Kolkata News Today | Latest Local & Regional Updates

The Suvendu government has announced a dedicated campaign aimed at encouraging more than 22 lakh migrant workers, who left Bengal in recent years, to return. The initiative seeks to address the workforce shortage in the state and offers incentives for those willing to come back. Officials say the program will involve outreach, financial assistance, and job placement support to make returning easier and more attractive.

During recent clashes at Jadavpur University, a member of the university’s oversight panel has stepped down. Police have requested access to CCTV recordings from the campus and surrounding area to investigate the incidents. The resignation follows a series of violent confrontations between students and security forces, raising questions about campus safety and governance. Authorities are urging media outlets to share relevant footage to aid the inquiry.

State Election Commission tribunals in West Bengal have cleared a large number of pending appeals, resulting in 91% of 82,782 names being reinstated on the state's electoral roll. The decision follows a series of petitions challenging the inclusion or exclusion of names. The move aims to ensure that eligible voters can participate in upcoming elections. The tribunals’ actions come amid concerns over voter disenfranchisement and the accuracy of the electoral list.

The West Bengal government has issued an order prohibiting doctors from engaging in private practice for 72 hours. Medical professionals across the state have responded with large-scale demonstrations, demanding the reversal of the directive. The ban, aimed at addressing concerns over public healthcare standards, has drawn criticism from the medical community and raised questions about its impact on patient access.

Following the recent controversy over a pavement milk incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari assured his family that a new house would be built for them. The announcement was made during a press meeting in Kolkata, where the CM highlighted government plans for residential development. The move comes amid public scrutiny of the CM’s actions and aims to reassure the public about his commitment to family welfare and infrastructure projects.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised questions about the lack of disbursement of funds to women under the Annapurna scheme, blaming the BJP for the delay. She claimed that the scheme’s beneficiaries are still waiting for the promised financial assistance and urged the central government to expedite the process. The CM’s remarks came during a press briefing in Kolkata, where she also called out the opposition for not addressing the issue.

After anti‑national graffiti appeared on Jadavpur University premises, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged authorities to investigate the incident. The campus remained tense, with students and staff expressing concerns over safety and political expression. The CM emphasized the need to address the matter promptly and maintain law and order on the university grounds.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari informed the public that 10% of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) applicants have been granted citizenship. The government is currently preparing to decide on the remaining 90% of applicants. The announcement came amid ongoing discussions about the implementation of the CAA in West Bengal.

Following violent incidents at Jadavpur University, opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari said he would work to bring a sense of nationalism both on campus and beyond. The comments come amid growing concern over student agitation and political tensions in the city. Adhikari, a former state minister, reiterated his party’s stance on maintaining public order and patriotic values.

Amit Shah visited Siliguri on Saturday, engaging with Gorkha community leaders and representatives of the Gorkha National Liberation Front. The meeting aimed to address the persistent Gorkha issue. After discussions, the central government announced the creation of a panel to seek a permanent political solution for the region. The panel will involve key stakeholders and is expected to work towards a lasting resolution.

In a recent development in Kolkata, TMC’s finance minister Dilip Ghosh blamed the party’s so‑called ‘charity culture’ after beneficiaries of the Bengal Annapurna Yojana staged a protest over alleged shortcomings in the scheme. The welfare programme, which aims to provide financial assistance to low‑income families, has faced criticism for mismanagement and uneven distribution. Ghosh defended the party’s initiatives while calling for reforms to address the concerns raised by the protestors.

Police in West Bengal have detained the brother of a senior Trinamool Congress figure on suspicion of having links with the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI. The arrest took place in the state and the authorities have said the individual is under investigation for potential espionage activities. No further details on the identity of the leader or the specifics of the alleged connection have been released, and the matter is currently under scrutiny by the investigative agencies.

In a recent statement, Prime Minister Amit Shah accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of refusing land for a fencing project and shielding a syndicate of private contractors. Shah alleged that the state administration obstructed the central government’s efforts to secure land for public infrastructure, while simultaneously safeguarding the interests of a syndicate that had been involved in multiple state contracts. The comments come amid ongoing disputes over land acquisition and infrastructure development in West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister has announced a compensation package of ₹9 lakh for the families affected by recent floods in Sabang, a region in North 24 Parganas. The initiative aims to provide immediate financial relief to households that suffered property damage and livelihood losses. The announcement was made during a press conference in the state capital, with assurances of swift disbursement through local authorities. The move comes amid growing calls for better disaster management and support for vulnerable communities.

A Kolkata High Court has issued an arrest warrant against West Bengal MP Mahua Moitra for not appearing before the court as required. The MP has announced plans to challenge the order through the legal system. The case highlights the judiciary’s stance on elected officials who neglect court summons. The matter has drawn attention from both political parties and the public, raising questions about accountability and the application of law to lawmakers.

The Chief Minister addressed the issue of rejected applications for the Annapurna Yojana, a West Bengal scheme offering a Rs 3,000 stipend to women. She clarified the steps eligible women can take to reapply and highlighted the importance of submitting complete documents. The announcement comes as several applicants have sought guidance on how to navigate the reapplication process.

The Chief Justice of the West Bengal High Court has issued a stern directive to law‑enforcement authorities, demanding the arrest of all accused persons within ten days. The justice warned that failure to comply will lead to a gherao of the District Magistrate’s office. The statement underscores the judiciary’s insistence on timely action in the pending case and signals potential civil unrest if the deadline is not met.

Former Trinamool Congress minister Ashish Banerjee was found dead in his office at the party’s headquarters in Kolkata. The 58‑year‑old politician had been residing there for the past months. Police have sealed the premises and are investigating the circumstances of his death, but no foul play has been reported so far. The incident has prompted an immediate response from the party leadership, while the investigation remains ongoing.

During his first Independence Day address, West Bengal politician Suvendu Adhikari outlined a comprehensive plan to transform the state into a ‘Developed Bengal’. The speech, delivered to a large gathering, highlighted goals in infrastructure, digital connectivity, employment, and public services. Adhikari emphasized a phased approach to achieve these targets by 2030, drawing parallels with successful development models in other Indian states. The address marks a significant moment for the political leader as he positions himself as a catalyst for progress in West Bengal.

The Government of West Bengal will now participate in the national Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme. From 2027, eligible schoolgirls will receive a monthly stipend of ₹2,000 to support their education. The initiative aims to improve enrolment and retention of girls in schools across the state. The scheme will be implemented in collaboration with district education authorities and local NGOs.

Ananta Maharaj, a BJP Member of Parliament, has been stripped of the prestigious Banga Bibhushan award by the West Bengal government following his controversial comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The award, typically conferred to prominent personalities, was revoked after public outcry and political pressure. The decision underscores the sensitivity surrounding Bose’s legacy and raises questions about the limits of political speech in the state.

Two years after the controversial incident involving RG Kar, a senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) politician, Nirmal Ghosh has been taken into custody by Kolkata Police. Authorities allege that Ghosh played a role in a cover‑up related to the case. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding RG Kar’s death.

The Calcutta High Court has annulled a batch of OBC certificates issued by the Trinamool Congress administration after a review of the revised reservation rules. The court found that the certificates were awarded without proper adherence to eligibility norms, potentially violating legal and administrative guidelines. The decision means holders of these certificates must seek re‑verification, and the government may need to revisit its certification process to comply with established standards.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered the police to investigate remarks made about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The CM stated that no individual, regardless of status, will be exempt from scrutiny. She emphasized the need for swift action to address the comments, which were viewed as potentially offensive. The directive marks a firm stance on protecting the legacy of Netaji in the state.

The West Bengal Legislative Assembly has passed a set of delimitation bills that will redraw municipal boundaries and increase the number of wards in the city of Kolkata and the district of Howrah. The move aims to balance representation in light of population changes. The new ward structure is expected to influence upcoming local elections by adjusting the electorate distribution across the two urban areas.