Election News : "Mamata will be victorious", says Sena leader Sanjay Raut ::::: Himanta stages Roadshow .... wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma says : "Today we are going for second term with a sweeping majority"

Congress seals alliance with reginal party Raijor Dal; 

Gaurav Gogoi says "We came together to build a new Assam"

^^

BJP candidate from Sonarpur assembly constituency, Rupa Ganguly says, 

"... I have been visiting Sonarpur for many years because my father and mother lived there, and I bought the house for them. My parents did not have a home of their own, as everything we had was in Bangladesh. 

"From the time I began working, my only wish was to buy a house for my mother. For the past 30 years, I have been going there, and I know all the problems of that area. It will be my responsibility to address these needs and problems...".  

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, 

"You (BJP) cannot defeat Mamata Banerjee. Defeating Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal is not just difficult, it's impossible. The entire BJP knows this... That's why they have taken complete control over West Bengal... Why don't these transfers and postings happen in other states?... The people of the country are with Mamata Banerjee... 

We are all with her, and once again, Mamata Banerjee will be victorious in West Bengal."

Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, says," This will be his second term, and the people are overwhelmed by the work and change Assam has seen. Today we are here to go for the second term, that too with a sweeping majority."  

Assam Minister & BJP Candidate, Pijush Hazarika says, 

"... I am thankful to my senior leaders for giving me the opportunity to file my nomination. I have already served three terms as a legislator in the Assembly, and if I win this time, it will be my fourth term. I appeal to the people to give us your support, to strengthen the BJP, to empower Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and to bless Himanta Biswa Sarma for a second consecutive term as Chief Minister...".  

Pijush Hazarika offered prayers at the Deosal Temple before filing his nomination for the upcoming assembly elections.  

On BJP's prospects in Keralam Assembly Elections 2026, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says,

"They are pretty much non-existent, they are a 0-seat party...The elections are going to be between UDF and LDF, and LDF has represented 10 years of misgovernance, while we represent the most credible alternative for change..." 

He also says, "We used to be called a model state - the Kerala model and today we have become the debt model... We need to completely revive the economy and give people a chance that they will stay and see a future in their own state..."

“Hindu bahut hi darpok kaum hain“ ::::: ‘Dhurandhar 2’ may make more money .... Thanks to Namo on Screen, 'more' violence and as they say more 'right wing' propaganda

Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh combo returns with more propaganda 

“Hindu bahut hi darpok kaum hain“

“Pados mein hi rehte hai hum…..Goodebhar ka zorr laga lo… aur bigaad lo jo bigaad sakte ho.”

(Hindus are always very coward. We are in you neighbourhood only.... Put all your strength and do whatever you like. Let's see how much can you harm us)

'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' had a blockbuster opening on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The film may be on a course to rewriting history for Bollywood at the domestic box office. Film-economy analysts say it has now raced ahead of films such a Kalki 2898 AD, Jr NTR's Devara: Part I and even Rajinikanth's 'Coolie'. 

Films such as 'Adipurush' earned Rs 87 crore at the initial stage. 

'Coolie' -- earned Rs 65 crore. But now this political drama with Pakistan angle earned Rs 43 crore nett from its premiere shows alone. Including these preview collections, the film's total stands at a massive Rs 143 crore nett after two days.

"Theatres erupt as PM Modi appears in Dhurandhar 2, internet can't keep calm" -- says a headline in 'India Today'.  Look what has gone right or wrong -- 

The audience reacts with surprise to a couple of unexpected on-screen moments in 'Dhurandhar -The Revenge'. The sequences pertain to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visible in two scenes.  Well, the four-hour long film has two of Namo speeches. The first is his May 26, 2014 oath-taking ceremony as Prime Minister succeeding Manmohan Singh and the second is from his 2016 (Nov 8 // 8 PM) demonetisation address. 

Some viewers may get angry at director Aditya's messaging. India that is Bharat has changed a lot since 2014. Of course - the armies of Modi Bhakts are already convinced about the same. But there are some too -- who know the impact of Moditva phenomenon as lot many job-sectors and industry such as Media world has transformed a lot. I interacted with half a dozen -- 50 something (age) - scribes on the same subject -- the revealing fact is most are jobless. A few call them freelancers (the stage of almost joblessness) and a few say - they have quit journalism. 

One friend in Pune has joined an AI-related job and one in Vaishali runs a 'Patrakar Kachori centre'.  

Now move on --  "Reports coming in from all over indicate that the reaction has been nothing short of hysterical in the theatres each time PM Modi appears on the screen. Clips have also surfaced on social media, capturing the crowd response in theatres," writes 'India Today Entertainment Desk'.  

Kolkata's 'The Telegraph' run by Ananda Bazar Patrika group tells a different story. 

"Dhar, here, makes no pretense of his intentions. He is not interested in telling the redemption story of a spy who sacrificed his normal life in the service of the nation. The intent, from the word go, is to drive home the message that India, oops Bharat, has changed post 2014. And now, we enter into our enemies’ homes and wreck them from within."  ---- 

Do you remember - "Ghuskey Marenge" ? 

Long back when Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister - Religion had become the 'electronic opium' of India's idiot box - Doordarshan serials - Yes - 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharat'. 

The Moditva phenomenon always tapped those untapped potentials. Hence came 'Mann K Baat'.

In 2019 -- film 'Uri - The Surgical Strike' brought in dividends for the BJP.  

What goes on unsaid is not only 'Modi shines' on the big screen. 

In 'Uri' - Paresh Rawal plays a super planner -- aka NSA Ajit Doval.

 

In Dhurandhar - One and Two -- we have a spy boss --  Ajay Sanyal played by 

R. Madhavan -- the famous Qureshi son of 'Three Idiots'.

My favourite dialogue of Madhavan always will be "Engineer ban bhi jaoonga toh 

kharab engineer banoonga". My father - by the by - was also like his dad on screen 'Hitler Qureshi'.  

                           Madhavan --- looks like Doval sitting in his Vivekananda Centre cabin (UPA days --

                           ** Ironically, I never realised he could be Modi's NSA) 

“Ab Pakistan ka mustaqbil tay karega Hindustan”

--- goes a line in Dhurandhar-2.  

It is the Indian intelligence agency, led by Ajay Sanyal (R. Madhavan), who is deciding the fate of Pakistan — through his trusted spy Jaskirat Singh Rangi, alias Hamza Ali Mazari.

Here's another -- "Sir, Mooh todne ke liye mutti band karna jaroori hain. We must infiltrate the very core of the terrorism in Pakistan" - Ajay Sanyal (R Madhavan)

(Dhurandhar-1)

“Agar tumlogon ke pataakhe khatam ho gaye toh main dhamaka shuru karu” – Ranveer Singh (also in Dhurandhar-1)  

In Dhurandhar - The Revenge ::: we have a footage of PM Narendra Modi declaring demonetisation on Nov, 2016, and Hamza sets fire to a godown full of fake old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. 

Sanyal and his assistant were wishing for a “government in Uttar Pradesh that puts national interest as top priority” in the original film. Here, it is alleged that fake notes were being channelised into India because the ISI wanted the then ruling party in UP (Samajwadi Party hasn’t been explicitly named) to win again. 

However, demonetisation spoiled the ISI’s plan and led to the formation of an “honest” government under Yogi. 

(The Telegraph lists this as propaganda.)  

Finally; again Sanyal tells you what India-Pakistan story is all about -- Honsla, Eendhan, Badla

(Courage, 

Instigation and Revenge) 

ends 

Assam Rifles conducts Burmese language field training in Manipur ::::: Lt Gen Pendharkar graces mega Ex-Servicemen Rally in Kohima

 GoC Lt Gen Pendharkar graces mega Ex-Servicemen Rally in Kohima  

Red Shield Division under SpearCorps organised a Mega Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Rally at Kisama, Kohima, Nagaland, bringing together over 1,000 veterans, Veer Naris, and their families. 

GoC with NIT participants 

The event celebrated the contributions and sacrifices of ex-servicemen and provided a platform for recognition, camaraderie, and community engagement.

Lt Gen Pendharkar at Ex-Servicemen Rally in Kohima

The rally was graced by Hon’ble Governor of Nagaland, Shri Nand Kishore Yadav, and Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharkar, GOC SpearCorps, who jointly honoured the veterans for their dedicated service to the nation. During the ceremony, awards and citations were presented to distinguished ex-servicemen and Veer Naris, acknowledging their valor, commitment, and continued service to society.

The event featured speeches highlighting the critical role of veterans in nation-building, interactive sessions for sharing experiences, and cultural programmes showcasing the rich heritage of Nagaland. Families of ex-servicemen also participated, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.

Officials emphasized that such gatherings strengthen the bond between serving forces, veterans, and local communities, while also ensuring that the contributions of those who served the nation are publicly recognized and celebrated. The Mega ESM Rally reinforced SpearCorps’ commitment to the welfare, respect, and engagement of ex-servicemen and their families across the region.

Goc Spear Corps flags in National Integration tour   

Assam Rifles under Spear Corps organised a National Integration Tour for students from Bhandari, Wokha district, Nagaland, under OperationSadbhavana, aimed at fostering national unity, cultural awareness, and educational exposure.

The tour commenced with a flag-in ceremony at Rangapahar Military Station, where Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharkar, GOC SpearCorps, formally flagged in the students and addressed them on the importance of national integration, social harmony, and the role of youth in nation-building.

During the tour, the students visited key cities including Guwahati and Kolkata, where they explored prominent educational institutions, historical landmarks, and cultural centres. The itinerary included interactive sessions with educators and cultural experts, providing students with insights into the academic, social, and cultural fabric of different regions of India.  

AR conducts Burmese language field training in Manipur   

The premier central force Assam Rifles organised a practical training visit for 47 students enrolled in the Burmese Language Course to the villages of Chongjang and T Minou in #Manipur. The initiative aimed to provide immersive, real-time learning experiences that go beyond classroom instruction.

During the visit, participants had the opportunity to interact directly with Burmese refugees residing in these areas. 

This exposure allowed the students to practice conversational skills, understand local dialect nuances, and gain insights into cultural practices, traditions, and day-to-day life in Burmese communities.

The hands-on experience is part of Assam Rifles’ broader effort to enhance operational readiness, cultural awareness, and language proficiency among personnel who may be deployed in border and cross-cultural settings. The training included field exercises, dialogue sessions with residents, and observations of community routines, enabling the students to connect linguistic knowledge with practical application.

Officials noted that such immersive programs are crucial for developing linguistic competence, improving communication skills in real-world scenarios, and fostering stronger ties with communities along India’s northeastern borders.

The exercise reflects Assam Rifles’ commitment to comprehensive training that integrates language learning with cultural understanding, preparing personnel for diverse operational environments while promoting cross-border engagement.

ends 

Saffron party still keen to strike a deal with a signboard party in North Bengal ::: Dissidence surface in Trinamool and BJP as well over ticket distribution in the region

Dissidence surface in both Trinamool and BJP as well over ticket distribution in North Bengal. 

The northern part of  West Bengal always complains about alleged step motherly treatment and hence creation of a new administrative setup is a prominent demand. 

But for 'mainstream Bengal'; division of the state -- the so-called Banga Bhanga - is an emotional issue hence both the BJP and Trinamool leaders would be shy of declaring anything directly and openly. 

Historic Coochbehar Palace - Now a Govt Museum 

“I am a victim of a deep political conspiracy,” said Rabindranath Ghosh, a senior TMC leader in Coochbehar.

"There’s nothing much to say… one doesn’t have to remain in politics forever," he remarked within hours Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee announced candidate list. 

Ghosh had won from the Natabari seat twice and served as a Bengal minister. In 2019, he was removed from the district president’s post and in 2021 he had the seat.  

This time the TMC ticket has been given to Sailen Barman. 

Interestingly, the BJP has not decided its candidate yet and there is a catch. 

Reportedly, the saffron party is in discussion with a small political outfit - Greater Cooch Behar Peoples’ Party (Bangshibadan Barman faction). 

Natabari is one of the seats in discussions and so are Sitai and Coochbehar South. 

Sitai is a reserved seat and the RSS had pushed the candidature of a senior Sangh man. But apparently, things are not working at the pace it was expected and hence even in the second list if candidates -- Sitai (SC) constituency name was skipped. 

Blogger in Sitai region 

There are certain complex local issues which are apparently in discussions. One of them is inclusion of Rajbongshi language in the 8th Schedule.  BJP state unit president Samik Bhattacharya has flagged off the matter even in his capacity as the Rajya Sabha member. 

But the controversy is BJP top leaders including Union Minister Bhupender Yadav is in discussion with a small entity and the party in debate may not be quite influential locally.

Nevertheless, the BJP central leaders are also bargaining hard. They may accommodate the candidates (two or three) from the Greater Coochbehar Party (Bangshibadhan faction) but reportedly want them to contest on BJP ticket. 

There is yet another tricky facet. 

Any chance or hint being given that the BJP may give into the demand for a separate administrative unit could be 'exploited' by Trinamool and give it anti-Bengal agenda of the Lotus party.  

Things may not end with such simple issues. 

The Local-loyalty dimensions are also at play.  

  

Trinamool candidate from Sitalkuchi for this year's polls Harihar Das is actually a former school teacher and an ex-BJP leader.  Mamata Banerjee had wooed him to her flock last year by making him chairperson of the advisory committee that runs the Rajbanshi Bhasha Academy.  These have complicated matters on ground.  

Harihar is a loyalist of BJP's Rajya Sabha MP, Nagendra Ray, also commonly known as Anant Maharaj.

Anant Maharaj as a gamble did not yield any great success for the BJP. Anant is also a leader of the Greater Cooch Behar Democratic Party.  

"We would like to see how Anant Maharaj campaigns during the coming elections ... either for TMC or the BJP," says a local resident.

The BJP nominee from Sitalkuchi will be Savitri Barman.  

The ticket distribution and selection of right candidates in right segments has become the real flashpoint. 

"The announcements of candidates by BJP and TMC in various segments are reshaping the political landscape and making and unmaking the dynamics," says Dilip Das, a school teacher in Sitai. 

"If BJP has blundered, they may lose three-four seats out of six in Coochbehar. Moreover, their candidates for seats such as Dinhata are not good. Why BJP is fielding Former Minister Nisith Pramanik from Mathabhanga is also a mystery," he added. 

Problems are for TMC as well. 

In Alipurduar, former MLA Sourav Chakraborty put up posts on social media sarcastically aimed at jurnalist Suman Kanjilal. The posts alleged there had been much development in Alipurduar and polls would be carried out under the leadership of a person who had taken tenders for jobs worth around Rs 200 crore.

His grievance is understandable because Trinamool has fielded scribe Kanjilal from the seat. In 2021, the same Kanjilal had contested from the BJP and defeated Chakraborty but had defected to Trinamool. 

In yet another segment Khageswar Roy, a four-time Trinamool MLA from Rajganj, criticised the decision of dropping him and resigned from the district chairman’s post.

ends 

Suvendu Kicksoff campaign in Bhawanipore ::: BJP's second list of 111 candidates for West Bengal ::: Roopa Ganguly fielded from Sonarpur Dakshin

The BJP named Priyanka Tiberewal as its candidate from Entally seat and Sumana Sarkar from Balagarh seat.  

Among the key names, former IPS officer Rajesh Kumar has been fielded from Jagatdal.

Koustav Bagchi will contest from Barrackpore. 

Former Trinamool Congress leader Tapas Roy will contest from Maniktala.

Actress Papiya Adhikari has been given a ticket from Tollygunj

Dibendu Adhikari, brother of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, has been fielded from Egra.

Former Minister Nisith Pramanik will contest from Mathabhanga, while Shankar Adhikari has been named from Chopra. Arup Choudhury will contest from Kamarhati.

 Roopa Ganguly has been fielded from Sonarpur Dakshin

Rekha Patra, who came into prominence during the Sandeshkhali episode, has been fielded from Hingalganj.

Sabita Barman will contest from Itahar, 

Dilip Saha from Nabagram

Mitali Mal from Khargram and 

Gargi Das Ghosh from Kandi.

The BJP nominees include --  

Farakka - Sunil Chowdhury

Samserganj Shri Shashthi Charan Ghosh

Jangipur Adv. Chitto Mukherjee

- Sagardighi Shri Tapas Chakraborty

Raninagar Rana Pratap Singh Roy

Nabagram (SC) Shri Dilip Saha

Khargram (SC) Smt. Mitali Mal

Burwan (SC) Shri Sukhen Kumar Bagdi

Kandi Smt. Gargi Das Ghosh

Bharatpur Smt. Anamika Ghosh

Tehatta Shri Subrata Kabiraj

Anamika Ghosh will enter the fray from Bharatpur, 

Swapan Majumder from Bongaon Dakshin, 

Arup Choudhary from Kamarhatim, 

Sanat Sardar from Sandeshkhali and Mallika Paik from Mandirbazar Assembly constituency.

Elections in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29.

Earlier in the first list, the BJP named 144 candidates across several regions, including north Bengal, parts of south Bengal and the western districts.

Former MP Arjun Singh will contest from Noapara, while Ritesh Tiwari has been named from Kashipur-Belgachia. 

BJP spokesperson Dr Shatarupa will contest from Ballygunge.

The second list underscores the BJP’s strategy of combining established leaders, defectors from rival parties, and recognisable public faces as it gears up for the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections. 

Rekha Patra to fight from Hingalganj (SC)

***

Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari, who will take on Mamata Banerjee, kicked off his campaign in Bhawanipore on Thursday. He was greeted with drum beats and pro-BJP slogan by karyakartas. 

The recent actions from the Election Commission tightening its grip on the administration and apparently dismantling Mamata's hold has given new enthusiasm to BJP workers.  

"There would be free movement... police should not work at the instance of Trinamool leaders. I will move around and campaign freely. I will say what I have to say. Let Mamata Banerjee do her campaign. And then people's decision will be final," Suvendu Adhikar said exuding an unusual confidence. 

A rattled and grieving Trinamool leadership has dashed off a protest letter to the EC.

"While the State is heading towards elections, the elected government continues to function and cannot be undermined or rendered ineffective by any authority. Actions of this nature risk creating an atmosphere akin to an emergency or indirect central rule, which is deeply concerning and unfortunate. 

They undermine the spirit of cooperative federalism," Mamata Banerjee wrote sounding rather helpless.  

ends 

"Pakistan has a history of clandestine nuclear nonproliferation," -- says India ::::: "New Delhi has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh since 2007"

On US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's statement on Pakistan, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "As far as Pakistan is concerned, they have a history. "

"They have a history of clandestine nuclear nonproliferation, and statements like this again make it clear what kind of threat they pose to the world because of their clandestine nuclear operations."

On the recent energy attacks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have put out a statement on the attacks that have happened. Right from the very beginning, we have said that avoidance of targeting, we should, we have called for avoiding targeting of civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, across the region. 

And as we have said in our statement, recent attacks against energy installations in different locations across this region are therefore deeply disturbing and only serve to further destabilize an already uncertain energy scenario for the whole world. Such attacks are unacceptable and need to cease..."

Jaiswal also said: "Over the last several days or so, we've seen strikes from Pakistan into Afghanistan. 

We have condemned these strikes because they have targeted civilian infrastructure and they have caused a lot of misery to people. We once again unequally condemned these barbaric airstrikes from Pakistan into Afghanistan...".

He also says :

 "About energy, we have received requests from several of our neighbouring countries. We have received requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and some other neighbouring countries. 

As I had indicated earlier, India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh since 2007 through various modes of transportation. We are continuing to assist Bangladesh and our other neighbours even currently.   

"On the issue of gas, are we purchasing LPG from Russia? We are trying to procure LPG from all available sources wherever possible. If it is available from Russia, we will consider that option as well...The situation is such that we must ensure that the fuel needs of our people are fully met. At the same time, I can say that we are working to keep multiple options open for sourcing supplies."

ends 

This is being done, factoring in our own requirement, our refining capacity, and our diesel availability...". 

Sidelining of loyal Karyakartas for new entrants especially from Congress triggers RESIGNATION saga in Assam BJP

 Assam polls: BJP list sets off resignations, rebellion over ticket snubs Ticket denial triggers resignations in BJP ranks as leaders accusing party of sidelining loyal workers for new entrants.  

As candidate announcements reshape the political landscape, the exits from BJP underline churn within parties ahead of the high-stakes Assembly elections, with ticket distribution once again emerging as a key flashpoint.

The first fallout came from Dholai, where sitting MLA Nihar Ranjan Das resigned from the party’s primary membership within hours of the list’s release. 

In his resignation letter addressed to the BJP’s Assam Pradesh leadership in Guwahati, Das described his tenure as one marked by “honest and sincere” service, stating that he had worked to strengthen the party’s base in the constituency. 

“As such, I am tendering my resignation from the primary membership of BJP,” he wrote, requesting to be relieved of all organisational responsibilities. 

The discontent is spreading. 

BJP leader Jayanta Kumar Das, who had been eyeing a ticket from Dispur, also indicated his intention to quit after the seat was allotted to former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi. 

Himanta - "After all a former Congressman" 

In a direct challenge to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, he said, “If senior leaders are being replaced, why not vacate Jalukbari for new entrants?” 

He further alleged the existence of a “political syndicate”, claiming that decisions were being driven by vested interests rather than organisational principles. 

The veteran leader also announced plans to launch a new political outfit, bringing together what he described as “deprived and denied candidates” from Sadiya to Dhubri. He said consultations would begin immediately and that he would file his nomination on March 23

“I may resign from the party, but BJP will always remain in my heart,” he said, 

In a separate development, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), a former NDA ally of the BJP, also faced a setback, with Barama MLA Bhupen Boro resigning from the party’s primary membership. 

“This decision has been taken after careful consideration, as I am unable to continue discharging my responsibilities effectively,” his letter stated. Boro has submitted his resignation to the party president, and there is speculation that he may join the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) in the coming days. 

Reports from unhappiness in BJP circles has come from Udharbond. A former Bajrang Dal leader and a ticket aspirant may file nomination as Independent. 

The Lotus party has fielded Rajdeep Goala — a Bhojpuri leader who, by most accounts, does not belong to the segment — overriding objections from at least ten to twelve local ticket aspirants who had formally requested the high command not to accommodate him. 

Goala is a known Himanta loyalist. 

The BJP's official version is that the list of Assam candidates reflects a carefully calibrated strategy, prioritising stability, experience and local dynamics. As the campaign gathers pace, the effectiveness of this approach will be closely watched.

 

ends