Left-wing student groups at Jadavpur University quickly repainted political graffiti on campus walls just one day after administrators whitewashed them. The act follows recent remarks made by the West Bengal chief minister.
Kolkata police issued a notice to Chief Minister Abhishek Banerjee, requiring him to appear at a local station on September 1 to address allegations concerning unauthorized advertising structures.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for delays in border land projects during his two-day visit to the state, where he inaugurated several border security initiatives.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered law enforcement to take action against individuals making offensive comments online about historical icon Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, directing them to apprehend social media users involved.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's convoy was attacked in North 24 Parganas, with mud and slippers thrown at her car. Banerjee stated she 'could have been killed' in the incident.
An arrested Jaish-e-Mohammed suspect reportedly conducted reconnaissance near the West Bengal Chief Minister's residence, with officials indicating the use of a girlfriend for a honey-trap and a gamer for surveillance in the terror plot.
Ahead of the Rath Yatra, West Bengal Chief Minister Adhikari has announced that the state will provide ₹5 lakh to each of the 60 Rath Yatra committees. The government also plans to shower petals on Kanwariyas.
West Bengal Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikary has established a four-member committee, led by the new Industries Minister Tapas Ray, to propose reforms for a new industrial policy aimed at boosting industrialization.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the rejection of 26 lakh applications for a women's cash transfer scheme, stating that only those on the voters' list are eligible. He also assured West Bengal Civil Service officers that they would not be used for political interests.
West Bengal's new BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, is actively implementing changes, focusing on swift policy rollouts targeting women and youth, alongside prominent nationalistic themes.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reportedly curtailed the powers of Abhishek Banerjee, her nephew, in response to a wave of desertions by Members of Parliament from her party.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express+1ndtv3mo ago4 sources
Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was hospitalized after being roughed up by a mob while on his way to meet a violence victim. Mamata Banerjee and other opposition leaders have condemned the attack, accusing BJP workers of involvement, while the BJP denies the allegations.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged authorities to expedite the deportation of alleged illegal Bangladeshi nationals at the Hakimpur checkpoint, emphasizing the state's 'detect, delete and deport' policy.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to revive the Vivekananda Merit Scholarship Yojana, aiming to provide support for economically weaker section (EWS) students.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-times3mo ago2 sources
Newly appointed West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has formed his first cabinet, retaining key portfolios. His administration has also implemented restrictions on loudspeakers and religious assemblies.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refused to resign following her party's defeat in the state elections, attributing the outcome to a conspiracy. She challenged opponents to dismiss her or impose President's Rule.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express+1ndtv4mo ago4 sources
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed exit poll predictions, asserting that her Trinamool Congress (TMC) would secure over 200 seats, while also alleging attempts at stock market manipulation. The Supreme Court rejected a TMC plea challenging the deployment of central government staff for vote counting in the state.
An Indian Express article summarizes opinions from the Urdu Press, focusing on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's political struggles and the perceived tarnishing of politician Raghav Chadha's image.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited a local market in Kolkata, engaging with vendors and shoppers to discuss essential prices and assure state support, amidst the ongoing political battle ahead of Phase 2 elections.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-times4mo ago2 sources
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced her decision to file a legal case against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This action comes in response to Shah's remarks, which Banerjee described as 'violent' and concerning 'TMC goons'.
PoliticsTimes of Indiaindian-express4mo ago2 sources
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reportedly flipped her winning 2011 election slogan, "Bodol chai, badla noi," to "Bodol noi, badla chai." This change marks a significant rhetorical shift in her political messaging.
India's Supreme Court has stated that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's actions are putting democracy in jeopardy, in a ruling related to the I-PAC case.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was startled when a man broke through her security cordon during a Jalpaiguri padyatra, an incident captured in a viral video. Separately, Fadnavis criticized Mamata over alleged infiltration, urging the Bengal government to address the issue.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Election Commission's Special Summary Revision (SIR) of being a "big scam" orchestrated to help the BJP win through indiscriminate voter deletion. This comes as specific instances of voter list irregularities, such as a deceased woman remaining on the list while her living husband and son were removed, have been reported.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-times4mo ago2 sources
BJP leader Amit Shah has denied claims by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the BJP would ban fish, meat, and eggs if it came to power in the state. Banerjee had issued a "cultural warning" at a recent rally.
A political controversy has erupted in Bengal, India, over a video allegedly showing politician Humayun Kabir claiming links with senior BJP leaders and discussing efforts to defeat West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The TMC has called for an ED probe into the matter.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused authorities of selectively removing names from voter rolls, claiming that nearly 91 lakh voters were deleted post-revision, with her intervention sought in the Supreme Court.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of importing 'paid supporters' and hooliganism to influence elections, while also cautioning her party workers about potential EVM tampering.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alerted the Election Commission about a 'grave conspiracy' to manipulate electoral rolls, alleging the BJP is attempting to add non-residents to voter lists by submitting a large number of Form 6 applications for voter enrolment across districts.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP, accusing them of attempting to curb local food habits like fish and meat consumption and alleging voter list deletions targeted her supporters.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's aircraft was forced to circle over Kolkata airport for an hour as severe weather conditions impacted the region.
The Supreme Court described the situation as 'not happy' regarding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's alleged interference during ED raids, as the Enforcement Directorate seeks a CBI probe under Article 32.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced an increase in honorariums for priests and muezzins just minutes before the Election Commission was set to declare the Assembly poll dates, a move seen by some as politically motivated.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the formation of five new community boards, a move analyzed for its implications on the state's political landscape.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been actively inaugurating temples and engaging in Hindu outreach efforts for about a year, amidst allegations from the BJP that she is 'appeasing' the minority community.
Ahead of upcoming polls, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announces a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 for unemployed youth who have passed the 10th-grade examination.
In a dramatic return to the street politics that once defined her rise, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a dharna in central Kolkata against large-scale deletions in the state's voter rolls.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock after Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed her about R.N. Ravi’s appointment as Governor, following the resignation of Ananda Bose.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced concerns that 1.2 crore voters' names might be deleted from the electoral rolls, alleging that 'chupa rustams' (hidden actors) are at work.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the Centre never considered renaming West Bengal to 'Bangla', despite the state's repeated requests and the proposal passing Parliament three times, following Kerala's recent name change.
A founding member of the All India Trinamool Congress, Mukul Roy was among the key organisers of the party in its early years. He was considered a close associate of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for using the prefix 'Swami' for Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsadeva on his birth anniversary. Banerjee stated this displayed cultural insensitivity, as the saint was revered as 'Thakur,' with 'Swami' being a title for his disciples. Modi had earlier paid tributes to Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
Police registered a case against Mamata Banerjee following allegations that a Trinamool youth event exceeded permitted hours and caused disruptions, drawing firm rebukes from her cabinet ministers.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express+2moneycontrolndtv2d ago5 sources
Authorities filed an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly disregarding a Calcutta High Court directive concerning a Trinamool Congress student wing gathering. The case emerges as political tensions rise ahead of scheduled student union elections across the state.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly declared her party's imminent political resurgence, framing the recent election loss as a temporary setback.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has stated that he will face a public test after his first year in office and will apologize if he fails to meet expectations.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a fresh probe into the RG Kar rape-murder case. The investigation will also look into the cremation of the victim and has named three TMC leaders in connection with the incident.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that her car was attacked near Kolkata while she was on her way to visit the family of a party worker who reportedly died in police custody.
West Bengal Chief Minister stated she would not term the killing of Indrajit Mondal a 'lynching,' which occurred amidst widespread outrage following unrest in Baruipur.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that cybercrime has become an epidemic and announced the launch of a dedicated 'Durga Squad' to combat it.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a strong warning to AJUP’s Humayun Kabir, advising him to 'think 25 times before speaking' after Kabir made what Adhikari deemed 'communal' remarks. The Chief Minister indicated that action would be taken if such statements continued.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated a new BJP office in Bhabanipur and offered prayers at the Taraknath Temple in Tarakeswar, discussing plans for the temple's development.
An FIR has been filed against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Siliguri for her "Ganda Dharma" remark, with accusations of provocation and hurting religious sentiments.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, donning a lawyer's robe, made an appearance at the Calcutta High Court. She argued a post-poll violence case against the BJP, marking her first such appearance in court.
PoliticsTimes of Indiaindian-express3mo ago2 sources
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held his first cabinet meeting, where he allocated key portfolios to ministers and made several significant decisions. These initial actions included fast-tracking BSF land transfer and raising the age limit for certain jobs.
PoliticsBBCbloombergFT+9DWTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-expressndtvseeking-alphaRapplerexpress-tribune+1 more3mo ago12 sources
Suvendu Adhikari has been sworn in as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal, marking a significant political shift in the state. He has formed his cabinet and pledged to be a Chief Minister for all citizens.
Security arrangements outside the residences of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee have been reduced, affecting their personal residence and the party headquarters.
PoliticsDWTimes of Indiahindustan-times+4indian-expressstraits-timesndtvdhaka-tribune4mo ago7 sources
Exit polls for several Indian state elections, including West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, were released, predicting varied outcomes such as a potential BJP sweep in West Bengal and Assam. Following these predictions, the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal expressed skepticism and maintained vigilance outside strong rooms where votes were stored.
A political storm erupted as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of issuing death threats against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The allegations stem from remarks made by a BJP spokesperson, which the BJP has dismissed as a "victim card."
Prime Minister Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee exchanged accusations during the final leg of the election campaign in Bengal, with Modi criticizing TMC over “infiltrators” and Mamata claiming BJP was scared.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over comments regarding Jadavpur University, alleging institutional decline in the state.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is reportedly facing the toughest political battle of her career, grappling with issues like voter list deletions, scrutiny from agencies, and anti-incumbency sentiment. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also criticized Banerjee and her nephew, accusing them of attempting to erase Bengal's identity.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of denying her permission to hold a public meeting in the Collin Lane area.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a warning to Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers about potential arrests by the Election Commission ahead of assembly polls, urging vigilance. She also pledged to resist alleged plans by the BJP for delimitation and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah mocked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and promised a 'Bhoomiputra' (son of the soil) chief minister for the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over what he called 'misguided' fish farming policies, prompting a reply from Banerjee amid discussions related to the 2026 West Bengal election.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has filed her nomination and stated that her party, TMC, would move the Supreme Court against the electoral roll freeze.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on Pakistan's threat to strike Kolkata, demanding his resignation for not addressing the specific threat.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed the Election Commission for failing to protect judicial officers involved in the SIR exercise in Malda district, following a rap from the Supreme Court.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharply criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating he 'should be charge sheeted' for his remark that she plays the 'victim card' in politics.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of snatching administrative power to incite violence, a day after a communal flare-up in Raghunathgunj.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sharply criticized the Election Commission of India's latest transfer order, stating, 'I know what they are doing.'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Kolkata, accusing the Centre of trying to remove voters through SIR and impose President’s Rule.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized Prime Minister Modi over the rise in LPG prices, attributing the crisis to the Centre's 'lack of planning,' and has announced a Trinamool Congress (TMC) rally to protest the issue.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a review meeting on the ongoing LPG crisis, calling for standard operating procedures (SOP) and rationing of cylinders amidst public complaints and shortages.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the ruling BJP of disrespecting and misusing the country's highest office for its political agenda, following President Droupadi Murmu's expressed displeasure.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly criticized the incoming Governor, labeling him as 'BJP’s parrot,' highlighting political tensions.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleges that political games are being played in the name of giving citizenship and questions are being raised about their identity
CV Ananda Bose has shared a frosty relationship with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, with several run-ins with the government on a host of issues.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned that 10.2 million names could be struck off the electoral roll, urging efforts to protect voting rights ahead of the final publication.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Centre of being 'anti-Bengal' for not allowing a name change for her state, despite her efforts, while congratulating Kerala on its name change.
Following severe overcrowding and logistical failures at a charity football event featuring Lionel Messi in Kolkata, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari pledged full ticket refunds for approximately 33,000 affected spectators.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has cautioned that defying party directives will lead to the swift disqualification of approximately 20 rebel Trinamool Congress legislators.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has issued a 'Vande Mataram' mandate for those wishing to remain in the state, amidst ongoing clashes between student groups at Jadavpur University.
Sushil Kumar Bauri, a former Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly and TMC leader, died by suicide, leaving a note that cited political hostility as a reason for his decision. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed sorrow, attributing his death to the human cost of relentless political animosity.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's car was reportedly attacked with stones and shoes during a protest while she was visiting a TMC worker's home. TMC MPs have alleged that the incident was an 'attempt to murder' orchestrated on the Chief Minister's orders.
CultureTimes of Indiaindian-express24d ago2 sources
Legendary actor Mithun Chakraborty has been hospitalized in Kolkata for a minor surgical procedure, a detail confirmed by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari after visiting the actor.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari challenged Abhishek Banerjee to contest Diamond Harbour, questioning Banerjee's political standing and future prospects following remarks made at a recent Martyrs' Day rally.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly slammed defectors, stating she ignores 'traitors' as a key aide resigned amidst a Trinamool Congress meltdown. Opposition leader Kakoli Ghosh also challenged Banerjee, demanding the release of a panel report on the 1993 firing incident.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated cyber and women help desks in 500 police stations to combat rising cybercrime and enhance women's security.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has defended the renaming of Suhrawardy Avenue to Gopal Mukherjee Road, stating that no roads should bear names linked to Mughals, British, or Pathan rulers.
Sixteen Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs, led by Sukhendu Ray and Kakoli Dastidar, met with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The meeting fuels growing speculation about a possible split within the Mamata Banerjee-led party following its significant losses in the recent West Bengal assembly polls.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is facing a political crisis after an expelled Trinamool Congress MLA reportedly flaunted a 'list' in the Assembly, creating turmoil for the party.
Leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) attended an administrative meeting chaired by West Bengal Chief Minister Adhikari, following the 2026 assembly polls where the Bharatiya Janata Party won 208 seats and TMC secured 80.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu has declared that migrants who do not fall under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will face deportation from the state.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, dressed in a lawyer's gown, appeared at the Calcutta High Court to argue a case related to post-election violence. She made her way through a crowd chanting slogans.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered a message of unity on Pochishe Boishakh, the 25th day of the first Bengali month, commemorating the birth of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
PoliticsAl Jazeeranzzyle-uutiset+13cnbcDWFrance 24Times of Indiahindustan-timesindian-expressstraits-timesjapan-times+5 more3mo ago16 sources
The BJP achieved a historic victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, marking a significant political shift in the state. However, incumbent Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to resign, alleging electoral fraud and claiming her party did not lose.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited polling booths in Bhabanipur and accused election observers and Central forces of working for the BJP.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a large roadshow in Bhabanipur, a traditional TMC stronghold, as campaigning concluded for the second phase of voting, expressing confidence in her victory.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah stated that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, referred to as 'Didi,' becomes angry when he threatens 'goons.' This comment highlights ongoing political tensions.
The BJP has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking a 48-hour ban on her election campaign.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to express solidarity ahead of what he termed "one of the most difficult battles" in the upcoming assembly elections.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent viral moment of eating jhalmuri as "scripted, staged drama," implying it was a political stunt.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stated that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is dangerous and would lead to people losing their right to practice their own faith, intensifying the debate in India.
Indian Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah have attacked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over women's safety and corruption in Bengal, with Modi promising fast-track CAA citizenship. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has hit back, alleging BJP misinformation and election interference.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, telling him not to 'teach Bengal about fish' in a political exchange.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for proper checking of EVMs and urged citizens whose names were removed during the SIR process to appeal, as she criticized the BJP and the Election Commission of India.
Expelled Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of neglecting Muslim voters while prioritizing temple construction for Hindus, vowing to unseat her in alliance with AIMIM.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that the BJP would impose dietary restrictions, including banning fish and eggs, if they came to power, while also alleging attacks on Bengali-speaking people in other states.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stated that cooking gas cylinders produced within Bengal should not be diverted to other parts of the country.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attacked Prime Minister Modi and the BJP during an Eid congregation, referring to Modi as an "infiltrator," drawing criticism from the BJP.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the state is under unofficial President's Rule and accused the central government of planning to revoke citizenship through NRC and Census.
PoliticshinduTimes of Indiahindustan-times+3indian-expressndtvkhaleej-times5mo ago6 sources
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has formally protested the Election Commission's decision to reshuffle top bureaucrats and police officials in the state ahead of the assembly elections, with the Commission naming a new DGP and Kolkata top cop.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that a farmer-friendly initiative in the state has benefited 1.4 crore people. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive annual financial assistance directly transferred to their bank accounts.
During her five-day protest, the West Bengal Chief Minister and her party aides targeted the Election Commission of India; the Commission is working as ‘an agent of the BJP to snatch voting rights away’ from the people of the State, she says
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is reportedly facing her most challenging elections to date, with the BJP emerging as the primary opposition party in the state.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a sit-in protest, accusing the BJP and Election Commission of conspiring to delete genuine voters' names from electoral rolls.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated she was not consulted regarding the Governor's resignation, raising questions about the Centre's process for such appointments.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Centre of 'high-voter deletions' in Matua-dominated areas, vowing to resist the perceived injustice.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Union Government of ignoring repeated proposals to rename West Bengal as ‘Bangla’, hours after the Union Cabinet approved Kerala’s renaming as ‘Keralam’.
The Union Cabinet approved Kerala's name change to Keralam. This sparked a political row. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned why her state's proposal to be renamed Bangla is pending. She accused the Centre of discrimination. The Centre's decision comes ahead of assembly elections in both states.