“Babri Masjid banega, tumhare baap ka jagah hai?”: Himanta
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made strong remarks against former TMC leader Humayun Kabir during an election rally in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, adding to the intensity of the ongoing state poll campaign. Sarma was reacting to Kabir’s comments on rebuilding the Babri Masjid. In response, he said, “Babri Masjid banega? Tumhara baap ka jagah hai kya?”—a remark that quickly went viral on social media. The statement was part of Sarma’s broader criticism of opposition leaders as he sought to rally support for the BJP in the region. Delivered in a forceful tone, his comments reflect the increasingly aggressive nature of political campaigning in West Bengal. The Babri Masjid remains a highly sensitive issue in Indian politics, tied to the long-standing dispute that led to the Babri Masjid demolition and the subsequent legal and political developments in Ayodhya. Any reference to the issue often draws strong reactions from both political figures and the public. So far, Humayun Kabir has not responded to Sarma’s remarks. Political observers believe such exchanges are likely to deepen divisions as campaigning intensifies ahead of the elections. With high stakes and sharp rhetoric dominating the narrative, West Bengal’s electoral battle continues to witness frequent verbal clashes between leaders from rival parties.
Income tax raids TMC leader’s residence & EC office in Kolkata
The Income Tax Department on Friday conducted searches at the residence and election office of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Debasish Kumar in south Kolkata, where he is contesting the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Visuals from the scene showed camouflaged personnel entering the building and carrying out search operations. Kumar is the sitting legislator from the Rashbehari constituency and is seeking re-election. The development comes amid an ongoing probe by the Enforcement Directorate, which has issued multiple summons to him in connection with an alleged land-grabbing case. While the Income Tax Department has not officially disclosed the reason for the searches, they are believed to be linked to the investigation. West Bengal will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled for May 4, making the timing of the raids politically significant.
“Will shelter helpless people from B’desh”: Mamata Banerjee
A resurfaced video of Mamata Banerjee is circulating widely, drawing attention to her remarks on offering shelter to people from Bangladesh during times of distress. In the clip, she says that if people from Bangladesh seek help in Bengal, her government would provide them refuge. The video is from a Trinamool Congress meeting, where Banerjee was addressing party workers and supporters. During her speech, she emphasised the importance of helping those in need, particularly people in neighbouring regions facing hardship. Her comments have resurfaced amid ongoing developments involving India and Bangladesh, including reports of displacement. While advocating a humanitarian approach, Banerjee also underlined that matters related to foreign policy are handled by the Central Government. The video has since been widely shared online, drawing attention to questions around how states may respond to a potential influx of people from Bangladesh and the Centre’s role in such situations.
“Want entire India to become South Kashmir”: MP Mehdi
In a Lok Sabha debate on the Constitution Bill and proposals related to delimitation, Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi of the National Conference made remarks on regional conditions and governance. Mehdi said he would be “happy if all parts of the country were like South Kashmir,” adding that if other regions experienced similar conditions, people would better understand the difficulties faced by residents of South Kashmir. Mehdi’s comments drew attention both inside and outside Parliament, leading to strong reactions on social media and in political circles. While some critics called the remarks inappropriate and provocative, others viewed them as an attempt to highlight alleged neglect and uneven development in certain regions. The exchange took place during a broader discussion on the Constitution Bill and delimitation, where issues of representation, governance and equitable development were being debated.
Case filed against Prakash Raj for mocking Ramayana
The Delhi Police Cyber Cell has received a complaint against actor Prakash Raj over his alleged remarks on the Ramayana made during the Kerala Literature Festival. A video of the incident has been circulated on social media, prompting objections from certain individuals who claimed the comments were inappropriate. Following the complaint, police have registered a case and initiated an inquiry into the matter. Officials are examining the circumstances surrounding the remarks, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
RPF rescues 59 minor boys at Cuttack station in Jagatsinghpur
In an operation at Cuttack railway station, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued 59 boys aged between 8 and 16 years who were travelling towards Jagatsinghpur district. Officials said the boys were residents of Bihar’s Araria district and were being taken with a Maulana to a madrasa in Jagatsinghpur, where arrangements for education, food, and accommodation were reportedly planned. Acting under Operation Nanhe Farishte, RPF personnel intercepted the group after finding that they were travelling without proper documentation. After the rescue, all 59 minors were handed over to the Child Welfare Committee for verification, counselling, and further inquiry. The RPF has initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances under which the children were being transported and the purpose of their journey.
CAPF slapped TMC leader for blocking female BJP campaigners
A major confrontation broke out in Sabang during election campaigning, during which Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel slapped Trinamool Congress leader Bijay Kumar Jana. The incident reportedly began when Jana attempted to prevent women BJP workers from carrying out their campaign activities, which led to a heated exchange. The situation soon escalated into a verbal and physical altercation involving the deployed security personnel tasked with maintaining law and order during the polls. The episode, which was filmed at night, has since sparked political discussion amid already heightened tensions in West Bengal’s election environment.