#trinamool_congress

Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal: 1,100 Hospitals to Join National Health Scheme, Trinamool Criticized West Bengal’s Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari announced that the state’s 1,100 hospitals have applied to join the Ayushman Bharat national health insurance scheme, marking a significant step toward expanding healthcare access for millions of residents. The move comes after a formal agreement was signed between the central government and the state government in Delhi, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Adhikari present at the ceremony. The agreement aims to integrate West Bengal into the Ayushman Bharat program, which provides financial assistance for medical treatments to economically vulnerable populations. Adhikari emphasized that over 6 crore people in the state will benefit from the scheme, including more than 1 crore migrant laborers working outside West Bengal. These workers will now have access to healthcare services under Ayushman Bharat, even if they seek treatment outside the state. The chief minister also highlighted that the state’s exclusion from the program for years was due to political reasons, not a lack of eligibility. He accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of deliberately undermining the initiative, stating that those who denied citizens access to the scheme “have been thrown out by the people.” The Ayushman Bharat program, launched in 2018 by the central government, has already enrolled 44 crore beneficiaries and connected over 16,000 hospitals. Adhikari noted that West Bengal’s exclusion from the program left its residents without access to the benefits, despite the scheme’s success elsewhere. He cited data showing that 12.17 crore people in the state have received over 1.82 lakh crore rupees in medical treatment costs under the program.#west_bengal #trinamool_congress #shubhendu_adhikari #ayushman_bharat #jp_nadda

Trinamool Congress Crisis Intensifies as Rebel MPs Seek Parliamentary Group Recognition The internal crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) escalated on June 14, 2026, as senior party confidant Sudip Bandyopadhyay publicly aligned himself with the rebel faction, signaling a deepening rift within the party. Dissident members of parliament (MPs) and legislators convened at the residence of Union minister Bhupender Yadav in Delhi to finalize their strategy for seeking recognition as the “real TMC” parliamentary group from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The meeting, held ahead of a critical session on June 15, marked a pivotal moment in the party’s ongoing struggle to maintain unity. Bandyopadhyay, who had previously been a close associate of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stated that his decision to support the rebel camp was influenced by appeals from dissenting MPs and legislators. However, he emphasized that he had not yet signed the formal letter to be submitted to Speaker Birla, insisting that he would do so only in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. This condition underscored the factional tensions within the party, as Adhikari, a key figure in the rebellion, remained a central figure in the dissenters’ demands. The rebel MPs, including Saayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy, arrived in Delhi ahead of the meeting with Yadav, but declined to comment to the media at the airport. Ghosh, who had been removed from a key party position, stated that she would address her constituents rather than the press. Meanwhile, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, another TMC MP, hinted at ongoing internal discussions within the party, stating that the rebels would convene to strategize further.#mamata_banerjee #trinamool_congress #sudip_bandyopadhyay #bhupender_yadav #lok_sabha_speaker_om_birla

With TMC rebels reshaping numbers, NDA nears two-thirds mark in Rajya Sabha but remains short in Lok Sabha The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on track to strengthen its parliamentary position following a significant shift within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), bringing the ruling coalition closer to securing a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha. However, the alliance still falls short of achieving the same threshold in the Lok Sabha. The developments come amid the government’s efforts to secure the required numbers to pass constitutional amendment bills, which necessitate support from at least two-thirds of members in both Houses of Parliament. The government is reportedly considering reviving the delimitation bill, a key measure to implement women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha ahead of the 2029 general election. The NDA’s strength in the Rajya Sabha is projected to rise from 148 to 151 seats after the current round of elections, with the alliance likely to gain support from independent members in Jharkhand and Mizoram. This growth could be further bolstered by the resignation of three TMC MPs, which would allow the NDA to capture all three vacant Rajya Sabha seats from West Bengal in upcoming bypolls. This would push the alliance’s total to 154 members, nine seats away from the 163 needed for a two-thirds majority in the 245-member House. Additional resignations from TMC members in the Rajya Sabha could further enhance the NDA’s prospects of reaching the two-thirds threshold. However, the alliance faces potential challenges later this year. Ten Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh are set to retire in November, and the Samajwadi Party may increase its representation in the House, reflecting its stronger position in the state assembly.#bjp #lok_sabha #trinamool_congress #rajya_sabha #national_democratic_alliance

NDA nears two-thirds majority in Rajya Sabha amid Opposition defections, but it's a long road for alliance in Lok Sabha The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has made significant strides toward securing a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha, bolstered by defections from rival parties, while its quest for a similar majority in the Lok Sabha remains a formidable challenge. Recent developments, including the withdrawal of several members from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and other opposition groups, have shifted the political landscape, though the ruling coalition still faces hurdles in achieving its constitutional objectives. At least 20 TMC members in the Lok Sabha have severed ties with their party leadership and pledged support to the BJP-led NDA, while three Rajya Sabha members from the Mamata Banerjee-led party have resigned from the Upper House in recent days. These defections have increased the NDA’s Lok Sabha tally to 314 members, bringing it closer to the 360 seats required for a two-thirds majority in the 543-member chamber. However, with three current vacancies in the Lok Sabha, the actual number of seats needed for the majority would drop to 360, requiring the BJP to secure an additional 46 seats. In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA’s numbers are projected to rise to 152 from 148 if an independent candidate in Jharkhand wins the June 18 election. Further gains could occur if the BJP captures three seats in West Bengal, which were vacated by TMC MPs. The ruling coalition’s strategy has also included securing the defection of three BJD members and ensuring the victory of an independent candidate in Odisha, which has already strengthened its position.#mamata_banerjee #lok_sabha #trinamool_congress #rajya_sabha #bjp_led_ndaa

TMC Rebellion Bolsters NDA's Parliamentary Strength Amid Constitutional Amendment Push The growing internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is expected to significantly enhance the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) numerical strength in Parliament, bringing it closer to securing a two-thirds majority in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. This shift is critical for the ruling alliance as it seeks to advance key constitutional amendment bills that require broad legislative support. While the current round of Rajya Sabha elections is projected to help the NDA approach the two-thirds majority threshold, the Lok Sabha remains a challenge, with the TMC's defection potentially altering the balance of power. Sources indicate that the NDA is poised to gain three seats in the Rajya Sabha from the current election cycle, particularly in independent constituencies in Jharkhand and Mizoram. These victories would bolster the alliance's tally, which currently stands at 148 members of parliament (MPs). Additionally, the resignation of three TMC MPs is anticipated to result in the NDA capturing all three seats in West Bengal following bypolls, raising its Rajya Sabha count to 154. However, this still leaves the alliance nine seats short of the 263 required for a two-thirds majority in the Upper House. The political landscape is further complicated by the impending retirement of 10 NDA MPs from Uttar Pradesh by November, which could weaken the alliance's strength. Analysts suggest that the Samajwadi Party, which has gained numerical momentum in the state assembly, may capitalize on this vacuum by securing additional seats in the Rajya Sabha.#lok_sabha #speaker_om_birla #trinamool_congress #rajya_sabha #national_democratic_alliance

NDA Seeks Two-Thirds Majority in Lok Sabha Amid Defection Rumors from Shiv Sena UBT The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is actively pursuing a strategy to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, aiming to consolidate its political power. This effort comes amid growing speculation about potential defections from key opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Shiv Sena UBT (Uddhav Thackeray faction). The TMC’s recent defection of 19 lawmakers has already shifted the political landscape, and now, the Shiv Sena UBT is under scrutiny for possible defections that could further bolster the NDA’s position. The NDA’s primary objective is to secure 360 seats in the Lok Sabha, a threshold that would grant it a dominant majority. Currently, the Lok Sabha has 540 seats, with three remaining vacant. The BJP’s leadership has emphasized that achieving this target is critical for maintaining stability and advancing its policy agenda. The recent defections from the TMC have already contributed to this goal, as the party’s 19 defectors have pledged support for the NDA government. However, the BJP is now focusing on securing additional seats, particularly from the Shiv Sena UBT, which currently holds nine Lok Sabha seats. Analysts suggest that the Shiv Sena UBT’s potential defection could be a game-changer. According to sources, at least six of the party’s lawmakers may switch allegiance to another party, likely the Shiv Sena faction led by Akhilesh Shinde. This move would align with the broader strategy of the NDA to strengthen its numerical base. The Shiv Sena UBT’s internal divisions, exacerbated by the Maharashtra state assembly elections, have created an environment conducive to such a shift.#trinamool_congress #bharatiya_janata_party #national_democratic_alliance #shiv_sena_ubt #akhilesh_shinde

Susmita Dev, a prominent figure in West Bengal's political landscape, has resigned from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Rajya Sabha, citing personal and political reasons. The 54-year-old lawyer and former TMC MLA announced her decision during an interview, stating she could no longer "be in two boats at once" and chose to distance herself from Mamata Banerjee's leadership. Her departure marks a significant shift in the state's political dynamics, particularly as the TMC faces internal challenges and external pressures. Background and Political Career Susmita Dev hails from a politically influential family in Assam. Her father, Santosh Mohan Dev, was a six-time Lok Sabha MP and a former steel minister, while her mother, Tikka Dev, served as an MLA. Her grandfather, Satindra Mohan Dev, was a freedom fighter and a former Assam health minister. Born into this legacy, Susmita pursued a career in law, graduating in political science from Miranda House College in Delhi and later earning a law degree from the University of London. She entered politics through local governance, serving as a municipal commissioner in Silchar, Assam, before joining the Congress party. In 2009, she became a TMC MLA after the party's merger with the Congress in West Bengal. Her tenure in the state assembly was marked by her advocacy for marginalized communities and her legal expertise. However, her decision to leave the TMC comes amid growing tensions within the party, including allegations of internal dissent and strategic shifts in leadership. Reasons for Resignation In her interview, Susmita emphasized her desire to focus on private practice and family life, stating, "I cannot continue to be a part of two conflicting ideologies.#assam #mamata_banerjee #trinamool_congress #rajya_sabha #susmita_dev

TMC Crisis and INDIA Bloc Strategy Discussion Between Abhishek Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi Abhishek Banerjee, the national president of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the roadmap for the INDIA bloc, which aims to strengthen opposition unity against the ruling BJP. The meeting followed a day earlier dialogue between TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and Congress’s Sonia Gandhi, highlighting growing coordination between the two parties amid the TMC’s internal crisis. The discussion focused on consolidating the opposition’s position in the upcoming months, with both leaders emphasizing the need for a unified front against the BJP. They addressed issues raised during a recent opposition meeting in Delhi and planned preparations for the next scheduled gathering in Hyderabad. The meeting underscored the importance of strategic collaboration to counter the ruling party’s dominance. Meanwhile, the TMC continues to grapple with severe internal dissent. Senior leaders, including former MLA Sukhendu Roy, have resigned from the party and the Rajya Sabha, while 19 Lok Sabha members have also defected. This exodus has weakened the party’s parliamentary strength, with the opposition bloc now claiming a significant majority in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. The crisis has intensified as the party’s leadership faces challenges in maintaining control. In the state assembly, 58 MLAs have defected to form a separate faction led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, who now claims to represent the majority of the opposition. This split threatens the TMC’s ability to govern effectively and could further destabilize the state’s political landscape.#congress #rahul_gandhi #trinamool_congress #new_delhi #abhishek_banerjee

West Bengal New Finance Minister Outlines Economic Roadmap Swapan Dasgupta, the newly appointed Finance Minister of West Bengal, has outlined his economic strategy to address the state’s financial challenges. Speaking to the media, Dasgupta emphasized that the current economic situation in the state is not optimistic, and his primary focus will be on improving revenue collection rather than imposing new taxes on the public. He criticized the previous Trinamool Congress government for failing to fully collect revenue, leading to significant leaks or losses in the state’s financial system. Dasgupta stated that his first priority is to identify and rectify these gaps in revenue collection, which he described as a critical issue affecting the state’s fiscal health. Dasgupta highlighted that the state’s main sources of revenue have historically been alcohol and petrol, but he stressed the need to expand these sources. He mentioned that the state’s revenue potential is not being fully realized due to inefficiencies in the collection process. He pointed out that many areas suffer from a lack of revenue collection, a problem he referred to as “transmission loss.” Dasgupta warned that these gaps must be addressed urgently to ensure the state’s financial stability. He also noted that administrative issues at the local level may have contributed to the underperformance in revenue collection, and that some previous governments may have deliberately avoided collecting full revenue for political or other reasons. The minister acknowledged that the state’s revenue potential is significant, but the actual collection has fallen short. He emphasized the need for a thorough review of the existing systems to identify and rectify these shortcomings.#dearness_allowance #west_bengal #trinamool_congress #goods_and_services_tax #swapan_dasgupta

India Bloc Meeting: Rahul Gandhi Calls for Unity Against BJP, Outlines Five Key Decisions Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, addressed the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on June 8, 2026, urging unity among coalition partners to counter the ruling BJP. In a 15-minute speech, he emphasized that the alliance must remain united to face political challenges, warning that fragmentation would lead to defeat. The meeting, attended by leaders from 22 parties including the Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Rashtriya Janata Dal, focused on addressing electoral integrity, economic issues, and demands for systemic reforms. Gandhi highlighted concerns over alleged voter fraud, including manipulation of electoral rolls and the "Special Electoral Reforms" (SIR) process, which he and other opposition leaders condemned as "vote theft." He criticized some allies for failing to support the bloc’s stance on these issues, particularly the Trinamool Congress and left-wing parties, which he accused of undermining the alliance’s credibility. The meeting also saw calls for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing his handling of education reforms and controversies over the NEET-UG and CBSE exam systems. Key decisions from the meeting included: Sending an official letter to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to address concerns about electoral fraud and the SIR process. Demanding the resignation of Pradhan over his policies affecting students and the education sector. Launching a nationwide campaign to protest the government’s economic policies, including rising inflation, unemployment, and the impact on farmers and marginalized groups. Calling for a national conference to address these issues, with the next meeting scheduled for August 2026 in Hyderabad.#rahul_gandhi #trinamool_congress #congress_party #samajwadi_party #rashtriya_janata_dal

Indian Embassy Advises Against Non-Essential Travel Amid India-Block Meeting New Delhi, June 8: The Indian embassy has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to certain regions due to heightened security concerns linked to the upcoming India-Block meeting. The advisory comes amid heightened tensions and political discussions ahead of the gathering, which aims to strengthen regional cooperation. The meeting, scheduled to take place in New Delhi, will bring together leaders from India and its neighboring countries to address critical issues such as trade, security, and regional stability. The embassy emphasized that while the event is a routine diplomatic engagement, the government is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of citizens and diplomats. Philippines Earthquake Claims 15 Lives, 129 Injured In a separate development, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines on Monday, killing at least 15 people and injuring 129. The tremor, which hit the Sorsogon province, triggered tsunami warnings and caused widespread damage. Authorities reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was near the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to seismic activity. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed that the quake triggered tsunami waves up to 1.4 meters in height. Over 138 aftershocks were recorded in the region, with magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 6.7. Emergency services are working to rescue survivors and assess the damage, particularly in coastal areas. TMC Leader Arrested at Nepal Border Meanwhile, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Jahangir Khan, was arrested by West Bengal police at the Nepal border. The arrest followed his attempt to flee the state after the recent by-elections in the Falta constituency.#philippines #trinamool_congress #indian_embassy #new_delhi #phivolcs

TMC Rift Spills into Parliament: Sukhendu Sekhar Roy Quits Party and Rajya Sabha Membership Senior Rajya Sabha member Sukhendu Sekhar Roy has resigned from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and vacated his Rajya Sabha seat, marking a significant blow to the party amid escalating internal dissent. Roy’s exit follows a massive rebellion within the TMC, where 58 out of 80 MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly defected from the ruling party, forming a unified opposition bloc under expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee. This unprecedented split has destabilized the TMC’s dominance in the state legislature and now threatens to spread to the parliamentary arena. Roy’s resignation letter accused the TMC of “15 years of anarchic rule” under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, citing rampant corruption, violence against women, and systemic failures in healthcare, education, industry, law enforcement, and employment. He attributed the party’s electoral defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections to public disillusionment with its governance. Roy claimed voters had endorsed the BJP’s bid to end the TMC’s long-standing rule, emphasizing that widespread dissatisfaction with corruption and mismanagement led to the party’s downfall. The former Rajya Sabha MP praised the newly elected BJP government, stating it had begun implementing development initiatives aligned with its campaign promises. Roy framed his resignation as an acceptance of the people’s verdict, vowing to step down from both the party and his parliamentary post. His departure has intensified fears within the TMC that the rebellion could splinter the party’s parliamentary presence, with rebel MPs potentially seeking recognition as an independent bloc in the Lok Sabha. The TMC leadership, including Mamata Banerjee, has scrambled to contain the crisis.#mamata_banerjee #lok_sabha #trinamool_congress #ritabrata_banerjee #sukhendu_sekhar_roy

Sourav Ganguly Denies Involvement in Yousuf Pathan Resignation Claims Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket team captain, denied allegations that he had contacted Yusuf Pathan on behalf of Mamata Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, to request his resignation as an elected representative of his constituency. Ganguly called the claims entirely false and stated he had never been involved in any political matters. The allegations emerged after a media report on June 4 claimed Ganguly had conveyed Banerjee’s message to Pathan, urging him to step down to facilitate her candidacy in a by-election. Ganguly’s denial was reported by ANI, which cited his statement as a direct refutation of the allegations. He emphasized that the accusations were baseless and urged the media to avoid being influenced by rumors or speculation. Ganguly clarified that there was no truth to the claim that he had contacted Pathan on Banerjee’s behalf, reiterating that his involvement in political affairs had never existed. The former captain’s remarks were part of a broader response to the media report, which detailed the alleged communication. Meanwhile, documents surfaced on social media allegedly linked to meetings of Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislators at Mamata Banerjee’s residence. The records, according to PTI, detailed gatherings on May 6 and May 19, during an intensifying struggle for control of the opposition space in the West Bengal Assembly following the TMC’s defeat in the 2026 state elections. The May 6 meeting reportedly attracted 67 MLAs, with their signatures and constituency names listed. Some names were written in block letters, including those of Subhasis Das, Chandranath Sinha, Dinen Roy, and Baharul Islam.#mamata_banerjee #trinamool_congress #sourav_ganguly #yusuf_pathan #ritabrata_banerjee

Ritabrata Banerjee and 50 TMC MLAs Demand Speaker's Attention Amid Party Tensions Ritabrata Banerjee, a prominent leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has reportedly mobilized nearly 50 state assembly members to approach the speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, signaling growing internal divisions within the party. The move comes amid escalating tensions following a recent meeting where only 20 out of 80 invited MLAs attended, prompting former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to cancel the session. This incident has intensified speculation about a potential split within the party, with some observers drawing parallels to the political turmoil witnessed in Maharashtra. The situation escalated further when Banerjee, a former minister, posted a controversial message on social media accusing the party of disintegration, stating, "Trinamool Congress is breaking apart like the Congress party did in Maharashtra." The post, which was met with criticism, included a reference to the 50 MLAs supporting Banerjee's faction. Tapsi Roy, a senior minister in the ruling party, responded to the post by asserting, "The game is on," a phrase previously used by Mamata Banerjee to describe internal dissent. The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with some analysts suggesting that the party's leadership is struggling to maintain unity amid growing factionalism. Reports indicate that Banerjee and his allies are planning to submit a collective letter to the speaker's office, demanding recognition of their faction as the legitimate successor to the TMC's legacy. The letter is expected to assert that the party's original founders, rather than Mamata Banerjee, are the true custodians of its identity and symbols.#mamata_banerjee #trinamool_congress #shiv_sena #west_bengal_legislative_assembly #ritabrata_banerjee

Trinamool Congress Criticizes Lengthy Annapurna Bhandar Form Filling Process The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has launched a sharp critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s Annapurna Bhandar scheme in West Bengal, accusing it of imposing an overly complex 11-page form-filling process that undermines the accessibility of social welfare benefits. The criticism comes as the scheme, designed to provide monthly cash transfers of ₹3,000 to women, faces widespread skepticism over its bureaucratic hurdles. Congress State president Subhankar Sarkar wrote to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, urging the government to simplify the process, which he argued is causing significant distress among beneficiaries. The Annapurna Bhandar scheme, set to roll out on June 1, requires applicants to submit extensive personal and family details, including citizenship status under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, whether names were removed during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, social status, vaccination records for children, literacy levels of family members, bank account information for all household members, health insurance status, and total land holdings. These requirements have sparked outrage, with critics arguing that the form’s complexity disproportionately affects illiterate and marginalized communities. TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh, in a social media post, accused the BJP of transforming social welfare into a conditional entitlement. “So the new @BJP4Bengal Minister’s logic is simple: If you didn’t take the vaccine provided by the Government of India, don’t bother seeking benefits from Government of India welfare schemes!!!” he wrote, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy of linking welfare access to vaccination compliance.#trinamool_congress #bharatiya_janata_party #suvendu_adhikari #kunal_ghosh #subhankar_sarkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Hails SVANidhi Scheme Amid BJP's Hawker Eviction Drives in Bengal Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised the PM SVANidhi scheme, a government initiative designed to support street vendors through collateral-free loans and financial inclusion, as bulldozers in Bengal intensified efforts to remove unauthorized stalls and shops under the BJP-led state government. Modi’s remarks came amid growing tensions over the eviction drives, which have targeted hawkers operating in public spaces across Kolkata and surrounding regions. The PM’s post on X celebrated the scheme’s six-year anniversary, highlighting its role in transforming the lives of street vendors by providing access to affordable credit, fostering economic growth, and promoting financial inclusion. “This scheme is all about trust, dignity, and empowerment,” Modi wrote, adding his best wishes to beneficiaries whose “determination and enterprise continue to strengthen our nation’s economy.” The timing of Modi’s endorsement coincided with a surge in eviction operations led by the BJP government in Bengal. In Dum Dum, a suburb of Kolkata, authorities carried out an overnight demolition drive that removed approximately 150 stalls and roadside shops, displacing nearly 200 hawkers. The affected vendors included those selling food, fruits, toys, and daily essentials, many of whom had operated in the area for years, some for decades. Local officials and sources told PTI that the operation focused on clearing illegal structures and unauthorized encroachments, a move the BJP attributed to the Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s alleged support for such activities during its 15-year rule. The TMC, in turn, condemned the BJP’s actions, accusing the government of “bulldozing the dreams of poor hawkers.#kolkata #bjp #trinamool_congress #prime_minister_narendra_modi #pm_svanidhi_scheme

West Bengal's Annapurna Yojana Scheme Sparks Concerns Over Excessive Data Collection and Disenfranchisement The West Bengal government’s new Annapurna Yojana, a cash-transfer scheme for women, has ignited fears of systemic disenfranchisement due to its sprawling 10-page application form. Designed to replace the previous Trinamool Congress-era Lakshmir Bhandar program, which provided Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,700 monthly, the BJP-led government has doubled the financial incentive to Rs 3,000. However, the scheme’s elaborate data requirements have drawn sharp criticism, with critics arguing that the form’s scope far exceeds what is necessary for welfare delivery. The Annapurna Yojana form, titled "Family Level Data Collection Form," demands an exhaustive array of personal and household details. Beyond standard identifiers like name, address, Aadhaar, and bank accounts, it requires the Aadhaar numbers of all family members, EPIC numbers with electoral-roll specifics, PAN and GST registrations, landholding sizes, vehicle ownership records, health insurance premiums, and employment categories for every household member. The form also probes into children’s vaccination status, school attendance, and whether they attend recognized or unrecognised madrasas. Most alarming are two fields that appear unrelated to the scheme’s core purpose: the beneficiary’s application status under the Citizenship Amendment Act and whether a person deleted from the 2026 special intensive revision of electoral rolls (SIR) has a pending tribunal case. These additions have raised concerns about the scheme’s role in integrating electoral and citizenship data into welfare administration, effectively creating a centralized database for public entitlements.#west_bengal #trinamool_congress #citizenship_amendment_act #annapurna_yojana #sir_2026

Hundreds of Voter and Aadhaar Cards Recovered from TMC Office in Kolkata's Tangra A significant number of voter identification cards, Aadhaar cards, and ration documents were reportedly discovered at a local Trinamool Congress (TMC) office in Kolkata’s Tangra area, according to police. The documents, including nearly 300 identity proofs, were found inside an almirah at the party’s office located in Tangra Second Lane, which falls under ward number 57. The discovery was made on Thursday, though the exact timing of when the items were placed there remains unclear. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the TMC of deliberately storing the cards at the office to suppress voter turnout. A BJP member claimed that the documents were allegedly withheld to prevent individuals from casting their votes. “Everything is coming out in the open now. These cards were allegedly withheld so that people could not cast their votes,” the BJP representative alleged. A local resident, Soumen Vicky Das, reported that his Aadhaar card had gone missing before the elections but was later found among the recovered documents at the TMC office. “My Aadhaar card had disappeared before the polls. I came here and recovered it from among the seized documents,” Das told reporters. Residents of the area stated that the TMC office had been abandoned for several days following the declaration of election results on May 4. “People from the locality entered the office after it had remained abandoned for days and found the documents,” a local claimed. The TMC has not yet issued a formal response to the allegations. Police confirmed that no official complaint has been filed so far, but the matter is under investigation.#kolkata #trinamool_congress #bharatiya_janata_party #tangra_second_lane #soumen_vicky_das

Assam Becomes Third State To Pass Uniform Civil Code Bill Amid Opposition Protests The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill on Wednesday, marking the state as the third in India to enact the controversial legislation after Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The historic decision, passed despite intense opposition protests, aims to unify personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other civil matters. The bill, introduced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, faces criticism from opposition parties who argue it was rushed through to influence the upcoming elections. The UCC bill, also known as the "Uniform Civil Code," seeks to replace disparate personal laws with a single legal framework applicable to all citizens, regardless of religion. Key provisions include strict penalties for bigamy and polygamy, with offenders facing up to seven years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹25,000. The law mandates that all marriages, divorces, and other civil matters must be registered with the government, with non-compliance resulting in fines and jail terms. Live-in relationships, previously unregulated, are now governed by the bill. Partners must register their relationships with the government within a month of starting the relationship, or face penalties of up to three months in jail and fines of ₹10,000. Failure to disclose accurate information during registration could result in stricter penalties. The law also criminalizes fraudulent registration of relationships, with offenders facing up to three months in jail. Inheritance rights are restructured to ensure gender equality.#trinamool_congress #indian_national_congress #himanta_biswa_sarma #uniform_civil_code #assam_legislative_assembly

Security Measures for Anubrata Mondal, Kajal Sheikh, and Chandranath Sinha Reduced The district police administration has decided to reduce the security measures for prominent political figures Anubrata Mondal, Kajal Sheikh, and Chandranath Sinha. This decision marks a significant shift from their previous arrangements, which included specialized protection such as pilots, escorts, and home guards. The reduction process began on Monday night, with the immediate removal of these enhanced security protocols. Anubrata Mondal, a well-known leader in Birbhum, was previously under strict security measures. His residence in Bhagalpur had been under constant police surveillance, with a 24-hour presence of the police force. Similarly, Kajal Sheikh, a local politician, and Chandranath Sinha, a former minister and member of the Trinamool Congress, also had heightened security arrangements. However, the latest directive from the administration has scaled back these protections. According to police sources, the decision follows a broader review of security measures for senior Trinamool leaders following recent political realignments in the state. The administration emphasized that security should be based on actual threats rather than political influence. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari, who took office recently, reiterated this stance during a meeting at the new government office. He stated that unnecessary security should not be provided to politicians if there is no genuine risk to their safety. The revised security plan now includes minimal protection for these individuals. Anubrata Mondal will have only one armed security guard, while Kajal Sheikh will be accompanied by three armed personnel. Chandranath Sinha, who previously had additional security as a minister, now receives two armed guards.#trinamool_congress #shubhendu_adhikari #anubrata_mondal #kajal_sheikh #chandranath_sinha