Jayatri Nag

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate multiple development projects worth Rs 18,880 crore in West Bengal during his two-day visit. He will also lead the International Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata and commission three naval ships. The visit includes participation in Paschimbanga Divas at Tarakeswar, highlighting Bengal's heritage and development with cultural events and a grand drone show.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that West Bengal is now on a rapid development path under the NDA's 'double-engine' government, contrasting it with decades of "misrule" by previous parties. He highlighted the focus on growth, development, and security, while criticising the TMC for appeasement and corruption.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's growing defense manufacturing prowess, now at Rs 40,000 crore, emphasizing self-reliance over being a mere buyer. Commissioning three indigenously built naval ships – INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray – he underscored the nation's maritime capabilities as crucial for development, security, and economic strength. These vessels, designed and built in India with significant MSME involvement, showcase the country's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' journey.

West Bengal's new government has unveiled a budget prioritizing North Bengal, tourism, and industry, with a significant move to combat 'syndicate charges' and extortion. A new legislation aims to protect lawful businesses, boost investor confidence, and enhance employment. This initiative seeks to create a more favorable business environment, addressing long-standing grievances and attracting domestic and foreign investment.

West Bengal's new budget prioritizes a five-pronged revival strategy, focusing on women's empowerment, youth employment, and agriculture. Key initiatives include 1 lakh government jobs, boosting tourism with religious and heritage circuits, and significant development for North Bengal, including the Teesta Barrage project. The government aims to improve the investment climate by tackling corruption and introducing new legislation to foster growth.

West Bengal's new budget introduces 'Bhorsha Kormosuchi,' offering monthly allowances to unemployed youth. Uneducated individuals aged 21-45 will receive Rs 3000, while non-graduates with incomes under one lakh get Rs 2000. The budget also features significant tax relief for salaried individuals, the self-employed, and businesses, alongside substantial investments in sports infrastructure and student welfare initiatives.

A breakaway faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Bandopadhyay and claiming support from 64 MLAs, has formed a new 30-member national working committee, appointing Arup Roy as chairperson. Bandopadhyay stated decisions will be collective. The group also plans to appoint a special auditor due to concerns over party accounts. Meanwhile, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh dismissed the move as unconstitutional and a 'comedy show'.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari accused previous Congress and Trinamool governments of attempting to erase Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's legacy. Speaking at an event, Adhikari highlighted Mookerjee's role in integrating Jammu and Kashmir and securing West Bengal's future during Partition.

The first state budget presented by the new BJP government in West Bengal combines a push for industrial revival with continued focus on welfare spending. Finance minister Swapan Dasgupta described it as an “expansionary” budget aimed at restarting growth and addressing long-standing economic slowdown in the state.

The Trinamool Congress has escalated its offensive against rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee, with a party spokesperson urging government action following alleged complaints from a woman. This move follows the dissident faction forming its own National Working Committee. The ruling party also submitted a new list of office-bearers to the Election Commission, asserting the prior list's invalidity. MLAs who joined the rebel group were branded as "betrayers."