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West Bengal CM Hails Swift Justice in Joynagar Case with Death Penalty calls it ‘unprecedented’

December 6, 2024, 7:26 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her approval on Friday after a POCSO court in Baruipur sentenced Mostakin Sardar to death for the rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl in Joynagar, South 24 Parganas. The court’s decision came just 62 days after the crime, which Banerjee described as “unprecedented” in the state’s judicial history.

conviction and capital punishment in such a case in just over two months is remarkable

Taking to social media platform X, Banerjee commended the state police and the prosecution team for their swift action, stating, “Conviction and capital punishment in such a case in just over two months is remarkable. The government has zero tolerance towards offences against women and will ensure justice is neither delayed nor denied.”

The tragic incident occurred on October 4, when the Class IV student went missing while returning from tuition classes. Her body was discovered the following day near a police outpost in Kultali, igniting public outrage and protests over alleged police inaction. Mostakin Sardar, the sole accused, was arrested shortly after the discovery of the body.

The case garnered national attention, prompting the child’s parents to petition the Calcutta High Court for a magisterial autopsy, which was conducted at Kalyani JNM Hospital by doctors from AIIMS. In response to the public outcry, the West Bengal government established a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expedite the investigation. Banerjee set a three-month deadline for the police to resolve the case, emphasizing that “a criminal has no identity” and calling for immediate action.

This incident occurred less than two months after the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a case currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The opposition parties have criticized the Trinamool Congress government, alleging a failure to effectively curb crimes against women in the state.

The swift verdict in the Joynagar case has been hailed by Banerjee as a significant step towards ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence, reinforcing the government’s commitment to women’s safety in West Bengal.

Mamata Fires Top Officials After Meeting Doctors’ Demands

September 17, 2024, 12:55 am

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken decisive action following a tense meeting with protesting doctors. In response to their demands, Banerjee has announced the removal of two top health officials and the Kolkata Police Commissioner.

Key Changes Announced:

– Health Officials Removed: The Director of Medical Education, Dr. Kaustav Nayek, and the Director of Health Services, Dr. Debashish Halder, have been removed from their positions.

– Police Leadership Shake-Up: Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), Abhishek Gupta, are being replaced.

Doctors’ Demands and Meeting Details:

The doctors’ demands included strict punishment for those involved in a recent tragic incident, improved security, and reform within the healthcare system. The meeting with Banerjee, held from 6:20 PM to 8:45 PM, ended with significant concessions but did not fully meet all the doctors’ demands.

Next Steps and Government Response:

Banerjee urged the doctors to return to work, highlighting that 99% of their demands were met. She appealed for continued dialogue to resolve any outstanding issues. The government has agreed to record the minutes of the meeting and provide copies to the doctors.

Complaint Filed Against Mamata Banerjee Over Fiery Remarks Targeting PM Modi

August 29, 2024, 4:41 pm

A formal complaint has been lodged against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of making inflammatory remarks aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The complaint was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal with the Delhi Police, alleging that Banerjee’s words were intended to incite unrest and create regional tension across India.

The Controversial Statement

The controversy stems from a statement made by Banerjee during a Trinamool Chhatra Parishad event. In her address, she reportedly warned, “Remember, if Bengal burns, then Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi will also burn.” This statement was seen as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Modi and his party, sparking a heated political debate.

Allegations of Incitement

Vineet Jindal’s complaint argues that Banerjee’s statement is not only provocative but also dangerous, as it could incite hatred and enmity between different regions of India. He highlighted that as a sitting Chief Minister, Banerjee’s words carry significant influence and therefore, pose a serious threat to national harmony and public order.

“Given the instigating and provocative nature of her statement, which intends to create disharmony and foster hatred and enmity among the masses of India, I respectfully request that an FIR be lodged under Sections 152, 192, 196, and 353 of the BNS against Mamata Banerjee,” stated Jindal in his complaint.

Mamata Banerjee’s Criticism of BJP

Banerjee’s remarks were made in response to the BJP’s 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh,’ which she condemned as an attempt to defame the state. She accused Prime Minister Modi of using his party to stir unrest in Bengal, comparing the situation to the protests in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Banerjee’s statement has been widely criticized by BJP leaders, who view it as an endorsement of divisive politics.

Political Reactions

The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media platform X to express his outrage, accusing Banerjee of trying to spread unrest across India. “Didi, how dare you threaten Assam? Don’t show us red eyes. Don’t try to set India on fire with your politics of failure,” Sarma posted.

BJP state president and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar also condemned Banerjee’s comments, describing them as a “blatant endorsement of revenge politics from the highest office in the state.” He further accused her of making anti-national remarks that threaten democracy and urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take appropriate action.

Conclusion

Mamata Banerjee’s fiery rhetoric has sparked significant backlash, leading to a legal complaint and a heated political exchange. As the situation unfolds, the implications of her remarks on India’s political landscape and inter-regional relations remain to be seen.

Doctors To Strike for 24 Hours On Aug 17 Over Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

August 16, 2024, 12:53 am

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike starting from 6 am on August 17, in response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The strike, lasting until 6 am on August 18, will affect all sectors where modern medicine doctors are employed, though essential services will continue.

Background of the Incident

On August 9, a post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. A civic volunteer was arrested the following day in connection with the crime. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since summoned five doctors and interrogated local police officers as part of the investigation.

Protests and Vandalism

The tragedy sparked widespread protests across West Bengal as part of the “Reclaim the Night” campaign. During these protests, a group of unidentified men attacked RG Kar Medical College, vandalizing the emergency department, nursing station, and medicine stores. The attackers also damaged CCTV cameras and ransacked the demonstration stage set up by junior doctors.

Police Response

To disperse the mob, police used lathi charges and tear gas. Nine individuals have been detained in connection with the vandalism. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has clarified that those responsible for the vandalism are not associated with the student movement.

Impact on Medical Services

The IMA’s strike will halt routine outpatient services and elective surgeries but will ensure that emergency services remain operational. The medical body has urged national support for their cause, emphasizing the need for justice for the affected doctors and condemnation of the violence against them.

Hindu Influx From Bangladesh ‘Inevitable’, Says BJP

August 8, 2024, 1:49 am

Following the resignation and flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India and the subsequent lawlessness in Bangladesh, BJP leaders say a Hindu influx into India is “inevitable”. They say that as many as 1 crore people may cross over into India.
BJP leaders in West Bengal say the attacks on minorities, including the members of the Hindu community, in Bangladesh have led to immense insecurity among these people and caused concern among the rights groups in the country.

Several BJP leaders have suggested that Hindu refugees may arrive in India and urged people to welcome them. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh also said whenever there is a crisis in Bangladesh, Hindus come over to India. “We are watching the situation. Atrocities should be stopped,” he added.

He also alleged that the people carrying out the atrocities on minority Hindus in Bangladesh were the same criminals that the Trinamool Congress had smuggled in to attack BJP workers after the 2021 Assembly elections.

Sensing trouble, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to all, particularly the political parties not to put up sensitive posts that could disrupt peace in Bengal. On Tuesday, Kolkata Police issued an advisory warning the people not to forward videos of violence from Bangladesh.

“Suitable action will be taken against those who foment trouble by forwarding such videos,” a senior Kolkata Police officer told The Daily Guardian. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to all, particularly the political parties, not to put up sensitive posts that could “disrupt peace in West Bengal”. Bengal BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, on Aug 6, said the Indian Government should be ready to accommodate members of the minority communities from Bangladesh under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
“Be prepared to receive one crore refugee Hindu brothers. The Union Government has already made arrangements under the CAA. The minorities in Bangladesh are unsafe and it was “clear” that Bangladesh’s 7% Hindus would leave,” said Adhikari. Adhikari, who met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Aug 6, said that Hindus were being mistreated in Bangladesh. The vast majority of Hindus in West Bengal are Bengali Hindus numbering around 55 million and comprising 60.2% of the state population of 91.35 million as per the 2011 census.

Bengal is home to a large number of Bangladeshi Hindu refugees, who entered the country in different waves since 1947. But CAA is a sensitive topic in the Northeast, whose history is defined by agitations against “outsiders”. BJP MLA and Matua leader Asim Sarkar termed the prevailing situation in Bangladesh unfortunate. “In such an unfortunate situation, Hindus who come to India should be given shelter here,” Sarkar said.

Matuas are a community of lower-caste Hindus who are spread out in Bangladesh and in the border districts of West Bengal bordering Bangladesh. Mamata Banerjee Aug 6, said that she would back any stand the Centre may take on the issue. “If our brothers and sisters face some trouble in Bangladesh, the Indian Government and the Government of Bangladesh will look into it,” she said. Meanwhile, BJP ally and senior Tripura tribal leader Pradyut Kishore Debbarma has sought assurance from the Centre that any influx of Hindus from Bangladesh into India should be stopped.

Debbarma posted on social media that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured him that the borders were well-guarded, to prevent any “illegal” movement.
Meanwhile the reports coming from Bangladesh have made the situation even more volatile. “Houses and shops of minority people were attacked, vandalised and looted in at least 97 such places on August 6 and 7,” Rana Dasgupta, general secretary of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said in a statement.

At least 10 Hindu temples were attacked by “miscreants” on Aug 6. Also, some businesses and homes owned by some Hindus and seen by some in the Muslim-majority nation as having been close to the ousted former leader were attacked on Aug 5.
“Such attacks on minorities are against the fundamental spirit of the anti-discrimination student movement,” said Iftekharuzzaman, Transparency International’s Bangladesh head.
Yesterday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said that there are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals inBangladesh of which about 9,000 are students. Jaishankar gave an assurance that the Government is in close contact with the Indian community in Dhaka.

“Wanted To Speak But My Mic…” Mamta Banerjee Walks Out Of NITI Aayog Meeting

July 27, 2024, 2:22 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of NITI Aayog’s 9th Governing Council meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, July 27, after claiming that she was only given five minutes to speak. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw Banerjee expressing frustration over being muted while others spoke for 10 to 20 minutes.

“…I said you (central government) should not discriminate against state governments. I wanted to speak but my mic was muted. I was allowed to speak only for five minutes. People before me spoke for 10-20 minutes,” Banerjee told reporters after leaving the meeting.

“I was the only one from the opposition who was participating but still, I was not allowed to speak. This is insulting…,” she added.

Several opposition-ruled states have announced their decision to boycott the meeting. Chief Ministers of three Congress-ruled states—Siddaramaiah of Karnataka, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh, and Revanth Reddy of Telangana—have stated they will not attend due to perceived bias in the Union Budget 2024. Additionally, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and the Aam Aadmi Party-led governments of Punjab and Delhi have also decided to skip the meeting.

Banerjee, who had initially participated in the meeting, had hoped to elevate their concerns on a unified platform.

The meeting aims to discuss strategies to make India a developed nation by 2047, focusing on enhancing participative governance and collaboration between the Centre and state governments to improve the quality of life in both rural and urban areas.

The NITI Aayog Governing Council, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, includes all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and several Union ministers. The meeting also addressed recommendations from the 3rd National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in December, which covered key themes such as drinking water, electricity, health, schooling, and land and property.

A vision document is being created to guide India towards becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, marking the 100th year of its independence. In 2023, NITI Aayog was tasked with consolidating 10 sectoral visions into a unified vision for Viksit Bharat @2047, encompassing economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance.

Mamata Banerjee Extends Wishes To Sunil Chhetri Post His Last Match For India

June 7, 2024, 4:03 am

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her wishes to Indian Football Team skipper Sunil Chhetri following his final international match with the Blue Tigers. Chhetri commenced his professional football journey at Mohun Bagan in 2002 and contributed significantly to India’s victories in various tournaments, including the Nehru Cup and the SAFF Championship.

Mamata expressed her wishes to Chhetri for his ‘glorious’ new journey and referred to him as the ‘golden boy’ of Bengal. She emphasized that it wasn’t a farewell for him but a day for him to continue upholding the glory of his family, Bengal, and India.

“Welcome Sunil Chhetri @chetrisunil11 to the beginning of a glorious new journey. You start a new phase of life today. You have been a golden boy of Bengal, Captain of the Indian football team, a sports icon of Asia, a globally adored scorer, a giant achiever. I am sure that you will continue to play, add to our glory and achieve many more laurels for yourself and us. It is not a day of farewell for you. It is a day to renew your pledge to uphold the glory of your family, Bengal and India further and further. Wish and pray for your future successes,” Mamata wrote on X.

Welcome Sunil Chhetri @chetrisunil11 to the beginning of a glorious new journey. You start a new phase of life today.

You have been a golden boy of Bengal, Captain of the Indian football team, a sports icon of Asia, a globally adored scorer, a giant achiever. I am sure that…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 6, 2024

Reflecting on the match, the Blue Tigers dominated the first half, creating numerous chances but failed to score. Despite Kuwait’s comeback in the second half, Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s impressive performance prevented them from scoring. The match ended in a goalless draw, marking Chhetri’s farewell match.

Mamata Banerjee Injured After Falling Inside Helicopter

April 27, 2024, 2:56 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained an injury on Saturday while boarding a helicopter in Durgapur. Reports indicate that she was assisted by her security personnel and proceeded with her journey to Asansol. This incident occurred just a month after Banerjee suffered a significant injury to her forehead from a fall at her residence.

During the previous incident, a senior TMC leader explained, “She was walking in her drawing room when she suddenly slipped and fell down, and her head hit a glass showcase. This led to a deep cut on her forehead and profuse bleeding.”

In January, Banerjee narrowly escaped a car accident during her tour of East Burdwan. While near the Burdwan city, her convoy encountered a car reportedly speeding at 200 kmph. Despite her driver’s efforts to avoid the vehicle, Banerjee’s head hit the dashboard, resulting in swelling and a concussion.

BJP’s Amit Malviya slams West Bengal CM for Hindu “Marginalization”

April 15, 2024, 7:45 pm

BJP leader Amit Malviya criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday, alleging that she has relegated Hindus to a lower status of citizenship within her state.

His comments follow Banerjee’s contentious statement at a public rally in West Bengal, where she purportedly remarked, “If you see them (BJP) sloganeering on (April) 17, it is their (BJP’s) day of riot.”

Significantly, Ram Navami, commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, falls on April 17.

In a brazenly communal statement, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, alludes to Hindus as rioters.

In a public meeting at Coochbehar, she appeals to the minorities to keep ‘calm’ (on 17th Apr), calls Ram Navami, the day billions of Hindus around the world pray to Bhagwan Ram, as… pic.twitter.com/3gM3xDvNwE

— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) April 15, 2024

“In a brazenly communal statement, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alludes to Hindus as rioters. In a public meeting at Coochbehar, she appeals to the minorities to keep ‘calm’ (on 17th Apr), calls Ram Navami, the day billions of Hindus around the world pray to Bhagwan Ram, as the day of organizing riots… She further adds, even if “they” abuse you, pray to Allah to oust “them” from Bengal,” Amit Malviya said in a post on X.

“Who are these ‘them’ that Mamata Banerjee wants the minorities to send out of Bengal? The Bengali Hindus? Where will they go? West Bengal was created as a homeland for Hindu Bengalis. Shame on the Bengal CM for splitting Bengal into ‘us’ vs ‘them’ and reducing Hindus to second-grade citizens,” he added in the post.

Voting in the 42 parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal is scheduled for April 19, April 26, May 4, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Vote counting is set for June 4.

Across most constituencies in the state, the primary contest is between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the main opposition party, the BJP.

Despite being part of the INDIA bloc, the TMC does not have a seat-sharing agreement with other parties in the alliance, such as Congress and the Left parties in the state.
In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the TMC secured 34 seats in the state, while the BJP only managed to win 2 seats. The CPI (M) clinched 2 seats, whereas the Congress secured 4.

Nonetheless, the BJP significantly enhanced its performance in the 2019 polls, securing 18 seats compared to the TMC’s 22. The Congress’s tally plummeted to just 2 seats, while the Left failed to secure any seats.

The BJP is saying “400 paar”, I challenge them to cross the 200 seats benchmark first: Mamata Banerjee

March 31, 2024, 3:17 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ridiculed the BJP’s goal of securing over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, instead challenging the party to aim for at least 200 constituencies on Sunday.

Ms. Banerjee further declared her firm stance against the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state.

She cautioned the public, warning that applying for the CAA could potentially classify an applicant as a foreigner, and urged them against submitting applications for it.

“The BJP is saying “400 paar”, I challenge them to cross the 200 seats benchmark first. In 2021 assembly polls, they gave a call of 200 plus seats but had to stop at 77,” she said.

“The CAA is a trap to turn legal citizens into foreigners. We would allow neither CAA nor NRC in West Bengal,” she said while addressing her first rally in the election season after her injury earlier this month.

Ms. Banerjee, the TMC supremo, criticized the opposition bloc INDIA partners, comprising the CPI(M) and Congress– for “joining hands with the BJP” in West Bengal.

“There is no INDIA alliance in West Bengal. The CPI(M) and Congress are working for the BJP in Bengal,” she said while addressing an election rally at Krishnanagar in support of TMC candidate Mahua Moitra.

“Our MP Mahua Moitra was maligned and expelled from the Lok Sabha as she was vocal against the BJP,” she added.

LS Polls:TMC Reveals Lineup of 40 Key Campaigners

March 27, 2024, 12:41 am

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) unveiled a roster of 40 prominent campaigners on Tuesday.

The lineup comprised notable figures such as West Bengal Chief Minister and party leader Mamata Banerjee, MP and the party’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, and former cricketer and candidate from Behrampore, Yusuf Pathan, among others.

TMC unveiled its selection of 42 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections earlier on March 10.

Conveying TMC’s decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls independently, party General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee revealed the list, featuring unexpected entries such as former cricketers Yusuf Pathan from Berhampore and Kirti Azad from the Bardhaman Durgapur Lok Sabha constituency.

Abhishek Banerjee is set to run from Diamond Harbour, while Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from the Lok Sabha during last year’s winter session, has been nominated for the Krishnanagar constituency.

Meanwhile, Mukut Mani Adhikari, who recently resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party, has also been granted a ticket for the Ranaghat Lok Sabha seat.

Shatrughan Sinha is poised to once again vie for the Asansol seat, which he had previously secured in the 2022 bypoll.

TMC has nominated Jagadish C Basuniya for Cooch Behar, Prakash Chik Baraik for Alipurduar, Nirmal Ch Roy for Jalpaiguri, and Gopal Lama for Darjeeling.

Upon unveiling the candidates, TMC affirmed that the ruling party in Bengal will continue to stand alongside the common people as part of its commitment.

“Under the leadership of Chairperson @MamataOfficial, we’re pleased to announce the names of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. We are steadfast in our commitment to stand by the common people against the deprivation of the Central Govt. When it comes to confronting the @BJP4India jomidars head-on and responding in the language they understand best, the Twin Flower is people’s only choice!,” TMC posted on X.

Bengal is slated to vote for 42 Lok Sabha members in all seven phases of the general elections, commencing on April 19 and concluding on June 1. The vote counting is set for June 4.

During the previous Lok Sabha polls, the TMC secured 22 seats, while the BJP made a significant breakthrough by winning 18 seats.

Kolkata: Building collapse in Metiabruz area leaves 5 Dead and Several injured

March 18, 2024, 12:41 pm

The death toll in the Gardenreich high-rise collapse has risen to five. Two deaths were reported in the morning. Later three more people were rescued and brought to SSKM Hospital.

Doctors declared them dead. According to administration sources, the deceased are Shama Begum (44), Hasina Khatun (55), Rizwan Alam (22), Akbar Ali (34) and Mohammad Wasik. They were rescued from the wreckage and taken to a local hospital. The doctors declared the two dead there. Later Rizwan, Akbar and Wasik were declared dead by SSKM. A few people are still trapped in the collapsed spot. Their rescue is going on. According to the fire department, it may take the afternoon to finish the rescue work.

“As many as 13 people have just been rescued and two have been reported dead. Rs 5 lakhs will be given as compensation to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh will be given to those injured,” Bose said.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the site of the incident and interacted with the injured individuals at Unipon Hospital in South Kolkata.

The West Bengal Chief Minister stated that she is “saddened” after a five-storey under-construction building collapsed in South Kolkata’s Metiabruz area.

“Sad to learn about the house collapse disaster of an under-construction building in the Garden Reach area of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Our Mayor, Fire Minister, Secretaries and Commissioner of Police, civic, police, fire and disaster management officers and teams (including NDRF, KMC and KP teams) have been on site throughout the night to mitigate the disaster,” Banerjee said in a statement.

“This is an illegal construction. I express my condolences to the family. I will urge the administration to take strict action against those involved in illegal construction. When this construction was going on, those involved should have been more vigilant,” she further said.

Urging the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Kolkata Police Commissioner to engage the West Bengal State Disaster Management Team in the ongoing rescue and relief operation Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari posted, “I am receiving frantic calls regarding probable casualties. Please dispatch any team that can help in rescuing the victims, be it fire servicemen, police or any other team.”

Law will not snatch citizenship, Giriraj Singh said on CAA

March 13, 2024, 11:45 am

Union Minister Giriraj Singh stated that the Citizenship Amendment Act will “grant” citizenship to Indian citizens and “no one should have a problem” with the law.

The BJP leader said to ANI, “No one should have a problem with CAA. The law will not snatch citizenship. It is going to give citizenship to citizens of India.”

Replying to a query on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said, “Let us see in the Lok Sabha elections…She is playing appeasement politics in West Bengal and will have to pay for it.”

Regarding the Congress releasing its second list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, he commented, “It is their own job.”

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Modi government on the CAA notification.

“The Central Government implemented CAA yesterday; I am doubtful of its legality. There is no clarity from the government over this. This is just a gimmick ahead of the elections. In 2019, the names of 13 lakh Hindu Bengalis, out of the total of 19 lakh, were removed from the list in Assam in the name of NRC. Several people died by suicide,” she said on Tuesday.

In reaction to the central government notifying the Rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned the inactivity of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the CAA in the last few years and suggested that its implementation is timed with the upcoming elections.

“They (Centre) have implemented CAA as elections are coming up. Why were they quiet till now? I oppose the granting of citizenship based on religion,” Siddaramaiah said speaking to reporters at Chamarajanagar on Tuesday.

On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days before the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.
The CAA rules, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aim to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, such as Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Mamata Banerjee Pays Tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on His Birth Anniversary

January 23, 2024, 2:18 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid floral tribute to freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose on his 127th birth anniversary in Kolkata. She expressed deep admiration for Netaji, describing him as a true hero and a perennial source of inspiration. Banerjee emphasized Netaji’s courage, vision, and love for the motherland, stating that his spirit transcends time and continues to live on in the heartbeats of free India. She called for connecting with the essence of Netaji’s journey and pledged to carry forward his vision and legacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also led the nation in commemorating Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, observed as Parakram Diwas (Day of Valour). The Prime Minister paid floral tribute to Netaji at Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament Building). Leaders including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh also paid their respects.

President Droupadi Murmu highlighted Netaji’s unwavering commitment to India’s independence and his enduring impact on the freedom struggle. She expressed gratitude for his extraordinary dedication and noted the profound impact of his powerful personality on the nation’s history.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar remembered Netaji on his birth anniversary, emphasizing his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to India’s independence. Dhankhar quoted Netaji’s iconic words, “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom,” emphasizing their enduring power as a rallying cry for liberty.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, remembering him as the great hero of the freedom struggle and the leader of Azad Hind Fauj.

The government declared January 23 as Parakram Diwas in 2021 to commemorate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary. The day is observed as a tribute to his contributions to India’s independence.

Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Expulsion of TMC MP Mahua Moitra

December 18, 2023, 6:03 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the expulsion of Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha, describing it as “unfortunate” and highlighting the absence of an opportunity for Moitra to defend herself. Moitra faced expulsion amid allegations of involvement in a cash-for-query scheme. Mamata Banerjee expressed strong support for Moitra, stating that the expulsion occurred without seeking her opinion. Banerjee asserted that the case against Moitra was driven by personal interests and criticized the lack of opportunity for her to present a defense.

In addition, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of being a “washing machine,” claiming that corrupt leaders are absolved and spared when they join the BJP, while opposition figures face arrests and imprisonment. Moitra, who was barred from speaking during the Lok Sabha debate, later read her statement on the Parliament premises, condemning the exploitation of the Ethics Committee and its report for political purposes. Moitra argued that the committee’s actions violated established rules and accused it of punishing her for engaging in routine and accepted parliamentary practices. She emphasized that the Ethics Committee’s findings were based on contradictory testimonies from two private citizens, and her right to cross-examine them was denied.

The expulsion has stirred controversy, with opposition leaders criticizing the process and defending Moitra’s right to a fair inquiry.

Congress Shifts INDIA Bloc Meeting to Later Date in December, Coordination Meet Set to Continue

December 5, 2023, 2:12 pm

The INDIA alliance, consisting of 28 opposition parties, including the Congress, has rescheduled its crucial party head meeting to the third week of December following reports of discord within the bloc. Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had called for a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, which received a lukewarm response from several front-line leaders.

stated that she was unaware of the scheduled meeting and would have attended if informed. Furthermore, key opposition leaders such as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will be unable to attend for a variety of reasons.

On Wednesday, parliamentary leaders from the INDIA bloc will convene at Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence for a coordination meeting. Gurdeep Singh Sappal, Kharge’s coordinator, confirmed the meeting and announced that the next meeting of Party Presidents and India Alliance Heads would be held in the third week of December to accommodate all members.

The agenda is expected to focus on crucial topics, notably seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, which are merely four months away. The meeting holds significance for Congress, particularly after losing key states in recent Assembly polls.

However, Congress might face challenges within the bloc, especially with the Samajwadi Party expressing discontent and accusing Congress of not fulfilling commitments during the assembly elections. The meeting’s success is crucial for Congress if it aims to present a formidable opposition against PM Narendra Modi and the BJP in the 2024 elections.

The India alliance aims to counter PM Modi’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and prevent its re-election in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Their previous meetings emphasized a united approach and collaborative contesting in the upcoming elections, aiming to adopt a spirit of cooperation for finalizing seat-sharing arrangements.