Asianet Newsable

Bomb Scare in Bengal: Live Explosives Found in Murshidabad Field

Divya Danu — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:50:39 +0530

A major security alert was triggered in Murshidabad district of West Bengal on Monday morning after a bag filled with live crude bombs was found abandoned in an agricultural field. The discovery has raised serious concerns over law and order ahead of the upcoming elections in the politically sensitive border district.

Midnapore, West Bengal: On Socket bomb recovered in Murshidabad, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh says, "Murshidabad is a hub for bombs and guns. These items come from outside and are also sent to Bangladesh from here. There are large factories and big warehouses where guns are stored. The… pic.twitter.com/RpFBSo8GS4

— IANS (@ians_india) November 10, 2025

Bag of bombs found near a culvert

According to the police, the bag was spotted near a culvert following a late-night tip-off on Sunday. Officers immediately reached the spot, cordoned off the area, and called in a Bomb Disposal Squad to handle the explosives. The bombs were to be safely defused later in the day. “The area has been sealed off and an investigation has been started to find out who kept the bombs there and for what purpose,” India Today quoted a senior police officer. The discovery has led to heightened surveillance and patrolling across the district.

History of similar recoveries during polls

Officials noted that Murshidabad has a history of crude bomb recoveries, especially during election periods. In 2021, around 60 crude bombs were found in the district ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Similarly, in 2023, during the Panchayat polls, several bombs were recovered near a Congress candidate’s residence, sparking accusations of political intimidation and attempts to create fear among voters. Murshidabad has also witnessed frequent incidents of poll-related violence. During the 2023 Panchayat elections, over 40 people were killed across the state in violent clashes, with Murshidabad among the worst affected districts. In 2016, a CPI(M) polling agent was killed in Domkal after being attacked with crude bombs.

Police increase vigilance ahead of elections

Authorities said that strict security measures have now been implemented across Murshidabad. Additional police patrols have been deployed, and teams have been instructed to maintain close watch on suspicious movements. Police officers have also cited the district’s proximity to the India-Bangladesh border as a cause for concern, noting that this makes the area vulnerable to illegal smuggling of arms and explosives. Crude bombs, which are locally made and highly dangerous, are often used in political clashes and local rivalries in the region.

A senior official said, “We have increased surveillance and are investigating the source of the explosives. The situation is under control, but we are not taking any chances.” The recovery has once again highlighted the need for tighter security in Bengal's border regions as the state moves closer to elections.

Assembly Election Results 2021 Live Updates: BJP wins Nandigram, but loses battle for West Bengal

Vipin Vijayan — Sun, 02 May 2021 19:00:55 +0530

The counting of votes polled in 822 assembly constituencies in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry continues amid tight Covid-19 guidelines.

Also unfolding will be results of bypolls in 4 parliamentary constituencies and 13 assembly constituencies across 13 states.

The counting of votes will decide the fate of four chief ministers -- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The special focus will be on West Bengal where the Bharatiya Janata Party fought an intense electoral battle against the Trinamool Congress with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda and other top BJP leaders left no stone unturned to try and dislodge Mamata Banerjee from power.

Another intense battle was fought in Tamil Nadu where the AIADMK-BJP combine is squaring off against the DMK-Congress alliance. The spotlight will also be on actor-politician Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam performance.

Most exit polls have predicted the return of the Left Democratic Front government of Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala with the Congress in the runners-up position.

As for Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal will hope that Prime Minister Modi's campaign blitz in the state would get him back to power in the state. The Congress, on the other hand, had relied on its local leadership to carry the bulk of its campaigning.

The BJP will be hoping to ride to power in Puducherry with the AIADMK while the Congress-DMK alliance is looking for retribution for the downfall of their government just ahead of the election.

Catch all the latest updates on Asianet Newsable.

West Bengal Election Results 2021: Congress deviates from addressing loss as it has been routed

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 14:11:24 +0530

In the early trends, the Congress is losing high stakes battle in the five states as initial trends show its dismal show this assembly election.

The only solace for the Congress is Tamil Nadu where the alliance is set to sail through, but the Congress is a junior partner here.

However, the ruling BJP-led NDA is heading to retain power in Assam for the second time in a row as the alliance is leading in 68 seats in the 126-member assembly for which three-phase polling ended on April 6.

In West Bengal, the Congress is not even in the race as TMC and BJP are fighting neck-to-neck in this battle.

However, the party has conveniently tried to downplay the loss as national spokesperson Dr Abhishek Singhvi seemingly diverts the attention to other issues across the country.

At this stage where entire Central & State Govts have been rendered ineffective (not entirely for a lack of trying), I want to take this moment to thank the individuals who have stood up & seized to moment to prove that humanity exists. #CovidWarriors

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) May 2, 2021

The irony of this Covid Crises is that even citizens, organization's in distress are only tagging private citizens, journalists & members of civil society for help because they know tagging the Government is useless.

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) May 2, 2021

At 11 am, most channels give #bjp 108 seats in #WB, some 128. If they lose slightly more in next 90 mins, #prashant #Kishor wl win his bet—which he fully deserves to. even if bjp gets above 100, hope #Kishor does not implement his vow—he needs 3 cheers as much as whole party.

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) May 2, 2021

Irrespective of #nandigram result—& she is trailing there—#Mamta showed her tigress fighting instincts by eschewing multiple safe seats available &took the fight right to the heart of the enemy’s den. Win or lose, she has won hearts &minds with her guts.

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) May 2, 2021

100% credit to #Modi #Shah for #assam & #Puducherry. Full blame to #Ghosh, #Aiadmk & #Sreedharan for losses!

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) May 2, 2021

This Congress reaction on West Bengal verdict surely shows how the party doesn’t want to talk about its loss this election.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

Election Commission bans victory processions on May 2 counting day

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 10:34:27 +0530

Election Commission has banned all victory processions on or after the counting of votes on May 2.

The decision comes a day after the Madras High Court took the Election Commission to task while hearing a suo motu case concerning the management of the Covid situation in Tamil Nadu.

The bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice S Ramamoorthy observed that the Election Commission has abdicated its responsibility and threatened to stop counting on May 2 if the poll body does not put in place a proper plan to ensure adherence to Covid-19 protocol.

Observing that Election Commission officers should be booked on murder charges, Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee had said, "Your institution is singularly responsible for the situation today."

The high court lamented the inaction by Election Commission against erring political parties despite its orders.

West Bengal Election Result 2021: Congress counting agent Gopal Som faints

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 09:28:59 +0530

Gopal Som, a counting agent of Congress candidate from Panihati (North 24 Parganas), Tapas Majumder, was taken to a hospital after he fell unconscious at the counting centre.

West Bengal: Gopal Som, a counting agent of Congress candidate from Panihati (North 24 Parganas), Tapas Majumder, was taken to a hospital after he fell unconscious at the counting centre. pic.twitter.com/uCpeJxuF11

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2021

As per EC trends, TMC leads in 2 seats & BJP in 1 seat BJP's Shankar Ghosh leading in Siliguri BJP's Ambika Roy leads in Kalyani seat TMC's Khokan Das leads in Bardhaman South

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee casts her vote in Bhabanipur, flashes victory sign

Team Newsable — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 17:50:09 +0530

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday exercised her franchise at a polling booth in south Kolkata's Bhabanipur.

Banerjee, a resident of Harish Chatterjee Street, cast her vote around 3.50 pm at a polling booth in Mitra Institution school.

On a wheelchair, she briefly paused before photojournalists while coming out amid chants of "Didi, Didi", before boarding her car.

She also signalled a victory sign towards the cameras.

Banerjee is a two-term MLA from Bhabanipur, but is contesting the elections this time from Nandigram in the Purba Medinipur district, taking on BJP's Suvendu Adhikari.

Earlier in the day, senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, who is the Chief Minister's nephew, also voted at the same booth.

TMC has fielded veteran politician Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay from Bhabanipur against BJP's celebrity candidate Rudranil Ghosh.

The Left-led Sanjukta Morcha has fielded Congress's Md Shadab Khan.

Bhabanipur was voting in the seventh phase of the assembly elections in West Bengal.

Polling to the 294-member assembly is being held in eight phases, beginning on March 27.

The votes will be counted on May 2.

(With inputs from agency)

West Bengal Elections 2021: Manoj Tiwary wins around 30,000 seats for TMC in Shibpur, Howrah

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 15:12:05 +0530

Manoj Tiwary is an Indian cricketer who plays for Bengal in the domestic circuit. He has represented India in the limited-overs department and has played for three franchises in the Indian Premier League.

Indian cricketer and politician Manoj Tiwary has attained success in the ongoing West Bengal elections. Representing All India Trinamool Congress for Sibpur in Howrah, Tiwary achieved success by winning around 30,000 seats and currently leads by 6,410 votes.

Tiwary joined the race in February 2021. He faced stiff competition from Rathin Chakrabarty of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Tiwary is a renowned Indian cricketer, having represented the side in the limited-overs department. He also played for three franchises in the Indian Premier League, having last played for Punjab Kings in 2018.

As for the overall WB elections, TMC maintains a healthy 121-seat lead over BJP in the state. So far, TMC has won 205 seats, with BJP winning 84. Among the others, Left Front has won just a seat so far, with a couple more being won by other parties.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

Will go to court: Mamata Banerjee after losing to Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram

Team Newsable — Mon, 03 May 2021 11:00:22 +0530

Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee on Sunday won a landslide victory in Bengal but lost in a cliffhanger in Nandigram to the BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, her former protege.

"I accept the verdict in Nandigram - it is not a big deal. Don't worry," said the Chief Minister, declaring, however, that she would approach the court over "mischief".

Banerjee said three retired officers cannot control democracy. “We will move the Constitution bench of the Supreme Court against the Election Commission. The EC behaved very badly with us during the entire process. If they behave like this there will be no democracy. Three nominated men, who are retired officers, cannot control democracy,” she said.

A three-member Trinamool Congress delegation also met chief electoral officer Aariz Aftab in Kolkata on Sunday to ask for a recount of votes in Nandigram, where Banerjee lost a high-profile battle to BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari by a slim margin of 1,956 votes and discuss other issues. The party alleged that electronic voting machines were tampered with, false or invalid votes in favour of BJP were put and postal ballots were wrongly counted. It demanded a recount to preserve the sanctity of the electoral process — but ECI rejected the request.

"Let the Nandigram people give whatever verdict they want, I accept that. Nandigram was a sacrifice that was needed in the larger victory. We have won the state," she said.

"Whatever happened is for the best. I will not have to go that far regularly now, I am saved in that way. But I will go to the court because I have heard there were some malpractices," she said.

The EC courted controversy throughout the election, beginning with the prolonged duration of the polls, to not conceding to the opposition’s demands to club the last three phases in view of the rise in Covid-19 cases.

West Bengal Election 2021: Mamata Banerjee gains slim lead against BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 16:24:24 +0530

Trinamool Congress takes a massive lead in Bengal poll elections, passing the 209 seat mark while BJP failed to reach 90 seats.

Mamata Banerjee is currently facing a tough fight from Suvendu for Nandigram. Nandigram Official election commission announcement, after 16th round of counting 102751 votes - Shubhendu and 103571 votes - Mamata.

Suvendu Adhikari was previously Banerjee's right-hand man as she campaigned for farmers' land rights and rallied people around the Trinamool.

Adhikari later won from the constituency, and for years, his family had a firm grip across Nandigram. Later, Adhikari's switch to the BJP led to a flood of withdrawals from the Trinamool and left her without many top aides.

Mamta, hurt by Adhikari's betrayal, determined to take the fight straight to his fortress to prove a point. Mamta gave up her constituency Bhowanipore in Kolkata.

In her speeches, Banerjee said she wanted to contest Nandigram "to salute the Nandigram movement" and promised she would never abandon the constituency.

Mamata Banerjee on landslide victory: We won against money power, muscle and mafia power

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 20:01:08 +0530

Trinamool Congress has stretched its lead to over 214 seats, while BJP might have to settle for less than 80, as per the latest trends.

I accept the verdict. But I will move the Court because I have information that there were some manipulations done after the declaration of results, and I will reveal those: Mamata Banerjee on Nandigram counting.

As Election Commission's counting officials have now announced the final margin of Suvendu Adhikary's victory 1737 votes, Mamata says "Don't worry for Nandigram."

Don't worry for Nandigram, for struggle you have to sacrifice something. I struggled for Nandigram because I fought a movement. It's ok. Let the Nandigram people give whatever verdict they want, I accept that: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Speaking to the press in Kolkata, she said, “This is a victory for the people of Bengal. I am proud to say that Bengal saved the country. The Election Commission behaved badly with us they behaved like BJP’s spokesperson. Two slogans ‘Khela hobe’ and ‘Joy Bangla’ — worked well for us. Bengal won the match. We will distribute 50,000 footballs among clubs in rural Bengal.”

Mamata also added, “BJP played dirty politics and lost the election. The Election Commission behaved badly with us — they acted like BJP’s spokesperson.”

Talking about the Covid-19 situation in West Bengal, she said "it will be the topmost priority of her government."

Congratulations to Mamata Didi for @AITCofficial's win in West Bengal. The Centre will continue to extend all possible support to the West Bengal Government to fulfil people’s aspirations and also to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. @MamataOfficial

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2021

“Combating Covid-19 will be our topmost priority. The swearing-in will be a low-key event because of the prevailing situation. We will weather this storm. We will distribute free vaccines to everyone. Also request the Centre to distribute free vaccines to all. If this does not happen, I will sit on a dharna in front of the Gandhi Murti (in Kolkata),” Banerjee said.

She continued, “We appeal to everyone not to do a victory rally now. But this will be after Covid is defeated. We will do a big victory rally at the Brigade Parade Ground later after the situation is normal.”

Mamata Banerjee’s TMC crosses halfway mark; ahead of BJP in West Bengal

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 12:32:12 +0530

Mamata Banerjee’s TMC has crossed the halfway mark in West Bengal, where the BJP appears to have made gains since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Trinamool Congress leads in 201seats while the BJP is ahead in 91 seats, early trends show.

According to early trends being reported by India Today, the Chief Minister herself is trailing in Nandigram by over 6000 votes, according to early trends. Mamta is contesting against the BJP’s Suvendhu Adhikari, her ex-aide, whose December failure triggered a flood of exits from the Trinamool Congress.

Official trends | Suvendu Adhikari, BJP candidate from Nandigram continues to lead from the Assembly constituency. #WestBengalElections2021 pic.twitter.com/bmMRFFfHFt

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2021

TMC candidate, Kajal Sinha who died of COVID infection just three days after polling in his seat Khardaha is leading by 2411 votes as per Election Commission.

Cricketer-turned-politician Manoj Tiwary is leading in Shibpur. He is contesting from Trinamool Congress ticket.

Election Commission cracks the whip: No mask, no social distancing as TMC supporters celebrate big win

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 14:15:16 +0530

As Trinamool Congress is leading on 211 seats, the BJP is leading on 78. TMC supporters celebrate in Kolkata as the party surges ahead towards victory.

Election Commission takes serious note of parties celebrating amid Covid concerns. "ECI takes serious note of reports coming in of congregation(s) of people to celebrate anticipated victory. EC has directed Chief Secretaries of all 5 states to file FIR in each such case, suspend concerned SHO and report action taken immediately of each such incidence," says the Election Commission of India.

Qatar World Cup 2022: Fans applaud Uruguay-South Korea's competitive spirit in goalless draw

Ayush Gupta — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 20:59:01 +0530

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar continued to produce thrills daily. The trend continued on Thursday when former two-time champion Uruguay collided against South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan. Although both teams settled for a competitive goalless draw despite the former being the favourite to win it, the fans applauded the fighting spirit of both sides.

FIFA recorded ZERO shots on target during Uruguay vs. South Korea. The first time that's happened in a World Cup game this century pic.twitter.com/XXPcXCudFP

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 24, 2022

As for the game, a total of ten shots were registered by Uruguay, compared to South Korea's seven. Both sides produced a promising opportunity each, while both also missed a scoring chance. Nevertheless, Sky Blue was better in passing, 448, compared to the Reds' 327. While Uruguay committed seven fouls, unlike Korea's ten, the former fell into the off-side trap on an instance, unlike Korea, which didn't.

Uruguay have only conceded 2 goals in 10 games since Diego Alonso took charge#Qatar2022

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 24, 2022

FOLLOW QATAR WORLD CUP 2022 UPDATES HERE

Jae-Sung Lee and South Korea off to a solid start in Group H #Mainz05 pic.twitter.com/k318HALyiA

— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) November 24, 2022

Both sides were competitive in terms of winning corners, with Uruguay leading 4-3. Notably, the Uruguayans hit the bar on two occasions in both halves, making it the better side. Also, its high-pressing game made things a tide difficult for the Koreans. While Darwin Nunez, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani failed to get on the scoresheet for Sky Blue, Heung-Min Son failed for the Reds.

As I said before, fede valverde is one of the top 5 players in the world rn.

— Juan Arango (@JuanG_Arango) November 24, 2022

As for some of the records attained:

Uruguay is now 465 minutes with a clean sheet in the group stage of the WC, with this being its fifth instance of straight clean sheets.
Eight sides have settled for a draw in their opening game of the WC, which is already the most in a single edition's opening matches, with a couple more contests to go.

Everyone knew about Heung-min Son and Kim Min-jae going into this game, but the one Korean player who really caught my eye was Hwang-in Beom. Really composed at the base of midfield, constantly making the right decisions and ensuring that South Korea held their own on the ball.

— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) November 24, 2022

West Bengal Election Results 2021: BJP wins Nandigram, but loses Bengal battle

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 19:11:32 +0530

Trinamool Congress takes a massive lead in Bengal poll elections, passing the 214 seat mark while BJP failed to reach 77 seats.

As per the latest trends, Mamata who was earlier trailing in the prestigious Nandigram seat was now leading by over 2700 votes against her BJP rival Suvendu Adhikari after several rounds counting of votes.

Suvendu Adhikari was previously Banerjee's right-hand man as she campaigned for farmers' land rights and rallied people around the Trinamool.

Nandigram is the town that catapulted Mamata to power for the first time in 2011, and gaining here serves as a big message to aides, mainly Adhikari. Later he ditched Mamata in 2021 and join BJP.

In December, Adhikari's switch to the BJP to defect and vowed to quit politics if he didn't defeat Mamata by more than 50,000 votes.

West Bengal Assembly election: Crude bombs hurled in central Kolkata amid last phase of polls

Team Newsable — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 11:12:36 +0530

The eighth and final phase of voting is being held in Bengal today amid the growing menace of Covid that is spreading fast in the state. The election is being held on 35 seats lying across Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum and Kolkata.

The state of West Bengal recorded 16.04% voter turnout till 9am today for the eight and final phase of the assembly elections.

Two crude bombs were hurled in front of Mahajati Sadan in the Jorasanko Assembly area in central Kolkata during the last phase of the Bengal Assembly Election. TMC candidate from Jorasanko, Vivek Gupta claimed that the bombs were hurled to scare voters.

"Two crude bombs have been hurled, as you can see. I don't need to mention who is behind this. It is being done to scare and intimidate voters," said Vivek Gupta, TMC candidate from Jorasanko.

A huge deployment of central forces and Kolkata police were rushed to the spot at Central Avenue, one of the busiest roads in Kolkata. However, no reports of injury or casualty have been reported in the incident so far.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has sought details of an incident where a bomb was hurled near Mahajati Sadan Auditorium in north Kolkata earlier this morning.

Six seats in Malda, 11 each in Murshidabad and Birbhum and seven seats in Kolkata are voting in this phase. Polling is being held across 11,860 centres. The voters will choose among 283 candidates, 35 of whom are women.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Thursday morning, calling upon people to “cast their vote and enrich the festival of democracy”.

Security measures have been heightened in view of the violence in the previous phases, particularly the death of five people in Cooch Behar in the fourth round of polling on April 10, an EC official said. The poll panel has deployed 641 companies of central forces in the final phase to ensure free and fair voting, he said.

Arvind Kejriwal to Akhilesh Yadav to Abhishek Singhvi; several political leaders congratulate Mamata Banerjee

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 15:17:45 +0530

Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) heads towards victory, leads in over 213 seats. The BJP is ahead in nearly 77 seats, according to trends on the Election Commission of India’s website.

During the eight-phased elections, West Bengal witnessed a fierce battle between chief minister Mamata Banerjee-led TMC and BJP, confident of winning a clear majority. Banerjee is looking to win the third term in West Bengal as the chief minister.

Former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav congratulates Mamata Banerjee for defeating "the politics of hate of BJP" in Bengal.

प. बंगाल में भाजपा की नफ़रत की राजनीति को हराने वाली जागरुक जनता, जुझारू सुश्री ममता बनर्जी जी व टीएमसी के समर्पित नेताओं व कार्यकर्ताओं को हार्दिक बधाई! ये भाजपाइयों के एक महिला पर किए गए अपमानजनक कटाक्ष ‘दीदी ओ दीदी’ का जनता द्वारा दिया गया मुँहतोड़ जवाब है। # दीदी_जिओ_दीदी pic.twitter.com/wlnUmdfMwA

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 2, 2021

Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi says irrespective of Nandigram result - and she is trailing there - Mamta showed her tigress fighting instincts by eschewing multiple safe seats available and took the fight right to the heart of the enemy's den. "Win or lose, she has won hearts & minds with her guts," says the Congress leader.

#WB remarkable 4variety of reasons—best brake on #BJP arrogance; shows mere money pumping wo boots on ground does nt work; that decibel levels often inversely proportional 2reality; tht local vs outsider is imp; tht polarisation has limits & drawing room perceptions dangerous!

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) May 2, 2021

Congratulations @MamataOfficial didi for landslide victory. What a fight! Congratulations to the people of WB

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 2, 2021

Congratulations to @MamataOfficial @AITCofficial @derekobrienmp on their splendid victory today. Kudos to the people of West Bengal for rejecting disruptive & divisive forces.

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 2, 2021

Congratulations @MamataOfficial on your stupendous victory! Let us continue our work towards the welfare of people and tackling the Pandemic collectively.

— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) May 2, 2021

Heartiest congratulations to @MamataOfficial didi & everyone at @AITCofficial for the remarkable victory in West Bengal. The BJP & a throughly partisan Election Commission threw everything including the kitchen sink at you & you prevailed. All the best for the next 5 years.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 2, 2021

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav also congrats Mamta didi

पश्चिम बंगाल की “ममतामयी” जनता को कोटि कोटि बधाई व हार्दिक साधुवाद। आज जब पूरा देश कठिन परिस्थितियों से जूझ रहा है। पश्चिम बंगाल ने एक बार फिर अपनी ममता और भरोसा अपनी दीदी में ही देखा है। यह जनता के स्नेह और विश्वास की जीत है। @MamataOfficial जी के दृढ़ और कुशल नेतृत्व की जीत है। https://t.co/nJvC5R8o3v

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 2, 2021

Election Results 2021: 4 key takeaways from the West Bengal election 2021

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 20:03:17 +0530

After hours of counting, here are the big takeaways from the leads currently in West Bengal

Mamata wave: Mamata Banerjee is set to return to power for the third time with almost the same number of seats as she did in 2016. What makes the victory even more special is the fact that the Trinamool Congress was hit by a wave of desertions in the run up to the elections and Mamata and her nephew Abhishek were at the centre of BJP's onslaught.

BJP surge: BJP is the biggest gainer politically in this election. From three seats in 2016 to over 80 in 2021, the party has emerged as the principal opposition in the state. The BJP's poll performance can be attributed to the campaign blitz by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda and other top leaders of the party.

Congress rout: Congress has been wiped out in West Bengal. To recall, Congress had won 44 seats in the 2016 assembly election. The Congress-Left alliance could not match the BJP's campaign blitz led by Prime Minister Modi. The party seemed more focused on the elections in Assam and Kerala with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra campaigning there.

Left wipeout: One of the biggest stories emerging from the West Bengal election verdict is the wipeout of the Communist party in the state. In the 2016 West Bengal assembly elections, the CPI-M had won 26 seats while AIFB won 2 seats and CPI got 1. This time, however, the Left has drawn a blank.

BJP concedes defeat in West Bengal; Rajnath, Nirmala congratulate Mamata Banerjee

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 16:46:31 +0530

Trends available for 284 out of 292 constituencies in the state, TMC was leading in 212 seats, while the BJP was leading 78.

Banerjee also wins over her former protege-turned-BJP rival Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram by over 1200 votes.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to congratulate Mamata Banerjee on her win even though the election commission.

Congratulations to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, @MamataOfficial Didi on her party’s victory in West Bengal assembly elections. My best wishes to her for her next tenure.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 2, 2021

In a tweet, Rajnath Singh wrote: "Congratulations to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, @MamataOfficial Didi on her party’s victory in West Bengal assembly elections. My best wishes to her for her next tenure."

BJP MP Prof Rakesh Sinh concedes Trinamool Congress' win

TMC's victory in WB is a Post- truth phenomena.

— Prof Rakesh Sinha (@RakeshSinha01) May 2, 2021

Nirmala Sitharaman wishes Mamata Banerjee

Congratulations @MamataOfficial didi on @AITCofficial being elected again in the Assembly election. Good wishes for your next tenure.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) May 2, 2021

What PM Modi's Bengal Visit Includes: SIR Message, Matua Focus and Rs 3,200 crore Highway Projects

Divya Danu — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 10:31:48 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit West Bengal’s Nadia district on Saturday, where he will inaugurate major national highway projects and address a large public rally. The visit comes at a sensitive political moment, with rising tension in the state over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

This will be Modi’s first visit to West Bengal since the draft SIR rolls were published and his third visit in the last five months. Political observers see the trip as an important step in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s early campaign planning for the assembly elections due early next year.

Focus on Matua community concerns

The Prime Minister is expected to address concerns among the Matua community, a Dalit Hindu group that migrated from Bangladesh over several decades due to religious persecution. His rally will be held in Taherpur in Ranaghat, a strategic location close to Bongaon, considered the heartland of the Namasudra Hindu community.

Observers say the venue has been carefully chosen to send a political message. The publication of the draft electoral rolls has caused fear and confusion among many Matua families, especially over documentation and voter status.

The community is believed to have a strong influence in around 80 of West Bengal’s 294 assembly seats, making it a key voting bloc in the upcoming elections.

SIR exercise sparks major political debate

The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly opposed the SIR exercise, alleging that it is being carried out in haste and could lead to the removal of genuine voters from the rolls.

After the enumeration phase, 58,20,899 names were excluded from the draft electoral rolls, reducing the total electorate to 7.08 crore. In addition, 1.36 crore entries have been flagged for 'logical discrepancies', and 30 lakh voters have been marked as 'unmapped'.

A large number of these voters may be called for verification hearings over the next 45 days. The TMC claims that many affected voters are refugee Hindus, including members of the Matua community.

Fears of disenfranchisement among Matuas

Speculation is growing that significant numbers of Matuas have already been left out of the draft rolls. Many more may face trouble during the final verification phase because they may not have the documents specified by the Election Commission.

These fears have revived long-standing anxieties about identity, citizenship and political rights within the community. Over the years, the BJP has made visible gains among Matuas by promising them formal Indian citizenship.

BJP counters TMC claims

BJP leaders say fear is being deliberately spread. Jagannath Sarkar, BJP MP from the Ranaghat Lok Sabha seat, said misinformation was being used to create panic.

“We are hopeful that the Prime Minister’s message will clear these fears and false claims,” Sarkar said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has led several anti-SIR rallies in Nadia and North 24 Parganas, districts that border Bangladesh and have a high Matua population.

Modi attacks TMC governance

Ahead of his visit, Modi shared a strong message on X on Friday evening. He said people in West Bengal were benefiting from welfare schemes of the central government but were suffering due to what he called the TMC’s misgovernance.

“The loot and intimidation of the TMC have crossed all limits. That is why the BJP is the people’s hope,” he wrote.

আগামীকাল, ২০শে ডিসেম্বর, দুপুরে আমি রানাঘাটে বিজেপির জনসভায় ভাষণ দেব। পশ্চিমবঙ্গের মানুষ কেন্দ্রীয় সরকারের বহু জনমুখী প্রকল্পের সুবিধা পাচ্ছেন। তবে একইসঙ্গে, রাজ্যের সর্বক্ষেত্রে তৃণমূল কংগ্রেসের অপশাসনের কারণে তারা ভোগান্তির শিকার হচ্ছেন।তৃণমূলের লুটপাট ও ভীতিপ্রদর্শন সব…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 19, 2025

Major highway projects worth Rs 3,200 crore

During the visit, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for two national highway projects worth around Rs 3,200 crore.

He will inaugurate the 66.7-km four-laning of the Barajaguli–Krishnanagar section of NH-34 in Nadia district. He will also lay the foundation stone for the 17.6-km four-laning of the Barasat–Barajaguli section in North 24 Parganas.

Officials said these projects will improve connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri, helping trade, tourism and economic growth across southern and northern Bengal.

A visit with political and economic signals

PM Modi’s Nadia visit combines development messaging with sharp political signalling. As the SIR debate continues and election season approaches, the rally is expected to set the tone for the BJP's strategy in West Bengal.

Exit Poll Results 2021: TMC to retain power in West Bengal with thin margin, say pollsters

Team Newsable — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:58:11 +0530

Every major news network has come up with its projection on who will emerge victorious in the West Bengal 2021 Assembly elections.

Before the votes are counted on May 2, the pollsters are back in business. The exit polls were released at around 7 pm Thursday after the polling for the eighth phase of West Bengal elections concluded.

The ABP-C-Voter exit poll survey has predicted a return to power for Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress for a third consecutive term in West Bengal with 152-164 seats in the 294-seat Assembly.

We have compiled a poll of polls for you to help you understand the popular choice in the West Bengal 2021 Assembly election.

Other observation made by pollsters:

Republic TV-CNX survey predicts 128 to 138 seats for the Trinamool Congress, 138 to 148 constituencies for the BJP and 11 to 21 for the Congress-Left alliance in West Bengal.

A poll of all the exit polls, put together by news channel NDTV, gives 157 seats to the Trinamool Congress, 16 to the Left and 120 to the BJP.

The main parties in the fray are the Trinamool Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the Left front comprising the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist).