THURSDAY 18 APRIL 2024 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 Twitter.com/thestatesman Facebook.com/thestatesman KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘WILL ROOT OUT RED TERROR FROM COUNTRY VERY SOON’ PITCH FOR TAMIL NADU P6 WEATHER Mainly Clear sky. Hot and Humid weather condition very likely Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 40 °C and 29 °C respectively. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max.87 % TEMPERATURE P5 CM lashes out at NDA over unkept promises Mamata Banerjee vows to scrap NRC and CAA if Opp alliance voted to power Max: 39.4°C (+4) Min: 29.5°C (+3) SUN RISES SUN SETS 05:15 hrs 17:58 hrs MOON RISES MOON SETS 12:31 hrs 01:26 hrs Full Moon on 24 April THUMBNAILS Met upgrades warning from yellow to orange in Bengal: This weekend, at many places of south Bengal, could be blistering. The weather office has issued a forecast of the mercury soaring up to seven degrees Celsius above normal, for three days during 19-21 April at many places in the districts of south Bengal. Tuesday‘s ‘yellow warning‘ for the districts of East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, East Burdwan and West Burdwan was revised as an ‘orange warning’ by the local office on Wednesday. While a yellow warning means to be watchful, an orange warning signifies to stay pre(Pg 2) pared for any untoward situation. SILCHAR, 17 APRIL ashing out at the BJP-led government at the Centre for its alleged unkept promises, Trinamul Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee vowed to scrap the NRC and CAA if voted to power. Addressing an election rally at Silchar in Southern Assam on Wednesday, the West Bengal chief minister recalled her tenure as railway minister, highlighting the inauguration of the Kamakhya-Cooch Behar Express and the construction of Kamakhya railway station. Flanked by supporters, Miss Banerjee expressed her empathy for the Assamese people over their concerns. She said she would always stand in solidarity with the people of the state. She recounted her involvement in the anti-NRC and -CAA agitations, L Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee with artistes during a public meeting ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, in Silchar on Wednesday.  SNS denouncing the exclusion of millions and promising support to those affected, and promised to do away with the two legislations if voted to power. Miss Banerjee warned against the BJP's alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process, accusing the ruling party of Campaigning for 1st EC asks Governor not to travel phase of polls ends to Cooch Behar AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 17 APRIL The last day of campaigning for the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections which will take place on 19 April witnessed intense electioneering by top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday. As many as 102 parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and UTs will go to vote on 19 April in the first of seven phases of the five-yearly general elections in the world's largest democracy. The states and UTs going to the polls in Phase 1 include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed public meetings in Assam's Nalbari and Agartala, unveiled BJP's "Viksit Vision" for the Northeast. Congratulating people on Ram Navami and calling it a "historic occasion", PM P4 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Min. 39 % As many as 102 parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and UTs will go to vote on 19 April in the first of seven phases of the five-yearly general elections in the world's largest democracy Modi mentioned how, after a wait of 500 years, Lord Ram has finally graced the magnificent temple in Ayodhya. "From a humble tent to this majestic abode, his blessings by the sun's rays mark a historic moment. Here in the sacred Northeast, where sunlight first touches, we witness this symbolic dawn of a new era. As the sun's rays illuminate, so does the resolve for a Viksit Tripura and a Viksit Bharat, propelling the nation forward on this auspicious day," said PM Modi. Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who began the day by addressing a joint press meeting in Ghaziabad along with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, also addressed public meetings in Karnataka. "I am here to tell the unemployed youth of Karnataka, Congress party is going to do a historic work for you," he said in Mandya. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 17 APRIL The Election Commission of India today declined Governor C V Ananda Bose permission to travel to Cooch Behar tomorrow after the constitutional head of the state sought the ECI’s clearance on his travel plan ahead of Wednesday’s first phase election.Sources at Raj Bhavan said that the poll panel through a communique today advised against the Governor’s plan of travelling to Cooch Behar tomorrow. The Bengal Governor had earlier announced his intent to camp in the Cooch Behar Lok Sabha constituency on 19 April, the day the constituency goes to polls in the first phase EC sources said that the Governor's presence at Cooch Behar there would be in conflict with the MCC (electoral model code of conduct). Moreover, the campaigning of all political parties has come to an end and a “silence period” would be in force in all three LS seats in north Bengal, which would go to polls on 19 April. The source at the CEO’s office claimed that in the silence period, which would be in force from this evening, none except the voters of that constituency are allowed in the constituency. So his presence there, if any, would be construed as a breach of MCC. (Pg2) PUNJAB KINGS, MI LOOK TO RESURRECT IPL CAMPAIGN ECI NOTICE TO KCR OVER DEROGATORY REMARKS fomenting communal tensions for electoral gains. She was critical of the government’s handling of the Manipur crisis, citing the burning of churches and atrocities on minorities. She rallied her supporters with a call for action, urging them to unite under the TMC banner to oust the BJP from power. The TMC chief questioned the BJP on the unemployment issue and unfulfilled promises, such as the creation of 2 crore jobs, doubling the income of farmers and bringing back black money stashed in overseas banks. Stressing the need for a united front against the BJP Miss Banerjee reiterated , her alliance with the Congress and the CPI-M at the national level while vowing to defeat the saffron party in Bengal. The All India Trinamul Congress is contesting four parliamentary seats in Assam. The TMC list features former AIUDF MP from Karimganj, Radheshyam Biswas. The party fielded Mr Biswas from Silchar (SC) seat. The party fielded Abul Kalam Azad from Barpeta, while Gauri Sankar Sarania and Ghana Kanta Chutia will contest the Kokrajhar (ST) and Lakhimpur seats respectively. Development of N-E biggest example of Modi guarantee: PM STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NALBARI, 17 APRIL Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday made a commitment to work tirelessly until 2047, saying that the development of the northeast states is the biggest example of fulfilment of ‘Modi guarantee’, as he blamed the Congress for halting the development of the region. Addressing an election rally in Nalbari in Lower Assam, Mr Modi asserted that his government has accomplished in ten years what the Congress failed to achieve in 60 years. He outlined the BJP's vision for the next five years, highlighting the party's efforts to bring hope and stability to a region once plagued by division and insurgency. Promising to prioritise the welfare of the people, Mr Modi detailed ambitious initiatives such as the construction of three crore houses under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana and the provision of free healthcare up to Rs 5 lakhs for individuals above 70 years through the Ayushman P12 TMC manifesto promises to repeal CAA, discontinue NRC, not implement UCC STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 17 APRIL The Trinamul Congress pledged to repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and discontinue the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. The party also vowed that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will not be implemented in the country. Mr Amit Mitra, Derek O’ Brien and Chandrima Bhattacharya released the party’s manifesto at Trinamul Bhavan this afternoon. The manifesto stated that if the INDIA alliance comes to power in Delhi, then the issues raised in the manifesto will be incorporated in its agenda. The manifesto of Trinamul Congress starts with an appeal of party’s chairperson Mamata Banerjee. Miss Banerjee said the magnitude of the tyranny of the saffron party in the last 10 years lies in their undermining the tenets of federalism , pluralism, liberty and democracy enshrined in the Indian Constitution. They have misused the agencies and let them loose against the opposition. They have harassed anyone who questioned its anti-people policy. Youth, women and farmers, each has suffered due to their misgovernance. Miss Banerjee stated that the BJP has deliberately unleashed economic blockade to cripple Bengal. It has Trinamul Congress MP Derek O'Brien, Bengal finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya and Amit Mitra during the release of the party manifesto in Kolkata. SNS maliciously conspired against Bengal through deceptive promises. “They have extracted Rs 6. 65 lakh crore in taxes from Bengal in the last 5 years, yet as true zamindars have withheld Rs 1.6 lakh crore for crucial development schemes,” she stated. She observed“that the power to defeat the divisive and destructive forces that threaten our beloved motherland and the great state of Bengal lies with the people If we ( INDIA) are voted to power at the Centre, we will fulfil each shopoth made to you.” The manifesto promises to provide 10 cooking gas cylinders per year to the people living below poverty line. The Trinamul manifesto incorporates a 10point pledge that include enhancement of wages to Rs 400 per day for job card holders under 100 days work under MGNREGA, subsidised housing for all across the country and a promise to bring the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gasdown. There will be scholarship for SC and ST students pursuing higher education. There will be health coverage for all people across the country. Mr Amit Mitra said Professor Ashoka Modi of Princeton University in a recently released document had stated that 45 crore people, including distressed labour and youth are unemployed. A study conducted by ILO and CMIF stated that that 44 per cent of the youths between the age group of 20 and 24 years are unemployed. “ The BJP manifesto has not said anything on unemployment as in that case the cat will be out of the bag,” he said. Mrs Chandrima Bhattacharya said Miss Mamata Banerjee has always given stress on women’s empowerment and in the party’s manifesto women empowerment has been given top priority. LITTLE DEITIES card. Additionally, he reaffirmed his government's commitment to economic empowerment, aiming to elevate three crore women to the status of "lakhpati." Drawing attention to his administration's achievements, Mr Modi cited the construction of over 2500 km of roads in Assam and the upcoming establishment of a state-of-the-art semiconductor factory, which is poised to transform Assam into a semiconductor hub. Referencing the historic Surya Tilak ceremony of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, Mr Modi underscored the symbolism of the event, signifying the culmination of a five-century-long wait. Girls eat offerings during Kanya Puja on the occasion of Ram Navami, at Baba Keenaram Darbar, in Varanasi on Wednesday.ANI Devotees witness Surya Abhishek of Ram Lalla in lakhs Naveen Patnaik to contest STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE AYODHYA, 17 APRIL The birth of Lord Ram was celebrated at his reputed birthplace here on Wednesday on the occasion of Ram Navami with the Surya Abhishek (purification by sun rays) of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple exactly at noon. Over 5 lakh devotees from across the country and from abroad thronged the Ram Janmabhoomi to celebrate the Ram Janmotsav at the Ram Temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually witnessed ‘Surya Tilak’ of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya temple in Uttar Pradesh, and called it an "emotional moment" for him. He also shared the pictures of him watching Lord Ram's 'Surya Tilak' ceremony performed at Ram temple in Ayodhya on the occasion of Ram Navami. "After my Nalbari rally, I watched the Surya Tilak on Ram Lalla. Like crores The forehead of Ram Lalla's idol is anointed with a ray of sunlight, known as 'Surya Tilak', on the occasion of Ram Navami, at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, in Ayodhya on Wednesday.  ANI of Indians, this is a very emotional moment for me. The grand Ram Navami in Ayodhya is historic. May this Surya Tilak bring energy to our lives and inspire our nation to scale new heights of glory," Mr Modi wrote on 'X'. On the occasion, the entire city of Ayodhya resonated with the chant of "Jai Shree Ram", particularly when the devotees reached Ram Lalla for his darshan. There was a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about the celebration of the first birth anniversary of the deity in the grand temple built after 500 years. There was a long queue of devotees in the court of the Ram Temple since 3:30 am. Arrangements had been made by the temple trust and the administration to allow the devotees to take part in the rituals. The process of celebrations started at noon with rituals amid chant of mantras. Before this, the Ram Lalla idol was groomed for the occasion, adorning it with jewellery. The Surya Abhishek took place at 12.01 pm when the sun's rays fell directly on Ram Lalla's face forming a ‘tilak’ of about 75 mm at the centre of his forehead, and continued till 12.06 am, for a full 5 minutes. This was the result of a combination of religion and science for which scientists worked for months while many trials were conducted around this. Ram Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai claimed that scientists studied the movement of the Sun over Ayodhya. After determining the exact direction, reflectors and lenses were installed on the upper floor of the temple. The sun's rays were rotated using the lenses and mirrors to reach the forehead of the deity. First, the sun rays fell on the lens of the upper plane before passing through three lenses and came to the mirror on the second floor. Finally, the rays fell on Ram Lalla's forehead, illuminating it in the form of a 75 mm ‘tilak’ and this continued for about five minutes. Meanwhile, most of the devotees, who reached here on Tuesday, took a bath in River Saryu at dawn and before visiting the Ram Temple and Hanumangarhi. At exactly noon, the aarti of Ram Lalla's birth took place and thereafter the deity was offered "Chhapan Bhog" (56 types of food), which included 5 types of Panjiri. Before this, the deity was anointed and adorned with a pot containing various medicines. Trust officials, including its chairperson Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and others, were present in the temple during the aarti and Surya Abhishek of Ram Lalla. CMYK from two Assembly seats STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BHUBANESWAR, 17 APRIL BJD president and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik will contest from Kantabanji Assembly seat in western Odisha district of Bolangir as well as from his traditional Hinjili seat in Ganjam district. Evidently, the CM’s game plan is to enhance the prospects of BJD candidates in the western parts of the state where the BJP has considerable strength. The Congress too has pockets of influence. The move is a repeat of his 2019 effort when he chose to fight from a seat (Bijepur) in the western district of Bargarh. He won with a margin of over 57,000 votes but gave up the seat to retain Hinjili. Interestingly, the BJD won all the five assembly seats in Bargarh district in 2019, but it lost the Bargarh Lok Sabha seat to the BJP . This time, the BJD chief has decided to contest from Kantabanji seat in Bolangir , another western Odisha district where the BJP and Congress are as strong as the BJD. Congress veteran Santosh Singh Saluja is the sitting MLA of Kantabanji while Sangeeta Singh Deo of the BJP is the Bolangir MP Of the five . assembly seats in the district, two were bagged by the Congress and one by the BJP in 2019. Mr Patnaik has taken responsibility for improving the prospects of the party in western Odisha as he eyes on a record sixth successive term as CM. It is pertinent to note that the organisation secretary of the BJD, Pranab Prakash Das who belongs to Jajpur district in coastal Odisha has shifted to Sambalpur in western Odisha to take on Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for the Sambalpur LS seat. The BJD today released its fifth list of nine MLA candidates, dropped four sitting MLAs and rewarded as many turncoats. It also reshuffled its candidate for Rairakhol and Sambalpur seat by shifting Rohit Pujari to Sambalpur and nominating veteran Prasanna Acharya for the Rairakhol seat after Acharya had refused to contest from Sambalpur.