April 17, 2026

NEW DELHI: Ten days after ED carried out searches at several premises in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai of officials of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) – a political consultancy firm whose clients include TMC and DMK – the agency on Monday arrested one of its directors and co-founder Vinesh Chandel here. He will be produced before a special court in Delhi for custodial interrogation. Chandel’s arrest comes in connection with ED’s probe against I-PAC in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal. On April 2, the agency had also searched premises of Vijay Nair, former communication advisor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and one of the accused in Delhi liquor scam.Certain past payments to I-PAC under lensSources said the dealings of Vijay Nair, former communication adviser of AAP, with I-PAC are under investigation and certain transactions related to payments to the political consultancy firm in the past are being probed. I-PAC’s directors Pratik Jain and Rishi Raj Singh were two others whose premises were searched on April 2 after they refused to appear before the agency despite repeated summonses.Earlier in Jan, ED conducted searches on I-PAC’s office and Jain’s residence in Kolkata. The operation was disrupted by CM Mamata Banerjee.In a release issued after its operation was disrupted, ED stated that it had visited I-PAC’s office to follow up on its finding that “one hawala operator linked to layering of proceeds of crime of coal smuggling had facilitated transactions of tens of crores of rupees to I-PAC”.ED said searches covered persons linked to generation of coal smuggling proceeds, hawala operators and handlers.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVikram Misri Holds Key Talks With French FM, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Bilateral TiesMEA Responds As 15 Indian Ships Remain Stranded Amid Trump’s Hormuz BlockadeUS Naval Blockade on Iran: Why Strait of Hormuz Tensions Could Hit India’s Oil, LPG and InflationTCS Nashik In Eye Of Storm As Women Allege Harassment, Conversion Pressure At Workplace’We Have Common Fate’: Iran Envoy Thanks ‘Friend’ India, Responds On Hormuz Toll RowSupreme Court Refuses To Quash CBI Case Against Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Scam, Trial To ContinueNoida Protests Explained: Pay Gap Rising Costs And Labour Issues Behind The ViolenceTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of Speed123Photostories10 scientific breakthroughs that rewrote the rules of warPoila Boishakh 2026: 9 traditional Bengali dishes served on New YearDelhi-Dehradun Expressway: Travel From Delhi To Dehradun In Just 2.5 Hours! Check Top Facts & PhotosFrom Brad Pitt to Baby Dakota Fanning: 7 actors you totally forgot were on ‘Friends’TV’s 6 female protagonists who were ahead of their time: Tulsi Virani, Anupamaa and more5 cities in West India experiencing real estate boom in 2026Baisakhi 2026: Traditional Baisakhi dishes and their cultural importance in the harvest festival10 things that ruin first impressions— And how to fix themThis small trick can tell you whether you are consuming watermelon or a toxic fruitEnjoyed ‘The Boys’? Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup

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NEW DELHI: Ten days after ED carried out searches at several premises in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai of officials of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) – a political consultancy firm whose clients include TMC and DMK – the agency on Monday arrested one of its directors and co-founder Vinesh Chandel here. He will be produced before a special court in Delhi for custodial interrogation. Chandel’s arrest comes in connection with ED’s probe against I-PAC in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal. On April 2, the agency had also searched premises of Vijay Nair, former communication advisor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and one of the accused in Delhi liquor scam.Certain past payments to I-PAC under lensSources said the dealings of Vijay Nair, former communication adviser of AAP, with I-PAC are under investigation and certain transactions related to payments to the political consultancy firm in the past are being probed. I-PAC’s directors Pratik Jain and Rishi Raj Singh were two others whose premises were searched on April 2 after they refused to appear before the agency despite repeated summonses.Earlier in Jan, ED conducted searches on I-PAC’s office and Jain’s residence in Kolkata. The operation was disrupted by CM Mamata Banerjee.In a release issued after its operation was disrupted, ED stated that it had visited I-PAC’s office to follow up on its finding that “one hawala operator linked to layering of proceeds of crime of coal smuggling had facilitated transactions of tens of crores of rupees to I-PAC”.ED said searches covered persons linked to generation of coal smuggling proceeds, hawala operators and handlers.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVikram Misri Holds Key Talks With French FM, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Bilateral TiesMEA Responds As 15 Indian Ships Remain Stranded Amid Trump’s Hormuz BlockadeUS Naval Blockade on Iran: Why Strait of Hormuz Tensions Could Hit India’s Oil, LPG and InflationTCS Nashik In Eye Of Storm As Women Allege Harassment, Conversion Pressure At Workplace’We Have Common Fate’: Iran Envoy Thanks ‘Friend’ India, Responds On Hormuz Toll RowSupreme Court Refuses To Quash CBI Case Against Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Scam, Trial To ContinueNoida Protests Explained: Pay Gap Rising Costs And Labour Issues Behind The ViolenceTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of Speed123Photostories10 scientific breakthroughs that rewrote the rules of warPoila Boishakh 2026: 9 traditional Bengali dishes served on New YearDelhi-Dehradun Expressway: Travel From Delhi To Dehradun In Just 2.5 Hours! Check Top Facts & PhotosFrom Brad Pitt to Baby Dakota Fanning: 7 actors you totally forgot were on ‘Friends’TV’s 6 female protagonists who were ahead of their time: Tulsi Virani, Anupamaa and more5 cities in West India experiencing real estate boom in 2026Baisakhi 2026: Traditional Baisakhi dishes and their cultural importance in the harvest festival10 things that ruin first impressions— And how to fix themThis small trick can tell you whether you are consuming watermelon or a toxic fruitEnjoyed ‘The Boys’? Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup


Days after searches, ED arrests I-PAC co-founder & director Vinesh Chandel

NEW DELHI: Ten days after ED carried out searches at several premises in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai of officials of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) – a political consultancy firm whose clients include TMC and DMK – the agency on Monday arrested one of its directors and co-founder Vinesh Chandel here. He will be produced before a special court in Delhi for custodial interrogation. Chandel’s arrest comes in connection with ED’s probe against I-PAC in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal. On April 2, the agency had also searched premises of Vijay Nair, former communication advisor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and one of the accused in Delhi liquor scam.

Certain past payments to I-PAC under lens

Sources said the dealings of Vijay Nair, former communication adviser of AAP, with I-PAC are under investigation and certain transactions related to payments to the political consultancy firm in the past are being probed. I-PAC’s directors Pratik Jain and Rishi Raj Singh were two others whose premises were searched on April 2 after they refused to appear before the agency despite repeated summonses.Earlier in Jan, ED conducted searches on I-PAC’s office and Jain’s residence in Kolkata. The operation was disrupted by CM Mamata Banerjee.In a release issued after its operation was disrupted, ED stated that it had visited I-PAC’s office to follow up on its finding that “one hawala operator linked to layering of proceeds of crime of coal smuggling had facilitated transactions of tens of crores of rupees to I-PAC”.ED said searches covered persons linked to generation of coal smuggling proceeds, hawala operators and handlers.



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Kolkata: Of the 1,478 candidates contesting in the first phase of Bengal polls, almost one-fifth are crorepatis, most of them being TMC contenders. The poorest candidate, with assets of Rs 500, is from the new AJUP.Of the 152 BJP nominees, 106 have pending criminal cases, including 96 named in serious offences. In TMC, 63 of the 148 nominees have pending criminal cases, with 48 having records of serious offences.The figures were revealed by ADR and West Bengal Election Watch after analysing the poll affidavits of 1,475 candidates, while those of three had glitches.While 228 candidates have assets ranging from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore, 46 hold assets between Rs 5 crore and Rs 10 crore. Thirty-five contestants have stated their assets to be more than Rs 10 crore. As many as 106 candidates of TMC, 71 of BJP, 50 of Congress, and 24 of CPM are crorepatis, the data showed.Leading the list is TMC’s Jangipur candidate Jakir Hossain, with assets of over Rs 133 crore; followed by the party’s Barjora candidate Goutam Mishra (Rs 105 crore); and Durgapur West contender Kabi Datta (Rs 72 crore).The poorest candidate with Rs 500 is AJUP’s Rubiya Begam, contesting from Durgapur East, followed by SUCI’s Midnapore’s Sushrita Saren (Rs 700) and Jalpaiguri’s Jashoda Barman (Rs 924).The analysis showed 23% of contenders have pending criminal cases, with 20% accused of serious offences.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods

Kolkata: Of the 1,478 candidates contesting in the first phase of Bengal polls, almost one-fifth are crorepatis, most of them being TMC contenders. The poorest candidate, with assets of Rs 500, is from the new AJUP.Of the 152 BJP nominees, 106 have pending criminal cases, including 96 named in serious offences. In TMC, 63 of the 148 nominees have pending criminal cases, with 48 having records of serious offences.The figures were revealed by ADR and West Bengal Election Watch after analysing the poll affidavits of 1,475 candidates, while those of three had glitches.While 228 candidates have assets ranging from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore, 46 hold assets between Rs 5 crore and Rs 10 crore. Thirty-five contestants have stated their assets to be more than Rs 10 crore. As many as 106 candidates of TMC, 71 of BJP, 50 of Congress, and 24 of CPM are crorepatis, the data showed.Leading the list is TMC’s Jangipur candidate Jakir Hossain, with assets of over Rs 133 crore; followed by the party’s Barjora candidate Goutam Mishra (Rs 105 crore); and Durgapur West contender Kabi Datta (Rs 72 crore).The poorest candidate with Rs 500 is AJUP’s Rubiya Begam, contesting from Durgapur East, followed by SUCI’s Midnapore’s Sushrita Saren (Rs 700) and Jalpaiguri’s Jashoda Barman (Rs 924).The analysis showed 23% of contenders have pending criminal cases, with 20% accused of serious offences.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods

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Pingla (West Midnapore): Ballots vanish in SIR. Brushes rise in protest. Scrolls speak before assembly polls. In Bengal’s patachitra heart, democracy is being painted frame by frame – each stroke carrying a question, each refrain demanding an answer.Patachitra artists – custodians of a centuries-old storytelling tradition rooted in Ramayana and Mahabharata – are turning their craft towards a deeply personal theme: denial of their right to vote.In Naya village of West Midnapore’s Pingla block, at least 34 names have been struck off poll rolls following SIR, residents said. Naya has around 300 patachitra artists, most from Muslim families sharing the surname “Chitrakar”. More women than men feature among deleted names, residents claimed.In response, art has turned testimonial. Bahadur Chitrakar has painted eight frames tracing fear and uncertainty. One likens voters’ lives to kite strings that could snap anytime. “Elections are like festivals,” he said. “This year, sadness has taken over.”Siraj-ud-daulah Chitrakar’s scrolls revisit childhood memories – walking to polling booths with parents. “Now they are asked to prove they belong here,” he said. “Through art, we show we are Indians.”Those affected include relatives of nationally honoured artists such as Swarno Chitrakar and Anwar Chitrakar. Many had long been registered voters in booth 183 of Sabang assembly constituency.What was once mythological narrative has shifted sharply. Patachitras (long painted scrolls) and pater gan (songs sung while unfurling them) now recount hearings, documents, and rejection. “It’s a matter of concern,” said Rahim Chitrakar, treasurer of Chitrataru, a collective of artists. “At least 34 artists have been excluded post-SIR.”Sanuyar Chitrakar, 40, said his name disappeared despite extensive documentation. He linked his credentials to his father, listed in 2002 rolls, and submitted a land deed over 50 years old. “My siblings remain on the list. I don’t,” he said. Called for a hearing over a “logical discrepancy”, he produced required papers. “I even offered my passport. They said it wasn’t needed.” His name was removed after judicial scrutiny. He has approached a tribunal set up under Supreme Court directions.His daughter cleared scrutiny. He did not.Others narrated similar patterns. Anur Chitrakar said her name was missing from a list published Feb 28. Her husband, who submitted his passport, was also excluded. In Bahar Chitrakar’s family, among senior artists praised by the President, four names have been deleted.Seramuddin Chitrakar pointed to irony. A scroll that he painted depicting Ramayana scenes drew praise from PM Narendra Modi. “I don’t know why my wife’s name was deleted,” he said.Jahanara Chitrakar recounted being the only sibling left out despite identical documentation. “All five of my siblings are on the list. I am not,” she said.In Naya, where art travels by song and story, anger now flows through paint.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

Pingla (West Midnapore): Ballots vanish in SIR. Brushes rise in protest. Scrolls speak before assembly polls. In Bengal’s patachitra heart, democracy is being painted frame by frame – each stroke carrying a question, each refrain demanding an answer.Patachitra artists – custodians of a centuries-old storytelling tradition rooted in Ramayana and Mahabharata – are turning their craft towards a deeply personal theme: denial of their right to vote.In Naya village of West Midnapore’s Pingla block, at least 34 names have been struck off poll rolls following SIR, residents said. Naya has around 300 patachitra artists, most from Muslim families sharing the surname “Chitrakar”. More women than men feature among deleted names, residents claimed.In response, art has turned testimonial. Bahadur Chitrakar has painted eight frames tracing fear and uncertainty. One likens voters’ lives to kite strings that could snap anytime. “Elections are like festivals,” he said. “This year, sadness has taken over.”Siraj-ud-daulah Chitrakar’s scrolls revisit childhood memories – walking to polling booths with parents. “Now they are asked to prove they belong here,” he said. “Through art, we show we are Indians.”Those affected include relatives of nationally honoured artists such as Swarno Chitrakar and Anwar Chitrakar. Many had long been registered voters in booth 183 of Sabang assembly constituency.What was once mythological narrative has shifted sharply. Patachitras (long painted scrolls) and pater gan (songs sung while unfurling them) now recount hearings, documents, and rejection. “It’s a matter of concern,” said Rahim Chitrakar, treasurer of Chitrataru, a collective of artists. “At least 34 artists have been excluded post-SIR.”Sanuyar Chitrakar, 40, said his name disappeared despite extensive documentation. He linked his credentials to his father, listed in 2002 rolls, and submitted a land deed over 50 years old. “My siblings remain on the list. I don’t,” he said. Called for a hearing over a “logical discrepancy”, he produced required papers. “I even offered my passport. They said it wasn’t needed.” His name was removed after judicial scrutiny. He has approached a tribunal set up under Supreme Court directions.His daughter cleared scrutiny. He did not.Others narrated similar patterns. Anur Chitrakar said her name was missing from a list published Feb 28. Her husband, who submitted his passport, was also excluded. In Bahar Chitrakar’s family, among senior artists praised by the President, four names have been deleted.Seramuddin Chitrakar pointed to irony. A scroll that he painted depicting Ramayana scenes drew praise from PM Narendra Modi. “I don’t know why my wife’s name was deleted,” he said.Jahanara Chitrakar recounted being the only sibling left out despite identical documentation. “All five of my siblings are on the list. I am not,” she said.In Naya, where art travels by song and story, anger now flows through paint.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

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Panel Draws Fire For Failure To Present Notification On Poll Officers Kolkata: Calcutta HC judge, Justice Krishna Rao, on Thursday slammed the Election Commission for not producing notifications indicating if assistant professors could be appointed as presiding polling officers in assembly elections. “You (EC) can appoint judges also under Section 26 (of the Representation of People Act) as polling officers… I am ready to go,” he said, giving the poll panel another opportunity to get the facts supporting its action.A group of assistant professors challenged EC’s order directing them to join as presiding officers for the Bengal elections. They argued EC, in a previous order, had said, “Group A-equivalent senior officers, including teaching staff of universities and colleges, should not be drafted for polling duties on polling station premises without specific reasons to be recorded in writing by the DEO…”Section 26 states a DEO can appoint a presiding officer for each polling station as necessary but will not appoint anyone employed by or is working for a candidate. Justice Rao, after hearing EC counsel’s arguments, said, “We can also go to the polling office… It is not a joke, every time you are changing your notification.”Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing the assistant professors, said their main demand was not to be assigned the duty of a presiding officer. “There is a pool of officers; let them be assigned. Let teachers not be humiliated like this.”Highlighting the requisition was for March 19 and that the professors had come to court too late, EC counsel said, “At this stage, interfering with the entire procedure will halt the election.” To this, Justice Rao said even if it was the day before, the petition had to be decided by law. “Show me the notification by which they have been requisitioned.”When EC’s counsel pointed to an SC order appointing judicial officers for SIR, Justice Rao said, “Okay, so I am referring the matter to the SC. The order of SC is being used by EC like this.”The case will be heard again on Friday.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

Panel Draws Fire For Failure To Present Notification On Poll Officers Kolkata: Calcutta HC judge, Justice Krishna Rao, on Thursday slammed the Election Commission for not producing notifications indicating if assistant professors could be appointed as presiding polling officers in assembly elections. “You (EC) can appoint judges also under Section 26 (of the Representation of People Act) as polling officers… I am ready to go,” he said, giving the poll panel another opportunity to get the facts supporting its action.A group of assistant professors challenged EC’s order directing them to join as presiding officers for the Bengal elections. They argued EC, in a previous order, had said, “Group A-equivalent senior officers, including teaching staff of universities and colleges, should not be drafted for polling duties on polling station premises without specific reasons to be recorded in writing by the DEO…”Section 26 states a DEO can appoint a presiding officer for each polling station as necessary but will not appoint anyone employed by or is working for a candidate. Justice Rao, after hearing EC counsel’s arguments, said, “We can also go to the polling office… It is not a joke, every time you are changing your notification.”Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing the assistant professors, said their main demand was not to be assigned the duty of a presiding officer. “There is a pool of officers; let them be assigned. Let teachers not be humiliated like this.”Highlighting the requisition was for March 19 and that the professors had come to court too late, EC counsel said, “At this stage, interfering with the entire procedure will halt the election.” To this, Justice Rao said even if it was the day before, the petition had to be decided by law. “Show me the notification by which they have been requisitioned.”When EC’s counsel pointed to an SC order appointing judicial officers for SIR, Justice Rao said, “Okay, so I am referring the matter to the SC. The order of SC is being used by EC like this.”The case will be heard again on Friday.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

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