Stories from Kolkata · India

The central government has decided to appoint only central government employees as counting supervisors for the West Bengal elections. Political parties are maintaining strict oversight and have prepared war rooms for the counting day. Analysts believe vote splits could lead to tighter contests and close finishes in several constituencies. Principal Secretary and Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu, Aruna Patnayak, is holding continuous review meetings with district election officials for the vote counting preparations on Monday. No specific state or further details regarding the appointment were provided in the report. The announcement specifically noted appointments from the state of Odisha. No specific names or dates for the supervision period were provided in the report. The announcement was made via the AIR Urdu Service.

The Supreme Court of India has declined to interfere with the Election Commission's decision regarding the appointment of counting supervisors for West Bengal elections. The Election Commission decided to appoint only central government employees for this role.

The Kolkata High Court has dismissed a petition filed by the Trinamool Congress. The petition challenged the appointment of central government employees to serve as supervisors in vote counting centres. The court dismissed claims of partisan bias in the counting process.

The broadcast highlighted the scientific writings of Jagadish Chandra Bose. His works include 'The Story of the Lost House' written in 1896 and later published as 'The Fugitive Sea Storm' in 1921.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has seized 89 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kolkata. An investigation has been initiated regarding the recovery of these devices. Security measures are being reviewed following the seizure.

West Bengal Police have registered a case following orders from the Home Ministry to investigate the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) known as 'desi bombs'. The investigation aims to arrest individuals involved in the production of these devices within the state. Authorities are conducting searches and coordination efforts related to the case. The matter was initiated after the recovery of seventy-nine such devices in the region. The seizure occurred in the context of upcoming elections in the state. The investigation is ongoing regarding the scope of the manufacturing operation. No specific number of arrests or locations within the state were provided. National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials are conducting an investigation into the matter. This action follows reports from the Election Commission regarding illegal manufacturing activities in the region.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal held a roadshow in the Ballygunge area of Kolkata. The rally was organized to support Trinamool Congress candidates. Kejriwal addressed issues regarding Trinamool Congress corruption and governance failures. The event aimed to strengthen the political position of the party in the region.

The Election Commission has ordered the transfer of four police officers across three different police stations in Kolkata.

Violent clashes broke out between rival political party workers during election proceedings in West Bengal, India. The incident highlights ongoing regional tensions during the voting process. Local authorities are monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation. Authorities implemented a lockdown in strongroom areas of West Bengal following a clash between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The second phase of the West Bengal legislative assembly elections is underway, with 13 seats up for contest. The BJP is focusing its campaign on issues of corruption, unemployment, and women's safety, while the Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of attempting to influence voter lists. The election process is being closely monitored amid allegations of irregularities. A total of 142 constituencies will go to polls on April 29th. This phase covers eight electoral districts including Kolkata North, Kolkata South, Howrah, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas. The process is proceeding according to the established schedule. Voting will cover approximately 100 seats across seven districts. The election process is entering its concluding stage, according to the report.