Kolkata News Today | Latest Local & Regional Updates

The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has announced a month‑long campaign to mark the 25th anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. The programme will involve rallies, public meetings and media outreach across the state, aiming to highlight the party’s achievements and future plans. Officials say the initiative will also address local development issues such as infrastructure, education and employment, bolstering support ahead of upcoming elections.

Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has publicly apologized after a government advertisement sparked public backlash. The ad, released by the state’s tourism department, was criticized for its content and perceived insensitivity. Adhikari acknowledged the misstep and pledged to review the approval process to prevent similar incidents. The apology was delivered during a press conference in Kolkata, with the CM expressing regret for any offense caused.

The Enforcement Directorate carried out simultaneous raids on the premises of Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Nadimul Haque in Delhi, Kolkata and Ranchi. The operations were aimed at gathering evidence related to alleged financial irregularities. Security personnel secured the sites and seized documents and electronic devices. The raids were conducted early in the morning and were part of an ongoing investigation into the MP’s financial dealings.

Following a recent whitewash initiative at Jadavpur University, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) have covered portions of the campus with slogans demanding the release of the prisoners of Kashmiri. The protest marks a new phase of student political activity amid heightened security concerns. Authorities have not yet responded, and the campus remains a focal point for student expression.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for limits on mobile phone usage in schools, citing Gujarat’s recent policy as a model. The CM highlighted concerns over students’ distraction and academic performance. She urged the state education department to devise guidelines that balance technology use with learning outcomes. The proposal aligns with broader efforts to improve focus in classrooms across West Bengal.

In a recent statement, former West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denied that a First Information Report (FIR) had been filed against a teacher for removing a tilak from a student’s forehead. He asserted that such an action would not occur in Bengal and that the alleged FIR was unfounded. The claim has drawn attention to the ongoing debate over cultural symbols in schools and the legal processes surrounding them. No further details on the teacher or the incident have been released.

West Bengal’s flood situation has been a concern for many residents across the state. In a recent statement, former West Bengal MLA and prominent BJD leader Suvendu Adhikari reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm, noting that water levels are expected to recede shortly. His comments come amid ongoing relief efforts and monitoring by state officials. The announcement was made to address rising fears as monsoon rains continue to impact several districts.

The West Bengal government has directed the vacant of TMC MP Abhishek’s office in Kolkata after discovering violations of fire safety regulations. The directive, issued by the state authorities, requires the office premises to be cleared immediately to address the identified safety concerns. No further details about the specific violations or the timeline for compliance have been released yet.

An anti‑corruption panel carried out searches at two companies owned by former Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim. The operation, aimed at gathering documents related to alleged irregularities, took place in the city’s business district. Authorities said the search was part of an ongoing investigation into possible corruption. No comments have yet been released by Hakim or his representatives.

A TMC office in Kolkata was ransacked in a recent incident that has prompted strong reactions from both parties. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee condemned the attack as a case of thuggery, while BJP officials dismissed the event as a staged act. Police have opened an inquiry and are reviewing security arrangements at the site. The episode adds to the escalating political tensions in West Bengal.

Abhishek Banerjee, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress, was taken into police custody on Tuesday in connection with a street clash that erupted in a Kolkata neighbourhood. While being transported, he was cheered by his supporters who shouted political slogans. The incident follows a series of confrontations involving TMC cadres and opposition groups in the city. Police have not yet released details on the charges or the outcome of the questioning.

The West Bengal government has introduced a new directive requiring senior officials to meet residents in person twice a week. The move aims to cut down on appointment‑based requests and enable quicker resolution of public grievances. Officials will hold open sessions in their respective districts, allowing citizens to bring concerns directly to the desk of a governmental officer. The initiative is part of a wider effort to improve transparency and service delivery across the state.

In a wave of demonstrations, women from several districts of West Bengal have taken to the streets demanding that the Annapurna Yojana – a state welfare program aimed at supporting women – be implemented as promised. Many protestors claim they were denied subsidies, leaving them in debt. The rallies, which began in Kolkata’s Maidan and spread to other towns, call for the government to honor its commitments and provide relief to affected families.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has reiterated a strategy to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in power by focusing on a democratic defeat of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The CM, who has been leading the opposition since 2021, emphasized that the BJP’s future hinges on winning elections through legitimate means rather than force. He called upon his party and supporters to mobilize voters, strengthen grassroots outreach, and maintain discipline across the state. The call comes ahead of the upcoming state assembly polls, where the BJP seeks to expand its foothold against a resurgent TMC.

After a brief whitewash of campus walls, left‑leaning student groups at Jadavpur University in Kolkata used the same surface to create new political murals. The fresh artwork, depicting anti‑corruption slogans and images of leftist leaders, was rolled out within 24 hours. University officials have expressed concerns about vandalism and the potential impact on the campus atmosphere, while student leaders claim the work reflects their political stance. The incident has sparked debate over campus freedom of expression and property rights.

Deputy Mayor and TMC Member of Parliament Derek O’Brien was summoned by authorities over an alleged scuffle on Camac Street in Kolkata but failed to appear in court. The case, which has been pending for several weeks, saw the MP ignored the summons and was subsequently called again by the court. The incident has drawn attention to the handling of legal matters involving elected officials in the city.

After disorder erupted during a football match featuring Lionel Messi, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that 33,000 ticket holders will receive refunds. The incident, which took place at a major stadium in Kolkata, raised safety concerns and prompted the government to act. Adhikari urged authorities to investigate the cause of the unrest and to improve crowd management for future events.

Kolkata police have called upon Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien to explain his involvement in a street scuffle that took place in the city last week. The incident, which reportedly saw a confrontation between local residents and law enforcement, prompted authorities to seek the MP’s account. O’Brien is expected to appear before the police department to provide details of his actions during the altercation. The case is under investigation, and further updates are pending.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been formally booked for allegedly breaching a High Court ruling during a gathering of the Trinamool Congress’ student wing. The charge stems from an incident where Banerjee was seen addressing the event despite a court directive restricting her attendance. The case has raised concerns about the enforcement of judicial orders and the political climate surrounding the party’s youth activities.

A homeless woman in Kolkata who had previously been rebuked by State Minister for Social Welfare Agnimitra Paul has now been granted accommodation and employment. The move follows a brief public reprimand by the minister. Officials say the woman will receive a government‑sponsored apartment and a part‑time position in a municipal office. The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by the city’s homeless population.

The West Bengal government has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she has breached a Calcutta High Court order. The court’s directive, issued earlier this year, requires compliance with specific provisions related to state governance. The FIR, filed in Kolkata, accuses the CM of not following the order and seeks police action. Mamata Banerjee’s office has yet to respond to the allegations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the families of 14 Nepali tourists who went missing in Nepal, offering emotional support and a promise to help them secure Chinese visas. The meeting took place in Kolkata, where the CM expressed sympathy for the grieving families and assured the state government would assist in any legal or bureaucratic processes. This gesture comes amid ongoing efforts to retrieve the missing tourists and facilitate their return home.

In a recent statement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that 20 Members of Parliament who have defected from the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) will face disqualification. The move comes ahead of the next general elections and is aimed at curbing factionalism within the party. Banerjee cited the MPs’ repeated opposition to party directives and their public dissent as grounds for the decision. The announcement has raised questions about the legal process and the political stability of the region.

During a Vande Mataram celebration in Kolkata, West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged authorities to stop the perceived threat culture at Jadavpur University (JU). The CM highlighted concerns over campus security and the need for a safer environment for students and staff. The remarks came amid ongoing discussions about safety at the university and the broader campus environment in the city.

Three months after the West Bengal assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee, chief of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has declared that the party will re‑enter the political arena soon. Speaking in an undisclosed venue, she confirmed TMC’s intent to regroup and contest upcoming polls, signalling a swift comeback after the party’s defeat. The announcement comes as the party prepares to rebuild its base and strategise for the next electoral contest.