West Bengal Elections Highlights: Decided to stop big public events in WB, says BJP

In view of a spike in Covid-19 cases in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said her Trinamool Congress would organise small meetings in Kolkata and she would give short speeches in rallies in districts where polling would be held in the remaining three phases. Mamata Banerjee on Monday said she has sought help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for additional vaccines and medicines in the wake of spiralling Covid-19 cases in the state.

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Decided to stop big public events in West Bengal as it is much needed to break chain of corona infection: BJP

Congress questions PM Modi on poll rallies in Bengal

"Why is PM addressing 4 rallies in one day ignoring his responsibilities as PM? We all know what BJP's rallies are. Glitzy, multi-crore extravaganzas that are used to abuse the opposition parties," senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said.

"What is so important about these rallies that the PM himself has to address them? Is it because of fear that the BJP is losing the election," he asked in a series of tweets.

"The voters of West Bengal in the remaining three phases must express their strong disapproval of the PM's gross negligence of his duties," Chidambaram said.

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Congress questions PM Modi on poll rallies in West Bengal as coronavirus cases surge

With the country reeling under a second wave of coronavirus pandemic, the Congress on Monday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing poll rallies in West Bengal while "ignoring his responsibilities" at the Centre.

The party also criticised Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan for his "condemnable" reply to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's letter giving suggestions to Modi to tackle the outbreak, saying the minister's response was inspired by politics.

"Why is PM addressing 4 rallies in one day ignoring his responsibilities as PM? We all know what BJP's rallies are. Glitzy, multi-crore extravaganzas that are used to abuse the opposition parties," senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said.

West Bengal Assembly Election Result 2016

SC rejects plea seeking 100% matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs vote count

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea seeking 100 per cent matching of the voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips with the electronic voting machines (EVMs) vote count in the elections, saying it will not interfere in the middle of poll process.

“We are not going to interfere in the middle of election process,” a bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian said.

The Assembly election process is on in five states including West Bengal and the counting of votes for all the seats be held on May 2.

Rahul Gandhi's decision to keep off Bengal campaign over Covid an 'alibi', he has sensed defeat: Prasad

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Monday mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for suspending his election rallies in West Bengal amid spurting Covid-19 cases, calling it an "alibi" in the face of defeat.

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TMC speaking in different voices on leader being probed by CBI, ED: Shah

Asserting that those involved in stealing funds meant for the people of West Bengal will be put behind bars, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday claimed that the Trinamool Congress is speaking in different voices on the party's youth leader Vinay Mishra, who is being investigated by the CBI and the ED.

The two central agencies are probing Mishra in connection with cases related to cattle smuggling and illegal coal mining. The Narendra Modi government is apprehending those who are stealing coal, Shah said at a public meeting at Pandabeswar in Paschim Bardhaman district.

No plans for Covid-19 lockdown in Bengal for now, says Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday ruled out the possibility of imposing lockdown in the state for now despite a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases.

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TMC party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a roadshow in support of her party candidates for the ongoing State Assembly Polls, in Kolkata on April 18. Credit: PTI Photo

Urge EC with folded hands to curtail poll schedule amid Covid-19 surge: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged the Election Commission to re-consider its decision to stick to the original poll schedule, as she stressed that wrapping up the last three phases of polls on a single day or at least in two days would check the spread of Covid-19 to a certain extent.

Indicating that the EC may have decided against clubbing the remaining phases at the behest of the BJP, Banerjee, while addressing her rally here in Uttar Dinajpur, requested the poll panel to prioritise public health.

"With folded hands, I request the EC to hold the next three phases on a single day. If not one day, conduct it in two days and save one day.

Prime Minister Modi responsible for second wave of Covid-19, alleges Mamata

With folded hands, I urge EC to hold last three phases of polls on a single day or in two days amid Covid-19 surge: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Been writing to Mamata Banerjee for her consent but all in vain. You're a woman CM. What's the problem with fast-track courts for sexual offences against children?: Law Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad in Kolkata

Fast-track courts established across country for fast-tracking cases of sexual offences against children, wherein Centre provides 50% funds & remaining states do. 123 fast-track courts sanctioned for Bengal: Law Minister & BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad

(ANI)

Mamata 'reaches out to PM Modi' for additional Covid-19 vaccines, medicines

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said she has sought help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for additional vaccines and medicines in the wake of spiralling Covid-19 cases in the state.

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'Umpire didn’t accept our request for ONE Phase all': Derek O'Brien

WB Chief Secretary to hold press conference at 2 pm

I've also directed all top officials to make elaborate arrangements & step up their efforts at every level to deal with the Covid-19 situation in WB. Chief Secretary along with key officials will be doing a press conference at 2 pm to discuss details of the plan: West Bengal CM

(ANI)

Mamata Banerjee not to campaign in Kolkata amid spiralling Covid-19 cases

Mamata Banerjee will not campaign in Kolkata anymore, in view of a spike in Covid-19 cases in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien tweeted on Sunday.

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With a massive surge in Covid-19 cases across India, the Government of West Bengal is taking all necessary steps to protect its people. I have reached out to the PM to help us with additional medicines & vaccines required: CM Mamata Banerjee

(ANI)

Amit Shah holds massive roadshow in WB’s Habra, social distancing norms disappear

TMC workers allegedly hurled bombs at BJP's camp office & residence of party workers in Panihati.

In an apparent jibe at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh on Sunday said that people want the white beard and not white saree.

Ghosh's reference to white beard is apparently to that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The TMC supremo, on the other hand, is famous for her trademark white saree and Hawaiian slippers.

(PTI)

In a show of strength, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday held a roadshow in parts of south Kolkata considered to be her backyard.

Sitting in a wheelchair with her bandaged left foot, she led the padayatra from Dhakuria Bridge to Kalighat Crossing, covering a distance of over 5 km.

(PTI)

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