THURSDAY 30 MAY 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 WEATHER Generally cloudy sky with Possibility of light rain.Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 34 °C and 29 °C respectively. TEMPERATURE Mungeshpur in Delhirecorded its highest-ever maximum temp in this season so far at 52.9 celsius 0 NIKHIL VYAS RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 95% North India on fire NEW DELHI, 29 MAY Min. 82 % Max: 33.0°C (-2.1) Min: 29.4°C (+2.2) SUN RISES SUN SETS 04:52 hrs 18:16 hrs MOON RISES MOON SETS 23:33 hrs 10:2 hrs New Moon on 06 May THUMBNAILS Indian Army Deputy Chief (IS&C) Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor lays a wreath at the National War Memorial on the 76th anniversary of UN Peacekeepers Day, in New Delhi on Wednesday. ANI S&P revises India’s outlook from ‘stable‘ to ‘positive‘: Standard & Poor (S&P) on Wednesday announced a revision in the outlook for the Indian economy from ‘stable’ to ‘positive‘, while affirming the overall rating at ‘BBB-’. The agency said that the transfer and convertibility assessment remains 'BBB+'.The positive outlook reflects expectations of sustained policy stability, deepening economic reforms, and high infrastructure investment, which are anticipated to sup(Pg8) port long-term growth prospects. MoU to provide eMigrate services through Common Services Centres inked STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 29 MAY A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday among the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and CSC eGovernance Services India Limited to create a synergy between CSC, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) & MEA to provide the eMigrate services through CSCs in the country. The eMigrate project is undertaken to assist mainly the blue-collar workers going to Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries. The project was conceptualised to address issues faced by the migrant workers by making the emigration process online seamless and also to bring foreign employers and registered recruitment agents and insurance companies on one common platform aimed at promoting safe and legal migration. Over the years, the number of Indians going abroad for employment has been increasing as well as the contribution of remittances sent by them has been significant. Under this MoU, eMigrate Portal of MEA would be integrated with CSC’s portal, to provide following eMigrate services to the citizens through Common Services Centres (CSCs): --Facilitate registration of applicants on eMigrate portal through CSCs; --Facilitation of uploading and processing the required documents for the applicants on eMigrate portal through CSCs; --Facilitate and supporting booking for medical and other services required by migrant workers or applicants registered on eMigrate portal through CSC; and --Creating awareness about eMigrate services amongst citizens across India. evere heat wave conditions prevailed over most parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab and Delhi on Wednesday, with Mungeshpur in the national capital almost touching 53 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mungeshpur in Delhi recorded its highest-ever maximum temperature in this season so far at 52.9 degrees Celsius, 13 notches above the normal. The maximum temperature recorded in Najafgarh in the national capital was 49.1 degrees Celsius, 9 notches above the normal. Meanwhile, taking note of the scorching heat in the national capital, Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has asked the Delhi Development Authority to give three hours paid break to labourers between 12 pm to 3 pm, till the temperature subside below 40 degrees Celsius in the city. Warm night conditions were observed in isolated pockets of Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh. On Tuesday, the high- S The Met Department said heat wave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed in many parts of West Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, HP and also in some parts of West Madhya Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan (L) A woman pours water on her head to cool herself in New Delhi. (R) People walk on Kartavya Path while covering themselves to protect from the scorching heat. ANI est maximum temperature of 50.5 degrees Celsius was reported at Churu (West Rajasthan) over the country. The IMD has predicted that the ongoing heatwave in Northwest and Central India is expected to reduce gradually from Thursday. "Prevailing heat wave to severe heat wave conditions over Northwest & Central India likely to reduce gradually from 30th May, 2024," the IMD said in its forecast The Met Department said heat wave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed in many parts of West Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and also in some parts of West Madhya Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan. Heat wave conditions prevailed in isolated pockets of Jammu, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh. "Heat wave conditions have been prevailing over Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Rajasthan since 17th and over Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh since 18th May, 2024," the IMD said. "Yesterday, maximum temperatures were in the range of 46-50 degrees Celsius in many parts of Northwest India; 42-46 degrees Celsius in many parts ofWest, Central & East India. These were above normal by 3- 6 degrees Celsius over many parts of Northwest India and in some parts of Central & West India. Gradual fall in maximum temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius is very likely over Northwest & Central India during next 3-4 days," the IMD said. "Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are very likely in most/many parts of Punjab, HaryanaChandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh on 29th and gradual reduction thereafter with heat wave conditions in isolated/some parts till 01st June, 2024," the IMD said. The Met Department said heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely to reduce gradually over Northwest & Central India from May 30.The IMD predicted that heat wave to severe heat wave conditions were very likely in isolated pockets of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha on 29 & 30 May and isolated heat wave conditions on 31 May & 1 June. Heat wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets ofVidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Jammu division, Himachal Pradesh on 29th & 30th May, 2024. A severe heatwave continued to prevail in several parts of Rajasthan on Wednesday with Churu in the state recording the maximum temperature of 50.5 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours, said the IMD. Dynastic politics has ruined Bengal: Modi in Kakdwip STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 29 MAY At the final leg of the Lok Sabha election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi is campaigning in Bengal. Today is his second day on the trot for holding rallies in the state. He held a rally in Kakdwip in the Mathurapur Lok Sabha constituency today. Modi targeted the Trinamul Congress on several issues, aiming for a "bigger victory" in Bengal. He made clear his stance on polarization, directly stating, "Trinamul is attacking the Constitution for appeasement." He criticized the Trinamul on issues of corruption, OBC certificates and attacks on saints and monks. The Prime Minister said, "Trinamul has only one agenda. They want a cut in everything. Trinamul is tarnishing Bengal's identity and not even sparing the saints. Trinamul is attacking institutions like ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. He said, “Trinamul goons are attacking monasteries. Ram Mandir is the centre of our faith. Trinamul people call Ram Mandir impure. Such Trinamul cannot protect Bengal's culture.” In the midst of the election atmosphere, the high court has invalidated all OBC certificates issued under the Trinamul regime, making it a political issue. Bengal's chief minister Mamata Banerjee has clearly stated that she will not abide by this order. The BJP has used this matter as a weapon, with Modi accusing the Trinamul of appeasement. He said at the Mathurapur rally, “Trinamul is attacking the Constitution for appeasement. Our Constitution provides reservations for Dalits and the backward classes. But under Trinamul rule, even these reservations are being looted. OBC certificates are being given to Muslims, taking away the rights of the backward classes. The Calcutta High Court has invalidated these certificates. Trinamul cannot ignore this order. Muslims are lying. They are spreading falsehood. Imagine to what extent they can go for appeasement?" At the Mathurapur rally, Modi warned, "After 4 June, Trinamul's influence will wane.” He predicted a "political earthquake" in the country in the next six months after 4 June. He committed all his power to building a prosperous Bengal. "I have built permanent homes for 4 crore poor people, provided water to 12 crore households, and electricity to all villages. India is now on the path to a developed India. In the next five years, we have to be a decisive force in creating a golden India. Building a developed Bengal is essential for a developed India. This is only possible if you elect MPs who will work for the country. Elect more BJP MPs and send them to Delhi and I promise Bengal will be developed. I will put all my power into it." Modi also criticized dynastic politics, saying, "You have seen a decade of development. Millions of poor people in the country did not have basic amenities. They died of hunger. Millions did not have a roof over their heads, and women did not have toilets. The biggest tragedy was that there was no effort to solve these problems. Dynastic politics has ruined people. The countries that gained independence with us, where are they now? We have so much youth power, yet we were falling behind. India is now moving forward. The whole world is watching. The whole world is recognizing India's strength." Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday in city arrived at Mayer Bari (Mother's House) in Bagbazar. After spending some time there, he began the roadshow from Shyambazar. Sources report that although a special seating arrangement was made, the Prime Minister chose to sit on the floor and pray for a few minutes. He then hurriedly ate a small amount of prasada. CPM, Congress BJP’s B-team in Bengal: Mamata STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 29 MAY Trinamul Congress will play a leading role in the INDIA bloc but will never make any understanding with the CPIM and Congress in Bengal as they are BJP’s B team, Trinamul Congress chairperson, Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday. Miss Banerjee was addressing a gathering at Metiabruz in support of Abhishek Banerjee, the party’s national general secretary and nominee for the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat. Banerjee, a time MP is contesting from the seat for the third consecutive time. BJP has fielded Abhijit Das. The election for the seat will be held on 1 June. Earlier, Miss Banerjee held a meeting in favour of Sayoni Ghosh who is contesting from the Jadavpur seat. She said Sayoni’s victory is certain and she will work for the people. Miss Banerjee also took part in a roadshow in favour of Sudip Bandyopadhyay, the party’s nominee from North Kolkata. The rally started from Netaji’s statue at the five-point crossing and ended at Swami Vivekananda’s ancestral home. Miss Banerjee who came down heavily on Narendra Modi in the meeting at Metiabruz, said “ Such a big liar has no role to play in politics. He has made false statements about Bengal. He said that the Centre had paid money to repair the embankments in South 24 Parganas. This is a blatant lie. He had not paid money to the MGNREGA workers and stopped payment of the Awas Plus scheme. He comes to Bengal and speaks garbage of lies,” she said: " A storm is coming that will throw Modi out of power,” she said. “You ( Modi) call us corrupt, but BJP is the most corrupt political party in the country. Any corrupt person can go to the BJP and come out clean. BJP family is full of corrupt people." Miss Banerjee said “Over the years BJP has tried to divide society by setting one community against the other. If they come to power they will implement a Uniform Civil Code which will take away the freedom of the minorities, SC and ST people,” she said adding “ Modi has sold this country and if he comes to power he will sell our Constitution.” Miss Banerjee said the state government will fight a legal battle against the scrapping of OBC certificates issued after 2011 in the Supreme Court. Miss Banerjee alleged that the CPIM has got oxygen by receiving financial assistance from the BJP “ In Dum Dum . CPIM and Baranagar Assembly by-election, CPIM and BJP will transfer each other’s vote to defeat Trinamul Congress,” she said adding “ Trinamul Congress is part and parcel of INDIA block but will never make any alliance with Congress and CPIM who are BJP’s friends,” she said. She said “ I know the CPIM very well. I came out of Congress because I understood that Congress would never launch any movement to oust the CPIM in Bengal. So, do not trust the CPIM.” She urged the people to vote for Abhishek Banerjee who works sincerely for the development of his constituency. (PHOTO: BISWAJIT GHOSHAL) UP: 2 killed after SUV in convoy of Brij Bhushan Singh’s son rams into bike Patnaik insists ‘he is in perfect health’, reacts to Modi’s ‘conspiracy’ comment at a poll rally STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE GONDA, 29 MAY BHUBANESWAR, 29 MAY Police vehicle of BJP candidate from Kaiserganj, Karan Bhushan Singh mowed down three people, leaving two bike-riding youths dead on the spot and one woman seriously injured here on Wednesday. Karan Bhushan Singh is the son of six-time Lok Sabha MP and former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh against whom a criminal case was filed by female wrestlers. The condition of the woman injured in the accident is critical and she has been referred to the Gonda medical college. Police here said the accident took place this morning near Baikunth Degree College located at Chhataipurwa on Colonelganj-Huzurpur road when a SUV carrying security personnel hit the Making a startling charge on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said several long time associates of chief minister Naveen Patnaik suspect that there may be a conspiracy behind the "sudden" deterioration of the health condition of Odisha CM. Modi addressing poll rallies at Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Kendrapara parliamentary constituencies said the BJP Government, if comes to power in Odisha, will constitute a special committee to ascertain the deterioration of his health in the last one year. Now-a-days, all wellwishers of Naveen Babu (CM Naveen Patnaik) are concerned about his falling health in the last one year. Whenever they meet they discuss Naveen Babu’s health. They feel that he is unable to do anything by himself, he said people. After the accident, security personnel of the convoy left the SUV and fled the spot leaving behind the vehicle. As soon as the information was received, a crowd of villagers gathered at the spot and protested on the road. The agitated people also tried to burn down the car. There was a jam on Colonelganj-Huzurpur road for about an hour. After collective efforts of the SDM, Additional Superintendent of Police, CO Colonelganj and CO City and assurance of a lawsuit, the protestors cleared the jam. The police SUV traveling in the convoy of Kaiserganj MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's son and BJP candidate Karan Bhushan Singh crushed to death two bikeriding youths. The deceased were identified as Rehan Khan (21) and Shahzad Khan (20), residents of Nindura, Gonda who died on the spot. Sita Devi (60), a resident of Chhataipurwa, who was walking on the roadside, was also hit. CMYK Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik during a press conference on PM's statement to form a special committee to investigate Patnaik's deteriorating health, in Bhubaneswar.  ANI at the election rallies. The question lies whether there is conspiracy in it. Odisha people have the right to know about it. Is there the involvement of the lobby enjoying power in Odisha in the name of CM Naveen?, said Modi. Hours after the PM's remark on his health, CM Patnaik dismissed the statement saying that “let me assure the PM that I am in perfect health and I have been campaigning in our state for the last month..." "I understand that the PM, in a public meeting, has stated that I am in bad health and he wants to institute an inquiry into this matter”. “If he (PM) was so concerned about my health then all he had to do was pick up a telephone and ring me up and ask me about my health. There are a number of people in the BJP who have been spreading rumours about my health for the last 10 years, CM Patnaik added. Modi’s expression of concern on Mr. Patnaik's health came close on the heels of remarks by home minister Amit Shah and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pertaining to the poor health of Patnaik. In a video posted on social media platforms, Patnaik was found shaking hands while speaking at an election meeting. “This is a deeply distressing video. Shri V.K. Pandian ji is even controlling the hand movements of Shri Naveen babu." Assam CM Sarma stated in a post on X yesterday. It’s pertinent to note here that Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a poll rally on 21 May targeted Patnaik insinuating towards his falling health by saying that Naveen Patnaik, who is 77 years old, should retire due to his "advanced age and health issues". During the electioneering, BJP has all along raised the emotive Odia pride issue alleging that Patnaik has been held captive by an outsider Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat-turned-politician VK Pandian. Patnaik has groomed the ex-bureaucrat as his political successor.