India, July 23 -- Only 7,261 tests per million were conducted in West Bengal; only Bihar, Jharkhand, UP and Telangana lag behind

Testing for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a highly contentious issue in West Bengal. Health experts allege fewer tests have led to the current critical situation in the state, with 49,321 cases and 1,221 deaths from the disease till July 22, 2020 evening.

Capital Kolkata is the most affected in the state , with nearly 30 per cent of total cases and 60 per cent of all deaths.

Concerns over testing in the state forced a lengthy mention in a July 21 online address by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Every year, the ruling Trinamool Congress organises a public meeting in Kolkata in memory of...