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Cyclone Dana: West Bengal to Evacuate 3.5 Lakh People, Says CM Mamata Banerjee

October 24, 2024, 8:04 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Thursday that over 3.5 lakh people from low-lying areas across the state have been identified for evacuation ahead of the impending Cyclone Dana. Addressing the media at the state secretariat, she urged citizens to take precautions and cooperate with the administration during the evacuation process.

Mass Evacuation Efforts Underway

Banerjee confirmed that 2,43,374 people had already taken shelter in relief camps as part of the state’s emergency response. “For the purpose of evacuation from low-lying areas, we have identified 3,56,941 people,” she said. The chief minister added that she would stay at the state secretariat overnight to personally monitor the situation, with the chief secretary and home secretary monitoring developments from their residences before rejoining her on Friday.

Call for Public Cooperation and Helpline Activated

Banerjee urged the public to avoid spreading rumors and to heed warnings from police and local authorities. She emphasized the importance of cooperation during the evacuation process, advising people not to venture into water bodies or engage in fishing activities, which have been temporarily prohibited.

A 24×7 helpline (2214 3526) and additional phone lines have been activated for information sharing and emergency response.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha early Friday, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kmph. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in both Odisha and West Bengal, with educational institutions already closed to ensure student safety.

“I seek your cooperation. Be alert, and if the police or administration ask you to evacuate, please follow their advice,” Banerjee stressed, calling for vigilance as the storm approaches.

CM Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Central Government Over West Bengal Floods

September 29, 2024, 8:04 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a fierce critique of the BJP-led Central government on Sunday, attributing the state’s worsening flood situation to their neglect and failure to take action. Speaking to reporters before her visit to north Bengal, where flooding has severely impacted the region, she remarked, “Nothing has been done; the entire north Bengal is submerged. Everyone makes grand promises during elections and then disappears.”

Flooding Due to External Factors

Banerjee explained that the release of 5 lakh cusecs of water from the Koshi River in Nepal has exacerbated flooding in several areas of West Bengal. She detailed the situation: “I am going to North Bengal. I have visited about seven districts of South Bengal. DVC released water towards South Bengal. That water is flowing into the Ganga River through Bihar and Bengal, affecting Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurdwar, with possible floods in Malda, Murshidabad, and South Dinajpur.”

Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway

In addressing the ongoing rescue operations, Chief Minister Banerjee assured that affected individuals have been evacuated to safer locations. “The Chief Secretary has also been sent to North Bengal. Rescue and assistance work is ongoing by the police and state administration. I will hold a meeting after reaching there and then provide further updates,” she stated.

Political Blame Game Intensifies

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused Banerjee of being responsible for the flooding crisis, criticizing her government’s response. “Mamata Banerjee is responsible for this… This is TMC’s failure. The government has completely failed here,” he said, highlighting the lack of essential supplies in affected areas.

Request for Central Assistance

Previously, Chief Minister Banerjee had indicated that the Central government plays a crucial role in flood management but has failed to act, leading to widespread devastation. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she stated that floods have impacted five million people and requested emergency funds to aid recovery efforts. Banerjee emphasized the urgent need for financial support to mitigate significant crop losses, damage to public infrastructure, and the destruction of homes and livestock in the affected regions.

Kolkata Doctor’s Rape-Murder : 12-Hour Bengal Bandh, CM Mamata to Lead Protest

August 16, 2024, 8:16 am

Kolkata is bracing for a wave of political protests and rallies on Friday, August 16, following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The BJP’s women’s wing plans to hold a candlelight rally to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence, demanding her resignation over the incident and the vandalism that occurred at the hospital.

In addition, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) has called for a 12-hour general strike in West Bengal on August 16 to protest against the vandalism and to demand the arrest of those responsible for the rape and murder. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead her own protest on August 17, calling for capital punishment for the accused.

Banerjee has urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has taken over the case from the Kolkata Police, to deliver justice by the following Sunday.

Despite the 12-hour strike, Kolkata Metro Railway has confirmed that it will operate normal services on August 16.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services from 6 a.m. on August 17 to protest the incident and the subsequent vandalism at RG Kar hospital.

Key developments in the case include a silent candlelight march organized by the BJP Mahila Morcha in all district headquarters of West Bengal on August 16, with a specific march at RG Kar Medical College led by national leaders of the Mahila Morcha.

The Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association has also called for a day-long cease-work on Friday, condemning any attempts to hide evidence related to the case and demanding justice for the victim’s family.

In Delhi, Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) will hold a joint protest march on Friday, and the Delhi Medical Association (DMA) will organize a candlelight vigil at India Gate. The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) is also planning a protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on August 16.

The incident, which took place on August 9, has sparked nationwide outrage and protests, with members of the Bengali film and television industry joining the demonstrations at RG Kar Medical College. The hospital campus was vandalized by a mob on Wednesday, prompting security forces to intervene.

“CM Mamata will take action quickly”: Supriya Sule on doctor rape, murder case

August 13, 2024, 3:42 pm

In response to the alleged sexual assault of a second-year post-graduate student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule has expressed strong condemnation of the incident.

Sule has voiced confidence that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will act swiftly to ensure justice for the victim’s family. “Such incidents are deplorable and occur across the country. We trust that Mamata Banerjee will respond promptly, and the family will receive justice through a fast-track court. Although we couldn’t prevent this tragedy, we must work to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” Sule stated.

In contrast, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized the handling of the case, accusing the Bengal government of shielding the accused. “The protection afforded to the perpetrators is more troubling than the crime itself. The reappointment of the RG Kar Principal to another institution within 24 hours raises serious doubts about the Bengal government’s investigation,” Trivedi alleged. He further questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s stance, suggesting a possible manipulation of the investigation. “Why has there been such a delay? Is it for manipulation? We have seen similar issues in the Sandeshkhali case. Why is this not being handled by the CBI?” Trivedi demanded.

Earlier today, doctors and medical students staged a protest at AIIMS Delhi, following a call for a nationwide OPD shutdown by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA). The protest, in solidarity with the victim, highlights growing concerns over safety and security for medical professionals, especially women. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged Union Minister JP Nadda for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances that allowed the crime to occur and called for measures to enhance the safety of doctors in their workplaces.

The post-graduate trainee doctor was discovered raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

Mamata Banerjee Agrees to CBI Probe in Kolkata doctor rape-murder case if Police Fails

August 12, 2024, 2:58 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday that if the police do not solve the brutal rape and murder case of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital by Sunday, she will transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Banerjee, who visited the victim’s home, stated, “If the police are unable to resolve this case by Sunday, we will hand it over to the CBI. However, the success rate of central agencies is generally low.”

The case continues to provoke protests, and RG Kar Medical College and Hospital’s principal, Sandip Ghosh, has resigned from his position, citing false accusations and political motivations behind the student protests. Ghosh claimed he reported the incident to the police within an hour and provided CCTV footage.

Banerjee has vowed to seek the death penalty for the accused and stated that her government would have no objections to a CBI investigation if students request it. She added, “If they do not trust the West Bengal government, they can approach any investigating agency; we have no objections.”

The autopsy report of the 28-year-old victim detailed severe injuries, indicating that the crime occurred between 3 and 6 pm. The report noted bleeding from the victim’s eyes, mouth, and private parts, along with injuries to her face, nails, belly, left leg, neck, right hand, right finger, and lips.

Medical Student’s Semi Naked Body Found in Kolkata Hospital; BJP Seeks CBI Probe

August 9, 2024, 10:46 pm

The body of a second-year medical student was discovered on Friday under suspicious circumstances inside the seminar hall of a government-run hospital in Kolkata. The deceased, a post-graduate trainee in the chest medicine department, was found semi-naked with injury marks indicating a possible struggle. She had been on duty the previous night.

The injuries on her body included scratch marks on her cheeks, nose, lips, between her eyebrows, and on her neck. This suggests she might have struggled before her death. The body was sent for a post-mortem examination to determine if she was sexually assaulted and to ascertain the cause of death.

The student’s father expressed concerns that his daughter had been raped before being murdered, highlighting the injury marks and the state in which her body was found. He criticized the delay in the investigation and questioned the hospital authorities’ handling of the case.

According to a doctor at the hospital, the student had eaten dinner with her juniors around 2 AM and then went to the seminar room to rest, as there was no separate on-call room available. Her body was discovered the following morning.

The incident has prompted various reactions. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reportedly assured the victim’s family that appropriate action will be taken. Health Secretary NS Nigam and Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal visited the hospital and initiated a three-member panel investigation.

BJP leaders, including MLA Agnimitra Paul, have called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, citing concerns about the integrity of the post-mortem examination conducted by the state authorities. Dr. Manas Gumta of the Association of Health Service Doctors has alleged attempts to suppress the matter and suggested that the post-mortem should be filmed and conducted by an independent expert not affiliated with the hospital.

Bengal on alert, CM appeals for calm

August 6, 2024, 6:07 am

The long-drawn unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh and the resignation and flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, sparked a flurry of activities in West Bengal. While the Army has been put on high alert, the Border Security Force put in place additional measures to make the Indo-Bangla border impregnable.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had faced severe criticism for commenting on Bangladesh from her party’s Martyr’s Day rally, chose to be diplomatic about the happenings in the neighbouring country. On July 21, at her party’s rally, she had said that if someone from Bangladesh wanted to come to this country after losing everything, then assistance would be given to him/her.

Banerjee’s statement had drawn strong protest from the Government of Bangladesh and was also criticised across India. This time, however, Mamata has given a cautious response without sparking any controversy.

Today, the Chief Minister appealed to people of the State to remain calm and refrain from making “provocative comments”. She also pointed out that the entire issue pertains to the Centre and asserted that the State Government would abide by the decisions taken by the Government of India in this matter.

“We don’t know the details. We are all worried. In this situation, I would request everyone in Bengal to remain calm. No act should trigger any tension. Do not say anything provocative. The matter is under the Government of India. We will abide by whatever decision the Indian Government gives. It is a matter of two Governments and we will follow the instructions given by the Government of India,” Banerjee said.

The CM asked leaders of both her party and the BJP to maintain peace. “I will also ask BJP and our leaders to keep calm. Let the Government of India consider the matter,” she said.
State Government sources said that the District Magistrates and the intelligence units of the border districts had been put on high alert since the State shared a 2212 km-long border with Bangladesh.

Sources said that intelligence inputs had warned of possible incursion of people as well as terrorists from across the border. The Indo-Bangladesh border is 4096 km long and the States of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram share its boundaries, which are often porous. Sources said barring a skeletal presence in the barracks, the maximum number of BSF troops had been ordered to be deployed on the borders with immediate effect.

Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the region, the newly appointed Director-General of Border Security Force (BSF) Daljit Singh Chaudhary visited North 24 Parganas district and Sunderbans area of West Bengal and reviewed the operational preparedness and strategic deployment of BSF in these important border areas.

“In view of the changed situation in Bangladesh, BSF has issued alerts along the Indo-Bangladesh border and the number of troops deployed along the border has also been increased,” a senior BSF official said.

Daljit Singh Chaudhary was accompanied by Ravi Gandhi, Additional Director-General, BSF Eastern Command and Maninder Pratap Singh, Inspector-General, BSF South Bengal.
“The purpose of this visit is to review the operational preparedness and strategic deployment of BSF in these important border areas,” the official said.

Chaudhary took over the additional charge of DG BSF on August 3 and his first official visit was to the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.

BSF sources said the visit commenced with a detailed briefing of the Eastern Command by Ravi Gandhi, ADG Eastern Command BSF, at the South Bengal Frontier Headquarters. The briefing covered the strategic scenario and operations of the battalions of Eastern Command, wherein the Director General was apprised of the role of BSF in maintaining national security along the sensitive international border.

After the briefing, Chaudhary along with Gandhi and other officers proceeded to Dhamakhali where the Commandant of the 118th Battalion briefed DG BSF on the battalion’s water border responsibilities along Bangladesh en route to the Floating BOP deployed at T-junction, highlighting the unique challenges of the rainforest and water-rich terrain and the effective measures implemented to tackle border crimes including smuggling and illegal crossings.

The team of the BSF’s top-most officers also visited an outpost located in the dense forest in the Sundarbans delta since that was a route often used by intruders and smugglers.
The impact of the happenings in Bangladesh also had its impact on international air travel. Multiple Dhaka-bound flights from across the region were diverted to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata while at least three aircraft bound for Kolkata were stranded in Dhaka after the airport was ordered to be shut down till midnight tonight.
Aviation sources said only military aircraft were being allowed to take off or land in airports in Bangladesh.

A Chennai-Dhaka flight with 81 passengers on board was diverted to Kolkata. The aircraft returned to Chennai after refuelling.
Indigo Airlines said in a tweet, “In view of the ongoing situation in Dhaka, all flights scheduled for tomorrow have unfortunately been cancelled. We understand that this may cause significant inconvenience and disruption to your travel plans and we sincerely regret this development.”

West Bengal Governor vs Mamata Banerjee: High Court to Hear Defamation Case Today

July 3, 2024, 12:49 pm

The Calcutta High Court is set to hear a significant defamation case on Wednesday, July 3. The suit has been filed by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose against CM Mamata Banerjee. According to the high court’s website, the case will be heard by Justice Krishna Rao.

On June 28, Governor Bose took legal action following remarks made by Mamata Banerjee. She claimed that women felt unsafe visiting the Raj Bhavan. During an administrative meeting at the state secretariat, Banerjee stated, “Women have informed me they are afraid to visit Raj Bhavan due to recent incidents reported there.”

Her comments refer to an incident on May 2, where a female contractual employee at Raj Bhavan alleged molestation by the West Bengal Governor. The Kolkata Police is currently investigating the claim. Governor Bose responded strongly to these allegations, criticizing Banerjee for making “erroneous and slanderous impressions.” He argued that these statements were “engineered narratives” intended to obstruct his efforts against corruption in the state.

According to Article 361 of the Indian Constitution, a governor is immune from criminal proceedings while in office.

Adhir Chowdhury, the State Congress president, expressed concern over the situation, saying, “These allegations and counter-allegations are tarnishing the image of West Bengal. This is nothing but a shameful episode.” In addition to the case against Banerjee, Governor Bose has filed defamation suits against other leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for similar statements. Veteran CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty commented that the ongoing conflict between the Governor and the Chief Minister shows a neglect of their constitutional responsibilities.

The outcome of this case is eagerly awaited as it unfolds in the high court, marking a significant moment in West Bengal’s political landscape.

TMC MPs Visit Protesting Farmers And Pledge To Bring Their Demands To Parliament

June 10, 2024, 6:57 pm

A group of five MPs from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) paid a visit to the farmers demonstrating at the Khanauri-Data Singh Wala border on Monday, a few days after the Parliamentary elections ended and as the protests at the Punjab-Haryana borders approached their fourth month.

The TMC delegation promised the farmers that their concerns would be discussed in the next parliamentary session and expressed solidarity with them in their demand for a legally guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) based on C2+50%. The MPs expressed TMC chief Mamata Banerjee’s profound concern for the farmers’ situation, which has prompted them to stage ongoing protests. After hearing the farmers’ complaints, they pledged to press the national government to accede to their requests.

Rajya Sabha member Sagarika Ghose said, “We 5 MPs visited the Khanauri border to meet protesting farmers. Our leader Mamata spoke to the farm leaders via phone to assure them of our support. AITC will fight shoulder to shoulder with the Annadaata for their demands and justice to farmers.”

“Mamata Banerjee is very close to Kisan Andolan, she went on hunger strike for 26 days in 2006 to protest against land acquisition in Singur. We will raise the issues of the farmers in Parliament and at every available forum. We are always standing with India’s Annadatas,” she added.

The leader of the non-political Farmer Forum SKM, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, claimed that despite their nearly four-month-long protests at the Punjab-Haryana borders, the central government has disregarded their demand for a legal right to MSP in accordance with the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission.

ABVP Protests Sandeshkhali Incident, Burns Effigy of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

March 10, 2024, 4:51 pm

The Assam unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a demonstration on Sunday, burning an effigy of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to protest against the Sandeshkhali incident. The protesters called for a central agency inquiry and strict actions against the culprits.

Sandeshkhali, located in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, has been witnessing widespread protests following allegations against suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan. A section of women in Sandeshkhali accused Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates of land-grabbing and sexual assault under coercion.

After weeks of inaction, Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested by the West Bengal police on February 29 and remanded to 10-day police custody by Basirhat Court. He is a key accused in cases of extortion, land grab, and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali.

Earlier, the Basirhat Sub-Divisional Court granted the CBI four-day custody of Sheikh in connection with the January 5 attack on an Enforcement Directorate team in Sandeshkhali. This decision followed a directive from the Calcutta High Court, which led to the Crime Investigation Department handing over custody of Sheikh Shahjahan to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress and the opposition’s INDIA bloc, stating that the West Bengal government remains indifferent to people’s struggles and sufferings. He highlighted issues such as the creation of 25 lakh fake job cards to benefit TMC’s ‘tolabaz’ (extortionists) and the atrocities committed against Dalit and Adivasi women in Sandeshkhali.

“The TMC government gives money to people chosen by ‘tolabaz’. It does not affect TMC when you are struggling or suffering. The entire country is discussing what TMC leaders did to the Dalit and Adivasi women of Sandeshkhali. Atrocities against women and looting the hard-earned money of the poor, this is what TMC’s ‘tolabaz’ do,” PM Modi said.