The conference is positioned as a key platform for the state government to connect with the massive MSME-backed trading community. According to CWBTA president Sushil Poddar, the event will enable Banerjee to address the needs of small traders who are central to Bengal’s supply chain. The state has 60–65 lakh traders, supporting livelihoods for over one crore people.

Traders also play a crucial role in linking Bengal with neighbouring markets, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. The event will highlight issues such as modernising trade infrastructure, improving ease of doing business, and resolving ground-level challenges.

Delegations from all 23 districts are expected to attend. With no international business summit this year, the Sammelan serves as a major platform to strengthen government-industry ties ahead of key elections.

The post Mamata Banerjee to Address 12,000 Traders at Byabasayi Sammelan 2025 Ahead of Key Elections appeared first on India Podcast.

Police had erected multiple barricades, but protesters tried to break through, demanding entry to submit a memorandum. The group, which has been agitating for better working conditions, sought a two-month extension for the SIR deadline and compensation for families of deceased BLOs.

Inside the office, Adhikari submitted a memorandum seeking the removal of “superannuated IAS officers,” exclusion of EROs below SDO rank, and deletion of names he claimed belonged to “Bangladeshi Muslims.” He also demanded CCTV monitoring of all hearings.

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of orchestrating the protest using party cadres and alleged attempts to protect Rohingya and Bangladeshi voters ahead of 2026 polls. She further claimed the state failed to provide required data entry operators, increasing BLO workload and leading to stress-related deaths.

The post Chor, Chor’: Suvendu Adhikari Confronted by BLO Protesters Outside Bengal CEO Office appeared first on India Podcast.

In 2011, Congress was still a meaningful partner in Bengal, winning 42 seats. The number rose slightly to 44 in 2016, but the organisation was already weakening. The implosion came in 2021, when Congress contested 92 seats and failed to win even one, shrinking to a mere 3% vote share. Former strongholds like Malda and Murshidabad slipped entirely away.

The BJP, meanwhile, climbed from 3 seats in 2016 to 77 in 2021, establishing itself as the primary opposition. For 2026, the party is aggressively positioned to challenge TMC.

Mamata Banerjee adds another layer to Congress’s crisis. Rejecting any alliance, she has declared TMC will fight alone and return with a two-thirds majority. Her dominance leaves Congress squeezed on both sides.

As 2026 approaches, Congress’s dilemma deepens: should it target the BJP to remain nationally relevant, or challenge Mamata to reclaim space in Bengal? More critically—does it have enough ground left to fight at all?

The post Congress Faces 2026 Bengal Identity Crisis: Should It Target BJP or Mamata Banerjee? appeared first on India Podcast.