Suvendu Adhikari Raises 'Har Ghar Bhagwa Chhaega, Ram Rajya Aaega' Slogan in West Bengal Campaign

BJP leader accuses TMC of corruption and exploitation as Bengal heads for two-phase assembly polls on April 23 and 29, with results on May 4.

Suvendu Adhikari's Campaign Pitch  

Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, struck a strong note during election campaigning on Wednesday. He declared that the public is ready for change and raised the slogan “Har ghar bhagwa chhaega, Ram Rajya aaega”.

Adhikari targeted the ruling Trinamool Congress, calling its leaders “brokers” who have been exploiting the people of Bengal for years. He alleged widespread corruption under the Mamata Banerjee government and claimed that while citizens celebrate Bengali New Year, the Chief Minister appears disconnected from public sentiment.

TMC Faces Heat Over Governance Issues  

The BJP has intensified attacks on the TMC, accusing it of failing to deliver on basic issues like law and order, employment, and welfare. Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while campaigning, alleged that tea garden workers in Bengal continue to face poverty and neglect despite central funds reaching other sectors in neighbouring states. She questioned why the TMC government has not ensured fair wages for these workers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing BJP workers under the ‘Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot’ initiative on Tuesday, highlighted rising violence and an atmosphere of fear in the state. He pointed to youth unemployment and government employees approaching courts for justice as signs of administrative failure.

Voter List Row Intensifies  

Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of deleting over 90 lakh names from voter lists as part of a conspiracy to influence the polls. BJP leaders, including Sukanta Majumdar, rejected the charge and said any deletions fall under the responsibility of state officials such as BDOs and SDOs working under the TMC administration.

Anurag Thakur hit back at Banerjee’s claims, alleging that the TMC provides shelter to wrongdoers. He coined the phrase “4 May aaegi, Mamata Banerjee jayegi”, referring to the counting day when results of the West Bengal assembly elections 2026 are expected.

Delimitation Debate Echoes in Tamil Nadu  

Parallel developments in Tamil Nadu have added a national dimension to the campaign discourse. Chief Minister MK Stalin convened an emergency meeting of DMK MPs and district secretaries to discuss the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise. He described it as possible “punishment” for southern states’ contribution to India’s progress and called for black flag protests.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran stated that all DMK MPs will vote against the delimitation bill and wear black attire in Parliament. Congress leader KC Venugopal acknowledged genuine concerns among southern and smaller states over changes in representation based on the latest census.

BJP leaders, including K Annamalai, dismissed Stalin’s remarks as routine politics and expressed confidence in the NDA’s prospects in Tamil Nadu, where polling is scheduled for April 23.

Background of High-Stakes Polls  

West Bengal’s 294-member assembly will go to polls in two phases — 152 seats on April 23 and 142 on April 29 — with vote counting on May 4. The TMC has been in power since 2011, while the BJP has steadily expanded its footprint in the state.

The campaign has seen sharp exchanges over voter rights, central funds, and governance. Home voting for elderly and persons with disabilities is underway in districts like Jhargram to ensure smooth participation.

Impact on Voters and Political Landscape  

These developments come amid heightened public interest in governance, development, and political accountability. Issues like women’s reservation, linked to delimitation, have also drawn comments from leaders across parties, with some welcoming the 33 per cent quota while questioning its timing with the bill.

Analysts note that the coming days will test the TMC’s hold in its stronghold against a resurgent BJP pushing for a regime change. Public fatigue with alleged corruption and law and order concerns could play a key role.

What Lies Ahead  

With just over a week left for the first phase of voting, both sides are expected to intensify door-to-door campaigns and rallies. The Election Commission has put in place measures for free and fair polls, including heavy security deployment.

The outcome on May 4 will shape not only Bengal’s political future but also influence broader national debates on federalism and representation. For the latest updates on West Bengal assembly elections 2026 and other India news today, developments continue to unfold rapidly.

PM Modi flags 'distress' in Bengal; Mamata slams BJP’s ‘dirty politics’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the TMC government, citing widespread public distress, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of overstepping democratic limits.

Fear grips West Bengal: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while interacting virtually with BJP workers under the ‘Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot’ programme, painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs in West Bengal. He claimed that an atmosphere of fear has permeated the state, citing a sharp rise in incidents of murder, rape, and riots.

According to the Prime Minister, the youth are grappling with severe unemployment while government employees are forced to knock on the doors of the judiciary to claim their basic rights. Modi emphasized that the people of West Bengal are "deeply distressed" and looking for a fundamental change in governance.

Mamata alleges central interference

Responding to the offensive at an election rally in Pingla, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed she has never witnessed such "dirty politics" in her career. She accused the BJP of crossing all boundaries in its desperate attempt to seize control of the state administration.

Banerjee further alleged that the Union government has intentionally withheld state funds and orchestrated the removal of lakhs of names from the voter list. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo also raised concerns regarding the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), stating they would undergo rigorous scrutiny.

TMC targets Election Commission

The political heat intensified as the TMC accused the Election Commission (EC) of bias. Party leaders alleged that flying squads are specifically targeting their vehicles for inspections based on "targeted instructions" delivered via digital messaging platforms.

State General Secretary Kunal Ghosh claimed that high-profile leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, are being subjected to frequent and strict checks. The TMC maintains that these actions are part of a coordinated effort to intimidate the ruling state leadership during the high-stakes campaign.

Shah enters the fray

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Darjeeling today to bolster the BJP’s campaign in the hills. He will address a significant gathering at Lebong Ground, covering the strategic regions of Kalimpong, Kurseong, and the Terai-Dooars belt.

Shah’s visit follows his recent rally in Gangarampur, where he accused local political actors of working as agents for the TMC to polarize the electorate. The Home Minister’s presence is expected to further consolidate the saffron party's footprint in North Bengal.

Delimitation sparks southern row

While Bengal remains the primary battleground, the ripples of the India News Update are being felt in the south. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin convened an emergency meeting of DMK MPs on Wednesday to address the "delimitation exercise."

The DMK leadership expressed grave concerns over the potential loss of parliamentary representation for the state. Stalin’s move highlights a growing North-South divide in political discourse, as states performing well on population control fear a reduction in their legislative influence.

Rahul Gandhi joins offensive

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, campaigning in Raiganj, accused the RSS and BJP of "vote theft" and undermining the democratic fabric of the nation. He alleged that the current political system has been rigged to favor specific corporate interests.

Gandhi’s remarks add a third dimension to the Bengal contest, as the Left-Congress alliance attempts to regain lost ground. He claimed that central agencies and party funds are being weaponized to create an uneven playing field for the opposition.

Future electoral outlook

As the West Bengal Elections 2026 approach, the rhetoric from both the NDA and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc suggests an increasingly polarized contest. With the BJP promising welfare schemes and the TMC leaning on regional identity, the administrative neutrality of the EC remains a flashpoint.

The coming weeks will likely see intensified door-to-door campaigning and more high-decibel rallies. As part of this Public Interest Story, the focus remains on whether the "distress" mentioned by the PM or the "interference" cited by the CM resonates more with the voters of Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee Files Nomination from Bhabanipur as Bengal Poll Battle Heats Up

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday filed her nomination papers from the Bhabanipur assembly constituency in Kolkata, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest against BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in the upcoming state elections. The move comes amid growing tensions between the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission over voter list revisions and official transfers.

High-Profile Clash in Kolkata Seat

Bhabanipur, a traditional TMC stronghold in south Kolkata, has emerged as one of the most watched constituencies in the 2026 West Bengal assembly polls. Mamata Banerjee, who has represented the seat in the past, arrived at the Survey Building to submit her papers. Shortly after filing, she addressed supporters, extending greetings across communities and pledging to work not just for Bhabanipur but for every corner of the state.

“I extend my greetings, my thanks, my respects, my salaam, my Jai Jinendra and Sat Shri Akaal to everyone. Today, as I filed my nomination, I want to say that along with the Bhabanipur constituency, I will work for every centre and every area. We will form the government,” Banerjee said.

Suvendu Adhikari Named BJP Candidate

The BJP has fielded Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, from the same seat. Adhikari, a former TMC leader who switched sides and defeated Banerjee from Nandigram in 2021, filed his nomination earlier on April 2. The direct contest between the two senior leaders has turned Bhabanipur into a symbolic battleground for urban and political dominance in Bengal.

TMC Delegation’s Tense Meeting with CEC

Meanwhile, a TMC delegation led by Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien met the Chief Election Commissioner on Wednesday morning to raise concerns over the transfer of officials and the conduct of free and fair polls. The meeting lasted barely five minutes and ended on a sour note.

O’Brien later claimed that the CEC told the delegation to “get lost” within seven minutes. “The meeting started at 10:02 AM and ended at 10:07 AM. When we told him that you are transferring officials, and how you would want to conduct a free and fair election? And then he said, leave from here,” O’Brien alleged.

ECI Urges Decorum, Denies Allegations

Election Commission sources, however, countered the claim, stating that O’Brien was asked to maintain decorum in the Commission room. Officials described the behaviour as inappropriate and clarified that shouting is not acceptable during such meetings. The poll panel has repeatedly vowed to ensure fear-free elections in West Bengal, which is scheduled to vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

Massive Voter List Revision Sparks Row

The controversy comes days after the Election Commission released the final voter list following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Nearly 91 lakh names — about 11.85 per cent of the electorate — were deleted from West Bengal’s rolls since the exercise began last November. Of these, over 27 lakh were removed after judicial scrutiny of cases placed under adjudication.

The deletions have reduced the state’s electorate significantly, from around 7.66 crore to roughly 6.75 crore. TMC leaders have questioned the timing and scale of the revisions, while the Commission maintains the process was aimed at cleaning up the rolls and removing ineligible entries.

Broader Poll Landscape in Eastern States

As activity intensifies in Bengal, polling preparations are in full swing in other states going to the polls shortly. Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are set to vote in a single phase on April 9, with campaigning concluding on Tuesday evening. EVMs and polling materials have already been dispatched to booths across these regions.

In Tamil Nadu, senior DMK leaders including Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin continued their campaign trail on Wednesday, highlighting welfare schemes such as housing for over 10 lakh people and free laptops for students.

Opposition Voices and Campaign Rhetoric

BJP leaders, meanwhile, have kept up their attack on the TMC government. Senior BJP MP Nishikant Dubey stressed the need to restore Bengal’s identity, while other candidates raised issues of law and order and women’s empowerment. The party released its sixth list of candidates for the state recently.

The Trinamool Congress has accused the poll body of bias and demanded a level playing field. The Election Commission has dismissed such charges and called for all parties to cooperate in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

What Lies Ahead for Bengal Voters

With nominations underway and the model code of conduct in force, the focus now shifts to campaigning and ground-level mobilisation. The Bhabanipur contest is expected to draw national attention as a test of strength between Banerjee and Adhikari. Larger issues such as voter list accuracy, official neutrality, and development promises will dominate the narrative in the days to come.

The final electoral rolls are now frozen, and the stage is set for what promises to be a fiercely fought assembly election in West Bengal. Both the ruling TMC and the BJP are leaving no stone unturned to consolidate their support bases ahead of the crucial polling dates in late April.

Modi Fires Bengal Poll Salvo From Cooch Behar's Ras Mela Ground

BJP's 'Bijoy Sankalpa Sabha' marks PM's first campaign rally in West Bengal since assembly elections were announced; TMC governance, law and order in crosshairs

BJP Opens Bengal Battle

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday formally launched the Bharatiya Janata Party's election campaign in West Bengal, addressing a massive 'Bijoy Sankalpa Sabha' at the Ras Mela grounds in Cooch Behar — a district that has steadily emerged as one of the party's most reliable strongholds in the state's north.

The rally, scheduled at 4:15 pm, marked the PM's first election meeting in the state since poll dates were officially announced. It also constituted his fourth public meeting at the same Ras Mela grounds, having previously addressed gatherings there during the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha campaigns and the 2021 assembly polls.

TMC's Record on Trial

During the rally, Modi was expected to outline BJP's vision for a "developed West Bengal", highlight issues raised in the party's recently released 'People's Chargesheet' against the ruling Trinamool Congress, and press hard on governance failures, law and order deterioration, and allegations of corruption.

Party leaders framed the event as more than an electoral opener. According to a BJP statement, the Prime Minister's visit was "centred on transitioning West Bengal from an era of systemic 'bhoy' (fear) to a future of 'bhorosa' (trust)", and the rally was described as "a definitive launchpad to replace the chronicle of betrayal with a commitment to security and growth."

North Bengal: The Saffron Citadel

Cooch Behar was not an arbitrary choice. In the 2021 assembly elections, BJP won 30 of the 54 seats in north Bengal, with Cooch Behar contributing seven of the nine seats from the district. The region has delivered consistently for the party across electoral cycles, and BJP is keen to consolidate those gains with boots on the ground well before the April 23 first phase of polling.

Among the development projects highlighted in the district is a Rs 1,010-crore city gas distribution initiative, which party functionaries have been projecting as evidence of the Centre's commitment to the region.

Last Bengal Visit: March 14

Modi had last visited the state on March 14, when he addressed a major rally at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, marking the culmination of BJP's statewide 'Parivartan Yatra' campaign. During that visit, he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for infrastructure and connectivity projects worth approximately Rs 18,680 crore, including national highway developments valued at around Rs 16,990 crore, covering over 420 kilometres of road projects.

Campaign Machine Rolls On

The April 5 rally is set to be followed by a series of public meetings, roadshows, and organisational programmes by senior BJP leaders across the state ahead of the polls, as the party gears up for what it has described as a final push for a decisive mandate in Bengal.

Meanwhile, TMC has been mounting its counter-offensive. West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim, contesting from Kolkata Port constituency, warned that a BJP government in the state could damage local culture. "Hatred in politics is very wrong," he said, adding that the party's focus remained on development and direct engagement with voters.

Two-Phase Vote, May 4 Count

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Legislative Assembly will be held in two phases — on April 23 and April 29 — with votes counted on May 4. The contest is shaping up as a direct, high-decibel clash between the BJP's national machinery and the TMC's incumbent organisational depth, with north Bengal expected to be among the most hotly contested stretches of the electoral map.

What to Watch Ahead

With Modi's Bengal poll campaign now officially underway, the coming days will see an escalating battle of narratives. BJP's central leadership — including Home Minister Amit Shah and party president JP Nadda — is expected to intensify its presence across the state. TMC, for its part, will rely heavily on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's personal campaign, with the CM herself contesting from Bhabanipur.

The Cooch Behar rally has set the tone: governance failures, alleged corruption, and the promise of a "fear-free" Bengal are expected to remain the core of BJP's message through the final weeks of campaigning before the West Bengal assembly elections 2026.

Do ED Officers Lose Their Rights on Duty? Supreme Court's Sharp Question Puts Mamata Banerjee in the Dock

In a courtroom exchange that cut to the heart of India's constitutional framework, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked a question that silenced lawyers on both sides: "Do ED officers cease to be citizens of India merely because they work for the Enforcement Directorate?"

The pointed remark from a bench of Justices P.K. Mishra and N.V. Anjaria came during the hearing of a petition filed by the ED against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, over her alleged interference in search operations at the Kolkata office of political consultancy firm I-PAC on January 8, 2026. The case has snowballed into one of the most significant constitutional showdowns of the year — pitting federal law enforcement against state political power.

What Happened at I-PAC on January 8?

The ED was conducting searches at I-PAC's Salt Lake office and the residence of its co-founder Pratik Jain, as part of a money laundering investigation linked to a ₹2,742 crore coal smuggling scam involving businessman Anup Majee.

What happened next was extraordinary. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the premises alongside Trinamool Congress leaders and senior Kolkata Police officers. According to the ED, she removed a laptop, a mobile phone, and several files from the premises. The agency alleged that search operations had to be abruptly ended under coercion, and the panchnama (search memo) recording "peaceful" proceedings was signed under duress.

Banerjee's defence: the material she removed contained confidential Trinamool Congress party data, not evidence related to the probe. Her party denied any obstruction.

The West Bengal Police then filed FIRs against the ED officers themselves — a move the Supreme Court has since stayed.

The Constitutional Question at the Core

Today's hearing zeroed in on a critical legal issue: can the ED file a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution — a remedy traditionally available only to citizens whose fundamental rights are violated?

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal government, argued that the ED is neither a person nor a citizen, and therefore cannot invoke fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21. Obstruction in performing statutory duty, he argued, does not automatically amount to a fundamental rights violation.

But the bench sharply pushed back. It noted that apart from the agency itself, individual ED officers had also filed petitions in their personal capacity as citizens. The court told Sibal: "Please concentrate on the fundamental rights of the officers of the ED qua whom the offence has been committed. Otherwise you will miss the point."

The message was unmistakable — even if the ED as an institution has limited standing, its officers as individuals retain full constitutional rights.

Why This Case Is Bigger Than Mamata Banerjee

This case is not just about one Chief Minister. It sets a precedent for how far state governments can go in resisting or obstructing central agency investigations.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, argued that this reflects a disturbing pattern — not an isolated incident. He alleged that the Joint Director's residence was gheraoed, frantic calls were made by officers fearing for their safety, and that allowing this behaviour to go unpunished would demoralise central investigative agencies across the country.

The Supreme Court itself had earlier warned that failure to address the issue would create a "situation of lawlessness" across states.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued the constitutional complexity is so significant it should be referred to a larger bench, given the competing questions of federalism, agency rights, and the limits of Article 32.

What Happens Next

The matter is scheduled to be heard next on April 14, 2026, when further arguments will continue. The ED is seeking a CBI probe against Mamata Banerjee and the return of all documents and devices allegedly removed from the I-PAC premises.

For now, the FIRs against ED officers remain stayed by the Supreme Court.

The Bigger Picture

At its core, this case asks a question India has long grappled with: when Centre and state clash, who protects the rule of law?

If a sitting Chief Minister can walk into an active federal investigation, remove evidence, and have her police file cases against the investigating officers — and face no consequence — the message to every state in India is deeply corrosive.

The Supreme Court appears to understand exactly what is at stake. Its sharp, pointed questions today suggest it is in no mood to let this case slip quietly into procedural delay.

The answer to whether ED officers retain their rights on duty may well redefine the boundaries of Indian federalism itself.

The Bharatiya Janata Party released its first candidate lists for the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal and Kerala, naming 144 nominees for Bengal and 47 for Kerala. The announcement, made within 24 hours of the Election Commission declaring the poll schedule, signals that the BJP is wasting no time in building momentum for what promises to be one of the most fiercely contested election seasons in recent years.

Suvendu's Bold Double Challenge to Mamata

The biggest headline from the Bengal list is the decision to field Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari from not one but two constituencies — Nandigram and Bhabanipur. Both seats carry deep political significance. Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly elections in one of the most closely watched political battles the state had seen. Banerjee later returned to the Assembly through a by-election from Bhabanipur, a seat she has represented since 2011.

Bhabanipur is considered Banerjee's political stronghold, and Adhikari's candidature from that constituency is widely seen as the party's most high-stakes decision in the first list, underscoring his role as BJP's principal field commander in Bengal. It is an unmistakable message — the BJP intends to take the fight directly to the Chief Minister's doorstep.

A Diverse and Deliberate Bengal List

Beyond Suvendu, the Bengal list is notable for the range of candidates it brings together. Former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh has been fielded from Kharagpur Sadar, former Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta from Rashbehari, former India cricketer Ashok Dinda from Moyna, and actor Rudranil Ghosh is also among the nominees.

Of the 144 nominees, 57 come from fields such as teaching, law, medicine, social work and the armed forces. Teachers account for the largest group with 23 candidates, alongside advocates, doctors, retired military personnel, journalists and cultural personalities. The party has also included 41 sitting MLAs and three former legislators, choosing to back its existing political networks rather than attempt a wholesale reshuffle.

Kerala: A State the BJP Wants to Crack

In Kerala, the BJP named state president and former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar as its candidate from Nemom in Thiruvananthapuram district — the only Assembly constituency the BJP has ever won in the state, securing the seat back in 2016.

Other senior leaders fielded include former state chief K Surendran from Manjeshwar, former Union minister V Muraleedharan from Kazhakootam, Union Minister of State George Kurian from Kanjirappally, and senior leader Sobha Surendran from Palakkad. Among women candidates, the party has nominated former DGP R Sreelekha from Vattiyoorkavu, Padmaja Venugopal from Thrissur, and Navya Haridas from Kozhikode North.

Though the BJP is yet to win an Assembly seat in Kerala at scale, recent wins in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency and Thiruvananthapuram municipal polls have boosted its confidence heading into 2026.

The Election Schedule

West Bengal will vote in two phases — April 23 and April 29 — with vote counting for all states on May 4. Kerala, along with Assam and Puducherry, goes to the polls in a single phase on April 9. The Election Commission noted that reducing West Bengal to two phases, compared to eight in 2021, was a deliberate decision to make the process more convenient and manageable for all stakeholders.

What It Means

The speed with which the BJP released these lists — before most other parties had even begun internal deliberations — reflects a party that has learned from past election cycles and is determined to control the early narrative. In Bengal, the challenge is to unseat a Chief Minister who has won three consecutive terms and commands a formidable grassroots machinery. In Kerala, the goal is humbler but no less symbolic — to move from fringe player to credible force in a state dominated by the Left and the Congress. Both battles will define the BJP's 2026 story.

In a move that drew immediate political fire, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a ₹500 hike in the monthly honorarium for Hindu priests and mosque muezzins on Sunday, March 15 — just hours before the Election Commission was scheduled to announce the state's assembly election dates at 4 PM. Once the election schedule was announced, the Model Code of Conduct came into force across the state, barring the government from making any new welfare announcements. The timing of the hike, made in the narrow window before the code kicked in, has brought sharp criticism from political opponents who called it a last-minute attempt to buy votes across two religious communities simultaneously.

What Mamata Announced

Taking to X on Sunday morning, Mamata Banerjee announced that the monthly honorarium paid to purohits — Hindu priests performing religious and community rituals — and muezzins — those who give the call to prayer at mosques — would be increased by ₹500 each. With this revision, both categories of religious workers will now receive ₹2,000 per month from the state government.

"I am pleased to announce an increase of ₹500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities," Mamata wrote, framing the hike as recognition of religious workers' contribution to society.

A Pattern of Pre-Election Announcements

Sunday's honorarium hike is the latest in a string of welfare announcements the Trinamool Congress government has made in the weeks leading up to the election date declaration. In the state's interim budget presented in February 2026, the government announced a ₹500 hike in the monthly entitlement under the flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme — the direct cash transfer programme for women — taking the total to ₹1,500 per month for 2.42 crore beneficiaries, with an additional ₹15,000 crore allocated for the scheme.

The same budget introduced the Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme — a new monthly allowance of ₹1,500 for unemployed youth between 21 and 40 years who have passed the secondary examination, to be launched on August 15. Monthly honorariums for Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, civic volunteers, and village police personnel were also hiked by ₹1,000 each, effective April 2026. One-time compensation of ₹5 lakh was announced for Anganwadi workers who die before the age of 60.

BJP Hits Back: 'Every Rupee Is Vote Bank Politics'

The BJP has been relentless in framing each of these announcements as calculated electoral bribes rather than genuine governance. Bengal BJP leaders pointed out that Sunday's timing — posting the announcement on social media hours before the election code activated — was a deliberate attempt to squeeze in a final wave of voter outreach before the regulatory shutters came down.

The party also reignited the long-running controversy over the purohit-muezzin honorarium disparity. The honorarium scheme for imams and muezzins was introduced by the Mamata government in 2012 — eight years before a corresponding scheme for Hindu priests was created in 2020. Critics have repeatedly pointed out that the number of imam and muezzin beneficiaries has historically far outnumbered Hindu priest beneficiaries, and that the rates paid to the two groups have not been equal. The BJP has used this disparity consistently to accuse the TMC of minority appeasement at the expense of equal treatment for all communities.

Model Code Now in Force — What Changes

With the Election Commission's formal announcement of the West Bengal election schedule on Sunday evening, the Model Code of Conduct came into immediate effect across the state. The Mamata government is now barred from announcing new schemes, making major transfers or appointments of government officials, or using state resources for campaign activities. All government advertisements highlighting welfare schemes are restricted. Any future welfare announcement or policy change will require prior Election Commission approval.

West Bengal has 294 assembly seats up for election. The Trinamool Congress is seeking a fourth consecutive term — a feat no political party or front has previously achieved in the state's modern history. The BJP, which has emerged as TMC's primary challenger in the 2021 and 2024 elections, is contesting the 2026 polls with the explicit aim of forming a government for the first time in Bengal's history.

In a bombshell statement, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has called on Rahul Gandhi to quit INDIA bloc leadership, declaring West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee as the alliance's true face. The remarks, made during a public event in Kolkata on Sunday, have ignited fresh debates on opposition unity amid rising tensions.

Aiyar's Bold Claim on Mamata's Role

Aiyar asserted that without Mamata Banerjee, the "I, N, D, I, A" of the INDIA alliance would vanish. "Mamata Didi is the real leader holding it together," he said, emphasizing her pivotal role. He argued Rahul Gandhi INDIA bloc leadership should shift to regional heavyweights like Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Akhilesh Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav for a stronger, decentralized model.

This comes just hours after Aiyar arrived in Kolkata, highlighting why Rahul Gandhi INDIA bloc leadership is under fire now. With Lok Sabha polls looming, regional parties demand more say, making this a timely flashpoint in Indian politics.

From TMC Insider to Congress Critic

Recalling his brief stint as Mamata Banerjee's "right-hand man" in 1997, Aiyar shared he served as TMC's first National Secretary for three weeks. "But as a non-Bengali, I realized it was a Bengali party and left," he explained. This personal anecdote underscores his respect for her influence.

• Key regional leaders Aiyar endorsed: MK Stalin, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav.
  
  

• His pitch: Let smaller parties lead to boost INDIA alliance cohesion.
  
  

Second Dig at Rahul in a Week

This is Aiyar's second swipe at Rahul Gandhi in six days. On Feb 16, he said he's "Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian—but not Rahulian," citing a 30-year age gap and lack of collaboration. He later clarified it wasn't personal but questioned Rahul Gandhi INDIA bloc leadership suitability.

Strained Congress Ties Spark Backlash

Aiyar's comments follow an interview praising Stalin over Rahul for alliance coordination. Political analysts see this as exposing Congress's fading dominance in the INDIA bloc. "Regional satraps like Mamata Banerjee are gaining ground," says expert Prof. Amitabh Mattoo. "This could fracture opposition strategy."

Takeaway for readers: Watch for Congress responses—these rifts matter as INDIA bloc eyes 2029 polls. A collective leadership might unite diverse voices, but egos could derail it.

In conclusion, Aiyar's outburst signals deeper cracks. Will Rahul Gandhi step back from INDIA bloc leadership? Opposition watchers say unity hangs by a thread.

SC Issues Notice to EC; Mamata Questions "Why No SIR in Assam?", Next Hearing Monday 

In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a formal notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on petitions challenging the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, will hear the matter next on Monday, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal clash just months before the state’s assembly elections.  

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was present in court, personally argued that the SIR exercise is being rushed through in three months—a process that normally spans two years—and alleged that her state is being unfairly targeted. In a pointed accusation, she questioned why a similar revision was not being conducted in BJP-ruled Assam, calling the EC’s approach discriminatory.  

Allegations of Large-Scale Voter Disenfranchisement  

The Chief Minister, filing the petition under Article 32, contended that the SIR is arbitrary and could lead to the exclusion of millions of legitimate voters. She cited “logical discrepancies” in names—often due to dialectal variations or marital surname changes—as grounds for wrongful deletions. Her counsel highlighted that over 1.4 crore discrepancy notices have been issued, causing widespread public inconvenience.  

“The fight is for larger public interest,” Banerjee told the bench, claiming she had written six unanswered letters to the EC. She alleged that micro-observers from BJP-ruled states are overriding local Electoral Registration Officers, deleting names without proper verification, and that many living individuals have been erroneously declared dead in the rolls.  

EC’s Defense and Court’s Observations  

Appearing for the Election Commission, Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi defended the process, stating that all notices contain reasons and that agents are permitted to assist voters. However, the bench made strong oral observations, urging EC officials to act “a little sensible” and questioning the need for excessive micro-observers.  

The court also acknowledged practical challenges, noting that completely withdrawing all notices—as sought by the petitioners—might be “impractical.” However, it emphasized that voters must be clearly informed why their names are flagged, especially when discrepancies arise from linguistic nuances.  

Political Ramifications and Next Steps  

The Trinamool Congress hailed the court’s notice as a “big win,” while the legal outcome could directly impact the 2026 West Bengal elections. Banerjee has demanded that polls be conducted using the 2025 electoral rolls, not the revised list.  

With the Supreme Court scheduling a joint hearing of related petitions on Monday, all eyes are now on the Election Commission’s formal response. The case strikes at the heart of electoral integrity and federal fairness, setting a crucial precedent for how voter list revisions are conducted across India ahead of major elections.  

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions ahead of West Bengal's upcoming elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to the streets of Kolkata on January 9, 2026, leading a massive protest rally against recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office.

The raids, linked to a 2020 coal scam investigation, have ignited accusations of political vendetta from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) counters with claims of corruption cover-ups.

The protest march, starting from Jadavpur 8B bus stand and heading to Hazra More, saw hundreds of TMC workers, MPs like Sayani Ghosh, and celebrities such as actors Dev and Soham join Banerjee.

Midway, two children handed her flowers, symbolizing public support. Banerjee, often called the "Tigress of Bengal," filed two FIRs against the ED, alleging unlawful actions during raids at I-PAC head Pratik Jain's residence and office.

Court Chaos and Adjournment

The Calcutta High Court adjourned its hearing on the ED's petition to January 14, citing large crowds and chaos in the premises. The petition sought an FIR against Banerjee for allegedly interfering in the raids, including claims she removed files and a hard disk. BJP leader Locket Chatterjee accused Banerjee of "stealing evidence," calling it unprecedented. Meanwhile, ED officials clarified the raids were evidence-based, involving hawala transactions tied to coal smuggling, and not politically timed.

This legal standoff highlights growing friction between state and central agencies, especially as elections loom. Analysts note that I-PAC, founded by Prashant Kishor and now led by Jain, holds critical TMC data like candidate lists and strategies—making the raids a potential threat to the party's campaign.

TMC's Delhi Showdown and Broader Reactions

Parallel protests erupted in Delhi, where eight TMC MPs, including Derek O'Brien, Mahua Moitra, and Kirti Azad, demonstrated outside the Ministry of Home Affairs. Shouting slogans like "Modi-Shah’s dirty tricks won’t work in Bengal," they faced scuffles with police, leading to brief detentions. Moitra decried the ED's actions as "illegal seizure" timed suspiciously before polls, while Banerjee condemned the "shameful treatment" on X, calling it an attack on democracy.

Support came from allies like PDP's Mehbooba Mufti, who praised Banerjee's resilience, and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Anand Dubey. Critics, however, included Congress's Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who accused TMC of selective outrage, ignoring attacks on migrant workers. BJP figures like Ravi Shankar Prasad labeled Banerjee's interference "unconstitutional," with MP Saumitra Khan demanding her arrest and President's Rule.

Other reactions poured in: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized her response, while CPI's D Raja questioned the ED's timing. TMC's Abhishek Banerjee vowed Bengal wouldn't bow to "Delhi rulers," and the party targeted Home Minister Amit Shah for "arrogance."

Why This Matters Now: Insights and Takeaways

As West Bengal gears up for elections, these Mamata Banerjee ED raids underscore a broader trend of central agencies targeting opposition states, fueling debates on federalism. Expert perspectives, like those from political analyst Tirthankar Das, suggest this could polarize voters, boosting TMC's anti-BJP narrative if perceived as vendetta.