Entertainment

Entertainment The much-anticipated war drama Battle of Galwan, starring Salman Khan as Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, is set to roll cameras in Ladakh later this month, skipping its originally planned Mumbai schedule. Earlier, it was reported that an elaborate set was under construction at Mehboob Studios in Bandra for the first leg of shooting for Apoorva Lakhia’s directorial venture. However, production plans have now shifted. Reportedly, the film will commence its shoot in Ladakh from August 22 to September 3, with the Mumbai leg postponed indefinitely. Salman Khan starrer Battle of Galwan to begin shooting in Ladakh; Mumbai schedule postponed indefinitely: Report Creative Call Behind the Change Mid-Day quoted an insider saying, “It’s a creative decision. The makers want to start directly with the action scenes. Also, Salman sports a distinct look, and for continuity purposes, there couldn’t have been a 30-day gap between the Mumbai and Ladakh stints. Apoorva felt that the sequences would need to be shot in succession.” The report further added that the Bandra set, which had been readied for the initial shoot, is now being dismantled. Whether any sequences — such as a song or patchwork shots — will eventually be filmed in Mumbai will be decided during the project’s final phase. Battle of Galwan will depict the India–China military clash that occurred in June 2020. Salman Khan will portray Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in 2021 for his bravery during the confrontation. While rumours have circulated about potential hurdles with the Ministry of Defence over the film’s sensitive subject, sources close to the production dismiss them. “The film is about a soldier’s bravery. It’s not villainising another country. The makers wouldn’t have announced the film without permissions in place,” the insider clarified. Also Read: Lawrence Bishnoi gang claims responsibility for second attack on Kapil Sharma’s cafe in Canada; threatens Bollywood over Salman Khan links More Pages: Battle Of Galwan Box Office Collection BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama. Read More

Entertainment The Rajinikanth led Coolie is turning out to be a box office hurricane as the film has surpassed all expectations in the advance booking. With 6 days to go for release, Coolie has sold tickets worth Rs. 27 crores in the international markets, making it the best advance of all time for an Indian film outside of Baahubali 2. Leading from the front is the US, followed by Malaysia, the UAE, and Australia/New Zealand. Coolie tornado strikes War 2 internationally; Rajinikanth starrer grosses Rs. 27 crores compared to Rs. 4.5 crore for War 2 The film is looking to score history at the box office with an unimaginable opening day at the overseas market. The first day could be as high as Rs. 80 crores on Thursday, which speaks volumes about the hype commanded by Coolie among the cinema-going audience. While the total overseas advance of Coolie stands at Rs. 27 crores, War 2 has a sub-par response with advances of Rs. 4.50 crores. The Telugu version of War 2 has contributed 50 percent to the total advances so far. The film is trailing behind Coolie internationally, and the hope for revival in this will be the business in India, especially driven by NTR Jr. in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and Hrithik Roshan in the Hindi markets. At the moment, it looks like a clean sweep for Coolie to emerge as the first pick at the worldwide box office, until and unless War 2 makes up for the overseas gap with performance in India. Right now, it’s safe to conclude that the hype for War 2 is hit by a tornado in the form of Coolie. Also Read: Aamir Khan intervenes in Coolie release: Makes direct call to PVR-Inox, seeks premium showcasing ahead of War 2 clash More Pages: Coolie Box Office Collection Tags : Aamir Khan, Ayan Mukerji, Coolie, Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani, Lokesh Kanagaraj, Nagarjuna, News, Rajinikanth, Shruti Haasan, Sun Pictures, War 2, Yash Raj Films BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama. Read More

Entertainment It’s happening: Taylor Swift’s familiar echo has defrosted from its chambers. August is here. The festive season is right around the corner, and even while the monsoon ennui lingers, it shouldn’t stop you from having a jam-packed calendar. Whether you’re looking to smash (things) on a blind date or soak in the creative energy at art showcases and festivals, there’s enough upcoming events in India to match every mood. Also, please check on your fellow weebs—they are never going to be the same after learning that Tetsuro Araki, the director behind Death Note and Attack On Titan, is going to grace Mumbai this month at Anime India 2025. Before it all slips away, gear up for some of the coolest detours with these Side Quests—Rolling Stone India’s new series spotlighting the most offbeat, uniquely curated events around the country. KITTENPOP-Be Limitless Tour When: Aug. 8 and 9, 2025 Where: Multiple venues KITTENPOP, a hybrid collective movement celebrating underground artistry through music, live painting, and fashion, is making its way to India with a tour spanning Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. As part of the BE LIMITLESS India Tour, the event positions itself as a space for radical expression, culture, and creativity. Expect live art unfolding on expansive canvases, alongside experimental sets by both international and local artists, including Goddam, Alina, and Oktapuss. Get tickets here Bazaar-I-Husn: A Chaawri Bazaar Heritage Walk When: Aug. 10, 2025 Where: Delhi A unique and immersive experience, this walking tour down the storied lanes of Delhi’s Chaawri Bazaar lets you step into the lives of famous tawaifs—courtesans, who were once connoisseurs and custodians of performing arts and culture in India. Home to erstwhile kothas and the royal Jama Masjid, you get a momentary glimpse into the legacy of these seasoned performers, whose talent and prowess echoed through the streets of Shahjahanabad. Guided by Anousha Jain, the founder, this is a chance to view history from the female gaze, one intriguing story at a time. Get tickets here The Horror Hour When: Aug. 10, 2025 Where: Kalasmruti By SSCC, Ahmedabad For folk horror and urban legend aficionados, this is the place to be. Presented by the Horror Society, Gujrat, this event is not for the faint-hearted. Performed by Sahil Multani, a poet and author, the spoken-word performance includes spine-chilling tales and haunting anecdotes, where the eeriness of silence takes centre stage. If you’re a true-crime or horror movie junkie with a curiosity for the paranormal, this one’s for you. Get tickets here Reel Desires: Chennai International Queer Festival When: Aug. 8 to 10, 2025 Where: Goethe Institut, Chennai A landmark project representing queer cinema, the 13th annual edition of the Chennai International Queer Festival (CIQF) kicks off on Aug. 8, 2025, with a lineup of 15 films from 9 countries. From gripping shorts and features to intimate documentaries, the festival spotlights gender and sexuality through a distinctly Indian lens. This year’s standouts include critically acclaimed films and documentaries like NGAAK! (2024), Amma’s Pride (2024) and Manok (2025), along with a community-led panel discussion that brings together queer creatives, cinephiles, and allies. The screenings are free to attend, and the night ends on a high with The Fab Glitter Party. Get more details here  The Rage Room Blind Date When: Aug. 15 and 16, 2025 Where: Saki Naka, Mumbai In an age of dating app burnout, this is potentially one of the coolest ways to meet someone who matches your freak. Bond over your collective distastes, pet peeves, and love for destructiveness as you c wreak havoc, smash plates, and break TVs instead of hearts. For adrenaline junkies, this is the ideal place to find people with palpable chemistry. Skip the overpriced cafes and clichéd venues to break the monotony (literally) through experiential icebreakers like these. Get tickets here Bihar Museum Biennale 2025 When: Aug. 7 to Dec. 31, 2025 Where: Bihar Museum, Patna Now in its third edition, the Bihar Museum Biennale gathers a curated mix of cultural institutions and creative practitioners under one roof. At its core, the Biennale champions the role of museums in an increasingly digital world, positioning itself as a hub for global dialogue and cross-cultural exchange.Titled “Global South: Sharing Histories,” this mammoth exhibition will witness contributions from across Latin America, Africa, and Asia with a theme exploring maritime trade routes and Indian Ocean trade networks. The Biennale will go on till Dec. 31, 2025. Get more details here Paradiso’s Mumbai Takeover When: Aug. 13 and 14, 2025 Where: Late Checkout, Mumbai Paradiso, the Barcelona bar which topped the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2022, is set to do a two-day takeover in Mumbai. Helmed by mixology maestro Giacomo Giannoti, the experience promises a heady serving of experimentation, theatrics, and flavorful innovation. From the gourmand Great Gatsby to the earthy Subterranean, this one is for both mixology nerds and curious sippers. Tickets available on Swiggy Scenes Anime India, Mumbai When: Aug. 22 to 24, 2025 Where: BEC Mumbai, Mumbai At India’s first-ever anime concert, fandom culture reigns supreme. In the true spirit of nerding out, Mumbai is going to have a full-scale Anime Convention this August. For older and baby weebs, this is not only an opportunity to empty your bank balance on official merchandise, but also to see Tetsuro Araki, the director behind Attack on Titan and Death Note, in the flesh. A celebration of Japanese pop culture, gaming stages, and cosplay events, this two-day festival will also feature voice artist Tsunko and DJ Touko Nakamura. Get tickets here Papa CJ: Still Standing Up When: Aug. 22 to 30, 2025 Where: Multiple venues After a hiatus, fans of iconic Indian comedian Papa CJ can heave a sigh of relief as he finally returns to the stage. With a penchant for R-rated comedy and an ability to bring wit, vulnerability, and stellar storytelling together on one stage, the award-winning comic is hitting home ground with a city-wide tour spanning Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Goa. What makes this run even more special is

Entertainment Whether it’s quiet support or loud loyalty, these K-drama siblings prove that family always finds a way Kim Hyun-joo (left) plays Gu Jun-hee, and Lee Min-ho (right) plays Gu Jun-pyo in ‘Boys Over Flowers.’ Photo: courtesy of KBS. Sibling rivalries, protective instincts (sometimes a little too protective), and unconditional love—we’ve all been there, right? And we see them in our K-dramas. From Moon Sang-tae’s adorable quirks to Oh In-joo’s efforts to give her sisters a better life, these stories have a way of capturing the real moments—sometimes messy, but often the beautiful reality of sibling relationships. Whether it’s Gu Jun-hee’s calm guidance or Lee Yeon’s brooding protectiveness, these K-dramas remind us that our siblings are our companions, confidants, and caretakers. Here are some K-drama sibling relationships that’ll make you feel like, “I got you, you got me!” Gu Jun-hee and Gu Jun-pyo (Boys Over Flowers – 2009) Gu Jun-pyo (Lee Min-ho) leads the hottest F4 clique at elite Shinhwa High School—an arrogant, rich, spoiled brat—or so it seems, for beneath his rough façade lies a sensitive soul, scarred by loneliness and a rough upbringing. But thanks to his older sister, Gu Jun-hee (Kim Hyun-joo), who brings a sense of calm to his life. When Jan-di (Ku Hye-sun), a scholarship student from a humble background, bursts into Jun-pyo’s world and challenges his ego, he’s forced to confront his vulnerabilities, increasingly falling in love with her, to the point that his mother starts scheming to tear them apart. And amid the chaos and struggle that follow, Jun-hee, like a steady support, guides Jun-pyo with kindness and insight, while also lending a helping hand to Jan-di, proving to be an unconditional and loving presence in their lives. Moon Sang-tae and Moon Gang-tae (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay – 2020) When a withdrawn children’s book writer, Ko Mun-young (So Yeah-ji), and a kind psychiatric ward caregiver, Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun), meet, they find love and healing in their shared journey of self-discovery. But there’s another enlightening side to the narrative: Gang-tae’s commitment to looking after his autistic older brother, Moon Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se), and the latter’s emotions for his younger brother, making it a distinct portrayal of sibling love. Sang-tae’s emotional outbursts and thoughtful observations bring out the best in Gang-tae during his darkest moments. There’s this one specific moment that stands out, revealing Sang-tae’s depth as a person who isn’t just reduced to his challenges—that is, when he says, “Moon Gang-tae belongs to Moon Gang-tae,” it’s his awareness that Gang-tae needs to have a life of his own and prioritize his needs and desires, which he’s been quiet about all through. Their bond becomes a beautiful, gradual process of emotional give-and-take, highlighting the often-overlooked mental health issues and just how important mutual understanding is in such situations to heal and grow. Lee Yeon and Lee Rang (Tale of the Nine Tailed – 2020) Fantasy, action, suspense, horror, and romance swirl around two brothers, Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-wook) and Lee Rang (Kim Bum), who are poles apart. Lee Yeon is a gumiho dedicated to saving lives and is compelled to rescue Nam Ji-ah (Jo Bo-ah), a TV producer who jumps off his building to learn his truth and becomes entangled in his world thereafter. Lee Rang, in contrast, is a half-blood gumiho who holds conservative views about Lee Yeon because of a past misunderstanding, which fuels a toxic relationship between the brothers. Yet, on the inside, they are ever ready to protect each other. As the plot intensifies, they’re pushed to face their demons and rediscover the true meaning of brotherhood. The Yeom Siblings (My Liberation Notes – 2022) Shackled in their own prisons, the Yeom siblings—Ki-jeong (Lee El), Chang-hee (Lee Min-ki), and Mi-jeong (Kim Ji-won)—yearn for liberation. Ki-jeong’s desperate search for validation, Chang-hee’s suffocating sense of responsibility, and Mi-jeong’s complex love relationship and self-doubt all threaten to consume them. Yet, despite all of that and the cracks in their relationship, they’re together in their shared experiences and memories, especially the loss of their mother that rocks their world but brings them closer. So, even as they stumble and fall from time to time, they’re held together by each other, and in the humdrum affairs of daily life or the quiet moments of their country life, they begin to find their way to the liberation they’ve been looking for for a long time. The Oh Sisters (Little Women – 2022) Financial security has been a distant dream for the Oh sisters—Oh In-joo (Kim Go-eun), the pragmatic and determined eldest; Oh In-kyung (Nam Ji-hyun), the feisty and principled middle sister; and Oh In-hye (Park Ji-hu), the free-spirited and artistic youngest. Abruptly for them, things get messy when they find themselves with billions from a supposedly deceased friend and Korea’s wealthiest family, who will stop at nothing to keep the fortune for themselves. In-joo decides to use the money for a better life, while In-kyung digs into the mystery. Along the way, In-hye becomes a pawn in this game of survival, with clashing opinions seeming to threaten their bond. Still, love prevails, with In-joo and In-kyung doing everything they can to protect In-hye as they fight for their future and what they truly deserve. Read More

Entertainment Ed Sheeran PETROS STUDIOS Ed Sheeran‘s stalker fan from “Lego House” 14 years ago is back — and in recovery. (Well, kinda.) On Thursday, the musician released the video for his new single “A Little More,” and it reconnects Sheeran’s fans with a character he introduced in the + music video. In the original video, Rupert Grint (yes, Ron Weasley from Harry Potter) played a Sheeran superfan with a serious, unhealthy obsession — sneaking onstage during a show, hopping into Sheeran’s tour bus, and even chewing his gum. But in “A Little More,” the Emil Nava-directed video picks up with Grint’s character returning to his childhood home after serving time behind bars for stalking, only to find his room still plastered with Sheeran posters and merch. From there, Grint goes to “Stalkers Anonymous” meetings, watches old Sheeran interviews, and tries to ease back into a normal life. Eventually, he spots Sheeran training at a nearby gym, but before he can spiral again, he meets a girl, falls in love, proposes, and moves in with her, slowly starting to let go of his obsession. Still, he seems to see Sheeran everywhere, even in the faces of the people at his support group. “Cause I used to love you / Now every day I hate you just a little more,” sings Sheeran during it all. “Life got better when I lost you / But every day I hate you just a little more and more and more.” In the final scenes, Grint’s character walks down the aisle with his beautiful partner, though he hilariously keeps seeing Sheeran’s face on everyone in the church, even her, when he uncovers her veil. The video wraps with a ridiculous post-credits scene from the wedding reception, featuring Sheeran in a full wedding dress, totally committed to the waltz choreography. (And Sheeran teases a new track from his upcoming album.) “A Little More” is the follow-up single to “Sapphire,” which features him singing with Arijit Singh in Hindi and Punjabi, and “Azizam.” Sheeran even updated his Spotify page to a photo of Rupert Grint to continue the stalker fantasy. “A Little More” precedes his album Play, which drops Sept. 12. (It’s his first LP without the math symbols.) From Rolling Stone US. Read More

Entertainment First announced in 2021, the film “chronicling the extraordinary life of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, and the great love story between him and his wife, Sharon” Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne attend the Billy Morrison – Aude Somnia Solo Exhibition at Elisabeth Weinstock on September 28, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Greg Doherty/Getty Images Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne‘s love story will still make its way to the big screen following the musician’s death. According to Variety, representatives for Polygram Entertainment confirmed that Sony will move forward with the biopic about the metal legend’s life and relationship that was first announced in 2021. “They’re currently in negotiations with a director, which could be confirmed very soon,” the Universal Music Group company shared. Lee Hall is still attached to complete the screenplay. Osbourne Media will develop the film alongside Polygram Entertainment and Sony. “@SonyPictures and Polygram Entertainment are developing a biopic chronicling the extraordinary life of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, and the great love story between him and his wife, Sharon,” parties attached to the film shared in 2021. Ozzy shared the post on Twitter nearly four years ago alongside a photo of himself with Sharon. At the time, Sharon shared, “Our relationship at times was often wild, insane and dangerous but it was our undying love that kept us together. We’re thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures and Polygram to bring our story to the screen.” She will produce the film along with their children Jack and Aimee Osbourne, as well as Polygram’s Michele Anthony and David Blackman and Sony’s Andrea Giannetti. During an episode of The Osbournes Podcast in 2024, Ozzy shared a blunt update on the progression of the film. “By the time they finish this film, I’ll be dead,” he said. “I wanna be alive to fucking see it.” Sharon added, “Movies take forever to make.” The musician died on July 22 at the age of 76. Jack noted that the film is expected to span their relationship between 1979 and 1999. The family debated which actors should play the leading roles, with Sharon expressing interest in Florence Pugh and Kelly noting that her father should be played by “an unknown actor who is very good,” adding, “I don’t think there’s anyone you could think of now who would be able to do it.” Jack pitched Bill Hader for the role, but received a swift “Fuck off” from Ozzy in response. No Escape From Now, an upcoming documentary about Ozzy’s health setbacks in recent years and his desire to stage a farewell concert, will also still arrive later this year. From Rolling Stone US. Read More

Entertainment “I’m not going to confirm anything, because there’s nothing to confirm. But I’m not going to deny it, because we’re all such fans of this venue,” drummer said of potential Las Vegas residency Metallica’s Lars Ulrich Steve Jennings/Getty Images Metallica’s Lars Ulrich addressed rumors that the band is circling a Las Vegas Sphere residency — as well as angling for the halftime show at next year’s Super Bowl — in an interview Wednesday with Howard Stern. Earlier this week, rumors emerged out of Las Vegas that Metallica was eyeing a residency at the state-of-the-art Sphere venue in the fall of 2026, after their current M72 World Tour ends next July. Speaking to the Howard Stern Show on Wednesday on Sirius XM, Ulrich admitted the Sphere residency is something the band is considering, but “nothing is etched in stone” yet. “I’m not going to confirm anything, because there’s nothing to confirm. But I’m not going to deny it, because we’re all such fans of this venue,” Ulrich said.  “All of our managers and our production people have been there and looked at it. It’s something that we’re considering, [but] nothing is etched in stone or green-lit. It’s something that we’re looking at at some point when the 2026 tour is done… I’m not going to bullshit you; I would fucking love to do it, let there be no question about it. It’s not signed, sealed, and delivered, but speaking to me and asking my opinion, I would fucking love to do it.” Ulrich added of the venue, “I was there seeing U2 the first night. When they took that stage, I wanted to see it for myself before I saw it on YouTube or read about it. I was there, like everybody else that was there that night, I was completely blown away, and felt that was the beginning of another chapter in live performances.” Another gig Ulrich is hopeful about: The halftime show at the 2026 Super Bowl, which will be played at Levi’s Stadium outside of the band’s native San Francisco. When asked by Stern whether Metallica would play the Super Bowl if asked, Ulrich responded, “Fuck yeah, of course, we would.” “First of all, we would do it,” the drummer said. “Second of all to do it in San Francisco would be a dream come true and would be the right fit… Certainl,y as somebody who’s represented San Francisco all over the world and shouted for decades about San Francisco and our love for the Bay Area, that part of it is the right fit. Ultimately it’s not our decision.” However, Ulrich cautioned, “We haven’t been approached.” Ulrich’s appearance on Stern — who returned from his summer break to conduct the interview — was to promote the new Sirius XM channel Maximum Metallica, launching at the end this month. To celebrate the new channel, Metallica will perform an intimate one-off gig at Amagansett, New York’s Stephen Talkhouse, a 250-person venue, on August 28. The lottery for tickets is now open to Metallica’s fan club.  From Rolling Stone US. Read More

Published on: Jul 02, 2025 06:14 pm IST According to a senior IOCL official, around 45,000–50,000 LPG cylinders are refilled at the plant every day and they are supplied to Kolkata and nearby areas. A major disaster was averted on Tuesday evening at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s (IOCL) bottling plant in Budge Budge, South 24 Parganas near Kolkata, when protestors began releasing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from several cylinders amid a clash over wage-related issues. Representational image. (Bloomberg File) “It could have been a disaster had anyone lit a matchstick. Protestors were pressing the nozzles of LPG cylinders to release the highly inflammable gas, which was spreading everywhere and we could smell it. People were carrying LPG cylinders on their shoulders and walking while releasing the LPG,” a police official who was present at the spot said. According to a senior IOCL official, around 45,000–50,000 LPG cylinders are refilled at the plant every day and they are supplied to Kolkata and nearby areas. A second official at the plant said the clash broke out between two groups of LPG transporters and their drivers over payment of wages. “An incident took place on Tuesday evening near the IOCL plant in Budge Budge. IOCL workers were not involved. We have lodged a complaint with the police. The police are investigating,” said KM Thakur, chief general manager (LPG) of IOCL in West Bengal. The violence, which erupted around 7:30pm and lasted for several hours, left at least five policemen injured. By Wednesday afternoon, the police had registered three FIRs and arrested over 90 individuals in connection with the incident, according to a senior official. A video clip of the clash surfaced on social media on Wednesday where people could be seen releasing LPG from multiple cylinders. It was also shared by West Bengal BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari, who is also the leader of the opposition in the state. “The dangerous chaos in Budge Budge at the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd’s LPG Bottling Plant is a glaring example of the TMC’s syndicate culture spiraling out of control! The ruling party’s factions, in their greed to dominate loading-unloading operations, have pushed workers to the edge,” Adhikari wrote on X. The agitators also went on a rampage during the clash and damaged several two-wheelers, police said. “Adhikari has a vast experience in operating syndicates. Workers in a factory may be having certain demands. But the way protests were triggered at the IOCL plant was very dangerous. Police have taken immediate action. The administration is doing its job,” Debangshu Bhattacharya, TMC state spokesperson. Read More

Published on: Jul 02, 2025 05:26 pm IST Samik Bhattacharya’s nomination was supported by outgoing Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar and leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Suvendu Adhikari Kolkata: Samik Bhattacharya, a 61-year-old Rajya Sabha member and chief spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s West Bengal unit, emerged as the sole contender for the post of state president on Wednesday as nobody else filed nominations during the organisational election process paving way for the veteran leader, senior party functionaries said. Rajyabha MP Samik Bhattacharya files his nomination for the post of West Bengal BJP president in the presence of Union MoS and current state party chief Sukanta Majumdar, LoP in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari and others, in Kolkata on Wednesday. (ANI) Bhattacharya will replace 45-year-old Sukanta Majumdar, the Lok Sabha member from north Bengal’s Balurghat and Union minister of state for education and development of north east region. Bhattacharya’s nomination was supported by Majumdar and leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Suvendu Adhikari, who left the Trinamool Congress and joined the BJP in December 2020. Party leaders said the formal announcement would be made by the central leadership either on Wednesday night or on Thursday when a reception ceremony will also be held at Kolkata’s Science City auditorium in the presence of central leaders led by Ravishankar Prasad. “The party president directed me to file my nomination. I will not deviate from the path I have followed for 42 years,” Bhattacharya said in the evening. Bhattacharya, an old Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh worker, tasted his first electoral success in 2014 when the BJP had no seat in the Bengal legislative assembly. He won the Basirhat South assembly seat for the saffron camp for the first time in a bypoll. In the preceding 2011 state assembly polls, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee brought the CPI(M)-Led Left Front’s 24-year-long regime to an end. BJP leaders said Bhattacharya’s ascent marks the importance of RSS in Bengal in the run-up to the crucial 2026 assembly polls. “The central leadership chose Bhattacharya because of his strong oratory skills and wide acceptability among both old and new BJP workers. With Bhattacharya as president, the rivalry between various groups and some state leaders is likely to end,” a senior BJP leader said on condition of anonymity. Former BJP state president Dilip Ghosh – who was succeeded by Sukanta Majumar – was a RSS pracharak (campaigner) since 1984 before joining Bengal BJP in 2015. Majumdar, too, was a RSS pracharak. Under Ghosh’s leadership, BJP set a record in Bengal by winning 18 of the state’s 42 Lok Sabha seats in 2019. This tally came down to 12 in 2024. Ghosh, who had been appointed state president twice since 2014, was replaced in September 2021, a year before his second three-year term ended. Amid allegations that leaders who had come from the TMC were being given more importance, Ghosh was made a national vice-president but he lost that portfolio too in 2023. In November 2021, Sukanta Majumdar announced the names of 11 new vice-presidents, five general secretaries and 12 secretaries alongside seven new morcha (front) presidents and heads of departments such as media, information technology and social media, triggering a furor. New spokespersons and television show panelists were also appointed. Veterans such as Pratap Banerjee, Biswapriyo Roy Chowdhury, the then Union minister of state Subhas Sarkar, Raj Kamal Pathak, Debasish Mitra, Ritesh Tiwari, Raju Banerjee and Jay Prakash Majumdar were dropped from the panel of vice-presidents. Tiwari was suspended for speaking in public against the new leadership. A known hardliner, general secretary Sayantan Basu was dropped as well. Only Majumdar, who started his political career in the Congress, joined TMC. The rest have stayed away from the limelight for the last four years. “With Samik Bhattacharya as president, the sidelined old-timers may find a reason to return to the mainstream,” a veteran BJP leader said. Read More

Updated on: Jul 03, 2025 10:16 am IST The state bar council, in a special general meeting, decided to strike off Mishra’s name from its rolls of advocates in view of the allegation of the heinous crime against him The Bar Council of West Bengal on Wednesday expelled Monojit Mishra, the prime accused in the South Calcutta Law College gang-rape case, from its membership and struck off his name from its rolls, the council’s chairman Ashok Deb said. Co-accused Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, both current students of the college, have also been expelled from the institute. (Representative file photo) Mishra, an ex-student of the college who passed in 2022, was a practising criminal lawyer at the Alipore police and sessions court. He also worked as a temporary staff member of the college. “We have struck off his name from the bar council,” Deb told reporters. Also Read: Jharkhand: Father, brothers rape blind girl, mother gets her aborted; 3 held Earlier on Tuesday the college’s governing body had terminated his service after being instructed by the state education department. Mishra, 31, who is also a Trinamool Congress (TMC) youth wing leader, along with his two aides Promit Mukherjee and Zaib Ahmed, both existing students at the college, had allegedly gang raped a first- year student in the college campus on June 25. All three were arrested last week on the basis of a complaint lodged by the survivor. A security guard was also arrested in the case. A Kolkata court had sent the trio to police custody till July 8. The security guard was sent to police custody until July 4. Read More