Economist and Former Left Leader Prasenjit Bose Joins Congress in Kolkata
Economist and social activist Prasenjit Bose, once a prominent student leader of the Left at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), formally joined the Congress party on Monday in Kolkata, saying he was committing himself to the struggle to defend India’s Constitution and voting rights. Bose, 51, received the Congress membership form from West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee president Shubhankar Sarkar at a ceremony at Ram Mohan Mancha in North Kolkata. He was welcomed into the party by youth leader Kanhaiya Kumar, Rajya Sabha Congress member Syed Nasir Hussain, and AICC general secretary and state observer Ghulam Ahmad Mir. “The biggest challenge before the people is to resist the Special Intensive Revision so that the right to vote is protected,” Bose said. He added that he was joining Congress because he believes the party under Rahul Gandhi is leading the opposition fight on the ground. “What the Left often says in words, Rahul Gandhi is doing on the streets,” Bose said. Bose rose to prominence in the 1990s as a face of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) in JNU. He later became a key voice for the Communist Party of India (Marxist), but resigned in 2012 over the CPI(M)’s decision to support Pranab Mukherjee’s presidential bid. In recent years, he has been active as an economist, researcher, and commentator on social issues. His decision to enter the Congress fold highlights the party’s attempt to draw on intellectuals and former Left leaders in West Bengal as it seeks to position itself as an alternative to the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. “Congress can play a vital role in building an alternative to the polarization between TMC and BJP,” Bose said. Hussain, who once faced Bose as a rival in JNU student elections, called his entry into Congress “a strengthening of democratic movements.” On Facebook, Bose said his immediate objective was to reinforce democratic struggles and rebuild a progressive alternative in both the state and the nation. Several other former Left leaders, including Kanhaiya Kumar, D.P. Tripathi, and Shakeel Ahmed Khan, have previously joined Congress. However, Bose’s induction has sparked some unease within the party’s student wing, with sections accusing the leadership of giving undue prominence to outsiders over long-time workers. Despite the internal dissent, state Congress leaders said Bose’s stature as a public intellectual and economist would boost the party’s credibility in West Bengal, where it is striving to regain lost ground.
Modi opens Armed Forces commanders’ conference in Kolkata, stresses self-reliance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference at Fort William in Kolkata, urging India’s military leadership to focus on jointness, self-reliance and innovation to strengthen operational readiness. The biennial conference, attended by the heads of the Army, Navy and Air Force along with senior officials from the defence ministry, serves as the apex forum for reviewing security challenges and shaping the country’s long-term military strategy. This year’s theme is “Year of Reforms – Transformation for the Future.” Modi was briefed on operational preparedness in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a recent large-scale exercise, as well as on the future of warfare shaped by emerging technologies. He also reviewed reforms carried out over the past two years and discussed the roadmap for further restructuring of the armed forces. “The prime minister complimented the Armed Forces for their role in anti-piracy operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and the safe return of Indian citizens from conflict zones,” the defence ministry said in a statement. Modi called on the defence establishment to accelerate steps to improve coordination between the services and reduce dependence on foreign equipment. The conference will continue for two days and is expected to assess structural, administrative and operational reforms, as well as India’s preparedness in the face of rising global uncertainties. Analysts said Modi’s presence at Fort William, the Eastern Command headquarters, carried symbolic weight. A sitting prime minister has rarely attended the event at the historic Kolkata garrison, with the last such visit believed to have taken place in the 1970s. The visit also came amid regional tensions. Nepal has recently witnessed violent protests while political unrest continues in Bangladesh, both of which share borders with eastern India. “The timing of the conference is geopolitically significant,” said a defence analyst, pointing to the security implications for states bordering the two neighbours. Modi’s trip marked his fourth visit to West Bengal this year, ahead of the Durga Puja festival. While he did not address any political rallies in Kolkata, opposition parties accused him of mixing official duties with electioneering. Before departing for Bihar in the afternoon, Modi met briefly at the airport with Sukanta Majumdar, former state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
ED Expands Betting App Probe, Summons Mimi Chakraborty and Urvashi Rautela
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned actor-turned-politician Mimi Chakraborty in connection with its probe into a betting app case, officials said Saturday. The actress has been asked to appear in New Delhi on 15 September. Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela has also been summoned, with her questioning scheduled for 16 September. The agency has already questioned several high-profile celebrities in recent weeks, including former cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, over their association with the promotion of the app. Chakraborty, a former Trinamul Congress parliamentarian, is one of Bengal’s most recognizable film stars. She has worked extensively in both television and films, while also endorsing several brands. Investigators allege that she, along with fellow Bengali actor Ankush Hazra, appeared in advertisements linked to the betting app now under scrutiny. The ED believes the celebrities’ endorsements played a key role in promoting the app to a wider audience. Officials said their questioning will focus on whether the stars were aware of the app’s alleged illegal operations and whether payments received for promotions were routed through legitimate channels. The betting app case has widened rapidly, with the agency summoning at least 29 celebrities from across India. Among them are actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj and Vijay Deverakonda, all of whom were reportedly associated with the app’s promotion. Hazra, another prominent Tollywood actor, was called earlier this week. Sources said the questioning of Chakraborty and Rautela is expected to shed further light on the financial trail the agency is probing. The betting app is alleged to have violated Indian gambling and money laundering laws, with investigators claiming that large sums of money were routed abroad through shell companies. The ED is also examining possible links between the app’s operators and hawala channels.
Modi Arrives in Kolkata for Military Commanders’ Meet; Police Impose Traffic Curbs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kolkata on Sunday night to inaugurate one of the Indian armed forces’ biggest strategic gatherings since last year’s Operation Sindoor. The Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) will run from Sunday to Tuesday at Fort William, the headquarters of the Eastern Command. Mr Modi flew in late in the evening and headed straight to Raj Bhavan, the colonial-era Governor’s House, where he will spend the night. On Sunday morning he is due to open the conference, which will bring together Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The high-level meeting will focus on border security, institutional reform and accelerating the modernisation of the armed forces. Senior defence officials said lessons drawn from Operation Sindoor — India’s cross-border strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists — would also shape the deliberations. The CCC has long been a forum for frank exchanges between military commanders and the political leadership. The last edition, in Bhopal in 2023, was also opened by Mr Modi, but this year’s event in Kolkata carries additional weight in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. The prime minister’s presence, however, also means disruption for the city. Kolkata Police have imposed sweeping traffic restrictions through the weekend. Commissioner Manoj Verma said the movement of goods vehicles on major arteries was banned between 3.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and again from 7.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Streets around Raj Bhavan are shut to heavy traffic until late Saturday night, while extra barricades and checkpoints have been put in place near Fort William. For many residents, the curbs are a familiar inconvenience whenever a VVIP comes to town. But officials insisted they were essential, given the scale of the security operation and the sensitivity of the conference. Defence ministry sources said the final day of discussions on Monday would be attended by senior bureaucrats, including Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, before the prime minister returns to Delhi.
Pilot Aborts Takeoff at Lucknow Airport, 151 Passengers Safe
A major accident was averted at Lucknow airport on Saturday morning when an IndiGo flight to Delhi aborted takeoff, saving the lives of 151 passengers on board. The Lucknow-Delhi flight 6E-2111 was accelerating on the runway when the pilot detected a technical snag and applied emergency brakes, halting the aircraft just in time, officials said. Panic briefly broke out among passengers as the aircraft came to an abrupt stop. Among the passengers was Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, wife of party president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. “God’s grace saved us. A tragedy could have happened,” said one relieved passenger after safely disembarking. All passengers were safely evacuated, and IndiGo later arranged another flight to Delhi for them. Preliminary reports suggest a technical fault, though a detailed investigation has been ordered, airport officials confirmed.
Allegations of Abuse Surface at Hooghly Private Home; Four Arrested
Police in Hooghly district arrested four people, including the owner, secretary, and two staff members of a private home in Nabagram, on charges of physically abusing a 26-year-old woman resident. The woman lodged a complaint with the Serampore Women’s Police Station on Thursday, police officials said. Acting swiftly, investigators arrested the four accused on Friday. One of them has been remanded to three days of police custody by a Serampore court, while the others have been sent to 14 days of judicial custody. Among those arrested is the home’s secretary, Ajay Chattopadhyay, a former Trinamool Congress (TMC) member of the Nabagram panchayat. Police sources said Chattopadhyay wields influence locally through his connections in various institutions. Trinamool leaders moved quickly to distance the party from the controversy. Apurba Majumdar, the party’s Nabagram area president, said: “The victim is a bright young woman preparing for a government job. She had earlier brought complaints against the home to our office, and we advised her to go to the police. Ajay is no longer with TMC, though he still has influence. Whoever is guilty will face punishment.” Opposition leaders, however, seized the opportunity to attack the ruling party. CPI(M) leader Ashish Dey alleged: “TMC is now trying to wash its hands of responsibility. Ajay contested the Nabagram Cooperative Bank election as a TMC candidate and served earlier as a director on its board. He has long been an active TMC worker. The party cannot escape accountability.” BJP leaders also weighed in. Rajesh Rajak, BJP’s Nabagram mandal president, said: “We know Ajay well; he has multiple faces. He has been part of TMC, so naturally he had close ties with the panchayat. If the allegations are true, police must act strictly.” Some staff members of the home defended its owner, claiming they had never witnessed Ajay behave inappropriately. The case comes amid a spate of controversies involving private homes and rehabilitation centers in Uttarpara. On Friday, the head of a de-addiction center was bludgeoned to death by two residents. Months earlier, another resident died under suspicious circumstances at a separate facility. Repeated allegations have sparked fresh scrutiny of private institutions in the district.
PM Modi unveils Rs 9000 cr development package for Mizoram, inaugurates historic rail link to Aizawl
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a development push of more than 9,000 crore rupees ($1.1 billion) for Mizoram, including the inauguration of the state’s first rail link to its capital, Aizawl — a project he hailed as a historic milestone for India’s Northeast. While poor weather prevented Modi from attending a public gathering in the city, he addressed the people virtually from Lengpui Airport and expressed gratitude for what he called the “warm reception of the Mizo people.” The highlight of the day was the launch of the 51.4-kilometer Bairabi-Sairang rail line, built at a cost of 8,070 crore rupees. The line connects Aizawl to India’s railway network for the first time, with Sairang set to be linked to Delhi by the Rajdhani Express. Modi called the project a “lifeline of transformation” for Mizoram and the broader Northeast. “This is not just a railway track,” Modi said. “It will bring progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, tourism, transport and employment for the people of Mizoram.” The project posed major engineering challenges due to the hilly terrain, requiring 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges and 88 smaller bridges. Modi praised the engineers and workers who carried out the construction in difficult conditions. The prime minister also used his address to attack what he described as decades of “vote-bank politics” by previous governments, which he said neglected the Northeast because of its small number of parliamentary seats. “Our government has brought those who were kept on the margins into the mainstream,” he said. Modi highlighted his government’s record in the region over the past 11 years, citing investments in rural roads, national highways, internet connectivity, electricity, LPG and clean drinking water. He said Mizoram will also benefit from expanded air services under the UDAN scheme, with new helicopter routes to remote areas starting soon. Underlining Mizoram’s strategic importance, Modi said the state is central to India’s Act East Policy, which seeks closer economic ties with Southeast Asia. He noted projects such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transport initiative and the planned Sairang-Hmawngbuchhuah rail link, which will connect Mizoram to the Bay of Bengal and beyond. The prime minister also focused on youth and entrepreneurship. He said the region already hosts more than 4,500 startups and 25 incubators, while residential schools under the A-Club model are expanding. “The innovation ecosystem is growing in the Northeast, and Mizoram’s youth are at its center,” Modi said. Sport was another theme of the address, with Modi praising Mizoram’s football culture and promising more infrastructure under the Khelo India scheme. He said a new national sports policy will boost opportunities and strengthen the sports economy. Modi encouraged promotion of local products such as bamboo, organic ginger, turmeric and bananas, while pointing to tax reforms under the Goods and Services Tax that reduced costs of essential goods. Citing India’s 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, Modi described the country as the fastest-growing major economy. He said economic growth was tied to national security, referencing Operation Sindoor, where domestically produced weapons played a role. “Mizoram is not only a part of India’s story of development but also a crucial partner in building a developed India,” Modi said. The inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang rail line, long awaited by the people of Mizoram, is expected to redefine connectivity in the state and give a major push to economic growth across the Northeast.
Madhya Pradesh High Court issues notice over ‘Jolly LLB 3’ song
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notices to Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, along with producer Alok Jain, director Subhash Kapoor and others, in response to a public interest litigation challenging a song from the upcoming film Jolly LLB 3. A division bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf on Friday directed the parties to file their replies by Sept. 17, just two days before the film’s scheduled release on Sept. 19. The petition, filed by advocate Pranjal Tiwari of Jabalpur, argues that the song “Bhai Vakeel Hai” undermines the dignity of the legal profession. Tiwari, represented by advocates Pramod Singh Tomar and Arzoo Ali, cited lyrics including “Rago mein tigdambaazi hai, har taale ki chaabi hai … har case ki package deal hai, fikr na kar tera bhai vakeel hai” as portraying lawyers in a derogatory and frivolous light. The petition claims the song defames the legal profession, mocks the sanctity of courtroom attire and violates Section 5(b) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which restricts content affecting public morality and decency. Kumar and Warsi are shown dancing in lawyers’ gowns and neckbands, which the petitioner said ridicules judicial decorum and could negatively influence young viewers. The state’s counsel told the court that the Allahabad High Court had earlier dismissed a similar plea seeking a stay on the film’s release. Taking note, the Madhya Pradesh High Court said the inclusion of the producer and director was crucial for judicial consideration. Other respondents in the case include the state government, the principal secretary of the home department, the secretary of information and broadcasting, and the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification. With the hearing set just before the film’s release, the court’s decision will be closely watched by both the legal fraternity and the film industry.
Teen Stabbed to Death at Dakshineswar Metro Station, Panic Among Commuters
Kolkata was rocked on Friday afternoon after a brutal incident inside Dakshineswar Metro Station, where a 17-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed to death following a clash between two groups of teenagers. According to preliminary reports, an altercation broke out near the ticket counter between the two groups, which quickly escalated into a violent scuffle. Witnesses claimed that during the fight, one boy was surrounded and repeatedly attacked with a sharp weapon. He collapsed on the station floor in a pool of blood, sparking chaos among commuters. The injured boy, a resident of Alambazar and a Class XI student, was rushed to a nearby hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to another hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police sources confirmed that the deceased was a minor. Eyewitnesses stated that the clash was between students, and suspicions point to a love affair dispute as the possible trigger. However, officials stressed that the exact motive is yet to be confirmed. The attackers, also believed to be minors, fled the spot immediately after the incident. Scenes of panic and fear unfolded inside the busy metro station, which was crowded with passengers at the time. Photographs showed bloodstains on the station floor as authorities cordoned off the area. Regular commuters raised questions over how sharp weapons were carried inside the metro premises despite security checks. Metro authorities issued a statement saying the entire incident is under review, and police have been informed. They clarified that metro services were not disrupted. Police teams have launched a search to trace the absconding attackers. Investigators are scanning CCTV footage to identify those involved. The shocking murder has left the Alambazar locality in deep grief, with neighbours describing the victim as a bright and soft-spoken student whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
Bangladesh Faces Ongoing Shortage of Routine Childhood Vaccines in Several Districts
Several districts across Bangladesh have been grappling with shortages of childhood vaccines under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) for more than a month, health officials said. Civil surgeons from multiple districts reported that supplies of certain vaccines have been inconsistent, leaving children unable to receive their scheduled immunizations. The shortages vary by region, with some districts facing gaps in specific vaccines while others have received adequate stock after delayed shipments. “This problem has persisted for weeks,” said one district civil surgeon, who noted that children in his area had missed their doses due to a lack of supply. “Once vaccines arrive, we are able to continue the program, but the disruptions are worrying.” Bangladesh, for the first time, began purchasing EPI vaccines last year. Until then, the program was largely supported by international donors and vaccines were provided free of cost. Officials said the transition has created logistical challenges in procurement and distribution. Despite field-level reports of shortages, the national EPI office has denied any systemic problem. A.F.M. Shahabuddin, project manager of the Expanded Program on Immunization, insisted there was “no shortage or crisis.” “The vaccines are arriving as scheduled,” Shahabuddin said. “What happens is that it takes some time to distribute them to all districts once the shipment reaches Bangladesh. That lag can create the impression of shortages, but there is no real supply gap.” Health workers and parents, however, remain concerned. Delays in administering vaccines could leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as measles, polio and diphtheria. Public health experts warn that even short-term disruptions in immunization schedules can have long-term consequences, especially in densely populated countries like Bangladesh. The Ministry of Health has not announced any new measures to address the delays, but officials say they are monitoring distribution more closely.
