coal belt

In a recent address, Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey voiced the urgent need for a partnership with the Jharkhand state government to tackle the pressing issues of displacement in the coal region, pointing to persistent gas leaks and alarming land subsidence.

Khandaghosh constituency in Bardhaman district is a key SC-reserved seat. It features a mixed agrarian and semi-industrial economy. Voter concerns include agricultural support, employment, and welfare. Historically Left-influenced, it is now a bipolar TMC-BJP contest. The TMC holds the seat with a significant margin, reflecting strong community support.

Barjora, a marginal TMC seat in South Bengal, faces a close contest between TMC and BJP. With a significant OBC and SC population, and a workforce tied to the Durgapur industrial belt, key voter concerns revolve around employment, welfare, and infrastructure. The constituency's industrial-agrarian character and a narrow 2021 victory margin make it a crucial watch seat.

Dhanbad police have significantly crippled the Prince Khan gang's extortion racket with the recent arrests of key operatives, including an associate apprehended in Dubai with Interpol's help. This crackdown has led to a notable drop in intimidation-driven demands across the coal belt, bringing much-needed relief to local businesses who had lived in fear.

Onda, a constituency in Bankura's industrial fringe, faces key issues like employment and irrigation. Once a Left stronghold, it's now a BJP-dominated seat, as evidenced by the 2021 election results. The area's economy blends agriculture with proximity to the Damodar industrial corridor, influencing its political landscape.

Dhanbad police have significantly disrupted the Prince Khan gang's extortion activities by arresting key operatives, including an associate apprehended in Dubai with Interpol's help. This crackdown has led to a notable decrease in threats and demands, bringing relief to the business community in the coal belt.

West Bengal's 2026 Assembly Elections are heating up as polling concludes, with key constituencies poised to decide the fate of the TMC and BJP. High-profile battles like Bhabanipur and Nandigram are drawing national attention, while regional strongholds and volatile seats add to the suspense. Voter list controversies also mark this crucial election.

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalized in a stone-pelting incident in Asansol after she exited a polling booth. Paul alleged a deliberate attempt to influence the elections and filed a complaint. Contesting from Asansol South, she expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects, calling the election a 'war to save Bengal' focused on jobs and development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that a political change in West Bengal is imminent, with citizens demanding it. Addressing a rally in Asansol, he accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of fostering a 'syndicate raj' controlling the coal and sand sectors, vowing a BJP government would restore industrial strength and end mafia rule.

The railways has opened a 14.2 km stretch from Parabil to Khamar, part of the Talcher-Bimalagarh new line project, overcoming land acquisition hurdles. This brings the total commissioned length to nearly 34 km, enhancing coal evacuation and connectivity to the Rourkela-Sundargarh belt. The section will initially handle goods traffic, with stations built at Parabil and Khamar.

Even after three terms as CM, Mamata’s core politics hasn’t changed: indefatigable, streetfighting, ‘subaltern’ leader, who has a keen sense of political theatre. It’s also her biggest strength as she faces the toughest challenge of her political career