April 21, 2026

File photo: X/CISF NEW DELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which currently guards over 70 key airports and 13 seaports, has been mandated by the govt to act as the nodal or regulatory authority for all matters related to port security.The govt on Nov 18 designated CISF as the ‘recognised security organisation’ (RSO) for port security under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPFSC). The mandate, which aligns with the govt’s vision of port-led growth as it focuses on a ‘blue economy’ as a key driver of economic expansion, followed the recommendation of a joint committee of CISF and DG, Shipping, constituted in Sept 2024 to study port security, conduct gap analysis and suggest remedial measures.As the RSO for ports, CISF said it will carry out a fresh assessment of security systems, prepare standardised security plans compliant with ISPFSC and carry out core security functions at all seaports engaged in export and import (EXIM) operations across the country.There are around 77 EXIM ports in the country, including 12 major and around 65 non-major ports. Also, there are around 200 minor ports where no cargo is handled as of now. However as and when these ports become EXIM ports, CISF will regulate their security as well. “For all things related to port security, the CISF will be the nodal or regulatory authority. We will work in three domains — providing consultancy for the establishment of security systems and gadgets, deploying hybrid security manpower and training all stakeholders in the sector,” said a senior CISF officer.“The initiative aims to resolve longstanding gaps arising from non-standardised security arrangements at non-major ports and ensure oversight by a domain expert security agency across all such facilities,” added CISF DIG(Int) Ajay Dahiya.A hybrid security model, improved screening systems and dedicated training institutions and courses for port-security personnel are also being introduced, officials said.The core security functions to be handled by CISF include access control, CCTV surveillance, perimeter security, seafront patrolling, quick reaction teams and the integrated operations centre. Non-core duties such as traffic management, container terminals and ancillary tasks may be handled by state police, state industrial security forces or private security agencies. However, these personnel too will be trained by a team of CISF experts to ensure professional and standardised port security services.CISF has prepared different training modules, focused on basic port security, specialised security and audit.Till now, seaport security was being dealt with by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) under the Directorate General of Shipping, and there was a requirement for a professional agency in this area, a CISF officer said.The officer disclosed that the idea to have a professional and sovereign RSO, had emerged from various top-level security meetings chaired by the prime minister and the home minister over the last few years, where the vulnerability and security gaps in the 254 big and small seaports of the country were underlined.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTejas Crash: IAF Pilot Killed In Dubai Crash Identified As Wing Commander Namansh SyalDefence Experts Break Down Possible Causes Behind Tejas Fighter Jet Crash In DubaiPM Modi Gets Rousing Welcome From Indian Diaspora In Johannesburg Ahead Of G20 Summit | South Africa’‘I Am A Hindu’: Shashi Tharoor Evokes Swami Vivekananda To Tell The World What Hinduism Stands ForAmit Shah Says BSF Crushed 118 Pak Posts, He Issues Tough Security Message From Sindoor Van In KutchEx-CIA Reveals Savage Reply To Imran Khan’s PTI After Apology Demand Over His India-Pak War Analysis’All 140 MLAs Are Mine’: DK Shivakumar Amid Karnataka CM Speculation; Siddaramaiah RespondsKabul Turns To India As New Trade Partner Amid Pak Blockades And Push For Fresh Regional CorridorsTejas Crashes In Dubai Air Show Display As Massive Fireball Sparks Panic, Pilot Succumbs To InjuriesDeadly 5.5 Earthquake Rocks Bangladesh, Killing At Least Six, Triggers Widespread Panic Across Dhaka123Photostories5 surprising vitamin D-rich foods Indians often overlookWhy do kids need Vitamin B12? 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Experts talk about the best first foods for growth, immunity & brain developmentHow to dress like MAGA women:Decoding Karoline Leavitt and Kristi Noem’s style secrets’Attack on Titan’s Mikasa scarf styling guide: Fan theories, merchandise, and trendy looksSai Pallavi wins hearts with her grace fierce resolve and unshakable defiance5 research-backed foods that may help lower your risk of colon cancerWhy Chunky Panday remains a cult favourite with timeless comic charm123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingPortland Trail Blazers vs Golden State WarriorsSavannah JamesMiami Heat vs Chicago BullsSophie CunninghamHow to get Vecna Skin in FortniteAdam FootePM ModiGavin BrindleySophie CunninghamMLB Trade Rumors

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
File photo: X/CISF NEW DELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which currently guards over 70 key airports and 13 seaports, has been mandated by the govt to act as the nodal or regulatory authority for all matters related to port security.The govt on Nov 18 designated CISF as the ‘recognised security organisation’ (RSO) for port security under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPFSC). The mandate, which aligns with the govt’s vision of port-led growth as it focuses on a ‘blue economy’ as a key driver of economic expansion, followed the recommendation of a joint committee of CISF and DG, Shipping, constituted in Sept 2024 to study port security, conduct gap analysis and suggest remedial measures.As the RSO for ports, CISF said it will carry out a fresh assessment of security systems, prepare standardised security plans compliant with ISPFSC and carry out core security functions at all seaports engaged in export and import (EXIM) operations across the country.There are around 77 EXIM ports in the country, including 12 major and around 65 non-major ports. Also, there are around 200 minor ports where no cargo is handled as of now. However as and when these ports become EXIM ports, CISF will regulate their security as well. “For all things related to port security, the CISF will be the nodal or regulatory authority. We will work in three domains — providing consultancy for the establishment of security systems and gadgets, deploying hybrid security manpower and training all stakeholders in the sector,” said a senior CISF officer.“The initiative aims to resolve longstanding gaps arising from non-standardised security arrangements at non-major ports and ensure oversight by a domain expert security agency across all such facilities,” added CISF DIG(Int) Ajay Dahiya.A hybrid security model, improved screening systems and dedicated training institutions and courses for port-security personnel are also being introduced, officials said.The core security functions to be handled by CISF include access control, CCTV surveillance, perimeter security, seafront patrolling, quick reaction teams and the integrated operations centre. Non-core duties such as traffic management, container terminals and ancillary tasks may be handled by state police, state industrial security forces or private security agencies. However, these personnel too will be trained by a team of CISF experts to ensure professional and standardised port security services.CISF has prepared different training modules, focused on basic port security, specialised security and audit.Till now, seaport security was being dealt with by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) under the Directorate General of Shipping, and there was a requirement for a professional agency in this area, a CISF officer said.The officer disclosed that the idea to have a professional and sovereign RSO, had emerged from various top-level security meetings chaired by the prime minister and the home minister over the last few years, where the vulnerability and security gaps in the 254 big and small seaports of the country were underlined.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTejas Crash: IAF Pilot Killed In Dubai Crash Identified As Wing Commander Namansh SyalDefence Experts Break Down Possible Causes Behind Tejas Fighter Jet Crash In DubaiPM Modi Gets Rousing Welcome From Indian Diaspora In Johannesburg Ahead Of G20 Summit | South Africa’‘I Am A Hindu’: Shashi Tharoor Evokes Swami Vivekananda To Tell The World What Hinduism Stands ForAmit Shah Says BSF Crushed 118 Pak Posts, He Issues Tough Security Message From Sindoor Van In KutchEx-CIA Reveals Savage Reply To Imran Khan’s PTI After Apology Demand Over His India-Pak War Analysis’All 140 MLAs Are Mine’: DK Shivakumar Amid Karnataka CM Speculation; Siddaramaiah RespondsKabul Turns To India As New Trade Partner Amid Pak Blockades And Push For Fresh Regional CorridorsTejas Crashes In Dubai Air Show Display As Massive Fireball Sparks Panic, Pilot Succumbs To InjuriesDeadly 5.5 Earthquake Rocks Bangladesh, Killing At Least Six, Triggers Widespread Panic Across Dhaka123Photostories5 surprising vitamin D-rich foods Indians often overlookWhy do kids need Vitamin B12? Deficiency signs parents must be aware ofKidney disease emerges as the ninth leading cause of death globally: Early signs you should not ignoreShahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput’s parenting style: Love, roots and real-life lessonsIntroducing solids? Experts talk about the best first foods for growth, immunity & brain developmentHow to dress like MAGA women:Decoding Karoline Leavitt and Kristi Noem’s style secrets’Attack on Titan’s Mikasa scarf styling guide: Fan theories, merchandise, and trendy looksSai Pallavi wins hearts with her grace fierce resolve and unshakable defiance5 research-backed foods that may help lower your risk of colon cancerWhy Chunky Panday remains a cult favourite with timeless comic charm123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingPortland Trail Blazers vs Golden State WarriorsSavannah JamesMiami Heat vs Chicago BullsSophie CunninghamHow to get Vecna Skin in FortniteAdam FootePM ModiGavin BrindleySophie CunninghamMLB Trade Rumors


CISF designated as nodal agency for port security

NEW DELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which currently guards over 70 key airports and 13 seaports, has been mandated by the govt to act as the nodal or regulatory authority for all matters related to port security.The govt on Nov 18 designated CISF as the ‘recognised security organisation’ (RSO) for port security under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPFSC). The mandate, which aligns with the govt’s vision of port-led growth as it focuses on a ‘blue economy’ as a key driver of economic expansion, followed the recommendation of a joint committee of CISF and DG, Shipping, constituted in Sept 2024 to study port security, conduct gap analysis and suggest remedial measures.As the RSO for ports, CISF said it will carry out a fresh assessment of security systems, prepare standardised security plans compliant with ISPFSC and carry out core security functions at all seaports engaged in export and import (EXIM) operations across the country.There are around 77 EXIM ports in the country, including 12 major and around 65 non-major ports. Also, there are around 200 minor ports where no cargo is handled as of now. However as and when these ports become EXIM ports, CISF will regulate their security as well. “For all things related to port security, the CISF will be the nodal or regulatory authority. We will work in three domains — providing consultancy for the establishment of security systems and gadgets, deploying hybrid security manpower and training all stakeholders in the sector,” said a senior CISF officer.“The initiative aims to resolve longstanding gaps arising from non-standardised security arrangements at non-major ports and ensure oversight by a domain expert security agency across all such facilities,” added CISF DIG(Int) Ajay Dahiya.A hybrid security model, improved screening systems and dedicated training institutions and courses for port-security personnel are also being introduced, officials said.The core security functions to be handled by CISF include access control, CCTV surveillance, perimeter security, seafront patrolling, quick reaction teams and the integrated operations centre. Non-core duties such as traffic management, container terminals and ancillary tasks may be handled by state police, state industrial security forces or private security agencies. However, these personnel too will be trained by a team of CISF experts to ensure professional and standardised port security services.CISF has prepared different training modules, focused on basic port security, specialised security and audit.Till now, seaport security was being dealt with by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) under the Directorate General of Shipping, and there was a requirement for a professional agency in this area, a CISF officer said.The officer disclosed that the idea to have a professional and sovereign RSO, had emerged from various top-level security meetings chaired by the prime minister and the home minister over the last few years, where the vulnerability and security gaps in the 254 big and small seaports of the country were underlined.





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– NEW DELHI: With less than 1% of patients in need receiving palliative care in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is set to launch a multi-state implementation study to develop and scale services across the public health system.Palliative care—focused on relieving pain and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, neurological disorders and advanced chronic conditions—remains largely out of reach for most Indians.The need, however, is substantial. Studies estimate that 6.21 per 1,000 people in India require palliative care, with higher demand in rural areas and among the elderly. Globally, 56.8 million people need such care every year, most of them in low- and middle-income countries.Experts warn that the burden is set to rise sharply. The World Health Organization projects an 87% increase in serious health-related suffering by 2060, driven by ageing populations and a surge in non-communicable diseases.Despite this, access in India remains among the lowest globally, with gaps driven by shortage of trained personnel, limited services at the grassroots level, regulatory barriers and poor integration into the healthcare system.For families, the impact is severe. Lack of access often leads to high out-of-pocket expenditure and significant caregiver burden, particularly for patients needing long-term or home-based care.The proposed study aims to develop and test scalable palliative care models across district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres and home-based settings, covering patients across age groups and illnesses.It will evaluate whether integrating palliative care into routine health services can improve coverage, reduce symptom burden, lower hospitalisation rates and cut costs for families.ICMR has invited research teams to participate in the study, with selected groups expected to work with state governments and the ICMR to design and implement the model.Public health experts say the initiative could mark a turning point. If scaled effectively, it could help ensure that patients not only live longer but also suffer less.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos10 Indian Ships Cross Sensitive Hormuz Stretch As India Engages Iran For SecurityNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And Energy123PhotostoriesSimple AC maintenance tips to avoid costly repairs5 cities in India with high rents where housing comes at a premium priceDid Alia Bhatt just front a Pakistani label in silk suits, or is this another viral fashion mix-up? Here’s what we know6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her health3 signs of a loyal partner, as revealed by Gauranga DasThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique story123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLuka Doncic InjuryCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh Murderh-1b VisasIPL Orange CapCody Rhodes

– NEW DELHI: With less than 1% of patients in need receiving palliative care in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is set to launch a multi-state implementation study to develop and scale services across the public health system.Palliative care—focused on relieving pain and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, neurological disorders and advanced chronic conditions—remains largely out of reach for most Indians.The need, however, is substantial. Studies estimate that 6.21 per 1,000 people in India require palliative care, with higher demand in rural areas and among the elderly. Globally, 56.8 million people need such care every year, most of them in low- and middle-income countries.Experts warn that the burden is set to rise sharply. The World Health Organization projects an 87% increase in serious health-related suffering by 2060, driven by ageing populations and a surge in non-communicable diseases.Despite this, access in India remains among the lowest globally, with gaps driven by shortage of trained personnel, limited services at the grassroots level, regulatory barriers and poor integration into the healthcare system.For families, the impact is severe. Lack of access often leads to high out-of-pocket expenditure and significant caregiver burden, particularly for patients needing long-term or home-based care.The proposed study aims to develop and test scalable palliative care models across district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres and home-based settings, covering patients across age groups and illnesses.It will evaluate whether integrating palliative care into routine health services can improve coverage, reduce symptom burden, lower hospitalisation rates and cut costs for families.ICMR has invited research teams to participate in the study, with selected groups expected to work with state governments and the ICMR to design and implement the model.Public health experts say the initiative could mark a turning point. If scaled effectively, it could help ensure that patients not only live longer but also suffer less.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos10 Indian Ships Cross Sensitive Hormuz Stretch As India Engages Iran For SecurityNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And Energy123PhotostoriesSimple AC maintenance tips to avoid costly repairs5 cities in India with high rents where housing comes at a premium priceDid Alia Bhatt just front a Pakistani label in silk suits, or is this another viral fashion mix-up? Here’s what we know6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her health3 signs of a loyal partner, as revealed by Gauranga DasThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique story123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLuka Doncic InjuryCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh Murderh-1b VisasIPL Orange CapCody Rhodes

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. Two decades after his death, ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury continues to anchor Congress’s electoral pitch in Malda, with the party foregrounding his enduring legacy as campaigning for the 2026 assembly election enters its last round.In a district where his imprint still shapes political memory and voter behaviour, Congress seeks to convert nostalgia into votes in a close contest.This has been reinforced by Mausam Benazir Noor’s return to Congress after a seven-year stint with TMC. Noor, the late leader’s niece and a two-time MP, is now contesting from Malatipur. Her comeback is positioned as both a political recalibration and an attempt to revive the emotional connect associated with the Khan Choudhury family.Her return is now being seen as a test of whether the so-called “Barkat da factor” — the enduring appeal of Ghani Khan Choudhury — still holds electoral weight. “We belong to Ghani Khan’s family, and people believe we continue his legacy. Thus, we have a lot of responsibility and obligation as well,” Noor said. “Our party is not in govt in either the state or the Centre, but in Malda, Ghani Khan Choudhury’s legacy keeps Congress relevant and strong.”Campaigning at Maharajpur village in Malatipur, Noor acknowledged the fallout of her 2019 exit from Congress. “When I left Congress, I hurt many feelings, especially of the Gandhi family, as Ghani Khan Choudhury and Sonia Gandhi were very close. But the situation got sorted after I returned. I am personally happy to be back to my roots and family,” she said. . Noor had quit Congress after the state leadership rejected her push for an alliance with Trinamool.Outside the Congress fold, however, her electoral fortunes dipped. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she lost to BJP’s Khagen Murmu, in a break from the electoral dominance long associated with her uncle’s bastion.In Malda town, the Congress campaign is being spearheaded by Malda South MP Isha Khan Choudhury, the next-generation face of the family, who has emerged as the party’s most visible face in the district.“Ghani Khan Choudhury’s legacy inspires us every day and it is that very legacy and the people’s love for our family that keeps Congress so strong in this part of Bengal even today,” the MP told TOI . “We believe in his strategy of standing next to the people of Malda, even if we are not in govt,” he added, sitting next to garlanded photographs of Ghani Khan and Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury (Isha’s father and Ghani’s brother) at the family home in Kotwali.Ghani Khan Choudhury, a Union minister under Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, is still remembered in Malda for expanding railway connectivity and driving infrastructure development. His style of politics helped build a durable support base that continues to influence voters.Congress, however, now faces a far more complex political landscape. In the 2021 assembly elections, it failed to win a single seat in Malda, even as TMC secured eight of the district’s 12. BJP, which has made steady inroads since 2019, holds four seats, turning the fight into a triangular contest.TMC has sought to reinterpret the legacy. “We respect Ghani Khan Choudhury, and take inspiration from what he did for Malda,” said Abdur Rahim Boxi, the Trinamool MLA from Malatipur, Noor’s principal rival. Boxi had won the seat in 2021 by a margin of over 91,000 votes.BJP, meanwhile, is campaigning on development, attempting to expand its footprint and capitalise on shifting voter alignments in the district.Within Congress, there is cautious optimism that Noor’s return could help reconnect with voters who had drifted away, particularly in rural pockets. At the same time, the absence of any alliance with TMC, and BJP’s growing presence have made the electoral arithmetic more challenging.With all three major parties staking claim to Malda’s political space, the contest is increasingly being framed between legacy, welfare delivery and development narratives.About the AuthorTamaghna BanerjeeTamaghna Banerjee, a reporter from Kolkata, covers crime, aviation, human rights and politics. He has a keen interest in human interest and rural reporting. He has done his postgraduation in journalism and mass communication. 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. Two decades after his death, ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury continues to anchor Congress’s electoral pitch in Malda, with the party foregrounding his enduring legacy as campaigning for the 2026 assembly election enters its last round.In a district where his imprint still shapes political memory and voter behaviour, Congress seeks to convert nostalgia into votes in a close contest.This has been reinforced by Mausam Benazir Noor’s return to Congress after a seven-year stint with TMC. Noor, the late leader’s niece and a two-time MP, is now contesting from Malatipur. Her comeback is positioned as both a political recalibration and an attempt to revive the emotional connect associated with the Khan Choudhury family.Her return is now being seen as a test of whether the so-called “Barkat da factor” — the enduring appeal of Ghani Khan Choudhury — still holds electoral weight. “We belong to Ghani Khan’s family, and people believe we continue his legacy. Thus, we have a lot of responsibility and obligation as well,” Noor said. “Our party is not in govt in either the state or the Centre, but in Malda, Ghani Khan Choudhury’s legacy keeps Congress relevant and strong.”Campaigning at Maharajpur village in Malatipur, Noor acknowledged the fallout of her 2019 exit from Congress. “When I left Congress, I hurt many feelings, especially of the Gandhi family, as Ghani Khan Choudhury and Sonia Gandhi were very close. But the situation got sorted after I returned. I am personally happy to be back to my roots and family,” she said. . Noor had quit Congress after the state leadership rejected her push for an alliance with Trinamool.Outside the Congress fold, however, her electoral fortunes dipped. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she lost to BJP’s Khagen Murmu, in a break from the electoral dominance long associated with her uncle’s bastion.In Malda town, the Congress campaign is being spearheaded by Malda South MP Isha Khan Choudhury, the next-generation face of the family, who has emerged as the party’s most visible face in the district.“Ghani Khan Choudhury’s legacy inspires us every day and it is that very legacy and the people’s love for our family that keeps Congress so strong in this part of Bengal even today,” the MP told TOI . “We believe in his strategy of standing next to the people of Malda, even if we are not in govt,” he added, sitting next to garlanded photographs of Ghani Khan and Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury (Isha’s father and Ghani’s brother) at the family home in Kotwali.Ghani Khan Choudhury, a Union minister under Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, is still remembered in Malda for expanding railway connectivity and driving infrastructure development. His style of politics helped build a durable support base that continues to influence voters.Congress, however, now faces a far more complex political landscape. In the 2021 assembly elections, it failed to win a single seat in Malda, even as TMC secured eight of the district’s 12. BJP, which has made steady inroads since 2019, holds four seats, turning the fight into a triangular contest.TMC has sought to reinterpret the legacy. “We respect Ghani Khan Choudhury, and take inspiration from what he did for Malda,” said Abdur Rahim Boxi, the Trinamool MLA from Malatipur, Noor’s principal rival. Boxi had won the seat in 2021 by a margin of over 91,000 votes.BJP, meanwhile, is campaigning on development, attempting to expand its footprint and capitalise on shifting voter alignments in the district.Within Congress, there is cautious optimism that Noor’s return could help reconnect with voters who had drifted away, particularly in rural pockets. At the same time, the absence of any alliance with TMC, and BJP’s growing presence have made the electoral arithmetic more challenging.With all three major parties staking claim to Malda’s political space, the contest is increasingly being framed between legacy, welfare delivery and development narratives.About the AuthorTamaghna BanerjeeTamaghna Banerjee, a reporter from Kolkata, covers crime, aviation, human rights and politics. He has a keen interest in human interest and rural reporting. He has done his postgraduation in journalism and mass communication. He has a total of 14 years in journalism.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? 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. NEW DELHI: A day before campaigning for the first phase of polls in Bengal winds up, CEC Gyanesh Kumar reviewed polling arrangements in the state. “EC will leave no stone unturned to hold elections that are fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free, inducement-free, chhaapa-free, booth jamming-free and source jamming-free,” he said Monday.EC suspends Bhowanipore executive magistratesEC has suspended two employees from the West Bengal government and one from the Centre for ‘dereliction of poll duty’. Souvik Nandy, a teacher; Suranjan Das, UDC, stationery office; and Satyaranjan Paul, LDC, Sports Authority of India, were entrusted to function as Bhowanipore executive magistrates.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And EnergyFact Check: No, Indian Navy Did NOT Detain Somali Pirates In Viral Video123PhotostoriesDid Alia Bhatt just front a Pakistani label in silk suits, or is this another viral fashion mix-up? Here’s what we know6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her health3 signs of a loyal partner, as revealed by Gauranga DasThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique storyAre you a traveller who loves to buy gold? 5 largest gold-producing countries in the world where gold can be cheaperPriyanka and Rahul Gandhi spotted relishing Gelato: What is Gelato and how is it different from ice cream and other frozen desserts123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLuka Doncic InjuryCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh Murderh-1b VisasTrumpJapan Earthquake

. NEW DELHI: A day before campaigning for the first phase of polls in Bengal winds up, CEC Gyanesh Kumar reviewed polling arrangements in the state. “EC will leave no stone unturned to hold elections that are fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free, inducement-free, chhaapa-free, booth jamming-free and source jamming-free,” he said Monday.EC suspends Bhowanipore executive magistratesEC has suspended two employees from the West Bengal government and one from the Centre for ‘dereliction of poll duty’. Souvik Nandy, a teacher; Suranjan Das, UDC, stationery office; and Satyaranjan Paul, LDC, Sports Authority of India, were entrusted to function as Bhowanipore executive magistrates.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And EnergyFact Check: No, Indian Navy Did NOT Detain Somali Pirates In Viral Video123PhotostoriesDid Alia Bhatt just front a Pakistani label in silk suits, or is this another viral fashion mix-up? Here’s what we know6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her health3 signs of a loyal partner, as revealed by Gauranga DasThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique storyAre you a traveller who loves to buy gold? 5 largest gold-producing countries in the world where gold can be cheaperPriyanka and Rahul Gandhi spotted relishing Gelato: What is Gelato and how is it different from ice cream and other frozen desserts123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLuka Doncic InjuryCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh Murderh-1b VisasTrumpJapan Earthquake

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