Mamata Banerjee’s recent district tours reflect a two-pronged approach: reviewing ongoing administrative work and signaling political intent. Following her visit to Birbhum, a district considered a traditional TMC stronghold but recently fraught with internal challenges involving leaders such as Anubrata Mondal and Kajol Sheikh, she now turns her attention to Burdwan, a region considered more politically stable but not without its undercurrents.

Although Burdwan has not witnessed the same factional disputes as Birbhum, the shadow of internal dynamics remains, prompting the TMC to begin early groundwork. With memories of internal friction still fresh, the leadership is keen to avoid any surprises during the election season.

Ahead of the Chief Minister’s visit, district authorities have been conducting field inspections, particularly at the venue for Tuesday’s meeting. On Thursday, top officials personally visited the Burdwan Municipal Boys’ High School ground to review security, logistics, and crowd management plans. Reports confirm that security arrangements are being strengthened, and coordination meetings among police and civil administration are already underway.

District TMC President and MLA Rabindranath Chattopadhyay confirmed the preparations, stating that “the Chief Minister will hold a joint administrative meeting for East and West Burdwan on August 26 at 12 noon. She will inaugurate projects, lay foundation stones, and hand over pattas to eligible beneficiaries.”

War of Words Escalates Ahead of Polls as Subhendu Adhikari Faces Renewed Allegations

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews | Kolkata | August 23, 2025 : 

The political temperature in West Bengal surged yet again following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fiery speech from Dum Dum, where he launched a scathing attack on jailed Trinamool Congress ministers Partha Chatterjee and Jyotipriya Mallick over corruption. Within hours, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) struck back—general secretary and spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, along with senior leader Dr. Shashi Panja, hit back at the BJP by publicly resurfacing the Narada sting video implicating opposition leader Subhendu Adhikari, a former TMC heavyweight now with the BJP.

In his speech earlier in the day, the Prime Minister targeted the controversial ‘Ministry Abolition’ Bill, using it as a platform to highlight alleged corruption among TMC leaders. Without naming them directly, Modi pointed to Partha Chatterjee, arrested in the teacher recruitment scam, and Jyotipriya Mallick, implicated in the ration distribution corruption case. “They did not step down even after being arrested,” he said, accusing the TMC leadership of having no regard for public accountability and adding that “the public is being cheated.”

He further issued a stern warning, stating, “Insult to the Constitution will not be tolerated,” reinforcing his party’s anti-corruption narrative ahead of the upcoming elections.

The TMC’s counteroffensive was swift and calculated. From the party headquarters at Trinamool Bhavan, Kunal Ghosh blasted the Prime Minister’s remarks, stating, “Narendra Modi is throwing stones while sitting in a glass house. The people he shares the stage with also face serious corruption allegations.” Ghosh then played a video clip from the Narada sting operation, which had previously shown several political figures, including Subhendu Adhikari, allegedly accepting bribes on camera.

Dr. Shashi Panja, standing alongside Ghosh, reinforced the party’s stance by questioning the BJP’s moral authority: “If the Prime Minister wants to talk about corruption, he should first address the presence of those with tainted records within his own party.”

The Narada sting, though years old, remains a politically potent symbol in Bengal’s high-stakes electoral landscape. While Subhendu Adhikari has denied any wrongdoing, the footage continues to be a thorn in the BJP’s side—especially when used strategically by the TMC to blunt anti-corruption criticisms.

Today’s exchange marks yet another chapter in the intensifying political rivalry between Bengal’s ruling party and the BJP, which continues to sharpen its focus on the state ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. With both parties trading charges of corruption, the narrative on governance, accountability, and ethics is likely to remain at the forefront of public debate in the coming months.

The contentious bill mandates that if the Prime Minister, a Chief Minister, or any minister is arrested and remains in police custody for 30 consecutive days on charges of serious crimes, the individual would be forced to resign from office on the 31st day. The matter has now been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for scrutiny.

Banerjee, however, raised strong objections, claiming that such a clause undermines judicial authority. “If someone has to resign on the 31st day, then the accused will not even get an opportunity to defend himself. Then there is no need for the courts at all. This amounts to showing a thumbs down to the judicial system,” he told the media.

He further argued that the bill was politically motivated, designed to target opposition leaders while shielding ruling party members. “How can the opposition be eliminated? By arresting and jailing leaders, and when that is not enough, this bill is being passed,” Banerjee remarked.

Citing data, the TMC MP claimed that “28 Union Cabinet ministers are facing various cases, including 19 with serious allegations like murder and crimes against women.” He questioned whether the provisions of the bill would be applied uniformly, noting that in multiple instances, investigations against leaders accused of wrongdoing had been halted once they joined the BJP.

In a pointed challenge to the ruling party, Banerjee sarcastically proposed a counter-condition: “Why wait for 31 days? Reduce the time to 15 days, we will support you. But there will be a condition—if the guilt is not proven, then the investigating officer must spend double that time in jail.”

The TMC leader also referred to the government’s recent setback in the Supreme Court regarding the SIR (Special Investigation Report), alleging that the Centre was attempting to divert attention from it by pushing through the controversial legislation.

Meanwhile, opposition MPs in Parliament protested the bill’s introduction, alleging that it trampled on the constitutional principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” weakened federalism, and could be easily misused for political vendetta. Despite the uproar, the bill has been sent to the JPC, which is expected to submit its report in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.

As the political battle lines sharpen, the amendment bill—framed by the Centre as a measure to uphold morality in public life—is emerging as a flashpoint in the broader contest between the ruling BJP and opposition parties ahead of the next phase of legislative debates.

The development triggered sharp criticism from opposition benches, with Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and MP Abhishek Banerjee strongly attacking the Centre. Taking to social media, Banerjee accused the government of undermining federalism and misusing legislative powers. He alleged that the Centre’s real intention was to destabilize elected state governments under the guise of morality in public life.

In his post, Banerjee wrote that the government had “proven itself to be anti-people, anti-farmer, anti-poor, anti-Scheduled Castes, anti-tribals, anti-OBC, anti-federal and above all anti-India,” further alleging that it was treating the country as “private property” and “selling the Constitution.” He also questioned the government’s stance on national security, remarking that while it makes lofty speeches, it shows “no real initiative when it comes to protecting India’s sovereignty and borders, particularly in relation to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).”

According to the provisions outlined, if a prime minister, chief minister, or minister is arrested and remains in police custody for 30 days on serious charges, the head of state—either the President for the Union government or the Governor in the case of a state—would be empowered to act on the matter. If convicted with a sentence exceeding five years, the individual could be removed from ministerial office altogether.

The Lok Sabha session witnessed chaotic scenes following the introduction of the bills around 2 pm. Opposition MPs from Congress, TMC, AIMIM, and other parties stormed into the well of the House, raised slogans, and even tore up copies of the draft legislation in front of Amit Shah. Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Ravneet Singh Bittu intervened to prevent opposition lawmakers from marching closer to the Home Minister’s bench.

Opposition leaders including K C Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Asaduddin Owaisi, and N K Premachandran argued that the proposal ran contrary to constitutional principles and the federal structure. They also claimed it overturned the jurisprudential doctrine of “innocent until proven guilty” and could potentially be weaponized for political vendetta, thereby threatening to convert India into a “police state.”

In a fiery exchange, Venugopal questioned Shah’s moral authority by pointing to his 2010 arrest in Gujarat. Shah, however, retorted that he had resigned on “moral grounds” prior to the arrest, insisting the allegations were false and that he did not return to office until fully discharged by the courts. “What are they teaching us about morality? I had resigned before my arrest. I want moral values to rise. We cannot be so shameless as to continue holding constitutional positions while facing serious charges,” Shah responded.

Despite the uproar, the bills were referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament comprising 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. The committee is expected to submit its report by the end of the first week of the next parliamentary session, likely in November 2025.

The three bills introduced on Wednesday were the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

With the Centre defending the move as a step toward higher standards of probity in public life, and the opposition warning of an assault on democratic values, the stage appears set for an intense nationwide debate in the months to come.

PTI, KOLKATA, AUG 11, 2025 :  Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee initiated an important round of meetings with district leaders today, as part of the party’s ongoing organizational strategy ahead of crucial political developments. The meeting, which took place on Camac Street in Kolkata, saw Abhishek engage with the organizational heads of Uttar Dinajpur, Berhampur, and Murshidabad districts. In attendance were ten MLAs from these three districts, including the controversial Humayun Kabir, a so-called ‘rebel’ MLA from Debra who has been at the center of much speculation over the past few weeks.

Humayun, who had earlier threatened to form a new political party, was meeting Abhishek for the first time after his warning to leave TMC if his grievances weren’t addressed. While there is no certainty on whether Humayun will follow through on his threat to form a party focused on Murshidabad and the surrounding regions, sources indicate that Abhishek received a call from him well before the deadline of August 15, which Humayun had set for the party leadership to act.

Humayun, when questioned about his earlier remarks regarding a possible new political venture, stated that the meeting had been scheduled by the All India General Secretary ten days ago, implying that he was mentally prepared to meet Abhishek. Despite his reluctance to accept the ‘rebel’ label, Humayun was circumspect when asked about his potential move to form a new party. He hinted that all would be revealed in due time but emphasized that he expected the leadership to offer solutions that would preserve his dignity. “I think the leadership will give all the instructions keeping my honor in mind,” he said, underlining the delicate nature of the situation.

The focus of today’s organizational meeting, according to informed sources, was not just on Humayun but also on addressing the ongoing factionalism in Uttar Dinajpur. This issue, which has surfaced multiple times in recent months, was expected to be a key topic of discussion. Abhishek may likely assign organizational leaders a ‘home task’ regarding the situation in Adhir-Garh Berhampur, a potential flashpoint for party instability in the region.

Abhishek’s meeting with district leaders began earlier this month and has already seen two rounds of consultations with leaders from the four northern districts: Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Malda. These meetings have been part of his efforts to consolidate the party’s position and address internal strife, especially with rising dissent in various districts. Notably, on August 7, Abhishek held another meeting with leaders from Dakshin Dinajpur and Jangipur.

The political scenario within TMC is undoubtedly tense, as growing factionalism continues to undermine the party’s unity in certain districts. As the August 15 deadline looms, all eyes are now on whether Humayun Kabir will make a decisive move or if he will choose to return to the fold of the TMC. Meanwhile, the party’s second-in-command, Abhishek Banerjee, seems determined to quell internal discord and keep the party intact in the face of mounting opposition.

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.