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Ahead of Bengal polls, Kalyan Banerjee attacks Mahua Moitra in TMC’s growing internal rift

Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee lashes out at Mahua Moitra, calls her “uncivilised” amid deepening internal rift in the party. BJP shares leaked videos and chats.

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Kalyan Banerjee slams Mahua Moitra

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is witnessing an internal fallout, as senior MP Kalyan Banerjee launched a direct and controversial attack on fellow MP Mahua Moitra, calling her uncivilised and accusing her of demanding his arrest during a recent party confrontation in Parliament. The war of words highlights growing internal tensions within the party ahead of the 2026 Bengal Assembly election.

The remarks, laced with personal jibes and caste-gender undertones, have deepened what appears to be a widening rift inside Bengal’s ruling party, just as it prepares for a crucial state Assembly election next year.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Kalyan Banerjee, a four-time MP and a veteran in Bengal politics, claimed that Moitra shouted at him in Parliament, accusing him of sidelining her in a memorandum to the Election Commission. The incident occurred during a coordination meeting involving TMC MPs.

“Mahua asked the BSF to arrest me… Who is she to do that? She shouted at the top of her voice. I responded accordingly,” Banerjee said, adding that he had never faced such behaviour in over four decades of political life.

He added, “If Didi (Mamata Banerjee) says I am wrong, I will quit politics forever. But I will not tolerate pressure from that MP… she is rude and uncivilised.”

Ms Moitra has not responded publicly to the remarks so far.

A video of Kalyan Banerjee, visibly angry and gesturing at colleagues, was posted online by BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya. In the clip, Banerjee can be heard defending his political credentials, apparently taking a swipe at Moitra and another colleague, Kirti Azad, saying, “I have not come through any quota or party switch.”

This thinly-veiled remark is being seen as an indirect gender-based attack on Moitra, and a jab at Kirti Azad for having joined TMC from the BJP in 2021.

Further embarrassment followed when private WhatsApp chats from the Trinamool MPs’ group surfaced. In them, Kirti Azad accuses Banerjee of being drunk during the row, while Banerjee reportedly rants about the beautiful activities of versatile international lady — widely interpreted as another reference to Moitra.

Party image takes a hit, Opposition gains ground

The BJP, seizing the moment, has amplified the internal TMC strife as a sign of the ruling party’s instability and disunity ahead of the Bengal polls. This comes at a time when Mamata Banerjee is also positioning herself as a national-level Opposition face for 2029.

Meanwhile, senior TMC leader Sougata Roy, who tried to douse the fire by condemning the leaks of private conversations, was himself attacked by Banerjee.

“Sougata Roy has no character… he’s been against me since 2001… and was caught in the Narada sting case,” Banerjee alleged, referencing the Tehelka expose involving alleged cash bribes.

What’s next for Trinamool?

The public nature of this feud has prompted concern within party circles. At a time when unity and messaging are crucial for the ruling party in Bengal, this episode has created internal embarrassment and external ammunition for political rivals.

With no formal response yet from Mahua Moitra, and the party high command remaining silent, all eyes are now on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee — who must now decide whether to rein in senior leaders or risk allowing the factionalism to escalate further.

India News

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Army chief, to take charge on June 30

The government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, as the next Army chief. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30.

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The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paving the way for a leadership transition in the Indian Army later this month. Lt Gen Seth, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon the latter’s retirement on June 30, 2026.

The appointment was announced on Saturday, with the government confirming that Lt Gen Seth will assume office from the afternoon of June 30. He will take over command after General Dwivedi completes his tenure as the Army’s 30th chief.

Veteran Armoured Corps officer

An officer of the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held a range of operational, command, staff and strategic appointments across the Army.

Before becoming Vice Chief on April 1, 2026, he served in several senior leadership roles, including heading the Southern Command and South Western Command. He has also commanded formations such as the Delhi Area and the XXI Corps during his military career.

Leadership transition in the Army

Lt Gen Seth’s elevation comes as the Army prepares for a change of command at the highest level. His appointment follows his move to Army Headquarters as Vice Chief earlier this year, a role he assumed on April 1.

The Ministry of Defence said the incoming Army chief brings extensive experience from command, operational and strategic assignments across diverse military domains.

With the appointment, Lt Gen Seth is set to lead the Indian Army through the next phase of its modernisation and operational preparedness efforts after taking charge at the end of the month.

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India News

IAF AN-32 aircraft crashes while landing at Assam’s Jorhat airbase, five personnel killed

Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the accident.

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five Air Force personnel. The accident occurred during a routine sortie and triggered an emergency response at the airbase.

According to the IAF, the aircraft met with the accident during the landing phase at Jorhat. The force later confirmed the loss of five personnel and expressed condolences to their families. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Court of inquiry ordered

The Indian Air Force said a formal investigation will examine the cause of the accident. Officials have not yet disclosed what may have led to the crash, and the inquiry is expected to review technical, operational and environmental factors.

Reports indicated that the co-pilot survived the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.

Personnel who lost their lives

The IAF identified the five personnel killed in the accident as:

  • Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
  • Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
  • Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
  • Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
  • Agniveervayu Danish Alam

The Air Force said it stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

AN-32’s role in the Air Force

The AN-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft that has been a key part of the Indian Air Force’s logistics operations for decades. It is widely used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions. India remains one of the largest operators of the aircraft type.

The crash comes months after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft accident in Assam that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots.

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India News

Delhi records coolest day of June so far as rain and thunderstorms bring relief from heat

Delhi recorded its coolest day of June after rain and thunderstorms caused a sharp drop in temperatures. IMD has forecast more showers and gusty winds before temperatures begin rising again.

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Delhi weather today

Delhi witnessed its coolest day of June so far after widespread rain and thunderstorm activity caused temperatures to drop significantly across the national capital. The change in weather provided much-needed relief from the intense summer heat that had gripped the region in recent weeks.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours brought a noticeable decline in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Official weather observations showed that Delhi’s maximum temperatures fell well below normal levels, while several areas experienced strong winds and rainfall.

More rain and thunderstorms likely

The IMD has forecast additional thunderstorms, light to moderate rain and gusty winds for Delhi and nearby areas through Saturday. A yellow alert remains in place, with weather conditions expected to stay unsettled before gradually improving.

Weather experts have attributed the recent change to the influence of a western disturbance and associated weather systems affecting northwestern India. While the disturbance is gradually moving away, its impact is expected to continue for a short period.

Temperatures may rise again next week

Meteorologists expect the pleasant conditions to last for another couple of days. After that, temperatures are likely to begin rising again as rainfall activity decreases. The IMD’s latest forecast also indicates a gradual increase in temperatures by the middle of next week.

Recent weather systems have brought relief not only to Delhi but also to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other northern states, where thunderstorms and rain have helped ease heatwave conditions.

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