During the interaction, Owaisi repeated that Rajya Sabha election khela ho gaya and added that people have already seen what happened during the Rajya Sabha voting. He said future political developments will become clear with time and refused to speculate about possible alliances in Bihar.

Owaisi also criticized Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal. He accused her government of failing to provide fair representation to Muslims in government jobs. According to him, Muslims form around 29% of the state’s population but hold only about 7% of government positions.

The AIMIM leader further claimed that many Muslim-majority areas face poverty and high school dropout rates. His remarks come as political debates intensify ahead of elections in West Bengal.

The post Rajya Sabha Election ‘Khela Ho Gaya’: Owaisi Targets Mamata Banerjee appeared first on India Podcast.

The Trinamool Congress reacted strongly, calling the remark anti-women and deeply regressive. Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP of promoting feudal and patriarchal thinking. He said women empowered by the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme would respond through the ballot and defeat regressive politics.

State Minister and TMC leader Sashi Panja termed the comment shameful and intimidating. She said women have every right to file FIRs against leaders issuing such threats. The controversy has intensified political tensions in the State.

The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, launched in February 2021, provides monthly financial assistance to over 2.23 crore women. Women in the general category receive ₹1,000 per month, while those from reserved categories receive ₹1,200. The scheme is widely seen as a key factor behind strong female voter support for the Trinamool Congress.

The remarks come despite assurances from BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, that no welfare scheme will be scrapped if the party comes to power in 2026.

The post BJP Remark on Lakshmir Bhandar Sparks Outrage appeared first on India Podcast.

In his message, Modi addressed Banerjee as “Mamata Didi.” He expressed warm regards on her birthday. The post drew attention across political circles. Leaders and supporters from different parties also shared greetings.

Official records state that Mamata Banerjee was born on January 5, 1955. She turned 71 on Monday. Banerjee continues to remain an influential figure in Indian politics. She leads the Trinamool Congress as its national chairperson.

Banerjee created history in 2011 when she became West Bengal’s first woman Chief Minister. Her victory ended the Left Front’s 34-year rule in the state. The political shift marked a major change in Bengal’s governance.

Since then, Banerjee has won multiple assembly elections. She has focused on welfare schemes, infrastructure, and state-centric policies. Her leadership style often places her at the centre of national political discussions.

The birthday greeting from the Prime Minister highlighted a moment of political courtesy. It came despite ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress. The message received wide circulation on social media platforms.

The post PM Modi Greets Mamata Banerjee on Birthday appeared first on India Podcast.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the decision on December 18, 2025, during a business conclave in Kolkata. She criticised the Centre for removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the national rural employment programme. She said the move disrespected the Father of the Nation and hurt national values.

The Karmashree scheme was introduced in the 2024–25 State Budget. It promised 50 days of wage employment each year for rural unskilled workers holding MGNREGA job cards. However, farm unions have claimed that workers have not seen benefits on the ground.

Central funding for MGNREGA in West Bengal has remained suspended since April 2022. The Centre cited corruption in scheme implementation as the reason. Earlier this year, both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court ordered the resumption of the 100-day work scheme. Despite these directions, workers continue to wait for employment and pending wages.

The renaming signals a political and symbolic stand by the State amid ongoing disputes over rural employment rights.

The post West Bengal Job Scheme Renamed ‘Mahatma-Shree’ After Centre Drops MGNREGA appeared first on India Podcast.

During his Bhilwara visit, Togadia met Hindu organisation members and discussed unity and vigilance to preserve cultural heritage.

He also commented on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, urging authorities to include genuine Indian voters while excluding ineligible ones.

On the foundation laying, Togadia questioned the relevance of invoking historical figures like Babar and Aurangzeb today. He said, “Descendants of Maharana Pratap and Shivaji lead India’s politics today. No one can move forward by invoking Babar or Aurangzeb.”

His statements sparked debate about political symbolism and historical references in contemporary India.

The post Togadia Calls Babri Foundation Laying in West Bengal a Publicity Stunt appeared first on India Podcast.

Swaraj said, “Saffron is the colour of Shri Ram and revolution. Bengal will soon be free of lawlessness. Bihar was just a glimpse, Bengal is next.”

Deb targeted Mamata over the state’s law and order. He said, “Since 2011, Bengal has struggled with safety. Girls fear stepping out after 7 pm.”

He also criticized the TMC for neglecting Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s home. Deb compared it with PM Modi installing Sardar Patel’s statue in Gujarat, asking why Bengal lacks a tribute to the writer.

The remarks have intensified political debates ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal.

The post BJP MP: Bihar Was Just a Glimpse, Bengal Next in Political Battle appeared first on India Podcast.

He explained that a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list is happening in West Bengal. According to him, the revision will remove fake voters. He claimed that voter IDs are being created using the names of many “fathers” for one person. He believes that this process will expose false entries.

While speaking to a YouTube channel in Patna, Thakur said that defeat and victory are part of politics. He also alleged that the candidate who defeated him used money heavily during the Bihar election.

Thakur accused the Election Commission of failing to conduct a fair election in Bisfi. He said that officials like the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, and DDC helped the opposition. He added that 75–80% voting happened in 80 booths and claimed that CCTV footage will reveal the truth.

Commenting on West Bengal, he said Mamata Banerjee enjoys strong Muslim support and some Hindu votes. But this time, SIR in Bengal will change the result, and she will not return to power.

Thakur also predicted a big victory for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, saying Yogi Adityanath will win comfortably.

The post Haribhushan Thakur Says Mamata Banerjee Will Lose Power appeared first on India Podcast.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also conveyed her greetings and released a special note wishing Revanth continued success and well-being.

Several other dignitaries, including Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Telangana Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, extended their warm wishes to the Chief Minister. They expressed hopes for his continued leadership and good health.

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar shared heartfelt wishes, praying that divine blessings always remain with Revanth Reddy. He expressed hope that the Chief Minister continues to serve the people of Telangana with strength and dedication. The wave of greetings reflected Revanth Reddy’s growing influence and goodwill among leaders across the nation.

The post PM Modi, Mamata Extend Birthday Wishes to Revanth Reddy appeared first on India Podcast.

Banerjee added that private colleges must ensure the safety of their students. She urged young women, especially those living in hostels, to remain cautious while moving outside at night. “Everyone is free to go anywhere, but safety must come first,” she said, stressing that no culprit will be spared.

Three people — Sheikh Reajuddin, Apu Bauri, and Firdos Seikh — were arrested on Sunday for the gang-rape of a second-year medical student from Odisha. Police have launched a search for two more suspects. The student was allegedly attacked after going out for dinner with a friend.

According to police, the men followed the duo, chased away the friend, and assaulted the student. The National Commission for Women has demanded an action report from the Bengal DGP within five days.

The post Mamata Banerjee Reacts to Durgapur Gang-Rape Case appeared first on India Podcast.

Ghosh said the state administration failed to maintain proper drainage systems despite repeated warnings during the monsoon season. He argued that regular clearing of drains could have reduced waterlogging and prevented soil erosion, thereby minimizing landslide risks. “This is a case of negligence that cost lives,” Ghosh stated during a public address.

The landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall, devastated communities in Darjeeling and Mirik subdivisions. Rescue and relief operations continue, but citizens demand answers about preparedness and safety measures. Several roads remain blocked, leaving many villages cut off.

While Ghosh criticized the TMC, party leaders defended the state government’s efforts. They attributed the disaster to unprecedented rains and emphasized that rescue teams are working tirelessly. However, opposition parties now demand a full investigation into the causes of the Darjeeling landslides and call for stricter infrastructure oversight.

Moreover, experts say uncontrolled urbanisation, deforestation, and poor drainage worsen landslide risks. Dilip Ghosh stressed that protecting vulnerable regions requires proper maintenance, strong governance, and community awareness. He urged the state government to take immediate action before the next monsoon season.

The Darjeeling landslides tragedy has become both a humanitarian crisis and a political flashpoint. It underscores the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness, infrastructure upgrades, and accountability in government. Citizens across West Bengal await clear answers and swift reforms to prevent future tragedies.

The post Dilip Ghosh Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Darjeeling Landslides appeared first on India Podcast.