Kolkata/Siliguri: For decades, early in the morning, Makhanlal Sarkar would leave his modest home in Siliguri’s Surya Sen Park Colony wearing ‘Khadi’ shorts, RSS belt and shoes for organizational work. At the age of 97, the lifelong volunteer and grassroots political activist has received what many in his area call the recognition of a lifetime – an honor Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Sarkar, once an aide of Bharatiya Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee, said this after touching Modi’s feet and hugging him at the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Brigade on Saturday morning.For the veteran, his long-awaited wish in life was fulfilled. His life finally found a meaning. He has been a member of the Sangh Parivar since the age of 16 BJP Formed in 1980, they served as the organizational coordinator for North Bengal, including Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and West Dinajpur. He is credited with bringing about 10,000 members into the party within a year during its initial expansion.BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said, “The government was with Mukherjee on his last journey.” According to him, the veteran was arrested in Kashmir for singing patriotic songs. “He never bowed down to the atrocities of the Congress government,” Bhattacharya said. Recalling the 1990 Ram Rath Yatra, when Lal Krishna Advani was arrested during his march from Somnath to Ayodhya, the government said attempts were made to arrest him in Bihar as well.He said, “I was at the Bengal-Bihar border in Purnia to welcome Advaniji. But the police came and told me that he had been arrested and even when I told them that I had taken permission from the then CM Jyoti Basu, who had given me permission to host the Rath Yatra in the state, they threatened to arrest me, they released me.” Despite financial hardship, the government never abandoned its responsibilities or ideological commitment to its children. They raised two sons, Manik and Sunny Sarkar, and four daughters – Unju Choudhary, Manju Sarkar, Sanjeeta Sarkar and Nandita Sarkar, with barely any financial security. The family survived mainly on the produce of the land. In 1984, when the BJP’s presence in the district was weak, he became the district secretary with only a handful of supporters.

‘An attempt to stop central rule, not verification of ideology’

CHENNAI: VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan on Saturday extended his party’s support to actor-politician Vijay’s government, calling it “unconditional support” aimed at ensuring political stability and preventing President’s rule in Tamil Nadu.“We are supporting TVK for two reasons. VCK should not become an obstacle to Vijay becoming CM and TN should not come under President’s rule,” Thirumavalavan said after handing over a letter of support to TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjun at the VCK headquarters in Chennai.The VCK also said it would continue in the DMK-led secular progressive alliance, underscoring the delicate balancing act of Thirumavalavan, one of Vijay’s sharpest campaign critics.Thirumavalavan also revealed that he had informed DMK chief MK Stalin before extending his support. “He appreciated the decision. He had made it clear from the beginning that he would not become an obstacle to Vijay becoming CM,” he said.Formed in February 2024, the TVK made a dramatic electoral debut and emerged as a central force in TN’s fractured mandate, pushing the state’s politics into coalition arithmetic after decades of Dravidian bipolarity. The VCK decision comes as a significant relief to Vijay as the TVK is attempting to convert the electoral momentum into stable governance in a state that has entered unfamiliar alliance territory.VCK general secretary D Ravikumar said, “While the DMK worked for the victory of our candidates, the top leadership of the VCK has taken a considered, albeit difficult, decision to provide external support while strictly staying out of the cabinet.”Ravikumar rejected criticism over the delay in taking the decision. “There is a need to deliberate on an option that has such a long-term impact on the state’s political landscape,” he said.Party members said that strong voices within the VCK were in favor of joining the government, but Thirumavalavan opposed this, arguing that a cabinet berth should not be at the cost of political credibility. One member quoted him as saying, “We should not lose the credibility built over 30 years of hard work for the sake of a cabinet post.”Ravikumar also drew ideological red lines. “Our support to prevent a constitutional void is a functional necessity, not a validation of ideology,” he said.

Lucknow: First swearing in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal attended on Saturday NDA Uttar Pradesh partners – a development that put the spotlight on the saffron party’s attempt to extend its coalition unity beyond the Hindi belt of UP and Bihar.Apart from the Chief Minister Yogi AdityanathLike Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, BJP’s ally RLD chief from UP Jayant ChaudharyApna Dal (S) president Anupriya Patel, SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar and Nishad Party president Sanjay Nishad were also present on the stage when Adhikari and his four cabinet ministers – Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu and Nisith Pramanik – took the oath.According to sources, the presence of UP allies on the Bengal stage is a calculated move at many levels. A senior BJP functionary said that by bringing in allies from UP, one of the most politically important states, the BJP aims to present the NDA as a united, all-India front. This refuted the narrative of the BJP being a lone political warrior, while also demonstrating how its allies invested in the party’s expansion beyond its regional boundaries.Analysts said West Bengal has a large population of Hindi-speaking residents, many of whom had roots in eastern UP and Bihar. The presence of UP ally leaders, who have bases in East and West UP, was aimed at appealing to non-Bengali speaking voters, many of whom had gathered at the Brigade Ground in Kolkata during the swearing-in ceremony. It is said that these voters also played their role in BJP coming to power with an overwhelming majority in the Bengal Assembly elections.BJP sources said the party wants to send a message of cultural and political continuity between the new administration in the Hindi heartland and Bengal.Political commentator JP Shukla said, “It was also a display of caste unity in line with the BJP’s Hindutva agenda.”Analysts said inviting its allies acted as a “victory lap” for the BJP. It was also seen as a visible reminder to the TMC and the Indian faction of the opposition that the BJP machinery is supported by a broad regional consensus. Integrating UP allies into the Bengal political milieu was also seen as suggestive of a blueprint for an integrated campaign strategy, where the regional partners would support each other at the state level to counter the opposition faction in the upcoming election battle.Not surprisingly, it also set the stage for the BJP’s next electoral contest, including next year’s UP elections followed by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Chennai: DMK President MK Stalin on Saturday said his priority after the fractured Assembly verdict is to ensure a stable government and avoid re-election in Tamil Nadu.In a post on Twitter, Stalin said that several political options were discussed after the decision, but it was decided that stability was more important than political maneuvering.Stalin said, “There should not be such a situation that there should be re-elections and a stable government should be formed.”Stalin said that in the recently held assembly elections, no party got the majority to form the government and the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) secured a significant share of the votes despite falling short of the majority.Stalin said, “DMK will act as a constructive opposition and the party will not create obstacles in government formation.”Welcoming the stand taken by the alliance partners supporting TVK leader and actor Vijay for government formation, Stalin said the alliance parties have made it clear that they will remain in the DMK-led SPA on ideological grounds.Taking aim at the Congress, Stalin said its MLAs elected as part of the alliance did not visit DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam after the results and alleged that the party severed ties with the DMK within a day. “On the contrary, the Left parties and VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan reaffirmed their commitment to continue working with the DMK on issues related to the rights and welfare of Tamil Nadu,” Stalin said.He thanked allies like MDMK general secretary VaikoThanks to DMDK general secretary Premlalatha Vijayakanth and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi resident MH Jawahirullah for standing firmly with the alliance during the “politically difficult phase”.Stalin said the newly formed TVK government should continue the welfare schemes and development initiatives implemented during the last five years, including programs benefiting women, youth, students, children, marginalized sections and government employees.“Continuation of such schemes will ensure continued development and public welfare in the state,” Stalin said.

Chirayu Rana’s lawyer talks about the allegation that he faked his father’s death in 2024.

Viva Rana’s lawyer Daniel Kaiser reacted to the explosive claim that embattled former JPMorgan Chase employee Rana faked his father’s death and took leave from his office in 2024, saying it was not his biological father but a father figure who helped raise Viva. Chirayu Rana has become the talk of the town after he filed a lawsuit against Lorna Hajdini accusing her of sexual harassment. Hajdini and JPMorgan denied the allegations and various rumors began to fly after Viva Rana briefly dropped the suit, only to have it recanted with witness statements detailing how Hajdini even invited the witness to have a threesome.The Wall Street Journal reported that JPMorgan offered Rana a $1 million settlement to resolve his complaint, but Rana chose to go public. Amidst the ongoing discussion on social media, Kaiser told the Journal that efforts are being made to defame Chirayu Rana by citing his past work record.Rana’s lawyer Daniel Kaiser said, “We look forward to the truth and facts coming out through the court proceedings.” “Whether my client’s civil rights were violated will be determined in court.”

too many job changes

Early in his career, Chirayu Rana worked at Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, Carlyle Group and an affiliate of Apollo Global Management. In Carlyle’s 2019 corporate sustainability report, Rana was featured as a mentor to a senior black executive under a subsection titled “Leading by Example in ESG Practices.” Carlyle was not given a return offer after his two-year program concluded in 2020, as he changed jobs repeatedly over the past five years, the Journal reported.He worked at a consultancy called CrossBoundary between 2020 and 2022, which was not included in his employment history with US regulators. The latest WSJ report says that when Rana worked at CrossBoundary, he yelled at coworkers as they tried to give him constructive criticism about his performance.Rana was ousted from the company in February 2022 due to his conduct at the workplace. Kaiser rejected these claims as false and another attempt to discredit my client in the press.Rana worked for Morgan Stanley for about one and a half years and then was an associate at Apollo for six months. A person close to Apollo told the Journal that managers felt he was not suitable for the role, after which he was removed from the position. Kaiser said that is not true.Rana joined JPMorgan in March 2024, where he was brought in to help build JPMorgan’s private credit business. Insiders said Rana showed a willingness to tell colleagues that they were making mistakes and that their work was not up to standard. He worked regularly with Lorna Hazdini, who was on his team. Hajdini has been seen as a model employee inside JPMorgan and has been part of some of the bank’s initiatives to encourage women to pursue long-term careers in finance.While Chirayu Rana and Hajdini had a friendly relationship and exchanged texts and memes, according to the lawsuit, the attack began in late 2024. In late 2024, Viva takes leave from office citing his father’s death, causing a stir after the lawsuit becomes public now that his father is alive.In May 2025, he filed a formal internal complaint with JPMorgan alleging sexual harassment and race-based harassment. His representative requested that JPMorgan settle the claims for approximately $22 million. Rana was placed on paid leave while the bank tried to mediate the claims with him, later offering him $1 million in settlement. Rana left JPMorgan at the end of 2025 and joined Bregel Sagemount, a private-equity firm. A company spokesperson said his employment at Bregel was terminated in early April this year.

Mother’s Day in 2026 remains a personal occasion that encourages reflection and genuine appreciation while moving beyond fleeting digital trends. It emphasizes recognizing the often overlooked efforts and quiet support that mothers provide, and highlights that simple, honest messages carry more weight than grand gestures. This day reminds us to express gratitude before losing opportunities.

There is something quietly powerful about Mother’s Day. It does not come with noise like festivals. It appears gradually, often through phone notifications, reminder posts, and a sudden desire to say things we usually save for “later.”“And somehow, that “later” is what this day tries to fix.In 2026, when most conversations are instant messages and fast replies, Mother’s Day still manages to slow people down. Not because it’s trendy, but because it feels personal. Even if you’re not someone who writes emotional messages often, this is usually the day you make the effort.Maybe not completely. But honestly.

Why does Mother’s Day still feel different?

The role of mother hardly fits into any single definition. She can be tough and soft in the same breath, calm and worried in the same moment, distant and deeply involved without ever making it obvious.And that’s why this day is different for most people.It’s not about any one grand gesture. It’s about paying attention to what we usually ignore.She never complains about early mornings.The way she remembers small things, you forget yourself.The habit of asking “Did you eat?” Even when you are no longer a child.Mother’s Day is less about celebration and more about recognition.

simple mother’s day 2026 desires you can actually send

It is not necessary that every message seems written for the card. Sometimes simple words carry more weight.Here are wishes that feel natural and easy to use:Happy Mother’s Day to the person who has always made life feel stable, even when everything else has changed.You don’t say much about what you do, but I’ve noticed it. Thank you for everything, Mother.Happy Mother’s Day. You are the reason why home always feels like home.I can’t always express it, but I’m grateful to you every day.No matter how far I go, your care is something that always comes back to me.You have always been my calm support system. Happy Mother’s Day.Life is more meaningful because you are in it.

Messages that feel a little too personal

Sometimes a small wish doesn’t seem enough. If you’re sending something more thoughtfully, these messages can help you say what usually goes unsaid.“I don’t think I understood your love properly when I was young. I thought it was routine, but now I realize it was an effort. Every single day. Thank you for doing things I never even noticed at the time.”“You were never just caring about things; you were carrying them. And somehow you normalized it. I see it more clearly now than ever before.”“There are things I still don’t say out loud, but I hope you know I’m grateful for every small and big sacrifice you’ve made without any announcement.”“I understand you better now than I did growing up. And I wish I had told you this earlier.”

Short WhatsApp Status Ideas That Feel Real

Some people like shorter lines for status updates. Nothing overly dramatic, just something that quietly says a lot.“Home always means mother.”“Everything good about me started with her.”“No one can replace a mother’s care.”“Still his kid, no matter how old I get.”“He made life easy without making it obvious.”“Forever grateful for that.”“My first teacher, my lifelong support.”For something more reflective:“I didn’t understand his love then. Now I do.”“He gave more than he asked for.”

Captions for Instagram or Facebook posts

If you’re posting a photo, especially something personal like an old memory or a candid moment, these captions might be a natural fit:“Some people call it sacrifice. I call it my mother’s everyday life.”“She never asked for appreciation, but she deserves it every day.”“The strongest man I know never called himself strong.”“Every version of me carries that inside of me.”“He didn’t just raise me, he shaped the way I look at life.”“There is nothing overpowering about his love, but it is always present.”More sentimental but still simple:“I’m slowly realizing everything he once did for me.”“Her care is the reason I feel safe in this world.”

Quotes That Still Feel Meaningful

Some lines always remain relevant because they say what most people feel but don’t often express.“A mother’s love is the only thing that remains even when everything else changes.”“The older you get, the more you understand your mother.”“A mother doesn’t need any recognition for giving her best every day.”“Behind many peaceful lives, there is a mother who first dealt with the chaos.”“A mother’s presence often speaks louder than words.”

Image ideas that feel personal, not staged

If you’re planning to post something, the most relevant images are often the simplest:An old childhood photo you may have forgottenAn everyday moment, such as tea time or shared laughterA picture of his hands doing some simple taskA candid shot where she is not looking at the cameraA simple selfie that looks natural, not stretchedA collage of random memories that doesn’t need perfect editingThe truth is that the best Mother’s Day posts rarely look planned.They look alive.

A cool truth about Mother’s Day

Somewhere between the messages, posts and captions, the real meaning of this day often gets lost.It’s not about finding the right words.It’s about saying something before time turns it into something you regret.A mother generally does not wait for appreciation. He continues anyway. But that doesn’t mean acceptance doesn’t matter.Even a small message can be more meaningful than we expect.Because for many mothers, this is not the norm. This is what you remember.In short, Mother’s Day 2026 doesn’t need dramatic declarations or carefully scripted speeches. Only honesty is required in this.A simple message. A short call. Shared a memory. Or even just a few words that sound like you, not the template.As posts fade away and deadlines move forward, what remains is something very simple.The feeling that you expressed to him is what matters.

Images:

The week starts on a bright note, like fresh sunlight on a washed veranda. In the beginning, you feel lightness in your mind and that enthusiasm shows on your face. People give you instant feedback. You might find yourself saying yes to a family gathering, community meeting, or simple dinner where everyone talks together. Don’t hide at home. Your charm works best out in the open, and this week it also brings lucky coincidences, when you meet the right person in the aisle or hear the exact news you need during your commute.Midweek brings the same energetic beat. You will feel confident in your daily routine and with a little style even boring tasks can be completed. If you’re waiting for recognition, you may not get a grand announcement, but you will see respect. A superior listens more attentively. A co-worker imitates your mannerisms. Still, keep measuring your mouth as the weeks change. The wind changes around Thursday. Someone is looking at you too closely, or a small comment goes where it shouldn’t. Don’t share every plan. Keep some ideas in your notebook, not in a group chat.