April 22, 2026

. KOLKATA: Police have denied permission for Rahul Gandhi’s rallies in Kolkata and Serampore, scheduled on April 23, Bengal Congress secretary Roahan Mitra said Tuesday.Congress planned three rallies for Gandhi. For the Kolkata rallies, permission had been sought for Ramlila Park or Park Circus ground, and Metiabruz. A separate permission was sought for holding a rally at Serampore stadium. Watch Nitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil Nadu“Police have not given us permission for a single rally while others are allowed to hold rallies,” Mitra said, adding that the rallies planned for April 23 have been cancelled.Asked for a response, Bengal mantri Shashi Panja said, “Caretaker govt in the state cannot answer for the cancellation of his visit, EC can answer that.”About the AuthorRohit KhannaRohit Khanna covers sectors like government finance, economy, industry and issues related to financial crime.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation123PhotostoriesHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-Style Paneer Do Pyaza at home5 ways to blend heritage elements into modern homesThings in your home you should probably get rid of5 signs your parenting is working even when it doesn’t feel like itThings you should be cleaning more often than you thinkThink cancer is mostly genetic? Doctors say 90% is linked to lifestyle: Here’s how to lower your risk6 simple yet beautiful three-letter baby boy namesExclusive – Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actors Kuldeep Gor and Dharti Bhatt, aka Ratan and Roopa on their new saree shop, their bond with the cast, and a special gift for Daya Bhabhi5 largest birds in the world worth travelling forDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesZohran MandaniIran MilitaryUber Driver CaseIndian Activist stabbedAdam SandlerJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Ai ScamIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price

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. KOLKATA: Police have denied permission for Rahul Gandhi’s rallies in Kolkata and Serampore, scheduled on April 23, Bengal Congress secretary Roahan Mitra said Tuesday.Congress planned three rallies for Gandhi. For the Kolkata rallies, permission had been sought for Ramlila Park or Park Circus ground, and Metiabruz. A separate permission was sought for holding a rally at Serampore stadium. Watch Nitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil Nadu“Police have not given us permission for a single rally while others are allowed to hold rallies,” Mitra said, adding that the rallies planned for April 23 have been cancelled.Asked for a response, Bengal mantri Shashi Panja said, “Caretaker govt in the state cannot answer for the cancellation of his visit, EC can answer that.”About the AuthorRohit KhannaRohit Khanna covers sectors like government finance, economy, industry and issues related to financial crime.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation123PhotostoriesHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-Style Paneer Do Pyaza at home5 ways to blend heritage elements into modern homesThings in your home you should probably get rid of5 signs your parenting is working even when it doesn’t feel like itThings you should be cleaning more often than you thinkThink cancer is mostly genetic? Doctors say 90% is linked to lifestyle: Here’s how to lower your risk6 simple yet beautiful three-letter baby boy namesExclusive – Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actors Kuldeep Gor and Dharti Bhatt, aka Ratan and Roopa on their new saree shop, their bond with the cast, and a special gift for Daya Bhabhi5 largest birds in the world worth travelling forDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesZohran MandaniIran MilitaryUber Driver CaseIndian Activist stabbedAdam SandlerJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Ai ScamIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price


Rahul rallies in Kolkata, Serampore cancelled as police denies nod

KOLKATA: Police have denied permission for Rahul Gandhi’s rallies in Kolkata and Serampore, scheduled on April 23, Bengal Congress secretary Roahan Mitra said Tuesday.Congress planned three rallies for Gandhi. For the Kolkata rallies, permission had been sought for Ramlila Park or Park Circus ground, and Metiabruz. A separate permission was sought for holding a rally at Serampore stadium.

Watch

Nitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil Nadu

“Police have not given us permission for a single rally while others are allowed to hold rallies,” Mitra said, adding that the rallies planned for April 23 have been cancelled.Asked for a response, Bengal mantri Shashi Panja said, “Caretaker govt in the state cannot answer for the cancellation of his visit, EC can answer that.”



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ಬಿಹಾರ ಪಕ್ಷೇತರ ಸಂಸದ ಪಪ್ಪು ಯಾದವ್ ವಿವಾದಾತ್ಮಕ ಹೇಳಿಕೆ. NEW DELHI: A day after courting controversy over his remarks, Independent MP Pappu Yadav on Wednesday stoked a fresh row while giving a clarification.While talking to reporters, Pappu Yadav defended his remarks by claiming that 70 to 80 percent of politicians watch porn.Responding to the notice from the Bihar State Women’s Commission over his remarks related to the Women’s Reservation Bill, he said, “I have said this on the Floor of the House too that 70-80% of the politicians watch porn.””So, get everyone checked. If there is porn on my phone, check me too. Who are these people who have served me a notice? Who are they with? There are several photos with former ministers. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” he added.Earlier on Tuesday, the parliamentarian from Bihar said that that women will never be respected in politics.”In India, women are called goddesses, but they will never be respected here. System and society are responsible for this. Who is indulging in domestic violence? Who preys on women, from America to India, it is politicians! 90% of women cannot start in politics without going to a male leader’s room,” he said.”A culture of exploiting women has become ingrained. Go to school, and your daughter faces exploitation; go to college, and exploitation in the name of ragging; go to the office, exploitation is there as well. Leaders behave like vultures toward women,” he added.His statement, triggered widespread controversy, with political leaders accusing him of making anti-women remarks.Taking note of the comment, Bihar state women’s commission sought clarification from the leader. “Taking suo motu cognizance of this matter, the Bihar State Women’s Commission seeks an explanation from you as to why you made such an offensive statement. It also asks why a recommendation should not be made to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the cancellation of your membership,” it said in a statement.”It is stated that in a video circulated on social media, you have made an objectionable statement regarding women working in the political sphere. In the video, you are heard saying that women who enter politics do so by sharing a bed with some politician, which hurts women’s self-respect and social dignity,” the statement said.This comes as PM Narendra Modi criticised the opposition for not supporting the 131st Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to advance reservation for women after delimitation. He called Congress, DMK, TMC and SP of being anti-women.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also ArrestedIndian Army Showcases Amphibious Combat Power in Bhuj; Creek Area Dominance on DisplayPahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary: Family Recalls Heroism Of Adil ShahAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary123PhotostoriesGoddess Ganga names based on your birth dateMorning vs evening heart attacks: What your body clock is doing to your arteries5 Japanese mindsets shaping healthier lifestyles in 2026How to start a terrace garden: 7 Simple tipsInside Ajay Jadeja, the ‘King of Jamnagar’s’, royal residence: A palace-style home shaped by family traditions and cricketing glory6 signs your child feels emotionally safe with you6 small activities that keep your brain calm even on the busiest daysEarth Day 2026: 10 countries leading in renewable energy, and why travellers should visit them onceAnimals that sleep the least and how they survive on minimal restHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-Style Paneer Do Pyaza at home123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

ಬಿಹಾರ ಪಕ್ಷೇತರ ಸಂಸದ ಪಪ್ಪು ಯಾದವ್ ವಿವಾದಾತ್ಮಕ ಹೇಳಿಕೆ. NEW DELHI: A day after courting controversy over his remarks, Independent MP Pappu Yadav on Wednesday stoked a fresh row while giving a clarification.While talking to reporters, Pappu Yadav defended his remarks by claiming that 70 to 80 percent of politicians watch porn.Responding to the notice from the Bihar State Women’s Commission over his remarks related to the Women’s Reservation Bill, he said, “I have said this on the Floor of the House too that 70-80% of the politicians watch porn.””So, get everyone checked. If there is porn on my phone, check me too. Who are these people who have served me a notice? Who are they with? There are several photos with former ministers. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” he added.Earlier on Tuesday, the parliamentarian from Bihar said that that women will never be respected in politics.”In India, women are called goddesses, but they will never be respected here. System and society are responsible for this. Who is indulging in domestic violence? Who preys on women, from America to India, it is politicians! 90% of women cannot start in politics without going to a male leader’s room,” he said.”A culture of exploiting women has become ingrained. Go to school, and your daughter faces exploitation; go to college, and exploitation in the name of ragging; go to the office, exploitation is there as well. Leaders behave like vultures toward women,” he added.His statement, triggered widespread controversy, with political leaders accusing him of making anti-women remarks.Taking note of the comment, Bihar state women’s commission sought clarification from the leader. “Taking suo motu cognizance of this matter, the Bihar State Women’s Commission seeks an explanation from you as to why you made such an offensive statement. It also asks why a recommendation should not be made to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the cancellation of your membership,” it said in a statement.”It is stated that in a video circulated on social media, you have made an objectionable statement regarding women working in the political sphere. In the video, you are heard saying that women who enter politics do so by sharing a bed with some politician, which hurts women’s self-respect and social dignity,” the statement said.This comes as PM Narendra Modi criticised the opposition for not supporting the 131st Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to advance reservation for women after delimitation. He called Congress, DMK, TMC and SP of being anti-women.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also ArrestedIndian Army Showcases Amphibious Combat Power in Bhuj; Creek Area Dominance on DisplayPahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary: Family Recalls Heroism Of Adil ShahAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary123PhotostoriesGoddess Ganga names based on your birth dateMorning vs evening heart attacks: What your body clock is doing to your arteries5 Japanese mindsets shaping healthier lifestyles in 2026How to start a terrace garden: 7 Simple tipsInside Ajay Jadeja, the ‘King of Jamnagar’s’, royal residence: A palace-style home shaped by family traditions and cricketing glory6 signs your child feels emotionally safe with you6 small activities that keep your brain calm even on the busiest daysEarth Day 2026: 10 countries leading in renewable energy, and why travellers should visit them onceAnimals that sleep the least and how they survive on minimal restHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-Style Paneer Do Pyaza at home123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

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ANI file photo NEW DELHI: Vice president C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha sometimes fails to distinguish between “black and white” or between “terror and terror to terrorist.”’Sometimes Kharge ji does not differentiate between the black and white, or between terrorists…and terror to terrorists,” the vice president said while addressing a gathering where Kharge was also present.The vice president was speaking at the Amrit Mahotsava celebration of Dr Basavalinga Pattadevaru Mahaswamiji of Hiremath Samsthan at Sri Channabasavashram in Bhalki, Bidar. The vice president’s remarks came a day after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, during the final leg of the Tamil Nadu election campaign, criticised the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP and targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge allegedly referred to PM Modi as a “terrorist who does not believe in equality”.Responding to the controversy, Kharge said, “I clarified my statement in Chennai.”Earlier today, a BJP delegation, including parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, met the Election Commission, seeking action against Kharge over his remarks.Stating that no political party had ever shown such a level of disrespect as the Congress, Kiren Rijiju said the delegation urged the EC to take “strict action” and called on the Congress president to apologise to the country.”Today, a high level delegation of BJP met with the Election Commission. We have met the EC with grief and anger because normally we meet the EC for election process related work but today our delegation went for the derogatory remarks made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is not a BJP issue but an issue for the entire nation. Calling the PM of the country, a terrorist, you can understand the level of low the Congress has touched in terms of respecting an individual and the democracy. I don’t think any political party has ever used such insulting remarks against a PM,” Rijiju stated, as cited by ANI.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also ArrestedIndian Army Showcases Amphibious Combat Power in Bhuj; Creek Area Dominance on DisplayPahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary: Family Recalls Heroism Of Adil ShahAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary123PhotostoriesHow to start a terrace garden: 7 Simple tipsInside Ajay Jadeja, the ‘King of Jamnagar’s’, royal residence: A palace-style home shaped by family traditions and cricketing glory6 signs your child feels emotionally safe with youAnkur Warikoo shares 5 career risks worth taking over playing it safe6 small activities that keep your brain calm even on the busiest daysEarth Day 2026: 10 countries leading in renewable energy, and why travellers should visit them onceAnimals that sleep the least and how they survive on minimal restHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-Style Paneer Do Pyaza at home5 ways to blend heritage elements into modern homesThings in your home you should probably get rid of123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsUK Electricity PriceIPL Orange Cap

ANI file photo NEW DELHI: Vice president C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha sometimes fails to distinguish between “black and white” or between “terror and terror to terrorist.”’Sometimes Kharge ji does not differentiate between the black and white, or between terrorists…and terror to terrorists,” the vice president said while addressing a gathering where Kharge was also present.The vice president was speaking at the Amrit Mahotsava celebration of Dr Basavalinga Pattadevaru Mahaswamiji of Hiremath Samsthan at Sri Channabasavashram in Bhalki, Bidar. The vice president’s remarks came a day after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, during the final leg of the Tamil Nadu election campaign, criticised the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP and targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge allegedly referred to PM Modi as a “terrorist who does not believe in equality”.Responding to the controversy, Kharge said, “I clarified my statement in Chennai.”Earlier today, a BJP delegation, including parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, met the Election Commission, seeking action against Kharge over his remarks.Stating that no political party had ever shown such a level of disrespect as the Congress, Kiren Rijiju said the delegation urged the EC to take “strict action” and called on the Congress president to apologise to the country.”Today, a high level delegation of BJP met with the Election Commission. We have met the EC with grief and anger because normally we meet the EC for election process related work but today our delegation went for the derogatory remarks made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is not a BJP issue but an issue for the entire nation. Calling the PM of the country, a terrorist, you can understand the level of low the Congress has touched in terms of respecting an individual and the democracy. I don’t think any political party has ever used such insulting remarks against a PM,” Rijiju stated, as cited by ANI.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also ArrestedIndian Army Showcases Amphibious Combat Power in Bhuj; Creek Area Dominance on DisplayPahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary: Family Recalls Heroism Of Adil ShahAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary123PhotostoriesHow to start a terrace garden: 7 Simple tipsInside Ajay Jadeja, the ‘King of Jamnagar’s’, royal residence: A palace-style home shaped by family traditions and cricketing glory6 signs your child feels emotionally safe with youAnkur Warikoo shares 5 career risks worth taking over playing it safe6 small activities that keep your brain calm even on the busiest daysEarth Day 2026: 10 countries leading in renewable energy, and why travellers should visit them onceAnimals that sleep the least and how they survive on minimal restHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-Style Paneer Do Pyaza at home5 ways to blend heritage elements into modern homesThings in your home you should probably get rid of123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsUK Electricity PriceIPL Orange Cap

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Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi (File photo/PTI) On May 2, 2021, Rahul Gandhi congratulated Mamata Banerjee and the people of West Bengal for “soundly defeating the BJP.”“I’m happy to congratulate Mamata ji and the people of West Bengal for soundly defeating the BJP,” he wrote on Twitter (now called X).However, the irony was hard to miss. While the BJP had indeed been kept out of power, it recorded its strongest-ever performance in the state — winning 77 seats, up from just three in 2016 — and firmly established itself as the principal challenger to the TMC. West Bengal assembly elections 2021 resultsCongress, by contrast, failed to open its account.Five years later, as Banerjee seeks a fourth consecutive term and the BJP eyes its maiden government in West Bengal, Congress finds itself out of the race and staring at a no-win situation: a Mamata victory could position her as a frontrunner for the opposition’s prime ministerial face in 2029, while a BJP triumph would add a major state to its kitty and further strengthen its momentum ahead of the general election.Which of the two outcomes would the grand old party prefer?Mamata Banerjee’s riseA former Congress leader, Banerjee founded the TMC in January 1998, and the party has since been part of governments at the Centre led by both the Congress and the BJP. Now an on-and-off ally of the Congress, she ended the Left Front’s 34-year rule in West Bengal in 2011 and secured two further terms, firmly establishing herself as one of India’s most formidable regional leaders. West Bengal CMs in last 50 yearsAfter a setback in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when the BJP won 18 of West Bengal’s 42 constituencies, Banerjee staged a strong comeback just two years later, leading the Trinamool to a third consecutive term.The optics of TMC’s victory, despite an aggressive BJP campaign led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, combined with Banerjee’s decision to take on her former aide Suvendu Adhikari in his stronghold — where she lost narrowly — burnished her credentials. Mamata Banerjee QuoteA fourth term would all but put her firmly in contention to be the opposition’s prime ministerial face for 2029.BJP’s emergence as principal challenger to TMCThe BJP did not find immediate success in West Bengal after Modi became prime minister in May 2014, winning just two Lok Sabha seats that year and only three constituencies in the assembly polls two years later.That changed in 2019, when it won 303 Lok Sabha seats, including 18 from West Bengal.In 2021, although the BJP fell well short of its target of 200 seats, it emerged as the TMC’s principal challenger. BJP’s seat surge in BengalNationally, too, despite no longer enjoying a majority of its own, the saffron party, with 240 Lok Sabha MPs—more than the combined opposition—remains on course for a fourth term, reinforcing the perception of sustained national dominance.Congress’ decline in West Bengal—and beyondIn February, Congress unilaterally ended its alliance with the Left Front and announced it would go it alone in West Bengal. Despite its rich political history, the party has not had a chief minister in the state since 1977, when its three-decade run in power, dating back to 1947, came to an end. Congress’ declining arc in BengalIts dominance in the Lok Sabha from West Bengal has been far more limited. The last time Congress reached double digits in the state was in 1984, when it won 16 seats as part of its nationwide sweep of 414 seats.Since then, Congress has not secured a majority on its own at the Centre. In the last three Lok Sabha elections, it failed to cross the 100-seat mark. It is currently in power in just three states—Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh. The removal of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a staunch Mamata critic, by the Congress as its Bengal unit chief, was also seen by many as the party “capitulating” to the TMC supremo. Chowdhury had held the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat—where Muslims make up roughly half the electorate—continuously since 1999. In the 2024 general elections, Banerjee nominated former cricketer Yusuf Pathan, a Gujarat native, who went on to unseat Chowdhury. Adhir Ranjan ChowdhuryCongress’ Rahul dilemma: Can’t win with him, can’t do without himCongress contested the 2014, 2019, and 2024 general elections under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, albeit without formally projecting him as its prime ministerial face. The 2019 defeat was chastening in both magnitude and context, coming under his direct leadership as party president and soon after he oversaw assembly victories in three Hindi heartland states in December 2018. Although he resigned as party chief in July 2019, Gandhi has continued to be the party’s most prominent face and principal decision-maker. Rahul Gandhi careerCongress’ 2024 resurgence—along with that of the broader opposition—was widely credited to Gandhi’s two “Bharat Jodo” pan-India marches, which many believe contributed to a noticeable shift in public perception of him. He was subsequently made leader of the opposition, the first since 2014. Rahul Gandhi careerHowever, what followed was a series of electoral reverses in the state assembly elections. He subsequently alleged irregularities by the Election Commission, accusing it of bias towards the BJP and holding multiple press conferences on the issue, but the setbacks continued.According to political observers, what hurts Gandhi is that he has never held public office—even when his own party was in power from 2004 to 2014—along with Congress’ poor electoral record under him, his frequent foreign trips, and a tendency to persist with issues even when they fail to resonate with voters—raising persistent questions about his effectiveness as a national challenger.Leadership question within INDIA blocThe INDIA bloc, formed in July 2023, brought together Congress and several regional parties opposed to the BJP under one umbrella. With the grand old party as its de facto anchor, the alliance avoided projecting a prime ministerial face, and managed to bring the BJP below the majority mark.Yet, the leadership question persisted, particularly after Congress’s successive defeats in state elections following the general election.In December 2024, following the defeat of the Maha Vikas Aghadi—of which Congress is a constituent—in Maharashtra, Banerjee expressed her willingness to lead the INDIA grouping and was promptly endorsed by senior leaders such as Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sharad Pawar. Mamata Banerjee quote Sharad Pawar quoteFor its part, Congress has repeatedly avoided endorsing Banerjee, instead emphasising the need to keep the alliance united. This includes party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, whose name was proposed as a prime ministerial candidate by both Banerjee and AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal in December 2023. Mallikarjun Kharge quoteGandhi has also constantly played down suggestions that he should be projected as a contender, instead emphasising the need for the bloc to remain united to “save democracy” in what he repeatedly describes as an “ideological battle.” Rahul Gandhi quoteHowever, in February, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar explicitly endorsed Banerjee, calling her the “leader of the alliance.” He also said the INDIA bloc “belongs to the smaller parties” and that Gandhi should “let them handle it.” Mani Shankar Aiyar quoteThis, in turn, brings the leadership question within the INDIA bloc into focus.What Bengal means for each playerThe TMC and the BJP are both pushing hard to win West Bengal, each driven by their own distinct set of reason. For the Trinamool, retaining the state is crucial, as it has little presence beyond it. A defeat may not end Banerjee’s political career, but it would significantly dent her national ambitions. TMC SWOTThe BJP’s objectives are both ideological and political—ideological because Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of its predecessor, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, was born here; and political because a victory would mark a major expansion of its footprint and strengthen its position ahead of the 2029 elections. BJP SWOTFor Congress, largely out of the race, the contest offers an opportunity to rebuild and improve its position in the state, but does little to alter the bigger picture. Congress SWOTA state contest, a national question for CongressCongress’s current spell out of power at the Centre is its longest ever, and the first to last a decade or more. Still, it remains the only national alternative to the BJP.Yet, West Bengal presents a unique dilemma for Congress—one that would either further strengthen its national rival’s prospects for 2029 or give a regional rival the platform to project itself for a larger, national role.Voting for the state’s 294 assembly constituencies will be held in two phases. In the first phase on Thursday, 152 seats will go to the polls, while the remaining 142 will vote on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also ArrestedIndian Army Showcases Amphibious Combat Power in Bhuj; Creek Area Dominance on DisplayPahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary: Family Recalls Heroism Of Adil ShahAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO Case123PhotostoriesHow to start a terrace garden: 7 Simple tipsInside Ajay Jadeja, the ‘King of Jamnagar’s’, royal residence: A palace-style home shaped by family traditions and cricketing glory6 signs your child feels emotionally safe with you6 small activities that keep your brain calm even on the busiest daysEarth Day 2026: 10 countries leading in renewable energy, and why travellers should visit them onceAnimals that sleep the least and how they survive on minimal restHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-Style Paneer Do Pyaza at home5 ways to blend heritage elements into modern homesThings in your home you should probably get rid of5 signs your parenting is working even when it doesn’t feel like it123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsUK Electricity PriceIPL Orange Cap

Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi (File photo/PTI) On May 2, 2021, Rahul Gandhi congratulated Mamata Banerjee and the people of West Bengal for “soundly defeating the BJP.”“I’m happy to congratulate Mamata ji and the people of West Bengal for soundly defeating the BJP,” he wrote on Twitter (now called X).However, the irony was hard to miss. While the BJP had indeed been kept out of power, it recorded its strongest-ever performance in the state — winning 77 seats, up from just three in 2016 — and firmly established itself as the principal challenger to the TMC. West Bengal assembly elections 2021 resultsCongress, by contrast, failed to open its account.Five years later, as Banerjee seeks a fourth consecutive term and the BJP eyes its maiden government in West Bengal, Congress finds itself out of the race and staring at a no-win situation: a Mamata victory could position her as a frontrunner for the opposition’s prime ministerial face in 2029, while a BJP triumph would add a major state to its kitty and further strengthen its momentum ahead of the general election.Which of the two outcomes would the grand old party prefer?Mamata Banerjee’s riseA former Congress leader, Banerjee founded the TMC in January 1998, and the party has since been part of governments at the Centre led by both the Congress and the BJP. Now an on-and-off ally of the Congress, she ended the Left Front’s 34-year rule in West Bengal in 2011 and secured two further terms, firmly establishing herself as one of India’s most formidable regional leaders. West Bengal CMs in last 50 yearsAfter a setback in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when the BJP won 18 of West Bengal’s 42 constituencies, Banerjee staged a strong comeback just two years later, leading the Trinamool to a third consecutive term.The optics of TMC’s victory, despite an aggressive BJP campaign led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, combined with Banerjee’s decision to take on her former aide Suvendu Adhikari in his stronghold — where she lost narrowly — burnished her credentials. Mamata Banerjee QuoteA fourth term would all but put her firmly in contention to be the opposition’s prime ministerial face for 2029.BJP’s emergence as principal challenger to TMCThe BJP did not find immediate success in West Bengal after Modi became prime minister in May 2014, winning just two Lok Sabha seats that year and only three constituencies in the assembly polls two years later.That changed in 2019, when it won 303 Lok Sabha seats, including 18 from West Bengal.In 2021, although the BJP fell well short of its target of 200 seats, it emerged as the TMC’s principal challenger. BJP’s seat surge in BengalNationally, too, despite no longer enjoying a majority of its own, the saffron party, with 240 Lok Sabha MPs—more than the combined opposition—remains on course for a fourth term, reinforcing the perception of sustained national dominance.Congress’ decline in West Bengal—and beyondIn February, Congress unilaterally ended its alliance with the Left Front and announced it would go it alone in West Bengal. Despite its rich political history, the party has not had a chief minister in the state since 1977, when its three-decade run in power, dating back to 1947, came to an end. Congress’ declining arc in BengalIts dominance in the Lok Sabha from West Bengal has been far more limited. The last time Congress reached double digits in the state was in 1984, when it won 16 seats as part of its nationwide sweep of 414 seats.Since then, Congress has not secured a majority on its own at the Centre. In the last three Lok Sabha elections, it failed to cross the 100-seat mark. It is currently in power in just three states—Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh. The removal of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a staunch Mamata critic, by the Congress as its Bengal unit chief, was also seen by many as the party “capitulating” to the TMC supremo. Chowdhury had held the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat—where Muslims make up roughly half the electorate—continuously since 1999. In the 2024 general elections, Banerjee nominated former cricketer Yusuf Pathan, a Gujarat native, who went on to unseat Chowdhury. Adhir Ranjan ChowdhuryCongress’ Rahul dilemma: Can’t win with him, can’t do without himCongress contested the 2014, 2019, and 2024 general elections under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, albeit without formally projecting him as its prime ministerial face. The 2019 defeat was chastening in both magnitude and context, coming under his direct leadership as party president and soon after he oversaw assembly victories in three Hindi heartland states in December 2018. Although he resigned as party chief in July 2019, Gandhi has continued to be the party’s most prominent face and principal decision-maker. Rahul Gandhi careerCongress’ 2024 resurgence—along with that of the broader opposition—was widely credited to Gandhi’s two “Bharat Jodo” pan-India marches, which many believe contributed to a noticeable shift in public perception of him. He was subsequently made leader of the opposition, the first since 2014. Rahul Gandhi careerHowever, what followed was a series of electoral reverses in the state assembly elections. He subsequently alleged irregularities by the Election Commission, accusing it of bias towards the BJP and holding multiple press conferences on the issue, but the setbacks continued.According to political observers, what hurts Gandhi is that he has never held public office—even when his own party was in power from 2004 to 2014—along with Congress’ poor electoral record under him, his frequent foreign trips, and a tendency to persist with issues even when they fail to resonate with voters—raising persistent questions about his effectiveness as a national challenger.Leadership question within INDIA blocThe INDIA bloc, formed in July 2023, brought together Congress and several regional parties opposed to the BJP under one umbrella. With the grand old party as its de facto anchor, the alliance avoided projecting a prime ministerial face, and managed to bring the BJP below the majority mark.Yet, the leadership question persisted, particularly after Congress’s successive defeats in state elections following the general election.In December 2024, following the defeat of the Maha Vikas Aghadi—of which Congress is a constituent—in Maharashtra, Banerjee expressed her willingness to lead the INDIA grouping and was promptly endorsed by senior leaders such as Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sharad Pawar. Mamata Banerjee quote Sharad Pawar quoteFor its part, Congress has repeatedly avoided endorsing Banerjee, instead emphasising the need to keep the alliance united. This includes party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, whose name was proposed as a prime ministerial candidate by both Banerjee and AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal in December 2023. Mallikarjun Kharge quoteGandhi has also constantly played down suggestions that he should be projected as a contender, instead emphasising the need for the bloc to remain united to “save democracy” in what he repeatedly describes as an “ideological battle.” Rahul Gandhi quoteHowever, in February, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar explicitly endorsed Banerjee, calling her the “leader of the alliance.” He also said the INDIA bloc “belongs to the smaller parties” and that Gandhi should “let them handle it.” Mani Shankar Aiyar quoteThis, in turn, brings the leadership question within the INDIA bloc into focus.What Bengal means for each playerThe TMC and the BJP are both pushing hard to win West Bengal, each driven by their own distinct set of reason. For the Trinamool, retaining the state is crucial, as it has little presence beyond it. A defeat may not end Banerjee’s political career, but it would significantly dent her national ambitions. TMC SWOTThe BJP’s objectives are both ideological and political—ideological because Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of its predecessor, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, was born here; and political because a victory would mark a major expansion of its footprint and strengthen its position ahead of the 2029 elections. BJP SWOTFor Congress, largely out of the race, the contest offers an opportunity to rebuild and improve its position in the state, but does little to alter the bigger picture. Congress SWOTA state contest, a national question for CongressCongress’s current spell out of power at the Centre is its longest ever, and the first to last a decade or more. Still, it remains the only national alternative to the BJP.Yet, West Bengal presents a unique dilemma for Congress—one that would either further strengthen its national rival’s prospects for 2029 or give a regional rival the platform to project itself for a larger, national role.Voting for the state’s 294 assembly constituencies will be held in two phases. In the first phase on Thursday, 152 seats will go to the polls, while the remaining 142 will vote on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also ArrestedIndian Army Showcases Amphibious Combat Power in Bhuj; Creek Area Dominance on DisplayPahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary: Family Recalls Heroism Of Adil ShahAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO Case123PhotostoriesHow to start a terrace garden: 7 Simple tipsInside Ajay Jadeja, the ‘King of Jamnagar’s’, royal residence: A palace-style home shaped by family traditions and cricketing glory6 signs your child feels emotionally safe with you6 small activities that keep your brain calm even on the busiest daysEarth Day 2026: 10 countries leading in renewable energy, and why travellers should visit them onceAnimals that sleep the least and how they survive on minimal restHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-Style Paneer Do Pyaza at home5 ways to blend heritage elements into modern homesThings in your home you should probably get rid of5 signs your parenting is working even when it doesn’t feel like it123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsUK Electricity PriceIPL Orange Cap

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