Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal president Shamik Bhattacharya has threatened to annex Bangladesh’s Jessore and Khulna regions to India, calling on Bangladeshi Hindus for support. He made the remarks on Wednesday during a BJP press conference in Kolkata, where fellow BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, a former ally of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was also present.

During the event, Bhattacharya declared that his party would not allow West Bengal to become “West Bangladesh.” He accused Mamata Banerjee and her associates of attempting to change the state’s identity and stated that the BJP would not permit the construction of a Babri Masjid. He further urged Bangladeshi Hindus to “break Bangladesh” and bring land to India by including Jessore and Khulna.

The statements were made publicly in Kolkata and directly linked to regional political tensions between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has launched her party’s campaign for the upcoming state assembly elections from the northern region of the state. On Wednesday, she addressed two public meetings in Jalpaiguri district and one in Darjeeling district, where she described the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as 'politically blind'. During her speech in Maynaguri, Banerjee also accused the Election Commission of bias alongside her criticism of the BJP.

Separately, Trinamool Congress’s All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee made similar allegations against the Election Commission while speaking at a rally in Nandigram. The BJP and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) had already begun their election campaigns earlier.

On the same day, West Bengal’s Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, addressed a workers’ meeting in Ramnagar, East Medinipur, where he blamed the Trinamool Congress government for the deterioration of women’s safety in the state.

The Central Board of Film Certification in India has blocked the screening of the Tunisian film 'The Voyage of Hind Rajab', which was nominated for Best International Feature at this year’s Oscars. According to The Guardian, the board cited 'political sensitivity' as the reason for denying clearance. The film’s Indian distributor, Manoj Nandwana of Joy Bhiratra Entertainment, said he had applied for certification in February with plans to release the film on March 6, before the Oscars. He was reportedly told that the film could strain India-Israel relations, a claim he rejected.

The film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, is based on the real-life death of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab during the 2024 Gaza conflict. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a 20-minute standing ovation and won the Silver Lion award. News of the ban has sparked strong reactions in India, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor calling the move 'shameful' and an attack on freedom of expression.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that India’s growing diplomatic alignment with Israel under Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have influenced the censorship decision. The censor board has not issued an official statement on the matter.

A new controversy has emerged in West Bengal, India, over the voter list ahead of the upcoming elections. The Election Commission recently released an additional voter list, prompting questions among political circles and the public. Allegations have surfaced that the publication process lacks transparency, with no clear data on how many new voters were added or removed. Technical issues on the commission’s website have also prevented many from verifying their information.

Some groups have warned that holding elections before completing the voter list update could disenfranchise many voters. The Election Commission has not yet provided a detailed explanation. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing about the deployment of central forces in the state to maintain law and order during the election period, though sections of the opposition have expressed concern.

Major political parties, including the Trinamool Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Indian National Congress, are trading accusations over various issues. Analysts emphasize that transparency in voter list management and administrative measures is essential to maintain public trust and ensure the credibility of the election process.

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken Faisal Karim and Alamgir to Delhi for further interrogation in connection with the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi. According to police sources, the two accused were flown from Kolkata to Delhi on Monday night and are scheduled to appear before a special NIA court on Tuesday.

On March 22, the NIA sought permission from the Bidhannagar court to interrogate the suspects, which the judge initially approved. However, citing security concerns at Dum Dum Central Jail, the agency filed a new petition on March 23 requesting to conduct the questioning in Delhi. The court granted the request, and the transfer was carried out that night. Earlier, Judge Nishan Majumdar had ordered 12 days of judicial custody for the two, allowing both the West Bengal STF and NIA to question them in jail until April 2.

The accused face charges under Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, related to planning or supporting terrorist acts. Faisal has denied involvement, claiming political framing and lack of CCTV evidence.

Residents of Jammu and Kashmir in India have launched a humanitarian initiative to support Iran, which they say faces aggression from Israel and the United States. Following Eid-ul-Fitr, relief collection began in Shia-majority areas such as Budgam and Baramulla, where people are donating money, gold and silver jewelry, household items, and even livestock. Women have contributed personal ornaments, and one Kashmiri woman donated a gold memento kept for 28 years in memory of her late husband.

The Iranian Embassy in India shared photos and videos of the donations on social media, praising the compassion of the Kashmiri people. In a message on its X handle, the embassy expressed heartfelt gratitude for the solidarity and humanitarian assistance extended to the Iranian people, saying such kindness will never be forgotten. Videos show community members gathering at local centers to deposit valuables and cash for the relief fund.

The initiative reflects growing grassroots solidarity between Kashmiri communities and Iran during a period of regional tension.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, outlining the government’s response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He said India is taking steps to safely bring back Indian ships and sailors stranded in the blocked Hormuz Strait. Modi added that he is in talks to reopen the strait and has spoken twice with several West Asian leaders since the war began. A multi-party meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, to discuss the situation.

Modi stated that India is maintaining communication with Iran, Israel, the United States, and other Gulf nations to help stabilize the region through diplomatic dialogue. He emphasized that the government is taking all possible measures to ensure the supply of LPG and other fuels, and to maintain stability if the conflict continues. The government is also encouraging the use of PNG as an alternative to LPG.

The Prime Minister had earlier expressed concern in the Lok Sabha over the impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on India’s interests.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Lok Sabha on Monday that the country’s gas and energy situation has become alarming due to the ongoing conflict in Central Asia. He described the regional war, now lasting more than three weeks, as a severe global crisis affecting economies and lives worldwide. Modi said the conflict has created unexpected economic, national security, and humanitarian challenges for India.

The Prime Minister expressed concern over disruptions to free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy shipments. He reported that India currently holds 5.3 million metric tons of petroleum reserves and aims to raise this to 6.5 million metric tons. India maintains import links with 41 countries to address the energy shortage. Modi added that domestic LPG production is being increased, with priority given to household consumers, as about 60 percent of LPG is imported.

Modi also said he has held two rounds of talks with West Asian leaders, who assured the safety of Indians in the region. Since the war began, 375,000 Indians have returned home safely, including 1,000 from Iran, among them over 700 medical students.

Indian authorities have arrested Sumit Kumar, a 36-year-old employee of the Indian Air Force, on charges of spying for Pakistan. The arrest took place at an Air Force base in Assam following a joint operation by Rajasthan intelligence and Air Force intelligence units. Officials said Kumar admitted to passing sensitive and classified information to Pakistan, including details about aircraft, missile systems, and personnel.

According to Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Praful Kumar, the investigation began in January when another suspect was detained in Jaisalmer. Evidence from that case led to Kumar, who worked as a multi-tasking staff member at the Chabua Air Force Station in Dibrugarh, Assam. Police allege that Kumar had been in contact with Pakistani intelligence agents since 2023 and shared information in exchange for money.

Authorities are continuing to question Kumar to determine the full extent of the data breach and identify any additional individuals involved in the espionage network.

Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has announced an alliance with Humayun Kabir’s Am Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) ahead of the upcoming West Bengal assembly election. The announcement was made on Sunday, with both parties confirming their joint participation in the polls. Kabir, a former Trinamool Congress leader, stated that his party would field 154 candidates across the state, including his own candidacy from Rejinagar and Naoda constituencies.

Kabir also mentioned that Poonam Begum would contest from Bhabanipur against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. He told news agency ANI that the alliance with AIMIM might contest in eight constituencies. Owaisi, confirming the partnership, criticized Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year tenure, claiming that West Bengal’s Muslim community had not seen adequate development and had faced injustice.

AIMIM had previously contested the 2021 West Bengal election but failed to achieve significant results. The new alliance signals a renewed attempt to expand its political presence in the state.

Two main accused in the murder of Inquilab Manch spokesperson Hadi, identified as Faisal Karim Masud alias Rahul and Alamgir Hossain, were produced before the Bidhannagar Sub-Divisional Court in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, after completing a 14-day police remand. When questioned by journalists about the killing, Faisal denied any involvement, stating he did not commit the act or participate in such activities. He declined to comment on whether he had been falsely implicated.

Before the court appearance, Faisal underwent a medical examination at Bidhannagar Sub-Divisional Hospital. The two were arrested on March 8 from Bangaon, near the Bangladesh border, by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF). According to STF sources, both men had confessed to the killing and had entered India through the Meghalaya border, staying in various locations for several months. They were charged under specific legal provisions and remanded to police custody.

Hadi was shot on December 12, 2025, in Dhaka’s Paltan area by helmeted assailants on a motorcycle and later died on December 18 while receiving treatment in Singapore.

A special court in Bidhannagar, West Bengal, has ordered the imprisonment of Faisal Karim Masud and his associate Alamgir Hossain, the two main accused in the murder of Inquilab Manch convener Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The order was issued on Sunday afternoon following the completion of their 14-day remand. Both were presented before the court at noon, after which a hearing took place. The court also directed that the two be interrogated at the jail gate.

According to the case details, Faisal and Alamgir were arrested by West Bengal Police on the night of March 7 during an operation in Bangaon, near the Bangladesh border. They were subsequently placed on a 14-day remand by a local court. Additionally, on March 13, the West Bengal Police Special Task Force arrested a man named Philip Sangma for allegedly helping the two accused enter India through the Meghalaya border. He was placed on a seven-day remand and later produced before the court on March 21.

The court’s latest order marks a continuation of the legal process following the cross-border arrests and ongoing investigation into Hadi’s murder.

Two main suspects in the murder of Inquilab Mancha convener Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, identified as Faisal Karim Masud and his associate Alamgir Hossain, were presented before a special court in Bidhannagar, Kolkata, on Sunday afternoon after completing a 14-day remand. The court hearing is scheduled to follow their appearance.

According to the report, both suspects were arrested by West Bengal Police on the night of March 7 during an operation in Bongaon, near the Bangladesh border. Following their arrest, they were placed on a 14-day remand by a local court. Additionally, on March 13, the West Bengal Police Special Task Force detained a man named Philip Sangma for allegedly helping the two suspects enter India through the Meghalaya border. He was placed on a seven-day remand and produced before the court on March 21.

The case continues to draw attention as Indian authorities proceed with legal actions against the accused individuals linked to the cross-border murder investigation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest intruder' during an Eid gathering in Kolkata. She made the remark on Saturday while attending the main Eid congregation at Red Road, where she also delivered a message of communal harmony alongside her political comments.

Banerjee criticized what she described as divisive politics, saying that while relations are built with foreign countries abroad, people at home are being divided. Her statement came as thousands of worshippers offered Eid prayers across Kolkata and other Indian cities amid festive enthusiasm. Some areas faced difficulties due to bad weather, but security measures were tightened nationwide.

The President, Prime Minister, and other political leaders extended Eid greetings to citizens across the country, marking the occasion with official messages of goodwill.

Surat, the textile heart of Gujarat, is facing a severe crisis as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortages threaten to halt production across its garment factories. The disruption stems from the closure of the Hormuz Strait and ongoing conflict in West Asia, which have cut India’s LPG supply by 30 percent. Thousands of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha are leaving the city as cooking gas becomes unavailable, forcing many small and medium textile units to shut down.

Reports indicate that some factories have already reduced operations to one or two days a week due to labor shortages. In worker colonies, LPG scarcity has driven prices up to 500 rupees per kilogram on the black market, while small cylinders now cost five times their usual price. Many workers, unable to cook or afford food, are returning to their villages despite having jobs.

Industry experts warn that if the exodus continues, India’s domestic and export textile markets could collapse ahead of the festive season. Factory owners are urging the government for fuel subsidies and faster LPG deliveries, but the situation remains uncertain until Middle East tensions ease.