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News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
BJP Banking On Bengal-Based Leaders For 2026 Poll Campaign
Last Updated: Observers suggest that this tactical pivot reflects a recognition of the need for stronger local resonance With the Bengal assembly elections to be held in 2026, both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) have demonstrably begun to lay the groundwork for what promises to be another high-stakes electoral battle. This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Mamata Banerjee effectively set the tone for their respective parties, actively engaging in strategies designed to energise their cadres and sway the electorate. The BJP, in particular, is signalling a significant shift in its campaign playbook for West Bengal. Sources indicate a deliberate move to empower and prioritise Bengal-based leaders to spearhead the ground campaign. This strategy aims to ensure that leaders deeply rooted in the state's cultural fabric will drive door-to-door outreach and orchestrate large-scale campaign events. While national 'star campaigners" like Prime Minister Modi and union home minister Amit Shah will maintain their usual impactful visits, the party plans to reduce the reliance on leaders brought in from other states. The emphasis, this time, is squarely on Bengali or Bangla-bhashi leaders to connect more organically with the local populace. Observers suggest that this tactical pivot reflects a recognition of the need for stronger local resonance. Any election for the BJP typically involves massive logistical planning and the deployment of teams from across the country to the target state. However, for Bengal 2026, leaders with stronger Bengali connections are being strategically prioritised. Names currently circulating as potential key campaigners include Tripura chief minister Manik Saha and MP Biplab Deb, both with strong regional appeal. Assam's Pabitra Margherita, known for his Bengali heritage, is also likely to be involved, alongside Jharkhand's Annapurna Devi and former union minister Smriti Irani, who has cultivated a notable rapport with the people of Bengal. This strategic adjustment aligns with Prime Minister Modi's recent directive on Friday, urging party workers to focus intensely on the 'Bengali asmita" (pride) agenda. During a rally in Durgapur, PM Modi emphasised the BJP's commitment to Bengal's identity, history, and development, directly countering the TMC's narrative. He began his address with traditional Bengali chants of 'Jai Ma Kali, Jai Ma Durga" and accused the TMC of hindering Bengal's progress while encouraging illegal infiltration. Party insiders further affirm that the over 50 BJP MLAs currently holding seats in the assembly will play a crucial role, working diligently to retain their constituencies and serving as vital grassroots connectors in the upcoming campaign. The TMC, under chief minister Mamata Banerjee, is also actively consolidating its base, with party leaders like Abhishek Banerjee setting ambitious targets for a fourth consecutive term, promising to counter the BJP's narrative and protect Bengal's interests. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 07:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
BMRCL gets new managing director, 2001-batch IAS officer Ravishankar to replace Maheshwar Rao
The Karnataka government Friday appointed 2001-batch IAS officer Dr J Ravishankar as the new managing director of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). He will replace Maheshwar Rao, who was holding the post on an additional charge. Ravishankar currently serves as the secretary in the state Agriculture Department. His appointment to the top post in BMRCL comes ahead of the launch of the long-pending Yellow Line metro network connecting RV Road and Bommasandra. A graduate in Dental Surgery, Ravishankar has previously held several important roles in the state bureaucracy. These include serving as secretary in the Housing Department, excise commissioner of Karnataka, and special commissioner at the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). He has also worked as the commissioner of the Karnataka Housing Board and the deputy commissioner of Raichur district. Other notable postings include key roles in departments such as Urban Development, Municipal Administration, Urban Housing, and Kannada and Culture. Outgoing BMRCL Managing Director Rao came under extensive public criticism for substantially hiking metro fares in February. The maximum ticket price was increased from Rs 60 to Rs 90. Parliamentarians, including Tejasvi Surya and P C Mohan, slammed Rao for not disclosing the fare fixation report that recommended the steep hike in metro fares. Surya and other BJP leaders also held a protest against BMRCL at Lalbagh in Bengaluru last week for failing to disclose the fare fixation report and for delaying the commissioning of the Yellow Line. Following approval from the Centre, Rao was appointed as the full-time MD of BMRCL in January 2024. However, the state government appointed him as BBMP chief commissioner in April 2025. Rao had assured to open the Yellow Line connecting south Bengaluru to Electronic City by August 15, with three trains and a headway of 20 minutes. The Yellow Line, despite 90 per cent civil work completion, faces delays due to rolling stock shortages from Bengal-based Titagarh Rail Systems. Bengaluru's Namma Metro network currently spans 77 kilometres with 66 stations across two operational lines: the Purple Line (43.49 km, Whitefield to Challaghatta) and the Green Line (33.5 km, Nagasandra to Silk Institute). Phase 2 includes the Yellow Line (19.15 km, RV Road to Bommasandra), Pink Line (21.26 km, Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara), and Blue Line (58.19 km, Central Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport via KR Puram). Phase 3, approved in August 2024, includes two elevated corridors totalling 44.65 km: Corridor-1 (32.15 km, JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura) and Corridor-2 (12.50 km, Hosahalli to Kadabagere). The construction for Phase 3 has begun, with geotechnical surveys at Magadi Road and land acquisition for 777 properties underway. This phase, expected to be operational by 2029, will extend the network to 220.2 km with 31 new stations, enhancing connectivity to IT corridors and suburbs. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Cabinet approved Phase 3A (Sarjapur to Hebbal, Red Line) in December 2024. The Union Urban Development Department granted initial approval on October 16, 2024, and the project now awaits the final approval of the Union Cabinet.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Bengal to hand over 40-acre Uttarpara plot to Titagarh rail
Kolkata: A Bengal cabinet meeting, chaired by CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday, decided to hand over a 40-acre plot of contiguous land at Kotrung and Bhadrakali in Hooghly's Uttarpara to Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL). TRSL would use the land to enhance its production capacity and for testing of Metro and Vande Bharat coaches. The plot is part of the land of Hind Motors, which Bengal had acquired, and would now be given on a 99-year lease to TRSL. Banerjee had announced in 2023 that the unused land of Hind Motors would be reclaimed for industry as the erstwhile carmaker was not doing any activity there. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The land parcel, located adjoining the existing 34-acre manufacturing unit of TRSL, would be strategically important for the Bengal-based rolling stock manufacturer. An official said it would help TRSL establish infrastructure for extra production and set up dedicated areas for testing and commissioning of new coaches and trains. It would also help in ensuring safety validation, including dynamic and running tests of all trains before delivery, the official added. Prithish Chowdhary, deputy MD of TRSL, said with this land parcel, their total area would be 74 acres. "We are working on fresh investment plans for testing track and other facilities here," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo TRSL, in collaboration with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, had unveiled the production line for Vande Bharat sleeper trains at its manufacturing facility in Uttarpara earlier this year. The production line was set up after TRSL bagged a contract from Indian Railways to manufacture 80 such train sets under a consortium. With production now underway at the Uttarpara plant, the prototype Vande sleeper trains are expected to roll out in 2026. The plant has an annual capacity of manufacturing 300 coaches, which is being scaled up to 850 to meet the increasing demand. "The total value of the project stands at around Rs 24,000 crore, including long-term maintenance of 35 years. The sleeper variant of Vande Bharat will be India's first long-distance, semi high-speed train offering fully indigenous design, superior passenger comfort and cutting-edge safety features," TRSL vice-chairman and MD Umesh Chowdhury had said earlier.
India Today
01-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Akash Deep offers Shami-like threat, should replace Bumrah if needed: Irfan Pathan
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has suggested that if Jasprit Bumrah is rested for the second Test against England at Birmingham, the team management should consider bringing in Akash Deep as his replacement. According to Pathan, the Bengal-based pacer poses a threat similar to that of Mohammed on his YouTube channel, Irfan outlined why Akash Deep deserves consideration for the upcoming Test. Despite a strong batting performance in the first match, featuring twin centuries from Rishabh Pant and first-innings tons from Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, India fell short, losing by five Indian bowling unit came under heavy criticism, with all bowlers barring Jasprit Bumrah struggling to find consistent lengths and restrict England's scoring. Heading into the second Test, it remains to be seen whether Bumrah will be cleared to play, as the team management remains cautious about managing his workload following his injury post the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If Bumrah is unavailable, Irfan believes Akash Deep would be a worthy replacement.'If Bumrah is not there, then who should come into the side in his place? Akash Deep, from what's been seen in the nets, seems to be getting into his rhythm. I feel that he is the Shami mould type of bowler,' Irfan added that Akash Deep's bowling style, focused more on seam and swing, could be more effective in English conditions compared to the hit-the-deck approach of bowlers like Mohammed Siraj or Prasidh Krishna. His straight seam deliveries, in particular, could generate late movement, making it tough for England's aggressive batting straight seam deliveries can trouble the England batters, especially when it comes to late movement. If you are going aggressive, this could be a problem. We will come to Arshdeep, but I think if Bumrah is not playing, then it should be Akash Deep who should come in his place,' he CONFIDENT WITHOUT BUMRAH?India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, expressed confidence in the team's bowling unit, stating that they are not overly reliant on Bumrah and believe they can compete strongly, even in his absence."It is, but we also feel we can go 1-1 or keep the score at 1-0 without Jasprit. Again, that's putting the eggs in the back end of the series. We're going to need him at some stage as well. You've got to decide when you're going to play your strongest suit,' ten Doeschate for Bumrah's availability, a final decision will be taken on match day.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
TMC accuses EC of rigging norms to allot webcasting contract to Guj firm
1 2 Kolkata: Trinamool Congress on Wednesday wrote to the Election Commission accusing the poll body of rigging norms to allot a poll-day webcasting contract to a Gujarat-based firm. In a two-page letter, senior state minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, also the party vice-president, urged the EC to "take urgent and appropriate steps" which are fair, transparent, and based on merit. The agency was tasked by the EC to do webcasting of polls in Bengal, starting with the Kaliganj bypolls, scheduled on Thursday. The results will be announced on June 23. The Gujarat-based agency edged past two other applicants, scoring a perfect 100 in the quality-cum-cost based selection (QCBS) method, a matrix never used in any poll in Bengal, the party alleged. The tender for the bypoll was floated on June 2. Bhattacharya, addressing reporters at Trinamool Bhawan, said, "What should have been a transparent and competitive bidding process has now emerged as a textbook case of contract rigging designed to favour a pre-selected vendor and deliberately eliminate capable, experienced Bengal-based agencies. The tender timeline was unusually tight, effectively disqualifying regional, experienced service providers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Men Over 50: Frequent Urination & Weak Stream? Do this Before Bed healthydayscare Click Here Undo " Bhattacharya said, "The technical evaluation process was conducted in clear violation of norms. Pre-qualification documents were ignored, clause-wise technical marking was never published, and financial bids were opened first, and only then were technical scores back-calculated to ensure the Gujarat-based vendor emerged as L1." She added, "This is not an isolated case of bureaucratic oversight; it's part of the BJP's larger conspiracy to hijack the electoral process. They earlier attempted voter fraud by duplicating EPIC numbers and bringing in ghost voters from BJP-ruled states, as highlighted by CM Mamata Banerjee." "They have now shifted focus to capturing surveillance mechanisms like webcasting. This is a blatant misuse of the EC machinery to influence the outcome of elections in favour of the BJP," she added. The minister said, "We demand that the EC acts as a constitutional guardian of democratic values and not as a BJP rubber stamp. We call upon the commission to ensure that fairness, neutrality, and meritocracy are upheld in every aspect of electoral conduct. If the Election Commission chooses to remain silent, it will be complicit in the erosion of democracy."
