Mamata should be 'face' of INDIA bloc to counter BJP in country: TMC leader Kalyan Bandyopadhyay
Kolkata (PTI): Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Bandyopadhyay on Friday said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should be the "face" of the INDIA bloc to counter the BJP nationally.
Asserting that the TMC under Banerjee’s leadership would win the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections with an absolute majority, Bandyopadhyay dismissed suggestions that the BJP’s strong performance in neighbouring Bihar could translate into gains in Bengal.
"BJP has good organisational strength in Bihar and the Congress failed to match them, which was reflected in the vote results. Mark my words, TMC will romp home with an absolute majority under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee in the 2026 polls," he told PTI.
Asked if Banerjee should lead the INDIA bloc in the wake of electoral Congress' electoral reverses, Bandyopadhyay said, "Yes, Didi should be the face of the non-BJP front to fight the communal, divisive, dictatorial and undemocratic politics of the BJP. She is the one who can repulse the BJP challenge and carry on the fight successfully in the country."
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
