Articles by Joydeep Thakur
TMC cutting off water, power supplies in areas where it was losing in polls: BJP
Soon after the results, allegations surfaced that the TMC-led municipality had stopped water supply and disconnected street lights at Gangarampur in Balurghat Lok Sabha constituency
![(Representative Photo) (Representative Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/20/150x84/-Representative-Photo-_1718894025378.jpg)
Published on Jun 20, 2024 08:04 PM IST
Tragedy on tracks: 9 killed, 41 hurt in Bengal train accident
Nine people were killed and 41 injured as a freight train collided with a slow passenger train in North Bengal, blamed on human error, sparking a political tussle.
![People gather at the site of the accident in Darjeeling on Monday. (ANI) People gather at the site of the accident in Darjeeling on Monday. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/17/150x84/People-gather-at-the-site-of-the-accident-in-Darje_1718648152236.jpg)
Updated on Jun 18, 2024 05:54 AM IST
What next for BJP in West Bengal
A section of the party leaders started speaking out against how the elections were managed and indirectly blaming Suvendu Adhikari for his role in the defeat
Published on Jun 16, 2024 09:49 AM IST
‘Was first in family to apply under CAA in Bengal, now others will’
Eight persons in West Bengal were given their certificate of Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act on Wednesday
![Santilata Biswas 52, received Indian citizenship on Wednesday Santilata Biswas 52, received Indian citizenship on Wednesday](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/31/150x84/Sharbari-Das--52--and-her-husband-also-received-th_1717174025825.jpg)
Published on May 31, 2024 10:17 PM IST
TMC faces BJP challenge in its Kolkata bastion
A predominantly urban seat, Kolkata South includes Banerjee’s constituency of Bhowanipur. Banerjee has also been a Parliament member from the area.
![Kolkata, May 28 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greets people during a roadshow in support of Trinamool Congress (TMC) North Kolkata candidate, Sudip Banerjee for the Lok Sabha Polls, in Kolkata on Monday. (ANI Photo) (Utpal sarkar) Kolkata, May 28 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greets people during a roadshow in support of Trinamool Congress (TMC) North Kolkata candidate, Sudip Banerjee for the Lok Sabha Polls, in Kolkata on Monday. (ANI Photo) (Utpal sarkar)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/28/150x84/Kolkata--May-28--ANI---West-Bengal-Chief-Minister-_1716906673253.jpg)
Updated on May 28, 2024 08:02 PM IST
Evacuations on as Cyclone Remal set to make landfall
Cyclone Remal intensifies in Bay of Bengal, with red warnings in West Bengal and Odisha. Evacuations underway, Kolkata airport suspends operations.
![Kolkata police alert people of the impending Cyclone Remal in Kolkata on Saturday. (ANI) Kolkata police alert people of the impending Cyclone Remal in Kolkata on Saturday. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/25/150x84/Kolkata-police-alert-people-of-the-impending-Cyclo_1716662589596.jpg)
Updated on May 26, 2024 04:35 AM IST
Joydeep Thakur Jayashree Nandi, Kolkata/new Delhi
Gold smuggling racket behind Bangladesh MP’s murder in Kolkata?
The accused persons have claimed during interrogation that the victim and the prime accused were into gold smuggling.
![Bangladesh Awami League MP Md. Anwarul Azim. (File) Bangladesh Awami League MP Md. Anwarul Azim. (File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/25/150x84/Bangladesh-Awami-League-MP-Md--Anwarul-Azim---File_1716638343861.jpg)
Updated on May 25, 2024 06:46 PM IST
Modi, Mamata spar over religious orders as the political narrative turns bitter
While the BSS is a Hindu religious and social welfare organisation founded by Swami Pranavananda Maharaj, ISKCON is a Vaishnava Hindu religious organisation.
![Narendra Modi slammed Mamata Banerjee for insulting Hindu organisations like ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram. Narendra Modi slammed Mamata Banerjee for insulting Hindu organisations like ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/21/148x111/Modi_mamata_ramakrishna_mission_1716126530379_1716312818117.jpg)
Published on May 22, 2024 08:30 AM IST
Lok Sabha polls: Family feuds turn into political battles in West Bengal
West Bengal is witnessing some fierce family feuds turning into pitched electoral battles in this Lok Sabha election
![TMC candidate Kalyan Banerjee during an election campaign for the Lok Sabha polls at Serampore in Hooghly on Saturday. (PTI) TMC candidate Kalyan Banerjee during an election campaign for the Lok Sabha polls at Serampore in Hooghly on Saturday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/19/150x84/TMC-candidate-Kalyan-Banerjee-during-an-election-c_1716110900435.jpg)
Updated on May 19, 2024 02:59 PM IST
Why is Sandeshkhali, a riverine island in WB, on the boil again?
With Lok Sabha polls ongoing, the TMC is now on the offensive over the developments in Sandeshkhali.
![Sandeshkhali, May 12 (ANI): A clash breaks out between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, in Sandeshkhali on Sunday. (ANI Photo)(ANI) Sandeshkhali, May 12 (ANI): A clash breaks out between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, in Sandeshkhali on Sunday. (ANI Photo)(ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/14/148x111/ANI-20240512386-0_1715713234785_1715713285614.jpg)
Published on May 15, 2024 12:43 AM IST
West Bengal governor airs CCTV clip for public, shows complainant’s face
The audience was shown 69 minutes of footage from two CCTV cameras installed at the North Gate of Raj Bhavan.
![West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose was not present in the hall at the time of the screening but he was present within the premises of Raj Bhavan (PTI) West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose was not present in the hall at the time of the screening but he was present within the premises of Raj Bhavan (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/09/150x84/West-Bengal-governor-CV-Ananda-Bose-was-not-presen_1715281027081.jpg)
Updated on May 10, 2024 01:49 AM IST
Joydeep Thakur, Kolkata
Erosion-hit Bengal voters sceptical as LS polls bring their plight in spotlight
Erosion along the Ganga and Padma rivers eats up hundreds of acres of fertile land in Malda, Murshidabad, and Nadia, forcing thousands of people to shift
![Erosion has been among the key issues in the region ahead of Lok Sabha elections. (HT PHOTO ) Erosion has been among the key issues in the region ahead of Lok Sabha elections. (HT PHOTO )](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/02/150x84/Erosion-has-been-among-the-key-issues-in-the-regio_1714641791359.png)
Published on May 02, 2024 02:54 PM IST
Bidi barons lock horns in elections in West Bengal’s Murshidabad and Malda
Several bidi industrialists and those associated with this industry have over the years joined politics and have contested elections in West Bengal’s Murshidabad and Malda districts. Many are sitting lawmakers now
![With more than a million bidi workers living in West Bengal’s Murshidabad and Malda districts, their influence on the vote bank is undeniable there. (HT Photo) With more than a million bidi workers living in West Bengal’s Murshidabad and Malda districts, their influence on the vote bank is undeniable there. (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/27/150x84/With-more-than-a-million-bidi-workers-living-in-We_1714218967344.jpg)
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 05:26 PM IST
Election In Pincodes: As polls near, shadow of Sandeshkhali looms over delta
Since the turn of the year, the island of Sandeshkhali, 80km southeast of Kolkata and part of the Sunderbans delta, has been in the eye of a storm.
![CBI and security force personnel search Sheikh Shahjahan Market in North 24 Parganas on March 8. CBI and security force personnel search Sheikh Shahjahan Market in North 24 Parganas on March 8.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/24/148x111/CBI-and-security-force-personnel-search-Sheikh-Sha_1713987064056_1713998435146.jpg)
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 04:45 AM IST
Joydeep Thakur, Basirhat
44°C-plus: Andhra, Telangana, Odisha reel under heatwaves
Intense heatwave grips eastern coastal India, with temperatures crossing 45°C in Andhra Pradesh. IMD predicts heatwave to continue during elections.
![44°C-plus: Andhra, Telangana, Odisha reel under heatwaves 44°C-plus: Andhra, Telangana, Odisha reel under heatwaves](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/18/150x84/-p-44-C-plus--Andhra--Telangana--Odisha-reel-under_1713418177771.jpg)
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 11:00 AM IST
Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Debabrata MohantyJoydeep Thakur
Sandeshkhali unrest part of a long line of TMC–BJP pre- and post-flashpoints
Political storms around the time of elections are not new in the state. Panchayat, assembly and Lok Sabha polls routinely witness violent clashes in West Bengal
![Sandeshkhali, India - March 8, 2024: CBI Team along with Security Force personnel searched the Sheikh Shahjahan Market at Sarberia in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, on Friday, March 8, 2024. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times) Sandeshkhali, India - March 8, 2024: CBI Team along with Security Force personnel searched the Sheikh Shahjahan Market at Sarberia in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, on Friday, March 8, 2024. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/15/148x111/Sandeshkhali-CBI-9_1713194757915_1713195002707.jpg)
Published on Apr 15, 2024 09:04 PM IST
Bengaluru blast accused relocated multiple times, used fake IDs
The duo chose guest houses and low-budget hotels that had non-air conditioned rooms with costs that were largely less than ₹1000 a night, investigators said.
![A CCTV visual showing the two prime suspects of the Rameswaram Cafe blast case staying in the Dream Guest House, in Kolkata (ANI) A CCTV visual showing the two prime suspects of the Rameswaram Cafe blast case staying in the Dream Guest House, in Kolkata (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/13/150x84/A-CCTV-visual-showing-the-two-prime-suspects-of-th_1713034514670.jpg)
Updated on Apr 14, 2024 04:51 AM IST
Joydeep Thakur, Kolkata
Lok Sabha polls: TMC, BJP woo Rajbanshi community in West Bengal
According to experts, Rajbanshi community, concentrated in north Bengal, can influence election results in around 20 assembly seats in five districts in the region
![The Rajbanshis account for 18.4 % of the total SC population of West Bengal. (Representative Image) The Rajbanshis account for 18.4 % of the total SC population of West Bengal. (Representative Image)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/13/150x84/The-Rajbanshis-account-for-18-4---of-the-total-SC-_1713001144020.jpg)
Published on Apr 13, 2024 03:09 PM IST
BJP aims to retain LS seat in tea belts of Alipurduar; TMC hopes for turnaround
Alipurduar, a reserved seat for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) is going to polls on April 19 along with two other constituencies in N Bengal, Jalpaiguri & Cooch Bear
![Alipurduar, a reserved seat for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) is going to polls on April 19. (HT photo) Alipurduar, a reserved seat for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) is going to polls on April 19. (HT photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/11/150x84/Alipurduar--a-reserved-seat-for-the-Scheduled-Trib_1712825406802.jpg)
Updated on Apr 11, 2024 02:33 PM IST
Memories of Sitalkuchi firing haunt kin as Cooch Behar goes to polls on April 19
Four people were killed at a school during polling for the state assembly elections on April 10, 2021, at Sitalkuchi in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar
![West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee with the families of those killed in Sitalkuchi in 2021. (PTI/File) West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee with the families of those killed in Sitalkuchi in 2021. (PTI/File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/09/150x84/West-Bengal-chief-minister-Mamata-Banerjee-with-th_1712661731888.jpg)
Published on Apr 09, 2024 04:52 PM IST
Why Trinamool dropped five sitting MPs from its Lok Sabha candidates list
Controversies, corruption accusations, and poor performance are some of the reasons cited by party insiders for Mamata’s decision to drop the five sitting MPs
![Kolkata, India - March 10, 2024: Chief Minister of West Bengal and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) Chairperson Mamata Banerjee along with 42 Lok Sabha candidates walk on the ramp at Brigade Parade Ground to greet their supporters during 'Jonogorjon' Rally in Kolkata, India, on Sunday, March 10, 2024. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times) Kolkata, India - March 10, 2024: Chief Minister of West Bengal and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) Chairperson Mamata Banerjee along with 42 Lok Sabha candidates walk on the ramp at Brigade Parade Ground to greet their supporters during 'Jonogorjon' Rally in Kolkata, India, on Sunday, March 10, 2024. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/12/148x111/TMC-Brigade-Rally-40_1710253834231_1710253871520.jpg)
Published on Mar 12, 2024 08:02 PM IST
Sandeshkhali villagers get back their lands. But are they fit for farming?
More than 250 villagers have got back their lands which were earlier grabbed by TMC leader Shahjahan and his aides such as Hazra and Uttam Sardar
![Police personnel interact with villagers at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district on February 25. (PTI) Police personnel interact with villagers at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district on February 25. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/04/150x84/Police-personnel-interact-with-villagers-at-Sandes_1709544979529.jpg)
Published on Mar 04, 2024 03:06 PM IST
‘Could be linked to coal scam’: Ghosh demands probe against MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay
Ghosh also urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to initiate a probe against Banerjee, claiming that he received a large amount of money when he was under judicial custody
![Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh (File Photo) Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh (File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/02/150x84/Trinamool-Congress-leader-Kunal-Ghosh--File-Photo-_1709377121076.jpg)
Updated on Mar 02, 2024 04:28 PM IST
Land at core of Sandeshkhali’s ire as local islanders rise up
Allegations of land-grabbing and exploitation in Sandeshkhali, India, have sparked violent protests, with villagers recounting tales of coercion and threats.
![Protesters in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Sunday. (PTI) Protesters in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Sunday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/26/148x111/Protesters-in-North-24-Parganas-district-on-Sunday_1708970992705_1708975146592.jpg)
Updated on Feb 27, 2024 01:29 PM IST
Joydeep Thakur, Sandeshkhali
Why TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty sent her resignation to Mamata Banerjee
The Tollywood actor-turned-politician said she found that politics does not suit her, but Banerjee has yet to accept her resignation.
![Kolkata: In this Tuesday, May 14, 2019 file photo, actor and TMC leader Mimi Chakraborty, in Kolkata. Chakraborty on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, met party chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and submitted her resignation as a parliamentarian. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)(PTI02_15_2024_000246B)(PTI) Kolkata: In this Tuesday, May 14, 2019 file photo, actor and TMC leader Mimi Chakraborty, in Kolkata. Chakraborty on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, met party chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and submitted her resignation as a parliamentarian. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)(PTI02_15_2024_000246B)(PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/20/148x111/PTI02-15-2024-000246B-0_1708439638641_1708439764503.jpg)
Published on Feb 20, 2024 08:19 PM IST
How QR codes helped authorities detect moles during WB class X board exams
Officials suspect that a specific gang was working behind this and were just using the students. Specific WhatsApp groups were created by the gangs
![The West Bengal Madhyamik examination began on February 2 and ended on February 12 (Representative Photo) The West Bengal Madhyamik examination began on February 2 and ended on February 12 (Representative Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/18/150x84/The-West-Bengal-Madhyamik-examination-began-on-Feb_1708253289040.jpg)
Published on Feb 18, 2024 04:18 PM IST
Why Sandeshkhali in West Bengal has been on the edge over the past week
Villagers allege that the police turned a blind eye to their complaints against the TMC leaders; of the three men accused, two have been charged with gangrape
![Kolkata, India - Feb. 15, 2024: Citizens staged protest against Trinamool Congress (TMC) run State Government over violence against women in Sandeshkhali of North 24 Parganas district at Hazra in Kolkata, India, on Thursday, February 15, 2024. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times) Kolkata, India - Feb. 15, 2024: Citizens staged protest against Trinamool Congress (TMC) run State Government over violence against women in Sandeshkhali of North 24 Parganas district at Hazra in Kolkata, India, on Thursday, February 15, 2024. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/17/148x111/Sandeshkhali-Protest-4_1708190683065_1708190947359.jpg)
Updated on Feb 18, 2024 03:26 AM IST
In restive Bengal village, an outpouring of anger, grief
Villagers said that once a Left stronghold, the people of Sandeshkhali voted for Trinamool Congress in large numbers in 2011
![Violent protests, led mostly by local women, broke out in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali village since February 7 (HT) Violent protests, led mostly by local women, broke out in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali village since February 7 (HT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/13/150x84/Violent-protests--led-mostly-by-local-women--broke_1707849962423.jpg)
Updated on Feb 14, 2024 04:50 AM IST
Joydeep Thakur, Sandeshkhali
In WB’s elephant zone, the forest department escorts students to exam centres
At least 240 people have been killed in West Bengal in elephant attacks between 2019-2020 and 2021-2022.
![West Bengal has the highest—26 out of the 150 elephant corridors—in India. (Shutterstock/Representative) West Bengal has the highest—26 out of the 150 elephant corridors—in India. (Shutterstock/Representative)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/07/148x111/West-Bengal-has-the-highest-26-out-of-the-150-elep_1701410409230_1707302301315.jpg)
Published on Feb 07, 2024 04:50 PM IST
MP with 13 cases against him, including murder, gets relief in one from SC
An explainer on the five-year-old attempted murder case against MP Nisith Pramanik. The top court granted protection from arrest to the lawmaker
![Union minister of state Nisith Pramanik (Twitter/NisithPramanik) Union minister of state Nisith Pramanik (Twitter/NisithPramanik)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/17/148x111/28f6c9a0-5618-11ed-a38a-cabaa1eb1604_1666890062389_1705522635722.jpg)
Published on Jan 18, 2024 08:20 AM IST