SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2024 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 Pages 16 |` 5.00|LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR Resolve for Allo ocated in Budget for f gets Stronger Mostly cloudy. Rain likely in the afternoon. Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 35 °C and 28 °C respectively. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee said this in a letter to PM Modi RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 83 % Max: 35.2˚C SUN RISES 05:25 hrs MOON RISES 19:55 hrs STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 20 SEPTEMBER Min. 72 % Min: 28.3˚C SUN SETS 17:33 hrs MOON SETS 08:35 hrs TEMPERATURE 'DVC responsible for Bengal flood situation' C New Moon on 3 October THUMBNAILS Devotees seek blessings as the Imam displays the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad on the Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, at Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar. n ANI Bombay HC strikes down IT Rules amendment on 'Fact Checker Units': A "tie-breaker" judge of Bombay High Court's on Friday struck down the Information Technology Rules amendments' Rule 3, which empowers the Central government to set up Fact Check Units (FCUs) to weed out "fake and misleading" information about it on social media platforms as violative of Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution. (Details on Pg 10) hief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) responsible for the current flood situation in the state. In the letter, the Chief Minister said several districts, including East and West Burdwan, Birbhum, Bankura, Howrah, Hooghly and East and West Midnapore, are currently facing a flood situation because of the “unprecedented, unplanned and unilateral” release of around 5,00,000 cusecs of water from the DVC’s Maithon and Panchet dams. “This huge quantum of discharge from the DVC dam system has never happened in the past,” she wrote. Asserting that Bengal is facing the biggest flood since 2009, the Chief Minister pointed out that a total of 1,000 square kilometres of area and nearly five million people have West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a visit to flood-affected areas at Udaynarayanpur in Howrah on Thursday. n ANI FILE PHOTOGRAPH been affected because of the flood situation. “I am compelled to call it a man-made flood, a situation engineered by sheer neglect and turning a blind eye to sustained requests from the stakeholder and long-suffering state government like us to address the technical, mechanical and managerial issues concerning the DVC system,” Miss Banerjee said in her letter. She said that despite requests made by the state government, which includ- Beware of those dividing society, insulting traditions abroad: Modi ASHOK TUTEJA NEW DELHI, 20 SEPTEMBER ed her personal telephonic conversation with the DVC chairman on the night of 16 September, the combined dam release was increased in quick succession the next day. According to her, the release could have been deferred, especially in view of the "emergency provision of encroaching beyond the maximum flood management levels at Maithon and Panchet reservoirs". “It remains a fact that the sharp increase in the combined dam release was made without waiting for the water levels to reach the maximum flood management levels at the two reservoirs mentioned above, and without having advance consultation with the state government,” the letter added. She also said that there is a need for dredging and desilting of the DVC reservoirs in order to restore their flood water holding capacity. “It is also alarming that DVC appears to have shifted focus from its primary objective of flood control in the Damodar River, as mandated by law to power generation, disregarding the social obligations. This shift has sacrificed the interests of the downstream state of West Bengal,” the Chief Minister stated. On Thursday, Miss Banerjee slammed the Jharkhand government over the flood situation in her state. She alleged that the flood situation in Bengal has worsened since the DVC was releasing water from its dams to save Jharkhand. Centre committed to eliminate LWE menace by March 2026: Shah STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE In a veiled attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on reservation and Sikhs during his US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said people should beware of those “intending to divide society and insulting Indian traditions and culture” on foreign lands. He was also sharply critical of the Opposition parties which had raised a storm over his recent visit to the Chief Justice of India's residence for Ganpati Puja. The PM was addressing the National PM Vishwakarma Programme at Wardha in Maharashtra where he also launched the ‘Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Scheme' and the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme’. He released certificates and loans to PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries and also a commemorative stamp dedicated to mark NEW DELHI, 20 SEPTEMBER one year of progress under PM Vishwakarma Yojna. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi recalled Ganesh Utsav becoming a festival of unity in India during the freedom struggle under the leadership of Lokmanya Tilak in which people from every class and society joined the celebrations, and urged the citizens to stand with tradition and the agenda of respect and development. “Together we will protect Maharashtra’s identity and boost its pride. We will fulfill the dreams of Maharashtra,” the PM said. He underlined that today is a special day as Mahatma Gandhi had started the campaign against untouchability in 1932 on this day. He stated that with the PM Vishwakarma Yojna, the government has resolved to create a better future through skill development and ‘shram to samriddhi’ (hard work to prosperity). Noting that the foundation stone of the PM MITRA park was laid today, he highlighted how the government is working to take its textile industry to the pinnacle of the world’s markets. He also added that India’s target is to re-establish the centuries-old fame and recognition of India’s textile industries. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday declared that the Centre is committed to eliminating Left Wing Extremism by March 2026. Due to the policies of the Modi government, Left Wing Extremism (LWE) has now been restricted to a few districts in Chhattisgarh, he said, adding that it is a threat to both humanity and the internal security of the country. Mr Shah was interacting with the victims of Maoist violence from Chhattisgarh at his residence in New Delhi. They included 55 people affected by violence from LWE-affected areas of Chhattisgarh under the aegis of the Bastar Peace Committee. Mr Shah stated that the Centre and the Government of Chhattisgarh will bring a comprehensive scheme for the overall development of people affected by LWE in the next three months. He said that through this plan, people affected by LWE across the country, including Chhattisgarh, will benefit from healthcare facilities, employment opportunities, and other welfare schemes. He said that through developmental schemes in LWE-affected areas, the Modi government has given a message to the Maoists that the one who saves is greater than the one who kills. Those advocating the human rights of Maoists should also consider the human rights of those who suffer because of Maoist terror. Tirupati laddu row: Nadda seeks report from Andhra CM Naidu STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 20 SEPTEMBER Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda on Friday said he has taken note of reports which claimed that ‘animal fat’ was used in the adulterated ghee used as an ingredient for making laddus at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple, and sought a report from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu over the matter. He said that after examining the report, suitable action will be taken accordingly. In response to a question on the ongoing row over Tirupati laddus, Mr Nadda, at a Press conference here, said: “This report came through digital media. As soon as I got this news, I spoke to Chandrababu Naidu ji and took details from him. I have told him to send the report available with him. I will examine that report.” He said: “I will talk to the state (food safety) regulators and ask them what they have to say. (After) examining the entire report and taking into account all the aspects of the report, suitable action will be taken accordingly.” “I have sought the report. I will examine it. FSSAI will examine it, then it will give its report. We will take action available under the law and rules of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI),” he said. Meanwhile, the Congress demanded an enquiry over the matter. Congress Chairman of Media and Publicity Department Pawan Khera in a post on X wrote: “If the claims of desecration of the T irupati laddoos is right, of course a full-fledged enquiry must identify the guilty and strictest possible punishment must be meted out but, if the claims are wrong or motivated then, millions of devotees of Tirupati will not forgive those playing with their faith.” Attacking the BJP, he further said: “Until then, it suits the BJP to allow polarising conspiracy theories to fly thick in the air in election season.” On Friday, the YSRCP has approached Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking a probe into the allegations made by CM Naidu that under the previous government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, ‘animal fat’ was used in the adulterated ghee used as an ingredient for making the famed Tirupati laddus. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered the executive officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Shyamala Rao to provide a comprehensive report on the alleged adulteration of ingredients used to make the famed Tirupati laddus. (See also Page 5) Letter petition seeks urgent SC intervention NEW DELHI, 20 SEPTEMBER A letter petition has been addressed to the Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, seeking the urgent intervention of the Supreme Court into the alleged presence of animal fat in ghee used in making Tirumala laddus. “Recent investigations have revealed a disturbing truth that non-vegetarian products, specifically bird meat (kolis), were used in the preparation of ‘Prasadam’ during the tenure of the previous TTD Trust management,” said the plea filed through advocate Satyam Singh adding that this act not only violates the fundamental tenets of Hindu religious customs. AGENCIES Paving the Path to Viksit Bharat CBC 22201/13/0017/2425 Government of India Women-led Development WEATHER 100 Days of Modi 3.0 Supreme Court rap on CBI for ‘casting aspersions’ on West Bengal courts PARMOD KUMAR NEW DELHI, 20 SEPTEMBER Terming it “scandalous” and “unfortunate”, the Supreme Court on Friday castigated the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for casting aspersions on the entire judiciary in West Bengal while seeking the transfer of all the post-poll violence cases outside the state. Taking exception to the manner and tone of the transfer petition of the CBI, a bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih said: “This is casting aspersions that the entire judiciary is under hostile environment.” “Mr. Raju, what kind of grounds are taken in this? That all courts in West Bengal have a hostile environment? Blanket averment that courts are illegally granting bail? This is casting aspersions that the entire judiciary is under hostile environment,” remarked Justice Abhay S Oka. Faced with a volley of strong criticism from the bench, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju admitted that there was some “loose drafting” and sought to withdraw the petition seeking the transfer of cases outside West Bengal. Faced with a volley of strong criticism, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju admitted that there was some „loose drafting‰ and sought to withdraw the petition seeking the transfer of cases outside West Bengal. The bench, however, refused to accept a simple withdrawal. Refusing to accept a simple withdrawal, Justice Abhat S Oka said it was unfortunate that the CBI has chosen to cast aspersions on the courts in West Bengal. Threatening to issue a contempt notice to the lawyer responsible for drafting the transfer petition, the bench said: “Scandalous allegations have been made against all the courts in general in West Bengal. Repeatedly averred that there is a hostile environment prevailing in the courts. It is very unfortunate that the Central agency has chosen to cast aspersions on courts in West Bengal.” After it expressed its displeasure over the CBI trying to cast aspersions on the judiciary in West Bengal, the court dismissed the plea of the CBI and granted liberty to file a fresh petition. The CBI had filed the transfer petition to shift the trial in post-election violence cases outside the state due to the alleged concerns about witness intimidation and threats to the course of justice. SC takes cognisance of K’taka HC judge’s remarks AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 20 SEPTEMBER The Supreme Court on Friday took suo motu cognisance of the media reports about certain comments made by a Karnataka High Court judge against a woman lawyer. A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court asked Karnataka High Court to submit the report in this regard. The top court also asked the Attorney General and Solicitor General to assist the court. Two video clips of one of the judges of Karnataka High Court had surfaced on social media platforms. In one of the videos, he was heard making gender-insensitive comments against a woman lawyer. In another video, the judge allegedly referred to a Muslim-dominated locality in Bengaluru as "Pakistan." The Supreme Court listed the matter on 25 September for further hearing.