MONDAY 29 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 PM HAS ALREADY SCORED A CENTURY IN LS POLLS: SHAH RAHUL 2.0 P6 WEATHER PARTLY CLOUDY SKY. STRONG SURFACE WINDS DURING THE DAY. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 40 AND 24 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: Nil RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 59 % TEMPERATURE Max: 38.2 °C(-1) SUN RISES 5:41 hrs MOON RISES 00:17 hrs P10 Min: 23.5 °C (0) SUN SETS 18:55 hrs MOON SETS 09:28 hrs THUMBNAILS Bats hang on tree branches amidst a scorching summer at the Tata Steel Zoological Park in the Steel City of Jamshedpur on Sunday.  ANI Actor Sahil Khan detained in Mahadev Betting app case: Actor Sahil Khan was brought to Mumbai from Chhattisgarh on Sunday after being detained by the Mumbai Crime Branch's Special Investigative Team (SIT) in connection with the Mahadev Betting app case. “I believe in the judiciary of the country," Khan told reporters as he was escorted by security officials. He was presented before a court on Sunday, which has sent him to police custody till 1 May. Mumbai Police has also seized Sahil Khan's passport as part of ongoing legal proceedings. (P3) P12 PM rips into Rahul over ECI has banned AAP’s ‘Raja, Maharaja’ remark campaign song: Atishi Says Congress seemed to have forgotten the atrocities committed by Aurangzeb P rime Minister Narendra Modi hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday over his "rajas and maharajas" remarks, saying the "shehzada" did not utter a word on the atrocities committed by "nawabs, sultans, badshahs like Aurangzeb (Mughal emperor) ". "The statements of the Congress 'shehzada' are being made thoughtfully to pursue vote bank politics and appeasement. While the 'shehzada' criticise the rajas and maharajas, he remain silent on the atrocities perpetrated by nawabs, nizams, sultans, and emperors throughout India's history,” he contended. The prime minister said Congress seemed to have forgotten the atrocities committed by Aurangzeb, who destroyed and desecrated hundreds of mandirs (temples). “The party gladly forms alliances with groups that praise Aurangzeb. Congress overlooks those who devastated the nation’s holy sites, looted them, and committed acts such as cow slaughter," he added. Mr Modi made these remarks while addressing an election rally in Congress- ruled Karnataka. He addressed public meetings in Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, and Davangere in the state. He criticised Rahul Gandhi and Congress for "the party’s divisive mindset and use of disrespectful language towards historical figures". Mr Modi further alleged that the Congress has written the history of the country and the struggle for independence from a perspective of vote-bank politics and appeasement. "Today, the Congress’ ‘shehzade’ continued down the same path," he said. “The Congress’ ‘shehzade’ claims that India's rajas and maharajas were oppressive and would seize lands from the poor at their SC to hear Bengal plea against Cal HC order axing 25,753 school jobs today AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 28 APRIL The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday the plea filed by the West Bengal government against the Calcutta High Court's order cancelling 25,753 appointments in teaching and non-teaching posts made by the WBSSC in 2016. As per the details published on the website of the apex court, a bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will take up the matter for hearing on 29 March. In an order passed last week, Calcutta High Court nullified the appointment of all the 25,753 persons empanelled in 2016 for various categories of jobs in secondary and higher secondary schools in the state. A division bench of Justices P5 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 28 APRIL Min. 19 % MEN’S RECURVE TEAM WINS GOLD, DEEPIKA BAGS SILVER BHAGWAT SAYS RSS SUPPORTS RESERVATION Debangsu Basak and Shabbar Rashidi of the high court ordered that the candidates selected from the expired panels will have to return the entire salary drawn by them, along with an annualised interest of 12 per cent, within the next four weeks. Besides directing the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to start the recruitment process afresh, it also directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to carry on with its investigation into the matter. Further, taking cognisance of the state cabinet’s decision for the creation of supernumeric posts, the high cdourt said that the CBI, if necessary, can question the masterminds behind the creation of the seats in excess of the vacant posts. These supernumeric posts, which have remained under a cloud since the beginning, are perceived to provide room for ineligible candidates recruited illegally. In July last year, the apex court had set aside the interim direction passed by Calcutta High Court terminating services of 32,000 primary teachers and asking the West Bengal authorities to complete the recruitment process for the newly created vacancies within three months. Asking the high court to decide the appeal pertaining to the school-jobs-for-cash scam at the earliest, the Supreme Court had stressed that the opportunity for a hearing has to be given to all concerned. will. They have disrespected great figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja and Rani Chennamma, whose governance and patriotism continue to inspire many to date. Congress’ ‘Shehzade’ seems to overlook the contributions of the Mysore royal family, which the entire country takes pride in," the prime minister said. "Meanwhile,” he said, “they lack the courage to speak against nawabs, sultans, and badshahs. Congress' appeasement mentality is becoming apparent to the nation and is reflected in their manifesto," the prime minister said. Mr Modi said the grand old party doesn't remember Big blow to Cong, Lovely resigns as DPCC president the nawabs, who played a major role in the partition of India. "It's unimaginable that the establishment of the BHU could have happened without the raja of Banaras. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar protected India's holy sites by reconstructing mandirs," he said. Mr Modi emphasised that he belongs to a village in Gaikwad state of Gujarat, which was under Baroda Maharaja. "It was the Baroda Maharaja who recognised Baba Ambedkar's talent, invited him to Baroda, recognised his abilities, and then Gaikwad Maharaja facilitated his education abroad," he said. He said the Congress' skepticism extends to questioning the integrity of India's democratic processes, with baseless allegations against EVMs tarnishing the nation's reputation internationally. "The recent Supreme Court verdict has rebuked the Congress and its allies, prompting reflection on their motives in spreading falsehoods detrimental to the nation's interests. This deliberate campaign to undermine India's democracy demands accountability, and the Congress owes an apology to the entire nation for its deceitful actions," the prime minister said. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 28 APRIL Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi on Sunday alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI), ''which has become a political weapon of the BJP'', has banned the party's campaign song 'Jail Ka Jawab, Vote Se Denge'.'' The ECI has asked the AAP to modify the content of its election campaign song as per the Advertising Codes prescribed under the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994 and ECI guidelines and resubmit after modification, for the certification. Addressing a press conference here, Atishi said according to the ECI, the song ‘Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se Denge’ shows the ruling party (BJP) and investigation agencies in a bad light. "This is the first time in the history of the country that the Election Commission of India has banned the campaign song of any party to stop the campaign," she said. Addressing a press conference here, Atishi said, "It happens only under dictatorial governments that opposition leaders are put in jail, opposition parties are prevented from campaigning, these are the characteristics of a dictatorial government." Showing the EC's letter putting a ban on the campaign song, she said, “This is exactly what has happened today.” “Another political weapon of the BJP, the Election Commission of India, has put a ban on the AAP's campaign song through this letter. This is probably the first time in the history of India that the poll body has banned a party’s election campaign song." "This is the same Election Commission which sees nothing when the BJP is making fun of the Model Code of Conduct on a daily basis. But if the AAP leaders even breathe, they are served another notice. When the BJP misuses the ED and CBI to put the opposition leaders in jail during the Model Code of Conduct, the EC has no objection to it. But if the Talks with China going on smoothly: Rajnath Singh FESTIVE MOOD AHMEDABAD, 28 APRIL STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 28 APRIL In a major setback to the Congress in Delhi ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Arvinder Singh Lovely resigned from his post citing various issues including, alliance with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and selection of party candidates for North West Delhi and North East Delhi parliamentary seats. Mr Lovely through a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced his resignation from the post of party's Delhi unit chief. However, he has not resigned from the party. (Details on page 2) A state-level spring festival known as Peepal Jatar begins at Kullu with the worship of deities on Sunday.  ANI 448 infra projects hit by cost overrun of over ` 5.55 trillion in Oct-Dec: Report ICG apprehends Pakistani boat with narcotics worth `600 crore STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 28 APRIL According to a recent report, as many as 448 Central sector infrastructure projects, each entailing an investment of Rs 150 crore or above, were hit by a cost overrun of more than Rs 5.55 trillion during December quarter 2023. The Quarterly Project Implementation Status Report (QPISR) on Central Sector Projects highlighted that out of 1,897 projects, 448 projects had cost overrun of Rs 5,55,352.41 crore, which is 65.2 per cent of their sanctioned cost. The report discussed the Central Sector Projects costing Rs 150 crore and above for the third quarter of 2023-24 containing detailed information on 1,897 projects. Prepared by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the QPISR stated that about the latest approved cost, 292 projects had reported a cost overrun of Rs 2,89,699.46 crore. Out of 1,897 projects, 56 projects were ahead of schedule, 632 projects were on schedule, and 902 projects were delayed concerning the original schedule of completion. Further, 276 projects are having both time and cost overruns. It stated that for 307 projects, either the original or the anticipated date of completion was not reported or had lapsed. The anticipated completion cost of these 1,897 projects is Rs 31,74,489.91 crore. The total expenditure as of 31 December 2023, was Rs 16,89,400.92 crore which works out to 53.22 per cent of the total anticipated completion cost and 63.9 per cent of the original cost. For these 1,897 projects, a total outlay of Rs 3,70,983.54 crore has been allocated for 2023-24, it stated. Also, the report highlighted that the percentage of delayed projects changed AAP even writes it in a song, the EC raises various objections," she added. Atishi said the most interesting thing is that throughout the Aam Aadmi Party's campaign song 'Jail Ka Jawab, Vote Se Denge', there is no mention of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s name anywhere, but the Election Commission of India says that ‘if you talk about dictatorship, this is a criticism of the ruling party.’ "That means the Election Commission of India itself believes that the BJP is running a dictatorial rule in this country," she said. "I want to appeal to the Election Commission to have a look at the BJP, which is violating the Model Code of Conduct daily," Atishi said. In its letter, the ECI has said, "The phrase "jail ke jawaab me hum vote denge" showing an aggressive mob holding the photo of Arvind Kejriwal showing him behind bars, casts aspersions on the Judiciary. Further, the said phrase appears several times in the advertisement which contravenes the provisions of ECI Guidelines and Rule 6(1\(g) of Programme and Advertising Codes prescribed under the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994. " from 56.70 per cent in the quarter that ended December 2022 to 47.55 per cent in the third quarter of FY24. The percentage of cost overrun reduced from 21.42 per cent to 20.1 per cent. As reported by various project implementing agencies, the reasons for time overrun include delays in land acquisition, obtaining forest and environment clearances, and law and order problems. The report also cited statewise lockdowns due to Covid19 as a reason for the delay in the implementation of these projects. Earlier in November, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) said in a report that as many as 421 infrastructure projects, each entailing an investment of Rs 150 crore or more, were hit by cost overrun of more than Rs 4.40 trillion. NEW DELHI, 28 APRIL In an overnight operation, the Indian Coast Guard undertook an intelligence-based anti-narcotics operation at sea on Sunday, apprehending 86 kg of narcotics worth Rs 600 crore along with 14 crew from a Pakistani boat. The operation was the epitome of inter-agency coordination wherein the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) collaborated seamlessly which culminated in the successful operation. The ships and aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard were deployed on concurrent missions to effect the operation. ICG ship Rajratan, which had NCB and ATS officials embarked, positively identified the suspect boat. “No amount of evasive manoeuvring tactics The operation was the epitome of inter-agency coordination wherein the ICG, ATS and the NCB collaborated seamlessly which culminated in the successful operation. employed by the drug-laden boat could save it from the swift and strong ICG ship Rajratan. Ship's specialist team embarked the suspect boat and after thorough checks confirmed the presence of the sizeable amount of narcotics,” a press note said. The Pakistani boat and crew are being brought to Porbandar for further investigations. “The jointness of ICG and ATS, which has led to eleven such successful law enforcement operations in the last three years itself reaffirms the synergy for national objectives,” the press note added. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said talks between India and China are going smoothly and in a good environment, and India will never bow down. Mr. Singh, who is in Ahmedabad to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, said India has become a powerful country from a military standpoint and wants to maintain good relations with its neighbours. "India is no longer a weak India. India has also become a powerful country from a military point of view. We want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries,” the Defence Minister said when asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's accusation against the Narendra Modi government over Chinese aggression. Talks between India and China are going on smoothly and in a good environment over whatever issues there are, he said. “I understand that we should wait for the outcome of the talks. But I want to assure the countrymen that India has not bowed down anywhere, nor will it ever bow down," he said. Mr. Singh also expressed confidence that India's defence exports, which crossed the Rs 21,000 crore mark in the financial 202324, will increase going forward. "In 2014, we exported Rs 600 crore defence items, but now the figure has crossed Rs 21,000 crore, and I can say that it is going to increase," he said. The minister said the Modi government is committed to ensuring that defence items, whether missiles and other weapons, bombs or tanks, should be made in India and by Indians. “Today, we have achieved defence production worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore,” the Defence MinisAGENCIES ter said.