Bengal BJP chief moves Calcutta HC accusing police of detaining him illegally
'The petition, filed through his legal counsel, details various instances of unlawful restriction and detention by the police, allegedly carried out with complete disregard for the due process of law and the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India,' the statement said.
Majumdar is the Union minister of state for education and development of north east region.
The petition sought 'issuance of a writ of mandamus directing state authorities to strictly act within the constitutional and legal framework while dealing with political protests or engagements by the petitioner.'
It also sought a high-level impartial enquiry into the detentions and disciplinary action against the police officers concerned.
In a parallel development, the Lok Sabha secretariat has sought a factual note from the Union home ministry on a June 19 incident that Majumdar has cited as breach of privilege of a Parliament member.
In an official note, a copy of which was seen by HT, the Lok Sabha secretariat asked the Home ministry on June 27 to file a factual note on an alleged attack on Majumdar's convoy by Trinamool Congress supporters at Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district on June 19.
In a letter to the Lok Sabha speaker, a copy of which was seen by HT, Majumdar alleged on June 20 that the Diamond Harbour police superintendent and the sub-divisional police officer 'failed to take any preventive or protective action.'
The West Bengal police did not make any statement on Majumdar's writ petition and the allegation of breach of privilege till Wednesday afternoon.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
24 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviews agriculture and rural development initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir
New Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare, and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a detailed review meeting with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the State Secretariat in Srinagar on Wednesday, said a statement from the Ministry of Rural Development. Speaking at a press conference later, Chouhan emphasised that a developed Jammu & Kashmir is crucial to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'. Several important decisions were taken in the interests of farmers and rural residents of the region, he said. During the interaction with the media alongside Omar Abdullah, Chouhan noted that agriculture remains the backbone of both the Indian and Jammu & Kashmir economies, with nearly 50% of the population depending on it for livelihood. He praised the state's initiative 'KisanKhidmatGhar' -- a one-stop center providing farmers access to all agricultural services under one roof. Chouhan expressed satisfaction with the variety of horticulture crops grown in the region, such as apples, almonds, and walnuts. However, he also raised a critical issue -- imported plant materials often turn out to be infected after two or three years. To address this, a Rs 150-crore Clean Plant Center will be established in Srinagar under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). It will focus on clean, disease-free planting material for apples, almonds, walnuts, and berries. Private nurseries will also be supported to ensure high-quality, pathogen-free plants are made available to farmers. He also stated that farmers in J&K who have received land allotments from the government but lack official documentation will be considered for inclusion under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The government is also planning to launch the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) soon to ensure that horticulture crops are accurately mapped and included under the PM Fasal BimaYojana (PMFBY). Commenting on the demand for a Regional Horticulture Center in the Jammu region, Shri Chouhan announced that ICAR would support Jammu Agricultural University with the required infrastructure. The minister further said that the current storage limit in CA (Controlled Atmosphere) facilities would be extended from 18 months to 24 months. For the horticulture mission, subsidies will be provided for up to a storage capacity of 5,000 metric tons, and even those who have constructed facilities with 6,000 MT capacity will be eligible for subsidy up to 5,000 MT. An MoU will also be signed between ICAR and the university to facilitate cooperation. Highlighting 'saffron' as a symbol of Kashmir's identity, Shri Chouhan announced that the central government would establish a tissue culture lab and nursery to boost saffron production. He said the National Saffron Mission would be revised to suit local conditions, and an expert team of scientists would be formed to improve productivity and reduce losses. For improving soil health and fertilizer regulation, Quality Control Labs will be set up in Kathua, Baramulla, and Anantnag. Under the RKVY scheme, efforts will also be made to enhance irrigation by bridging gaps from canal to field. Chouhan recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the region, where he had announced over Rs 4,200 crore under Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to improve road connectivity in rural areas. He appreciated the fast-paced work of the J&K government and said that road construction for remaining areas will begin soon. He noted that 93% of houses under the PM Awas Yojana have been completed, and the remaining eligible beneficiaries--identified from a pool of 500,000 applicants--will be allotted homes after verification. To alleviate rural poverty, women are being empowered through Self Help Groups under NRLM, with many becoming Lakhpati Didis and even Millionaire Didis earning Rs 10 lakh annually. Regarding employment, he said that targets have been set to ensure job availability through MGNREGA, and training programs for youth will also begin shortly. The government will also ensure that no eligible farmer is left out of the Kisan Credit Card scheme. In conclusion, Chouhan said that the government is proud of its achievements and committed to implementing central schemes effectively. Echoing Prime Minister Modi's vision, he assured that all efforts will be made to accelerate the development of Jammu & Kashmir. He thanked the Chief Minister and reaffirmed the commitment to work together for the region's progress. (ANI)
India Gazette
24 minutes ago
- India Gazette
18th Lok Sabha seen enhanced productivity and meaningful debate due to reduction in disruption: OM Birla
New Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday said that frequent disruptions--once a recurring feature--have now significantly reduced in Parliament of India, resulting in enhanced productivity and meaningful debate, said Lok Sabha Secretariat in a statement. Inaugurating the first-ever National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of States and Union Territories in Manesar, Gurugram, he mentioned that the Lok Sabha has increasingly witnessed late-night sessions and long-duration debates, reflecting a mature and responsible democratic culture. He called upon urban local bodies to incorporate structured procedures, including regular sittings, robust committee systems, and citizen engagement, to further strengthen grassroots democracy. Held at the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), IMT Manesar, Gurugram, the two-day national conference, on July 3-4, 2025, marks a historic initiative to discuss the role of urban local bodies in strengthening constitutional democracy and nation-building through participatory governance structures in cities across India. In his address, Birla emphasised the importance of incorporating proven democratic practices, such as Question Hour and Zero Hour, in ULBs. He noted that such provisions in Parliament have played a vital role in holding the executive accountable and systematically raising public concerns. He pointed out that short, irregular, or ad-hoc municipal meetings weaken local governance, and advocated for regular, structured sessions, standing committees, and open civic consultations. As in Parliament, ULBs too must shun disruptive behaviour and focus on constructive and inclusive discussions. He cited the example of the Lok Sabha, where reduction in protests and placard-waving has led to significantly higher productivity, improving public perception and enabling better lawmaking. Birla emphasised that disruptions do not reflect the strength of democracy but rather weaken it. He asserted that it is through dialogue, patience, and depth of discussion that democracy truly thrives, and he urged municipal representatives to lead by example in their respective cities and towns. Birla described Urban Local Bodies as the closest tier of governance to the people, deeply aware of the challenges and needs of citizens. He noted that India's urban transformation, symbolised by cities like Gurugram, reflects both economic vitality and democratic participation. From being associated with India's civilizational legacy to becoming a hub of innovation and enterprise, Gurugram, he said, illustrates what coordinated efforts of governments and empowered local institutions can achieve. Birla stressed that with over 600 million people expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the scale and scope of urban governance must evolve accordingly. He stated that ULBs must not remain confined to traditional roles of service delivery but should rise as true institutions of self-governance and catalysts of nation-building. He reiterated that the theme of the conference - 'Role of Urban Local Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and Nation Building' - was timely and forward-looking. He urged delegates to approach the conference as more than a policy dialogue--as an exercise in democratic deepening and institutional learning. With five key sub-themes--including transparent functioning of municipal councils, inclusive urban development, innovation in governance, women's leadership, and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047--the conference provides a platform to share experiences, assess challenges, and build consensus on reforms. Birla highlighted the critical, day-to-day impact that ULBs have on the lives of citizens through their work in essential civic areas such as infrastructure development, sewage and sanitation systems, waste management, road construction, and pollution control. He noted that these are not peripheral duties, but core responsibilities that directly influence the health, safety, and quality of life of urban residents. The effectiveness of ULBs in fulfilling these functions not only builds public trust but also sets the foundation for long-term, sustainable urban growth. The footprints of local bodies, he said, are imprinted in the memory of the people through their visible and tangible service delivery. Regarding increased participation of women in governance, Birla expressed pride that in many ULBs across the country, women's representation has reached nearly 50%. He lauded this as a transformational shift, stating that women leaders bring unique sensitivity and insight to governance and public welfare. He called for more investment in training, leadership development, and policy exposure for women municipal leaders so they can take on key roles in administration and public life. Birla reminded delegates that India is the mother of democracy, where local self-governance--from Gram Sabhas to urban municipalities--has always been an intrinsic part of its cultural fabric. He said that empowering ULBs will automatically empower State Assemblies, the Lok Sabha, and other democratic institutions. When local institutions are vibrant, representative, and competent, national governance becomes more responsive and representative. He exhorted all participants to ensure effective interaction with citizens, long-term policy planning, and continuous improvement of municipal functioning. He encouraged ULBs to forecast urban demands, invest in capacity-building, and institutionalise knowledge sharing so that India's cities remain resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive. The conference, he said, is also a forum for discovering shared solutions and building a cadre of democratic leaders who are grounded in people's aspirations and equipped to shape the laws and institutions of the future. On July 4, 2025, the second day of the conference, delegates will present group reports and actionable recommendations. The valedictory session will be addressed by Hon'ble Governor of Haryana Bandaru Dattatraya, in the presence of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh and other dignitaries. Om Birla concluded by urging ULBs to strive for excellence, integrity, and innovation. He said that with local leaders at the forefront, India's urban landscape will evolve into a network of empowered, inclusive, and future-ready cities. Through such collective efforts, India is well on its way to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI)
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Gadkari opens purse strings for highway projects across Jharkhand
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the Centre is committed to strengthening the infrastructure of Jharkhand and will implement national highway projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the state. Addressing a public meeting in Garhwa, the minister said so far NH projects worth Rs 40,000 crore have been completed in the state and work is in progress on projects worth Rs 70,000 crore. Apart from this, schemes worth Rs 75,000 crore are in the pipeline. The minister was in Jharkhand to inaugurate and lay foundation stones of multiple national highway projects worth Rs 6,350 crore. In Garhwa, he launched two important projects — inaugurated a 23-km-long four-lane highway from Shankha to Khajuri, built for Rs 1,130 crore, and laid the foundation stone for a Rs 1,330-crore project for widening (four-lane) a 32-km stretch of NH-39 from the Chhattisgarh–Jharkhand interstate border to Gumla. He made a series of infrastructure-related declarations for Ranchi and other parts of Jharkhand. Speaking in Ranchi during the inauguration of the city's elevated flyover, Gadkari said India's logistics cost, once as high as 16% of the GDP, has now come down to 10% and will further reduce to 9% by the end of this year. 'This will help boost exports, promote industrial growth and generate employment across sectors,' he said. The minister announced several ongoing and new national highway and expressway projects across Jharkhand. Among the major corridors mentioned were the Rs 40,000-crore Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata corridor, Rs 10,000-crore Ranchi–Patna economic corridor (88% work completed), Rs 13,000-crore Ranchi–Varanasi four-lane upgrade (60% completed) and Rs 18,000-crore Raipur–Dhanbad four-lane economic corridor (77% completed). He also said that 60% of the work on the Rs 35,000-crore Delhi–Kolkata six-lane corridor was over; 146 km of the corridor passes through Jharkhand. Apart from these, Gadkari announced new projects including a Rs 8,000-crore economic corridor (121 km in Jharkhand) that will reduce the Ranchi–Odisha route by nearly 100 km, and a Rs 7,000-crore 90-km stretch of the Raxaul–Haldia expressway passing through the state, which will connect regions of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal to the Haldia port. He also mentioned bypasses, elevated roads and underpasses in Ranchi, Deoghar, Jamshedpur and other cities worth thousands of crores aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity. Gadkari said there is no shortage of funds for infrastructure development in Jharkhand. 'Funds are not a constraint. The only hurdles are environment and forest clearances and land acquisition. The state government must resolve these issues quickly. Once that is done, I will ensure all projects are funded and implemented without delay.' Speaking in Garhwa, Gadkari said the Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata Greenfield Corridor worth Rs 36,000 crore will be completed by March 2028. The Ranchi–Varanasi Economic Corridor worth Rs 12,800 crore will be ready by January 2028. He said that Jharkhand's NH network, which was 2,600 km in 2014, has now increased to 4,470 km. Also, 19 aspirational districts of the state have been connected with national highways, said the minister. Shubham Tigga hails from Chhattisgarh and studied journalism at the Asian College of Journalism. He previously reported in Chhattisgarh on Indigenous issues and is deeply interested in covering socio-political, human rights, and environmental issues in mainland and NE India. Presently based in Pune, he reports on civil aviation, other transport sectors, urban mobility, the gig economy, commercial matters, and workers' unions. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More
