West Bengal

The West Bengal State Election Commission has stepped up preparations for civic polls in eight urban local bodies, including Kolkata and Howrah. EVM checking will begin on September 29, while voter list, polling station, manpower and security preparations are being carried out simultaneously.

Skydale, a residential project in Matigara, Siliguri, has achieved slab-casting completion across all towers, marking a significant stage in its development. With 65% of its residential units already sold, the project is moving closer to its planned handover phase.

Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital has received recognition at the 5th ICC National Healthcare Excellence Awards, acknowledging its continued focus on quality healthcare, patient safety and medical excellence.

The Election Commission has allotted separate names and election symbols to the two rival Trinamool Congress factions ahead of the upcoming Assembly bypolls. Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction will contest as the Democratic Trinamool Congress with the Envelope symbol, while Mamata Banerjee’s faction will use the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the Football Player symbol.

The Election Commission has temporarily frozen the use of the All India Trinamool Congress name and its ‘Jora Phool’ election symbol amid the ongoing dispute between the two rival factions. Both sides have been directed to submit three alternative names and symbols ahead of the upcoming by-elections.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has appealed to people across the state to light an ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ on September 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and his 25 years in public service.

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday set aside the West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Department’s notice directing the evacuation of Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee’s office on Camac Street. The court ordered a fresh notice and inspection of the premises.

Liquor is set to become costlier in West Bengal from October 1, 2026, with new pricing being introduced for foreign liquor, Indian made liquor and beer ahead of the festive season.

Siliguri’s Central Colony is gearing up for an extraordinary Durga Puja celebration in 2026, with plans for a magnificent Durga idol featuring an astonishing 100 kilograms of gold.

The Income Tax Department’s North Bengal and Sikkim region marked Hindi Day with the launch of its annual Rajbhasha magazine ‘Kar-Sangam’. The event in Siliguri also featured poetry recitations and cultural performances.

West Bengal’s Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department has issued closure notices to 252 unaided madrasas following a state wide verification drive. Around 100 more institutions have been served show-cause notices over alleged infrastructure and regulatory deficiencies.

Representing West Bengal, Mahi Sharma has earned the 5th Runner-Up title at Miss Glorifique India 2026, marking a notable achievement at the national pageant held in Odisha.