Bengali film and theatre legend, Manoj Mitra, passed away at the age of 86 due to old-age related ailments. Known for his contributions to both the film and theatre world, Mitra was best known for his farces and fantasy plays that often addressed social and political issues. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences and praised Mitra's immense contributions to the industry.
In a move to preserve and celebrate India's diverse cultural heritage, the Union Cabinet has approved the status of classical language to five Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This brings the total number of recognized classical languages to 11, with the government acknowledging their significance in preserving the country's rich history and tradition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee both took to social media to express their delight at this decision, emphasizing the importance of promoting regional languages in India.
In a shift from previous years, the West Bengal government has decided to keep Teachers' Day celebrations to a minimum following the recent shocking rape and murder of a postgraduate student at RG Kar Hospital. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will not be participating in festivities and the state education minister, Bratya Basu, will lead a small program. This decision may have been influenced by the ongoing protests over the horrific crime and the possibility of teachers joining in on demonstrations.
In the wake of the heinous RG Kar rape-murder case, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee introduced the Aparajita Women and Child Bill in the state assembly. However, the bill's introduction was met with a heated exchange between the CM and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. The bill proposes the establishment of a Special Task Force, a dedicated special court and investigation team, and has been named after the victim of the aforementioned case. CM Banerjee also called out the Prime Minister for not taking similar steps, suggesting his resignation.
The Bengal Health Department has suspended the principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, Sandip Ghosh, amid ongoing investigations into a recent rape and murder case. At the same time, the West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed a new anti-rape bill, proposed by CM Mamata Banerjee, which includes harsh punishments for rape convicts. However, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's proposed amendments to the bill were not accepted by the House.
Poonam Azad, the wife of Trinamool Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Kirti Azad, passed away on Monday. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences, stating that she has known Poonam for a long time and was aware of her critical condition. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also extended his condolences to Kirti Azad, offering strength and patience in this difficult time.
Kirti Azad, a well-known former cricket player and Lok Sabha member, announced the passing of his wife Poonam Jha Azad early in the morning. Poonam, who had been ill for a long time, was a political figure in her own right, having aligned with various parties before her husband joined the Trinamool Congress this year. Fellow politician and leader Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences on social media, stating that she has known Poonam for a long time and admired her bravery in her final battle.
The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, led by Mehbooba Mufti, has announced the candidates for eight assembly constituencies ahead of the 2024 polls. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding stringent laws against rape, while also meeting with Union ministers Amit Shah and JP Nadda. Following her statement "Bengal jalega, to poora Bharat jalega," Union Minister Chirag Paswan condemned the CM's words and called for the implementation of President's Rule in the state.
Kolkata turned into a battleground on Tuesday as protesters took to the streets to march towards West Bengal state secretariat Nabanna against the recent rape-murder of a trainee doctor in the city. The protest march turned violent at multiple locations in Kolkata and Howrah, resulting in clashes between police and demonstrators. Several arrests were made and injuries were reported on both sides. The protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and justice for the victim.
In the midst of the ongoing doctors' strike in West Bengal, tensions rise as four student activists are arrested by the state police for planning to disrupt a protest march to the state secretariat. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP claims they have gone missing, while the police assert that they were involved in a conspiracy of violence. As demands for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continue, a separate rally is called for by the Junior Doctors Forum to demand justice for a recent rape and murder victim.