Section 163 Imposed Outside Kolkata Strong Rooms Amid EVM Tampering Row; Mamata Spends 4 Hours at Bhabanipur Facility

Security tightened at seven locations until May 4 as TMC and BJP trade allegations over strong room access and postal ballot handling

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been clamped outside strong rooms across Kolkata until May 4, with authorities moving to restrict unlawful assembly and movement in sensitive areas following overnight tensions over alleged unauthorised access to EVM storage facilities.

The restrictions cover seven locations including Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, Hastings House Complex, APC Roy Polytechnic College, St. Thomas Boys’ High School, Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls’ High School, Ballygunge Government High School, and Babasaheb Ambedkar Education University.

Late Night Visit

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spent approximately four hours inside the strong room at Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls’ High School late Thursday night, emerging around 12:30 am. Officials said she visited the facility after her party raised concerns over suspected irregular activity.

Speaking after the visit, Banerjee warned of strong resistance against any attempt to tamper with EVMs or manipulate the vote count. She alleged that central forces briefly stopped her from accessing the area outside the strong room before she was allowed entry.

Protest at Khudiram Kendra

Trouble first flared around 8 pm at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, where TMC candidate Kunal Ghosh and minister Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest. The demonstration came after a video shared by the TMC on X showed what the party claimed were Election Commission officials along with BJP members attempting to open ballot boxes.

Election Commission officials tried to convince the TMC leaders, but they continued their strike until around 9 pm. Seeing the gathering of both TMC and BJP workers swell, a large number of security forces were deployed. By 9:30 pm, BJP workers accused the Bengal Police of lathi charge amid sloganeering and uproar.

EC Clarifies Position

The Election Commission of India has rejected all tampering allegations. In a statement, officials clarified that seven Assembly constituency strong rooms are located within the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, all of which were closed and sealed in the presence of candidates, election agents, and the General Observer after polling concluded. The final strong room was sealed at approximately 5:15 am.

The Commission stated that a separate strong room within the premises has been designated for postal ballots. Segregation of ballots was carried out from 4 pm in the corridor outside the strong rooms, and political parties were formally informed via email.

Political Reactions

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed on social media that the party’s election agent, advocate Suryaneel Das, remained inside the strong room premises during Banerjee’s visit and kept a close watch to ensure no irregular activity took place.

State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya said Banerjee is “unable to digest her defeat,” adding that if she believes the BJP and the Election Commission are synonymous, she should approach the Supreme Court. BJP leader Rahul Sinha asserted that Banerjee has “accepted defeat even before counting.”

TMC MP Saugata Roy maintained that “unauthorised people entered the strong room from outside” and alleged that some individuals from Gujarat were shouting slogans outside the school where votes for the Chief Minister’s constituency will be counted.

Security Beefed Up

Kolkata Police Joint Commissioner Rupesh Kumar said additional CAPF and state forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, with extra guard rails placed at key locations. Access to CCTV footage of strong rooms will be restricted to authorised personnel only, with parties required to submit names of agents who can view the feed.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee will hold a virtual meeting on Friday with counting agents and key party stakeholders to review preparedness ahead of the vote count.

Ramakrishna Jayanti 2026: Belur Math Prepares for Grand Celebration as Devotees Embrace Message of Unity

In a world often divided by creed and culture, the 191st birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa arrives as a powerful reminder of universal love and spiritual harmony. On Thursday, February 19, 2026, millions of devotees across the globe will gather to celebrate Ramakrishna Jayanti, honoring the life and teachings of the mystic who proved that all religions are but different paths to the same divine goal.

The spiritual atmosphere in Kolkata, and particularly at the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in Belur Math, is one of quiet excitement and deep devotion. As the dawn breaks on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalguna, the temple complex is set to transform into a vibrant epicenter of faith .

The Significance of February 19, 2026

While Sri Ramakrishna was born on February 18, 1836, in the humble village of Kamarpukur, West Bengal, his birth anniversary is observed according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, the auspicious Dwitiya Tithi begins at 4:57 PM on February 18 and concludes at 3:58 PM on February 19, making Thursday the primary day of observance .

This year’s Ramakrishna Jayanti holds a special resonance. It marks 191 years since the birth of Gadadhar Chattopadhyay, the simple priest who would go on to become one of India’s most beloved spiritual masters. In an era of global conflicts and social media echo chambers, his core teaching—"As many faiths, so many paths"—feels less like a philosophical concept and more like a necessary blueprint for peaceful coexistence .

Belur Math Live Streaming and Programme Timelines

For the millions who cannot make the pilgrimage to the temple on the banks of the Ganges, Belur Math has arranged extensive live streaming of the festivities. The main public celebration is strategically scheduled for Sunday, February 22, allowing working devotees to participate in the cultural programs .

Here are the key highlights and timings for the Ramakrishna Jayanti celebrations at Belur Math:

- Early Morning Rituals: The day begins before sunrise with the Mangalarati at the Sri Ramakrishna Temple at 4:30 AM, followed by Usha Kirtan at 5:30 AM .

- Spiritual Discourses & Music: From 8:00 AM onwards, the main pandal will host Vedic chanting, readings from the Sri Sri Ramakrishna Punthi, and soulful bhajans by the monks and students of the mission .

- Cultural Performances: The afternoon will feature a rich tapestry of Bengali culture, including Baul Sangeet, a yoga performance by students of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), and a drama titled ‘Brojer Rakhal, Rakhal Raja’ .

- Evening Conclusion: The celebrations will wind down with a mesmerizing dance performance followed by the solemn Evening Arati at 6:00 PM in the main shrine .

- Live Streaming: Devotees unable to attend in person can watch the entire event on the official YouTube channel of Belur Math .

Why Ramakrishna’s Teachings Matter in 2026

Beyond the rituals and the live streaming links, the true essence of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’s Jayanti lies in his timeless wisdom. He was not a scholar who wrote complex treatises; he was a mystic who spoke in rustic Bengali, using simple parables to explain the deepest truths of existence .

His message of the "harmony of religions" was unique because it was experiential. He didn't just preach tolerance; he practiced Islam and Christianity alongside Hinduism, claiming to reach the same realization through every path. In a world grappling with religious polarization, his assertion that "God is one, but His names are many" offers a path toward mutual respect .

Furthermore, his emphasis on "Jiva is Shiva" (the individual soul is the Divine) laid the groundwork for the massive humanitarian work of his disciple, Swami Vivekananda. It transformed the concept of service from mere charity to worship, a principle that continues to drive the Ramakrishna Mission's schools, hospitals, and relief operations worldwide .

A Call for Inner Purity

For the average person, Ramakrishna’s life offers a blueprint for navigating the modern world. He advised householders to "live in the world like a waterfowl"—to be in the world but not of it, shaking off material attachments . He emphasized intense longing (vyakulata) for God over empty ritualism.

As families in Kolkata and spiritual centers in New York, London, and beyond light lamps and offer prayers today, they are not just remembering a historical figure. They are tapping into a living legacy that assures them that the divine is real, that it can be experienced, and that the ultimate goal of life—self-realization—is attainable through love, sincerity, and service.

The 191st Ramakrishna Jayanti is more than a date on the Hindu calendar; it is an invitation to pause, reflect, and strive for the inner purity that the Master exemplified. As the chants of "Jai Sri Ramakrishna" fill the air, his promise remains: "The breeze of His grace is blowing day and night over your head. Unfurl the sails of your boat" .

A seemingly minor slip of the tongue by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has snowballed into a major political and cultural controversy in West Bengal.

The Mohun Bagan mispronunciation during an official announcement related to the Indian Super League (ISL) has drawn sharp reactions from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), reigniting long-standing debates over respect for Bengal’s cultural and sporting identity.

What Exactly Happened at the ISL Announcement?

On Tuesday in New Delhi, while announcing the restart of the Indian Super League from 14 February, Mansukh Mandaviya mispronounced two iconic football club names—Mohun Bagan and East Bengal—as “Mohan Baingan” and “East Baingan.” Though the minister later corrected himself, a short video clip of the moment went viral on social media within hours.

For many outside Bengal, the incident may have seemed trivial. But in a state where football is deeply emotional, the Mohun Bagan mispronunciation struck a sensitive nerve.

TMC’s Sharp Political Counterattack

The TMC reaction was swift and aggressive. Sharing the video on X, the party accused the BJP-led central government of disrespecting Bengal’s heritage.

TMC leaders stated that Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are not just clubs but symbols of Bengal’s identity, history, and pride. The party went a step further, sarcastically suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should learn basic Bengali before his scheduled visit to the state on 17 January.

Senior TMC leader and Mohun Bagan club member Kunal Ghosh said:

 Mohun Bagan represents national sporting identity

 East Bengal symbolizes struggle and resilience

 Such errors reflect cultural disconnect, not ignorance

BJP Plays It Down as “Human Error”

In contrast, the West Bengal BJP refused to escalate the issue. Party leaders described the incident as a simple human mistake, arguing that the focus should remain on the revival of the Indian Super League rather than pronunciation errors.

However, political observers note that in Bengal, football clubs often carry emotional weight equal to language, literature, and history—making such slips politically costly.

Why This Matters Right Now

The Mohun Bagan mispronunciation controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, just weeks before major political events in the state. With football deeply woven into Bengal’s cultural fabric, even symbolic issues quickly turn into identity debates.

Experts say the episode highlights:

 The importance of cultural sensitivity in national politics

 How sports and identity intersect in regional narratives

 The growing role of social media in amplifying political moments

Conclusion: More Than Just a Slip

While Mansukh Mandaviya’s comment may have been unintentional, the reaction proves that in Bengal, football is more than a game—it is an emotion.

The controversy serves as a reminder that words matter, especially when they touch the soul of a region’s identity. As India’s sports ecosystem grows, respect for local culture may become just as important as policy announcements.