"west-bengal"

Mamata Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission is planning “slow polling” and “slow counting” to mislead voters and weaken TMC agents. She also accused the Centre of misuse of agencies and raised concerns over EVM manipulation ahead of elections

The Election Commission directed West Bengal officials to inspect violence-prone areas and report security measures ahead of Assembly polls. It also mandated enhanced communication systems, strict polling protocols, and action on pending warrants to ensure smooth voting across constituencies

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of weakening the Constitution and criticised the TMC for governance failures during rallies in West Bengal. He positioned Congress as the alternative while raising concerns over jobs, corruption, and national policies

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the BJP will resolve the Gorkha issue constitutionally without dividing West Bengal. He also promised development in north Bengal and targeted the TMC on issues like infiltration, political violence, and farmers’ distress

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said change is certain in West Bengal and promised to deport infiltrators if BJP wins. He criticised Congress over CAA, alleged support for illegal immigrants, and highlighted development projects in Assam’s Barak Valley.

The Election Commission has mandated pre-certification for political print advertisements on poll day and the preceding day in upcoming Assembly elections. The move aims to curb misuse of media, ensure transparency, and strengthen enforcement against inducements and paid news.

In West Bengal, 32-year-old Anarul Sheikh allegedly died by suicide after his name was removed from the electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision. Locals criticized the process, claiming improper verification, and warned of potential election boycotts

The Election Commission said authorities have seized over Rs 650 crore in cash, drugs, and liquor across poll-bound states and Puducherry. Surveillance teams and flying squads have been deployed extensively to prevent voter bribery ahead of upcoming elections

AIMIM is contesting 17 seats in the West Bengal Assembly elections in alliance with AJUP, focusing on minority-dominated constituencies. The party has released its first list of 12 candidates, while Asaduddin Owaisi campaigns in the State.

The Supreme Court censured West Bengal for failing to protect seven judicial officers gheraoed in Malda during the SIR electoral roll drive, ordering a CBI or NIA probe, and directing enhanced security and accountability for state officials

Five individuals were arrested by Thurkapally police for possessing ganja packets in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. Acting on a tip-off, SHO Mohammed Taqiuddin led a raid near Madhapur village where the accused were caught smoking ganja.

A 14-year-old girl from Gangtok, Sikkim, staged her own kidnapping and demanded Rs 3 lakh from her parents. She was rescued in Siliguri, West Bengal, and police investigations confirmed the ransom calls and voice notes were self-generated

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar warned against the misuse of AI-generated deepfakes during election campaigns while announcing Assembly poll dates for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, where 17.4 crore voters are eligible to cast ballots.

Zoological Survey of India scientists discovered two new lichen moth species—*Caulocera hollowayi* and *Asura buxa*—in the eastern Himalayas. The findings, published in *Zootaxa*, enhance understanding of India’s moth biodiversity and aid ecological monitoring of sensitive ecosystems

The West Bengal government submitted a report to the Union Home Ministry responding to queries on alleged protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to North Bengal. The state denied lapses, saying local officials followed procedures, amid political tensions and criticism over the visit

A sharper decline in women voters following West Bengal’s electoral roll revision has introduced a new political variable ahead of the Assembly polls. Analysts say even marginal shifts in the crucial women electorate could influence outcomes in tightly contested constituencies.

The Centre has sought an explanation from the West Bengal government over alleged protocol lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit. Questions were raised over venue changes, low turnout, absence of senior officials and violations of Blue Book rules governing presidential security.

The Election Commission of India received a report from West Bengal’s CEO flagging deliberate delays by electoral officers during the Special Intensive Revision. The office recommended disciplinary action, while a dispute erupted with the West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) Officers’ Association

The Election Commission of India will publish West Bengal’s final voters’ list, categorising names as “approved”, “under adjudication”, or “deleted”, with lakhs under judicial scrutiny and multiple online and offline verification options available to electors

The Election Commission of India estimates 2,500 CAPF companies may be needed for a single-phase West Bengal Assembly poll. Final decision on phases depends on feasibility, balancing security deployment with preventing voter intimidation and reducing multi-phase election complexity