On May 9 in Kolkata, a new era in West Bengal politics began when BJP legislative party leader Shuvendu Adhikari took oath as the Chief Minister of the state. Governor R.N.

Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy. The grand ceremony, held at the historic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, was attended by several prominent leaders from across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The ground resonated with the cheers of millions of supporters present.

Shuvendu Adhikari's path to becoming Chief Minister was paved on Friday when he was unanimously elected as the leader during a meeting of newly elected legislators chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The party leadership entrusted him with the state's command, expressing confidence in his deep influence in Bengal's grassroots politics and organizational capability. Amit Shah announced his name, describing it as a decisive step towards the development of Bengal and the resolution of 'Sonar Bangla'.

The oath-taking ceremony was also attended by leaders of NDA allied parties and several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, which is seen as a significant show of strength by the party. Political analysts believe that the presence of top leadership at the oath-taking ceremony indicates the importance of this government, which has been formed for the first time in West Bengal, to the central government. Upon assuming the responsibilities of Chief Minister, Shuvendu Adhikari stated that law and order and economic reforms would be his priorities in the state.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the BJP's victory in the West Bengal assembly elections as memorable and expressed gratitude to the state's people, assuring them of every possible effort to fulfill their aspirations. On Monday, he attributed the BJP-National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) victories in the assembly elections of Assam and Puducherry to the party's good governance and the hard work of its workers, thanking the people of these states.

He assured the people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu that the party would work on their issues and expressed gratitude to party workers and voters who supported the party for their tireless efforts in the elections. Modi congratulated actor Vijay's party TVK and the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala for their victories. In a series of posts on social media commenting on the assembly elections, he noted that the lotus has bloomed in West Bengal.

He stated that the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal would always be remembered, highlighting the victory of the people's power and the success of the BJP's governance politics. He saluted every citizen of West Bengal, mentioning that the people had given the BJP a magnificent mandate. Assuring them of living up to this mandate, he committed that the party would make every effort to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the people of West Bengal, promising a government that ensures opportunities and respect for all sections of society.

Modi acknowledged that the record-breaking victory of the BJP in West Bengal would not have been possible without the efforts and struggles of countless workers over generations. He saluted all those who have worked hard at the grassroots level, faced various difficulties, and communicated about the party's development agenda, calling them the strength of the party. He credited the BJP alliance's victory in Assam to all BJP-NDA workers who have tirelessly worked among the people, noting that the progress of the party and alliance over the past decade is commendable.

He stated that their efforts have allowed the positive agenda to find a place in the hearts of the people. Commenting on the alliance's success in Puducherry, he expressed pride in the NDA workers in Puducherry for their extraordinary grassroots efforts, stating that they have consistently engaged with the public and elaborated on the party's vision and achievements, which is why the people have blessed them once again. Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the voters in Tamil Nadu who supported the NDA in the assembly elections, stating that they would always remain at the forefront of solving the people's problems and improving their living standards.

He also congratulated actor Vijay's party TVK for their impressive performance, stating that the central government would make every effort for the progress and welfare of Tamil Nadu's people. Modi thanked all those who voted for the BJP-NDA in Kerala, stating that they would continue to raise important issues for Kerala's progress and work hard to realize the dream of a developing Kerala. He also congratulated the UDF for their victory in Kerala, affirming that the central government would always support the developmental aspirations of the people of Kerala.

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The Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling on Saturday regarding the Trinamool Congress (TMC) petition questioning the selection of staff for vote counting in West Bengal. A special bench comprising Justice P S Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi clarified that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has the full authority to choose its preferred officials for counting.

The court stated that the ECI's circular dated April 13 cannot be deemed incorrect. The TMC had alleged that the ECI was only appointing supervisors from the central government and public sector undertakings (PSUs), which could affect fairness. The Supreme Court's special bench rejected TMC's argument challenging the Calcutta High Court's decision.

The court noted that the Election Commission had made it clear that there would be a mix of employees from both the central and state governments in the counting process, thus any fear of malpractice was unfounded. A senior lawyer representing the commission assured the court that the returning officer has the authority to deploy staff from any government pool. Following this clarification, the court disposed of the petition, stating that no new orders were necessary in this matter.

Voting for the 294 assembly seats in West Bengal has already been completed in two phases (on April 23 and 29), and all eyes are now on the counting scheduled for May 4. The Calcutta High Court had previously dismissed TMC's petition on April 30, stating that there is nothing illegal in appointing PSU and central government employees as counting supervisors.

With the Supreme Court's stance, it is now clear that the Election Commission will conduct the counting process according to its established rules. Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal represented TMC but ultimately had to return empty-handed.

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India Scoop today published its full exit poll for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, projecting the Trinamool Congress at 150–172 seats and the BJP at 110–130 — a forecast built on independent ground-level survey data collected across the state's 294 constituencies.

The numbers paint a picture of a state where TMC retains enough of its structural advantage to form a majority government, but faces a BJP opposition stronger than at any previous point in the party's Bengal history. Here is the complete data breakdown.

Summary Seat Projections

Total assembly seats: 294. Majority mark: 148. Source: India Scoop internal data survey, April 2026.

Historical Seat Comparison

2026 figures are midpoint projections. 2016 and 2021 are official results.

Reading the BJP Number

The BJP's projected midpoint of 120 seats represents a 56% increase on its 2021 tally of 77. More significantly, it marks a nearly 40-fold increase from its 2016 tally of just 3 seats. In a decade, the party has gone from an irrelevant fringe in Bengal's assembly to the second-largest force and potentially the largest opposition bloc the state has ever seen in the post-Left era.

At the upper end of BJP's range (130 seats), the margin between the two leading parties narrows to just 22 seats, historically tight for a state that returned TMC with a 136-seat buffer in 2021.

The Congress Collapse in Context

INC's projected 3–5 seats stand in sharp contrast to its 44 seats in 2016 and its complete wipeout of 0 seats in 2021. A recovery to even 5 seats would represent a marginal resurgence, but the trajectory confirms what political analysts have long argued: Congress has effectively ceased to be a competitive force in West Bengal's direct assembly contests.

What a TMC Majority at 150 Means vs 172

The 22-seat spread within TMC's own projection range carries significant political weight. A TMC tally closer to 150 seats leaves little room for internal dissent, floor-crossing, or by-election setbacks over a five-year term. A tally closer to 172 would give Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a far more comfortable governing mandate closer to the buffer she held in 2021, when TMC won 213 seats.

Methodology Note

India Scoop's West Bengal Exit Poll 2026 is based on internal survey data collected through an extensive independent ground research process, covering a significant number of data points statewide. The methodology prioritises constituency-level ground truth over aggregated sampling models. All projections carry an inherent margin of variance; actual results may differ.

BD Park, Kolkata witnessed an unprecedented wave of empowerment as Bengal Tiger Premjit Sen, recognised as India’s No.1 Karatekar, led a massive Self Defence Awareness Drive under the banner of ABCD of Self Defence.

The evening turned historic with extraordinary participation across generations — students, mothers, professionals, and senior citizens stood united with one mission: to learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The most emotional and defining moment came when an 82-year-old mother stepped forward and confidently practiced the techniques demonstrated on stage. Her courage drew thunderous applause and proved one powerful truth: Strength has no age limit.

The initiative received strong support from Sujit Bose, Hon’ble Minister of Fire & Emergency Services, Government of West Bengal, and was graciously hosted by Ratna Bhaumik, Hon’ble Councillor, Ward No. 41, Bidhanagar Municipal Corporation.

Premjit Sen delivered practical, real-life defence strategies focused on awareness, reflex action, balance control, and mental preparedness — techniques designed not for sport, but for survival.

In his powerful declaration, Premjit Sen stated: “If an 82-year-old mother can rise to learn self-defence, then no one has an excuse to remain unprepared. Empowerment begins with awareness. When citizens become alert and confident, society becomes fearless.”

Councillor Ratna Bhaumik added: “What we witnessed today at BD Park was not just a self-defence workshop — it was a movement of confidence and courage. Under the leadership of Premjit Sen, our women, youth, and even senior citizens are learning that safety begins with awareness. This initiative is strengthening the backbone of our society and building a fearless Bengal.”

This was not merely a workshop.
It was a social awakening.

The Message is Clear:

Preparedness is Power.
Confidence is Protection.
Courage is Contagious.

Rishra (West Bengal), May 14 – Jubilation swept through the town of Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on Wednesday after news broke that Border Security Force (BSF) constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had been released by Pakistani authorities after being in custody for 21 days.

According to agency report, the BSF confirmed that Shaw was handed over at the Attari-Wagah border around 10:30 a.m., leading to an outpouring of emotion and celebration at his hometown. Residents gathered outside his house, distributing sweets and offering prayers, while his family members were seen shedding tears of relief and joy.

Shaw had inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory on April 23 while on operational duty in the Firozpur sector, just a day after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. He was subsequently detained by Pakistan Rangers, and his disappearance had caused increasing concern among his family and community, especially as tensions escalated between the two countries.

His pregnant wife Rajni had personally travelled to Pathankot and Firozpur to appeal for his release. She expressed gratitude to citizens and political leaders who supported her during the difficult period, acknowledging the consistent reassurance she received from local councillors, Members of Parliament, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Rajni said that the collective support from the nation gave her strength during the ordeal, and she extended thanks to everyone who stood by the family. Shaw’s father, Bholanath Shaw, expressed deep relief, saying the family had not slept peacefully for days but could finally breathe easy knowing Purnam was safe and back on Indian soil.

Speaking over the phone, Bholanath shared that they had received word on Tuesday night about the possibility of his son's release and were officially informed by the BSF headquarters on Wednesday morning. While they have not yet spoken directly to him, they were told they would be able to connect with him soon.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the central government, and BSF officials for their relentless efforts to bring his son home. “Now, all I want is to embrace my son,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also welcomed the constable’s return and reiterated that she had been in regular contact with his family throughout the episode. She praised the efforts made by all parties involved in ensuring Shaw’s safe return from Pakistani custody.

Kolkata, May 14 — A police officer serving as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) with Kolkata Police was arrested on Wednesday for his alleged involvement in a daring heist in which over Rs 2.66 crore was looted from a moving taxi. The incident took place in the Entally area of the city, as per agency report.

The robbery occurred on May 5 around 11:45 AM, when two employees of a private foreign exchange firm were en route to deposit a substantial sum of money at a government bank in the Park Circus area. They had boarded a taxi from SN Banerjee Road, unaware of the ambush that lay ahead.

According to officials, the ASI is believed to be the mastermind behind the planned heist. The two employees claimed that near the Kamarhati area, two unidentified individuals forced the taxi to stop, boarded the vehicle, and fled with the cash soon after.

Following the incident, Kolkata Police’s detective department launched a thorough investigation. With the arrest of the ASI, the total number of individuals detained in connection with the case has risen to four. Among those already arrested is an employee of the private firm, suggesting an internal link to the crime.

Police sources have confirmed that further inquiries are underway to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and recover the stolen amount.

Kolkata, April 30 — A devastating fire at a budget hotel in the Machhuapatti area of central Kolkata claimed the lives of 14 people, including a woman and two children, late Tuesday evening. The incident, which took place at Rituraj Hotel near the Burrabazar locality, also left 13 others injured. Initial reports had suggested 15 fatalities, but Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma later confirmed the final death toll at 14 after verification.

The blaze erupted around 7:30 pm and raged through the hotel premises for nearly 10 hours before it was brought under control early Wednesday morning by firefighters. Ten fire tenders were deployed by the state’s Fire and Emergency Services Department, which struggled through the night to contain the flames. According to officials, there were 88 guests staying across the hotel’s 42 rooms at the time of the incident.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire. As per agency report, forensic experts have been dispatched to examine the scene, which has been sealed off for investigation. The presence of highly flammable materials inside the building is believed to have exacerbated the fire’s intensity, prompting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to initiate a formal inquiry into the tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured person from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi described the loss of lives as deeply saddening and extended his wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who confirmed the death toll at 14, said she personally oversaw the firefighting and rescue operations through the night. She stated that orders had been given for a thorough investigation into the incident. The Chief Minister emphasized that the presence of combustible substances inside the hotel contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and assured full support to the affected families.

A senior police officer stated that 11 of the deceased were male, with eight of them already identified. The victims also included a young boy, a girl, and a woman. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by Kolkata Police to probe the incident and determine accountability.

New Delhi, March 27 – Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday strongly criticized the Trinamool Congress over the issue of illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would come to power in West Bengal in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, bringing an end to cross-border intrusions.

Responding to the discussion on the ‘Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Bill, 2025’ in the Lok Sabha, Shah detailed the current status of border fencing along India’s frontier with Bangladesh. As per agency report, he informed the House that out of the 2,216 kilometers of the Indo-Bangladesh border, fencing has been completed on 1,653 kilometers. Roads and security posts have also been established along the fenced portions.

Shah emphasized that 563 kilometers of the border still remain unfenced. He explained that of this, approximately 112 kilometers consist of rivers, streams, and hilly terrain where fencing is not feasible, while the remaining 450 kilometers could be fenced but the process is stalled due to lack of land acquisition by the West Bengal government. He pointed out that seven meetings have already been held on this matter, but progress remains hampered.

Referring to previous political restraint, Shah stated that he had refrained from speaking during the Delhi elections because the issue pertained to national security. However, with the relevant legislation under discussion in Parliament, he felt it was appropriate to bring the matter to public attention.

Reiterating his political forecast, Shah declared that in the 2026 Assembly elections, the BJP will bloom like a lotus in Bengal—a reference to the party’s symbol—and illegal infiltration will be effectively stopped.

Amit Shah had also expressed similar confidence a day earlier during the discussion on the Tribhuvan Cooperative University Bill, 2025, when he assured the House that the BJP would win in West Bengal. He also mentioned that once the BJP comes to power in the state, central welfare schemes like the Ayushman Bharat health insurance plan will be fully implemented there, just as they have been in Delhi after the BJP's electoral success.

Kolkata, February 21: Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly's convoy met with an accident on Thursday on the Durgapur Expressway in West Bengal's East Burdwan district, but no injuries were reported.

According to the police, the accident occurred when Ganguly was traveling by car, and a speeding lorry attempted to overtake the vehicle. The sudden maneuver forced Ganguly's driver to apply the brakes abruptly, resulting in collisions between the vehicles in his convoy.

A police official stated, "The sudden approach of the lorry led to a chain reaction where the vehicles in Ganguly’s convoy collided with each other. One of the vehicles also bumped into Ganguly’s car. Fortunately, the damages were minor, and no one was injured."

Ganguly was en route to attend an event organized by Burdwan University. Despite the accident, he managed to participate in the program as scheduled.

Kolkata, 27 July (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of the NITI Aayog meeting on Saturday. After that, addressing reporters, she said, ''I was not allowed to speak. My mic was turned off. Chief Ministers of other states were given a chance to present their views. But I did not get even 5 minutes. I have been insulted by turning off the mic. Bengal has been insulted. I said that you (Central Government) should not discriminate against state governments. This is insulting.''

''Through this meeting Bengal has been directly 'insulted', She said, ''I was alone from the opposition in the meeting. Despite this I was not given a chance to speak. I wanted to say something else. But before that the mic was switched off, this is an insult.'' Mamata told that she will not attend any meeting of Niti Aayog in future.

Earlier, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly complained about his mic being switched off in the Lok Sabha.

However, once again Mamata Banerjee was not given a chance to speak in the Niti Aayog meeting and her mic was allegedly also switched off.

Kolkata, 22 July (HS): Naked body of a 40-year-old man was recovered from an ice cream fridge of a famous company in the area adjacent to Hindustan Godown at Bachamari area of Ward No. 19 of Maldah Municipality on Monday.

According to police sources, the deceased has been identified as Mrinal Kanti Bose, a resident of Bangaon. Mrinal used to drive the ice cream cart of the godown for the last six-seven years. The police recovered the body and sent it to Maldah Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem.

According to local sources, on Monday morning, an employee of the company was looking for Mrinal to send goods by cart. An employee of the godown opened the ice cream fridge and saw Mrinal's naked body lying inside the fridge.

Jayant Pal Chaudhary, the owner of the ice cream godown, said, "We looked upon Mrinal as our family member. Sunday was a holiday. I think he had drunk too much of alcohol.''

But the question as to why Mrinal was naked has not been answered. The warehouse manager Santosh Ghosh has lodged a complaint with the police station. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter.