West Bengal News Headlines in English

Trinamool MP Abhishekh Banerjee mocked BJP's charge that TMC's 'Joy Bangla' slogan was borrowed from Bangladesh. "The BJP says if it comes to power, it will make a golden Bengal. If I say Joy Bangla, I am a Bangladeshi. If you say Sonar Bangla, I am patriotic."

The Chief Minister said that her government's proposal to change the name of West Bengal to 'Bangla' has been lying with the central government for four years. She questioned whether the proposal is not finding favour because there is a Bangladesh.

The police said that at least two vehicles, which were at the rear part of the rally, were damaged after stones were thrown. The BJP also alleged that bombs were hurled at the rally - a charge denied by the police.

The Kolkata Police had on Friday arrested Goswami, along with another youth wing leader Prabir Kumar Dey. They were allegedly found to be in possession of cocaine having a market value of around Rs 10 lakh.

Meanwhile, a BJP delegation met Election Commission officials in Kolkata, demanding an all-party meeting, proper deployment of the central forces and no poll duty for contractual civic volunteers.

The council, the apex body of the government's think tank, includes all chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories (UTs), several Union ministers and senior government officials.

State Finance Minister Amit Mitra, during a virtual news conference, said the move would provide some respite to people who are affected by the rising prices of fuel.

The bomb went off when West Bengal Minister of State for Labour Jakir Hossain and his supporters were waiting to board a train to Kolkata from platform no 2 of Nimtita railway station on Wednesday night.

Four days after being injured in a police clash during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally by the Left and Congress, Midya on February 15 succumbed to his injuries. Left parties had called the incident a "murder" while CM Mamata Banerjee had promised job and financial support to his family.

"This has been ordered by Mamata Banerjee. She has put women at the forefront to create chaos. Don't do any harm to them. Let them leave with respect. Don't worry. This is Mamata Banerjee's tactics," said Amit Shah.

Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar demanded an investigation by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) into the blast. Jakir Hossain, who remains critical, pressured to join another party, says Mamata Banerjee.

All including teachers and non-teaching staff were requested to register their names when they are contacted by the officials concerned of the state Health department and the district administration.