Bengal’s pre-poll storm: CV Ananda Bose quits as governor; Mamata alleges ‘Amit Shah’s strategy’ behind RN Ravi’s entry

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 5, 2026 | top-stories

West Bengal’s political scenario was hit hard on Thursday after Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose resigned from his position, ending his three-and-a-half-year tenure in the state in a rather dramatic turn of events. The resignation has come just a few weeks before the crucial West Bengal Assembly polls.

‘Spent enough time’: Governor CV Ananda Bose breaks his silence on his shocking resignation

Confirming the reports, Governor CV Ananda Bose said, “I have spent enough time at the Governor’s office.”

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Though the resignation of Governor CV Ananda Bose has put an end to the long-persisting constitutional crisis in the West Bengal secretariat, Governor CV Ananda Bose remained tight-lipped about the reasons for his resignation and whether political pressure was exerted on him to resign from his position.

Mamata expresses shock

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted sharply to the information, showing her concern over the timing of the resignation. In a scathing tweet on X (formerly Twitter), Banerjee hinted at an underlying political conspiracy by the Union Home Ministry.

“I would not be surprised if the Governor has been subjected to some pressure from the Union Home Minister to serve certain political interests on the eve of the forthcoming State Assembly elections,” Banerjee stated, questioning the “prevailing circumstances” behind the move.

I am shocked and deeply concerned by the sudden news of the resignation of Shri C. V. Ananda Bose, the Governor of West Bengal.

The reasons behind his resignation are not known to me at this moment. However, given the prevailing circumstances, I would not be surprised if the…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 5, 2026

RN Ravi to move from Chennai to Kolkata?

The chief minister took the confrontation with the Centre one step further by disclosing that Home Minister Amit Shah had informed her of the appointment of R.N. Ravi as the new Governor of West Bengal. Ravi, the current Governor of Tamil Nadu, is no stranger to an acrimonious relationship with the state’s CM, Stalin.

The Chief Minister of West Bengal attacked the Centre for ignoring the established convention of consulting the state’s CM prior to the appointment of the new Governor.

Constitutional concern: She called it an attack on the “foundation of our federal structure.”

Unilateral decision: The CM urged the Centre to adhere to “cooperative federalism” instead of taking decisions that “erode democratic conventions.”

Strategic shift ahead of assembly polls

The Centre interpreted Ravi’s replacement of Bose as a crucial strategic move. Like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu is also gearing up for the impending polls. R.N. Ravi’s standing as a ‘hardline’ constitutional authority implies that Raj Bhawan’s observation of the TMC regime is unlikely to diminish as the ruling party seeks a fourth successive term.

As the state is gearing up for a fierce electoral battle between the TMC and BJP, a fresh governor’s appointment sans state consensus is poised to emerge as a key poll plank in terms of ‘state pride’ and ‘central interference.’

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J-K: Authorities impose internet curbs, shut schools in parts of Kashmir amid protests over Khamenei killing

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 5, 2026 | top-stories

Authorities continued precautionary restrictions in several parts of the Kashmir Valley for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday following protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On day four, partial restrictions, mainly in Shia-dominated and other sensitive areas, remain in place across the Kashmir Valley.

All government and private schools, colleges, and universities have been closed until at least Saturday, March 7. Major institutions, including the University of Kashmir and the Central University of Kashmir, have suspended classes and postponed examinations.

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To prevent the spread of rumours, high-speed mobile data services (4G and 5G) have been curtailed. Internet speeds for postpaid services have been restricted to 2G, while prepaid mobile data, voice, and SMS services have faced intermittent shutdowns.

Prohibitory orders on public assembly and movement are being strictly enforced in several districts, particularly in Shia-populated areas and Srinagar’s Old City. The historic Clock Tower in the heart of Lal Chowk has been sealed with concertina wire and barricades, making the area out of bounds for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Kashmir witnessed large protests and widespread anger. Thousands gathered at the historic Clock Tower and condemned the killing. A memorandum was also submitted to the UNMOGIP office in Sonwar, demanding that both the American and Israeli presidents be booked in a murder case.

These large anti-American and anti-Israel processions prompted authorities to impose restrictions to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a high-level meeting in Srinagar with religious leaders and members of civil society to address the fallout from the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The meeting collectively condemned the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei, which reportedly occurred during US-Israel airstrikes in Iran on February 28, 2026.

The Chief Minister urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to maintain communal harmony and to express their grief through “lawful and peaceful means.”

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Nitish Kumar to quit Bihar CM post? Report says JDU Supremo to move to Rajya Sabha

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 4, 2026 | top-stories

Bihar politics: A major political development appears to be unfolding in Bihar, with speculation mounting over Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s possible resignation. The development has set political circles abuzz, raising questions about the future leadership of the state and even the potential entry of Janata Dal (United) supremo’s son, Nishant Kumar, into active politics.

Meanwhile, ANI reported, citing sources from the JD(U) on Wednesday, that the veteran leader might transition to the Rajya Sabha. This comes days after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the polls for the Upper House of the Parliament.

However, it remains unclear who would take over as Bihar Chief Minister if Nitish Kumar steps down.

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Meanwhile, NDTV reported that Nishant Kumar may take over as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.

Amid the speculation, Nitish Kumar has not made any public statement, and no official confirmation has been issued.

Meanwhile, JD-U MLC Sanjay Gandhi said that it will be Nitish Kumar’s decision whether he wants to enter the Rajya Sabha.

ANI quoted him as saying, “The Chief Minister will himself decide (whether he wants to go to the Rajya Sabha or not)… We had a meeting to strengthen the organisation in view of the polls.”

Nitish Kumar’s son set to enter politics

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, is set to enter active politics, with the formal announcement expected soon, senior JD(U) leader and state minister Shrawan Kumar said on Tuesday.

Earlier, speaking to IANS, Kumar confirmed the decision regarding Nishant’s political entry.

“The entry of Nishant Kumar into active politics has been decided, and it will be formally announced by the JD(U) soon. He will be given a bigger responsibility in the party,” he said.

Nitish Kumar as CM and Bihar election 2025

Nitish Kumar has held the Chief Minister’s post multiple times and took oath for a record tenth time in 2025. The 75-year-old leader has served as Bihar’s Chief Minister since November 2005, except for a brief nine-month gap in 2014-15.

In the Bihar Assembly elections last year, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 202 of the 243 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan won 35 seats.

Within the NDA, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 89 seats, and the JD(U) secured 85. Among opposition parties, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) won 25 seats, while the Indian National Congress secured six seats.

Rajya Sabha election

The ECI announced the schedule for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states, as the members are set to complete their term in April 2026, a press note said.

The polling is scheduled to take place on March 16, with the counting of votes on the same day at 5 pm.

(with agencies’ inputs)

Also read- Sharad Pawar set to represent opposition in Rajya Sabha Poll from Maharashtra

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SHOCKING: 23-year-old woman raped twice by her boyfriend and passerby, thrown off from 4th floor

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 28, 2026 | top-stories

Odisha rape case: In a shocking incident, a 23-year-old woman died after being allegedly raped and thrown from a four-storey building in Odisha’s Paradip town in Jagatsinghpur district, police said. Two men, including her boyfriend, have been arrested in connection with the case.

According to Odisha Police, the incident took place on the night of the 22nd and 23rd. A complaint was received on the morning of the 23rd after the woman fell from the fourth floor of a building. Initially, a case of unnatural death (UD) was registered. However, as the investigation progressed, police said it was not an accidental fall.

Two arrested in the case

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Jagatsinghpur Superintendent of Police Ankit Verma said that the accused have been identified as Shubham Kumar, a resident of Dhanbad, Bihar, and the woman’s boyfriend, Somnath Ojha. Both have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for kidnapping, rape, and murder.

Police said that on the night of the incident, the woman had gone to meet her boyfriend, Somnath Ojha. They reportedly had a quarrel. Later, he dropped her near a market area.

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Woman’s death

While waiting at a bus stand, the woman met Shubham Kumar, who was travelling towards Paradip on his motorcycle. Since she was heading in the same direction, he offered her a ride.

Police said that Shubham took her to the roof of his rented accommodation in Paradip, where he allegedly raped her. He then allegedly pushed her off the building. Her body was found the next morning.

During the investigation, police also recovered adult video content from Kumar’s mobile phone. Officials confirmed that further investigation is ongoing to establish all aspects of the case.

(with ANI inputs)

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Delhi air quality turns ‘poor’ again; Rohini most polluted with AQI at 372

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 28, 2026 | top-stories

Delhi air quality today: Delhi’s air quality slipped back into the ‘poor’ category on Saturday, February 28, with several areas recording high pollution levels, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Rohini reported the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) at 372, making it one of the most polluted locations in the national capital.

Residents woke up to a misty and unusually warm morning, as pollution levels once again became a concern across the city.

Several areas record high AQI

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As per CPCB data, many monitoring stations showed high figures. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 332, Dwarka Sector-8 303, Shadipur 311 and Wazirpur 297. Other areas such as Chandni Chowk (276), Bawana (244), Nehru Nagar (246), Patparganj (230) and IGI Airport (229) also reported ‘poor’ air quality levels.

Some stations, including DTU (193), IIT Delhi (190) and ITO (126), recorded relatively lower readings compared to the worst-affected areas.

This decline has come just a day after the city saw some improvement. On Friday morning, the overall AQI stood at 186, placing Delhi in the ‘moderate’ category. Out of 39 monitoring stations, 24 were in the ‘moderate’ range while 14 reported ‘poor’ levels at that time.

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February most polluted

Despite occasional improvements, February has largely remained polluted. The capital recorded 20 ‘poor’ air quality days and two ‘very poor’ days this month.

An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) showed that Delhi has registered its poorest February air quality in three years. The average AQI reached 234 till February 26. In comparison, February’s average AQI was 218 in 2024 and 214 in 2025.

Warmer than usual months

Along with pollution, the city also experienced warmer weather. The mean maximum temperature this month was 27 degrees Celsius, which is 2.8 degrees above normal. On Friday, the temperature touched 31.9 degrees Celsius, the warmest day of the season so far.

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West Bengal final year medical college student found dead, family alleges foul play

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 27, 2026 | top-stories

The family members of Pulak Haldar, a final-year student of Kalyani Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Hospital and Medical College in West Bengal’s Nadia district, whose decomposed body was recovered from the hostel room, have claimed that he was murdered.

The autopsy of the medical student’s body will be conducted on Friday, and only after that will the medical reasons behind the death be ascertained, said an investigating officer in the case.

According to Sudhanshu Haldar, the father of the deceased medical student, several injuries and cut marks were noticed on the body of his son, which created suspicions about the possible murder. “This is surely not a case of natural death. We demand an in-depth and fair investigation into the matter. I do not want the investigation into the death of my son to meet the same fate as the case of the gruesome rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata in 2024,” he added.

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Uttam Mondal, a relative of the family, said that Pulak was not just a meritorious and studious youth but also extremely well-behaved. “I, too, have noticed injury and cut marks on his face and belly. So, an assault on him before his death cannot be ruled out. I hope that there will be a fair and proper investigation into the matter,” Mondal said.

Preliminary investigation had revealed Pulak was last seen on February 20 when he went to the hostel canteen for a meal. Since then, he had not left the hostel premises and was not seen by fellow students or hostel authorities.

On Thursday (February 26), a foul smell was noticed emanating from his hostel room. When there was no response from inside, the door was broken open, and his decomposed body was discovered.

His family members have also informed the police that the last time they had a telephonic conversation with Pulak was on February 20, which is the day he went missing.

The family members have also claimed that in the past, Pulak had complained of facing bullying from other students during protests related to the RG Kar rape and murder incident. It was also alleged that he had academic difficulties, though these claims are yet to be officially confirmed.

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