Mamata Banerjee dharna HIGHLIGHTS | Tejashwi Yadav, Kanimozhi join Bengal CM at protest against CBI and Centre

9:30 pm IST

Only those who steal are afraid: Dharmendra Pradhan

It was after the Supreme Court’s direction in 2013 that an inquiry began. If Mamata ji is so fearless, why is she opposing it? What is she so scared of? Only those who steal are afraid: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan tells ANI

9:10 pm IST

Dharna will continue till Friday: Mamata

This demonstration will continue till February 8. Since board examinations are starting soon, we will not play loudspeakers so that students are not disturbed: Mamata Banerjee

8:50 pm IST

Tejashwi Yadav, Kanimozhi join Mamata on dharna

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK leader Kanimozhi meet Mamata Banerjee at the stage where she has been sitting on ‘Save the Constitution’ dharna since 9 pm last night.

8:28 pm IST

Bengal govt and state’s political leadership created obstruction in probe: Rijiju

This is not a face-off for us. This is just that the West Bengal government and the political leadership of the state have created unnecessary obstruction in the way of investigation going on under the direction of the Supreme Court: Union minister Kiren Rijiju

8:22 pm IST

Tejashwi Yadav, Kanimozhi arrive in Kolkata to meet Mamata

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK leader Kanimozhi arrive at Kolkata airport to meet Mamata Banerjee.

7:35 pm IST

Everybody who is supporting Mamata is equally corrupt: Babul Supriyo

“Let’s not forget that everybody who is supporting Mamata di is equally corrupt. Didi is heaping praise on her police and that’s a cruel joke! She’s kept more than 50% DA pending for govt employees and police who, she says works overnight in every festival, gets nothing for these extra hours and duties,” Union minister and Asansol BJP MP Babul Supriyo says in a series of tweets.

7:30 pm IST

Babul Supriyo’s dig at Mamata Banerjee

“Mamata Banerjee asking singers to sing on her dharna stage.. is this a joke? She thinks Bengal will sit and watch all this?” tweets Union minister and Asansol BJP MP Babul Supriyo.

7:00 pm IST

SC bench to hear CBI plea against Bengal govt tomorrow

Three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjiv Khanna will hear CBI’s pleas tomorrow against Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar and West Bengal govt for alleged non-cooperation in a case connected with Saradha chit fund scam, reports ANI.

6:17 pm IST

CBI files contempt plea in Supreme Court

CBI files contempt plea in Supreme Court against West Bengal’s chief secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of apex court’s orders, reports ANI.

5:35 pm IST

Got angry when they tried to insult the chair of Kolkata Police Commissioner: Mamata

I am ready to give my life but I will not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched Trinamool leaders. But I got angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner: Mamata

5:24 pm IST

Won’t accept disrespect to policemen: Mamata

A policeman who has worked for his entire life, if he is not given respect, we will not accept it: Mamata

5:22 pm IST

Police cannot promise their families that they will come home safe: Mamata

We have recruited many civic volunteers, some are absorbed as home guards. Our police cannot promise their families that they will come home safe. If a policeman dies on duty, a family member is immediately provided a job. I will definitely take the issue of transfers with EC: Mamata

5:18 pm IST

Mamata praises her police

Kumbh mela connected on rail. Ganga sagar not connected by rail. 40 lakh visit ganga sagar. has there been one incident? Lakhs of people perform namaaz and celebrate Christmas. Has there been one incident? Some people provoke. Whether it’s bridge collapse or fire, police are always there: Mamata

5:15 pm IST

Police work in stressful conditions: Mamata

Police work in stressful conditions. Whether its rain or thunder, our policemen perform their duty. Not easy to organise pujas at such a huge scale. Our policemen do it: Mamata Banerjee

5:05 pm IST

Mamata attends police event

Mamata Banerjee attends a West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police event at the dharna spot. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar also present.

5:00 pm IST

CBI joint director of Kolkata leaves for Delhi

CBI joint director of Kolkata, Pankaj Srivastav, leaves for Delhi, reports ANI.

4:55 pm IST

BJP office in Mamata’s constituency vandalised

BJP office in Bhawanipore, Mamata Banerjee’s constituency, has been vandalised.

4:50 pm IST

Trinamool workers protest in Kolkata

Trinamool workers protest against Narendra Modi and central government in Kolkata.

4:45 pm IST

Circumstances prove that police commissioner knows a lot: RS Prasad

The suspicious circumstances surrounding the situation in Bengal prove that this police commissioner knows a lot: Ravi Shankar Prasad

4:40 pm IST

BJP office vandalised in Mamata’s constituency

West Bengal BJP alleges that Trinamool Congress workers vandalised their party office in Bhawanipore, Mamata Banerjee’s constituency.

4:40 pm IST

Mamata hands over awards to police officers

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee hands over awards to police officers.

4:10 pm IST

All these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: In 2014, Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi’s statement that 20 lakh people lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26,2014, so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us.

4:00 pm IST

‘Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians?’: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna, West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal.

3:26 am IST

Our satyagraha is not against any agency, but Modi govt atrocities: Mamata

“Our satyagraha is not against any agency, it is against Modi government’s atrocities,” said West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at her dharna in Kolkata, as reported news agency ANI.

3:13 pm IST

Inquiry began on Supreme Court’s direction in 2013: Dharmendra Pradhan

“It was after the Supreme Court’s direction in 2013 that an inquiry began, if Mamata Ji is so fearless, why is she opposing it? What is she so scared of? Only those who steal are afraid,” said Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

2:58 pm IST

If you oppose BJP, central agencies unleashed on you: Mamata

“We can have differences. But if you oppose BJP the central agencies are unleashed on you, you are sent to jail, you are termed an anti-national,” says West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at dharna in Kolkata.

“This is a big fight and we have received support from across India,” she added.

Mamata Banerjee assured that official work of the Bengal government will not suffer because of protest.

2:55 pm IST

Sirji, what’s happening: Shatrugan Sinha

“Sirji, what’s happening? Why are we playing with fire through the much maligned, disgraced and condemned govt institutions?

That too when the elections are around the corner...

By targeting the tried and tested mass leader with impeccable image, ‘Bengal Tigress’ the lady who is identified with hawai chappal and cotton saris.

We have almost lost our credibility and people are not accepting whatever we are saying. Let’s not get into knee jerk panic action reaction. Jai Hind !,” tweeted Shatrugan Sinha.

2:50 pm IST

Bengal Governor prepares confidential report, sends to MHA

A confidential report prepared by West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has been sent to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

1:54 pm IST

If institutions continue being discredited, federal structure will be fractured: Mufti

“Manner in which constitutional institutions in this country, like CBI, are being misused to settle scores with opponents is unfortunate...We stand with Mamata ji. If institutions continue being discredited like this federal structure will be fractured,” said former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti, as reported by news agency ANI.

1:50 pm IST

Until EC announces election date, anything can happen: Nitish Kumar

“These things can only be explained by people who are doing it. I don’t react to such things.CBI and the government in question will explain. Until the Election Commission announces the date of elections, anything can happen in the country,” said Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.

1:44 pm IST

Mamata holds state cabinet meeting to pass budget

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is holding a state cabinet meeting at a temporary enclosure on the pavement to pass the budget.

1:31 pm IST

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha takes out rally in Darjeeling

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha took out a rally in Darjeeling today in support of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, reports news agency ANI.

1:18 pm IST

TMC doesn’t believe in democracy: Nirmala Sitharaman

“In interest of wanting free and fair environment in which Lok Sabha polls can be conducted,we have come to bring to the notice of the Election Commission the certain happenings in West Bengal, which has complete cooperation of TMC.Instances we highlighted point out that TMC doesn’t believe in democracy,” said Nirmala Sitharaman as reported by news agency ANI.

1:10 pm IST

What Centre did in Bengal is dangerous: Kejriwal

“Whatever central government did in West Bengal is very dangerous, and is against constitution and democracy...Every state has an elected government, if the prime minister sends CBI and ED like this and try to scare the officers then this country will not be safe,” said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, reports news agency ANI.

1:05 pm IST

Additional Director Intelligence Bureau (SIB) West Bengal meets with Governor

Additional Director Intelligence Bureau (SIB) West Bengal Manoj Lal, has met West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi at Raj Bhawan

12:50 pm IST

CBI in its investigation till now had found involvement of many political persons, SC had said: Rajnath Singh

The Supreme Court in its earlier order on the CBI investigation of Saradha chit fund case had said that CBI in its investigation till now had found involvement of many political & influential persons, said home minister Rajnath Singh in the Lok Sabha.

12:38 pm IST

We are a mature democracy, professionalism should be maintained: BJD

“We are a mature democracy and professionalism should be maintained. Even in Odisha, sudden action of CBI just before Panchayat elections in past and now before general elections smacks of unprofessional conduct and coloured with the political motive,” said BJD’s Sasmit Patra.

12:35 pm IST

Which is true, Rahul supporting Mamata or Opposition’s demand for president rule in WB, asks Javadekar

“It’s a state of emergency in West Bengal. Leader of Opposition had asked to impose president’s rule in West Bengal, but at the same time Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is supporting Mamata. Which one is the truth?

12:25 pm IST

SC ordered probe in Saradha chit fund case: Rajnath Singh

Rajnath Singh said the fight between probe agencies—CBI and the Kolkata Police —is a danger to the federal structure of the country.

Rajnath was addressing the Lok Sabha amid ‘CBI tota hain (CBI is a caged parrot)’ slogans by opposition members.

The action was taken after the Supreme Court had ordered an investigation into Saradha chit fund case, he said.

12:23 pm IST

This is Mamata’s emergency: Prakash Javadekar

“Ye Mamata ji ki emergency hai Bengal mein. Hamari nahi hai, Mamata ji ki hai (This is Mamata’s emergency in West Bengal, and not the Centre’s), said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar as reported by news agency ANI.

12:17 pm IST

Mahagathbandan divided by region and united by corruption: Javadekar

“Opposition parties have supported Mamata Banerjee. Who are these people? They are out on bail. Such people are standing together. This is not Mahagathbandhan, they are divided by regions and united by corruption. The corrupt are standing together,’ said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar as reported by news agency ANI.

12:04 pm IST

Is it CBI vs Mamata or Mamata vs BJP: Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut

“If the chief minister of a big state as West Bengal,is sitting on dharna, then it is a serious matter. Is this CBI vs Mamata Banerjee or Mamata Banerjee vs BJP, we’ll find out soon. If CBI is being misused, it’s a matter of dignity of the nation, and prestige of the agency,” said Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut.

11:59 am IST

Central govt misusing CBI: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav

“Besides West Bengal, such things have been heard from other states too. BJP and the central government have started misusing CBI as elections are approaching. Not only I, not only Samajwadi Party, but all political parties are saying this,” said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav outside the Parliament House today.

“There was CBI row, centre was scared of a CBI director, now they are trying to scare everyone using CBI. Who has misused the institutions? If someone has politicised the institutions, it is BJP,” he added as reportred by news agency ANI.

11:57 am IST

No party more corrupt than BJP: Congress’ Ghulam Nabi Azad

“From the day BJP has come to power at the Centre, they have paid very less attention towards working for the country but towards eliminating opposition parties, this has been their focus for the past 5 years.There is no other party more corrupt than BJP,” said Congress’ Ghulam Nabi Azad.

11:55 am IST

Mamata’s right, country is in danger: Farooq Abdullah

“Her (Mamata Banerjee) allegation is right. This country is in danger as its becoming dictatorial. They (Central govt) are not masters of this country, people are,” Farooq Abdullah, National Conference on the Mamata-CBI face-off in West Bengal.

11:50 am IST

Modibabu promises double farmers income by 2022, it has trebled in Bengal already: Mamata

Modibabu (PM Modi) is promising that farmer income will double in 2022. In our state it has trebled already. If the govt changes after the LS polls, we will put our heads together to deliver benefits to the farmers

11:45 am IST

Agriculture labourers brought under social security scheme: Mamata

“The agriculture labourers have also been brought under a social security scheme. Under this one, if farmers pay ₹25, the state govt pays ₹30. Upon reaching the age of 60, they will get a sum of ₹2 lakh and a pension,” said Mamata in Kolkata at dharna site.

11:40 am IST

Mamata lists state govt measures for farmers

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee listed the steps her govt have taken for the farmers such as financial assistance of ₹5,000 per acre and other steps such as waiver of khajna (land tax).

“The state govt pays the premium for crop insurance for farmers in Bengal. Last year we paid ₹6.25 billion on this count.

About 1 lakh farmers get old age pension. The number of beneficiaries have gone up from 65,000 to 1 lakh this year.

We have revised the MSP on paddy from about ₹1,100 per quintal in 2011 to ₹1,700.

However, farmers have been badly hit by demonetisation,” said chief minister Mamata Banerjee at her dharna site in Kolkata.

11:35 am IST

Mamata holds Modi govt responsible for miseries of millions of farmers

Mamata lashes out at the Modi government and holds it responsible for miseries of millions of farmers. “The Central govt has given the farmers’ community sleepless nights,” the chief minister said while addressing farmers via a phone call.

“There is an agrarian crisis. Farmers are committing suicide but the central government doesn’t care,” she added.

11:20 am IST

Mamata vs Centre reaches parliament, both houses adjourned

The CBI and Mamata Banerjee face-off reached the Parliament today. Amid uproar by TMC members, Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day, while Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 12 noon.

10:54 am IST

Rajnath calls up Governor

Home minister Rajnath Singh called up Governor of West Bengal Keshari Nath Tripathi to be apprised of the facts of the unfortunate and unprecedented situation of officers of a Central Investigating Agency being manhandled, detained, intimidated and obstructed, reported news agency ANI.

10:49 am IST

Akhliesh Yadav sends Kiranmay Nanda to express solidarity

To express solidarity Akhliesh Yadav has sent Kiranmay Nanda, a leader of Samajwadi Party, who reached the dharna mancha around 10 am.

10:48 am IST

If Kolkata Police Commissioner even thinks of destroying evidence, he will regret: CJI Gogoi

“If Kolkata Police Commissioner even remotely thinks of destroying evidence, bring the material before this Court. We will come down so heavily on him that he will regret,” CJI Gogoi said.

10:46 am IST

Chief Justice to hear plea tomorrow

Chief Justice of India says “we will hear the matter tomorrow” CBI’s plea in SC seeking directions to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with the investigation in Saradha chit fund case:

10:44 am IST

Our team arrested, kept in custody, Kolkata Police Commissioner should immediately surrender: Solicitor general

“Our team was arrested and kept in alleged custody. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar should immediately surrender,” solicitor general Tushar Mehta representing CBI submitted before Supreme Court.

10:40 am IST

Spoke with Oppn parties, need to save Constitution: Derek O’Brien

“We have spoken to all opposition parties, we all will go forward. We have to save the Constitution, the country and the federal structure. Later today, all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission,” said TMC’s Derek O’Brien in Parliament.

10:39 am IST

Kolkata top cop summoned multiple times, didn’t cooperate: CBI

CBI in its petition says Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was summoned multiple times but failed to cooperate and created hurdles in the investigation.

10:35 am IST

CBI moves SC, asks for Kolkata top cop to cooperate with probe

CBI moves Supreme Court seeking directions to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with the investigation in Saradha chit fund case.

10:24 am IST

Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi calls chief secretary, DGP for meeting

The governor of West Bengal, Keshari Nath Tripathi has asked chief secretary Malay De and DGP Virendra Kumar to come to his residence to take stock of the situation. They could reach around 11 am.

10:12 am IST

Will hold discussions with opposition party leaders in Delhi: Naidu

“We will hold discussions with opposition party leaders in Delhi today and draft an action plan on a nation-wide movement. TDP MPs will strongly protest along with other opposition leaders today,” said Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on CBI issue in West Bengal, reported news agency ANI.

10:00 am IST

Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar leaves dharna site

After meeting Mamata Banerjee, Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar (in grey shirt) left from the site of the chief minister’s ‘Save the Constitution’ dharna.

9:40 am IST

Supporters gather to catch glimpse of Mamata’s dharna

Supporters of Trinamool Congress gathered to catch a glimpse of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee during her dharna to ‘save Democracy’ against BJP led central government, at Esplanade in Kolkata on Monday.

Supporters of Trinamool Congress trying to have a glimpse of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee during dharna to save Democracy against BJP led central govt, at Esplanade in Kolkata on Monday 4th February 2019. ( Arijit Sen/HT Photo )

9:25 am IST

Memorandum signed by all opposition parties, will be submitted to EC: Mamata

“A memorandum has been signed by all the opposition parties and it will be submitted to the Election Commission,” said West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee during ‘Save the Constitution’ dharna in Kolkata.

9:15 am IST

Police disperses TMC supporters who blocked NH 60

In the morning TMC supporters blocked NH 60 at Gangajalghati in Bankura district. The police dispersed them after some time.

9:03 am IST

An attack on a state’s federal rights: HD Kumaraswamy

“What happened in West Bengal is an attack on a state’s federal rights guaranteed by our constitution. We stand with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee,” Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy tweeted this morning.

8:50 am IST

Mamata Banerjee returns to dharna mancha

After having gone for about an hour to freshen up, West Bengal chief minister returned to the dharna mancha to continue her protest the move of the CBI to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar.

8:40 am IST

CBI to move SC after face-off with Kolkata policemen

Following the face-off between CBI and Kolkata policemen outside city Police Commissioner’s official residence, the central agency said it would move the Supreme Court Monday, alleging the investigation in chit fund scam cases were being hindered and investigation officers were harassed.

8:20 am IST

Centre making mockery of federal structure: Kejriwal

Amid the stand-off between the West Bengal government and the CBI, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday said the Centre was making a mockery of democracy and federal structure.

Kejriwal, who is known to share a good rapport with Banerjee, said he spoke to her and expressed solidarity.

“Modi ji has made a complete mockery of democracy and federal structure. Few years back, Modi ji captured Anti- Corruption Branch of Del govt by sending paramilitary forces. Now, this. Modi-(Amit) Shah duo is a threat to India and its democracy. We strongly condemn this action.

8:00 am IST

Will continue Satyagraha till country is saved: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who began a sit-in protest over the CBI’s attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, said Monday she will continue her “Satyagraha” till the country and its Constitution are “saved”.

The Chief Minister skipped meals and remained awake the entire night on a makeshift dais here along with some senior ministers and party members.

“This is a Satyagraha and I’ll continue till the country is saved,” Banerjee told reporters who accompanied her at the place of dharna.

7:23 am IST

TMC supporters prep for rallies

TMC supporters have begun preparations to organise protest rallies all over Bengal from 2 pm today.

Some of the TMC supporters stayed at Esplanade overnight to express solidarity with their leader Mamata Banerjee’s dharna.

7:20 am IST

Central forces guard gates of central govt office complex

Central forces are guarding the gates of the central government office complex at Nizam Palace and Salt Lake. Entry to Nizam Palace campus has been restricted. Usually none asks for identity and purpose of visit to this campus which is being done now.

7:15 am IST

Mamata up all night, TMC supporters from all districts reaching dharna spot

TMC supporters from all districts began coming to the spot of Mamata’s dharna manch early morning Monday.

For most part of last night, a few ministers such as Indranil Sen and Firhad Hakim were at the dharna spot.

TMC leaders were seen making phone calls for most parts of the night, while chief minister Mamata Banerjee was seen awake for almost all night.

7:00 am IST

TMC supporters hold placards near metro channel

TMC supporters hold placards near metro channel where West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is holding the ‘Save the Constitution’ dharna over the ongoing CBI issue.

TMC supporters hold placards near metro channel where West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is holding the dharna. ( ANI/Twitter )

6:43 am IST

Latest visuals from near Metro Channel where Mamata Banerjee is holding her dharna

Kolkata: Latest visuals from near Metro Channel where West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is holding her ‘Save the Constitution’ dharna over the ongoing CBI issue.

 

6:30 am IST

BJP to approach Election Commission against Mamata government for blocking its rallies

A delegation of senior BJP leaders will meet the Chief Election Commissioner on Monday to complain about the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government for blocking rallies of BJP leaders. Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be a part of the delegation along with other senior leaders of the party.

Also Read| Yogi Adityanath’s Bengal rally denied permission by Mamata govt

6:15 am IST

This fight is not by my party. It is for my government: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee said she was getting calls from politicians, including former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamalnath, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani.

Asked if any of the leaders would arrive in the city to meet her, Banerjee said, “I’ve no idea about that. If someone wants to come, we will welcome them. This fight is not by my party. It is for my government”.

6:00 am IST

Will continue Satyagraha till country is saved: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who began a sit-in protest over the CBI’s attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, said she will continue her “Satyagraha” till the country and its Constitution are “saved”.

“This is a Satyagraha and I’ll continue till the country is saved,” Banerjee told reporters.

5:44 am IST

Central Bureau of Investigation to move Supreme Court today

CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao yesterday said the CBI will approach the Supreme Court today on the matter as the West Bengal police is not cooperating.

5:18 am IST

8 hours on, Mamata stays put at dharna site over CBI face-off

8 hours on, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee stays put at dharna site over CBI face-off.

4:53 am IST

Opposition leaders took to Twitter to express their support to Mamata Banerjee

Opposition leaders took to Twitter to express their support for the Trinamool Congress chief and flay Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ‘misusing’ the CBI.

3:54 am IST

Independence of every institution has been compromised under fascist BJP Government: MK Stalin

MK Stalin tweets: The independence of every institution has been compromised under this fascist BJP Government.

I stand with @MamataOfficial Didi in her fight to protect the federal structure of this country and to save democracy.

3:10 am IST

Different ethnic and interest groups had been told to assemble at Esplanade: Trinamool minister tells HT

A Trinamool minister told HT on condition of anonymity that different ethnic and interest groups had been told to assemble at Esplanade. The results are showing, he said.

Also Read| Mamata Banerjee says PM Modi, Amit Shah forced CBI to act against her

2:51 am IST

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee takes rest

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee takes rest.

2:36 am IST

Trinamool workers stage road blockade at Siuri in Birbhum district and in Bankura town

Trinamool workers stage road blockade at Siuri in Birbhum district and in Bankura town in the dead of the night.

2:28 am IST

Drama by BJP and TMC is to save corrupt and hide their corruption: Sitaram Yechury

This drama in Kolkata by BJP and TMC is not a fight for any principle but only to save their corrupt and hide their corruption. CPI(M) has fought both these undemocratic, corrupt, communal and dictatorial regimes in the Centre and the state and will continue to do so, says Sitaram Yechury.

 

2:23 am IST

TMC leadership responds by staging a drama to protect its corrupt: Sitaram Yechury

Sitaram Yechury, General Secretaryof CPI (M) tweets: Corruption cases against TMC govt in chit fund scam have been public for years but Modi govt chose to stay quiet as top mastermind of the scam joined BJP. It does a drama to act now, after 5 years, and TMC leadership responds by staging a drama to protect its corrupt.

2:03 am IST

Mamata Banerjee says she won’t have dinner

Mamata says she won’t have dinner although party workers got some food. Right now a makeshift enclosure is being set up on the stage by some young men so that she may have some privacy.

1:56 am IST

Mamata picks up chordless microphone and says, “Please stop it now and go home”

On stage with Mamata Banerjee is MLA Mahua Moitra and four women leaders and ministers. The men have left the stage. Trinamool workers are still shouting slogans. Mamata picks up the chordless microphone and says, “Please stop it now and go home.” She appears annoyed.

1:48 am IST

Mamata Banerjee changes her shawl and sits on a chair on the newly-constructed stage

Mamata Banerjee changes her shawl and sits on a chair on the newly constructed stage.

1:38 am IST

Wear black badges and carry black flags to register your protest: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee tweets: Organise rallies tomorrow between 2-4 PM in every block of the State. Wear black badges and carry black flags to register your protest

We are not afraid. If he wants to impose President’s Rule, we will see. We have to ensure Modi is ousted from power in 2019

1:35 am IST

Applaud and support the stand taken by Mamata Banerjee: Raj Thackeray

Raj Thackeray tweets: We applaud and support the stand taken by Mamta Banerjee against the autocracy and tyranny of the Central government. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena firmly stands behind her and the fight against this tyranny.

1:18 am IST

Security is being tightened in and around Esplanade

Kolkata Police senior officers say on condition of anonymity that security is being tightened in and around Esplanade since Mamata Banerjee will be frequently visiting the spot.

1:11 am IST

West Midnapore: TMC workers stage ‘rail roko protest’ at Midnapore Railway Station

West Midnapore: TMC workers stage ‘rail roko protest’ at Midnapore Railway Station over the ongoing CBI issue.

 

1:10 am IST

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on ongoing CBI issue in West Bengal

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on ongoing CBI issue in West Bengal: CBI has got to do its job or not? When CBI does it, it’s political vendetta, when it doesn’t do it, it’s caged parrot. Let them make up their minds.

1:09 am IST

A temporary room is being built beside the stage set up for Mamata’s dharna

A temporary room is being built beside the stage set up for Mamata’s dharna. “We will hold a meeting of the state cabinet in this room tomorrow morning before we place the crucial state budget at the Assembly,” says Mamata Banerjee.

1:15 am IST

Mamata tells her leaders that they will take turns in carrying out dharna and spend 6 hours each

Mamata tells her leaders that they will take turns in carrying out the dharna and spend six hours each at Esplanade.

12:45 am IST

PM Modi, Amit Shah called CBI and said “Kuch to karo”: Mamata Banerjee

“Narendra Modi and Amit Shah were trying to put pressure on me before I organised the United India rally (in Kolkata). After the rally, they called CBI officers from Kolkata and said, “Kuch to karo,” says Mamata Banerjee.

12:37am IST

Have proof that deputy CM of Assam took ₹3 crore from a chit fund: Mamata Banerjee

“I have definite proof that the BJP deputy chief minister of Assam took ₹3 crore from a chit fund. Bengal’s BJP leader Locket Chatterjee took a flat and gold bars. Were they touched ? No,” says Mamata.

12:21 am IST

Please save India, save democracy: Mamata Banerjee

“Please save India, please save democracy, please save Saare jahan se achha, Hindustan hamara. I am grateful to all regional parties for their support. I request all TMC workers to demonstrate peacefully. Take out processions in all districts tomorrow but don’t cause convenience to the public. BJP may provoke you. But don’t fall it. They may plan President’s rule in Bengal but we will show them our might,” Mamata says at Esplanade.

12:17 am IST

Trinamool workers start demonstration at Midnapore railway station

Trinamool workers start demonstration at Midnapore railway station. Burns wood on the tracks.

12:10 am IST

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee continues her ‘Save the Constitution’ dharna

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee continues her ‘Save the Constitution’ dharna with her supporters at Metro Channel, over the ongoing CBI issue. She is sitting there since 9 pm.

 

12:00 am IST

CBI unnecessarily kept our MP Sudip Bandopadhyay in jail for six months: Mamata Banerjee

“Rajeev Kumar headed the special investigation team that we formed to probe the chit fund. We recovered ₹300 crore. But CBI unnecessarily kept our MP Sudip Bandopadhyay in jail for six months,” says Mamata Banerjee.

11:56 pm IST

Rajeev Kumar is not a crook. He is the best officer: Mamata Banerjee

“Rajeev Kumar is not a crook. He is the best officer. He was never involved in the chit fund scam. From where did CBI gain such audacity to raid a police commissioner’s residence. Law and order is a state subject. Narendra Modi should not forget that. This entire operation is planned by Ajit Doval,” Mamata Banerjee says while addressing the crowd at midnight

11:48 pm IST

A temporary stage has been built on the road

A temporary stage has been built at record speed on the road racing Metro Cinema at Esplanade. All Trinamool ministers, senior IAS and IPS officers and hundreds of Trinamool workers are present at Esplanade.

11:40 pm IST

TMC will begin a state-wide agitation from Monday

Trinamool Congress will begin a state-wide agitation from Monday.

11:39 pm IST

Kolkata Police even deployed a force outside residence of CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava

Kolkata Police even deployed a force outside the Kolkata residence of CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava. The unit was removed at night.

11:36 pm IST

Hooghly: TMC workers stage a ‘rail roko protest’ in Rishra over the ongoing CBI issue

Hooghly: TMC workers stage a ‘rail roko protest’ in Rishra over the ongoing CBI issue.

 

11:35 pm IST

CRPF units deployed at two CBI offices in Kolkata

Central reserve police force (CRPF) units deployed at the two CBI offices in Kolkata. One is at Nizam Palace in south Kolkata and the other at the CGO complex at Salt Lake. This was done after CBI asked for security arrangements. Earlier in the evening Kolkata Police deployed huge forces at these two places but removed the men after Mamata Banerjee started her dharna.

11:30 PM IST

Bengal governor summons chief secretary, home secretary and DGP

Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has summoned the chief secretary, home secretary and director general of police to Raj Bhawan, senior state officials said on condition of anonymity. Top CBI officers in Kolkata had earlier sought an appointment with the governor.

11:28 pm IST

Entire opposition will stand together and defeat these fascist forces: Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweets: I spoke with Mamata Di tonight and told her we stand shoulder to shoulder with her.

The happenings in Bengal are a part of the unrelenting attack on India’s institutions by Mr Modi & the BJP.

The entire opposition will stand together & defeat these fascist forces.

11:26 pm IST

Detention of CBI officers in Kolkata amounts to “constitutional crisis: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

Former Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says the detention of CBI officers in Kolkata amounts to “constitutional crisis.” “This calls for promulgation of Article 356,” he said.

11:22 pm IST

Blatant misuse of CBI in West Bengal: Sharad Pawar

NCP chief Sharad Pawar tweets: #Assualtondemocracy - blatant misuse of CBI in #WestBengal to intimidate the opposition and settle political scores.

11:15 pm IST

Tomorrow CBI will approach Supreme Court as the West Bengal police is not cooperating: M Nageshwar Rao

CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao: Tomorrow the CBI will approach the Supreme Court on the matter as the West Bengal police is not cooperating.

Also Read| SC asked us to probe conspiracy: CBI officer on face-off with Kolkata cops

11:12 pm IST

Mehbooba Mufti extends her support to Mamata Banerjee

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti tweets: In solidarity with @MamataOfficial

History stands testament to how JK has faced the wrath of central agencies. Its disheartening to see how institutions are being hijacked only to discredit political opponents . Doesn’t bode well for the Centre - State relationship.

 

11:10 pm IST

A Bhattacharya, Secy Home Affairs, W Bengal writes to state Election Commission

A Bhattacharya, Secy Home Affairs, W Bengal writes to state EC: He has clarified that he (Kolkata Police Commissioner) was absent from meeting on 31 Jan as he had applied for casual leave for personal reasons, he intended no offence or disrespect to Election Commission of India.

 

11:08 pm IST

Opposition leaders spoke to Mamata and expressed solidarity

Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, and Arvind Kejriwal spoke to Mamata Banerjee over phone and expressed solidarity, reports news agency ANI.

10:52 pm IST

Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu is speaking with all opposition leaders

Andhra Pradesh CMO: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is speaking with all opposition leaders.

10:51 pm IST

We stand by Chief Minister of West Bengal: N Chandrababu Naidu

N Chandrababu Naidu tweets:This is shocking and we strongly condemn this. We stand by Chief Minister of West Bengal to preserve and protect constitution and spirit of federalism in the country.

10:50 pm IST

Strongly condemn the incidents happening in Kolkata: Andhra CM

N Chandrababu Naidu tweets: We strongly condemn the incidents happening in Kolkata, a glaring example of how Modi-Shah duo are destroying the institutions. Attacking political opponents in different States, few days before the Parliament elections commence, will have disastrous consequences in the country.

10:49 pm IST

Misuse of institutions by union government to victimize political opponents is reaching dangerous proportions: Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu tweets: After opposition parties started uniting and started to fight together to save democracy, the Modi led BJP is losing all hope. The misuse of institutions by the union government to victimize political opponents in States is reaching dangerous proportions.

10:41 pm IST

Constitutional crisis ‘created’ by Mamata: Babul Supriyo

Babul Supriyo tweets: President’s Rule should be imposed on West Bengal to control this ‘Rogue’ #TMchhi Govt under a corrupt CM MamtaBanerjee•This is a constitutional crisis ‘created’ by Mamta to shield her corrupt & tainted accomplices.

 

10:40 pm IST

Babul Supriyo tweets over the ongoing situation in West Bengal

BJP MP Babul Supriyo tweets over the ongoing situation in West Bengal.

 

10:37 pm IST

Entire opposition and people are getting united to defeat BJP: Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav through a tweet has said that he and his party supports the West Bengal chief minister in her dharma against the BJP government’s vendetta policies by misusing CBI politically putting democracy and the Constitution in threat. “Today, entire opposition and people are getting united to defeat BJP in elections,” he said.

10:36 pm IST

TMC workers burn an effigy of PM Modi in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue

West Bengal: Visuals of TMC workers burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue.

 

10:34 pm IST

Opposition leaders have offered me support: Mamata Banerjee

Leaders of various Opposition parties including Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Omar Abdullah, Ahmed Patel, MK Stalin had called me to extend their solidarity and support,” Mamata Banerjee said at the venue of her sit-in demonstration.

10:32 pm IST

I am with Mamata Banerjee. Democracy is in danger today: Lalu Prasad Yadav

I am with Mamata Banerjee. Democracy is in danger today, tweets RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

10:29 pm IST

West Bengal: TMC workers stage a protest in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue

West Bengal: TMC workers stage a protest in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue.

 

10:27 pm IST

We are going to continue the dharna overnight: Mamata Banerjee

We are going to continue the dharna overnight. Please save India, says Mamata Banerjee.

10:21 pm IST

CBI seeks time from West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to discuss the ongoing issue

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeks time from West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to discuss the ongoing issue.

10:03 pm IST

Detaining CBI officials is unconstitutional: GVL Narasimha Rao

GVL Narasimha Rao: CBI is working as per directions of the Supreme Court, no state government has the power to obstruct or detain them. It’s unconstitutional and undemocratic...We hope the Supreme Court gives a direction to West Bengal government, keeping this incident in view otherwise no agency will be able to work in this country.

 

9:59 pm IST

Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator: BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao

GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP: Incident taking place in Kolkata are unfortunate. Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this.

9:57 pm IST

Modi has to go, Amit Shah has to go, otherwise constitution is in danger: Derek O’Brien

Derek O’Brien: Modi has to go, Amit Shah has to go, otherwise constitution is in danger, institutions are in danger and the country is in danger. Mamata has fought many battles before and another one starts tonight at 9 pm.

9:56 pm IST

TMC has given update to like-minded parties on what happened today: Derek O’Brien

Derek O’Brien: TMC has spoken to all like minded parties and given them an update on what happened today in Kolkata. It has happened to Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Congress, TDP, AAP and all the parties.

9:55 pm IST

The perpetrators are actually Modi, Shah and Ajit Doval: Derek O’Brien

Derek O’Brien, TMC: They landed with 40 CBI officials at police commissioner’s residence in Kolkata. They don’t even have a search warrant. The perpetrators are actually Modi, Shah and Ajit Doval, I heard it from my sources and I say this with full responsibility.

9:53 pm IST

Feel ashamed to talk to such a prime minister who has blood on his hands: Mamata Banerjee

I feel ashamed to talk to such a prime minister who has blood on his hands, says Mamata Banerjee.

9:50 pm IST

A team of CBI officers came without any papers: Praveen Tripathi, Joint Commissioner Crime

Praveen Tripathi, Joint Commissioner Crime, Kolkata Police: A team of CBI officers came without any papers for what they called a ‘secret operation’. When asked what the operation was about, they could not give a satisfactory response.

 

9:45 pm IST

Amit Shah and Narendra Modi cannot fight TMC: Derek O’Brien

TMC leader Derek O’Brien: Amit Shah and Narendra Modi cannot fight TMC. They are resorting to political vendetta after what they saw in United India rally. BJP knows TMC slogan has arrived - ‘2019-BJP Finish’

9:42 pm IST

NSA Ajit Doval is giving instructions to CBI: Mamata Banerjee

I am sorry to say National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is giving instructions to the agency. He is implementing what PM Narendra Modi is asking. He should tell the people that it is not correct, says West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

9:39 pm IST

Bengal govt not cooperating with CBI indicates their guilt: Jitendra Singh

Minister of state for personnel Dr Jitendra Singh: “When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was chief minister of Gujarat, he set an example by cooperating with all the CBI probes launched against him, though all the allegations against him were unfounded. Here in the case of West Bengal, the cases are supported by reasonable evidence but still the state government has fought with the CBI which show they have something to hide and it also indicates their guilt.”

9:33 pm IST

A lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear: M Nageshwar Rao

Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao to ANI: They have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear.

9:32 pm IST

We are investigating these chit fund cases as per directions of Supreme Court: M Nageshwar Rao

Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao to ANI: We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the Supreme Court. An SIT has been constituted by the WB govt prior to SC’s direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner.

9:31 PM IST

There is evidence against Rajeev Kumar: Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao

Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao to ANI: There is evidence against him (Rajeev Kumar), he has been instrumental in causing destruction of this evidence and obstructing justice.

9:28 pm IST

Modi-Shah duo’s action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweets: Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duo’s action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy.

 

9:23 pm IST

All 5 CBI officers that were detained by police have been released

West Bengal: All five CBI officers that were detained by police at Shakespeare Sarani police station in Kolkata have been released, reports news agency ANI.

9:22 pm IST

CRPF units arrive at CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata

West Bengal: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units arrive at CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata.

9:14 pm IST

Mamata Banerjee sits on ‘Save the Constitution’ dharna

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee sitting on her ‘Save the Constitution’ dharna at Metro Channel, Kolkata. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is also present.

 

Kolkata Mamata Banerjee CBI Dharna BJP Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi Amit Shah West Bengal Kolkata Police Rajeev Kumar

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