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Governor R N Ravi has officially dissolved the West Bengal Legislative Assembly with effect from May 7 following the completion of its five-year term.

Governor dissolves West Bengal assembly after completion of term

Governor R N Ravi has officially dissolved the West Bengal Legislative Assembly with effect from May 7 following the completion of its five-year term.

Governor R N Ravi has dissolved the West Bengal State Legislative Assembly with effect from May 7 after completion of its term, according to an official notification.
The current assembly was constituted in May 2021 after the Trinamool Congress, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, returned to power for the third consecutive term in the state.
The dissolution marks the formal completion of the tenure of the outgoing assembly, following the recently concluded two-phase elections.
The notification was issued by the Department of Parliamentary Affairs.

Police have launched a massive investigation into the murder of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead by bike-borne assailants in Madhyamgram.

Police examining CCTV footage, form teams to trace killers of Suvendu's aide

Police have launched a massive investigation into the murder of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari&rsquo;s close aide Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead by bike-borne assailants in Madhyamgram.

The police have been examining CCTV footage and have formed multiple special investigating teams to trace those involved in the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari&rsquo;s close aide Chandranath Rath, a senior officer said on Thursday.
The police are also probing whether contract killers were engaged to murder Rath, who was shot dead in his car by bike-borne gunmen in the middle of a road at Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night.
A forensic team visited the spot on Thursday morning and collected samples, while officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) also joined the probe, he said.
"Going by the circumstantial evidence, it seems that the murder was pre-planned. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the crime spot and nearby areas, while multiple police teams have been formed to trace the assailants," the officer said.
"We are also examining videos taken using mobile phones by witnesses who also helped in taking Rath, his driver and the other person inside the SUV to the nearby hospital," he stated.
Since the crime took place some time after rain on Wednesday night, not many people were present on the roads leading to Rath's residential complex.
"We have spoken to those people who were seen in the CCTV footage," he said.
According to preliminary information, Rath's car was blocked by a vehicle near Doharia between Doltala and Madhyamgram Chowmatha between 10-10.15 pm on Wednesday when motorcycle-borne men arrived at the spot and fired at him from close range before fleeing.
Rath, 42, was returning to his residence in Madhyamgram from Kolkata when the incident occurred, he said. The deceased is survived by his son and wife.
The vehicle was being driven by Buddhadeb Bera, who also sustained bullet injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kolkata, another officer said.
Bera, who underwent a couple of surgeries, remained "very critical", sources in the hospital said.
"Rath&rsquo;s car was intercepted around 100 metres from the housing complex where he lived," the officer said.
The small car was waiting for Rath's vehicle to arrive near the street, he said.
"Once the occupant of the small car found Rath's vehicle approaching, he drove it to block its way. And once his vehicle got stuck there, the gunmen put the firearms against the glass and started firing, fatally hitting the deceased," the officer said.
The occupants of the small four-wheeler later abandoned the vehicle and escaped on motorcycles, police said.
Police suspected that the killers fled on two motorcycles in two directions.
"One probably took the main road towards Jessore Road, while the other took a narrow street on the left leading to Rajarhat," the officer said.
Another police officer said CCTV footage showed the car travelling towards Madhyamgram before the attack.
Investigators said they are taking help from both Kolkata Police and Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate to check CCTV footage installed under their respective jurisdictions and study the movement of the killers.
"The number plate attached to the small car left by the assailants was found to be fake. The original one belongs to a person based in Siliguri, who works in a tea estate. The chassis number and engine number of the small car have also been erased. It indicates that they had planned the murder," he said.
The person in Siliguri is being interrogated by the local police.
"He is claiming to have uploaded a photograph of his vehicle on an online platform with the intention of selling it. We are verifying his claims and rechecking them," the officer said.
Later on Thursday, police found one of the two motorcycles allegedly used in the killing of Rath from near a tea stall around 4 km from the spot where the shooting took place, the officer said.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the motorcycle also bore a fake registration number.
Investigators also found that the chassis number had been erased, making it difficult to identify the owner, he said, adding that efforts to find out the second bike is on.
Police were suspecting the use of sophisticated firearms during the attack.
On Thursday, police recovered a bullet shell on the streets, 10 metres away from Rath's residence, the sleuth said.
According to preliminary forensic inputs, the assailants might have used Glock 47X pistols, he said.
"A weapon of this nature is generally not used by ordinary criminals. We are examining whether professional shooters were involved," a senior West Bengal Police officer said on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, one of the locals claimed to have seen three people on a bike "waiting" on the streets on Wednesday night.
"We did not know much about Rath. Whether he was an aide of Suvendu Adhikari was not known to us. He used to return home in the same car with a West Bengal Assembly sticker at the same time every day," he claimed.

Today's Chanakya exit poll projects a strong BJP performance in West Bengal and Assam, a DMK comeback in Tamil Nadu, and a close UDF-LDF contest in Kerala ahead of May 4 counting.

Exit poll predicts big BJP win in Bengal, Assam; return of DMK in TN, dead heat in Kerala

Today's Chanakya exit poll projects a strong BJP performance in West Bengal and Assam, a DMK comeback in Tamil Nadu, and a close UDF-LDF contest in Kerala ahead of May 4 counting.

A new exit poll on Thursday predicted that the BJP would win big in West Bengal and Assam, while the DMK would return to power in Tamil Nadu.
The Today's Chanakya poll also predicted a tight race in Kerala, forecasting 69 seats for the Congress-led UDF and 64 seats for the ruling LDF with a margin of error of nine seats.
Another exit poll by News18 for West Bengal, predicted a close fight with the BJP getting 143-163 seats and the TMC 127-147 seats.
Today's Chanakya forecast 192 seats for the BJP and 100 for the TMC in West Bengal with a margin of error of 11 seats. West Bengal has a total of 294 seats with the majority mark being 148.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, asserted that her party would win more than 226 seats and alleged that the exit poll projections were aired at the "instruction of the BJP" to demoralise TMC workers.
In Assam, Today's Chanakya forecast that the BJP would get 102 seats and the Congress 23 with a margin of error of nine seats. The Assam assembly has 126 seats with the magic mark being 64.
Today's Chanakya predicted that the DMK would return to power in Tamil Nadu but actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK would have a stunning poll debut, beating AIADMK, to the second spot.
It predicted that the DMK plus would get 125 seats, TVK 63 seats and AIADMK plus 45 seats with a margin of error of 11 seats. The Tamil Nadu has a total of 234 seats with the magic mark being 118.
In Kerala, Today's Chanakya predicted a close contest, forecasting 69 seats (plus/minus nine seats) for the UDF, 64 seats (plus/minus nine seats) for the LDF and 7 seats (plus/minus four) for the BJP. Kerala assembly has 140 seats with the magic mark being 71.
Several exit polls on Wednesday predicted a thumping victory for the BJP in Assam and a clear edge for the party over the ruling TMC in West Bengal, while projecting a return of the DMK government in Tamil Nadu and a comeback by the Congress-led UDF in Kerala after 10 years.
However, some pollsters predicted a big win for the TMC in West Bengal and a hung House in Tamil Nadu with actor-turned politician Vijay's TVK emerging as a spoiler for the DMK.
Almost all forecast a return to power for the AINRC-led NDA government in Puducherry.
Most exit polls have had a chequered history and have been off the mark on several occasions in the past. Most exit polls do not spell out the methodology they have followed in arriving at their respective conclusions.
Axis My India on Thursday decided not to release its exit poll for West Bengal, saying it did not have enough data with many people not divulging their voting preferences.
The counting of votes for five assemblies -- West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Assam -- will be taken up on May 4.
Polls were conducted in a single phase in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. West Bengal saw two-phase polling on April 23 and 29.
On April 9, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry went to polls. Tamil Nadu went to polls on April 23.
While the BJP is seeking to retain power in Assam and Puducherry, where it is in an alliance government with All India N R Congress, the Congress is looking to wrest power from its rival in both these places.
In Kerala, the Congress-led UDF is seeking to replace the LDF government that is in power, while in Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led alliance is looking to retain power by thwarting the challenge from AIADMK-BJP and the debutant party -- Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
The TMC is looking to retain West Bengal and thwart the challenge from the BJP.

The BJP has criticised the gherao of judicial officers in West Bengal’s Malda as a “black spot”, while the Supreme Court termed the incident a failure of governance and directed an independent probe amid political tensions.

Attack on judicial officers 'black spot' in country's history, 'TMC goons' acted at CM's behest: BJP

The BJP has criticised the gherao of judicial officers in West Bengal&rsquo;s Malda as a &ldquo;black spot&rdquo;, while the Supreme Court termed the incident a failure of governance and directed an independent probe amid political tensions.

The BJP on Thursday termed the gherao and attack on seven judicial officers in West Bengal's Malda district a "black spot" in the country's history, alleging "TMC goons" acted at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's behest to obstruct the SIR exercise and protect Rohingyas.
The remarks came as the Supreme Court came down heavily on the West Bengal administration over its alleged inaction, describing the incident as "deplorable" and indicative of "complete failure" of governance.
BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia asked if Banerjee was "ashamed" of the top court's observations and would resign as the chief minister of the poll-bound state.
Seven judicial officers engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls were gheraoed for several hours in West Bengal's Malda district over the deletion of names from the electoral rolls.
Security forces used batons to disperse the crowd and rescued the judicial officers, including three women, late Wednesday.
"This is Mamata Banerjee's 'jungle raj'. The TMC workers took judicial officers hostage at the behest of Mamata Banerjee. Such an incident never happened in the history of Bharat. It's unfortunate and a black spot," Bhatia said during a press conference at the party headquarters.
The seven judicial officers were doing their work, complying with the Supreme Court's directive, he said.
"It is sad that Mamata Banerjee, who has taken the oath of the Constitution, is taking judicial officers hostage in a blatant defiance of the Supreme Court orders. The intention is to scare the judicial officers as Mamata Banerjee wants to obstruct the SIR process," he added.
Bhatia alleged that Banerjee deployed her party workers to take the judicial officers "hostage" to protect the Rohingyas.
"Mamata Banerjee, who is supposed to protect the people of West Bengal and their rights, is standing by the Rohingyas. She loves Rohingyas," he charged.
"Every Indian is watching the 'jungle raj' in West Bengal under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and is concerned. People of West Bengal have made up their mind to oust TMC from power," the BJP leader added.
The Supreme Court, in a scathing observation, said the incident "exposes the complete failure of the state administration" and observed that West Bengal is the "most polarised state". It directed that an independent probe be conducted by either the CBI or the NIA.
The court also asked the Election Commission to &ldquo;requisition adequate Central Forces and deploy them at all places where judicial officers are adjudicating the objections&rdquo; in the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls.
Referring to the top court's observations, Bhatia said they "hold up a mirror" to the state.
"Are you ashamed, will you resign?" the BJP spokesperson asked Banerjee as he read out some of the observations made by the apex court. "If you are not capable of maintaining law and order in the state and upholding the Constitution, it will be good if you resign (as chief minister)," he said.
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.

Tension erupted in Murshidabad’s Jangipur area after clashes broke out between two groups during a Ram Navami procession, prompting heavy security deployment and patrols to restore order.

Clashes erupt during Ram Navami procession in Bengal's Murshidabad, security tightened

Tension erupted in Murshidabad&rsquo;s Jangipur area after clashes broke out between two groups during a Ram Navami procession, prompting heavy security deployment and patrols to restore order.

Tension gripped Jangipur in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Friday after clashes broke out between two groups during a Ram Navami procession, police said.
The situation turned volatile after an altercation during the procession escalated into violence, with both sides throwing stones at each other and vandalising property in the area, a senior police officer said.
Security forces, which were deployed in large numbers to bring the situation under control, have been conducting route marches and maintaining vigil in the affected areas, he added.
"The situation is now under control. Adequate forces have been deployed, and patrolling is ongoing to ensure peace and normalcy. We are closely monitoring the situation and will take strict action against those involved in the violence," the police officer told PTI.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents to maintain calm as security has been tightened across the region, a senior official at the state secretariat said.

Violence broke out between BJP and TMC supporters during an election campaign in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas, leaving several injured, including a police officer, with eight detained.

BJP, TMC supporters clash in Bengal's South 24 Parganas; police personnel attacked

Violence broke out between BJP and TMC supporters during an election campaign in West Bengal&rsquo;s South 24 Parganas, leaving several injured, including a police officer, with eight detained.

Clashes broke out between BJP and TMC supporters during an election campaign by a saffron party candidate in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, with several police personnel also coming under attack while trying to control the situation.
Eight people were detained in connection with the incident as raids were continuing in the area, an official said.
While both sides accused each other of being responsible for the clash, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal sought a report about it from the police.
A sub-inspector-ranked police officer and three-four political party workers were beaten up during the clash as lathi-wielding men were seen chasing them on the busy road in Basanti Bazar area.
Sub-inspector Sourav Guha received a head injury and had several stitches, the official said.
Trouble began when BJP candidate from Basanti (SC) seat Bikash Sardar was campaigning in the area for the assembly polls to be held in the constituency on April 29, the second and final phase, the official said.
Tension flared after BJP workers allegedly objected to the video recording of the campaign by TMC supporters who had assembled by the roadside, and a heated argument soon escalated into a physical confrontation, the official said.
"As police intervened to disperse the crowd and restore order, the situation turned worse, and some personnel including the SI were attacked," the official said.
He said eight people were detained but did not specify their political identity.
Sardar claimed, "TMC goons carried out an unprovoked attack on our workers when we were peacefully campaigning in the area. Police were inactive."
Taking a serious view of the incident, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal asked for a report from the police top brass and wanted to know whether central forces were already in place when trouble began in the area.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said the brazen attack on his party workers showed how the ruling TMC has crushed all democratic principles in West Bengal and unleashed a reign of fear and terror to crush political dissent.
"We call upon the EC to take a serious note of the incident. TMC should know they cannot get away with all these," Bhattacharya said.
TMC leaders, however, accused the BJP of instigating the violence.
"The situation is now under control, and further investigation is underway," the officer added.

The Mamata Banerjee–Suvendu Adhikari rivalry shifts to Bhabanipur, turning the constituency into the epicentre of West Bengal’s 2026 election battle, with voter roll revisions adding a new political dimension.

Mamata vs Suvendu: Bhabanipur set for ‘mother of all electoral battles’ in repeat of 2021 rivalry

The Mamata Banerjee&ndash;Suvendu Adhikari rivalry shifts to Bhabanipur, turning the constituency into the epicentre of West Bengal&rsquo;s 2026 election battle, with voter roll revisions adding a new political dimension.

The political rivalry in Nandigram that defined West Bengal&rsquo;s 2021 assembly polls is set to return to centre stage in a new arena, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee locking horns with her protege-turned-adversary Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur, turning the Kolkata seat into the likely epicentre of the 2026 electoral battle.
With the TMC supremo contesting from Bhabanipur and the BJP fielding Leader of Opposition Adhikari against her, the contest has quickly acquired the character of a prestige fight -- not merely for a seat in the Assembly but for political supremacy in a state where the rivalry between the two leaders has come to symbolise the broader TMC-BJP confrontation.
In the 2021 polls, Adhikari stunned Banerjee in Nandigram by a slim margin of 1,956 votes, a defeat that forced the CM to subsequently enter the Assembly through a by-election from Bhabanipur, a seat considered her stronghold.
Five years later, the duel has been relocated to that very bastion.
&ldquo;This time we will win Bhabanipur with the maximum number of votes,&rdquo; Banerjee said when asked about the BJP challenge, asserting that the saffron party would see its numbers decline in next month&rsquo;s election.
Political observers say the BJP&rsquo;s decision to field Adhikari from Bhabanipur, in addition to his traditional seat Nandigram, is a calculated attempt to convert the constituency into the symbolic battlefield of the election, recreating the psychological theatre of Nandigram but on the chief minister&rsquo;s home turf.
Bhabanipur has been one of the TMC&rsquo;s safest urban strongholds since the party came to power in 2011. The constituency houses Banerjee&rsquo;s residence and has repeatedly returned her to the Assembly.
After her defeat in Nandigram in 2021, senior TMC leader Shovandeb Chattopadhyay vacated the seat to allow Banerjee to contest the by-election. She returned to the Assembly with a commanding margin of more than 58,000 votes and nearly 72 per cent of the vote share.
Yet, in the run-up to the 2026 polls, Bhabanipur has unexpectedly emerged as a constituency under intense political scrutiny.
The SIR of electoral rolls has added a fresh political dimension to the contest. In Bhabanipur, more than 47,000 names have been removed from the voters&rsquo; list -- 44,786 at the draft stage and another 2,324 in the next level. Over 14,000 electors remain &lsquo;under adjudication&rsquo; pending judicial scrutiny.
The scale of deletions has acquired political significance as it is roughly 11,000 fewer than the over 58,000-vote margin with which Banerjee had won the bypoll in 2021, a comparison already fuelling competing narratives between the ruling TMC and the BJP over the potential electoral impact of the roll revision.
In contrast, around 11,000 names have been struck off the voters&rsquo; list in Nandigram, represented by Adhikari.
Banerjee has been a vocal critic of the revision exercise, alleging attempts to manipulate electoral rolls, while BJP leaders argue that the clean-up will make the contest more transparent.
For the BJP, fielding Adhikari from Bhabanipur is as much a psychological move as an electoral strategy.
Having already defeated Banerjee once in Nandigram&mdash;a symbolic stronghold of the TMC&rsquo;s land movement politics&mdash;Adhikari&rsquo;s candidature allows the BJP to frame the election as a direct leadership contest between the state&rsquo;s two most prominent political figures.
The BJP leadership has also been steadily building a narrative that Bhabanipur could become competitive in the changed political circumstances.
Adhikari and senior BJP leaders, including former state president Sukanta Majumdar, have made repeated visits to the constituency in recent months, signalling the party&rsquo;s intention to convert the seat into a prestige battle.
The Mamata Banerjee&ndash;Suvendu Adhikari rivalry represents one of the most dramatic political fallouts in Bengal&rsquo;s recent history.
Once among Banerjee&rsquo;s closest lieutenants and a key architect of the TMC&rsquo;s rise in the politically volatile Jangalmahal and coastal belts, Adhikari switched to the BJP ahead of the 2021 elections, triggering one of the most high-profile defections in state politics.
His victory over Banerjee in Nandigram became the defining moment of that election, even though the TMC swept the state with a thumping mandate.
The Bhabanipur contest now threatens to revive that narrative, potentially turning a single constituency into a symbolic referendum on the leadership of both camps.
More broadly, the face-off encapsulates the larger dynamics shaping the 2026 West Bengal elections.
The TMC is seeking a fourth consecutive term in office, banking on welfare schemes, organisational strength and Mamata Banerjee&rsquo;s personal popularity. The BJP, meanwhile, is attempting to revive the aggressive challenger role it played in 2021 by framing the election as a leadership contest against Banerjee.
Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
But even before the campaign fully gathers momentum, political attention has already converged on Bhabanipur.
For the TMC, retaining the seat would reaffirm the CM&rsquo;s political dominance in her own backyard. For the BJP, wresting it would deliver a political shockwave far beyond the boundaries of a single constituency.
Either way, Bhabanipur has become the stage for what many in Bengal&rsquo;s political circles are already calling the &ldquo;mother of all electoral battles.&rdquo;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed confidence that the BJP will win the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections and vowed to expel infiltrators after forming the government.

BJP will win West Bengal polls, drive out every single infiltrator: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed confidence that the BJP will win the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections and vowed to expel infiltrators after forming the government.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday exuded confidence that the BJP will win the upcoming assembly polls in West Bengal, and &ldquo;drive out every single infiltrator&rdquo; from the state after coming to power.
Shah made the remark while addressing a function of the Sashastra Seema Bal in Araria district of Bihar, which falls in the Seemanchal region bordering West Bengal.
&ldquo;Elections are around the corner in West Bengal. I am confident that the BJP is going to win. Upon formation of the new government, we shall drive out every single infiltrator,&rdquo; he asserted.
&ldquo;The process of flushing out infiltrators will begin in Bihar, especially in the Seemanchal region. We had won the assembly polls here last year on this very issue. And, we got the mandate even though opponents were criticising our agenda,&rdquo; the home minister said.
Shah said infiltration is a threat to national security, and infiltrators also threaten the demographic balance of an area, feed on ration, and avail other benefits meant for common people.
&ldquo;Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Assam are the most vulnerable to such demographic disturbance. The Narendra Modi government is committed to maintain demographic balance,&rdquo; Shah said.
He began his speech by paying rich tributes to legendary freedom fighter and Hindutva icon Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on his death anniversary.
&ldquo;The Revolt of 1857 came to be seen as India&rsquo;s First War of Independence only after Savarkar... wrote a book asserting the same,&rdquo; Shah added.

West Bengal government moved a resolution over alleged harassment during electoral roll revision, but the Speaker rejected it citing the matter is pending before the Supreme Court.

West Bengal govt moves resolution in assembly over 'hardships' due to SIR

West Bengal government moved a resolution over alleged harassment during electoral roll revision, but the Speaker rejected it citing the matter is pending before the Supreme Court.

The West Bengal government on Thursday moved a resolution in the assembly over alleged hardships being faced by people due to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Moving the resolution under Rule 169, State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shovandeb Chattopadhyay claimed that the SIR process led to harassment of voters and the death of 107 people due to anxiety over the exercise.
Criticising the Election Commission, he asserted it had &ldquo;turned into a commission of harassment&rdquo; ahead of the assembly polls in the state.
Speaker Biman Banerjee, however, rejected the proposal, contending that since the matter was pending before the apex court, the assembly could not deliberate on it.&nbsp;

Bombs and bullets were reported during a violent clash between two groups in Kolkata’s Golpark area on Sunday night. Two people were injured, and 10 arrests have been made as police investigate.

Kolkata Clash: Golpark Erupts in Violence, Bombs Hurled

Kolkata Clash: Golpark Descends into Violence

Bombs and bullets were reported during a violent clash between two groups in Kolkata&rsquo;s Golpark area on Sunday night. Two people were injured, and 10 arrests have been made as police investigate.

Bombs were hurled and bullets fired during a clash between two groups in Kolkata, leaving two persons injured, police said on Monday.
At least 10 people were arrested in the clash that broke out in south Kolkata's Golpark area under the Rabindra Sarobar Police Station limits on Sunday night, a senior officer said.
"The situation is now under control. Ten people were arrested early on Monday, and raids are underway to arrest others involved in the clash," he said.
The violence broke out on Kankulia Road around 8.30 pm on Sunday when a group of youths from another area entered the locality and were confronted by locals, he said, adding that "two persons were injured in the incident".
Stones were hurled from both sides, creating panic in the area, the policeman said.
"Crude bombs were thrown, and at least one round of bullets was fired during the clash. Empty cartridges and splinters have been recovered from the area," the officer said.
A mob later vandalised several motorcycles and made attempts to attack a police vehicle when security personnel arrived at the spot to disperse the crowd, he said.
A large police force was deployed to bring the situation under control, the officer said.
"CCTV footage from the area is being scrutinised to identify the miscreants," he said.
Locals alleged that the violence was aimed at asserting control over the locality.
A local Trinamool Congress leader visited the area and said, "Strict action will be taken against those responsible for creating panic and disturbing public order."
The investigation is underway, the police officer said.

The Supreme Court termed ED’s allegation against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee as serious, stayed the FIR against ED officials, and agreed to examine limits of state interference in central probes.

Supreme Court calls ED allegations against Mamata Banerjee serious, stays FIR against officials

The Supreme Court termed ED&rsquo;s allegation against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee as serious, stayed the FIR against ED officials, and agreed to examine limits of state interference in central probes.

The Supreme Court on Thursday described the ED's allegation that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee caused "obstruction" in its probe as "very serious" and agreed to examine whether a state's law-enforcing agencies can interfere with any central agency's investigation into any serious offence.
The top court stayed the FIR filed in West Bengal against ED officials who raided the I-PAC office and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, on January 8 and directed the state police to protect the CCTV footage of the raids.
A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi issued notices to CM Banerjee, the West Bengal government, DGP Rajeev Kumar and top cops on the ED's petitions seeking a CBI probe against them for allegedly obstructing raids at I-PAC premises.
"According to us, adherence to the rule of law in the country and to allow each organ to function independently, it is necessary to examine the issue so that the offenders are not allowed to be protected under the shield of law-enforcing agencies of a particular state."
"Larger questions are involved and have been raised, which, if allowed to remain undecided, would further worsen the situation, and there will be a situation of lawlessness prevailing in one or the other state, considering that different outfits are governing different places," the bench said.
The apex court said a central agency has no power to interfere with the election work of any party. But at the same time, if central agencies are acting bona fide to investigate any serious offence, the question arises whether agencies can be restricted from carrying out duties under the shield of party activity, it said.
The matter is posted for further hearing on February 3.
Earlier in the day, the top court said that it was very much disturbed by the commotion at the Calcutta High Court during its hearing in the ED raids case.
The Calcutta High Court had adjourned till January 14 the hearing on petitions related to the ED's search and seizure operations at sites linked to political consultancy firm I-PAC, citing unmanageable chaos inside the courtroom.
As the hearing commenced, the ED said the West Bengal government's "interference and obstruction" during the probe agency's raids reflects a very shocking pattern.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ED, told the bench that in the past also, whenever statutory authorities exercised statutory power, Banerjee barged in and interfered.
"It reflects a very shocking pattern," Mehta said while contending that this will only encourage such acts, and the central forces will be demoralised.
"The states will feel they can barge in, commit theft, and then sit on a dharna. Let an example be set, officers who were explicitly present there should be suspended," the solicitor general said.
Mehta submitted that there was evidence leading to the conclusion that incriminating material was lying in the I-PAC office.
"Let an example be set, and officers explicitly present there should be suspended. Direct the competent authority to act, and please take cognisance of what is happening. We are here to protect our officers' fundamental rights. We are acting under the law and do not seize for personal gains," he said.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal opposed Mehta's plea and said the case should be heard by the Calcutta High Court first, and proper hierarchy should be followed. He claimed the ED was filing parallel proceedings.
Sibal also referred to the video recording of the raid and said, "It is a blatant lie that all digital devices were taken. Allegation that CM Mamata Banerjee took all devices is a lie, substantiated by ED's own panchnama (search record)."
"The last statement in the coal scam was recorded in February 2024; what was ED doing since then? Why so keen in the midst of elections?" he posed.
The ED's plea in the apex court follows events from January 8, when ED's officials faced obstructions during the probe agency's raids at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC in Salt Lake and the residence of its chief, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata in connection with a coal smuggling case.
The probe agency has claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the premises and took away "key" evidence related to the probe.
The chief minister has accused the central agency of overreach, while her party, Trinamool Congress, has denied the ED's allegation of "obstructing" its probe. The state's police have registered an FIR against ED officers.

Thousands of devotees participated in the Gangasagar Mela at Sagar Island, West Bengal, taking a holy dip in the Hooghly river confluence, with enhanced security and rescue drones deployed for safety.

Pilgrims Flock to Sagar Island for Makar Sankranti

Thousands of devotees participated in the Gangasagar Mela at Sagar Island, West Bengal, taking a holy dip in the Hooghly river confluence, with enhanced security and rescue drones deployed for safety.

Lakhs of pilgrims took a holy dip on Wednesday morning at the confluence of the Hooghly river and the Bay of Bengal in West Bengal's Sagar Island on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
The pilgrims braved the winter chill to take a dip at sunrise and offered prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram on the island in the South 24 Parganas district, where the revered Gangasagar Mela is underway.
The auspicious timing for the 'shahi snan' is scheduled to begin at 1.19 pm and will continue for 24 hours.
In view of the huge gathering from different corners of the country, the state government has made elaborate arrangements at Sagar Island, located around 100 km from Kolkata.
A senior official said that more people are expected to take a dip at the confluence of the sea and the Hooghly river, a distributary of the Ganga, as the auspicious timing for the 'shahi snan' is yet to begin.
Besides, security has also been beefed up across the districts, and at the railway stations and bus stands in Kolkata in view of the annual fair, he said.
For the first time, advanced water drones, also known as 'rescue drones', have been deployed for continuous surveillance along the shore, he said.
"These drones have been stationed specifically to enhance monitoring around Kapil Muni's Ashram and the main bathing ghats. These rescue drones are capable of carrying a load of up to 100 kg and quickly evacuating pilgrims in distress," he added.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking a CBI probe into alleged obstruction during I-PAC raids, accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and others of seizing key evidence.

ED Seeks CBI Probe Against West Bengal CM for Obstructing Raids

ED Seeks CBI Probe: Mamata Banerjee Accused

The Enforcement Directorate has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking a CBI probe into alleged obstruction during I-PAC raids, accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and others of seizing key evidence.

The Enforcement Directorate has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI probe against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, senior police officials and others after facing obstruction during its raids in Kolkata against political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director.
PTI has reviewed the writ petition of the federal probe agency, wherein it has claimed that these actions led to a "complete takeover" of its search operation by the "state machinery".
There was "direct" involvement of the highest political executive and abuse of police power, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged and demanded a CBI probe into the matter.
It urged the high court to "direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register FIR(s) and investigate the entire incident, including the role of the present respondents being the chief minister, police officials, and all persons acting in concert".
The agency added that a probe by the CBI was essential as both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court have consistently held that where the "high and mighty" in the state are involved in the commission of cognizable offences, investigation ought to be transferred to the CBI.
The ED also sought "immediate seizure, sealing, forensic preservation, and restoration to lawful custody of the ED" of all digital devices, electronic records, storage media, and documents "illegally and forcibly" taken away from the search premises.
The high court is expected to hear the petition next week.
The ED conducted a search at the Salt Lake office of I-PAC and the Kolkata residence of its founder and one of the directors, Pratik Jain, on Thursday as part of its probe into the alleged coal scam-linked money laundering case. Some other locations in the state and Delhi were also raided.
The federal probe agency had alleged in a press statement on Thursday that Banerjee entered Jain's residence on Loudon Street in Kolkata during the raids and "took away key evidence" and followed the same action at the I-PAC office.
It claimed the chief minister entered the premises despite a "categorical request being made (by ED officials) not to interfere with the ongoing search proceedings under PMLA."
"However, violating all law and order, Mamata Banerjee, with the aid of police personnel, forcibly took possession of all digital devices along with key incriminating documents from the possession of the authorised officer and left the premises around 12:15 PM," it said.
"The search was frustrated, and no seizure was therefore possible. The search was terminated for security reasons and could not be concluded," the ED said.
It claimed in the petition that about Rs 20 crore of hawala funds, generated from alleged coal pilferage in West Bengal, found their way to I-PAC. The organisation has been providing political consultancy to TMC and the state government since 2021.
"Concrete material found during the investigation revealed that at least Rs 20 crore worth of proceeds of crime was transferred to IPAC through hawala channels. In continuation of the ongoing investigation and to trace out the proceeds of crime and utilisation thereof, a search action was initiated against IPAC and certain other entities in relation to the coal smuggling case," the petition said.
ED officials claimed these Rs 20 crore worth "hawala" funds were moved by a Mumbai-based 'Angadiya' firm that got into the crosshairs of the agency during its probe into the Delhi liquor "scam" case involving the Aam Aadmi Party.
It was alleged by the ED that Rs 45 crore kickbacks generated from the Delhi excise policy "scam" were moved by the AAP for its 2022 Goa assembly election campaign. The agency claimed Pratik Jain "handled" IPAC operations in Goa.
The ED said its officials were "not allowed to perform their lawful duties."
It also urged the high court to pass an interim order restraining any access, deletion, cloning, or tampering with the seized digital devices and electronic records, as it sought protection against various FIRs filed by the local police against its officials for this operation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest march against the Enforcement Directorate’s searches at I-PAC chief Pratik Jain’s residence and offices, accusing the Centre of misusing agencies.

I-PAC row: Mamata Banerjee hits streets, leads protest march in Kolkata against ED action

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest march against the Enforcement Directorate&rsquo;s searches at I-PAC chief Pratik Jain&rsquo;s residence and offices, accusing the Centre of misusing agencies.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday began leading a protest march against the Enforcement Directorate&rsquo;s searches at the residence and offices of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain.
Accompanied by senior party leaders, ministers, MPs, MLAs and a large number of supporters, Banerjee started the march from the 8B Bus Stand area, amid sloganeering against the BJP-led central government, accusing it of &ldquo;misusing central agencies for political vendetta&rdquo; ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
The rally, which is proceeding towards Hazra More, follows Banerjee&rsquo;s dramatic visit on Thursday to Jain&rsquo;s Loudon Street residence during a search operation by the ED.
The chief minister had alleged that the agency was attempting to seize the Trinamool Congress&rsquo; internal documents, hard disks and confidential organisational data unrelated to any financial investigation.&nbsp;

The Trinamool Congress approached the Calcutta High Court seeking restraint on misuse of documents seized by the ED from I-PAC office and chief’s residence.

TMC Petitions Calcutta HC Against ED Raids on I-PAC Office

TMC Challenges ED Raids in Calcutta High Court

The Trinamool Congress approached the Calcutta High Court seeking restraint on misuse of documents seized by the ED from I-PAC office and chief&rsquo;s residence.

The Trinamool Congress on Friday moved the Calcutta High Court against the ED raids at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its chief here, seeking restraint on &ldquo;misuse and dissemination&rdquo; of documents seized during the search operations.
The ruling party in West Bengal, in its petition, alleged that the ED seized sensitive and confidential political data meant for the TMC&rsquo;s use in the upcoming assembly elections, in a display of &ldquo;arbitrary, mala fide, and colourable exercise of power&rdquo;.
PTI has accessed the synopsis of the petition, which refers to the probe agency&rsquo;s search and seizure operations under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, on January 8. The ED maintained that the operations were part of a probe into an alleged multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam.
&ldquo;The petitioner submits that the seized articles and electronic data consist of confidential political data/information/documents relating to campaign strategy, internal assessments, research inputs, organisational coordination, and electoral roll-related data used for electioneering purposes in the forthcoming West Bengal Legislative Assembly Election, 2026,&rdquo; the TMC stated in its petition.
&ldquo;The said materials have no proximate, causal, or even remote nexus with any scheduled offence or alleged proceeds of crime, and do not fall within the scope of investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering, 2002,&rdquo; it said.
The Trinamool Congress alleged that the ED operations were aimed at &ldquo;unlawfully accessing and controlling the petitioner's electoral roll management, campaign planning, and political strategy, with the clear intent to disrupt a free and fair electoral process&rdquo; under the pretext of investigation.
&ldquo;Such targeted seizure amounts to an impermissible intrusion into the petitioner's right to privacy under Article 21 and its constitutional right to participate meaningfully in the democratic process under Article 19.
&ldquo;The petitioner apprehends grave prejudice, misuse, and dissemination of the seized data, which, if not restrained, would irreversibly damage the integrity of the electoral process and undermine constitutional democracy, warranting immediate intervention of this Hon'ble Court,&rdquo; the petition said.

Eight TMC MPs, including Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra, were detained by Delhi Police while protesting outside the Home Ministry against alleged misuse of probe agencies following ED raids on I-PAC.

TMC MPs Detained During Protest Against ED Raids in Delhi

TMC MPs Detained Over ED Raids Protest

Eight TMC MPs, including Derek O&rsquo;Brien and Mahua Moitra, were detained by Delhi Police while protesting outside the Home Ministry against alleged misuse of probe agencies following ED raids on I-PAC.

Trinamool Congress MPs on Friday staged a protest outside the Home Ministry's office in New Delhi against alleged misuse of probe agencies by the Centre following which they were detained by Delhi Police. TMC leaders claimed they were forcefully evicted from the spot when they were holding the protest.
The protest came a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at the office of political consultancy I-PAC and the residence of its chief.
A police officer said TMC MPs Derek O'Brien and Mahua Moitra along with other party leaders were detained and taken to Parliament Street Police Station. "They will be released shortly," the officer said, adding the protest was not permitted outside the Home Ministry's office due to prohibitory orders and security concerns.
Holding placards and raising slogans alleging misuse of the ED, eight MPs of the TMC tried to enter the Kartavya Bhawa, which houses the Home Ministry. The MPs were stopped from entering the building, after which they staged a protest at the gate. Later, they were forcefully evicted from the protest spot by the Delhi police, they said.
Party MPs O'Brien, Satabdi Roy, Mahua Moitra, Bapi Haldar, Saket Gokhale, Pratima Mondal, Kirti Azad and Sharmila Sarkar were among those who took part in the protest.
TMC leaders shared images of the MPs being forcefully removed from the site by Delhi Police, and slammed the Union government over it. "What kind of arrogance is this Amit Shah? Are you now using your Delhi Police to assault elected representatives just to crush democracy? Is this how dissent is silenced in your India?" the TMC charged.
"Admit it, you are rattled! First, the shameless misuse of the ED. Now, an attack on the peaceful dharna of our eight MPs. This desperation exposes your fear. You may try to choke democracy, but Bengal will not be cowed. Shame on you and your police!" TMC said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the ED of attempting to seize the Trinamool Congress' internal data and election strategy during searches at the residence of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain and the organisation's office in Kolkata. Banerjee had termed the raids "political vendetta" and alleged misuse of central agencies to intimidate opposition parties.
TMC leaders have maintained that I-PAC, which provides political consultancy services to the party and manages its IT and media operations, was being targeted to gain access to sensitive internal documents. The party has announced protests against the ED action both in West Bengal and at the national level.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Mamata Banerjee’s government of allowing Bangladeshis’ infiltration, claiming it altered West Bengal’s demography, and promised BJP would end it after winning the 2026 state elections.

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Government of Bangladeshi Infiltration

Shah Criticizes Mamata on Bengal Infiltration

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Mamata Banerjee&rsquo;s government of allowing Bangladeshis&rsquo; infiltration, claiming it altered West Bengal&rsquo;s demography, and promised BJP would end it after winning the 2026 state elections.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal was abetting infiltration of Bangladeshis, which has "dangerously altered" the state's demography over the past few years.
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Shah said people of West Bengal were anxious over infiltration, which the BJP would end after coming to power in the state with a "two-thirds majority in 2026."
"We will not only identify infiltrators, but we'll also drive them out. Bengal will have a new BJP government after April 15, 2026, as people have made up their minds," he said.
Shah said the Centre has not been able to complete fencing of the India-Bangladesh border because the West Bengal government was not providing the required land.
Shah said the party will stop infiltration from the eastern borders and ensure revitalisation of Bengal once it comes to power in the state.
"BJP will form a government in West Bengal with a two-thirds majority," he said.
Shah said members of the Matua community have no reason to fear because of the SIR exercise.
"It is our pledge that all religiously persecuted refugees will be accommodated in the country. Even Mamata Banerjee cannot cause harm to the Matuas," he said.
Shah alleged that the TMC has surpassed the Left in establishing the politics of fear and violence.
"It was believed that the politics of violence and revenge would end once the Communists were defeated, but they have surpassed even the Communists. So far, more than 300 BJP workers have been killed. Over 3,000 BJP workers have still not been able to return to their homes. They are being pressured that they will be allowed there only if they carry the TMC flag," he alleged.
Shah said top TMC leaders have been to jails on charges of swindling public money, with machines to count cash recovered from their homes malfunctioning because of overheating.
"People of Bengal have resolved to replace fear, corruption and misgovernance with good governance," he said.
Shah alleged West Bengal's economy has witnessed an unprecedented slide, with more than 7,000 industries fleeing.
"People of Bengal have given Congress, Left, TMC opportunities to govern, now I appeal to them to give BJP a chance," he said.

Ahead of West Bengal assembly elections, the Election Commission published the list of over 58 lakh deleted voters from the 2026 draft electoral rolls, citing absenteeism, duplicates, or deaths.

EC Removes 58 Lakh Voters from West Bengal Draft Electoral Rolls

EC Removes 58 Lakh from Bengal Draft Rolls

Ahead of West Bengal assembly elections, the Election Commission published the list of over 58 lakh deleted voters from the 2026 draft electoral rolls, citing absenteeism, duplicates, or deaths.

The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday published West Bengal's draft electoral rolls following SIR, with officials indicating that the names of more than 58 lakh voters have been deleted on various grounds, including death, migration and non-submission of enumeration forms.
After these deletions, the state's draft electoral rolls are expected to carry the names of 7,08,16,631 voters, 58,20,898 fewer than 7,66,37,529, which was the electorate before SIR, according to official data.
With assembly elections likely to be held in the state early next year, the draft rolls, along with a detailed, booth-wise list of deleted voters and reasons for deletion, have been made available on the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal website, the Election Commission's voter portal and the ECINET application.
A senior commission official said that the hearing process for affected voters would begin in about a week's time.
The gap between the publication of the draft rolls and the commencement of hearing will be on account of printing of hearing notices, serving those to the electors concerned and creating digital backup for the same on the EC database, the official said.
The publication comes after weeks of political anxiety and public uncertainty over the fate of voters during the SIR exercise, which began on November 4 and ended on December 11.
According to the commission, the list of deleted voters includes names that figured in the January 2025 electoral rolls but do not appear in the draft rolls post SIR.
The deletion list is accessible through a separate portal, enabling voters to check whether their own or family members' names have been removed and under which category.
Commission sources said the deletions primarily stem from what were termed "uncollectable SIR enumeration forms", which exceeded 58 lakh.
These cases involved voters who were found to be deceased, permanently shifted from their registered addresses, untraceable, or recorded as duplicate voters in more than one constituency.
A detailed breakup released by the CEO's office last week showed that 24,16,852 voters were marked as dead, 19,88,076 were found to have permanently shifted, and 12,20,038 were listed as missing or untraceable at their registered addresses.
Another 1.38 lakh voters were identified as having duplicate entries, while 1,83,328 names were flagged as so-called 'ghost' voters. In addition, more than 57,000 names were deleted under other complications detected during enumeration.
In all, 58,20,898 names were excluded from the draft rolls. After these deletions, the draft electoral roll is expected to carry the names of 7,08,16,631 voters across the state, according to official data.
The Election Commission stressed that deletion from the draft roll does not mark the end of the road for affected voters.
"Aggrieved persons can submit their claims in Form 6 along with the Declaration Form and supporting documents after publication of the draft roll during the period fixed for receiving claims and objections, from December 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026," an EC official said.
Special Roll Observer for West Bengal, former bureaucrat Subrata Gupta, sought to allay public fears, saying voters whose names do not figure in the draft list should not panic.
He noted that around 30 lakh voters whose details could not be matched with the 2002 electoral rolls would be called for hearings, where they would get an opportunity to produce documents and establish eligibility before a final decision is taken.
The draft rolls had begun appearing on the Booth Level Officer (BLO) application a day before their formal publication, a move that had already sparked intense political debate.
After Tuesday's release, the commission advised all voters to verify their names through online portals or offline by visiting their local BLOs.
Hard copies of the draft rolls will be available with BLOs at the booth level, and they have been asked to remain present at booths as far as possible on the day of publication.
Soft copies of the rolls will also be provided to representatives of the state's eight recognised political parties.
The publication of the draft rolls has sharpened political fault lines in the state.
Just after the release of draft rolls, the ruling TMC alleged a "joint conspiracy" by the BJP and the Election Commission, claiming that the prospect of "hearings for nearly two crore voters" amounted to an attempt to intimidate citizens and question their citizenship.
A senior TMC leader said every voter's rights would be protected and warned against what it described as a "coordinated effort to create fear".
The BJP dismissed the allegations, with Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, mocking the charge and remarking, "This is just the beginning. Breakfast has just begun. There will be lunch, tea and then dinner."
While he refrained from giving fresh numbers on deletions, Adhikari said he would speak after the final rolls are published on February 14, as per the commission's schedule.
The SIR process has also been accompanied by allegations of "SIR-related panic" following reports of deaths in parts of the state.
According to TMC, till now, 40 ordinary citizens, including four BLOs, have died due to SIR panic, including suicides.
The BJP has dismissed the claims of SIR-linked citizen deaths as "politically motivated", insisting that the ruling party was trying to "cash in on human tragedies".

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Narsingdi, Bangladesh, on Friday morning, with tremors felt in West Bengal, Kolkata, and Assam’s Guwahati; no casualties reported.

Tremors felt across West Bengal as 5.7 magnitiude quake jolts Bangladesh

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Narsingdi, Bangladesh, on Friday morning, with tremors felt in West Bengal, Kolkata, and Assam&rsquo;s Guwahati; no casualties reported.

Tremors were felt across West Bengal and parts of the northeast on Friday morning, as an earthquake of magnitude 5.7 jolted Bangladesh's Narsingdi, the National Centre for Seismology said.
The quake struck 13 km south-southwest of Narsingdi in the neighbouring country at 10.08 am, and at a depth of 10 km, it said.
Several people in West Bengal and the northeast, including Kolkata and Assam&rsquo;s Guwahati, were seen coming out on the streets as a precautionary measure.
There was no immediate report of any loss of life or damage to property, officials said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi terms the NDA’s landslide win in Bihar as a mandate for good governance, energising BJP workers and affirming a push to end 'jungle raj' in West Bengal and other poll-bound states.

Bihar verdict mandate for good governance; will rid West Bengal of 'jungle raj' next: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi terms the NDA&rsquo;s landslide win in Bihar as a mandate for good governance, energising BJP workers and affirming a push to end 'jungle raj' in West Bengal and other poll-bound states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday termed the NDA win in Bihar as a vote for pro-people governance and vowed to throw out 'jungle raj' from West Bengal, saying the BJP's victory march will follow the flow of river Ganga from Bihar to Bengal.
Addressing a thanksgiving function at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Modi also set sights on other poll-bound states, saying the massive victory in Bihar has infused fresh energy in party workers of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal where elections are due next year.
"The victory in Bihar has paved the way for the BJP's triumph in Bengal. I want to assure the people of West Bengal that, with your support, the BJP will put an end to the jungle raj in the state as well," he said.
The prime minister greeted party workers at the BJP headquarters here by waving the 'gamchha', the ubiquitous long cotton scarf worn by most people in Bihar and other eastern states amid chants of 'Modi-Modi' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'.
As a symbolic gesture to connect with the people of Bihar on the occasion, PM Modi wore a 'gamchha' with Mithila painting on it and began his speech with chants of "Chhathi Maiyya ki Jai".
"The people of Bihar, with this massive victory and their unshakable confidence, have taken the state by storm ('garda uda diya')," said Modi in typical Bihar lingo.
He termed the victory in Bihar as a mandate for politics of good governance and hailed the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the contribution of all NDA leaders including Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha.
"If the people are re-electing the BJP-led NDA government, it signifies the establishment of a pro-people, pro-governance and pro-development agenda. This represents a new foundation in Indian politics," the prime minister said.
The BJP-led NDA was on course for a landslide victory in the Bihar assembly elections with well over two-thirds majority in the 243-member House.
"Today's victory is the beginning of a new journey. The trust that Bihar has reposed in us has put greater responsibility on our shoulders," he said.
The prime minister assured the voters of Bihar that the state will progress at an even faster pace, new industries will be established and the youth will get jobs within the state.
"Investment will come to Bihar, and this investment will bring more jobs. Tourism will expand in Bihar, and people will see Bihar's new strength. Our pilgrimage sites, places of faith and historical heritage will be rejuvenated," he said.
The prime minister said the victory has given a new "M-Y -- Mahila and Youth" formula as the people had destroyed the "communal 'M-Y' formula of the jungle raj people".
"Bihar has shown again that lies are defeated and people's trust wins," Modi said.
This victory has strengthened people's confidence in the Election Commission, the prime minister said.
In an apparent reference to the Muslim-Yadav (M-Y) support base of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Modi said in Bihar, some parties had formulated an "M-Y formula" but today's victory has given a new "positive M-Y -- Mahila and Youth" formula.
"Today, Bihar is among the states with a high youth population, and these youths belong to all religions and castes. Their wishes, aspirations and their dreams have destroyed the communal M-Y formula of the jungle raj people," Modi said in a swipe at the Opposition.
He said the Bihar polls have also shown that the voters, especially the young ones, take the purification of the electoral list seriously.
The youth of Bihar have also extended tremendous support to the revision of electoral rolls, he said.
Modi hailed the Election Commission for ensuring that elections take place smoothly and recalled how violence was the norm during the 'jungle raj', an apparent reference to RJD rule during the chief ministership of Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi.
His remarks come at a time when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been alleging "vote chori" in state polls and accusing the EC of colluding with the BJP to ensure the party's victory.
Modi said with the new government, the NDA was now moving forward towards a golden journey of 25 years in Bihar.
"Bihar has ensured that the return of jungle raj will never happen again in this great land. Today's victory belongs to those sisters and daughters of Bihar who endured the terror of jungle raj during RJD's rule," he said.
The prime minister said the victory belonged to the youth of Bihar whose future was ruined due to the terror of Congress and those waving the red flag.
"Today's verdict is a mandate to the politics of development and rejection of the politics of nepotism," Modi said.
"When I used to speak about jungle raj and 'katta sarkar' (rule by country-made pistol), the RJD party raised no objections. However, it unsettled the Congress. Today, I want to reiterate that 'katta sarkar' will never return to Bihar," the prime minister said.

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