VIDEO | Kolkata: West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja meets Chief Electoral Officer in Kolkata ahead of polls; raises concern over the presence of outsiders in constituencies and harassment of TMC workers.
The arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, barely 10 days before the Bengal elections, is not just alarming- It shakes the very idea of a level playing field.
At a time when WB should be moving toward free and fair elections, this kind of action sends a chilling message: If you work with the opposition, you could be next. That’s not democracy- that’s intimidation!
What makes it even harder to ignore is the double standard. Those facing serious corruption allegations seem to find protection the moment they switch sides, while others are swiftly targeted at politically convenient moments. People are not blind to this anymore.
When institutions meant to protect democracy start feeling like tools of pressure, trust begins to erode. On one side, the Election Commission. On the other, agencies like the ED, NIA, CBI stepping in at the most sensitive time. It creates an atmosphere of fear, not fairness.
India has always taken pride in its democracy- loud, messy but free. But today, many are beginning to ask: are we still that country?
This is bigger than one arrest. It is about whether our institutions remain independent and whether every citizen, no matter their political belief, can participate without fear.
Because once fear replaces freedom, democracy becomes just a word.
To Amit Shah and the BJP’s power structure- Be in Bengal on the 4th and 5th of May. Come with Gyanesh Kumar and every agency you deploy. Bengal will not be bullied, will not be silenced and will not bow. This is a land that answers pressure with resistance and it will show you exactly what that means!
I humbly present my 10 ‘Protigya’ for Bengal, so that the wheels of development continue to move forward in the fourth term of my government.
Under Lakshmir Bhandar, with an increase of ₹500, women will continue to receive monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 for General category beneficiaries (₹18,000 annually) and ₹1,700 for SC/ST beneficiaries (₹20,400 annually).
I will continue Banglar Yuba-Sathi, extending financial support of ₹1,500 per month (₹18,000 annually) to unemployed youth.
I also commit to instituting a ₹30,000 crore Agri-Budget to ensure continued assistance to farm families, provide support to landless farmers, and enable holistic upgradation of the agricultural sector.
I promise that every family in Bengal will have a pucca house, and every household will have access to piped drinking water.
Additionally, my Government will organise annual Duare Chikitsa camps in every block and town to ensure effective doorstep delivery of healthcare.
I will ensure the holistic infrastructural upgradation of all Government schools under Banglar Shikshayatan.
I will work to make Bengal the gateway of trade for Eastern India, with world-class logistics, ports, trade infrastructure, and a state-of-the-art Global Trade Centre.
I will strive to ensure uninterrupted Old Age Pension support for all existing beneficiaries, while gradually extending the safety net to all eligible senior citizens.
I also promise to establish seven new districts and expand the number of Urban Local Bodies through a comprehensive geographical reorganisation.
These 10 ‘Protigya’ will form the foundation of my governance and serve as the roadmap for the next five years.
18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly Election
1st Phase - 23rd April 2026 (152 constituencies)
2nd Phase - 29th April 2026 (142 constituencies)
Date of Counting - 4th May 2026
I am happy to announce that our Ma-Mati-Manush government has delivered on its promise to all its employees and pensioners, and to lakhs of teachers and non-teaching staff of our educational institutions, as well as employees/ pensioners of our other grant-in-aid instititions like panchayats, municipal bodies, other local bodies etc.
They will start receiving their ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026 onwards as per the modalities detailed out in the Notifications issued by our Finance Department.
I am pleased to announce that our government intends to constitute soon five new Cultural and Development Boards for the Munda (ST), Kora (ST), Dom (SC), Kumbhakar (OBC) and Sadgope (OBC) communities.
These communities are integral to the vibrant fabric of Bengal. My heartiest congratulations to all of them.
These boards will protect their unique languages and traditions while ensuring better education, healthcare, and jobs. They will safeguard customary rights and bring further socio-economic growth.
Since 2013, we have established many such boards for our weaker communities, ensuring their all-round development.
Our commitment to Ma, Mati, Manush means, we remain dedicated to ensuring no community is left behind. Our goal is simple: to bring a smile to every face through inclusive progress and unwavering support.
Jai Bangla!
An Unbreakable Will. A Helping Hand That Never Lets Go.
Acid attack survivors like Poly, Sunita & Tusi are rebuilding their lives with courage and the steady support of Lakshmir Bhandar by Smt. @MamataOfficial.
We will always stand beside our daughters, with love and dignity.
Champions ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to all the players and all the members of the management for achieving this feat. Jai Hind 🇮🇳❤️
Proud to share that, for further increasing the safety and confidence of women in our city, Kolkata Police is launching two more initiatives from today.
First, several all-women Pink Booths at key city intersections will be commissioned and be operational from evening to midnight, today onwards. My sisters in the city will be able to connect directly with the lady officers of KP for any assistance in these booths.
Second, today evening onwards, several 'SHINING' (as I have named them) all-women mobile patrol teams will also be on duty from 8 pm to 2 AM, patrolling E.M. Bypass and other major city roads used by my working sisters during night hours.
Kolkata continues to be the safest city in the country over the years and I am sure these two unique new initiatives will go a long way in furthering the same.
প্রবীণ রাজনীতিবিদ মুকুল রায়ের সহসা প্রয়াণের সংবাদে বিচলিত ও মর্মাহত বোধ করছি। তিনি আমার দীর্ঘদিনের রাজনৈতিক সহকর্মী ছিলেন, বহু রাজনৈতিক সংগ্রামের সহযোদ্ধা ছিলেন। তাঁর বিদায়ের খবর আমাকে বেদনাহত করেছে।
প্রয়াত মুকুল রায় তৃণমূল কংগ্রেসের প্রতিষ্ঠা-লগ্ন থেকে দলের জন্য প্রাণপাত করেছেন। তিনি কেন্দ্রীয় মন্ত্রী হয়েছিলেন, দলের সর্বস্তরে তাঁর গ্রহণযোগ্যতা ছিল। পরে তিনি ভিন্ন পথে যান, আবার ফিরেও আসেন। বাংলার রাজনীতিতে তাঁর অবদান এবং সাংগঠনিক দক্ষতার কথা ভোলার নয়। দলমত নির্বিশেষে তাঁর অভাব অনুভব করবে রাজনৈতিক মহল।
এই অভিজ্ঞ নেতা ও সহকর্মীর পরিবার ও অনুরাগীদের প্রতি আমার আন্তরিক সমবেদনা জানাই। শুভ্রাংশুকে বলব, মন শক্ত করো: এই সংকটে আমরা তোমার সঙ্গে আছি।
Is the @ECISVEEP of the view that directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court can be openly FLOUTED? The highest Court of the land has repeatedly emphasised transparency, due process, and adherence to official channels of communication. Yet we are witnessing instructions being circulated over WhatsApp rather than through formal, traceable, and accountable mechanisms.
Even more disturbing are credible reports of Special Roll Observer, C. Murugan, issuing instructions regarding the acceptability of birth certificates directly to Micro Observers in a WhatsApp group, to inflate deletion numbers. Need I remind the ECI of the Supreme Court’s categorical directive that the role of micro-observers must remain strictly assistive? Why, then, is statutory procedure being bypassed, and under whose instructions?
Additionally, Roll Observers are designated district-wise, yet it is seen that login credentials linked to these observers are being accessed from a central location in Kolkata. Login Data is being misused to generate queries and specifically target a certain community at the direction of ECI’s political masters in Delhi. Should this matter be independently examined, it will be established that the tower location and IP address of the login device differ from the actual location of the concerned roll observer.
The Election Commission derives its legitimacy from PUBLIC TRUST, not POLITICAL PATRONAGE. We shall pursue this matter before the highest court of law. Further, any person aligning themselves with or acting at the behest of Zamindars of Delhi will face stringent and uncompromising legal action. Brace yourselves!
Ah, the beauty of two Indias- in one, a comedian is questioned for talking about the ‘TWO INDIA’ divide. In the other, the same debate becomes the perfect PR for a tour announcement. Democracy does have a sense of humour. Wishing you house full shows and a smashing tour ahead @thevirdas !
Trinamool has consistently worked to address public concerns in a constructive manner. Our delegation raised this issue today before the CEO, WB and we are glad that steps were taken subsequently to provide relief.
We respectfully request the @ECISVEEP to consider the cases of senior citizens on compassionate grounds, particularly those above 60 years of age who are living with medical conditions or comorbidities. We hope such individuals may be spared from being called for hearings, so as to avoid any undue hardship. HUMANITY must always remain our guiding principle.
A poor chicken patty seller is beaten, humiliated, and targeted for daring to exist outside BJP’s food fascism. This is where the party’s politics has landed: policing plates, livelihoods, and identities with mob violence.
Consumed by a rabid hunger for power, @BJP4India has turned religion into a racket and hatred into an electoral strategy. Unable to understand Bengal’s history, culture, or conscience, it knows only one method of control: divide, intimidate, and dominate.
Bengal’s soil, however, is built on coexistence, not coercion. Here, faith has always lived alongside freedom, never under threat. And it is precisely this Bengal that the Bangla-birodhi zamindars of the BJP despise.
This is not their land to dominate.
This is not their culture to hijack.
This is Bengal and Bengal will resist.
In a political climate obsessed with spectacle, Sebaashray chooses a quieter triumph: healing without fanfare.
On Day 25 of Sebaashray 2 in Bishnupur, the camp ran with measured focus, ensuring that every interaction mattered.
🔍 2,093 diagnostic tests were conducted to detect health concerns promptly and accurately.
💊 2,057 free medicines were distributed to keep treatment continuous and uninterrupted.
🩺 4,107 medical consultations guided residents with clear, actionable advice for their health.
🏥 20 referrals connected serious cases seamlessly to specialised care as needed.
The calm, organised nature of the camp allowed residents to access services without confusion or delay. Sebaashray demonstrated once again that impactful governance does not need spectacle, it thrives in consistency, careful coordination, and attention to those who need it most.
A rape survivor in MP attempts suicide.
Names a BJP leader’s family in her note for mental torture.
And BJP lectures the nation on 'Beti Bachao'?
This isn’t governance. It’s CRIMINAL PROTECTION RACKET.
Why are the loud speakers of BJP silent now?
https://t.co/EErbeTXiX3