April 15, 2026

NEW DELHI: In a relief for highway commuters, toll on under expansion stretches — from two-lane to four-lane — will soon be halved during the construction period and the user fee on partially opened expressways such as Delhi-Mumbai and Amritsar-Jamnagar will be same as that of other NHs. At present, the toll on expressways is 1.25 times of other NH stretches.TOI has learnt that the finance ministry has given the green light to the two proposals from the road transport and highways ministry. The latter had proposed to halve toll during expansion of 10-metre-wide two-lane highways with paved shoulders to four-lane highways since commuters don’t get the desired service as the width of road gets reduced available while construction is underway.Currently, during expansion of a two-lane highway to four lanes, the toll charged is around 60% of the normal NH toll. With the concurrence of the finance ministry to the proposal, soon user fee will drop to 30% of normal toll during the construction phase. The finance ministry has asked the highways ministry to monitor and ensure strict enforcement of penalties on contractors for missing timeline in such widening projects.Officials said that while giving the go ahead for bringing toll rates on partially opened expressways on par with other NHs, the finance ministry said such relief should be for one year or till the expressway is fully operational, whichever is earlier. The highways ministry had submitted that vehicles, particularly heavy commercial vehicles, were not using expressways for higher toll rates.The finance ministry has said a decision on continuing this relaxation beyond one year may be taken based on actual uptake of traffic on such expressways. It has also asked the highways ministry to impose penalties on contractors for delay in completion of works.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCongress Leader Nana Patole’s ‘Rahul Like Ram’ Remark Sparks Row; BJP Hits BackWest Bengal SIR Brings Home A Man Presumed Dead For 28 Years In UP’s MuzaffarnagarIndia And Pakistan Exchange List Of Nuclear Installations Under 1988 Agreement‘Vote Theft In Bengal’: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Slams ECI Over SIR, BJP Fires Back180 Kmph While You Sleep! India’s Latest Vande Bharat Sleeper Marks New Era. Check Fares, FeaturesBJP Leader Attacks Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR’s Bangladeshi Cricketer Amid Hindu Lynching in BangladeshRajnath Singh Links Lord Ram’s Ethics To Operation Sindoor, Says India Fought Terror With DignityCleanliness Crown Cracks As Indore Loses 13 Lives To Poisoned Water And Administrative Lapses’India Belongs To Everyone’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat After Tripura Student Dies In Racial AttackIndia’s Silent Warriors On Kartavya Path Bring Army’s Battle-Tested Animals To Republic Day Parade123Photostories7 plants believed to attract luck and positive energy into your home as per Vastu’Avengers: Doomsday’, ‘The Odyssey’, ‘Dune Part Three’: Hollywood’s biggest films releasing in 2026Robin Sharma reveals 7 winning habits to adopt in 20265 denim trends for 2026 that are actually worth the hypeHow to make Banana Almond Cake in a pressure cookerVande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch Soon On This Route! Indian Railways’ New Train Better Than Rajdhani – Check Photos, Ticket Price & Top 10 Facts10 iconic dishes the Mughals gave to IndiaCalcium isn’t enough: The bone mineral women forgetKidney damage: 10 symptoms of kidney problems people mistake for dehydration3 bitter truths about packaged foods you didn’t know123Hot PicksSaudi Strike YemenPAN-Aadhaar link statusBank holiday New YearGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthWWE Star Nikki BellaCardi BCeeDee Lamb Luxury Car CollectionStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkTom BradyMicah Parsons vs CeeDee Lamb Net WorthNHL Injury UpdateVanessa Bryant

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NEW DELHI: In a relief for highway commuters, toll on under expansion stretches — from two-lane to four-lane — will soon be halved during the construction period and the user fee on partially opened expressways such as Delhi-Mumbai and Amritsar-Jamnagar will be same as that of other NHs. At present, the toll on expressways is 1.25 times of other NH stretches.TOI has learnt that the finance ministry has given the green light to the two proposals from the road transport and highways ministry. The latter had proposed to halve toll during expansion of 10-metre-wide two-lane highways with paved shoulders to four-lane highways since commuters don’t get the desired service as the width of road gets reduced available while construction is underway.Currently, during expansion of a two-lane highway to four lanes, the toll charged is around 60% of the normal NH toll. With the concurrence of the finance ministry to the proposal, soon user fee will drop to 30% of normal toll during the construction phase. The finance ministry has asked the highways ministry to monitor and ensure strict enforcement of penalties on contractors for missing timeline in such widening projects.Officials said that while giving the go ahead for bringing toll rates on partially opened expressways on par with other NHs, the finance ministry said such relief should be for one year or till the expressway is fully operational, whichever is earlier. The highways ministry had submitted that vehicles, particularly heavy commercial vehicles, were not using expressways for higher toll rates.The finance ministry has said a decision on continuing this relaxation beyond one year may be taken based on actual uptake of traffic on such expressways. It has also asked the highways ministry to impose penalties on contractors for delay in completion of works.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCongress Leader Nana Patole’s ‘Rahul Like Ram’ Remark Sparks Row; BJP Hits BackWest Bengal SIR Brings Home A Man Presumed Dead For 28 Years In UP’s MuzaffarnagarIndia And Pakistan Exchange List Of Nuclear Installations Under 1988 Agreement‘Vote Theft In Bengal’: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Slams ECI Over SIR, BJP Fires Back180 Kmph While You Sleep! India’s Latest Vande Bharat Sleeper Marks New Era. Check Fares, FeaturesBJP Leader Attacks Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR’s Bangladeshi Cricketer Amid Hindu Lynching in BangladeshRajnath Singh Links Lord Ram’s Ethics To Operation Sindoor, Says India Fought Terror With DignityCleanliness Crown Cracks As Indore Loses 13 Lives To Poisoned Water And Administrative Lapses’India Belongs To Everyone’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat After Tripura Student Dies In Racial AttackIndia’s Silent Warriors On Kartavya Path Bring Army’s Battle-Tested Animals To Republic Day Parade123Photostories7 plants believed to attract luck and positive energy into your home as per Vastu’Avengers: Doomsday’, ‘The Odyssey’, ‘Dune Part Three’: Hollywood’s biggest films releasing in 2026Robin Sharma reveals 7 winning habits to adopt in 20265 denim trends for 2026 that are actually worth the hypeHow to make Banana Almond Cake in a pressure cookerVande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch Soon On This Route! Indian Railways’ New Train Better Than Rajdhani – Check Photos, Ticket Price & Top 10 Facts10 iconic dishes the Mughals gave to IndiaCalcium isn’t enough: The bone mineral women forgetKidney damage: 10 symptoms of kidney problems people mistake for dehydration3 bitter truths about packaged foods you didn’t know123Hot PicksSaudi Strike YemenPAN-Aadhaar link statusBank holiday New YearGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthWWE Star Nikki BellaCardi BCeeDee Lamb Luxury Car CollectionStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkTom BradyMicah Parsons vs CeeDee Lamb Net WorthNHL Injury UpdateVanessa Bryant


Toll on under expansion 2-lane highways to be halved, partially opened e-ways to be on par with NHs

NEW DELHI: In a relief for highway commuters, toll on under expansion stretches — from two-lane to four-lane — will soon be halved during the construction period and the user fee on partially opened expressways such as Delhi-Mumbai and Amritsar-Jamnagar will be same as that of other NHs. At present, the toll on expressways is 1.25 times of other NH stretches.TOI has learnt that the finance ministry has given the green light to the two proposals from the road transport and highways ministry. The latter had proposed to halve toll during expansion of 10-metre-wide two-lane highways with paved shoulders to four-lane highways since commuters don’t get the desired service as the width of road gets reduced available while construction is underway.Currently, during expansion of a two-lane highway to four lanes, the toll charged is around 60% of the normal NH toll. With the concurrence of the finance ministry to the proposal, soon user fee will drop to 30% of normal toll during the construction phase. The finance ministry has asked the highways ministry to monitor and ensure strict enforcement of penalties on contractors for missing timeline in such widening projects.Officials said that while giving the go ahead for bringing toll rates on partially opened expressways on par with other NHs, the finance ministry said such relief should be for one year or till the expressway is fully operational, whichever is earlier. The highways ministry had submitted that vehicles, particularly heavy commercial vehicles, were not using expressways for higher toll rates.The finance ministry has said a decision on continuing this relaxation beyond one year may be taken based on actual uptake of traffic on such expressways. It has also asked the highways ministry to impose penalties on contractors for delay in completion of works.



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India’s top drug advisory body recommends restricting over-the-counter access to most nicotine replacement therapies, sparking concerns that it will hinder smokers’ efforts to quit. While tobacco products remain widely available, this move could create more hurdles for those seeking quitting aids, potentially impacting public health initiatives. NEW DELHI: Access to quitting aids like nicotine gums and lozenges may soon tighten, raising concerns among experts that it could make it harder for smokers to quit.The trigger is a recommendation by India’s top drug advisory body to restrict over-the-counter access to most nicotine replacement products. The proposal allows exemption only for unflavoured 2 mg nicotine gum, excludes nicotine lozenges (2 mg), and keeps all other nicotine replacement products outside the exemption.Currently, some of these products are available without a licence, making them easier to access. The proposed changes could mean fewer options and more hurdles for those trying to quit, even as tobacco products remain widely available.Experts say the concern stems from how addiction works. Nicotine—not the act of smoking—is the addictive substance, and withdrawal symptoms like low mood and poor concentration often push users back to cigarettes.Nicotine replacement therapies—gums, lozenges and patches—help manage these symptoms by delivering nicotine without the thousands of harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke that cause cancer, COPD and heart disease. But they are not a guaranteed solution. “Many users continue smoking along with nicotine patches or gums, which defeats the purpose and may even increase overall nicotine intake,” said Prof (Dr) GC Khilnani, chairman PSRI institute of Pulmonary and former head of pulmonary, AIIMS, Delhi. While nicotine is less harmful than tobacco smoke, it is not risk-free and can have cardiovascular effects, making medical supervision advisable, he said. India, with over 1.35 million tobacco-related deaths annually, depends heavily on accessible quitting support. Experts warn that even small barriers—like prescription requirements or limited availability—can discourage quit attempts.There are also concerns about balance. While quitting aids face tighter scrutiny, tobacco products continue to be widely sold.The panel has proposed safeguards, including a ban on sale to minors, monitoring of online sales, post-marketing surveillance, and possible restrictions on tobacco industry involvement in marketing these products due to conflict of interest concerns.However, some experts argue the risk of misuse may be overstated. Dr Priyanka Chaudhary Bindroo, Consultant Pulmonologist at Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, said, “I have not encountered a single documented case of nicotine gum or lozenge misuse by a minor. These products have been available OTC in the US and UK for decades without a public health crisis. Restricting a WHO-approved cessation aid without contemporary evidence is a step backward.”The proposal is part of an ongoing policy debate on how to regulate nicotine products—whether to prioritise tighter control or easier access to support quitting. The final decision will be taken by the government, but for now, the key question remains: should quitting aids be made easier to access, or harder?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 MediaVideos’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? 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India’s top drug advisory body recommends restricting over-the-counter access to most nicotine replacement therapies, sparking concerns that it will hinder smokers’ efforts to quit. While tobacco products remain widely available, this move could create more hurdles for those seeking quitting aids, potentially impacting public health initiatives. NEW DELHI: Access to quitting aids like nicotine gums and lozenges may soon tighten, raising concerns among experts that it could make it harder for smokers to quit.The trigger is a recommendation by India’s top drug advisory body to restrict over-the-counter access to most nicotine replacement products. The proposal allows exemption only for unflavoured 2 mg nicotine gum, excludes nicotine lozenges (2 mg), and keeps all other nicotine replacement products outside the exemption.Currently, some of these products are available without a licence, making them easier to access. The proposed changes could mean fewer options and more hurdles for those trying to quit, even as tobacco products remain widely available.Experts say the concern stems from how addiction works. Nicotine—not the act of smoking—is the addictive substance, and withdrawal symptoms like low mood and poor concentration often push users back to cigarettes.Nicotine replacement therapies—gums, lozenges and patches—help manage these symptoms by delivering nicotine without the thousands of harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke that cause cancer, COPD and heart disease. But they are not a guaranteed solution. “Many users continue smoking along with nicotine patches or gums, which defeats the purpose and may even increase overall nicotine intake,” said Prof (Dr) GC Khilnani, chairman PSRI institute of Pulmonary and former head of pulmonary, AIIMS, Delhi. While nicotine is less harmful than tobacco smoke, it is not risk-free and can have cardiovascular effects, making medical supervision advisable, he said. India, with over 1.35 million tobacco-related deaths annually, depends heavily on accessible quitting support. Experts warn that even small barriers—like prescription requirements or limited availability—can discourage quit attempts.There are also concerns about balance. While quitting aids face tighter scrutiny, tobacco products continue to be widely sold.The panel has proposed safeguards, including a ban on sale to minors, monitoring of online sales, post-marketing surveillance, and possible restrictions on tobacco industry involvement in marketing these products due to conflict of interest concerns.However, some experts argue the risk of misuse may be overstated. Dr Priyanka Chaudhary Bindroo, Consultant Pulmonologist at Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, said, “I have not encountered a single documented case of nicotine gum or lozenge misuse by a minor. These products have been available OTC in the US and UK for decades without a public health crisis. Restricting a WHO-approved cessation aid without contemporary evidence is a step backward.”The proposal is part of an ongoing policy debate on how to regulate nicotine products—whether to prioritise tighter control or easier access to support quitting. The final decision will be taken by the government, but for now, the key question remains: should quitting aids be made easier to access, or harder?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 MediaVideos’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? 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Vamsikrishna 0
Congress leader Pawan Khera NEW DELHI: In a setback to Congress leader Pawan Khera, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Telangana high court’s order granting him one-week transit anticipatory bail in connection with allegations against Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.The top court, however, said that the Congress leader can seek anticipatory bail from jurisdictional court which means from a court in Assam where FIR was registered.The top court’s intervention came after the Assam government challenged the high court’s April 10 order, arguing that Khera had approached the wrong forum for relief.Appearing for the Assam Police, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta questioned the maintainability of the plea before the Telangana high court, flagging what he called a “patent lack of territorial jurisdiction”. He submitted that the FIR was registered in Assam and Khera had not explained why he could not seek anticipatory bail there.Mehta also pointed out that Khera had sought anticipatory bail in Telangana without clearly establishing his presence in the state, adding that “merely having some property” cannot confer jurisdiction.He told the bench that it was a “complete abuse of process” and a case of “forum choosing”.During the hearing, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari noted that Khera had cited his wife’s residence in Hyderabad as a ground. However, the Solicitor General countered that even Khera’s Aadhaar records reflected a Delhi address, and that occasional travel or property ownership cannot justify jurisdiction, LiveLaw reported.The Telangana high court had earlier granted Khera limited transit anticipatory bail for one week. The court observed that his apprehension of arrest appeared “reasonable and supported by material on record”, while imposing conditions including cooperation with the investigation and restraint from public statements that could prejudice the probe.The Assam government challenged this order, contending that Khera had not demonstrated any compelling reason to bypass courts in Assam, where the case was registered.The FIR, filed at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station, stems from Khera’s April 5 allegations that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed multiple foreign passports and undeclared overseas assets, claims that were rejected by the Sarma family as “false and fabricated”.The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to making false statements in connection with elections and cheating.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 MediaVideos’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? 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Congress leader Pawan Khera NEW DELHI: In a setback to Congress leader Pawan Khera, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Telangana high court’s order granting him one-week transit anticipatory bail in connection with allegations against Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.The top court, however, said that the Congress leader can seek anticipatory bail from jurisdictional court which means from a court in Assam where FIR was registered.The top court’s intervention came after the Assam government challenged the high court’s April 10 order, arguing that Khera had approached the wrong forum for relief.Appearing for the Assam Police, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta questioned the maintainability of the plea before the Telangana high court, flagging what he called a “patent lack of territorial jurisdiction”. He submitted that the FIR was registered in Assam and Khera had not explained why he could not seek anticipatory bail there.Mehta also pointed out that Khera had sought anticipatory bail in Telangana without clearly establishing his presence in the state, adding that “merely having some property” cannot confer jurisdiction.He told the bench that it was a “complete abuse of process” and a case of “forum choosing”.During the hearing, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari noted that Khera had cited his wife’s residence in Hyderabad as a ground. However, the Solicitor General countered that even Khera’s Aadhaar records reflected a Delhi address, and that occasional travel or property ownership cannot justify jurisdiction, LiveLaw reported.The Telangana high court had earlier granted Khera limited transit anticipatory bail for one week. The court observed that his apprehension of arrest appeared “reasonable and supported by material on record”, while imposing conditions including cooperation with the investigation and restraint from public statements that could prejudice the probe.The Assam government challenged this order, contending that Khera had not demonstrated any compelling reason to bypass courts in Assam, where the case was registered.The FIR, filed at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station, stems from Khera’s April 5 allegations that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed multiple foreign passports and undeclared overseas assets, claims that were rejected by the Sarma family as “false and fabricated”.The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to making false statements in connection with elections and cheating.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 MediaVideos’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores Daily123PhotostoriesWorried about ‘kitchen sponge cancer’? 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Vamsikrishna 0
KOLKATA: Midnight raids and arrests won’t be able to scare or halt Trinamool, CM Mamata Banerjee thundered on Tuesday, her words coming barely a few hours after ED arrested I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel in New Delhi late on Monday.”If one is arrested, another will take his place. We will continue to fight. It is not so easy to control West Bengal. They are threatening to put people behind bars. I want to see how powerful they are,” the CM said at a rally in West Midnapore’s Pingla, coining the slogan “Delhi theke elo Mota Bhai, shonge ED aar CBI” (Big brother has come from Delhi along with ED and CBI).After polls were announced in Bengal on March 16, ED summoned TMC candidates Debashis Kumar and ministers Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, while NIA summoned 43 TMC workers in Nandigram in a 2024 case.ED and CBI were conducting searches and raids “at midnight”, as “orders are being given to arrest Trinamool workers”, Mamata fumed. “But this will not be an easy task,” she said, adding “if you arrest one, lakhs will come out”. With elections only eight days away, “instructions” have been given to arrest booth agents so that no one can sit at polling stations, the CM alleged.In a hard-hitting post after Chandel’s arrest, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee wrote on X on Monday night: “The arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, barely 10 days before the Bengal elections is not just alarming. It shakes the very idea of a level-playing field. At a time when WB should be moving toward free and fair elections, this kind of action sends a chilling message: if you work with the opposition, you could be next. That’s not democracy, that’s intimidation!”He continued: “…even harder to ignore is the double standard. Those facing serious corruption allegations seem to find protection the moment they switch sides, while others are swiftly targeted at politically convenient moments. People are not blind to this anymore.” “This is bigger than one arrest. It is about whether our institutions remain independent and whether every citizen, no matter their political belief, can participate without fear. Because once fear replaces freedom, democracy becomes just a word,” Abhishek wrote.Speaking to reporters, TMC Rajya Sabha MP and party’s national spokesperson Derek O’Brien said the ED action was nothing short of “electoral sabotage”, with less than 9 days to go before the first phase of polls. “ED has now renamed themselves as ‘Extremely Desperate’ by their actions, but despite all these, their political masters, BJP, will end up losing in the Bengal assembly polls,” he said.Mamata, who also addressed rallies at Tamluk in East Midnapore and Domjur in Howrah, urged women to “stand firm” against security forces if attempts are made to prevent people from voting, while asserting that she was not asking anyone to indulge in violence.Questioning why such a large number of central forces were brought to Bengal, she said: “They have brought in officers who are close to BJP and replaced the ICs… If your sole aim was to keep peace, you could have used West Bengal Police. People don’t see central forces during any natural calamity or riots.”Mamata asked people to lodge complaints against any police officer if they were “tortured”. “The job of the central forces is to maintain peace. But what if they prevent people from voting? I will request women to keep brooms in their hands and stand firm against those wearing boots and carrying arms.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’123PhotostoriesOTT releases this week (April 13 – April 19): ‘Toaster’, ‘Matka King’, ‘Assi’ to ‘Euphoria’ Season 3Inside Neeraj Chopra’s ₹30 crore Haryana home: A perfect blend of luxury and simplicityBeautiful Sanskrit baby girl names that blend tradition with modern charm10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

KOLKATA: Midnight raids and arrests won’t be able to scare or halt Trinamool, CM Mamata Banerjee thundered on Tuesday, her words coming barely a few hours after ED arrested I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel in New Delhi late on Monday.”If one is arrested, another will take his place. We will continue to fight. It is not so easy to control West Bengal. They are threatening to put people behind bars. I want to see how powerful they are,” the CM said at a rally in West Midnapore’s Pingla, coining the slogan “Delhi theke elo Mota Bhai, shonge ED aar CBI” (Big brother has come from Delhi along with ED and CBI).After polls were announced in Bengal on March 16, ED summoned TMC candidates Debashis Kumar and ministers Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, while NIA summoned 43 TMC workers in Nandigram in a 2024 case.ED and CBI were conducting searches and raids “at midnight”, as “orders are being given to arrest Trinamool workers”, Mamata fumed. “But this will not be an easy task,” she said, adding “if you arrest one, lakhs will come out”. With elections only eight days away, “instructions” have been given to arrest booth agents so that no one can sit at polling stations, the CM alleged.In a hard-hitting post after Chandel’s arrest, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee wrote on X on Monday night: “The arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, barely 10 days before the Bengal elections is not just alarming. It shakes the very idea of a level-playing field. At a time when WB should be moving toward free and fair elections, this kind of action sends a chilling message: if you work with the opposition, you could be next. That’s not democracy, that’s intimidation!”He continued: “…even harder to ignore is the double standard. Those facing serious corruption allegations seem to find protection the moment they switch sides, while others are swiftly targeted at politically convenient moments. People are not blind to this anymore.” “This is bigger than one arrest. It is about whether our institutions remain independent and whether every citizen, no matter their political belief, can participate without fear. Because once fear replaces freedom, democracy becomes just a word,” Abhishek wrote.Speaking to reporters, TMC Rajya Sabha MP and party’s national spokesperson Derek O’Brien said the ED action was nothing short of “electoral sabotage”, with less than 9 days to go before the first phase of polls. “ED has now renamed themselves as ‘Extremely Desperate’ by their actions, but despite all these, their political masters, BJP, will end up losing in the Bengal assembly polls,” he said.Mamata, who also addressed rallies at Tamluk in East Midnapore and Domjur in Howrah, urged women to “stand firm” against security forces if attempts are made to prevent people from voting, while asserting that she was not asking anyone to indulge in violence.Questioning why such a large number of central forces were brought to Bengal, she said: “They have brought in officers who are close to BJP and replaced the ICs… If your sole aim was to keep peace, you could have used West Bengal Police. People don’t see central forces during any natural calamity or riots.”Mamata asked people to lodge complaints against any police officer if they were “tortured”. “The job of the central forces is to maintain peace. But what if they prevent people from voting? I will request women to keep brooms in their hands and stand firm against those wearing boots and carrying arms.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’123PhotostoriesOTT releases this week (April 13 – April 19): ‘Toaster’, ‘Matka King’, ‘Assi’ to ‘Euphoria’ Season 3Inside Neeraj Chopra’s ₹30 crore Haryana home: A perfect blend of luxury and simplicityBeautiful Sanskrit baby girl names that blend tradition with modern charm10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

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